Prices per person, in US dollars, including accommodation, breakfasts and the services listed in the program. The package details are listed below.
This Costa Rica 30 day itinerary is designed for travelers who want to cross the country from one coast to the other without hurrying. Over 30 days and 29 nights, you travel from the cloud forest of San Gerardo de Dota to the wild Osa Peninsula, then on to Manuel Antonio, Monteverde, the beaches of Guanacaste, the slopes of Arenal Volcano and the canals of Tortuguero, before nine nights in Cahuita let the journey settle into the slower rhythm of the southern Caribbean coast.
Spending one month in Costa Rica changes the way you travel. Rather than ticking off sights, you stay several nights in most regions and alternate guided outings, such as the quetzal tour at dawn, a day in Corcovado National Park, snorkeling at Caño Island, the Tortuguero canals or a river kayak trip near Cahuita, with free days to rest, explore on your own or add an optional activity.
You never need to drive. This is a Costa Rica shuttle itinerary: shared shuttles link the regions, a private transfer meets you at the airport and takes you back at the end, a driver accompanies you through the southern mountains, and boats carry you to Bahía Drake and Tortuguero. Breakfast is included every day, along with the lunches and dinners noted in the program, and the agency team, based in San Francisco de Heredia since 2014, stays reachable throughout your trip and answers you in English.
Your itinerary
San José · 1 night
San Gerardo de Dota · 1 night
Bahía Drake · 4 nights
Manuel Antonio · 3 nights
Monteverde · 3 nights
Playa Sámara · 3 nights
Volcán Arenal · 2 nights
Tortuguero · 2 nights
Cahuita · 9 nights
San José · 1 night
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1
Arrival in San José: a warm welcome to Costa Rica
In the arrivals hall at Juan Santamaría International Airport, in the province of Alajuela, an agency representative is waiting for you with a sign bearing your name. A private transfer then takes you to your hotel in San José. Your trip opens with a welcome note from Vincent, who founded the agency and has called Costa Rica his adopted home for more than forty years. His message, on behalf of the whole team, is simple: from this moment, you can set aside your watch, your phone and the stress of everyday life, and let the details be taken care of. This first ride is a gentle introduction to the tropical atmosphere of the country. Yes, the vacation has begun.
Day 1 of a Costa Rica 30 day itinerary begins with a night in San José after landing at SJO airport.
Day 2
Cartago and the climb to San Gerardo de Dota
After breakfast, your driver picks you up at 9:00 a.m. for the road to San Gerardo de Dota. On the way, you stop in Cartago to visit the Basílica de Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles, one of the country's most symbolic landmarks, with time to admire its architecture and quiet atmosphere. The road then climbs through green mountains; the air cools and the scenery turns more rugged as you approach the Dota valley. Once settled, a walk on the hotel's nature trails introduces you to the cloud forest: mosses, ferns and trees draped in epiphytes, a stream murmuring nearby, soft light through the canopy. Your guide helps you spot hummingbirds, trogons and, with luck, the quetzal.
A small group takes in the view from an elevated lookout above the dense forest of San Gerardo de Dota.
Day 3
Quetzal tour at dawn, then by boat to Bahía Drake
Early in the morning, a naturalist guide leads you along the forest trails in search of the quetzal, recognizable by its bright green plumage, red breast and, in males, long tail feathers that seem to float in the mist. Patience is part of the experience, and the bird is often found near aguacatillo trees, whose fruit makes up much of its diet. After breakfast, your driver heads south to Sierpe, where you board a fast boat for Bahía Drake. The crossing takes about an hour and a half, from mangrove channels to the open coast of the Osa Peninsula. The boat lands directly on the beach: wear shoes that slip off easily and keep your electronics protected.
A male resplendent quetzal perches on a moss-covered branch in the cloud forest of San Gerardo de Dota.
Day 4
Corcovado National Park: a day in primary rainforest
Today a boat carries you along the coast of the Osa Peninsula to Corcovado National Park, one of the last great tracts of primary rainforest in Costa Rica. Depending on park permits and availability, you visit the San Pedrillo sector, closer to Bahía Drake, or La Sirena, deeper in the park and known for the diversity of its wildlife. With a naturalist guide, English- or Spanish-speaking only, you set off on foot through dense forest filled with the calls of howler, capuchin and spider monkeys, as well as tropical birds and reptiles. Lunch is included, and the boat ride back offers a last look at the untouched southern Pacific shoreline.
The entrance sign of Corcovado National Park, a highlight of day 4 from Drake Bay on this Costa Rica 30 day itinerary.
Day 5
Caño Island snorkeling off the Osa Peninsula
Around 7:00 a.m., you set out by boat with a sailor-guide for Caño Island Biological Reserve, about an hour and a half offshore. Keep an eye on the water: depending on the season, humpback or Bryde's whales, spotted and spinner dolphins and flying fish may appear, though sightings can never be guaranteed. At the island, an official park guide, Spanish- or English-speaking only, accompanies you. Mask and snorkel are provided for a session above coral, tropical fish and rays. You then land on the island's only accessible beach, where scarlet macaws sometimes cross the sky. Tip: stop by the dive center the day before to try on your mask and fins.
Snorkeling in clear blue water over the reef, an activity on day 5 of this Costa Rica 30 day itinerary in Drake Bay.
Day 6
Bahía Drake at your own pace
After several full days, this one is entirely yours. You might stay close to your hotel, enjoying the gardens and quiet corners, or follow the small trails that start near your lodging. You can walk along the coast, wander through the village of Bahía Drake to watch daily life unfold, or book an additional activity on site if something catches your interest. Wherever the day takes you, it is a chance to slow down and take in the calm of this remote village, set between rainforest and the Pacific Ocean, where nature still has the upper hand.
Two walkers stroll along a palm-fringed beach where the rainforest meets the Pacific in Drake Bay.
Day 7
Through the Sierpe mangroves to Manuel Antonio
After breakfast, your boat leaves Bahía Drake at 7:15 a.m. It first follows the wild shoreline of the Osa Peninsula, then slips into the vast mangrove network of Sierpe, a refuge for many birds and small animals. You reach Sierpe around 8:45 a.m. Pack light, quick-drying clothes: boarding from the beach may mean a few steps in the water, depending on the tide. From Sierpe, a shared shuttle takes you on to Manuel Antonio. Schedules follow the carrier's routes, and the shuttle may stop to pick up or drop off other travelers. On arrival, you settle into your hotel on the central Pacific coast.
A two-story lodge framed by palm trees and lush gardens, a stop on a Costa Rica 30 day itinerary.
Day 8
Manuel Antonio National Park on your own
Manuel Antonio National Park is known for its wildlife, its tropical forest and its beaches washed by turquoise Pacific water. Your entrance is included, and you explore independently, at your own pace, along trails that wind through the forest and open onto ocean viewpoints. With patience and a sharp eye, you may spot capuchin monkeys, sloths, iguanas and many tropical birds. Several trails lead down to beaches where you can swim when conditions allow. Late in the afternoon, head back to your hotel pool or linger on the sand, lulled by the sound of the waves.
The welcome sign at Manuel Antonio National Park, a stop on day 8 of a Costa Rica 30 day itinerary.
Day 9
A free day between beach and mangroves
A free day to enjoy Manuel Antonio as you wish: a swim, a long morning on the beach, or a stroll through Quepos followed by a meal in a local restaurant. If you feel like doing more, several optional activities can be booked locally: a catamaran outing with a meal and snorkeling gear, a boat or kayak trip through the Damas mangroves, a surf lesson on Playa Espadilla, or parasailing above the coast. Rates and availability vary with the season, the operator and what is included, so it is best to confirm them at the time of booking.
Swimmers enjoy the calm turquoise bay of a Manuel Antonio beach, a stop on day 9 of this Costa Rica 30 day itinerary.
Day 10
From the Pacific to the Monteverde highlands
At the agreed time, your shared shuttle picks you up at the hotel reception for the trip to Monteverde. Tropical vegetation, small villages and wide views follow one another along the way. Every transfer includes at least one 30- to 40-minute break, which can also serve as a connection point with a possible change of vehicle. Each traveler may bring one suitcase and one carry-on bag, which remains your responsibility; any extra piece must be declared when booking. Departure times are shared in advance, and travel time depends on traffic and road conditions. On arrival, you settle into your hotel in the cool mountain air.
A wood-lined guest room with wide windows opening onto the trees, one of the stays on a Costa Rica 30 day itinerary.
Day 11
The Monteverde cloud forest by day and by night
Two optional ways to discover the Monteverde cloud forest are suggested today. By day, a self-guided walk on marked trails lets you stop as often as you like: mist clinging to the leaves, trees covered in mosses, lichens and epiphytes, orchids and bromeliads hidden in the greenery, hummingbirds darting past. At nightfall, a guided night walk in the reserve reveals another forest. By flashlight, a local naturalist helps you find tree frogs, insects, spiders, reptiles and small nocturnal mammals, while frogs and insects fill the air with sound. This is a fragile environment: please stay on the trails and leave plants and animals undisturbed.
The wooden visitor center at the entrance of the Monteverde cloud forest, a stop on day 11 of this Costa Rica 30 day itinerary.
Day 12
Santa Elena and a free day in Monteverde
Another free day to explore Monteverde your way. Wander through the village of Santa Elena, take in the cloud forest landscapes, or choose an optional activity outside the national park visits. Ideas include a zipline course through the canopy, hanging bridges above the forest, a coffee and cacao farm tour, a guided night walk, horseback riding, the butterfly garden, a frog pond to observe amphibians and insects, a hike to the El Tigre waterfalls or, for the bold, a bungee jump. Rates vary by operator, season and age, so confirm price and availability when you book.
Low clouds drift across the green, forested slopes around Monteverde, a highlight of day 12 on a Costa Rica 30 day itinerary.
Day 13
Down to the Guanacaste coast at Playa Sámara
At the agreed time, your shared shuttle collects you at the hotel reception and leaves the mountains behind for the Pacific coast of Guanacaste. As on every transfer, the trip includes at least one 30- to 40-minute break, and travel time depends on the route and road conditions. Along the way, tropical vegetation, villages and open landscapes set the scene for the change of pace ahead. In Playa Sámara, a relaxed seaside village, you settle into your hotel for three nights by the ocean, with the evening free to discover your new surroundings.
A simple, bright guest room awaits in Playa Sámara on day 13 of this Costa Rica 30 day itinerary.
Day 14
Dolphins at sea and turtles by night
Today offers two optional outings run by the same local company. Around 8:00 a.m., you are picked up at your hotel for a shared boat trip off Playa Sámara in search of dolphins and, depending on the season and conditions, humpback whales. Observation respects the animals and their habitat, with views back to the Guanacaste coastline. You return around noon, leaving the afternoon free for the beach. At about 6:30 p.m., you can head to the Camaronal Refuge, dedicated to sea turtle protection, for a night outing to watch nesting turtles. This mainly runs from July to January, sometimes into early February, and sightings always depend on nature.
Two dolphins break the surface together during a boat excursion from Playa Sámara.
Day 15
Playa Sámara: a day of simple pleasures
A free day in Playa Sámara, deliberately left open after so many roads and discoveries. Settle on the beach, enjoy your hotel's pool and gardens, go for a bike ride or try an activity that is not part of your program. You can also walk through the village of Sámara, browse its small shops, pick a restaurant, or sit on a terrace and watch local life go by. The easygoing atmosphere of this seaside town invites you to slow down, follow your own curiosity and simply enjoy the warmth of the Pacific coast.
Leaning palm trees line the white sand of Playa Sámara, a beach stop on a Costa Rica 30 day itinerary.
Day 16
Arenal Volcano and its hot springs
Your shared shuttle leaves Sámara at the agreed time for the Arenal Volcano region, with the usual break along the way. As an option, you can spend the afternoon and evening at a hot springs complex whose pools are naturally heated by the volcano's geothermal activity. Waterfalls, pools of different temperatures and relaxation areas are scattered through lush tropical vegetation, and you move from one to another at your own rhythm. At 7:00 p.m., a buffet dinner is served at the complex's restaurant, before you continue the evening in the warm water, surrounded by the sounds of the forest.
Warm thermal pools framed by tropical plants, a relaxing evening stop on day 16 of a Costa Rica 30 day itinerary.
Day 17
Lava flows and hanging bridges at Arenal
Two optional outings show two sides of Arenal. At 8:30 a.m., set off on a walk of about 1.5 to 2 hours in Arenal Volcano National Park, with the entrance fee paid on site. The trail is mostly flat through rainforest, with a rougher stretch of 200 to 300 meters over old lava rock that leads to a view of the volcano and its lava fields, including the 1992 flows. Along the way stands a ceiba tree more than 400 years old. In the afternoon, a two-hour walk of about 3 km crosses 8 fixed and 6 hanging bridges, some 48 to 98 meters long, bringing you level with the canopy and its birds.
The cone of Arenal Volcano towers over the national park entrance sign under a blue sky.
Day 18
By boat into the Tortuguero canals
Your shared shuttle leaves the Arenal area for the Caribbean lowlands. Tortuguero can only be reached by boat or by plane, so the final stretch is on the water, along rivers and canals bordered by ever-denser forest where birds, monkeys and reptiles sometimes appear on the banks. At your lodge, a welcome drink awaits, followed by a buffet lunch and free time to settle in. Late in the day, a guided visit of the small Caribbean village of Tortuguero ends with a short walk on the beach. Your stay here is full board, and dinner is served at the lodge.
A covered-free wooden boardwalk winds through dense tropical vegetation toward raised cabins with orange metal roofs.
Day 19
Tortuguero National Park from the water
After breakfast, a guided boat excursion leaves from your lodge into Tortuguero National Park. With your bilingual Spanish-English guide, you glide along calm canals where the forest is mirrored in the water, watching for monkeys, sloths, caimans, iguanas, turtles and tropical birds. The departure time may change with the weather, so confirm it with reception or your guide. Later, your guide leads a walk on the lodge's private trails, revealing the botanical richness of the forest. You can also ask at reception about other excursions run by the lodge or the park's walking trails. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served as buffets.
The welcome sign at Tortuguero National Park, a stop on day 19 of this Costa Rica 30 day itinerary.
Day 20
From Tortuguero to Cahuita
Time to leave the canals behind. You depart Tortuguero toward Guápiles or Siquirres, where a shared shuttle continues to Cahuita. The transfer includes the usual break of 30 to 40 minutes, and your luggage allowance remains one suitcase and one carry-on per person. On arrival, you settle in for nine nights on the southern Caribbean coast, a long stay that lets you get to know Cahuita, its beaches and the villages stretching toward Manzanillo without ever feeling rushed. The rest of the day is free to unpack and find your bearings.
Day 20 of the Costa Rica 30 day itinerary ends at a garden lodging with a pool, set against the Caribbean rainforest.
Day 21
Cahuita National Park and Playa Blanca
Cahuita National Park protects both rainforest and coral reef. It is open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and the full trail between the Puerto Vargas and Cahuita entrances covers about 11 km (7 miles). You can walk it all, or enter at Cahuita, follow part of the path and return the same way. The trail often runs a few meters from the shore, with glimpses of the Caribbean between palms and vines. Watch for monkeys, iguanas, raccoons, coatis, sloths, basilisks and, sometimes, snakes. At Playa Blanca, stop for a swim or a picnic in the shade. Park entrance is optional and paid on site.
Day 21 of a Costa Rica 30 day itinerary: a sandy Caribbean beach bordered by dense green forest near Cahuita.
Day 22
Organic farm and river kayaking
At 9:00 a.m., you meet your local guide for a day close to the water. It begins with a visit to an organic farm, where you learn about tropical crops, local farming practices and the people who work the land with care for their environment. Then you settle into a kayak for a gentle paddle downriver between green banks. The river is a natural corridor: howler monkeys, toucans, iguanas and many birds may appear, and your guide points out discreet animals and plants along the way. Lunch is included. In the late afternoon, you return to your hotel for free time by the pool and a quiet Caribbean evening.
A quiet kayak outing on a forest-lined river, a calm day on a Costa Rica 30 day itinerary.
Day 23
Wildlife rescue and conservation near Punta Cocles
Today's optional outings focus on wildlife protection. Around 8:45 a.m., you leave for a wildlife rescue center about 20 km from Cahuita, with your visit at 9:30 a.m. This private sanctuary in the forest cares for injured, sick or orphaned animals and prepares them for release whenever possible. You learn about the team's daily work and may see sloths, frogs, reptiles, butterflies and birds. In the afternoon, a second visit introduces a conservation project dedicated to breeding, reintroduction and habitat protection. A presentation is followed by a guided walk where birds, monkeys and other wildlife may show themselves.
A guide talks with visitors beside covered enclosures surrounded by tropical vegetation during day 23 of a Costa Rica 30 day itinerary.
Day 24
Gandoca-Manzanillo, where forest meets sea
Head toward the village of Manzanillo for an optional walk in the Gandoca-Manzanillo National Wildlife Refuge, where the forest runs down to turquoise Caribbean water. Coastal trails lead under tropical trees, past small wild coves and beaches lined with coconut palms. Keep watch for monkeys, sloths, iguanas and many birds, and stop wherever a viewpoint invites you. Depending on trail conditions, you can extend the walk or simply rest by the water. Bring good walking shoes, water, insect repellent and sun protection; the trails can be muddy after rain, and wildlife sightings are never guaranteed.
The bilingual entrance sign of the Gandoca-Manzanillo National Mixed Wildlife Refuge, framed by coconut palms on the Caribbean coast.
Day 25
Free days on the southern Caribbean coast
The next four days are free, giving you time to know the coast between Cahuita and Manzanillo at your own pace. Start simply: spend the morning on one of the public beaches, then rent a bicycle and ride along the shore from village to village. The rhythm here is unhurried, and long beach afternoons need no planning at all. If you would like to add a cultural or active outing, several optional activities outside the parks and reserves can be arranged locally. Rates vary with the season and departure point, so confirm them before booking.
A curving palm-fringed beach meets clear turquoise water and a shallow reef on the southern Caribbean coast, a highlight of day 25 of our Costa Rica 30 day itinerary.
Day 26
Cacao country: chocolate and Bribri culture
Cacao is part of the identity of this coast, and a free day is a good moment to explore it. One option is a plantation visit with a chocolate-making workshop, with transport available from Punta Uva or Manzanillo. Another is a cultural encounter with a Bribri community, including a discovery of cacao. Both are optional and booked separately, with prices depending on group size and what is included. If you prefer, simply return to the beach or cycle to a stretch of coast you have not yet seen, and let the day unfold on its own.
A curving palm-fringed beach meets clear turquoise water and a shallow reef on the southern Caribbean coast, a highlight of day 25 of our Costa Rica 30 day itinerary.
Day 27
Surf lessons, waterfalls and natural pools
For a more active free day, you might take a two-hour surf lesson in Cahuita, or join a guided excursion to waterfalls and natural pools. Both are optional, booked locally, with rates and availability confirmed at the time of booking. Between activities, the beaches are never far for a swim or a long rest in the shade of the palms. In the evening, the relaxed atmosphere of the Caribbean coast settles in, and the rest of the day is yours to spend as you please.
A curving palm-fringed beach meets clear turquoise water and a shallow reef on the southern Caribbean coast, a highlight of day 25 of our Costa Rica 30 day itinerary.
Day 28
A last Caribbean day and a night walk
Your final full day on the coast. Spend it however feels right: a last swim, a bike ride along the shore or a final stroll through the village. After dark, a two-hour guided night walk is an optional way to look for the animals that become active once the sun goes down. As with the other suggestions, it is booked locally and the rate should be confirmed beforehand. It is also a good moment to pack calmly before tomorrow's transfer back to the capital.
A curving palm-fringed beach meets clear turquoise water and a shallow reef on the southern Caribbean coast, a highlight of day 25 of our Costa Rica 30 day itinerary.
Day 29
Back to San José
At the agreed time, your shared shuttle picks you up at your hotel for the return trip from the southern Caribbean coast to San José. As on every transfer, the route includes at least one 30- to 40-minute break, which may also serve as a connection point, and journey time depends on traffic and road conditions. Little by little, the beaches and forest give way to the Central Valley. In the capital, you settle into your hotel for a last night in Costa Rica, with breakfast included the next morning.
Cahuita, Costa Rica
Day 30
San José walking tour and flight home
On your last day, a walking tour introduces you to San José's historic center. At the Central Market, stalls overflow with tropical fruit, spices, crafts and the aroma of Costa Rican coffee. You continue to the Metropolitan Cathedral and the National Theatre, inaugurated in the late 19th century, with its elegant façade and richly decorated interior. Time permitting, you may visit the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum or the Jade Museum; entrance fees are not included. Depending on your flight time, your private driver picks you up at the hotel and takes you to the airport, arriving at least three hours before departure. ¡Pura vida!
The neoclassical National Theatre in downtown San José, a final stop on a Costa Rica 30 day itinerary.
Where you will stay
San José · 1 night
A comfortable city hotel with an executive king room, a calm base for your first night after the flight. Breakfast included.
San Gerardo de Dota · 1 night
A mountain lodge with bungalows in the Dota valley, surrounded by cloud forest and its own nature trails, well placed for an early quetzal outing. Breakfast included.
Bahía Drake · 4 nights
A hotel in the small village of Bahía Drake, reached by boat and set between rainforest and the Pacific, with gardens, quiet corners and trails close by. Breakfast included.
Manuel Antonio · 3 nights
A hotel with a pool in the Manuel Antonio area, a peaceful place to return to after a day on the national park trails or the beach.
Monteverde · 3 nights
A hotel with standard rooms in the Monteverde area, in the cool air of the cloud forest, a practical base for exploring the reserves and the village of Santa Elena. Breakfast included.
Playa Sámara · 3 nights
A hotel with superior rooms, a pool and gardens in Playa Sámara, on the Pacific coast of Guanacaste. Breakfast included.
Volcán Arenal · 2 nights
A hotel near Arenal Volcano with standard rooms in a forest setting, convenient for the region's hot springs, trails and hanging bridges. Breakfast included.
Tortuguero · 2 nights
A lodge on the canals of Tortuguero, reached by boat, with private forest trails. The package includes full board with buffet meals, the welcome drink, the village visit and the guided boat excursion.
Cahuita · 9 nights
A hotel with superior rooms and a pool near Cahuita, your base for nine nights to explore the southern Caribbean coast toward Manzanillo. Breakfast included.
San José · 1 night
Back in the capital, a city hotel with an executive king room for your final night, close to the start of your last-day walking tour. Breakfast included.
What the package includes
Included
Private transfer from the airport to your hotel
Nights in the hotels listed, or similar if unavailable before final booking
Breakfast every day of the tour
Lunches mentioned in the program *
Dinners mentioned in the program *
Travel between regions by shared shuttle (Interbus)
National park entrance fees listed as included in the program
Activities and visits listed as included in the program
Transfer to the airport on departure day
The 13% hotel tax
The 13% tax on tourist activities
Our assistance in English throughout your stay
* Meals include a main course and one non-alcoholic drink
Not included
International flights to Costa Rica
Drinks outside meals and alcoholic drinks
National park entrance fees listed as optional in the program
Activities and visits listed as optional in the program
Travel between your hotels, activities and national parks
Extensions, variations and suggestions
Personal expenses and tips
Travel or repatriation insurance
Any other service
Optional activities
Self-guided cloud forest visit: USD 30, payable on site
Night walk: USD 45, payable on site
Dolphin watching boat trip: USD 45, payable on site
Night sea turtle watching tour: USD 45, payable on site
Arenal hot springs with buffet dinner (7:00 pm): USD 68, payable on site
Arenal Volcano National Park entrance fee: USD 17, payable on site
Arenal hanging bridges, in the afternoon: USD 29, payable on site
Cahuita National Park entrance fee: USD 6, payable on site
Visit to a wildlife rescue center (9:30 am): USD 29, payable on site
Entrance to a wildlife sanctuary: USD 20, payable on site
Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge entrance fee: USD 6, payable on site
Who this trip is for
This month-long Costa Rica trip suits travelers who have time on their side, typically a couple sharing a double room, who love forests, wildlife and beaches more than nightlife, and who enjoy alternating guided days with unstructured ones. Spending 30 days in Costa Rica by shared shuttle means accepting set departure times, stops for other passengers and a limit of one suitcase and one carry-on each, in exchange for never having to drive. Most walks are easy, though some optional outings, such as the full trail in Cahuita National Park or the lava rocks at Arenal, call for steady footing, and boat landings at Bahía Drake can mean wet feet. It is a journey for those who like to stay long enough in each place to start feeling at home.
Frequently asked questions
Is this Costa Rica 30 day itinerary possible without a rental car?
Yes. Shared shuttles link the regions, a private transfer meets you at the airport on arrival and takes you back on departure day, a driver takes you from San José to San Gerardo de Dota and then to Sierpe, and boats handle the trips to Bahía Drake and Tortuguero. Local trips between your hotels, optional activities and national parks are not included unless the program states otherwise.
Which activities are included and which are optional?
Included: the guided trail walk in San Gerardo de Dota, the quetzal tour, the Corcovado National Park excursion with lunch, the Caño Island snorkeling trip, Manuel Antonio National Park, the Tortuguero package with full board and boat tour, the farm visit and river kayak near Cahuita with lunch, and the San José walking tour. Optional: the Monteverde forest walks, the dolphin and turtle outings near Sámara, the Arenal hot springs, Arenal Volcano National Park, the hanging bridges, Cahuita National Park, the rescue center and conservation project, and Gandoca-Manzanillo.
Will the guides speak English?
The program specifies English- or Spanish-speaking naturalist guides in Corcovado, official park guides speaking Spanish or English at Caño Island, and a bilingual Spanish-English guide in Tortuguero. For other guided outings, ask the team when you request your quote. The agency answers you in English before and during your one month in Costa Rica.
How should I prepare for the boat arrival at Bahía Drake?
The boat from Sierpe lands directly on the beach, and depending on the sea and the tide you may need to step into the water. Wear shoes that are easy to remove, shorts or pants that can get a little wet, and keep important bags and electronics protected. The same applies to the return trip to Sierpe.
When can I see sea turtles nesting near Playa Sámara?
The optional night outing to the Camaronal Refuge mainly runs from July to January, with sightings sometimes continuing into early February. It is booked with the same company as the dolphin boat trip, and observation always depends on natural conditions and the presence of the turtles.
From the mist of San Gerardo de Dota to the warm evenings of Cahuita, this Costa Rica 30 day itinerary gives each region the time it deserves, with a balance of guided outings, optional discoveries and free days. The team in San Francisco de Heredia knows these roads, boats and villages well and can talk through every stage with you: your travel dates, your questions about the route, the optional activities you would like to add. If one month in Costa Rica at this gentle pace appeals to you, simply send us your dates and we will prepare a detailed quote.
Request this tour
Tell us your dates and who is traveling: we will reply with a personalized quote for “Pura Vida: 30 Days in Costa Rica”.
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