Butterfly

From Tortuguero to Samara passing through Arenal

9 jours

Do you only have a few days to discover Costa Rica? Then we invite you to take advantage of a short 9-day tour.

You’ll enjoy a complete change of scenery as you pass through the little Amazon, Tortuguero. The rainforest, canals and wildlife will transport you into a 100% natural world in just a few hours.

After this first stage, you’ll take your vehicle to the majestic Arenal volcano. A colossus dominating a region rich in activity and entertainment. Your guide will accompany you across the suspension bridges and you’ll relax in the thermal waters. A truly relaxing experience.

Finally, you’ll reach the Pacific coast and the small seaside resort of Samara. A cove lined with white sand where you can enjoy the pleasures of the sea.

SAN JOSE
Highlights: Gold Museum – Jade Museum – Central Market – National Theatre – Barrio Amon and its colonial architecture

Day 1 : Villanueva de la Boca del Monte, formerly known as San José, is the capital of Costa Rica. At an altitude of 1,150 m, the city enjoys one of the 3 best climates in the world: 23°C on average! Some districts are worth a visit, such as Barrio Amon, with its neoclassical architecture, and Barrio Escalante, with its many small restaurants.
Since the 1970s, the capital has experienced an economic boom, with suburban expansion and a strong presence of universities. San José, with its 1,500,000 inhabitants, is a cosmopolitan city.
A little disconcerting at first, it’s easy to fall under the spell of this constantly bustling city. A capital full of life and color.

Landing to the airport. A private driver will be waiting for you. He will give you your roadbook. and your SIM card that can fit any smartphone

• 1 night at hotel Presidente

– Accommodation: Standard for 2.

 

TORTUGUERO
Highlights: Canal cruise – Cerro Tortuguero – Typical Caribbean village – Biodiversity

Days 2 and 3 : Early morning transfer to Tortuguero (organized by the lodge)
Travel time: 2h45 by road + 1h by boat

On the Caribbean coast lies an ecological wonder hidden in the heart of the humid tropical rainforest, home to extraordinary wildlife – earning it the nickname “Little Amazon.” From July to October, it is also a key nesting site for leatherback and hawksbill turtles.

This wetland area boasts remarkable biodiversity, and during the season, you may easily spot howler monkeys, capuchins, spider monkeys, sloths, toucans, colorful birds, anteaters, caimans…

Access to the region is by bus and then boat– a total change of scenery guaranteed!

• 2 nights at hotel Mawamba Lodge

– Accommodation: “Standard Plus + Canal Tour + Meals + Transfers for 2.”

INCLUDED AT THE HOTEL :
– All meals

PROGRAM :
– Guided canal boat excursion
– Visit to the village of Tortuguero
– Visit of Mawamba Park (frog and iguana garden) Tour schedule will be confirmed at the hotel.

• Entrance to Tortuguero National Park : Nicknamed “the little Amazon”, this park is made up of a series of canals and a lagoon between the tropical rainforest and the Caribbean Sea. The park’s beaches are home to thousands of turtles of 4 different species. Biodiversity here is extremely rich: felines, birds, turtles, manatees, otters, caimans, iguanas, basilisks, howler monkeys, capuchins, atelas, etc.

 

ARENAL – VOLCAN ARENAL
Highlights: Volcano – Hanging bridges – Thermal waters – Canopy – Rafting – Quad biking

Transfer from Tortuguero to Guápiles by boat and bus – Lunch included
Travel time: 1h by boat + 1h15 by road – 47 km

Days 4 and 5 : Check-in for your vehicule

From Day 4 to 8 : renting of one Cat. Mid. Size – Suzuki Vitara 4×4 – Automatic Comprehensive insurance with excess waiver, two drivers, unlimited mileage

La Fortuna, a small town at the foot of the Arenal volcano, is not the one that attracts visitors, but rather the many breathtaking sites that surround it. The legendarily perfect cone of the volcano makes the region a must-see.
Volcanic activity in the form of lava flows ceased in 2009. However, the steam still escaping from the crater and the warmth of the thermal waters flowing through the area are clear signs that the colossus is still alive and kicking.
Suspension bridges, zip lines, waterfalls and thermal springs are musts.
The national park is home to ancient lava flows and exceptional birdlife.
Canyoning is also a popular activity at Lake Arenal.

Driving time: 02:25 – 131 km

• 2 nights at hotel Lomas del Volcan

– Accommodation: Bungalow for 2.

ON THE AGENDA :

• Natural History Guided Tour at Mistico Hanging Bridges – Duration : 2:30 : Along a series of trails and 16 suspension bridges, you’ll set off with a naturalist guide (bilingual in English and Spanish) who will help you discover the secrets of the forest, a veritable natural sanctuary where you can observe the many species that inhabit the area, both in the trees and on the ground.

• Ecotermales Entrance : After a day of activities, there’s nothing like a dip in the volcano-heated natural pools to relax! The large Ecotermales pools welcome you in a magnificent natural setting. A site renowned for its tranquillity.

 

SAMARA – PLAYA SAMARA
Highlights: Beach – Lounging – Kayaking – Snorkeling – Isla Chora – Fishing – Dolphin watching

Days 6, 7 and 8 : The small seaside resorts of Nosara, Samara and Carillo have only recently come into their own.
Local activities focus on fishing, wellness, lounging and surfing.
Isla Chora in the bay of Samara is a wildlife reserve, home to birds, rays and dolphins all year round.
Access to both the north and south of this region, especially in the green season, is not easy, but ensures rest and contemplation of these superb beaches.
Every year, the Ostional National Wildlife Refuge plays host to the “arribadas”, or mass arrivals of turtles. Sometimes more than a thousand turtles come to lay their eggs here in a single night!

Driving time: 02:55 – 118 km

• 3 nights at hotel El Pequeño Gecko Verde

– Accommodation: Bungalow Zapote/Guanabana/Ilang Ilang/Guayaba for 2.

ON THE AGENDA :

• Delfines Tour – Duration : 2:30 : The excursion is a combined search for cetaceans and other marine life off Samara. A stopover on Isla Chora off the coast allows you to observe the region’s aquatic life by snorkeling or freediving. Great memories in store. Snack included

 

Day 9 – DEPARTURE

Road to San José.

Driving time to the airport: 04:15 – 224 km

Return your vehicle to the rental company and take the shuttle to the international terminal.

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Hotel Presidente

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SAN JOSE

Presidente

– Accommodation: Standard for 2.

WHY THIS HOTEL?

Located on the pedestrian avenue in downtown San José, Hotel Presidente enjoys an ideal location, just steps from the National Theatre and museums.
Its modern, comfortable rooms are fully equipped for a city stopover.
The generous breakfast is much appreciated.
The rooftop, Azotea Calle 7, offers stunning views of the capital in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere.
A well-maintained urban hotel, perfect for exploring San José on foot.

Hotel Mawamba Lodge

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TORTUGUERO

Mawamba Lodge

– Accommodation: “Standard Plus + Canal Tour + Meals + Transfers for 2.”

WHY THIS HOTEL?

Mawamba Lodge offers spacious rooms with warm wooden decor.
Each bungalow includes a sitting area, a private bathroom, and a terrace with a hammock and rocking chairs. Guests can relax by the outdoor pool or on the Katonga platform — perfect for nature observation.
The lodge also features a waterfront restaurant, Katonga, available by reservation. Hiking trails, guided excursions, and shuttle services make it easy to explore the surroundings.
Conveniently located near the village of Tortuguero, the lodge combines comfort and accessibility in a peaceful natural setting.

Hotel Lomas del Volcan

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ARENAL

Lomas del Volcan

– Accommodation: Bungalow for 2.

WHY THIS HOTEL?

Lomas del Volcán charms guests with its spacious and comfortable bungalows—some featuring a private jacuzzi—nestled in beautiful tropical gardens. The trails around the property invite leisurely walks and nature observation. Guests particularly enjoy the outdoor pool and happy hour at the bar. On clear days, the view of the Arenal Volcano is simply stunning, adding a unique charm to this peaceful retreat.

Hotel El Pequeño Gecko Verde

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SAMARA – PLAYA SAMARA

El Pequeño Gecko Verde

– Accommodation: Bungalow Zapote/Guanabana/Ilang Ilang/Guayaba for 2.

WHY THIS HOTEL?

A small boutique hotel in the middle of a tropical garden, where tranquillity is the order of the day.
Away from the noise of the small town of Samara, it’s preferable to have a car to visit the local beaches.
The small bungalows are tastefully decorated, with original outdoor showers.
The swimming pool is a big plus, as is the copious and delicious breakfast.

The tour map

Price includes:

– All accommodations and breakfasts
– All meals in Tortuguero
– All transfers mentioned
– Renting of vehicule – Cat. Mid. Size – Suzuki Vitara 4×4 – Automatic
Vehicule, comprehensive insurance (TPL + CDW) with damage waiver, 2 drivers, unlimited mileage + SIM card with unlimited Waze/Google Maps. A credit card imprint of 100 US$ will be taken by the rental company.
– Our 7/7 assistance
– Your travel diary
• Your SIM card compatible with all smartphones

TORTUGUERO

INCLUDED AT THE HOTEL :
– All meals

PROGRAM :
– Guided canal boat excursion
– Visit to the village of Tortuguero
– Visit of Mawamba Park (frog and iguana garden) Tour schedule will be confirmed at the hotel.

• Entrance to Tortuguero National Park

ARENAL

• Natural History Guided Tour at Mistico Hanging Bridges
• Ecotermales Entrance

SAMARA

• Delfines Tour

Price does not include:

– International flights
– Meals and drinks not mentioned
– Gas, parking and tolls
– Tips
– Personal purchases

NB: the days and times of the excursions mentioned in the quote may be subject to change depending on the logistics and availability of the service providers.

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    Personalized travel idea
    From Tortuguero to Samara passing through Arenal
    Suggested duration

    9 days

    Price per person
    1763 €

    Map of circuit Butterfly by Costa Rica Decouverte

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