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

Carte du circuit

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
    1765 €2046 $

    Map of circuit Butterfly by Costa Rica Decouverte

    Why travel with us?

    A flawless reputation since 2008

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    Our customers have their say

    147 days ago
    Our tour of Costa Rica from 19 to 31 March, organised by Sandrine and everyone at Costa Rica Decouverte, was truly unforgettable! We visited an exciting mix of destinations including San Jose, Monteverde, Arenal, Corcovado, and Tortuguero. From seamless transportation to breathtaking locations, fantastic tours and activities, comfortable accommodations, and delicious food—everything exceeded our expectations. Throughout our journey, we encountered friendly and helpful people who made our experience even more memorable. The places we stayed offered the chance to enjoy Costa Rica’s incredible nature right from the comfort of the verandas. Even the journeys between locations felt like grand adventures in themselves. Every day brought something new and exciting. I won’t share too many specifics, as some things are better left as surprises for others to discover on their own. Thank you again to Sandrine and everyone involved for making this such a wonderful experience for both myself and my partner. Barbara

    Owner's reply
    Hi Barbara, Thank you so much for your wonderful message 😊 We’re truly delighted to read that your journey through Costa Rica was such a memorable experience, and that each destination brought its share of discovery and emotion. Your words perfectly capture what we aim to create: a seamless adventure filled with beautiful moments, nature, and special encounters. A big thank you as well for your kind mention of Sandrine—we’ll be sure to pass it along! We love that you chose to keep a bit of mystery for future travelers… you’re absolutely right, some surprises are part of the magic ✨ It was a real pleasure to organize this trip for you and your partner. We hope to welcome you again one day for another Costa Rican adventure! Pura Vida 🌴☀️ The Costa Rica Découverte Team
    178 days ago
    We have had a wonderful stay in Costa Rica. Sandrine organized the trip to perfection in spite that we had decided this at the last moment. It was our first trip to Costa Rica and our main reason for visiting this beautiful country was to get away from the brutally long winter in Toronto, Canada. Sandrine introduced us to the different climates; Manuel Antonio with its mangroves, La Fontana de Arenal with its rainforest, Monteverde with its cloud forest and Carillo with its beach. We had private transportation between the different destinations which all ran like clockwork and all the hotels were exactly as we had requested; international, first class and family oriented. We highly recommend Cost Rica Découverte Travel Agency for its professionalism, punctuality and wonderful follow up throughout the trip.

    Owner's reply
    Thank you Bernardo for your lovely comment 🙏 It takes daily teamwork to listen to our customers before, during, and after their trip! And that's true that your trip was a good one. Pura Vida! 😎🇨🇷
    229 days ago
    +8
    We had a great trip Costa Rica decouverte. Communication was excellent, great hotels and loved the balance with activities and relaxing times. We managed to see so much wildlife thanks for their knowledge. Highly recommend!

    Owner's reply
    Dear Tiffany, Thank you so much for taking the time to share your lovely feedback. We’re delighted to hear that you had a great trip and that you enjoyed the balance between activities and relaxing moments, as well as the hotels and communication throughout your journey. We’re especially happy that our team’s knowledge helped you discover so much wildlife — that’s exactly what we love sharing about Costa Rica 🌿🐒 Thank you again for your trust and your recommendation. It was a real pleasure organizing your Costa Rica découverte!
    237 days ago
    From the very first conversation, the experience with Costa Rica Découverte was exceptional — particularly as a family travelling with children. The booking process was incredibly easy and reassuring, with the team taking the time to understand our family’s needs, pace, and interests. The itinerary came together smoothly, with thoughtful suggestions that balanced adventure, nature, relaxation, and comfort in a way that worked perfectly for both adults and children. In the lead-up to travel, the communication was outstanding. Every question — no matter how small — was answered promptly and clearly, and we felt completely prepared before we even left home. Knowing that every detail had been considered made a huge difference when travelling as a family, especially over the busy festive period. Once in Costa Rica, everything ran seamlessly. Transfers were punctual and well organised, guides were fantastic with the children — patient, engaging, and incredibly knowledgeable — and activities were perfectly suited to a family dynamic. We always knew exactly where to be and what to expect, which removed all the usual stresses that can come with family travel. What really stood out was how well looked after we felt at every stage — before travelling, during the trip, and right through to departure. The staff were consistently friendly, professional, and genuinely caring, giving us complete confidence that we were in safe hands at all times. It allowed us to fully relax and focus on making memories together as a family. This was one of the best family holidays we have ever taken. Effortlessly organised, brilliantly communicated, and thoughtfully tailored for family travel, it exceeded our expectations in every way. We would recommend Costa Rica Découverte without hesitation to any family looking for a truly special, stress-free Costa Rica experience — and we will absolutely be booking with them again

    Owner's reply
    Dear Michelle and Mital, Thank you very much for taking the time to share such a wonderful and detailed review. We are truly touched by your kind words and delighted to know that your family trip to Costa Rica was such a positive and memorable experience. It was a real pleasure for our team to design this journey for your family and to ensure that every detail — from planning to on-the-ground logistics — met your expectations. Knowing that you felt well supported, relaxed, and able to fully enjoy time together as a family is exactly what we strive for. We will be sure to pass on your feedback to our local partners and guides, who will be thrilled to hear how much they contributed to your experience, especially with your children. Thank you again for your trust and recommendation. We would be absolutely delighted to welcome your family back to Costa Rica in the future and to help create another unforgettable journey. Warm regards, Sandrine 🦥
    391 days ago
    Absolutely incredible service our flights were delayed (we booked individually) they done everything to make every effort to rearrange hotels etc, even had a chauffer at the airport to bring us to our hotel, next day the car rental people were outside saving us having to collect the car, exactly what we needed after a long delayed flight. could not be happier with the service that was provided.

    Owner's reply
    Hi Brendan! Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re delighted to hear that, despite the flight delays, everything worked out smoothly for you. Our team is always happy to go the extra mile to ensure your trip starts stress-free and comfortably. We truly appreciate your kind words and hope to welcome you back to Costa Rica for another unforgettable experience. Pura Vida! 🇨🇷😎
    556 days ago
    +3
    My wife and I spent 3 weeks traveling across Costa Rica with my retired mother in February 2025. Maelle helped tailor this trip to our interests, particularly our desire to see as much of the country while keeping a reasonable rhythm, all interspersed with some relaxation and beach time. We started with Tortoguero (staying at the Mawamba Lodge, with boat excursions to see the wildlife, including waterfowl, sloths, and baby crocodiles), traveled west to Sarapiqui (the enchanting Selva Verde Lodge and a fascinating visit to Palmitour to see how hearts of palm are cultivated), then to Arenal (the simple but lovely Natural Green Lodge, and a fantastic guided tour of the Mistico suspension bridges), Tenorio (can’t say enough about the Celeste Mountain Lodge, though our excursion to the park was unfortunately rained out), and Monteverde (the cute Calathea Lodge, another great guided tour of Curi-Cancha), before going to Samara in Nicoya for a couple days on the beach (staying at Las Estrellas de Samara, which has an incredible view but definitely needs a 4x4 vehicle to reach it—and Maelle made sure we did). After that we headed south (stopping at beautiful Rancho Capulin B&B, after visiting the animal sanctuary Centro de Rescate Las Pumas—with its jaguars, monkeys, and myriad arts), making the obligatory stop at Manuel Antonio (a bit underwhelming after everything else we’d seen, but the Alma de Ojochal hotel was fantastic), before ending up in Drake (staying at the magnificent Natural Drake Bay) for some well-earned R&R and scuba diving. I cannot stress enough that the entire trip went as planned and without a hitch. The CRD crew was always available and immediately responsive whenever we had questions, and even made some last-minute adjustments for us along the way. Costa Rica is truly a wonderful country, and CRD made sure we saw it in the very best conditions. A heartfelt thanks to all. Pura vida!

    Owner's reply
    Hello Gregoire! Thank you so much for your heartfelt comment. We are really happy to have been able to participate in the success of this trip! The whole team wishes you an excellent selection of photos, and maybe we'll see you next time 🙂 Pura Vida!
    2935 days ago
    just visited Costa Rica and the experience was super intense, I loved the nature that is like being inside a green explosion of live, thanks to ROOTS TRAVEL for helping to make this visit a five star time