Costa Rica Nature Lovers Tour
7 Days / 6 Nights
Nature lovers rejoice! In just seven days, you’ll experience two of Costa Rica’s most iconic regions—Arenal Volcano National Park and Tortuguero National Park—with a private naturalist guide by your side. This itinerary is the perfect introduction to Costa Rica’s natural wonders, blending unforgettable wildlife encounters, perfect for wildlife photography, with immersive cultural moments.
In the shadow of the majestic Arenal Volcano, explore lush rainforest trails, cross suspension bridges high above the jungle canopy, and unwind in natural thermal hot springs. Visit conservation projects, learn about traditional farming, and taste authentic local flavors prepared with heart by Costa Rican families. As the sun sets, discover the nocturnal magic of the rainforest on guided night walks where frogs, owls, and curious mammals emerge.
Your journey continues to the Caribbean coast and the wild beauty of Tortuguero National Park, often called Costa Rica’s “Little Amazon.” Glide along winding canals teeming with monkeys, sloths, iguanas, and tropical birds, and immerse yourself in the area’s vibrant Afro-Caribbean culture.
This itinerary promises the perfect blend of discovery, relaxation, and pura vida spirit—an inspiring Costa Rica adventure for every nature enthusiast. We are the #1 Costa Rica tour company, contact us now to start planning your Nature Lovers tour.
Costa Rica Nature Lovers Tour Highlights
Witness green sea turtles nesting on Tortuguero’s beaches (seasonal).
Discover Costa Rica’s Caribbean culture and hospitality.
Share a home-style lunch in the mountains, complete with locally made wine.
Cruise the canals of Costa Rica’s “Little Amazon” in Tortuguero.
Taste fresh tropical fruits and enjoy authentic farm-to-table experiences.
Explore Arenal’s lava trails, hanging bridges, and hot springs.
Travel in small groups with expert naturalist guides.
Stay in eco-lodges and hotels that bring you close to nature.
Costa Rica Nature Lovers Tour Itinerary
Arrival in Alajuela / San José
Costa Rica Nature Lovers Tour Day 1. Upon arrival at San José International Airport, meet your travel representative and enjoy a private transfer to your hotel in Alajuela. In the evening, meet your guide for an orientation briefing about the exciting days ahead.
Focus: Arrival and orientation.
Locations: Alajuela, San José.
What to bring: Daypack with essentials (hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, reusable water bottle).
Tip: Double-check your room before check-out to avoid leaving behind passports or chargers.
Included: Private transfer, hotel accommodations, orientation briefing.
Excluded: Meals, tips, extras not specified.
Highlights: Warm welcome, introduction to Costa Rica.
Arenal Volcano National Park
Costa Rica Nature Lovers Tour Day 2. Early this morning after you have enjoyed breakfast your private guide and driver will be waiting for you at the hotel lobby to start this amazing journey through some of the most beautiful areas of Costa Rica.
La Fortuna area will be your home for the next two nights, a few years ago La Fortuna was mainly known for the imponent Arenal Volcano, actually the volcano is not active but there are a lot of different attractions in the area that visitors can enjoy every day of their stay. Feel free to ask us about the best things to do near Arenal Volcano.
Before arriving to your Arenal Volcano hotel, you will visit Danaus Biological Reserve where you will have the chance to observe a vast variety of plants, reptiles, insects, mammals and others – a great introduction to the richness of the region.
Following this magical experience, you’ll stop for a visit to Arenal Vida Campesina Organic Farm. Your visit begins with a delicious lunch followed by a walk where you will learn about different crops the family produce there.
After this new experience your guide and driver will take you to the hotel.
In the evening, after you have enjoyed a delicious dinner at the hotel and before you head to bed, we encourage you to join your guide to explore the hotel gardens and search for some of the amazing nocturnal creatures that are active at this time of day – definitely a must do activity.
Focus: Introduction to Arenal’s wildlife and conservation.
Locations: Arenal Volcano, Danaus Ecocenter, Vida Campesina Farm, Arenal Observatory Lodge.
What to bring: Walking shoes, binoculars, insect repellent, rain jacket.
Tip: Night walks reveal a completely different side of the rainforest—don’t forget your flashlight or headlamp.
Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, guided visits, entrance fees, hotel accommodations.
Excluded: Extras not specified.
Highlights: Butterfly gardens, farm-to-table lunch, nocturnal rainforest exploration.
Arenal Volcano Trails, Hanging Bridges & Hot Springs
Costa Rica Nature Lovers Tour Day 3. Start the day with a guided walk at Arenal Observatory Lodge, exploring trails, a 28-meter observation tower, and the volcano’s visitor center. Wildlife sightings often include hummingbirds, monkeys, and colorful butterflies.
After lunch, enjoy the Arenal Hanging Bridges, a 5 km trail system with ten suspension bridges that bring you eye-level with toucans, monkeys, and rainforest canopy life. In the evening, unwind at Ecotermales Hot Springs, soaking in thermal pools surrounded by lush tropical gardens before a delicious buffet dinner.
Focus: Rainforest immersion and relaxation.
Locations: Arenal Observatory Lodge, Hanging Bridges, Ecotermales Hot Springs.
What to bring: Closed-toe walking shoes, swimwear, towel, light clothing.
Tip: Sandals are not permitted on the trails—wear proper walking shoes.
Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, guided tours, entrance fees, hot springs, hotel accommodations.
Excluded: Extras not specified.
Highlights: Canopy walk, wildlife sightings, natural hot springs.
Journey to Tortuguero
Costa Rica Nature Lovers Tour Day 4. Depart early for a scenic land and boat transfer to your Tortuguero hotel, in Costa Rica’s Caribbean jewel. Known as the “Little Amazon”, Tortuguero is a labyrinth of jungle canals, coastal lagoons, and vibrant rainforest, home to incredible biodiversity and the world’s most important nesting site for green sea turtles (July–October).
Stop for breakfast en route before boarding your boat at La Pavona dock. Cruise along lush waterways before arriving at your lodge for lunch. In the afternoon, visit the colorful village of Tortuguero, where Afro-Caribbean culture blends with conservation efforts.
Focus: Introduction to Costa Rica’s Caribbean wetlands.
Locations: Tortuguero National Park, Tortuguero Village.
What to bring: Light rain jacket, insect repellent, camera, sunhat.
Tip: Keep your binoculars ready on the boat ride—wildlife often appears along the banks.
Included: Breakfast en route, lunch, dinner, land and boat transfers, lodge accommodations.
Excluded: Extras not specified.
Highlights: Scenic canal transfer, Caribbean culture, rainforest village.
Tortuguero National Park
Costa Rica Nature Lovers Tour Day 5. Explore the wildlife-rich canals of Tortuguero by boat, gliding silently through a labyrinth of waterways surrounded by lush rainforest. This national park offers some of the best wildlife watching in Costa Rica, with opportunities to spot monkeys, sloths, iguanas, crocodiles, and hundreds of colorful bird species. Keep your camera ready—wildlife encounters here are constant and unforgettable.
In the afternoon, enjoy a guided walk through the charming village of Tortuguero or along scenic lodge trails, where you’ll learn about the region’s culture and ecology. Return to your lodge for a delicious dinner and a relaxing evening immersed in the sounds of the jungle.
Focus: Wildlife observation in Costa Rica’s “Little Amazon.”
Locations: Tortuguero canals, Tortuguero Village.
What to bring: Lightweight clothing, insect repellent, hat, water bottle.
Tip: Early morning canal tours offer the best wildlife activity—don’t miss them!
Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, guided canal tour, lodge accommodations.
Excluded: Extras not specified.
Highlights: Boat safari, rich biodiversity, rainforest culture.
Pierella Ecological Garden & Return to San José
Costa Rica Nature Lovers Tour Day 6. This morning, begin your journey back toward San José, with a special stop at the Pierella Ecological Garden, a family-run conservation project that highlights Costa Rica’s commitment to sustainability. Wander through vibrant butterfly gardens, observe playful sloths resting in the treetops, and watch a variety of birds visiting well-stocked feeders. Stroll past cacao and other tropical crops while learning firsthand about sustainable farming practices that protect both wildlife and local livelihoods. A delicious traditional Costa Rican lunch, prepared with fresh local ingredients, completes the experience.
Afterward, continue to your hotel in San José. The evening is free to relax, explore the city, or enjoy dinner at one of its many excellent restaurants.
Focus: Conservation and community-based tourism.
Locations: Pierella Ecological Garden, San José.
What to bring: Walking shoes, camera, sun protection.
Tip: The butterfly garden is an excellent spot for macro photography.
Included: Breakfast, lunch, guided visit at Pierella Ecological Garden, private transfer, hotel accommodations.
Excluded: Dinner, extras not specified.
Highlights: Sloth-watching, butterfly gardens, traditional cuisine.
Departure
After breakfast, transfer to San José International Airport for your departure flight. Please check in at least 3 hours before your international departure.
Focus: Farewell journey.
Locations: San José.
What to bring: Passport, flight documents.
Tip: Morning traffic in San José can be busy, plan for extra travel time.
Included: Breakfast, private airport transfer.
Excluded: International flights, tips, extras not specified.
Highlights: Scenic farewell, pura vida memories.
