Explorations in Monteverde, Arenal, and Tortuguero
Costa Rica Wildlife
Early Sign-up Discount
$350 off per person, first 6 sign-ups on all 2025-2026 departures
Special offers cannot be combined with other discounts
Overview
Costa Rica, a tropical realm of cloud forest, mangroves, volcanoes, and pristine beaches, has wisely protected its natural bounty in parks and reserves that are now world famous. With our expert naturalist Trip Leader, we head out for walks in Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, follow hanging bridges high in the forest below Arenal Volcano, and soar by zip line. In Tortuguero National Park, one of the last large areas of tropical rainforest in Central America, we glide through waterways that shelter fascinating wildlife, from caiman to three-toed sloths. Charming lodges give us a warm welcome in this natural wonderland.
Arrive: San José
Depart: San José
Highlights
- Explore with a Trip Leader who has in-depth knowledge of Costa Rica’s ecosystems
- Boat along canals beneath a pristine rainforest canopy, ride a zip line (optional)
- Hike trails in the famous Monteverde Cloud Forest
- Soak in Arenal Volcano’s thermal springs
- Enjoy Tortuguero, a protected rainforest full of caimans, spider monkeys, and an array of brilliant birdlife
Itinerary
Set at 4,700 feet in the Tilarán Mountains and straddling the Continental Divide, Monteverde is a pioneering private nature reserve established almost four decades ago by Quakers. Among its wonderful avians is the resplendent quetzal, sacred bird of the Maya and Aztecs. We’ll enjoy guided walks on the forested paths, a night walk to spot nocturnal wildlife, from armadillos to sloths, and an optional zip line. In the Jardin de las Mariposas, we discover more than 40 species of butterflies.
The symmetrical cone of Volcano Arenal (5,300') is one of the most iconic volcanoes in the Americas. We’ll walk the hanging bridges that surround it, explore the rainforest canopy, hike a lava field that brings us close to Arenal, and head to a volcanic hot spring for an optional soak.
Tortuguero protects more than 50,000 acres along Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast. In this emerald realm, we explore by boat in tranquil blackwater canals overhung with rainforest. They provide a rich habitat for caimans, three-toed sloths, river otters, three species of monkeys, and dazzling birdlife including all six species of kingfishers found in the New World. Our riverside lodge offers us fantastic access to this wildlife haven. Depart on Day 8 via San José or join one of our extensions.
Accommodations
Scroll through our signature accommodations for this trip below. Although it is highly unlikely, we may make substitutions when necessary.
What the Trip is Like
The trip is rated Level 2, Easy to Moderate, according to our trip grading system. Wildlife viewing takes place during nature walks on mountain rainforest trails and on lagoon trips by boat. The walks are about two to four miles, covering a variety of terrain and usually on well-marked trails. There is no extensive hiking on the trip, but you should be in good physical shape to enjoy it to the fullest. Accommodations range from a modern hotel in San Jose to charming wildlife lodges.
The temperature in Costa Rica does not change drastically with the seasons. Lowland areas are warmer, while in the mountains, it is cooler, especially at night. If you are sensitive to the cold, bring a warm layer for cold early mornings and evenings, especially December through February, when it can be quite chilly in the highlands. On the Pacific Coast and in the highlands, the rainy season begins in late May and ends by November. Mornings are usually bright and sunny, with typical afternoon rains that come as short downpours. December through April is the dry season, but Costa Rica is tropical so you can expect some rain at any time of the year.
Client Testimonials
"Our guide was great, hotels were local in feel but also elegant and comfortable, logistics were amazingly smooth, variety of scenery and breadth of feel for the country was wonderful—mountains, tropics, forest walks, jungle river trips, city tour. It was a total package!"
Betsy S.
Kennebunkport, ME
"We had a great trip. We will definitely recommend WT to friends."
Brian S. and Shana S.
Indianapolis, IN
"This trip really exceeded my expectations. Costa Rica is a beautiful country and we were able to see so much of it and all the amazing wildlife, plant life, and landscapes. A full itinerary without feeling overwhelming."
Carrie K.
Oakland, CA
"This was such a wonderful trip. We saw an almost unbelievable variety of wildlife. Our leader was terrific - extraordinary knowledge of the plants and animals of Costa Rica. Education, fun, adventure, and exercise equals a great vacation."
Cathy and Richard L.
Portola Valley, CA
"This trip was spectacularly planned and executed, the best of our WT trip experiences."
Charles and Ruthellen M.
Great Neck, NY
"It was great to get away to such a beautiful and sunny place in February! This trip would be fun to do again."
Corrine D.
Palo Alto, CA
"An excellent trip that covered a lot of ground in a short period of time. The forest walks, boat tours/rides, wildlife viewing, and cultural activities were outstanding and diverse."
David S.
Arlington, VA
"Typical Wilderness Travel excellence!"
David S.
Potomac, MD
"I am a 'city girl' who was surprised to find herself captivated by ants, birds, bats, and sloths, among other things! Costa Rica is beautiful and this was a great way to experience it."
Dorothy M.
Chicago, IL
"It was truly one of my best vacations EVER!"
Dorothy P.
Las Vegas, NV
"Loved it, loved Costa Rica. Can't wait to do another adventure."
Dr. Leila G.
Maplewood, NJ
"The trip exceeded our expectations and its variety of experiences kept us in constant amazement."
Elizabeth C.
Washington, DC
"This was an outstanding trip. Every stop on our itinerary was nicely planned to realize the maximum enjoyment."
Frank S.
Vestavia, AL
"We thought the trip was well scheduled and our time well spent. We were kept moving and steered to different places and experiences to make the most of our trip, which was just what we wanted. The hotels were excellent, as was the food!"
Gregg S.
Boise, ID
"Having traveled with other companies, WT is by far the best one yet."
Jalien H.
South Dartmouth, MA
"I loved everything about the trip—it was just what we were hoping for."
Judith A.
Silver Spring, MD
"The trip was exactly what I had hoped—a small group of enthusiastic travelers, hikes and boat trips with lots of plants and wildlife to photograph. Plus, it was an excellent break from winter weather!"
Julia M.
Washington, DC
"Your trip leader has a great deal of knowledge and passion regarding the wildlife, history and current events of Costa Rica. His guidance added a whole new level to our enjoyment of this amazing country."
Kristine J.
Orangevale, CA
"It was an experience of a lifetime. Being able to travel and learn with three generations, ages 10-81, was very meaningful."
Laura R.
Warner, NH
"This was my first Wilderness Travel trip. I'll be back!"
Margaret I.
Ada, MI
"A tremendous trip that really helped me understand and appreciate Costa Rica's animals, plants, and natural beauty. Federico was great, the lodges and hotels where we stayed were top notch, the cultural events were very interesting, and the rainforests and animals were unforgettable."
Mark H.
Wilmette, IL
"Beautifully organized, interesting trip that exceeded my very high expectations. The people we traveled with were interesting, courteous, and considerate with no exceptions and were part of the pleasure I experienced. The terrain, flora, and fauna of Costa Rica are exquisite, and the trip allowed us to immerse ourselves in the different settings with the help of superb guidance that taught us to see and understand better."
Olga H.
Princeton, NJ
"One of the best trips we’ve ever had. Our 11-year-old granddaughter never stopped smiling."
Paul C.
Cambridge, MA
"Superb trip—all I had to do was enjoy myself!"
Ray B.
Springfield, OR
"Everyone at Wilderness Travel from our first call to our final good-bye at the airport was exceptional!"
Sue M.
San Carlos, CA
"Wow! This is my first real "adventure" trip. You have spoiled me! The accommodations were top notch and the food was superb. I saw more beautiful animals, birds, and wildlife of every kind than I ever have in a single week before. My guide knew everyone so we saw everything that was out there on our trails wherever we went."
Susan T.
Braselton, GA
"A fantastic trip! Lots of activities for those people like me who want to be on the go all the time and options for those who want to take some down time. I really appreciated the beauty of the country and the chance to see so much wildlife!"
Sylvia B.
Canterbury, NH
"It was an amazing trip, with a perfectly designed itinerary that allowed for personalization, so we could get the most out of our trip."
Zach B.
New York, NY
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Our Area Specialists know every detail about our tours. They will be happy to answer any questions and help you choose the journey that’s right for you. Contact us to learn more or book your trip today!
Itinerary
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Trip Levels
With more than 200 different adventures to choose from, we want to help you find the trip that’s right for you. Our Trip Level system ranks each trip in two ways: a number rating from 1 to 6 according to the activity, and general travel rigors. 1 is the easiest and 6+ the most difficult.