Costa Rica Tropical Jungles, Volcanoes, and Cloud Forests Tour
8 Days / 7 Nights
The Costa Rica Tropical Jungles, Volcanoes & Cloud Forests Tour brings together three of the country’s most iconic landscapes in one seamless Costa Rica adventure. Over eight unforgettable days, explore the lush waterways of Tortuguero National Park, the dramatic slopes of Arenal Volcano, and the mystical cloud forests of Monteverde. Ask us about the 12 best things to do in the Monteverde rainforest.
Begin in Tortuguero, often called Costa Rica’s “Little Amazon.” Accessible only by boat or plane, it’s a place where canals wind through dense rainforest alive with monkeys, iguanas, caimans, and countless bird species. Stay in a rustic Caribbean village lodge and meet local people whose lives are closely tied to nature.
Next, travel to the adventure hub of La Fortuna and Arenal Volcano, where rainforest meets geothermal energy. Enjoy a white water rafting adventure, soak in volcano views, and explore the lively town with its blend of nature, culture, and outdoor excitement.
Finally, ascend to the mist-shrouded peaks of Monteverde, a rare cloud forest where epiphytes carpet the trees, hummingbirds flash their iridescent wings, and suspension bridges and ziplines provide thrilling perspectives of the forest canopy.
This itinerary blends wildlife, adventure, and culture into an eco-experience you’ll never forget. Enjoy the best Costa Rica travel tours, contact us to start planning your trip.
Costa Rica Tropical Jungles Tour Highlights
Glide along the canals of Tortuguero National Park, Costa Rica’s “Little Amazon”.
Taste authentic Caribbean flavors and hospitality.
Spot monkeys, iguanas, toucans, and sloths in the wild.
Raft the Balsa River for a fun mix of Class II–III rapids and rainforest scenery.
Hike trails with spectacular views of Arenal Volcano.
Cross Monteverde’s cloud forest canopy on a Sky Tram and zipline adventure.
Travel in small groups with expert naturalist guides.
Affordable eco-adventure with options to upgrade to midrange or luxury lodges.
Costa Rica Tropical Jungles Tour Itinerary
Arrival in San José
Costa Rica: Tropical Jungles, Volcano and Cloud Forests Tour Day 1. Arrival at San José International Airport. Meet your representative and transfer to your San José hotel. Evening free to relax.
Focus: Arrival and orientation.
Locations: San José.
Tip: Keep essentials like passports, chargers, and medications in your carry-on for easy access.
Included: Private transfer, hotel accommodations.
Excluded: Meals, extras not specified.
Highlights: Warm welcome, capital city stay.
Journey to Tortuguero
Costa Rica: Tropical Jungles, Volcano and Cloud Forests Tour Day 2. Depart early this morning for Tortuguero National Park, traveling through the lush landscapes of Braulio Carrillo National Park before stopping for a traditional Costa Rican breakfast. Continue to the docks, where you’ll board a boat for a scenic one-hour ride along winding rivers and jungle canals, watching for herons, monkeys, and caimans along the way.
Upon arrival at your lodge, settle in and enjoy the unique setting of this remote region, often called Costa Rica’s “little Amazon.” In the afternoon, visit the village of Tortuguero, where Afro-Caribbean culture, colorful traditions, and sea turtle conservation projects come together in a fascinating mix of nature and community spirit.
Focus: Introduction to Caribbean wetlands and culture.
Locations: Braulio Carrillo, Tortuguero canals, Tortuguero village.
Tip: Bring insect repellent and a rain jacket—Tortuguero is one of Costa Rica’s wettest regions.
Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, boat transfer, lodge accommodations.
Highlights: Scenic canal ride, turtle nesting (seasonal), Afro-Caribbean culture.
Tortuguero Canals & Wildlife
Costa Rica: Tropical Jungles, Volcano and Cloud Forests Tour Day 3. After a hearty Caribbean breakfast, set out on a boat tour through Tortuguero National Park (park entrance fee included). Known as Costa Rica’s “little Amazon,” Tortuguero is a wildlife-rich hub where there are no roads—only rivers and canals weaving through a vast tropical rainforest. This unique setting offers one of the best opportunities wildlife photography in Costa Rica.
As you glide through the waterways, keep your camera ready. Visitors often spot two or three species of monkeys, iguanas, crested basilisk lizards (nicknamed “Jesus Christ lizards” for their ability to run on water), sloths, toucans, parrots, parakeets, caimans, and an array of dazzling water birds. With luck, you may even glimpse a crocodile or two. Tortuguero is truly a must for anyone who wants to experience the wonders of the tropical rainforest.
A typical Costa Rican lunch is included at Miss Junies Restaurant, a legendary local spot not to be missed.
In the afternoon, enjoy the Coco Tour with Cloyd at Miss Junies Lodge, where you’ll learn about the traditions and uses of the coconut in Caribbean culture.
Tonight, dinner is on your own—you may choose a local eatery in town or savor a fresh fish dish back at the hotel.
Focus: Rainforest wildlife immersion.
Locations: Tortuguero National Park.
Tip: Early mornings are best for birdwatching—consider joining a sunrise canal tour.
Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, guided boat tour, cultural activity.
Highlights: Boat safari, abundant wildlife, Caribbean culture.
Travel to Arenal Volcano
Costa Rica: Tropical Jungles, Volcano and Cloud Forests Tour Day 4. After a delicious Caribbean breakfast, return by boat to Pavona dock, then continue overland to La Fortuna, gateway to Arenal Volcano. Along the way, you’ll bid farewell to your private guide, as the next part of your adventure allows you more independence and flexibility.
On arrival, check into your hotel and enjoy the afternoon at leisure. You might choose to explore La Fortuna town on your own, browsing its local shops, visiting the central park, or stopping at a café with views of the volcano.
Lunch and dinner are on your own today, giving you the chance to sample La Fortuna’s wide range of dining options—from traditional sodas serving Costa Rican dishes to international restaurants. In the evening, relax at your hotel with the volcano as your backdrop.
Focus: Transition to Arenal and independent exploration.
Locations: Tortuguero to Arenal Volcano, La Fortuna.
What to bring: Comfortable travel clothes, light jacket.
Tip: Ask your hotel staff for local restaurant recommendations—they’ll often point you to hidden gems.
Included: Breakfast, boat and land transfers, hotel accommodations.
Excluded: Lunch, dinner, extras not specified.
Highlights: Scenic transition, volcano landscapes, independent exploration.
Whitewater Rafting on the Balsa River
Costa Rica: Tropical Jungles, Volcano and Cloud Forests Tour Day 5. Today’s adventure takes you to the Balsa River for a fun-filled Class II–III rafting experience, ideal for beginners and families. Paddle through gentle but lively rapids, then drift along calm stretches where you can admire lush rainforest scenery. Keep an eye out for toucans, herons, and playful monkeys along the riverbanks as your guide shares stories about the region’s wildlife.
Midway, enjoy a riverside picnic lunch surrounded by nature before continuing downstream. Return to your hotel in the afternoon with time to relax, swim, or explore La Fortuna at your own pace.
Focus: River adventure and rainforest exploration.
Locations: Balsa River, Arenal.
Tip: Wear secure water shoes—flip flops aren’t safe for rafting.
Included: Breakfast, lunch, rafting gear, guides, hotel accommodations.
Highlights: White water rafting tour, rainforest scenery, adventure with nature.
Monteverde Cloud Forest
Costa Rica: Tropical Jungles, Volcano and Cloud Forests Tour Day 6. After breakfast at your Monteverde hotel, transfer from Arenal to Monteverde on a scenic lake-and-land journey. Begin with a boat ride across the southern end of Lake Arenal, where breathtaking views of the volcano and surrounding mountains unfold. Continue with a 2.5-hour overland drive along rural roads—a route that saves time compared to circling the lake, though the ride can be bumpy or wet depending on weather.
Upon arrival, check into your lodge and embrace the cool mountain climate. The afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure: wander the lodge gardens, take a gentle walk through the charming town of Santa Elena, or simply relax while listening to the sounds of the cloud forest. Meals are on your own today, with excellent local restaurants nearby
Focus: Scenic lake crossing and cloud forest arrival.
Locations: Lake Arenal, Monteverde.
Tip: Keep a light jacket and waterproof bag handy—the lake crossing can get windy or rainy.
Included: Breakfast, shared boat and land transfer, hotel accommodations.
Excluded: Lunch, dinner, extras not specified.
Highlights: Scenic lake crossing, cloud forest arrival, mountain town atmosphere.
Monteverde Sky Tram & Zipline
Costa Rica: Tropical Jungles, Volcano and Cloud Forests Tour Day 7. After breakfast, experience the best of Monteverde with the Sky Tram and Sky Trek. The tram glides slowly up the Continental Divide, offering sweeping views of the misty forest canopy. At the top, switch to the ziplines, soaring across the treetops for a thrilling bird’s-eye perspective of this rare ecosystem. This combination of slow immersion and thrilling adventure captures the best of Monteverde.
In the afternoon, enjoy free time to explore Santa Elena town, take a guided walk in the Monteverde Reserve, or simply relax at your lodge surrounded by hummingbirds. Meals are on your own, with plenty of cozy cafes and restaurants nearby.
Focus: Cloud forest adventure and panoramic views.
Locations: Monteverde Sky Park, Santa Elena.
Tip: Dress in layers and pack a light rain jacket—Monteverde’s weather can shift quickly.
Included: Breakfast, Sky Tram & Sky Trek tour with equipment, hotel accommodations.
Excluded: Lunch, dinner, optional tours.
Highlights: Scenic gondola ride, thrilling ziplines, cloud forest charm.
Departure
Transfer to San José International Airport for your flight home.
Focus: Farewell journey.
Locations: Monteverde to San José.
Tip: Book an afternoon flight—Monteverde to San José transfer takes about 4.5 hours.
Included: Breakfast, private airport transfer.
Highlights: Scenic farewell, pura vida memories.
