Tour Description

Wanna get off the beaten path and sample the biggest and best national parks in Costa Rica? Kicking off in the glorious capital city, you’ll embark on an adventure that’s awash with wildlife, waterfalls, wow-factor historical sites and more. In just one week, you’ll flicker from road-tripping to canal-cruising – you’ll see sloths and sea turtles up close, you’ll take hikes through some of the nation’s most dazzling protected areas, and you’ll even learn to surf on white sand beaches (with plenty of sunbathing too).

Priced From:

$ 2759pp ^*

From: 2025-06-23

To: 2025-10-06

Start Location: San Jose (Costa Rica), Costa Rica

End Location: San Jose (Costa Rica), Costa Rica

Trip Type: In-depth Explorer

Tour Advisors

Tiffany McCrea-Lennon

Managing Director

Chris McKinnel

Travel Specialist

Gaylyn Murdoch

Administration Manager

Russell Mein

Travel Specialist

Holly Skene

Travel Co-ordinator

Kim Thomas

Broker

Itinerary

Start San José

Day 1

Duration: 1

Accommodation: Auténtico Hotel (or similar)

Well hello there, and welcome to Costa Rica. Today we’ll go from one extreme to the next, with a locally guided tour of the Poás Volcano National Park – which includes a chance to see the summit – followed by a walking tour in San José: Costa Rica’s magnificent capital city. First things first though, it’s time to meet your Contiki crew…

San José to Puerto Viejo

Day 2

Duration: 1

Accommodation: Villas Del Caribe (or similar)

We’ll rise bright and early this morning to make our way to Puerto Viejo (with a sweet lil stop-off along the way…). We'll head to Turrialba (also known for its volcano, and actually named after the ‘white smoke’ said volcano used to emit), we’ll bask in the area’s sprawling natural beauty, and then visit the Guayabo National Monument for a healthy dose of ancient architecture. This evening, we’ll arrive at the Caribbean coastal town of Puerto Viejo – known for its surf-savvy beaches, rainforests, wetlands and jaguar conservation efforts. You’re free to explore with your Contiki crew, and your Trip Manager will give you a brief orientation tour to help you on your way.

Puerto Viejo

Day 3

Duration: 1

Accommodation: Villas Del Caribe (or similar)

Today we’ll spend the whole day exploring Puerto Viejo – and boy does this town deserve it. We’ll go hiking in Cahuita National Park (one of the most famous national parks in Costa Rica, where you might just see sloths IRL) and check out some of the best beaches in Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica and indeed the world too.

Puerto Viejo

Day 4

Duration: 1

Accommodation: Villas Del Caribe (or similar)

Wakey wakey. It’s Day 4. We have another full day in Puerto Viejo today, and some truly epic optional activities await. With river kayaking, surf lessons and a visit to a sloth sanctuary on today’s menu, there’s something for just about everyone. Also, we won’t be offended if you choose to spend today doing your own thing, or just kicking back on the coast (those white sand beaches are pretty moreish, after all).

Puerto Viejo to Tortuguero

Day 5

Duration: 1

Accommodation: Pachira Lodge Special Stay

All aboard! Today we’ll take a boat trip through canals and rivers to reach Tortuguero – another of the unmissable national parks in Costa Rica. Does it get more picturesque than this? We don’t think so. Once we set foot back on dry land, we’ll have a turtle-y awesome afternoon/evening waiting for us. That’s right, we’ll visit a sea turtle conservancy on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience… followed by the unique opportunity to go turtle-spotting at night! Wondering what else to do tonight in Tortuguero? Fear not – your Trip Manager will give you a brief orientation tour, pointing out all the unmissable viewpoints and food spots.

Tortuguero

Day 6

Duration: 1

Accommodation: Pachira Lodge

Sure, Tortuguero is known for its sea turtles, but there’s way more wildlife to spot here – and that’s exactly what we’ll do today. We’ll take a boat trip along the winding canals, keeping our eyes peeled for monkeys, birds and more animals, not forgetting spectacular views. Tonight, after checking out one of the world’s more beautiful national parks, you’ll have another free night to explore.

Tortuguero to San José

Day 7

Duration: 1

Tortuguero, you’ve been tantalising. We’re all better and more well-rounded people now, but sadly it’s time to make our way back to where the adventure began… And that… is… that. We’ve spent one week in Costa Rica. You’re back in San José, where you’re free to explore for a while longer or make your way back to the airport. Whichever path you’re choosing, we’re pretty sure this won’t be the last time you’ll be seeing your new Contiki crew.

Dates & prices

Start Date: 2025-06-23

End Date: 2025-06-29

twin

Child Price:

Adult Price: 2759

twinShare

Child Price:

Adult Price: 2759

single

Child Price:

Adult Price: 3501

Start Date: 2025-07-14

End Date: 2025-07-20

twin

Child Price:

Adult Price: 2759

twinShare

Child Price:

Adult Price: 2759

single

Child Price:

Adult Price: 3501

Start Date: 2025-07-28

End Date: 2025-08-03

twin

Child Price:

Adult Price: 2759

twinShare

Child Price:

Adult Price: 2759

single

Child Price:

Adult Price: 3501

Start Date: 2025-08-18

End Date: 2025-08-24

twin

Child Price:

Adult Price: 2759

twinShare

Child Price:

Adult Price: 2759

single

Child Price:

Adult Price: 3501

Start Date: 2025-09-08

End Date: 2025-09-14

twin

Child Price:

Adult Price: 2759

twinShare

Child Price:

Adult Price: 2759

single

Child Price:

Adult Price: 3501

Start Date: 2025-10-06

End Date: 2025-10-12

twin

Child Price:

Adult Price: 2759

twinShare

Child Price:

Adult Price: 2759

single

Child Price:

Adult Price: 3501

Costa Rica National Parks

Tour Advisors

Itinerary

Dates & prices