9-Day Costa Rica with Tortuguero: Jungle Canals, Volcano & Cloud Forest

Tour Overview

Itinerary Highlights

Day 1: Arrive San Jose

Welcome to Costa Rica! Airport transfer and overnight in San Jose.

Day 2: Journey to Tortuguero

Early morning drive through Braulio Carrillo National Park to the Caribbean lowlands. Board a boat for the 2-hour journey through jungle canals to Tortuguero — a village accessible only by water or air. Afternoon exploration of Tortuguero village and Caribbean beach. Overnight at jungle lodge.

Day 3: Tortuguero National Park

Full day exploring Tortuguero’s famous canals by boat — spot howler monkeys, sloths, toucans, caimans, and river turtles in this “Amazon of Costa Rica.” Optional night walk to see nesting sea turtles (July-October). Overnight at jungle lodge.

Day 4: Return to San Jose

Morning boat back through the canals, then drive through banana plantations to San Jose. Evening at leisure.

Day 5: Arenal Volcano

Transfer to Arenal area. Afternoon visit to La Fortuna Waterfall with swimming. Evening Eco Termales hot springs — 7 thermal pools in a lush garden setting.

Day 6: Arenal Adventure

Hanging bridges canopy walk, optional zip-lining or canyoning. Afternoon at leisure or sloth-watching trail.

Day 7: Monteverde Cloud Forest

Boat across Lake Arenal, jeep to Monteverde. Afternoon coffee tour at Monteverde Coffee Co.

Day 8: Cloud Forest Reserve

Guided walk in Monteverde Reserve. Afternoon hummingbird gallery and butterfly garden.

Day 9: Return & Depart

Transfer to San Jose airport. Depart with unforgettable jungle, volcano, and cloud forest memories!

Inclusions

• 8 nights accommodation (2 nights jungle lodge, 6 nights hotels)
• Daily breakfast + meals at Tortuguero lodge
• All boat and land transfers
• Naturalist guides throughout
• All national park fees
• Hot springs admission

Why Visit Tortuguero

• Often called “Costa Rica’s Amazon” — a network of jungle canals teeming with wildlife
• One of the world’s most important nesting sites for green sea turtles
• Accessible only by boat or plane — a truly off-the-grid adventure

What’s Not Included

• Entrance fees to attractions
• Tour Guide
• Meal (lunch and dinner)
• International flights
• Travel insurance
• Personal expenses