Natural Wonders of Costa Rica with the ODC Explorer Network: March 21-31, 2026

Day 1

    

San José

Day notes

Your trip begins! We are happy to be your host in our country.  We will take of every single detail to make your holiday a fun and unforgettable one.

Transfer from Juan Santamaria International Airport [SJO] to DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cariari San Jose

Details  
Mode

Transfer

Pick up

Juan Santamaria International Airport [SJO]

Drop off

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cariari San Jose

Transfer

Check-in to DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cariari San Jose

Planned

Included:

Upon arrival meet the guide that will be with you during the entire trip.

Private Transfer San José Airport - San José Hotel

1 Night at Doubletree Cariari Hotel by Hilton, San Jose

Day 2

    

Tortuguero National Park

Day notes

Away from the city and formed by an extensive network of rivers and canals, access to Tortuguero is only possible by small boats. This is a place unlike any other; where the small communities surrounding the Protected Wildlife Area, such as Barra del Tortuguero and San Francisco, still preserve their traditions and also enjoy the benefit of having the bicycle as the main means of transportation, making the trip a true encounter with the Caribbean culture.

Check-out from DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cariari San Jose

Transfer from DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cariari San Jose to La Pavona Dock

Details  
Mode

Transfer

Pick up

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cariari San Jose

Drop off

La Pavona Dock

Transfer

Speedboat from La Pavona Dock to Pachira Lodge

Details  
Mode

Speedboat

Embark

La Pavona Dock

Disembark

Pachira Lodge

Speedboat

Check-in to Pachira Lodge

Planned

Included:

Private Transfer San José - Pavona Dock

Shared boat transfer Pavona Dock - Tortuguero

2 Nights at Pachira Lodge

Day 3

    

Tortuguero National Park

Day notes

A village visit to Tortuguero, Costa Rica, and a tour through the canals is a unique and exciting way to experience the culture, nature, and wildlife of this beautiful region. During a village visit, visitors can explore the charming town, visit local artisan shops, and learn about the unique culture and history of the region. The town is known for its Afro-Caribbean influences, and visitors can try traditional dishes such as rice and beans, plantains, and fresh seafood. After the village visit, visitors can take a tour through the canals of Tortuguero, which offer a unique perspective on the region's flora and fauna. The canals wind through the dense jungle, and visitors can spot a wide variety of wildlife, including monkeys, sloths, toucans, and caimans.

Included:

Private Boat Tour to The Canals of Tortuguero National Park

Afternoon visit to the village

Day 4

    

La Fortuna

Day notes

Say goodbye to the little amazon of Costa Rica and head to la Fortuna with a stop a the wonderful gardens of Pierella. The pleasant town of La Fortuna is often described as "a quiet little town" sitting at the base of the Arenal Volcano. You can explore small stores, a colorful and radiant central park, and scenery organized around the region's picture-perfect volcano, not to mention the delightful hot springs that surround it.

Check-out from Pachira Lodge

Speedboat from Pachira Lodge to La Pavona Dock

Details  
Mode

Speedboat

Embark

Pachira Lodge

Disembark

La Pavona Dock

Speedboat

Transfer from La Pavona Dock to Hotel Magic Mountain

Details  
Mode

Transfer

Pick up

La Pavona Dock

Drop off

Hotel Magic Mountain

Transfer

Check-in to Hotel Magic Mountain

Planned

Included:

After breakfast depart by shared boat back to Pavona Dock where your Private Driver will be waiting for the group. Stop in Guapiles for lunch before continue to Arenal with a stop at Pierela Gardens for an afternoon walk.

2 Nights at Magic Mountain 

Day 5

    

La Fortuna

Day notes

Today you will experience the Hanging Bridges. This adventure consists of 3 kilometers filled with amazing landscapes and scenery high up in the forest as well as down below on the paths that connect the bridges with each other. 

You should not miss the lava flows that descended in 1992, the impressive ceiba tree with more than 400 years old and the trails along an extensive and authentic rainforest, where you can appreciate the wildlife and resources that the park protects. In addition, with each visit you contribute directly to the conservation of natural resources, since 100% of the entrance fee goes to the National Parks Fund, which is used in solidarity to finance all the protected areas of the country.

Get ready  to go to the ecotermales hotsprings that will definetly melt your problems away. The ecotermales is a more intimate hot springs experience, featuring several natural hot springs pools of varying temperatures set in a lush tropical forest. It has a more natural feel and offers a peaceful and serene atmosphere.

Included:

Early morning before breakfast explore the Mistico Hanging Bridges with your guide returning to the hotel for breakfast.

After Breakfast explore the Arenal Volcano National Park with your guide.

Later visit town for lunch at Rufinos Restaurant and here you will have some free time to explore town and maybe do some shopping.

Evening Ecotermales Hot Springs visit

Day 6

    

Bijagua

Day notes

The valley is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Keep your eyes peeled for the tapir, a charismatic resident of the valley and a symbol of its commitment to conservation. Sloths lazily traverse the tree branches, howler monkeys serenade the day, and colorful poison dart frogs dart through the underbrush.

Set in what seems a movie scene, Rio Celeste is the encounter of two rivers that magically change color into vibrant tones of blue, captivating visitors who are already impressed by the raw beauty of the surrounding nature. The phenomenon is the result of chemical reactions produced by the minerals of the Tenorio volcano, which gives the name to the national park and has four volcanic peaks and two craters. Hot springs and waterfalls, abundant flora and fauna add to the magnificence of the landscape which is better appreciated through the interpretation of experienced tour guides.

 

Check-out from Hotel Magic Mountain

Transfer from Hotel Magic Mountain to Celeste Mountain Lodge

Details  
Mode

Transfer

Pick up

Hotel Magic Mountain

Drop off

Celeste Mountain Lodge

Transfer

Check-in to Celeste Mountain Lodge

Included:

Depart for Tenorio National Park area and explore the Tapir Valley.

2 Nights at Celeste Mountain Lodge 

Day 7

    

Bijagua

Day notes

 Celeste River which is a river in Tenorio Volcano National Park of Costa Rica. It is notable for its distinctive turquoise coloration. The Celeste River also borders several hot springs and has one large waterfall. Along with the beautiful view of the Tenorio Volcano, Tenorio Volcano is an inactive andesitic stratovolcano in north-western Costa Rica. 

Included:

Visit the Tenorio National Park and Rio Celteste waterfall

Day 8

    

Monteverde

Day notes

When most people think of Costa Rica, lush rainforest comes to mind. But you’ll be amazed to learn that the area surrounding Rio Perdido is one of the rarest ecosystems in the Americas. Two completely different worlds exist here: a lush jungle-like forest within the canyons, in contrast to a rare dwarf forest on the higher rocky grounds. Strike out on our hiking trails by foot and explore this delicate life system on a sunrise or sunset hike.

Monteverde is evergreen due to the precipitation and moisture-filled clouds which hover over the horizon on an almost daily basis, and no better way to see all the flora and fauna of he forrest than with all the activities we have planned for you. 

 

Check-out from Celeste Mountain Lodge

Transfer from Celeste Mountain Lodge to El Establo Mountain Hotel

Details  
Mode

Transfer

Pick up

Celeste Mountain Lodge

Drop off

El Establo Mountain Hotel

Transfer

Check-in to El Establo Mountain Hotel

Planned

Included:

Depart for Monteverde with a stop at Las Pumas Rescue Center

2 Nights at El Establo Hotel

Day 9

    

Monteverde

Day notes

Welcome to the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve in Monteverde, Costa Rica! This spectacular reserve is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. Get prepared to go through the lush, tropical rainforest. The reserve is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including monkeys, sloths, toucans, and many other exotic species. As you wander through the dense forest, you'll learn about the different ecosystems and the fascinating creatures that call them home.

Included:

Morning explore the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve

Day 10

    

End of Itinerary

Day notes

Hope you enjoyed your experience! We loved having you here and hope to see you again.

Pura vida and have a safe trip back!

Check-out from El Establo Mountain Hotel

Planned

Departure from Airport

Expert tips:

***flight back home must be later than noon.

Included:

Depart for the drive to Liberia or San Jose Airport on time for your flight back home.

 

***flight back home must be later than noon.

back to top