Costa Rica North and South: National Parks, Wildlife & Hot Springs

Day 1  San José  
Feel the warm air hit your face as you step out of the plane in Costa Rica. Fall into the pace of the traffic and beeping car horns as you take in the sights and sounds of this vibrant Central American country en route to the city centre. Welcome to San José!  

Day 2  San José to Tortuguero NP  
See the landscape dramatically change as you head out of the city and through the lush Braulio Carrillo National Park en route to the coast. Before long you'll be gliding through the canals of Tortuguero in a kayak, keeping a lookout for tropical wildlife. Settle into the comfortable lodge for the night and fall asleep to the sounds of the jungle.  

Day 3  Tortuguero NP  
Wake early and prepare for more exploration of Tortuguero's waterways to spot wildlife. In the evening, you could take an excursion to visit the nesting grounds of green and leatherback turtles.  

Day 4  Tortuguero NP to La Fortuna      
Leave the coast behind as you head inland, stop at a G Adventures-supported coffee cooperative along the way. Learn all about how coffee is harvested and produced as you sip a delicious cup of one of Costa Rica's most tasty indulgences. Stretch your legs and soak in the scenery on a walk then continue onwards towards the iconic Arenal Volcano.  

Day 5  La Fortuna  
Today is all about you. Fly through the lush forest canopy on a series of zip-lines and platforms or go on a canyoning excursion, rappelling down waterfalls and swimming in the refreshing pools. Whichever option you choose, your muscles will appreciate a soak in the restorative thermal springs and waterfalls of Tabacón Resort this evening.  

Day 6  La Fortuna to Rio Celeste  
Start the morning high up in the forest canopy, strolling a series of hanging bridges and witnessing the environment come alive from the treetops to the rainforest floor below. See Costa Rica's incredible diversity on full display and keep your eyes out for residents of this lush magical natural world.  

Day 7  Rio Celeste  
Local legend has it that when God was finished painting the sky, the brush used was washed in the river of Volcán Tenorio National Park. Hike through the rainforest along jungle trails, keeping an eye out for birds and wildlife before reaching the spectacular blue waterfall of Rio Celeste.  

Day 8  Rio Celeste to San José  
Travel from Rio Celeste to San José by minibus and have lunch at a local restaurant near the hotel. In the afternoon set off to explore the city by bicycle and on foot with a local guide before meeting up in the evening for dinner.

Day 9  San José to Chirripó  
Travel from San José to the Chirripó Mountain area with a stop at Irazú Volcano. If you're extremely lucky and the skies are clear it is possible to see both the Caribbean and Pacific coasts from the top. Continue to the eco-camp glamping retreat for the evening.

Day 10  Chirripó  
Freedom and choice are the order of the day to get the most out of this incredible part of the country. The nearby Cloudbridge Nature Reserve offers hiking and wildlife-spotting opportunities while closer to camp provides a waterfall hike with a swim and yoga. Allow the landscapes, movement and environment to revitalize your body and mind.  

Day 11  Chirripó to Puerto Jiménez  
The Osa Peninsula is Costa Rica's final frontier, home to vast wilderness, wildlife and incredible diversity, and it will be our playground for the next couple of days. The journey south provides continuously changing landscapes until reaching the pristine coastal rainforest.  

Day 12  Corcovado NP  
Set off on an unforgettable expedition into the wilds of Corcovado National Park, a natural treasure of Costa Rica. Venture in and out by boat to head into the park on foot in search of an array of tropical birds and wildlife like toucans, monkeys and the elusive jaguar. When you hear the distinctive call, turn your eyes skyward to catch a glimpse of colourful macaws.  

Day 13  Puerto Jiménez to Manuel Antonio NP  
Beautiful beaches and small towns dot the Pacific coastline from north to south, with hidden coves and surf breaks coming into sight as you round each corner. Take in the sweeping views and hike to a waterfall before descending to one of Costa Rica's most well-known gems at Manuel Antonio National Park.  

Day 14  Manuel Antonio NP  
Beautiful beaches and small towns dot the Pacific coastline from north to south, with hidden coves and surf breaks coming into sight as you round each corner. Take in the sweeping views and hike to a waterfall before descending to one of Costa Rica's most well-known gems at Manuel Antonio National Park.  

Day 15  Manuel Antonio NP to San José  
Leave the coast behind and relive the memories on the return to San Jose and on the onward travels home.