Avanti Destinations

Costa Rica Coast to Coast: San José, Tortuguero, Arenal, Tenorio, & Guanacaste

Costa Rica Coast to Coast
Three of Costa Rica’s unique national parks are highlighted in this amazing itinerary that takes you from the Atlantic coast to the Pacific coast. In addition to the popular Tortuguero and Arenal National Parks, we are excited to bring you the incredible Tenorio Volcano National Park, famous for its waterfall and pristine turquoise blue river, the Rio Celeste, that runs through it. Other highlights include thermal waters, and miles of hiking trails. After your adventure relax for the rest of your vacation on one of Guanacaste’s world-renowned beaches.

Includes:

  • 1 Night San José
  • 2 Nights Tortuguero
  • 2 Nights Arenal
  • 2 Nights Tenorio
  • 3 Nights Guanacaste
  • All Ground Transfers OR Ground Transfers with 7-Day Car Rental
  • All Meals at Tortuguero National Park
  • Tortuguero Channels by Boat Tour
  • Ecoglide Canopy Tour
  • All Dinners at Tenorio
  • National Park
  • Rio Celeste Waterfall Hike & Tour plus Lunch
  • Daily Breakfast

04/09/2025 through 12/14/2025
10/01/2023 through 12/31/2025

Day 1 San Jose is the capital city of Costa Rica and is located in the province of San Jose, which is in the Central Valley. The city is surrounded by high green mountains. There are numerous museums as well as art galleries, theaters, exhibitions, parks and garden in the city. All regions in Costa Rica are accessible from the capital city of San Jose, which makes its an ideal starting point for touring the country.
Day 2 Tortuguero means "turtle region". Four species of turtle nest here: the green turtle, the hawksbill, the loggerhead and the giant leatherback. The Tortuguero National Park was established in 1970 to preserve the turtles' nesting area. Freswater turtles, manatees and crocodiles live in the rivers. In the forest you may spot tapirs, anteaters, howler monkeys or any of the 350 bird species.
Day 3 Tortuguero means "turtle region". Four species of turtle nest here: the green turtle, the hawksbill, the loggerhead and the giant leatherback. The Tortuguero National Park was established in 1970 to preserve the turtles' nesting area. Freswater turtles, manatees and crocodiles live in the rivers. In the forest you may spot tapirs, anteaters, howler monkeys or any of the 350 bird species.
Day 4 Tortuguero means "turtle region". Four species of turtle nest here: the green turtle, the hawksbill, the loggerhead and the giant leatherback. The Tortuguero National Park was established in 1970 to preserve the turtles' nesting area. Freswater turtles, manatees and crocodiles live in the rivers. In the forest you may spot tapirs, anteaters, howler monkeys or any of the 350 bird species.
Day 5

Nestled in the lush region of northern Costa Rica, Arenal is a destination that promises adventure, relaxation, and breathtaking natural beauty. Dominated by the imposing Arenal Volcano, one of the most active volcanoes in the world until recently, this area is a paradise for nature lovers and thrill-seekers alike. The Arenal Volcano National Park offers a myriad of trails that wind through dense rainforest, leading visitors to ancient lava flows and lookout points with stunning views of the volcano and Lake Arenal. Birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts will find themselves in heaven, as the park is home to over 500 species of birds and a variety of wildlife, including monkeys, sloths, and jaguars.

Arenal is not just about adrenaline-pumping activities; it also offers a tranquil side that can soothe even the most frazzled of travelers. The area is famous for its natural hot springs, which are heated by geothermal activity from the volcano. Relax in the warm waters of Tabacón, EcoTermales, or Baldi Hot Springs while surrounded by lush tropical gardens and the sounds of cascading waterfalls. This experience provides the ultimate way to unwind after a day of hiking, zip-lining, or exploring the rainforest. For a more unique adventure, visit the Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park, where suspension bridges provide a canopy-level perspective of the rainforest, allowing visitors to walk among the treetops and experience the incredible diversity of flora and fauna from above.

For a deeper dive into the local culture, explore the charming town of La Fortuna, just a short distance from the national park. This quaint town is the gateway to the Arenal region and offers a taste of authentic Costa Rican hospitality. Here, you can enjoy local cuisine at the many sodas (small, family-run restaurants) and browse the artisanal shops. Don’t miss a visit to the La Fortuna Waterfall, a stunning cascade that plunges 70 meters into a pool below, where you can take a refreshing dip in the cool waters. La Fortuna is also a great starting point for day trips to nearby attractions like the Venado Caves or the Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge, a haven for birdwatching and exploring wetlands by boat.

Fun fact: The Arenal Volcano was dormant for hundreds of years until a major eruption in 1968 suddenly brought it to life, transforming the surrounding landscape and creating the rich, volcanic soil that nourishes the vibrant flora of the region today. While the volcano has been in a resting phase since 2010, its perfectly symmetrical cone remains an iconic symbol of Costa Rica’s natural beauty and continues to attract visitors from around the world.


Day 6

Nestled in the lush region of northern Costa Rica, Arenal is a destination that promises adventure, relaxation, and breathtaking natural beauty. Dominated by the imposing Arenal Volcano, one of the most active volcanoes in the world until recently, this area is a paradise for nature lovers and thrill-seekers alike. The Arenal Volcano National Park offers a myriad of trails that wind through dense rainforest, leading visitors to ancient lava flows and lookout points with stunning views of the volcano and Lake Arenal. Birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts will find themselves in heaven, as the park is home to over 500 species of birds and a variety of wildlife, including monkeys, sloths, and jaguars.

Arenal is not just about adrenaline-pumping activities; it also offers a tranquil side that can soothe even the most frazzled of travelers. The area is famous for its natural hot springs, which are heated by geothermal activity from the volcano. Relax in the warm waters of Tabacón, EcoTermales, or Baldi Hot Springs while surrounded by lush tropical gardens and the sounds of cascading waterfalls. This experience provides the ultimate way to unwind after a day of hiking, zip-lining, or exploring the rainforest. For a more unique adventure, visit the Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park, where suspension bridges provide a canopy-level perspective of the rainforest, allowing visitors to walk among the treetops and experience the incredible diversity of flora and fauna from above.

For a deeper dive into the local culture, explore the charming town of La Fortuna, just a short distance from the national park. This quaint town is the gateway to the Arenal region and offers a taste of authentic Costa Rican hospitality. Here, you can enjoy local cuisine at the many sodas (small, family-run restaurants) and browse the artisanal shops. Don’t miss a visit to the La Fortuna Waterfall, a stunning cascade that plunges 70 meters into a pool below, where you can take a refreshing dip in the cool waters. La Fortuna is also a great starting point for day trips to nearby attractions like the Venado Caves or the Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge, a haven for birdwatching and exploring wetlands by boat.

Fun fact: The Arenal Volcano was dormant for hundreds of years until a major eruption in 1968 suddenly brought it to life, transforming the surrounding landscape and creating the rich, volcanic soil that nourishes the vibrant flora of the region today. While the volcano has been in a resting phase since 2010, its perfectly symmetrical cone remains an iconic symbol of Costa Rica’s natural beauty and continues to attract visitors from around the world.


Day 7 A relatively recent addition to Costa Rica's list of national parks is Tenorio Volcano National Park, home to its namesake Tenorio Volcano as well as its taller sister, Miravalles Volcano, also the highest mountain in the Guanacaste Mountains.

The unique combination of this rugged volcanic landscape, combined with the surrounding tropic forests set the stage for a variety of hot springs, geysers, bubbling mud pools, and the one-of-a-kind Rio Celeste, famous for its sky blue color. It's also an ideal habitat for endangered felines, such as ocelots and the jaguars, and a diverse bird population.
Day 8 A relatively recent addition to Costa Rica's list of national parks is Tenorio Volcano National Park, home to its namesake Tenorio Volcano as well as its taller sister, Miravalles Volcano, also the highest mountain in the Guanacaste Mountains.

The unique combination of this rugged volcanic landscape, combined with the surrounding tropic forests set the stage for a variety of hot springs, geysers, bubbling mud pools, and the one-of-a-kind Rio Celeste, famous for its sky blue color. It's also an ideal habitat for endangered felines, such as ocelots and the jaguars, and a diverse bird population.
Day 9 Guanacaste is a province on the western coast of Costa Rica in Central America. A biodiverse paradise, this region is popular for its tropical rainforests, beaches, and a variety of adventurous activities, including ziplining and snorkeling.
Day 10 Guanacaste is a province on the western coast of Costa Rica in Central America. A biodiverse paradise, this region is popular for its tropical rainforests, beaches, and a variety of adventurous activities, including ziplining and snorkeling.
Day 11 Guanacaste is a province on the western coast of Costa Rica in Central America. A biodiverse paradise, this region is popular for its tropical rainforests, beaches, and a variety of adventurous activities, including ziplining and snorkeling.

10/01/23 - 12/31/25

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Note: Land Only-Price is Per Person based on double occupancy. Airfare not included in price. Availability and price may change at any time and without prior notice and will be unavailable on certain holidays.

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