A true nature lover’s paradise, Costa Rica is known for its spectacular natural beauty, boasting over 15 different ecosystems, micro-climates and some of the most breathtaking flora and fauna in the world. On this trip you’ll view the best of its landscapes, from the pristine beaches and verdant rainforests of Tortuguero and Manuel Antonio National Parks to the volcanoes, mountains and cloud forests of Monteverde and Arenal.
Central America
Costa Rica Panorama
12 Days, Departs – Daily. Contact for pricing.
Details
Overview
Itinerary Highlights
- Discover the range of wildlife in the lush green network of canals of the Tortuguero National Park.
- Costa Rica’s most active and spectacular volcano in Arenal.
- Monteverde Cloud-forest Reserve - a mystical temporal forest hiding a myriad of bird life.
- Visit the Manuel Antonio National Park with its beautiful white sand beaches
Tailor-made suggestions for this itinerary
- Consider more beach and wildlife time in Costa Rica at the incredible Osa Peninsula.
- If you have an early arrival or late departure you might be able skip one of the nights in San Jose.
Travelling with Eclipse
Peace of Mind
- Eclipse Travel is Australian owned and run, and an ATAS accredited travel agent.
- 24/7 emergency numbers and local contacts provided for support while you’re abroad.
- We provide all the information you need to organise your visas and vaccinations, making travel preparation stress-free.
- No currency surcharges. Once your deposit is paid, your price is guaranteed.
Specialists
- Our consultants are true destination experts, with firsthand experience and extensive travel in the regions we offer.
- Expect quick, professional responses and dedicated service from our knowledgeable team.
- We conduct regular checks on destinations, hotels, and services to ensure quality for every trip.
Authentic Travel
- Tailor-made itineraries designed around your unique requirements.
- Freedom to select your preferred style and standard of accommodation.
- Unique itineraries that take you beyond the major highlights, immersing you in each location.
- Committed to responsible travel: we reinvest in the environment and local communities across our destinations.
Day 1 - San Jose: Arrival
Arrival
On arrival at the airport you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel.
Day 2 - San Jose: Tortuguero National Park
Tortuguero National Park
We'll get an early start for a transfer from San Jose to the canals of Tortuguero National Park by coach through banana plantations and lush forests. As we approach the coast you will notice a change in the climate as the weather becomes warmer and more humid. A 2-hour boat ride to your lodge will take you through the canals surrounded by lush rainforest, where you will have the chance to see different birds.
Upon arrival, there will be a short briefing of the lodge and the activities included during your stay followed by lunch.
This afternoon you have a choice of wildlife excursions. In the evening, if you are lucky, you will have the opportunity to witness the Green sea turtles nesting on the beach (between July-September only).
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.
Day 3 - Tortuguero National Park
Tortuguero National Park
Tortuguero is a great place for ecotourism lovers. During this day and depending on the weather conditions, you can enjoy a guided hike through the jungle where you will learn how the different animals, insects and birds interact with forest plants, thus achieving a perfect balance of each species, or you can explore the secondary canals of this paradisiacal place, where you can see different species of mammals, birds and reptiles. Tortuguero offers a full contact with Mother Nature. Much of the National Park extends along its unspoiled beaches that serve as refuge for spawning of the sea turtles, this event occurs between the months of July to September.
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.
Day 4 - Tortuguero National Park: Arenal Volcano
Arenal Volcano
In the morning the journey continues with a boat transfer back to the local dock and transportation to the area of Guapiles, where lunch will be served. Afterwards, we'll continue on towards Arenal while enjoying beautiful mountain scenery and crops of pineapple, bananas and sugar cane.
Set on the northern plains of Costa Rica, Arenal Volcano sits on the shore of Lake Arenal. Separating two mountain ranges of Guanacaste and Tilarán, the lake was created by a hydroelectric dam. The volcano, once quite active, has been dormant since the beginning of 2011 but still is a dramatic backdrop to the town of La Fortuna. During the day, its reflection on Lake Arenal is truly enchanting.
Evening at leisure.
Breakfast included.
Day 5 - Arenal Volcano: Arenal Volcano & Hot Springs
Arenal Volcano & Hot Springs
This morning is at your leisure. This beautiful and diverse region holds an abundance of incredible experiences for all to enjoy, from adrenalin adventure activities to more relaxed, leisurely walks and hot springs. In the afternoon, you will enjoy a visit to the Arenal Volcano, where you will observe the natural beauty of flowers, lush vegetation, howler monkeys and exotic birds as you walk along the beautiful trails.
Later, you will have the chance to unwind in the natural hot springs with views of the majestic Arenal Volcano. This experience finishes with a delicious meal before we transfer you back to your hotel.
Breakfast and Dinner included.
Day 6 - Arenal Volcano: Arenal Volcano to Monteverde Cloud Forest
Arenal Volcano to Monteverde Cloud Forest
Morning depart from Arenal Volcano to the Monteverde Cloud Forest. The first part of the trip is adorned with the beautiful scenery of the Arenal Lake, which we cross by boat before driving through the beautiful scenery of the Tilarán Mountain Range and arriving in Monteverde.
We arrive to our hotel in the late afternoon, with the evening spent at your leisure.
Breakfast included.
Day 7 - Monteverde: Cloud Forest Tour
Cloud Forest Tour
In the morning, we will make our way to the Monteverde cloud forest, a habitat for rare flora and fauna, such as the quetzal. We visit the Tree Top walkway, which is the ideal way to explore the beauty of the canopy and appreciate the incredible array of vegetation, and exotic bird life that the region has to offer.
Afternoon at leisure or take one of the optional excursions on offer, including the Santa Elena Reserve.
Breakfast included.
Day 8 - Monteverde: Manuel Antonio National Park
Manuel Antonio National Park
Today we transfer you to the the Manuel Antonio National Park located on the Pacific coast. Manuel Antonio is considered to be Costa Rica's most beautiful park, with enchanting white-sand beaches ideal for swimming, and tropical rainforests forest alive with wildlife. Watch for the monkeys and iguanas that share the park with you and relax on one of the many spectacular beaches in the area. Whether you are looking for a romantic honeymoon hideaway or an action-packed visit, this premier destination has the answer.
Breakfast included.
Day 9 - Manuel Antonio: Manuel Antonio National Park Tour
Manuel Antonio National Park Tour
After breakfast you will enjoy a half day tour where we will show you the Manuel Antonio National Park (closed on Tuesdays). Manuel Antonio contains a charming combination of exuberant tropical forest and gorgeous beaches with clear waters. The park is home to 109 species of mammals and 184 species of birds and you are likely to observe several species of monkeys, iguanas, birds and possibly even the three-toed sloth. After a short hike in the park, you can enjoy time to relax, enjoy the beach and sunbathe. You will spend the rest of the afternoon at leisure.
Breakfast included.
Day 10 - Manuel Antonio: Day at Leisure
Day at Leisure
Day at leisure to relax on your choice from the many lovely beaches of Manuel Antonio.
We suggest a trip into the National Park which contains a charming combination of exuberant tropical forest and gorgeous beaches with clear waters. The park is home to 109 species of mammals and 184 species of birds and you are likely to observe several species of monkeys, iguanas, birds and possibly even the three-toed sloth.
Breakfast included.
Day 11 - Manuel Antonio: San Jose
San Jose
Our representative will pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to San Jose.
Breakfast included.
Day 12 - San Jose: Depart
Depart
Our representative will pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to the airport for your departure flight.
- Day 1 - Arrival
- Day 2 - Tortuguero National Park
- Day 3 - Tortuguero National Park
- Day 4 - Arenal Volcano
- Day 5 - Arenal Volcano & Hot Springs
- Day 6 - Arenal Volcano to Monteverde Cloud Forest
- Day 7 - Cloud Forest Tour
- Day 8 - Manuel Antonio National Park
- Day 9 - Manuel Antonio National Park Tour
- Day 10 - Day at Leisure
- Day 11 - San Jose
- Day 12 - Depart
Comfort
San Jose, Costa Rica - Country Inn & Suites by Radisson
Tortuguero National Park, Costa Rica - Turtle Beach Lodge
Arenal Volcano, Costa Rica - Volcano Lodge
Monteverde, Costa Rica - Trapp Family Lodge
Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica - The Falls at Manuel Antonio Resort
Superior
San Jose, Costa Rica - Hotel Presidente
Tortuguero National Park, Costa Rica - Manatus Lodge
Arenal Volcano, Costa Rica - Arenal Manoa
Monteverde, Costa Rica - Hotel Belmar
Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica - Parador Resort and Spa
Deluxe
San Jose, Costa Rica - Hotel Grano de Oro
Tortuguero National Park, Costa Rica - Mawamba Lodge
Arenal Volcano, Costa Rica - Arenal Nayara Hotel
Monteverde, Costa Rica - El Establo
Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica - Arenas del Mar
Whats included?
- Accommodation with private facilities
- Hotel taxes
- Entrance fees
- Tours with English speaking guides
- Transfers
- Meals as specified.
What’s not included?
- Airfares
- Airport entrance/departure taxes
- Gratuities
- Travel insurance
- Any items not mentioned as included.
Notes
Hotel rates are based on lead-in rooms. Other room types and hotels are available. Rates are subject to change and different rates may apply during holiday seasons and special events.
Price Assurance
At Eclipse Travel, our expert destination knowledge and decades of travel planning experience come at no extra cost to you. While many think booking through a tour operator is more expensive than planning a trip independently, that’s not the case. We’re paid by our travel partners—such as hotels, activity operators, and cruise providers—via commissions, not by our clients.
Our team negotiates the best rates for you and ensures you receive unbiased advice, with no preference for any particular supplier. In fact, where we secure higher commissions, we often pass the savings on to you, giving us a competitive price edge.
Additionally, we lock in exchange rates at the time of your deposit, ensuring no surprise costs when it’s time for final payment. You can rest easy knowing we’ll handle the details with our suppliers. The only exceptions are national park fee increases or fuel surcharges imposed after your booking, though these are rare.
Take advantage of our team’s expertise and let us help you plan the perfect holiday—hassle-free!
Destination: Central America
Let us take you on an authentic journey throughout this rich and versatile region with its spectacular Caribbean beaches, smouldering volcanoes and lush green jungles sheltering a rich variety of fauna. Throw in its fascinating history, hidden Mayan ruins and the rhythm of Cuban salsa and we’re certain you’ll find this region is a treat to the senses.
Downloadable travel guide
Planning your next adventure has never been easier with our free downloadable travel guides. Get in-depth insights into local attractions, dining options, and hidden gems, all curated by our team of travel specialists with decades of experience.
