Quetzal Nahuatl

An all-inclusive tour to let yourself be guided

Let us guide you through the essentials of Costa Rica for 12 days, all-inclusive. Private transfers or shared in small groups, meals provided everywhere, activities where you’ll only have to think of your camera, in short, a tour to let yourself be carried and guided throughout the trip.

A complete tour that lets you discover the country’s must-sees with complete peace of mind.

From the cloud forest of Monteverde to the unique Corcovado National Park, via the majestic Arenal volcano and the exuberant jungle of Tortuguero, “the little Amazon”, this trip is an invitation to nature.

An extraordinary experience without worrying about logistics.

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 Fleur de Lys

– Accommodation: Estandar for 2.

 

MONTEVERDE – SANTA ELENA
Highlights: Wildlife – Cloud forest – Suspension bridges – Tyrolean traverse – Sugar cane cultivation – Art galleries

Days 2 and 3 : Expect to enter the sanctuary of ecology.
Our advice here is to take a guide to visit the many sites and reserves in this region, where flora and fauna blend harmoniously. Discovering the cultivation of cocoa, coffee and sugar cane is also a must.
You’ll feel like you’re on top of the world, as the mountainous landscapes overlooking the not-so-distant sea offer spectacular views.
Tens of thousands of insects, 2,500 species of plants, 420 of which are orchids, 400 species of birds and over 100 species of mammals make this an exceptional region.
Hanging bridges, zip-lining, night tours and walks in the various nature reserves are a highlight of the region.

Shuttle SAN JOSÉ / MONTEVERDE
Driving time: 03:15 – 148 km

• 2 nights at hotel Valle Escondido Nature Reserve

– Accommodation: Standard Double for 2.

ON THE AGENDA:

• Guided natural history walk – Duration : 2:30 : Discover the Santa Elena reserve with an esp/ang naturalist guide. Much less touristy than the Monteverde reserve, its trails (approx. 12 km) are more peaceful. Here you can observe monkeys, small mammals (squirrels, agoutis, coatis, raccoons, etc.) and numerous birds, including the famous quetzal.

• Two-way transport :

• Trapiche tour with transportation – Duration : 1:45 : Stroll through an agricultural estate to discover the different crops: sugar cane, cashew nuts, oranges, coffee, bananas, etc… You’ll observe the traditional extraction and processing of coffee and sugar cane.

 

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

Days 4, 5 and 6 : 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 flow 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 lives on.
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.

Shuttle MONTEVERDE / LA FORTUNA
Driving time: 03:15 – 112 km

• 3 nights at hotel Catarata Ecolodge

– Accommodation: Standard for 2.

ON THE AGENDA:

• Natural History Guided Tour +transport – 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.

• Unique Caño Negro – Opción Pantoon – Duration : 8:30 – Déj. inclus : You reach the Caño Negro refuge (approx. 1:45 drive). Then off for a boat trip on the Rio Frio River to discover the Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge, one of the country’s richest in biodiversity. Here you can observe egrets, herons, monkeys, caimans, iguan
as, bats and a wide variety of flora.

 

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

Days 7 and 8 : 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.

Shuttle LA FORTUNA / GUAPILES
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 Mawamba Lodge

– Accommodation: “Pack 3D/2N – hab. standard DBL + tour canales + comidas + transporte 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.

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.

CORCOVADO – DRAKE
Highlights: Corcovado National Park – Isla del Caño – Diving – Wildlife – Night tour

Days 9, 10 and 11 : Drive to Sierpe, where you leave your vehicle with the rental company and transfer by boat to Drake. Driving time + 01:00 boat trip
Getting to Drake is an adventure in itself! It’s here that visitors embark to visit Corcovado Park, one of the largest rainforests in Central America. Its biodiversity includes many endangered species, such as the tapir and the anteater. Don’t look for a tourist resort in Drake. There are no developed streets here, just a grocery store and a small restaurant. It’s truly nature that dominates!

Domestic flight TORTUGUERO / SAN JOSÉ /BAHIA DRAKE

• 3 nights at hotel Punta Marenco

– Accommodation: “Hab. Standard + Transporte Sierpe + Cenas for 2.”

ON THE AGENDA:

• Tour Sirena – Duration : 7:00 : 1:30h by boat from the hotel, you’re off to discover Corcovado National Park, the country’s richest! On the program: monkeys, macaws, tapirs, crocodiles, toucans, etc. La Sirena Station is wilder and less crowded than San Pedrillo.Picnic lunch included.

• Isla del Caño and Whales – Duration : 6:00 : Sea excursions to see dolphins, turtles, flying fish and, from July to October, the chances of spotting whales and their calves are great! Groups of whales and dolphins gather in Drake Bay to put on an amazing show! Snorkel the waters of Isla del Caño

 

Day 12 – DEPARTURE

Domestic flight BAHIA DRAKE / SAN JOSE
Flight time 30 to 45 minutes.

END OF OUR SERVICES

NB: For domestic flights, the baggage weight allowance is 30 lbs – the additional/kg charge is approximately $1.5.
Please consult our terms and conditions – Click here

 

Photo Hotel Fleur de Lys

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SAN JOSE

Fleur de Lys

– Accommodation: Estandar for 2.

WHY THIS HOTEL?

The Fleur de Lys is located close to downtown San José. Its Victorian architecture lends it a touch of old-world charm. Rooms are simple and comfortable. Breakfast is decent.
The area comes alive early, and the nearby train can disturb light sleepers from 5:30 am to 9:00 pm.

Photo Hotel Valle Escondido Nature Reserve

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MONTEVERDE

Valle Escondido Nature Reserve

– Accommodation: Standard Double for 2.

WHY THIS HOTEL?

The Valle Escondido reserve is part of the Monteverde biological corridor. Marked trails lead you to magnificent waterfalls, and the views from various Mirador are exceptional. Flora and fauna are abundant.
An organic farm provides much of the lodge’s food.
The atmosphere at this lodge is simply cheerful, friendly and relaxing.
The rooms are beautifully decorated and comfortable.
The restaurant is a must, as everything here is fresh, original and delicious. A lot of attention is paid to breakfast.

Photo Hotel Catarata Ecolodge

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ARENAL

Catarata Ecolodge

– Accommodation: Standard for 2.

WHY THIS HOTEL?

The Catarata Ecolodge is a charming, authentic, eco-responsible little establishment. The rooms are simple, comfortable and have a view of the Arenal volcano. The property’s gardens are well tended and the staff is attentive. One of the best value for money in the area.

Photo Hotel Mawamba Lodge

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TORTUGUERO

Mawamba Lodge

– Accommodation: Pack 3D/2N – hab. standard DBL + tour canales + comidas + transporte for 2.

WHY THIS HOTEL?

Mawamba Lodge offers spacious rooms, an outdoor pool and a restaurant. Hiking, excursions and a shuttle service make it easy to enjoy the surrounding area. Each bungalow is beautifully decorated with wood panelling, a sitting area to relax in and a private bathroom. A private terrace with a hammock and rocking chairs invites you to relax.

Photo Hotel Punta Marenco

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CORCOVADO

Punta Marenco

– Accommodation: Hab. Standard + Transporte Sierpe + Cenas for 2.

WHY THIS HOTEL?

The tour map

Carte du circuit

Price includes:

– All accommodations and breakfasts
– All meals
– All transfers mentioned
– local flights mentioned
– Our 7/7 assistance
– Your travel diary

MONTEVERDE
• Two-way transport

• Self-guided walk

• Trapiche tour with transportation

ARENAL

• Mistico Hanging Bridges Walk Tour

• Entrance to Arenal Volcano National Park SILENCIO – PAY TO GUIDE

• Unique Caño Negro – Opción Pantoon – Lunch included

TORTUGUERO

– All meals
– 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

CORCOVADO

• Tour Sirena

• Isla del Caño and Whales

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
    An all-inclusive tour to let yourself be guided
    Suggested duration

    12 days

    Price per person
    2706 €3139 $

    Map of circuit Quetzal Costa Rica

    Why travel with us?

    A flawless reputation since 2008

    A single contact in English

    Our presence on the ground all year round

    Our expertise for a tailor-made offer

    Our customers have their say

    164 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
    195 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! 😎🇨🇷
    246 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!
    254 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 🦥
    408 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! 🇨🇷😎
    573 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!
    2952 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