Tropical paradise
Costa Rica
- 12 days
- 11 nights
- 28 meals
Departures: May 20, 2026, Jun 17, 2026 + 6 other dates
Price from $3,369
Costa RicaPura vida
From palm-lined beaches bathed in blue to volcano-topped jungles lush with life, Costa Rica is a tropical paradise made for nature lovers. Few countries have so many natural wonders in one place, tucked between the Caribbean and the Pacific. Experience la pura vida as you paddle the canals of Tortuguero, delighting in the private biological reserve at Monteverde or admiring the incredible biodiversity. It doesn’t get any better than this!
Cities on itinerary:
San José, Puerto Viejo, Sarapiqui, La Fortuna, Monteverde, Rincon de la Vieja, Tamarindo, Liberia
- Fast
- CAA-Quebec host
Highlights:
- Diverse fauna and flora
- Tortuguero National Park
- Exploration of three volcanoes
- Hanging bridges of Monteverde
Itinerary
- Day 1: Montréal – San José
Flight to San José. Arrive at the airport and transfer to the hotel. Auténtico Hotel 3* (Jan. and Feb.) or Delta Hotels by Marriott San José Aurola 3* (March)
- Day 2: San José
Spend the morning as you please. In the afternoon, go on a walking tour of downtown San José, including its pedestrian streets, the Barrio Amon district, the artisan market, and Central Market. Cap off the day with a welcome drink followed by dinner. (B-D)
- Day 3: San José – Irazú Volcano – Puerto Viejo (270km – 6hr.)
Depart for Irazú Volcano. Climb up to the volcano and enjoy a walk while admiring breathtaking views. Stop at the Potrero Cerrado viewpoint, where you can look out over the city of Cartago. Have dinner en route while heading to Puerto Viejo. Shawandha Lodge 3* (Jan.) or Olinca Boutique Hotel 4* (Feb. and March) (B-L)
- Day 4: Puerto Viejo (60km – 1hr. 30min.)
Pay a morning visit to a wildlife refuge and meet some of the residents, including sloths, monkeys, and a wide variety of birds. In the afternoon, visit Cahuita National Park, known for its white sandy beaches lined with coconut trees and its diverse wildlife. Enjoy free time on an almost deserted beach. Head to Puerto Viejo to soak up the laid-back charm of this seaside village. (B-L)
- Day 5: Puerto Viejo – Tortuguero National Park (210km – 4hr. drive and 1hr. 15min. boat ride)
Travel towards the pier for Tortuguero National Park. Embark on a scenic boat ride to the Caribbean village of Tortuguero. Spend the rest of the afternoon as you please. Turtle Beach Lodge 3* (Jan.) or Pachira Lodge 3* (Feb. and March) (B-L-D)
- Day 6 : Tortuguero National Park
In the morning, set out on a boat excursion to explore the park’s winding canals. Then join a local guide for a hike along the lodge’s trails to discover the fauna and flora. Spend the afternoon as you please. (B-L-D)
- Day 7: Tortuguero National Park – Sarapiquí (110km – 1hr. 15min. boat ride and 2hr. 30min. drive)
Dock at the pier, then continue by road to the Sarapiquí region. Stop at a heart of palm plantation for a tour, followed by tasting and lunch on site. Continue your journey by road to the hotel. Aranwa Sarapiquí Rainforest Lodge 3* (B-L-D)
- Day 8 : Sarapiquí – La Fortuna (95km – 2hr.)
Take a guided walk through the forest of the Tirimbina Biological Reserve. Discover the secrets of chocolate making, followed by a tasting. Travel to the hotel. In the evening, unwind in the soothing thermal waters of the EcoTermales Fortuna and have dinner. Montaña de Fuego Mountain Resort & Spa 4* (B-L-D)
- Day 9 : La Fortuna – Arenal National Park – La Fortuna (45km – 1hr. 15min.)
Spend the morning exploring Arenal Volcano National Park. For lunch head to Arenal Vida Campesina, a traditional restaurant. Take a guided tour of the property to learn the botanical secrets and natural benefits of certain plants. Enjoy a tasting of sugar cane and other products. Have dinner at the hotel. (B-L-D)
- Day 10 : La Fortuna – Monteverde (125km – 3hr 45min.)
Travel toward the Monteverde Cloud Forest for lunch at a local restaurant. Then see the forest from above on a series of hanging bridges and observation platforms. Enjoy some free time in Monteverde. Cala Lodge 3* (Jan. and Feb.) or Monteverde Country Lodge 3* (March) (B-L)
- Day 11 : Monteverde – Rincón de la Vieja (175km – 3hr. 30min.)
In the morning, visit a fair trade organic coffee plantation, followed by a tasting of the different products. Stop at the Llanos de Cortés falls to enjoy a picnic lunch and relax on the beach. Continue to the hotel. Rinconcito Lodge 3* (Jan.) or Hacienda La Pacifica 3* (Feb. and March) (B-L-D)
- Day 12 : Rincón de la Vieja – Tamarindo (120 km - 3 hr.)
Excursion to the Rincón de la Vieja National Park to witness century-old trees and astonishing volcanic phenomena. Onward to the seaside town of Tamarindo. Occidental Tamarindo Resort 4* (B-L-D)
- Day 13 : Tamarindo
Free day with an all-inclusive package. Farewell dinner. (B-L-D)
- Day 14: Tamarindo – Liberia (70km - 1 hr. 45 min.) – Montreal
Transfer to the airport and return flight to Montreal. (B)
- Day 15: Montreal
Flight arrival.
Inclusions
Montreal – San Jose and Liberia – Montreal flights
Transportation by tour bus
Transfers
13 nights in 3* and 4* accomodation
Tours, excursions, and activities listed in the itinerary
One choice of beverages during meals
French-speaking CAA-Quebec host and guides
Costa Rican airport tax of US29$
Individual earphones
Travel guidebook
Applicable taxes
Travel insurance
Baggage handling
Tips and personal expenses
Anything not listed in the “Price includes” section
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Host
Wim Bless
“I travel the world with great enthusiasm, still as fascinated as ever by the discovery of other peoples and cultures.”
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Our exclusive group tours are designed to ensure an enriching, friendly, and fuss-free experience:
- French-speaking tour host
- Generous inclusions and exclusive excursions
- Members earn CAA Dollars back
- 15% back in CAA Dollars at the Boutique
- Rewards for loyal travellers
Rates are per person, based on double occupancy. The accommodation establishments listed may be changed without prior notice. Please note that group flight contracts do not allow for seat selection. We therefore recommend that you check in with the airlines 24 hours before departure. This offer may be withdrawn at any time without prior notice. Read the full terms and conditions.
If the scheduled flight is operated by Air France or KLM, only the Air France/KLM shuttle bus service will be available for passengers departing from Québec City.