Panthera Onca

A tour to discover Costa Ricas must-sees

An itinerary that brings together the must-sees and the most beautiful sites in Costa Rica…

A two-week tour rich in wildlife and majestic landscapes. The small Amazon, the Arenal volcano, the Pacific beaches and a descent southwards to discover Manuel Antonio National Park before reaching the Osa Peninsula and its exceptional wildlife. Charming luxury lodges where authenticity and comfort meet. Waterfalls, jungle and authenticity for an exclusive and magical trip to Costa Rica.

A condensed version of the country for an exclusive experience combining nature and comfort. We’ll tailor your tour to suit your needs. Don’t hesitate to ask us for the moon – we might just be able to get it for you. Keep your eyes peeled for an unforgettable experience.

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. You’ll be taken to your hotel where a member of the staff 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 : On the edge of the Caribbean lies an ecological marvel, in the middle of a tropical rainforest of exceptional animal diversity, hence its nickname of “Little Amazon”. You reach this region by bus, then by boat, and breakfast is served en route.

Driving time: 2:45 by bus + 1:00 by boat
Transfer from Tortuguero to Guapiles by boat and bus – Lunch included

Driving time: 1:00 by boat + 1:15 by bus – 47 km

• 2 nights at hotel Laguna Lodge

– Accommodation: “Pack LL2BB – hab. standard + tour canales + comida + transporte – 2 pax for 2.”

ON THE AGENDA:

• 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 – LA FORTUNA
Highlights: Volcano – Hanging bridges – Thermal waters – Canopy – Rafting – Quad biking

Days 4 and 5 : Check-in for your vehicule

From Day 4 to 9 : renting of one Cat. Mid. Size – Suzuki Vitara 4×4 – Automatic Assurance tous risques avec rachat de franchise, deux conducteurs, km illimités (Carte Sim)

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: 02:10 – 118 km

• 2 nights at hotel Arenal Glamping

– Accommodation: Standard tent for 2.

ON THE AGENDA:

• Natural History Guided Tour – 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.

 

SANTA TERESA
Highlights: Surf – Beach – Quad – Snorkeling – Isla Tortuga – Réserve Naturelle Cabo Blanco – Montezuma Cascades

Days 6, 7 and 8 : Mal Pais, Santa Teresa and Montezuma are well worth a visit. You’ll need a good 4×4 to enjoy the area’s trails. In the green season, adrenalin is guaranteed! Mal Pais begins where Santa Teresa ends, the more peaceful of the two villages. The beaches of Santa Teresa, Hermosa and Manzanillo are magnificent, and it’s not unusual to find yourself alone. Isla Tortuga, off the coast of Montezuma, is a small island ideal for snorkeling and lounging on a beautiful white-sand beach. Cabo Blanco park and the Curu reserve have some great excursions in store.

Driving time: 05:55 – 282 km

• 3 nights at hotel Tropico Latino

– Accommodation: Beachfront Studio for 2.

 

MANUEL ANTONIO
Highlights: Manuel Antonio Park – Beaches – Isla Damas – Snorkeling – Kayaking

Day 9 : It’s one of the most visited regions because it’s so easy to get to. Manuel Antonio National Park lies at the foot of the hill overlooking the small fishing town of Quepos. Its biodiversity is real (birds, mammals…). The park’s two beaches are worthy of the most beautiful tropical images, but the park is so overcrowded that the feeling of naturalness has disappeared. Animals have changed their behavior and it’s wise to keep an eye on your bags if you don’t want a monkey or a raccoon to steal your belongings.nearby, Biezans beach is ideal for swimming, kayaking and snorkeling.

Driving time: 06:15 – 229 km

• 1 night at hotel La Vela

– Accommodation: Superior for 2.

ON THE AGENDA:

• Entrance to Manuel Antonio National Park : Covering 683 ha of land and 55,000 ha of sea, it is one of the country’s most visited parks. Manuel Antonio enchants visitors with its easily visible fauna (monkeys, coatis, raccoons, sloths, birds and many other small mammals and insects), but above all with its postcard-perfect white sandy beaches. Trail from 3:00 to 7:00: L 10 km / D 71 m – Closed on Tuesdays. Remember to bring swimsuits and towels.

 

GOLFO DULCE – CABO MATAPALO
Highlights: Forêt primaire – Faune et flore exceptionnelle – Observation baleines (de juillet à novembre) et dauphins – Kayak – Tours nocturnes

Days 10, 11 and 12 : In the south-west of the country, the gulf of the Osa Peninsula is still little visited. Yet it is a treasure trove of biodiversity. Adjacent to neighboring Corcovado Park, it’s a paradise for macaws and birds of all kinds. Monkeys are omnipresent, and tapirs and anteaters frequently roam the area.
At sea, humpback whales calve and raise their offspring safe from predators, and dolphins live here year-round.
Fishing is a veritable religion in the region.
The Osa Biological Corridor connects Corcovado Park with Piedras Blancas Park via the Golfo Dulce forest reserve. Here, wildlife roams freely, and what can be seen in Corcovado can also be seen in Puerto Jimenez or Golfito, covering 4,300 km2, or 8% of Costa Rica’s surface area!

• 3 nights at hotel El Remanso

– Accommodation: Casa Poniente for 2.

INCLUDED AT THE HOTEL:

– All meals
– 7 different trails for hikes through the private reserve
– Suspension bridge for wildlife observation

ON THE PROGRAM:

To be chosen on site:
– Sunrise birdwatching tour
– Sunset birdwatching tour
– Long guided excursion on the hotel property
– Short guided excursion on the hotel property
– Night observation tour on the hotel property
– Ecotour on environmental practices and behind-the-scenes visit.

Day 13 – DEPARTURE

Domestic flight PUERTO JIMENEZ / SAN JOSÉ

For domestic flights, the baggage weight allowance is 30 lbs – the additional/kg charge is approximately $1.5.

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Photo Hotel Presidente

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SAN JOSE

Presidente

– Accommodation: Standard for 2.

WHY THIS HOTEL?

Right in the center of town, just a stone’s throw from museums, theaters and markets, the Hotel Presidente is a beautiful, comfortable and pleasant hotel.
The rooftop restaurant gives you a bird’s-eye view of the city.
Breakfasts are hearty and there’s something for everyone.
Rooms are comfortable and clean.
A great option for a first or last night.

Photo Hotel Laguna Lodge

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TORTUGUERO

Laguna Lodge

– Accommodation: Pack LL2BB – hab. standard + tour canales + comida + transporte – 2 pax for 2.

WHY THIS HOTEL?

Photo Hotel Arenal Glamping

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ARENAL

Arenal Glamping

– Accommodation: Standard tent for 2.

WHY THIS HOTEL?

Arenal Glamping is a small, charming hotel that respects sustainability and links with nature. It is designed to offer guests a unique experience that combines the adventure of luxury camping with the peace and quiet of the Arenal volcano.
Each room has a king-size bed, en-suite bathroom and private balcony.

Photo Hotel Tropico Latino

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SANTA TERESA

Tropico Latino

– Accommodation: Beachfront Studio for 2.

WHY THIS HOTEL?

Ideally located on Santa Teresa beach, the Tropico Latino is a good-quality establishment, whose privileged location makes it a must in the area. The bungalows are intimate and spacious, with terraces where you can relax and listen to the sound of the waves. A little more maintenance would be welcome. The hotel offers yoga classes and massages.

Photo Hotel La Vela

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MANUEL ANTONIO

La Vela

– Accommodation: Superior for 2.

WHY THIS HOTEL?

Photo Hotel El Remanso

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GOLFO DULCE – CABO MATAPALO

El Remanso

– Accommodation: Casa Poniente for 2.

WHY THIS HOTEL?

Cape Matapalo is located at the southern tip of the Osa Peninsula, halfway between Puerto Jimenez and Carate, at the gateway to Corcovado National Park. A secluded, unspoilt spot for a nature holiday in complete immersion between sea and forest.
Remanso Lodge is an example of ecotourism that combines luxury and the environment.
The bungalows are decorated with taste and comfort.
An exclusive place for a unique experience in the heart of wild and intense Costa Rica.

The tour map

Carte du circuit

Price includes:

– All accommodations and breakfasts
– All meals in Tortuguero
– All transfers mentioned
• local flight 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

TORTUGUERO

• Entrance to Tortuguero National Park

ARENAL

• Natural History Guided Tour

• Ecotermales entrance

MANUEL ANTONIO

• Entrance to Manuel Antonio National Park

GOLFO DULCE

INCLUDED AT THE HOTEL:
– All meals
– 7 different trails for hikes through the private reserve
– Suspension bridge for wildlife observation
ON THE PROGRAM:To be chosen on site:
– Sunrise birdwatching tour
– Sunset birdwatching tour
– Long guided excursion on the hotel property
– Short guided excursion on the hotel property
– Night observation tour on the hotel property
– Ecotour on environmental practices and behind-the-scenes visit.

Price does not include:

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

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    Personalized travel idea
    A tour to discover Costa Ricas must-sees
    Suggested duration

    13 days

    Price per person
    3390 €3932 $

    Map Pantera onca

    Why travel with us?

    A flawless reputation since 2008

    A single contact in English

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    Our customers have their say

    160 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
    191 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! 😎🇨🇷
    242 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!
    250 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 🦥
    404 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! 🇨🇷😎
    569 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!
    2948 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