Volcanos & National Parks
Discover Costa Rica’s wonders on this multi-destination vacation. Begin in San José, exploring vibrant city life before visiting Poás Volcano and a local coffee plantation. Continue to Tortuguero for wildlife-rich canals, nature tours, and cultural immersion. Next, hike Arenal Volcano’s lush trails and relax in natural hot springs. At Manuel Antonio, enjoy pristine beaches, rainforest adventures, and abundant wildlife encounters. From crocodile tours to snorkeling catamaran rides, this journey offers breathtaking scenery, diverse ecosystems, and unforgettable experiences. With comfortable accommodations, guided excursions, and authentic cuisine, this adventure is perfect for nature lovers and culture enthusiasts alike.
- Location:
San Jose City
- Arrival:
Juan Santamaria International Airport
- Departure:
Juan Santamaria International Airport
- Duration:
10 Days/9 Nights
- Category:
Travels and more…
ITINERARY:
Day 01: Arrival in San Jose, Costa Rica
After passing through Immigration and Customs, please proceed to meet your EDT Representative, who will be warmly awaiting you with a sign displaying your name. Our team is here to ensure you feel welcome and at ease from the moment you arrive. Your representative is ready to assist you with any questions, guide you to your next steps, and ensure a smooth start to your adventure.
Start the approximate 30 minutes private transfer to your hotel
- Location:
San Jose City
- Hotel:
Grano de Oro (or similar)
- Duration:
1 Night
- Meals:
N/A
- Service:
Transfer Airport – hotel – Overnight Staying
Day 02: City of San Jose – Poas Volcano – Doka Coffee Tour
After breakfast, in the morning, depart for the Poas Volcano National Park experience, the driving time takes 90 minutes approximate
Poás Volcano
The Poas Volcano is a very dynamic 2,708-metre (8,910 feet) stratovolcano situated in the Central Volcanic Mountain Range of Costa Rica. The volcano is part of a National Park, and it has erupted 40 times since 1828, including April 2017 when visitors and residents were evacuated from the zone.
The National Park closed the visitation for safety reasons until they were able to verify the new prevalent conditions and guarantee the wellbeing of their visitors. After a multidisciplinary evaluation, the Poas Volcano National Park Administration decides to permit the access to the area under strict limitations and restrictions. The volcano shows important geological evidence of its very active past, as well as interesting flora and fauna. It is possible to observe several species of birds such as hummingbirds, finches, tanagers, thrushes and robins. In a clear day, the Poas Volcano offers a full view of its huge crater, layers of ashes and sand, volcanic rocks and fumaroles
Important Note: Visitors can stay a total of 1 hour in the National Park, and only 20 minutes maximum at the main crater observation area.
The Park has created a number of specially designed shelters (near the main crater) in case of unexpected activity or fall of materials
The visitors can ONLY take the main trail to enter and leave the crater zone. No other trails have been reopened for general visitation
Duration: 2 – 3 hours depending on your interest in nature and photography
What to bring: close-toed shoes, rain gear, light jacket or wind breaker, sunblock, hat or cap, bottle of water, camera & binoculars, and rain protection for your optics.
After your visit to the Poas Volcano, continue to the nearby coffee farm at Doka, start with a delicious lunch and then start your coffee tour experience.
Doka Coffee Tour
Embark on a captivating journey into the heart of Costa Rican coffee culture with the Doka Coffee Tour. Explore a family-owned plantation in the Central Valley, where you’ll witness the entire coffee-making process—from bean to cup. Stroll through lush fields and marvel at the historic mill as you learn about the rich traditions behind Costa Rica’s world-renowned coffee. Indulge in tastings of award-winning brews and discover why this is one of the country’s most treasured exports.
Notes: Poas Volcano National Park Entrance Fees Included
- Location:
San Jose City
- Hotel:
Hotel Grano de Oro (or similar)
- Duration:
N/A
- Meals:
Breakfast and Lunch
- Service:
N/A
Day 03: City of San Jose – Tortuguero National Park
In the morning, prepare for the approximately 3-hour drive to the La Pavona Boat Pier, breakfast will be included enroute.
At around 10:30 AM, board the boat that will take you through the scenic Tortuguero Canals to your lodge.
You’ll arrive just on time for lunch.
In the afternoon, explore the charming Tortuguero town and the Chocolate Tour.
Visit to Tortuguero Village
Join us for a village tour to explore the rich history of Tortuguero and discover why this town holds such significance for Costa Rica. Tortuguero Village, nestled on the Caribbean coast, began as a small fishing community and has since blossomed into a vibrant cultural hub. Rich in Afro-Caribbean heritage, it is celebrated for its eco-conscious spirit. Since the 1950s, locals have championed sea turtle conservation, attracting tourists from around the world. This eco-tourism has shaped the village’s social life, creating a unique blend of local culture and global influences.
As we stroll through the streets, you’ll experience the local culture and the warm hospitality of the community firsthand. You’ll have the chance to explore the beach, find a special souvenir, savor delicious Caribbean cuisine, and take in the charming sights and sounds of this unique town.
After exploring the town, you’ll attend an insightful presentation by a local biologist who lives and works here, he will highlight the importance of this national park and provide context about the other parks you’ll visit during your time in Costa Rica.
Conclude your day with a private boat ride back to your hotel.
Notes: The Turtle Nesting Tour (between July and October) and the Early Morning Boat Tour are not included.
- Location:
Tortuguero
- Hotel:
Aninga Lodge
- Duration:
N/A
- Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Service:
Tortuguero National Park Boat Tour and Lecture about the Park, Tortuguero Village, Canoeing or Kayaking Excursion, entrance fee to the National Park
Day 04: Tortuguero National Park
Today, two activities are included:
Tortuguero National Park Boat Tour
Tortuguero is home to incredible biodiversity, with three species of monkeys, over 400 species of birds, as well as reptiles and amphibians such as iguanas, American crocodiles, caimans, freshwater turtles, and a wide variety of mammals. Among the monkeys, you can find the mantled howler, the white-faced capuchin, and the Central American spider monkey—three of the four types that inhabit Costa Rica’s forests.
The boat tour is in the mornings, the duration of the tour is two hours approximately.
Return to the lodge for lunch.
Canoieng or Kayaking Caño Palma
In the afternoon you can join one of the options tours offered at the lodge and that EDT has included as a part of your itinerary, you can choose between the Canoeing or the Kayaking at Caño Palma.
Kayaking or Canoeing through the Caño Palma Canal in Tortuguero is a unique, immersive experience that takes you deep into the natural wonders of Costa Rica. This narrow canal, shaded by dense palms, is known for its dark, tannin-rich waters that flow under a canopy of tropical vegetation. It’s an ideal route offering many opportunities for spotting abundant birdlife, including herons, egrets, and other aquatic species. The peaceful pace of paddling allows visitors to observe wildlife up close, often catching glimpses of monkeys, sloths, and caimans along the shores.
- Location:
Tortuguero
- Hotel:
Aninga Lodge
- Duration:
N/A
- Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Service:
Mystico Hanging Bridges-EcoTermales Hot Springs
Day 05: Arenal Volcano
Start your day with an early breakfast, then board the boat for a scenic journey of approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes back to the local pier. Upon arrival, you’ll be comfortably transferred to the town of Guápiles, where a delicious lunch awaits.
After lunch, continue your journey for about 2 hours to the stunning Arenal Volcano region.
Expect to arrive in Arenal in the late afternoon.
- Location:
Arenal Volcano
- Hotel:
Volcano Lodge. (or similar)
- Duration:
N/A
- Meals:
Breakfast and Lunch
- Service:
Arenal Volcano El Ceibo Trail Hike, Farm Tour
Day 06: Arenal Volcano
One full day of exciting activities in Arenal.
Morning
El Ceibo Trail Hiking Tour
Discover the natural beauty and history of Arenal Volcano National Park on the El Ceibo Trail, a 2.3 km (0.75-mile) hike steeped in biodiversity and scenic landscapes. Although the trail once led to a magnificent 400-year-old Ceiba tree, which was sadly lost to a storm several years ago, its name endures as a tribute to this iconic natural landmark.
The trail forms part of a loop with Las Coladas, offering breathtaking views of ancient lava fields and opportunities to spot a variety of wildlife, including monkeys, coatis, and vibrant bird species. As you hike, immerse yourself in the lush jungle filled with exotic plants and unique ecosystems that showcase the biodiversity present in the surroundings of the Arenal Volcano.
This trail not only connects you with nature but also tells a story of resilience and renewal, making it a perfect blend of adventure, history, and ecological exploration.
Late afternoon
Don Juan Farm Tour
Founded over 20 years ago, this project began with the vision of promoting sustainability and educating visitors about organic farming practices. Its founders sought to create a space where visitors could learn about Costa Rican agriculture while preserving the environment. Today, the farm offers a hands-on experience where travelers explore its organic gardens, learning about the cultivation of tropical fruits, vegetables, and medicinal plants. The tour highlights eco-friendly practices like composting and water conservation. Visitors can also enjoy fresh, farm-to-table meals and participate in activities such as harvesting fruits and making natural products, all in a beautiful, sustainable setting.
- Location:
Arenal Volcano
- Hotel:
Volcano Lodge. (or similar)
- Duration:
N/A
- Meals:
Breakfast and Dinner
- Service:
Arenal Volcano El Ceibo Trail Hike, Farm Tour
Day 07: Arenal Volcano - Manuel Antonio
In the morning, after breakfast, start the scenic journey to the Central Pacific Coast.
Tarcoles River and Guacalillo Mangrove Boat Experience
Located on the Central Pacific Coast of Costa Rica, Guacalillo Estuary and the Tárcoles River offer the opportunity to observe one of the largest colonies of American Crocodiles in the world. The region also boasts the richest mangrove forest in terms of biodiversity along the coast and serves as a vital conservation area for the Scarlet Macaw, one of the most iconic species in the country. With its bright red, orange, blue, and yellow plumage, long tail, and pointed wings, the Scarlet Macaw is easy to spot while flying above the boat or perched in the mangrove trees that line the estuary.
As the boat moves along the mangrove, visitors can explore an impressive ecosystem made up of four mangrove species that provide a critical nesting and sheltering area for mammals, reptiles, and species like iguanas and basilisks. Birdwatchers will have the chance to spot a wide variety of waterfowl, including the boat-billed heron, roseate spoonbills, and raptors such as the crested caracara and mangrove hawk.
At the end of this remarkable journey, a delicious lunch is included to round out the experience.
Following lunch, continue for a two-hour drive to the Manuel Antonio National Park region.
Expect to arrive at dusk.
Manuel Antonio National Park is a tropical paradise nestled along Costa Rica’s Pacific coast. Renowned for its pristine white-sand beaches, lush rainforests, and abundant wildlife, this park offers a captivating blend of natural beauty and adventure. Explore hidden coves, hike through scenic trails, and encounter vibrant toucans, and even monkeys and elusive sloths. Discover the park’s diverse ecosystems, including the humid forest, mangroves, and dry tropical forest, creating a unique habitat for a wide range of species. With its stunning landscapes and unforgettable experiences,
- Location:
Manuel Antonio
- Hotel:
Hotel Parador (or similar)
- Duration:
N/A
- Meals:
Breakfast and Lunch
- Service:
Crocodile Tour, Manuel Antonio National Park, Catamaran Tour
Day 08: Manuel Antonio
Today you will be mesmerized when visiting one of the most beautiful beaches of Costa Rica.
Manuel Antonio National Park Nature Walk
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Manuel Antonio National Park, a biodiversity hotspot renowned for its lush rainforests and abundant wildlife. Led by an expert naturalist, explore scenic trails and encounter fascinating creatures like sloths, monkeys, and vibrant birds. Discover hidden viewpoints and pristine beaches, offering the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation. Learn about the park’s rich ecosystem and conservation efforts while immersing yourself in the breathtaking beauty of nature. This unforgettable experience combines adventure, education, and the thrill of discovery. After your hike, unwind on the park’s idyllic beaches.
After your visit to Manuel Antonio National Park, you’ll have the option to return to your hotel and relax, or stay at the beach to enjoy the vibrant local scene. If you choose to stay, you can interact with friendly locals, savor traditional Costa Rican dishes, and shop for unique souvenirs.
Note: The National Park is closed on Tuesdays.
- Location:
Manuel Antonio
- Hotel:
Hotel Parador (or similar)
- Duration:
N/A
- Meals:
Breakfast
- Service:
Crocodile Tour-Manuel Antonio National Park, Catamaran Tour
Day 09: Manuel Antonio
Free morning to relax at the hotel, take advantage of the hotel facilities or visit the nearby Biezans Beach or to Manuel Antonio Beach where Hotel Parador offers a free shuttle.
Biezans Beach in Manuel Antonio is a hidden gem, offering a peaceful escape from the more crowded tourist spots. This small yet charming beach is perfect for those seeking tranquility, with calm, crystal-clear turquoise waters inviting a refreshing dip in their warm embrace. The serene surroundings make it an ideal place to relax and enjoy nature at its finest. Access to the beach is via a natural trail, so closed shoes are recommended. Since the beach is isolated, there are no showers or toilets available.
For a more active experience, local vendors offer kayaks and snorkeling gear to explore the vibrant marine life along Costa Rica’s coast. Visitors can also purchase sodas, beers, and snacks while lounging on comfortable beach chairs, enjoying the view. These services are not included on the package. It’s recommended to bring petty cash, as vendors are informal merchants and do not have access to modern payment methods.
Around noon, it’s time to begin your catamaran and snorkeling adventure.
Please note that dinner is included at the end of the tour, so we recommend having lunch (not included) beforehand to fully enjoy your experience.
Catamaran & Snorkeling Experience
Set sail on a catamaran for an unforgettable coastal adventure. Enjoy stunning views of pristine shorelines, lush rainforests, and secluded beaches as you glide across crystal-clear waters. Dive into a vibrant underwater world, teeming with colorful fish, sea turtles, and, if you’re lucky, playful dolphins. During peak seasons (July-October and December-April), keep an eye out for majestic humpback whales, migrating through Costa Rica’s warm waters to mate and nurture their young. Witness these gentle giants breaching, tail-slapping, or gracefully swimming by.
Relax on spacious decks, savor a delicious early dinner, and enjoy unlimited drinks as you soak in the beauty of the coastline. Whether you’re seeking adventure or relaxation, this tour offers the perfect balance of excitement and tranquility.
- Location:
Manuel Antonio
- Hotel:
Hotel Parador (or similar)
- Duration:
N/A
- Meals:
Breakfast and Dinner
- Service:
Crocodile Tour-Manuel Antonio National Park, Catamaran Tour
Day 10: Manuel Antonio- San Jose Airport
Meals included: Breakfast
At a convenient time, start the approximate 3 hours transfer to the San Jose Airport.
To ensure a smooth travel experience, international airlines require passengers to arrive at least 2 hours before their flight’s departure. Considering the transfer from the beach to the airport may take between 2 to 3 hours, we strongly recommend scheduling international flights with departure times no earlier than 1:00 PM.
End of services
HOTELS
Hotel Grano de Oro
Located in San José combines Victorian charm with modern luxury. This boutique hotel offers elegant rooms, a rooftop jacuzzi, and a lush courtyard for relaxation. Its renowned restaurant features gourmet Costa Rican and international cuisine. Ideally located near museums, markets, and key attractions, it provides easy access to the airport and day-trip destinations. Perfect for a refined stay at the start or end of your Costa Rican journey.
Hotel Aninga
Hotel Aninga is a serene eco-lodge in the heart of Tortuguero, Costa Rica, surrounded by lush rainforest and tropical canals. This tranquil retreat offers comfortable, bungalow-style accommodations designed to harmonize with nature, each featuring private terraces that blend seamlessly into the landscape. Guests can enjoy an outdoor pool, a relaxing spa with local treatments, and an on-site restaurant serving fresh, traditional Costa Rican dishes. Ideal for nature lovers, Hotel Aninga provides easy access to guided tours of Tortuguero National Park, where visitors can observe wildlife, explore waterways, and experience Costa Rica’s unique biodiversity in a pristine, natural setting.
Volcano Lodge
Set in lush tropical gardens, at the foot of Costa Rica’s Arenal the Volcano Lodge, Hotel & Thermal Experience offers an outdoor pool and free Wi-Fi zone. Air-conditioned rooms have a terrace. Each room features tiled floors and comes with a desk, coffee maker and cable TV. The private bathroom includes a hairdryer and shower. Breakfast is available at the lodge, and it is included on the rate. There is a bar, restaurant and snack bar. Room service is available. The lodge offers free parking. You can arrange excursions like a canopy tour or a visit to nearby hot springs.
Hotel Parador
Located in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica, offers a luxurious retreat surrounded by lush rainforests and panoramic ocean views. Located near Manuel Antonio National Park, it features 129 rooms across multiple buildings, three swimming pools, a spa, gourmet dining, and nature trails teeming with wildlife. Guests can enjoy modern amenities like jacuzzis, swim-up bars, and private balconies, along with easy access to nearby beaches via complimentary shuttles. With its mix of Mediterranean charm and tropical beauty, the resort promises relaxation and adventure in an unforgettable setting.
