Costa Rica National Parks

Costa Rica National Parks

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7 Days From

$1915

$1724

Costa Rica National Parks

7 Days Starting and ending in San José, Costa Rica

Visiting: San José, Puerto Viejo, Tortuguero

Tour operator:

Contiki

Tour code:

CRNP20

Specialist Group:

18-30 Somethings

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Medium

Age range:

18-35

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians

Tour operated in:

English
From: $1915 $1724 Operator discount: -$191

NB: Prices correct on 22-Oct-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Embark on an unforgettable journey through Costa Rica's stunning national parks with the "Costa Rica National Parks" tour. Begin your adventure in San José, exploring the Poás Volcano National Park with its breathtaking waterfalls and active volcano. Discover the vibrant culture and architecture of Costa Rica's capital before heading to the Caribbean coastal town of Puerto Viejo. Here, you'll enjoy an orientation tour, visit the diverse Cahuita National Park, and relax on the dreamlike beaches of Playa Blanca and Punta Uva. Continue to Tortuguero, where you'll witness turtles in their natural habitat and take a scenic boat trip through wildlife-rich canals. With comfortable accommodations and scenic travel by bus and boat, this tour offers an immersive experience of Costa Rica's natural beauty and wildlife. Optional activities like river kayaking and surf lessons in Puerto Viejo add to the adventure, making this a perfect getaway for nature enthusiasts.

Highlights

  • Explore Poás Volcano National Park in San José, featuring waterfalls, a coffee farm, and an active volcano.

  • Discover the parks and architecture of Costa Rica's capital, San José, with a local guide.

  • Visit Cahuita National Park in Puerto Viejo, known for its coral reefs, ancient shipwrecks, and tropical forests.

  • Experience the stunning beaches of Playa Blanca, Puerto Vargas, Punta Uva, and Manzanillo in Puerto Viejo.

  • Witness turtles in their natural habitat in Tortuguero with an expert guide.

  • Take a boat trip along the winding canals of Tortuguero to spot wildlife like herons, kingfishers, and monkeys.

  • Visit a sea turtle conservancy in Tortuguero and go turtle-spotting at night.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Start San José

Location: San José

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Auténtico Hotel (or similar)

Meals Included: Dinner

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…

Day 2: San José To Puerto Viejo

Location: Puerto Viejo

Accommodation Name: Villas Del Caribe (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

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.

Day 3: Puerto Viejo

Location: Puerto Viejo

Accommodation Name: Villas Del Caribe (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

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.

Day 4: Puerto Viejo

Location: Puerto Viejo

Accommodation Name: Villas Del Caribe (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

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).

Day 5: Puerto Viejo To Tortuguero

Location: Tortuguero

Accommodation: Lodge

Accommodation Name: Pachira Lodge Special Stay

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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.

Day 6: Tortuguero

Location: Tortuguero

Accommodation: Lodge

Accommodation Name: Pachira Lodge

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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.

Day 7: Tortuguero To San José

Location: San José

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

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.

What's Included

  • Guided Tour of Poás Volcano National Park

    Explore Poás Volcano National Park with a local guide, including waterfalls, a coffee farm, and an active volcano.

  • San José City Tour

    Discover the Costa Rican capital's parks and architecture with a local guide.

  • Orientation Tour in Puerto Viejo

    Orientation tour highlighting the best bucket list spots in Puerto Viejo.

  • Visit to Cahuita National Park

    Visit Cahuita National Park, home to coral reefs, ancient shipwrecks, and tropical forests.

  • Beach Experience in Puerto Viejo

    Experience the dream beaches of Playa Blanca, Puerto Vargas, Punta Uva, and Manzanillo.

  • Turtle Watching in Tortuguero

    Witness turtles in their natural habitat with an expert guide.

  • Boat Trip in Tortuguero

    Boat trip along winding canals to spot wildlife like herons, kingfishers, and monkeys.

  • Visit to Sea Turtle Conservancy

    Visit a sea turtle conservancy and go turtle-spotting at night.

  • Transport

    Travel between destinations by bus and boat, ensuring a scenic and immersive journey through Costa Rica's diverse landscapes and national parks.

  • Accommodation

    Stay at the Auténtico Hotel in San José, Villas Del Caribe in Puerto Viejo, and Pachira Lodge in Tortuguero, offering comfortable and convenient lodging throughout your Costa Rica adventure.

show more

What's Not Included

Optional activities such as river kayaking, surf lessons, and a visit to a sloth sanctuary are not included.

Dining Summary

  • 3 Dinner (D)
  • 6 Breakfast (B)
  • 3 Lunch (L)

Active

  • Tortuguero: Even just the words ‘wilderness trail’ give us goosebumps, as we get psyched up to see the Costa Rican wildlife and landscapes.

Culture

  • San José: We’ll check out the Costa Rican capital with a local guide on hand to point out the prettiest parks and most awe-inspiring architecture (both of which we’ll see in abundance).
  • San José: With archaeological structures dating back as far as 1000 BC, this is a perfect combination of human creativity and the beauty of Mother Nature. No trip to Costa Rica would be complete without it.
  • Puerto Viejo: Before you embark on your free night in Puerto Viejo, your Trip Manager will give you a quick orientation tour to show you where the best bucket list spots are.
  • Tortuguero: Your Trip Manager will give you a quick orientation tour to show you where the best bucket list spots are. Oh, and don’t panic, they’ll also recommend their favourite eateries too.
  • Puerto Viejo: …and marvel at the gorgeous Caribbean Sea as you go!
  • Tortuguero: These winding canals are home to all sorts of wildlife, including herons, kingfishers, poison dart frogs and a few types of monkey too – so keep your eyes peeled (and your camera at the ready too).

Included Experience

  • San José: Trust us when we say, this one’s really ‘summit’. Home to waterfalls, a coffee farm and a miasmic active volcano too – we’ll explore this momentous national park with a local guide on hand to impart all their knowledge.
  • San José: We’ll check out the Costa Rican capital with a local guide on hand to point out the prettiest parks and most awe-inspiring architecture (both of which we’ll see in abundance).
  • San José: With archaeological structures dating back as far as 1000 BC, this is a perfect combination of human creativity and the beauty of Mother Nature. No trip to Costa Rica would be complete without it.
  • Puerto Viejo: Before you embark on your free night in Puerto Viejo, your Trip Manager will give you a quick orientation tour to show you where the best bucket list spots are.
  • Puerto Viejo: Of all the Costa Rica national parks, this might be the most diverse – home to coral reefs, ancient shipwrecks and tropical forests (where you might just see a sloth or two…). Basically, there’s no adventure quite like a Cahuita adventure.
  • Puerto Viejo: Basically, when you close your eyes and picture the beach of your dreams, these are what you’re picturing (you just don’t know it yet). Today you’ll experience Playa Blanca, Punta Uva and Manazanillo in all their perfect palm-tree-lined glory. It’s a Caribbean paradise and then some.
  • Tortuguero: Your Trip Manager will give you a quick orientation tour to show you where the best bucket list spots are. Oh, and don’t panic, they’ll also recommend their favourite eateries too.
  • Tortuguero: On this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, you’ll meet the good folks who work tirelessly to protect and rehabilitate the sea turtles of Costa Rica. Oh, and you’ll also see the turtles for yourself…
  • Tortuguero: With an expert guide on hand to impart all their knowledge, we’ll head out to witness turtles in their natural habitat. You may even see babies hatching too!
  • Puerto Viejo: …and marvel at the gorgeous Caribbean Sea as you go!
  • Tortuguero: These winding canals are home to all sorts of wildlife, including herons, kingfishers, poison dart frogs and a few types of monkey too – so keep your eyes peeled (and your camera at the ready too).
  • Tortuguero: Even just the words ‘wilderness trail’ give us goosebumps, as we get psyched up to see the Costa Rican wildlife and landscapes.

Nature

  • San José: Trust us when we say, this one’s really ‘summit’. Home to waterfalls, a coffee farm and a miasmic active volcano too – we’ll explore this momentous national park with a local guide on hand to impart all their knowledge.
  • Tortuguero: On this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, you’ll meet the good folks who work tirelessly to protect and rehabilitate the sea turtles of Costa Rica. Oh, and you’ll also see the turtles for yourself…

Check out our Q&As

  • What type of wildlife can I expect to see during the tour in Tortuguero?

    In Tortuguero, you can expect to see a variety of wildlife including herons, kingfishers, monkeys, and possibly even sea turtles in their natural habitat.

  • Are there any optional activities available during the tour?

    Yes, in Puerto Viejo, there are optional activities such as river kayaking, surf lessons, and a visit to a sloth sanctuary.

  • What kind of transportation is used during the tour?

    The tour includes travel between destinations by bus and boat, providing a scenic and immersive journey through Costa Rica's diverse landscapes and national parks.

  • What kind of accommodation is provided during the tour?

    Accommodation includes stays at the Auténtico Hotel in San José, Villas Del Caribe in Puerto Viejo, and Pachira Lodge in Tortuguero, offering comfortable and convenient lodging throughout the adventure.

  • Is there an opportunity to see sea turtles during the tour?

    Yes, in Tortuguero, you will visit a sea turtle conservancy and have the opportunity to go turtle-spotting at night.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    In 1961, a guy called John Anderson founded Contiki in New Zealand. Whilst later bought by The Travel Corporation, the tour company had already been using the name ‘Contiki’ since its inception.

  • Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

    Contiki trips are designed & operated exclusively for those aged 18-35 years. Your travelling companions will be like-minded adventurers within that age range. The age range is adhered to strictly.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® is our commitment to protect people, wildlife and the incredible planet we all share. Powered by The TreadRight Foundation, a non-profit organisation and Contiki’s guiding hand when it comes to making travel matter.

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    All documentation will be sent via email around 21 days prior to your trip departure. You can also access information on your trip by signing up to My Contiki via the top right icon of the homepage.

Reviews of this operator

Trusted Customer  

Northern Choice plus Kaikoura

16-Jan-2023

The trip ran so smoothly and was well organised! The extra add ons were amazing and all the services were spot on. Food places were reasonable. I'm definitely booking my next contiki trip again soon!

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Sophie  

Exceptional customer service

14-Jan-2023

Contiki were exceptional in providing customer service. They provided me with lots of information and were quick in responding to all my questions. I found that they were super helpful.

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Trusted Customer  

First time traveling with Contiki. Highly recommend! You’ll have a blast

17-Jan-2023

First time traveling internationally since Covid and glad I spent the trip with Contiki. The travel, lodging, meals, activities everything was planned effortlessly. Going to Greece in may with contiki. Highly recommend

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Trusted Customer  

Amazing trip. Made great friends and memories. Can’t wait for my next trip

15-Jan-2023

I had 24 people on my contiki and I think it was the perfect number, we all got to know each other well and got along great. Our tour guide was fun and knowledgeable, the hotels were nice and in great locations.

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Tanner Stokes  

My amazing trip to Africa

13-Jan-2023

Sherif was an excellent tour guide. He was extremely knowledgeable about every single small detail at each site that we visited. In addition to his great service, he has a glowing spirit that made me feel like I had family with me the entire trip. Anything that I was concerned about, he always had an answer and was there to help. I truly enjoyed my experience and will purchase a tour with him in the future

Feefo Trusted Reviews

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Jun 23, 2025 - Jun 29, 2025
$1915 $1724

Operator discount: -$191

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Operator discount: -$191

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Operator discount: -$191

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Operator discount: -$191

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Operator discount: -$191

Book with Confidence

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    Contiki allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform contiki, 60 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Contiki requires a minimum deposit of 200 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of contiki charges.

    Up to 61 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 25% of booking price.

    At 21 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 7 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.

    At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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