Costa Rica, San José

Explore Costa Rica 4^*

On arrival at Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO), you will be met by one of our local representatives, who will provide you with all the information you need and ensure that your journey gets off to a smooth start.

You will then depart by private transfer to your first hotel.

Hotel: 5-star Delta Hotels by Marriott San Jose Aurola (or similar)

At the scheduled time, meet at the hotel reception for a semi-collective transfer to the magnificent Tortuguero region, located on Costa Rica's northern Caribbean coast. Renowned as one of the country's leading eco-tourism destinations, Tortuguero National Park was created in 1970 to protect the endangered marine turtles that come to nest here. With its intricate network of canals, rivers and lagoons, this region offers an exceptional fusion of tropical rainforest, freshwater and marine ecosystems. This makes it a genuine paradise for research and ecotourism.

On the way, stop off in the town of Guápiles to enjoy a traditional Costa Rican breakfast in a local restaurant before continuing on to the pier.

You will then board a boat for Tortuguero, a spectacular introduction to the heart of the rainforest. As you navigate the winding canals, immerse yourself in the lush vegetation and diverse wildlife for an unforgettable experience.

On arrival at the lodge, check in, settle into your room and enjoy a delicious breakfast.

In the afternoon, meet your local guide for an excursion to the charming village of Tortuguero. This unique town of around 500 inhabitants is nestled between the Caribbean Sea and tranquil canals. With no cars and only footpaths, Tortuguero offers an authentic glimpse of the relaxed Caribbean lifestyle. Stroll its colourful streets, interact with the friendly locals and soak up the vibrant culture of this remote but captivating community.

Duration: approximately 3 hours by road and 1h30 by boat.

Times given are approximate and may vary depending on the port of embarkation or disembarkation.

Note: The order of activities in Tortuguero may vary depending on the hotel's schedule.

Lodge: 4-star Evergreen Lodge (or similar)

Rise early for an unforgettable morning in the heart of nature. Meet your guide for a sunrise boat trip through the spectacular canals of Tortuguero National Park (admission included), where the jungle awakens to the sounds of wildlife. Take stunning photos as you glide along the waterways, exploring a vast network of canals, lagoons and dense rainforests with an expert naturalist guide.

Tortuguero is home to an incredible diversity of wildlife, with 57 species of amphibians, 111 species of reptiles and 60 species of mammals. Keep your eyes peeled for monkeys, sloths, caimans, toucans and other exotic creatures that thrive in this unique ecosystem.

After this magical experience, return to the lodge for a well-deserved breakfast .

At the appointed time, the guide will take you on a guided walk along the lodge's private trails. Along the way, you can spot monkeys, sloths, toucans, frogs and a wide variety of exotic plants. This walk is ideal for nature lovers who want to experience the beauty and wonders of the Costa Rican rainforest up close.

The rest of the day is free to enjoy your last afternoon in Tortuguero.

Lodge: 4-star Evergreen Lodge (or similar)

After breakfast, check out and get ready to continue your adventure. Embark on a shared transfer combining boat and road from Tortuguero to Guápiles, where you will enjoy a delicious traditional Costa Rican lunch in a local restaurant.

Duration of regular transfer: approx. 2 hours

The times indicated are approximate and may vary depending on where passengers embark or disembark.

After lunch at the restaurant at around 1 p.m., meet the car hire company representative who will provide you with your vehicle and all the information you need for your independent journey to La Fortuna in the Arenal region. This town is dominated by the majestic Arenal volcano.

You will then take the road to La Fortuna and the Arenal volcano.

Self-drive from Guápiles to La Fortuna, Arenal

Duration: approx. 2 hours

Prior to December 2010, Arenal was one of the ten most active volcanoes in the world, regularly spewing lava and ash into the sky. Although it no longer erupts lava, the volcano remains an impressive sight, occasionally emitting smoke and ash from its summit.

On arrival at La Fortuna, check in to the hotel and take time to relax, enjoying the facilities and natural beauty of the surroundings.

Lodge: 3-star Montaña De Fuego Hotel and Spa (or similar)

Start the day with breakfast at the hotel, then enjoy some free time to relax or explore the Arenal region at your own pace. Whether you choose to relax in the natural hot springs, hike the trails of the Arenal volcano, visit the La Fortuna waterfall, raft down the Balsa River or zip-line through the forest, there's something for everyone. La Fortuna offers the perfect blend of nature and adventure, for an unforgettable experience in the heart of one of Costa Rica's most picturesque regions.

Lodge: 3-star Montaña De Fuego Hotel and Spa (or similar)

Start the day with breakfast at the hotel, then enjoy some free time to relax or explore the Arenal region at your own pace. Whether you choose to relax in the natural hot springs, hike the trails of the Arenal volcano, visit the La Fortuna waterfall, raft down the Balsa River or zip-line through the forest, there's something for everyone. La Fortuna offers the perfect blend of nature and adventure, for an unforgettable experience in the heart of one of Costa Rica's most picturesque regions.

Lodge: 3-star Montaña De Fuego Hotel and Spa (or similar)

Have breakfast at the hotel before check-out and head to Monteverde, a magical cloud forest renowned for its misty atmosphere and exceptional biodiversity. This unique destination combines tranquillity, adventure and culture. Explore suspension bridges, zip-line over the canopy, take part in cultural and culinary experiences, or discover nocturnal wildlife on a night walk. Monteverde offers unforgettable experiences for all types of travellers.

Boutique Hotel : 4-star Sibu Boutique Hotel (or similar)

Start the day with a delicious breakfast at the hotel, then enjoy a leisurely day exploring Monteverde at your own pace. Discover the magic of the cloud forest through zip-lining, suspension bridges, cultural experiences or a guided night walk. Whether you're looking for adventure or relaxation, Monteverde promises a day full of wonders and unforgettable moments.

Boutique Hotel: 4-star Sibu Boutique Hotel (or similar)

Have breakfast at the hotel before check-out and get ready to head to Manuel Antonio, a destination famous for its idyllic beaches, abundant wildlife and lush national park. Take advantage of the drive to admire Costa Rica's varied landscapes, with mountains, valleys and tropical forests. Manuel Antonio offers the perfect blend of relaxation, nature and adventure for all types of traveller.

Lodge : 4-star Si Como No Resort, Spa & Wildlife Refuge (or similar)

Start the day with breakfast at the hotel, then enjoy free time to explore Manuel Antonio at your own pace. Go hiking in the national park to spot wildlife and enjoy its unspoilt beaches, or opt for activities such as kayaking, snorkelling, surfing or a catamaran trip. For a more relaxed day, simply sit on the beach and take in the natural beauty of this coastal paradise.

Lodge : 4-star Si Como No Resort, Spa & Wildlife Refuge (or similar)

Start the day with breakfast at the hotel, then enjoy free time to explore Manuel Antonio at your own pace. Go hiking in the national park to spot wildlife and enjoy its unspoilt beaches, or opt for activities such as kayaking, snorkelling, surfing or a catamaran trip. For a more relaxed day, simply settle back on the beach and take in the natural beauty of this coastal paradise.

Lodge : 4-star Si Como No Resort, Spa & Wildlife Refuge (or similar)

You're on your way to Playa Nicuesa. Whether you're looking for adventure or relaxation, Playa Nicuesa has it all. Travellers can enjoy kayaking, fishing, snorkelling, paddle boarding, rainforest walks or wildlife spotting right on the lodge's doorstep. For a more peaceful pace, yoga sessions and relaxing massages offer the perfect balance.

You'll stay in private cabins in the heart of the jungle or in uniquely designed rooms in perfect harmony with nature. Enjoy authentic Costa Rican cuisine at the tree-top restaurant, where freshly caught fish, locally grown vegetables and tropical fruit are served with a view of the canopy.

Nestling in the heart of the Golfo Dulce, Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge is a unique ecolodge surrounded by lush rainforest and jade waters. Here, nature reigns supreme: immense aroea leaves, sparkling blue butterflies, mischievous monkeys, colourful toucans, iguanas and even dolphins populate this unspoilt paradise.

Sustainability is at the heart of Nicuesa's philosophy: the lodge was built from naturally fallen timber, recycled materials and runs on solar power. Its secluded location adds to its charm - it is only accessible by boat, guaranteeing exclusivity and tranquillity.

Getting here:

The easiest way to reach Nicuesa is to drive to Golfito (about 3 hours from Manuel Antonio) and continue to Marina Bahía Golfito, where you can return your hire car. A Nicuesa representative will meet you there to transfer you by boat across the Golfo Dulce (approximately 30 minutes).

Please note : Nicuesa's boat transfer service only operates until 1 p.m.

Lodge : 3-starPlaya Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge (or similar)

Wake up to the sounds of the rainforest and the ocean right outside your door. Take your time to explore this unique ecolodge at your own pace, surrounded by the unspoilt beauty of the Golfo Dulce and the Piedras Blancas National Park.

You can choose to relax on the secluded beach, practise yoga or simply unwind in a hammock listening to the symphony of nature. For the more active, the lodge offers a range of optional activities, including kayaking in the turquoise waters, snorkelling, paddle boarding, guided hikes or wildlife watching on the property's trails.

If you're seeking adventure or absolute relaxation, the lodge provides the perfect setting to reconnect with nature in its purest form.

Lodge : 3-starPlaya Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge (or similar)

Enjoy another peaceful day in the heart of nature.

Lodge : 3-starPlaya Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge (or similar)

After breakfast, enjoy your last moments surrounded by the tranquillity of the rainforest and views of the ocean. Check out of the lodge at the appointed time and transfer to the local airfield for your domestic flight back to San José.

During this short but beautiful flight, admire the superb panoramic views of Costa Rica's varied landscapes from the lush South Pacific coast to the Central Valley.

On arrival, transfer to your hotel in San José for your last night in Costa Rica, a chance to relax and prepare for your international flight the following day.

Hotel : 5-star Delta Hotels by Marriott San Jose Aurola (or similar)

Have breakfast at the hotel before proceeding to check-out.

At the scheduled time, transfer to Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) for your departure flight.

Your stay comprises a car hire of the Toyota Yaris Cross type from day 4 to day 12.

Maximum capacity: 5 people

Vehicle hire only included (compulsory insurance must be paid directly to the hire company)

Unlimited mileage

24-hour assistance service

Map of Costa Rica included

1 main driver and 1 additional driver

Terms and conditions:

Minimum age: 25 years

Drivers aged between 21 and 25: additional charge of US$10 per day

Driving licence: must be valid at the time of presentation of the document

Passport: must be valid for at least 6 months before expiry date

Credit card: a VISA, MASTERCARD or AMERICAN EXPRESS card in the driver's name is required (direct debit cards are not accepted)

Luggage information

• Hand luggage: considered as authorised cabin luggage if it meets the following criteria:
• Maximum dimensions: 50 cm x 40 cm x 30 cm (i.e. 120 cm in total for height + width + depth)
• Maximum weight: 4.5 kg for hand luggage and 18 kg for checked luggage.

Excess luggage and dimensions

• Excess weight: if a passenger's luggage exceeds the authorised limit, SANSA will charge a supplement for each additional kilo, depending on the fare chosen.
• Excess luggage: any luggage exceeding the authorised dimensions may or may not be carried on the same flight as the passenger, depending on the space available on board the aircraft.

Special conditions

If flights are changed due to weather conditions or any other circumstances beyond the representative's control, the company cannot be held responsible for any additional costs not included in the indicated fare. Any additional costs relating to extra transfers will be charged to the passenger.