Jungle mist, crashing waves & stories by firelight

Tortuguero to Nosara: Jungle to Surf

Trip Duration

11 Days/10 Nights

When to Go

Year-Round

Pricing Guide

from $3,800 pp

Trip Duration

11 days/10 nights

Pricing Guide

from $3,800 pp

When to Go

Nov-Aug

This 10-night jaunt carries your family from Tortuguero’s tangled waterways to Arenal’s volcanic trails and the relaxed shores of Nosara. Spot howler monkeys in the jungle, hike beneath the clouds, and catch waves together by day. One unforgettable evening ends beside a private beach bonfire, marshmallows in hand and stars overhead.

Destinations

Tortuguero, Arenal & Nosara

Trip Highlights

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Day by Day

your first sips of adventure on the Northern Caribbean Coast

Tortuguero

Day 1: Arrival in San José
Touch down in Costa Rica’s capital and settle into Grano de Oro, a boutique hotel housed in a restored Victorian mansion. Family suites offer cozy elegance, perfect for recovering from travel. Kids can explore the leafy courtyard while parents unwind in the rooftop jacuzzi under the city sky.

Day 2: Into the jungle by boat
Journey northeast by road and river to Tortuguero, where rainforest meets winding canals. Glide through mirror-still waters to Mawamba Lodge, your home near the water’s edge. Spend the afternoon by the pool or exploring the lodge’s garden trails. Meals are included and hearty.

Day 3: Canal safari & turtle tales
Wake early for a guided canal safari, where monkeys leap between branches and toucans flash through the trees. After lunch, relax at the lodge or visit the butterfly garden. From July to October, join a nighttime turtle nesting tour—a once-in-a-lifetime glimpse of nature’s magic.

Fire, Mist & Open skies

Arenal

Day 4: From jungle to volcano
Travel west by boat and road to Arenal. Settle into Lomas del Volcán, a peaceful retreat with wooden bungalows and sweeping views. Take a dip in the pool or wander the lodge’s nature trail as the volcano looms on the horizon.

Day 5: Hanging bridges & hot springs
Join a guided walk along Arenal’s famous hanging bridges, where misty treetops reveal monkeys, sloths, and birds. In the afternoon, soak in the thermal pools at Ecotermales before enjoying a relaxed dinner surrounded by jungle.

Day 6: Your day, your way
Today is fully flexible. Kayak across Lake Arenal, visit a wildlife rescue center, hike to a waterfall—or simply rest. Whether you’re chasing adventure or taking it slow, Arenal delivers in every direction.

Ocean air & golden afternoons

Nosara

Day 7: Westward to the sea
Fly to Costa Rica’s Nicoya Peninsula and arrive in Nosara, where jungle slopes into shoreline. Settle into Lagarta Lodge and take in the Pacific from your balcony or the infinity pool. It’s slower here, and beautifully so.

Day 8: Mornings on the waves
Learn to surf on Playa Guiones, one of Costa Rica’s best beaches for beginners. In the afternoon, wander the lodge’s private trails or hunt for tide pools along the coast. Wildlife often wanders right past your lounge chair.

Day 9: Unschedule the day
No plans needed. Stretch into beachfront yoga, sip smoothies poolside, or take the kids to sculpt sandcastles while parrots chatter in the trees. Meals are casual and creative—Nosara’s food scene surprises at every turn.

Day 10: Firelight farewell
Close your journey with a private beach bonfire arranged by the lodge. As the sky deepens, roast marshmallows and swap stories while the tide rolls in. One last memory made in the glow of the flames.

Where You'll Stay

Lomas del Volcán, Arenal

Nestled in the foothills of Arenal, Lomas del Volcán offers quiet comfort with front-row views of the volcano. Freestanding bungalows pair rustic charm with modern ease, each with a private terrace facing the jungle or peaks beyond. Stroll garden paths, swim beneath the trees, and savor local flavors at Hojarasca restaurant, all in a setting that feels relaxed, welcoming, and close to nature.

Senda Monteverde, Monteverde

High in the cloud forest, Senda blends eco-luxury with a sense of stillness. Its modern bungalows, crafted from native hardwoods and natural textures, open to misty gardens and quiet trails. Wander to the reserve, curl up by the fire, or linger over inventive farm-to-table cuisine. It’s a place for soft adventure and deep breath.

Tulemar Resort, Manuel Antonio

Tucked into rainforest above the sea, Tulemar is a hillside hideaway where sloths lounge in the trees and ocean views stretch wide. Villas and bungalows feel part of the landscape, offering privacy and a sense of calm. Days drift between forest trails, beach time, and dips in quiet pools. With warm hospitality and wildlife always nearby, this is Manuel Antonio at its most serene.