Costa Rica Blue River and Volcanoes Tour
9 Days and 8 Nights
Explore Costa Rica’s top natural attractions—from active volcanoes and rainforest rivers to serene Pacific beaches—on this unforgettable multi-day Blue River adventure.
The Costa Rica Blue River and Volcanoes Tour is a perfectly curated itinerary that immerses you in the country’s most breathtaking landscapes and rich Costa Rica cultural experiences. Ideal for nature lovers, adventure travelers, photographers, and birdwatchers, this nine-day journey showcases the very best of Costa Rica at a relaxed, enjoyable pace.
Hike historic lava flows at Arenal Volcano, visit a sustainable organic farm, swim beneath the stunning La Fortuna Waterfall, and walk the canopy bridges of Arenal Hanging Bridges. Venture to Bijagua’s Tapir Valley Reserve, a hidden gem teeming with wildlife including sloths, toucans, and the endangered Baird’s tapir.
Then enjoy a wildlife boat safari in Palo Verde National Park before unwinding in Playa Hermosa, a certified Blue Flag beach, where a scenic sunset catamaran cruise awaits.
Your journey is made even smoother with a private bilingual, naturalist, driver-guide—skilled, knowledgeable, and service-oriented—who ensures your comfort and safety while offering the flexibility to stop for scenic views, wildlife sightings, or local experiences along the way.
With top Host Driver-Guides, incredible biodiversity, and spectacular scenery, this tour is the perfect blend of Costa Rica’s nature, adventure, and authentic charm.
Contact us to start planning your trip, let us show you why we are considered the best Costa Rica travel agency.
Blue River and Volcanoes Tour Highlights
Hike volcanic trails and lush rainforest in Arenal Volcano National Park
Discover Bijagua’s Tapir Valley Reserve, a hidden paradise for nature lovers
Explore the mystical Blue River, colored by volcanic minerals
Spot toucans, monkeys, sloths, and even tapirs in the wild
Visit Palo Verde National Park, a top birdwatching destination
Relax on the serene, award-winning beach of Playa Hermosa
Sunset catamaran cruise with snorkeling and open bar
Stay in hand-picked eco-lodges and boutique hotels
Enjoy the flexibility and insight of a private naturalist driver-guide
Costa Rica Blue River and Volcanoes Tour Itinerary
Arrival in San José
The Costa Rica Blue River and Volcanoes Tour starts with your arrival at Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO), where a friendly travel representative will greet you and provide your travel documents. Transfer to your hotel in San José to settle in for the night and prepare for the adventure ahead.
Tip: Don’t forget the essentials in your day pack, such as sunblock, a hat, insect repellent, and plug-in chargers, for the days ahead.
Highlight:
Warm welcome, personalized service, and a soft landing in Costa Rica’s vibrant capital.
Included:
Meet and greet at SJO International Airport, private land transfer service to your hotel in San José.
Overnight:
Hotel Presidente or similar.
Excluded:
Tips/gratuities, meals, or services not specified in the program.
San José – Arenal Volcano
The Costa Rica Blue River and Volcanoes Tour Day 2. After breakfast, meet your private naturalist driver-guide and begin your scenic drive to the Arenal region. Along the way, stop at Arenal Vida Campesina, a sustainable organic farm, where you’ll enjoy a guided tour and hands-on experience.
Learn about Costa Rican crops, including coffee, bananas, and sugar cane, eco-friendly practices, and try your hand at tortilla-making during a delicious traditional lunch made with freshly harvested ingredients.
In the afternoon, descend the 480-step trail to the base of the stunning La Fortuna Waterfall. Surrounded by a lush rainforest, this 70-meter cascade offers the perfect setting for a swim or simply to take in the natural beauty.
What to bring: swimsuit, light clothing, hiking shoes, raincoat, bug repellent, camera, and hat.
Tip: Wear your swimsuit under your clothes and bring water shoes for the waterfall hike and the swimming area.
Included:
Breakfast, lunch, organic farm tour, waterfall hike, self-guided trails at the Waterfall, Driver Host Service with transfer to Arenal and organic farm.
Excluded:
Tips/gratuities, meals, or services not specified in the program.
Overnight:
Arenal Observatory Lodge or similar
Highlights:
Sustainability experience, local cuisine, waterfall swim.
Arenal Volcano Hikes & Hanging Bridges
Costa Rica Blue River and Volcanoes Tour Day 3. Today, explore the dynamic landscape of Arenal Volcano National Park, where solidified lava fields and rainforest trails reveal the powerful history of the 1968 eruption. Hike through El Silencio Reserve, reaching panoramic viewpoints over the Arenal Volcano and lake—an ideal setting for photography and wildlife spotting.
In the afternoon, visit the Arenal Hanging Bridges, a series of trails and suspension bridges that wind through the rainforest canopy. This easy, 1.5 km-long, immersive nature walk offers incredible opportunities to see monkeys, toucans, and frogs in their natural habitat.
What to bring: Light clothing, hiking shoes, raincoat, bug repellent, camera, and hat.
Tip: A lightweight poncho and binoculars will make your wildlife walk much more comfortable and rewarding, especially in misty conditions.
Included:
Breakfast, guided hikes, Driver Host Service to Arenal National Park and Suspended Bridges, self-guided trails.
Excluded:
Tips/gratuities, meals, or services not specified in the program.
Overnight:
Arenal Observatory Lodge or similar
Highlights:
Volcanic trails, rainforest biodiversity, canopy walk
Arenal – Bijagua
Costa Rica Blue River and Volcanoes Tour Day 4. Depart the Arenal region and head to the tranquil village of Bijagua, located between the Miravalles and Tenorio volcanoes. This lesser-known gem is rich in biodiversity, home to fertile farmland, lush forests, and is known for its birdlife, sloths, and traditional farming culture. Enjoy the evening at your eco-lodge and listen to the sounds of the forest as night falls.
Tip: Bijagua can get cooler in the evenings—bring a light sweater or long-sleeved shirt for added comfort.
Included:
Breakfast, private Host service, land transfer.
Excluded:
Tips/gratuities, meals, or services not specified in the program.
Overnight:
Casitas Tenorio or similar
Optional:
Evening nature walk or cultural activities (at extra cost).
Highlights:
Scenic travel, immersion in rural Costa Rica
Tapir Valley & Sloth Sanctuary
Costa Rica Blue River and Volcanoes Tour Day 5. Start the day with a guided walk in Tapir Valley Reserve, home to the elusive Baird’s tapir, vibrant birds, frogs, and butterflies. Enjoy rainforest trails and elevated viewing platforms for top-notch wildlife observation, one of the best places in the country to spot the Baird’s tapir, and a paradise for birdwatchers. In the afternoon, visit a nearby Sloth Sanctuary, where you’ll take a guided walk along peaceful forest paths and have great chances of seeing both two- and three-toed sloths in the wild.
What to bring: Light clothing, hiking shoes, raincoat, bug repellent, camera, and hat.
Tip: Be as quiet and still as possible in both reserves—many animals reveal themselves when the forest feels undisturbed.
Included:
Breakfast, non-private, guided tour at Tapir Valley Reserve
Visit to Sloth Sanctuary.
Excluded:
Tips/gratuities, meals, or services not specified in the program.
Overnight:
Casitas Tenorio or similar
Highlights:
Wildlife observation, tapir habitat, sloths in the wild.
Bijagua – Playa Hermosa via Palo Verde
Costa Rica Blue River and Volcanoes Tour Day 6. Today, travel west toward the Pacific coast. En route, enjoy a boat safari on the Bebedero River, bordering Palo Verde National Park. This important wetland ecosystem is home to crocodiles, herons, iguanas, monkeys, and one of the largest concentrations of migratory birds in Central America. Your guide will point out wildlife as you float through the mangroves and riverscapes. After the tour and a tasty local lunch, continue to Playa Hermosa, a peaceful beach on the Pacific coast in Guanacaste known for its Blue Flag status, gentle surf, and scenic setting.
What to bring: Light clothing, hiking shoes, raincoat, bug repellent, camera, and hat.
Tip: Keep your camera ready on the boat—early morning and just before noon often offer the best wildlife sightings in Palo Verde.
Included:
Breakfast, lunch, and river tour
Overnight:
Bosque del Mar or beachfront hotel, Playa Hermosa
Highlights:
Wetland wildlife watching safari, birdwatching, beach arrival
Playa Hermosa & Sunset Catamaran
Costa Rica Blue River and Volcanoes Tour Day 7. Spend your morning relaxing at your beachfront hotel or taking a stroll along Playa Hermosa’s quiet grey-sand shores. In the afternoon, head to Flamingo Marina for a memorable sunset catamaran cruise. Glide along the coast, snorkel in hidden coves, paddleboard, or simply soak in the views with a drink in hand. A delicious onboard snack buffet prepared by an onboard chef is included as you watch the sun melt into the Pacific horizon.
What to bring: swimsuit, sunblock, camera, water shoes, and hat.
Tip: Bring reef-safe sunscreen, a towel, and a GoPro or waterproof phone case for capturing your catamaran adventures.
Included:
Breakfast, catamaran tour with open bar and snacks
Overnight:
Bosque del Mar or beachfront hotel, Playa Hermosa
Highlights:
Coastal scenery, snorkeling, sunset sailing
Day at Leisure
Costa Rica Blue River and Volcanoes Tour Day 8. Enjoy a full day at your own pace. Lounge by the pool, book a massage, or explore nearby attractions such as Playas del Coco or Rincon de la Vieja. Hotel staff can assist with organizing optional activities like diving, fishing, or cultural excursions.
Tip: Book optional tours the night before to ensure availability; sunset horseback riding and diving excursions are popular add-ons.
Optional:
Spa, water sports, day tours (at extra cost).
Included:
Breakfast.
Overnight:
Bosque del Mar or beachfront hotel, Playa Hermosa.
Highlights:
Freedom to relax or explore the beach or beyond.
Departure
Costa Rica Blue River and Volcanoes Tour Day 9. After breakfast, your private transfer will take you to Liberia International Airport (LIR) for your flight home or onward travels. If you have more time, ask about adding an extension to Monteverde or Nosara for more nature or beach experiences.)
Tip: Schedule an afternoon flight if possible and arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before
departure for a smooth check-in process.
INCLUDED
Breakfast and private airport transfer.
