Discover Costa Rica on this incredible 14-Day Small-Group Adventure. With over a quarter of its land protected as national parks and wildlife refuges, Costa Rica is a natural wonderland where every day brings a new adventure.
From the misty Caribbean to the sparkling Pacific, you’ll explore a land bursting with colour, energy, and life. Cruise the jungle waterways of Tortuguero National Park, home to monkeys, exotic birds, and nesting sea turtles. Step into the magical cloud forests of Monteverde, where you’ll lend a hand in a reforestation project and witness nature’s resilience firsthand. Then, unwind on the pristine beaches of Manuel Antonio, where lush rainforest meets turquoise waters. Along the way, experience warmth and hospitality and embrace the spirit of pura vida — the simple, joyful way of life that makes this destination so unforgettable. This is an active adventure designed by National Geographic for curious travellers who want to support the local communities they visit. Please note it is not suitable for those with mobility restrictions. See the back page for pricing, inclusions, and full itinerary details.
All Locations
TBD closer to departure
Double: $5,995.00
Single: $8,495.00
✅ Transportation To/From Pearson Airport From Pre-selected Locations
✅ Small Group Tour – Maximum of 15 guests + Tour Host
✅ Roundtrip International Economy Airfare (Toronto – San Jose, Costa Rica)
✅ Services of an experienced local driver & tour guide
✅ Transportation throughout on a modern vehicle
✅ 11 nights in locally owned hotels and 2 nights in a rustic jungle lodge
✅ 13 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 dinners
✅ Sea Turtle Conservancy Experience, Tortuguero
✅ Tortilla Making and Home Dinner, La Fortuna
✅ Monteverde Institute Lecture & Reforestation Project
✅ Coffee Cooperative Tour, Sarapiquí
✅ Boat Tour and Wildlife Viewing in Tortuguero National Park
✅ Guided Nature Walk in the Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve
✅ Guided Excursion to Manuel Antonio National Park
✅ Admission to all sites and attractions listed in the itinerary
✅ Services of a Cardinal Lakeshore Tour Director
Day 1 – February 18, 2027 | Depart Home
Board our transfer vehicle at one of our pre selected pickup locations today for Pearson International Airport. Here we will board our direct flight from Toronto to San José.
Day 2 – February 19, 2027 | San José / Tortuguero (B, L, D)
Travel by land and boat to Tortuguero National Park, the Caribbean’s “land of the turtles” and a key nesting site for endangered green sea turtles. Settle into a secluded lodge, explore the park’s waterways on a guided boat tour, and visit the world’s first non-profit Sea Turtle Conservancy before unwinding at the lodge this evening with an included group dinner.
Day 3 – February 20, 2027 | Tortuguero National Park (B, L, D)
This morning, we’ll explore the wildlife-rich canals of Tortuguero National Park once more, seeking out howler, spider, and capuchin monkeys, sloths, and a variety of birds. There’s plenty of opportunity to see a variety of birds, monkeys, and other wildlife. In your downtime, relax at the secluded lodge on a hammock or at the pool or beach.
Day 4 – February 21, 2027 | Tortuguero/La Fortuna (B, L)
Depart early for the town of La Fortuna, situated at the foot of the majestic Arenal Volcano. En route, visit a coffee cooperative to gain insight into the process of coffee production, from bean to cup. After a typical lunch—accompanied by a cup of coffee—continue to La Fortuna. Check in to your hotel and unwind by the pool, taking in views of the surrounding jungle!
Day 5 – February 22, 2027 – La Fortuna (B, D)
Spend the day exploring La Fortuna on your own, the town transformed into an adventure hub after the 1968 eruption of Arenal Volcano. Your tour director will be able to suggest many great activities. In the evening, visit a local home to learn tortilla-making, and share a traditional Costa Rican meal of beans, plantains, and your own fresh tortillas.
Day 6 – February 23, 2027 – La Fortuna (B)
Enjoy a full free day in La Fortuna. You can relax, or opt to book an optional excursion like standup paddleboarding on the tranquil waters of Lake Arenal, or set off on a hike within the Arenal Volcano National Park. Perhaps take a boat tour of the Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge, one of the world’s most important wetlands; or relax at a naturally heated outdoor spa.
Day 7 – February 24, 2027 | La Fortuna/Monteverde (B)
From La Fortuna, we make our way by road and boat to the misty mountain region of Monteverde. Spend two days exploring this charming little town and the nearby cloud forest reserve—a nature lover’s paradise.
Day 8 – February 25, 2027 | Monteverde (B)
Set out on a casual guided hike in the Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve, passing giant ferns and vibrant orchids. If you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of the resplendent quetzal—a sacred bird in Maya and Aztec cultures. This afternoon will be free to enjoy the lodge!
Day 9 – February 26, 2027 | Monteverde (B, L)
Pay a visit to the Monteverde Institute, a research and educational organization supported by National Geographic. Hear from a researcher about the institute’s conservation initiatives, including a successful reforestation project; and if you’d like you can help plant a tree and collect data for the project. Spend the rest of the day at leisure with plenty of exciting options!
Day 10 – February 27, 2027 | Monteverde/Manuel Antonio National Park (B)
Leave the cloud forest behind and head to Costa Rica’s Pacific coast, settling into your hotel in the seaside village of Manuel Antonio. Spend the afternoon soaking up the laid-back vibe — relax on white sand beaches, swim in warm Pacific waters, or walk along the unique sandbar that forms a whale’s tail at low tide.
Day 11 – February 28, 2027 | Manuel Antonio National Park (B)
Explore Manuel Antonio National Park on a guided day trip. Take a light hike through lush forests, spot wildlife like monkeys and sloths, enjoy views of the Pacific, swim in lagoons and tidal pools, before finishing with some free time on the park’s beautiful beach.
Day 12 – March 1, 2027 | Manuel Antonio National Park (B)
Spend a full day exploring Manuel Antonio on your own. Walk along lush jungle trails looking for toucans in the treetops. Opt to take a snorkelling excursion on the nearby reef or kayak amid the coastal mangroves or in the open sea, keeping an eye out for dolphins and whales.
Day 13 – March 2, 2027 | Manuel Antonio/San José (B, D)
Return to San José today. Tonight, we’ll enjoy farewell dinner at a popular local restaurant.
Day 14 – March 3, 2027 | Return Home (B)
Our time in Costa Rica comes to an end today. We’ll be transported to the airport today to board our flight home. On arrival in Toronto, our transfer will await us to return us to our original pickup locations.
A deposit of $500 is due at the time of booking. Final payment will be due by December 4, 2026 at the latest. Prices are subject to change. Cancellations received before December 4, 2026 will result in a loss of all deposits. Cancellations received December 4, 2026 or later are 100% non-refundable. Travel insurance is highly recommended and available in office. A valid Canadian Passport is required for this tour. Please visit our website for full terms and conditions: www.cardinallakeshore.ca/our-policy/.
Please note that this is an active tour. We suggest you are able to: Walk 4-5 km over the course of a day with no problem, partake in a two-hour leisurely walking tour (covering up to 3km), handle a variety of terrains, from dirt/gravel trails to moderate hills without assistance and climb two flights of stairs with ease. This tour is not suitable for those with mobility constraints. Advanced seat selection on flights is not available.
