Are you a Travel Agency? Follow this link to register with us

Vacations with Personality

COSTA RICA ESSENTIAL

Escorted Tour

9 days / 8 nights
  • About Tour
  • Tour Itinerary
  • Whats Included
  • Important Info
  • T&C
Languages English Duration 9 days / 8 nights Airline
This 9-day Costa Rica tour offers an immersive experience into the country’s diverse landscapes and attractions, beginning with Rincón de la Vieja, a volcanic region in Guanacaste known for its geothermal wonders and lush vegetation. The journey continues to the Arenal Volcano, where the iconic volcano, natural hot springs, and picturesque Lake Arenal take center stage. 

Highlights include a guided hike to La Fortuna Waterfall and a tour of Arenal National Park. The adventure moves east to Tortuguero, a lush area accessible by boat, famed for its wildlife-rich canals and sea turtle nesting sites, enjoying guided tours and nature excursions. From Tortuguero, the journey transitions to Guanacaste’s Tamarindo Beach, a tropical haven for relaxation and exploration. 

Enjoy the rest of the days surrounded by tropical gardens and pristine beaches create the perfect setting for leisure.  The tour concludes with a return to Liberia Airport for departure, wrapping up an unforgettable Costa Rican adventure.
Highlights
• Departure flight onboard WestJet on a direct flight from your departing airport (Calgary or Toronto) to Costa Rica, Liberia Airport on the selected itinerary and flight class (*)
• One free personal item, one free Carry-on and one piece of checked luggage according to booked category.
• Private transfers in - out.
• Daily activities as per chosen itinerary.
• Combo 2 in 1: Hike Sendero 1968 + Waterfall + Lunch
• Domestic Fly Tortuguero to San José
• Accommodation on the selected room category and plan. 
• 24/7 personalized assistance by our professional staff in destination.
• Option to buy additional local excursions and entrances to attractions.
• Return flight onboard WestJet from Liberia Airport to selected airport on a direct flight.

* Please note that some flight classes may already include either carry-on or checked bags on your price. Please make sure to check flight class on your booking before proceeding to pay for extras:
Economy: Personal item + carry-on. Checked bags can be added online - after bookings are completed - for a fee.
Premium: One personal item, one carry-on and 2 pieces of checked bags included
Business: (Available on selected routes). One personal item + one carry-on + 2 pieces of checked bags included
The Tour on Map Tour map image path

Itinerary

Tour day #1 photo
Day 0 Departure from Canada
Arrive on time for your departure from your departing city airport for your direct flight to Liberia, Costa Rica.

Hop aboard your WestJet flight and brace yourself for the adventure!


Tour day #2 photo
Day 1 Welcome to Costa Rica - Rincón de La Vieja
Transfer to the province of Guanacaste, to the area of Rincon de la Vieja, where one of the five most active volcanoes in the country is located. Rincon de la Vieja is considered a fascinating volcano due to its special characteristics such as sulfurous lagoons, relaxing hot springs, and fumaroles, as well as its main active crater. 

This region is surrounded by wonderful dense vegetation and is home to a plethora of insect species, and wildlife.

Accommodation at selected hotel



Tour day #3 photo
Day 2 Rincón de la Vieja - Arenal Volcano Region
Private transport Rincón de la Vieja to Liberia, where you will transfer to another unit that will take you to Arenal Volcano, one of the natural wonders of the country for its majesty. Today there aren´t lava eruptions, but you can still observe the smoke, and ash spewing out of the top of the volcano.  

The Arenal Volcano region is an exquisite destination for its attractive landscape, its hot springs, and Lake Arenal.  During the transfer, you will see agricultural plantations, ornamental plants and cattle farms.

Accommodation at selected hotel


Tour day #4 photo
Day 3 Hike Sendero 1968 - Waterfall
We are going to visit La Fortuna Waterfall; a view of the 70-meter-high waterfall and a 600 meters hike to the natural pool at the base. (Bring swim clothes, a towel, and special water shoes because of the rocky river bottom).

Later on, drive to an organic production farm near La Fortuna for lunch. At 3:00 p.m. tour continues to the Arenal National Park, in here the tour guide will talk about the natural and geological history of the volcano, cross a path of solid lava and enjoy an excellent view over the volcano and Lake Arenal.

Accommodation at selected hotel. Breakfast included.


Tour day #5 photo
Day 4 Arenal - Guápiles - Tortuguero
Departure in the morning from Arenal, until you reach the area of Guápiles where you will enjoy a delicious typical breakfast. 

On the way, you will pass through banana plantations until you reach the pier where you will board your boat. From here the boat ride will continue crossing rivers and canals for approximately an hour and a half until arriving at the hotel for lunch time.  In the afternoon, guided tour of the pictures in town of Tortuguero.

Accommodation at selected hotel. Dinner included in the lodge.

Due to your next coming flight from Tortuguero to San Jose please check baggage allowance restrictions:

For flights operated in Cessna Grand Caravan: you have included 1 piece of checked baggage with a maximum weight of 30 lbs./14 kgs and maximum dimensions of 45 inches / 114 cm. (length + height + width).

If you are carrying any extra bags, please contact your local guide to arrange delivery of your baggage, at no extra charge, to your hotel in Tamarindo Beach.



Tour day #6 photo
Day 5 Tortuguero at leisure
Tour through the canals of the Tortuguero National Park, where you can see turtles, monkeys, birds and other species of tropical fauna.

Accommodation at selected hotel. Dinner included in the lodge.

Meet your local guide, at 08:30, if you need to deliver your baggage to Tamarindo, as per allowance restrictions for your next flight to San José.


Tour day #7 photo
Day 6 Domestic Fly Tortuguero to San José
In the morning, transfer by boat to the Tortuguero airstrip to take a boat ride to the Domestic flight to San José International Airport. 

Transfer to the Pacific coast of Costa Rica in the region of Guanacaste. 

This province has earned a name for itself as a tropical paradise with an unspoiled coastline, beautiful mountains, and a series of majestic volcanoes. You can also enjoy different activities such as nature, and cultural activities; you will be delighted with beautiful panoramic views of the coast and discover the variety of flora and fauna native to the Guanacaste region. 

You will find the amazing Guanacaste trees and a variety of monkeys, coatis, and birds on a private farm.

Accommodation at selected hotel. Breakfast included.

Pick your baggage up, on arrival, at the Reception Desk.


Tour day #8 photo
Day 7 Day at leisure in Tamarindo Beach
Enjoy this day in Tamarindo Beach at your own pace.

Accommodation at selected hotel. Breakfast included.


Tour day #9 photo
Day 8 Day at leisure in Tamarindo Beach
Enjoy this day in Tamarindo Beach at your own pace.

Accommodation at selected hotel. Breakfast included.


Tour day #10 photo
Day 9 Bye, bye Costa Rica
Adios Costa Rica!

Arrive on time at Liberia Airport for your direct WestJet flight to your destination in Canada.
Whats Included
• Departure flight onboard WestJet on a direct flight from your departing airport (Calgary or Toronto) to Costa Rica, Liberia Airport on the selected itinerary and flight class (*)
• One free personal item, one free Carry-on and one piece of checked luggage according to booked category.
• Private transfers in - out.
• Inter hotels transfers.
• Daily activities as per chosen itinerary.
• Accommodation on the selected room category and plan. 
Domestic Flight Tortuguero - San José**
• 24/7 personalized assistance by our professional staff in destination.
• Option to buy additional local excursions and entrances to attractions.
• Return flight onboard WestJet from Liberia Airport to selected airport on a direct flight.

* Please note that some flight classes may already include either carry-on or checked bags on your price. Please make sure to check flight class on your booking before proceeding to pay for extras:
Economy: Personal item + carry-on. Checked bags can be added online - after bookings are completed - for a fee.
Premium: One personal item, one carry-on and 2 pieces of checked bags included
Business: (Available on selected routes). One personal item + one carry-on + 2 pieces of checked bags included

**Check baggage allowance restrictions for your domestic flight Tortuguero - San José
• For flights operated in Cessna Grand Caravan: you have included 1 piece of checked baggage with a maximum weight of 30 lbs./14 kgs and maximum dimensions of 45 inches / 114 cm. (length + height + width).
• If you are carrying any extra bags, please contact your local guide to arrange delivery of your baggage, at no extra charge, to your hotel in Tamarindo Beach.

ACCOMODATION:

Superior Category:
• Rincón de la Vieja Volcano - Borinquen Mountain Resort & Spa
• Arenal Volcano -  Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa
• Tortuguero National Park - Manatus Lodge
• Tamarindo Beach - Cala Luna & Villas

Standard Category
• Rincón de la Vieja Volcano - Borinquen Mountain Resort & Spa
• Arenal Volcano - Volcano Lodge
• Tortuguero National Park -  Mawamba Lodge
• Tamarindo Beach - Tamarindo Diría Beach Resort

Comfort Category
 Rincón de la Vieja Volcano - Borinquen Mountain Resort & Spa
• Arenal Volcano - Arenal Paraíso Resort & Spa
• Tortuguero National Park - Laguna Lodge
• Tamarindo Beach - Wyndham Tamarindo
Whats Not Included
. Baggage porterage at airport/hotel
. Personal travel insurance (highly recommended)
. Beverages, snacks, lunches, dinners unless otherwise noted in itinerary 
. Guaranteed early check-in
. Guaranteed late check-out 
. Any service not specifically listed under "Included"
What to bring to Costa Rica?

- Sunscreen and insect repellent.
- Comfortable t-shirts and pants.
- Footwear: waterproof and lightweight hiking boots, river sandals (such as Teva sandals), and a pair of sneakers.
- If traveling to Tortuguero during the turtle nesting season (June-September), bring dark-colored pants and shirts, and closed-toe shoes.
- Rain gear: poncho, waterproof jacket, and umbrella.
- Hat, visor, cap, and sunglasses for sun protection.
- Reusable water bottle for hikes.
- Charger for electronic devices and a U.S.-style adapter.
- Medications.
- Small backpack for hikes.

Check baggage allowance restrictions for your domestic flight Tortuguero - San José
• For flights operated in Cessna Grand Caravan: you have included 1 piece of checked baggage with a maximum weight of 30 lbs./14 kgs and maximum dimensions of 45 inches / 114 cm. (length + height + width).
• If you are carrying on any extra bags, please contact your local guide to arrange delivery of your baggage to your hotel in Tamarindo Beach.

In case of emergency please contact our local Representatives:

Best of Costa Rica | Tour Operator & DMC
El Robledal, La Uruca, San José; from the Hotel Barceló San José Palacio, 400m North & 100m East, corner house
Costa Rica
Email: info@bestcostaricadmc.com
Tel: +506 8936 1212

TERMS AND CONDITIONS FROM THE TOUR OPERATOR

Please read and accept the following Terms and Conditions to continue with your purchase of any product offered by THE SPECIAL TRAVEL CORPORATION.
Read more


TERMS AND CONDITIONS FROM THE AIRLINE

Please read and accept the following Terms and Conditions to continue with your purchase of any product or air segment offered by WESTJET Airlines.
Read more


TERMS AND CONDITIONS FROM THE DESTINATION MANAGEMENT COMPANY

Please read carefully the Terms and Conditions applicable to the services offered by Best of Costa Rica (local Destination Management Company in Costa Rica)

Read more
Vacations with Personality