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Signature: Costa Rica's Monteverde, Arenal & Guanacaste

Traverse the highlands of Costa Rica on an expedition from the cloud forests of Monteverde to the Pacific coast. Immerse yourself in the volcanic landscapes of Arenal, the mist of Bajos del Toro, and the dry tropical forests of Guanacaste. Guided by experts, explore a world where conservation, culture, and biodiversity converge.

9 DaysSan José to Liberia
Valid on May 5 2026Trip Code: CRSLNS
From $7999 USDIncluding taxes and fees

Is this tour for me?

Travel Style: National Geographic Signature

Exceptional exploration led by renowned experts, offering rare, private access to the world’s most storied sites — all defined by an unparalleled level of service and comfort.

Service Level: Luxury

Five-star hospitality and meticulously curated inclusions, featuring iconic properties, fine dining, and private door-to-door service.

Physical Grading: 2 - Light

Light walking and hiking suitable for most fitness levels. Nothing too challenging.

Merchandising: New Trips

Merchandising: Planeterra Project

Trip Type: Small Group

Group trips average 12 travellers per departure, depending on the adventure. The maximum is usually no more than 16, but some can be smaller or bigger, depending on the trip. Check individual trips for details.

Age requirements: 12+

All travellers under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Check Your Visa Requirements

Before booking, use our handy entry requirements tool so you know which documents you need to enter and travel through the countries on your trip.

Signature: Costa Rica's Monteverde, Arenal & Guanacaste - Itinerary

Trip Start: San JoséTrip End: Liberia

DAY 1

San José/Bajos del Toro

Welcome to Costa Rica. Your expedition begins upon arrival at San José Airport, where you will be met and whisked away from the city toward the cool, mist-shrouded peaks of the Bajos del Toro region. Check into your comfortable lodge, surrounded by the sounds of the cloud forest. In the evening, gather with your National Geographic Expedition Leader and fellow travellers. An engaging presentation from a National Geographic Expedition Expert sets the scene for the biodiversity you will encounter, followed by a welcome dinner.

Arrival Transfer:
You will be met at the airport and transferred to the hotel to start your adventure.

Welcome Moment - Meet Your Expedition Leader and Group:
Your opportunity to meet your Expedition Leader and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group. There will be an included welcome dinner after the meeting.

Hotel El Silencio Lodge:
Hotel El Silencio Lodge

Signature: Costa Rica's Monteverde, Arenal & Guanacaste - Itinerary

Trip Start: San JoséTrip End: Liberia
DAY 1
San José/Bajos del Toro

DAY 1

San José/Bajos del Toro

Welcome to Costa Rica. Your expedition begins upon arrival at San José Airport, where you will be met and whisked away from the city toward the cool, mist-shrouded peaks of the Bajos del Toro region. Check into your comfortable lodge, surrounded by the sounds of the cloud forest. In the evening, gather with your National Geographic Expedition Leader and fellow travellers. An engaging presentation from a National Geographic Expedition Expert sets the scene for the biodiversity you will encounter, followed by a welcome dinner.

Arrival Transfer:
You will be met at the airport and transferred to the hotel to start your adventure.

Welcome Moment - Meet Your Expedition Leader and Group:
Your opportunity to meet your Expedition Leader and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group. There will be an included welcome dinner after the meeting.

Hotel El Silencio Lodge:
Hotel El Silencio Lodge

DAY 2
Bajos del Toro
+
DAY 3
Bajos del Toro/La Fortuna
+
DAY 4
La Fortuna
+
DAY 5
La Fortuna/Monteverde
+
DAY 6
Monteverde
+
DAY 7
Monteverde to Guanacaste
+
DAY 8
Guanacaste
+
DAY 9
Guanacaste
+

What’s Included

  • Your G for Good Moment: Mi Cafecito Coffee Experience, Alajuela
  • Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your Expedition Leader and Group, Bajos del Toro
  • Your Local Living Moment: Home Made Tortilla Lunch with a Local Family, Bajos del Toro
  • Signature Moment: "The World of Insects" at La Selva Biological Station, Sarapiquí
  • Your Foodie Moment: El Fogón de Chela Cooking Class, La Fortuna
  • Signature Moment: Monteverde Institute Visit, Monteverde
  • Arrival transfer
  • Naturalist Guided Walking Tour in Bajos del Toro
  • Arenal Volcano Lecture
  • Arenal Walk and Guided Tour
  • Private Canopy Tour in Monteverde
  • Naturalist Guided Tour in Santa Elena Reserve
  • Visit to Las Pailas Geothermal Project I & II
  • Santa Maria Wind Project
  • Picnic Lunch at Rio Negro Waterfalls
  • Tamarindo Estuary Excursion
  • Free time in Bajos del Toro, La Fortuna, Monteverde, and Guanacaste
  • Departure transfer
  • Engaging Discussions with the National Geographic Expedition Expert Throughout
  • All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.
Accommodations
  • Hotels (4 nts), Lodges (4 nts).
Meals
  • 8 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 8 dinners
Transportation
  • Private vehicle, motorized boat (canal & ferry), walking.
Staff & experts
  • National Geographic Expedition Leader and National Geographic Expedition Expert throughout.

Signature: Costa Rica's Monteverde, Arenal & Guanacaste Departure Dates

All Years

StartEndingAvailabilityPrices from
Sat, Jan 09 2027Sun, Jan 17 2027Open (22)$8,499 USD
(price includes taxes and fees)
Sat, Feb 06 2027Sun, Feb 14 2027Open (20)$8,499 USD
(price includes taxes and fees)
Sat, Mar 06 2027Sun, Mar 14 2027Open (22)$8,499 USD
(price includes taxes and fees)
Sat, Mar 27 2027Sun, Apr 04 2027Open (22)$7,999 USD
(price includes taxes and fees)
Sat, Apr 10 2027Sun, Apr 18 2027Open (22)$7,999 USD
(price includes taxes and fees)
Tue, Jun 01 2027Wed, Jun 09 2027Open (22)$8,499 USD
(price includes taxes and fees)
Sat, Jun 05 2027Sun, Jun 13 2027Open (22)$8,499 USD
(price includes taxes and fees)
Sat, Jul 24 2027Sun, Aug 01 2027Open (22)$8,899 USD
(price includes taxes and fees)
Sat, Oct 09 2027Sun, Oct 17 2027Open (22)$8,499 USD
(price includes taxes and fees)
Sat, Nov 06 2027Sun, Nov 14 2027Open (22)$7,999 USD
(price includes taxes and fees)

USEFUL INFO

Your G for Good Moment: Mi Cafecito Coffee Experience, Alajuela
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your Expedition Leader and Group, Bajos del Toro
Your Local Living Moment: Home Made Tortilla Lunch with a Local Family, Bajos del Toro
Signature Moment: "The World of Insects" at La Selva Biological Station, Sarapiquí
Your Foodie Moment: El Fogón de Chela Cooking Class, La Fortuna
Signature Moment: Monteverde Institute Visit, Monteverde. Arrival transfer. Naturalist Guided Walking Tour in Bajos del Toro. Arenal Volcano Lecture. Arenal Walk and Guided Tour. Private Canopy Tour in Monteverde. Naturalist Guided Tour in Santa Elena Reserve. Visit to Las Pailas Geothermal Project I & II. Santa Maria Wind Project. Picnic Lunch at Rio Negro Waterfalls. Tamarindo Estuary Excursion. Free time in Bajos del Toro, La Fortuna, Monteverde, and Guanacaste. Departure transfer. Engaging Discussions with the National Geographic Expedition Expert Throughout. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.

Go behind the scenes at a leading research station to track tropical insects with experts, Trace the journey of coffee from bean to cup at a sustainable community-run cooperative, Meet researchers at the Monteverde Institute to learn how they protect the cloud forest, Walk the hanging bridges of Monteverde before the crowds watching the forest wake up, Visit a local family home to learn the art of making traditional corn tortillas by hand

The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary.

VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you view a final copy of your Trip Details a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.

While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission.

Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.

1. PROOF OF DEPARTURE
Costa Rica will not be allowing anyone to enter the country without proof of a departure ticket (bus, airplane, boat, etc.). If you are travelling through a few countries in Central America, you will need to show proof of your itinerary and a departure ticket from your last destination. Please print the itinerary and voucher and bring it with you.

2. WEATHER
Be prepared for rain and lower temperatures during the winter season (June-November), especially in Costa Rica's central valley.

3. ACCOMMODATION NOTE:
Please be aware that properties we stay in with only two stories may not have elevators installed and climbing the stairs with your luggage will be necessary.

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