8-Day Costa Rica Adventure Tour

costa rica attractions

This program includes the most interesting and visited sites in the country. It is an excellent option for travelers visiting Costa Rica for the first time, offering a chance to experience the country in the best possible way while enjoying its nature, traditional foods, customs, and the kindness of its people.

You will visit the Monteverde Cloud Forest area, which has captured the world's attention from biologists, conservationists, and ecologists. The area has been the focus of much research over the past 45 years and is renowned for its natural scenery and abundant biodiversity within a tropical cloud forest, as well as its alpine climate that enhances the rural experience of Costa Rica.

The next destination takes you to the northern plains, where the iconic Arenal Volcano is located. Its almost perfect cone is surrounded by a wide variety of attractions and activities, making it a must-visit destination.



The final visit is to Tortuguero National Park, located in the jungle-covered northern Caribbean region of Costa Rica. Accessible only by boat or small plane, you will travel by boat to Tortuguero, crossing various canals where you can admire the abundant flora and fauna in the heart of the tropical rainforest, making it a paradise for ecotourism.

8 days & 7 Nights PRogram

Day 1: November 23, 2025 - San Jose

Arrival at Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO):

A representative from Swiss Travel will meet you at the main exit of the airport. At that time, you will receive the necessary documentation for your vacation, including your itinerary, important general information, contact telephone numbers, and answers to any questions you may have. You will then be transferred to your selected hotel in San José, where you will spend your first night in Costa Rica.

Day 2: November 24, 2025 - San Jose to Monteverde

This morning, you will transfer to the high mountains of the Tilarán Mountain Range, specifically to the Cloud Forest area in Monteverde. The private transfer from San José to Monteverde (approximately 3 hours) will not include a guide.

Monteverde is renowned for its rich and diverse tropical cloud forest. The vegetation, covered with orchids, bromeliads, mosses, and other lush plant life, creates a stunning natural appeal. The cool climate enhances the rural experience of this region.

Upon arrival, check in at your selected hotel, where you will stay for the next two nights.

The rest of the day is free for you to explore some of the area’s attractions (at an additional cost), such as the Sky Walk—a system of trails and hanging bridges—Sky Trek (zip lines), horseback riding, the Trapiche cultural tour, the butterfly garden, and more.

Breakfast included

Day 3: November 25, 2025 - Monteverde (Visit to the Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve)

This morning, a shared excursion is scheduled to the Monteverde Cloud Forest Private Reserve.

Monteverde is world-renowned as the perfect destination for those who enjoy being surrounded by nature. The Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve spans over 10,500 hectares and is located 6 km from the town of Santa Elena. Situated at an altitude of 1,200 to 1,600 meters, this cloud forest offers an opportunity to explore a unique ecosystem. It allows visitors to compare the biodiversity of a rainforest with that of a cloud forest, highlighting Costa Rica’s wealth of natural treasures.



During this guided hike, you will explore the diverse ecosystems of the region while learning about the unique and endemic wildlife that inhabits the area. Equally captivating is the flora of the cloud forest, including orchids, bromeliads, and other remarkable plant species.

Duration: Approximately 3–4 hours

Includes: Transportation, bilingual expert guide, and entrance.

Important: It is recommended to bring comfortable, closed walking shoes, a sweater or jacket, a poncho, and a camera. If you have binoculars, it is a good idea to bring them as well.

The rest of the afternoon is free for you to relax or explore at your leisure.

Accommodation: At the selected hotel in the area.

Breakfast included

Day 4: November 26, 2025 - Monteverde to Arenal (Boat Tour on Lake Arenal)

Start your day with an early morning breakfast at the hotel.

Today, we will transfer from Monteverde to Arenal, a journey that includes a scenic boat ride on Lake Arenal—one of the largest and most important lakes in Costa Rica. Traveling across Lake Arenal is the fastest and most picturesque way to journey between Monteverde and La Fortuna.

Lake Arenal, created in 1974 to generate hydroelectric energy, is also a haven for many species of resident and migratory birds. With a bit of luck, you might even spot mammals along the shore, such as monkeys, peccaries, or deer. This experience not only serves as transportation but also offers the unique opportunity to enjoy a serene boat ride surrounded by stunning natural beauty.

Upon arrival in La Fortuna de San Carlos, and weather permitting, you’ll be greeted by the country’s most iconic natural landmark: the majestic Arenal Volcano, with its impressive volcanic cone.

Check in to your selected hotel, where you will stay for the next two nights.

Breakfast included

Day 5: November 27, 2025 - Arenal (Tour of the Hanging Bridges)

The expert eye of your guide will provide a unique opportunity to appreciate the delicate balance of mystical life happening at every moment during the guided tour of the hanging bridges near Arenal Volcano.

Our guides, specialists in the field of natural history, will accompany you in uncovering the hidden secrets of this forest, which serves as a sanctuary for wildlife.

One of the key advantages of having a specialist guide is their extensive knowledge of the species inhabiting the reserve, enabling visitors to observe a greater variety of wildlife across the canopy, undergrowth, and forest floor.



With the guidance of these experts, you will gain a deeper understanding of the tropical rainforest’s intricate balance and complexity. Learn about interspecific relationships, their vital importance, and the dynamic interactions that define this unique ecosystem—all during this unforgettable guided tour.

Duration: Approximately 2.5 hrs

Distance: 3.2 km total (short version: 1.9 km)

Includes: Transportation, specialized guide, and entrance to the hanging bridges

You must bring closed shoes, as they are mandatory for park entry. If you do not wear closed shoes, you will not be permitted to enter. It is recommended to bring a camera, mosquito repellent, sunscreen, and a poncho.

The rest of the afternoon is free.

Accommodation: At the selected hotel in the area.

Breakfast included

Day 6: November 28, 2025 - Arenal to Tortuguero

This morning, you will leave La Fortuna, Arenal Volcano, and head early towards the plains of the North Caribbean, where the main attraction is Tortuguero National Park, one of the most exuberant national parks in Costa Rica.

The tour passes through the Sarapiquí area, where you can see various pineapple and palm plantations. As you approach the pier, you will also pass by banana plantations.

As you near the Caribbean plains, you will notice a change in the weather, becoming hot and humid, but still pleasant. You will continue along rural roads until you reach the local dock, where the boat will be waiting to take you to Tortuguero. The boat ride (approximately 1 ½ hours) will take you through the canals surrounded by the rainforest, offering a chance to appreciate the unique flora and fauna of the area, as well as various species of birds.

Upon arrival at the selected lodge, you will check in and may receive a briefing about the hotel, the area, and the activities to be carried out, followed by lunch. You will stay at the selected lodge for the next two nights.



In the afternoon, you will visit the town of Tortuguero, where you will learn about the lifestyle of the local Caribbean people, including their colorful houses surrounded by beautiful canals. You will also learn about the conservation efforts developed by some NGOs to protect the sea turtles that come to spawn every year along the 22 kilometers of protected coast.

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included

Day 7: November 29, 2025 - Tortuguero

Today, we will explore some of the secondary canals of this paradise by boat, allowing us to observe nature in greater detail. A natural network of canals and navigable lagoons that crosses the park offers the opportunity to see the biological diversity of this region up close. The variety of birds, turtles, reptiles, forests, and even some mammals are particularly notable.

The park covers a total of 76,316 hectares, of which 26,156 are terrestrial, situated within a mosaic of deltas in a fluvial plain where wetlands are mainly preserved. A significant portion of the park also covers the beaches and marine area (primarily established for the protection of sea turtles). The average rainfall in the area ranges from 4,500 to 6,000 mm per year.

The rest of the day is free for you to relax or explore.

From July to September, you can join the optional nighttime turtle-watching excursion (at an additional cost) to witness one of nature's most impressive events: the massive arrival of sea turtles, who travel hundreds of kilometers to lay their eggs on the beach.

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included

Day 8: November 30, 2025 - Tortuguero to San José

Breakfast will be served between 7:00 and 9:00 am at the hotel. After breakfast, we will begin our return to San José by boat at approximately 9:00 am, arriving at the embarkation port around 11:00 am, where the minibus will be waiting.



Lunch will be provided en route at a local restaurant. From this point, we will continue by transport either to return to San José or to stay in Guácimo (transfer time approximately 2.5 hours).

Breakfast and lunch included

What’s Included? Superior Category Option

LODGING

• One (1) night in a Standard category room in San José
• Two (2) nights in a Deluxe category room in Monteverde
• Two (2) nights in a Junior Suite category room in Arenal
• Two (2) nights in a Hostel category room in Tortuguero
  

Services & Experiences

• Half-day guided and shared visit to the Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve, day 3
• Half-day guided and shared visit to the Mystic Hanging Bridges in Arenal, day 5
• Scheduled excursion to the town of Tortuguero, day 7
• Shared guided boat tour through the canals of Tortuguero National Park, day 7
• Guided and shared walk along the hotel trails with a local guide, day 8
  
  

FEEDING

• Breakfast: 08
• Lunch: 03
• Dinner: 02
  

TRANSPORT

• Private transfer with guide assistance from Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) to the hotel in San José, day 1
• Private transportation service with bilingual guide assistance (English/Spanish) for activities and transfers scheduled from day 2 to day 6, when we drop the group off at the local dock to go to Tortuguero
• Private transfer from Monteverde to the Arenal area (land), day 4
• Shared transfer with guide assistance by boat from the local dock to Tortuguero, day 6
• Round-trip transfer for the day’s excursions on the agenda in Tortuguero, day 7
• Shared transfer with guide assistance by boat from the hotel in Tortuguero to the local dock, day 8
• Private transfer from the local pier to San José or stop en route for extension in Guácimo, day 8
  

OTHER SERVICES INCLUDED

• Welcome at the airport, including a sign inside the airport at immigration
• One bottle of water (355 ml) per person during arrival transfer
• Wi-Fi on board the transport
  

NOT INCLUDED

• Tips for porters at the airport (entry/exit)
• Tips for maids and bellhops in hotels
• Tips for guides, drivers, or boat captains
• Bottle of water during transfers
• Other excursions, meals, or drinks not included in the itinerary
• Alcoholic beverages