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16 Days of Nature and Wildlife in Costa Rica

16 Days of Nature and Wildlife in Costa Rica Itinerary

Last updated: 2024 Jun 14

Welcome to Manuel Antonio

Morning
Start your adventure with a visit to the famous Manuel Antonio National Park. This park is renowned for its stunning beaches, lush rainforest, and diverse wildlife. Begin your day with a guided hike through the park's trails, where you can spot monkeys, sloths, and a variety of bird species. Don't forget to bring your swimsuit for a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear waters of Playa Manuel Antonio. For breakfast, head to Café Milagro, known for its delicious coffee and hearty breakfast options.
Afternoon
After exploring the park, enjoy lunch at El Avión, a unique restaurant set inside an old airplane with stunning ocean views. In the afternoon, continue your wildlife spotting adventure with a visit to the nearby Playa Espadilla Norte. This beach is perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and spotting more wildlife along the shore. If you're up for more exploration, consider renting a kayak or paddleboard to explore the coastline from the water.
Evening
As evening approaches, unwind with dinner at Kapi Kapi, an upscale restaurant offering gourmet cuisine in a beautiful jungle setting. After dinner, take a leisurely stroll along Playa Biesanz to enjoy the sunset and perhaps spot some nocturnal wildlife. End your day with a nightcap at Barba Roja, a popular bar known for its lively atmosphere and great cocktails.
Bedtime
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Exploring More of Manuel Antonio

Morning
Begin your second day with breakfast at Rico Tico Jungle Grill, where you can enjoy delicious local dishes while taking in panoramic views of the jungle and ocean. Afterward, embark on Tortuguero Canoe Tour and Wildlife Spotting. This activity will allow you to explore Tortuguero's canals by canoe while spotting various wildlife species such as caimans, toucans, and turtles.
Afternoon
For lunch, head over to Marlin Restaurant which offers fresh seafood dishes right by the beach. Post-lunch activities include visiting La Playita Beach which is less crowded than other beaches in Manuel Antonio but equally beautiful – perfect for some relaxation or snorkeling if you're up for it! Alternatively or additionally consider visiting Finca Naturales Wildlife Refuge which houses rescued animals including sloths & monkeys among others!
Evening
Dinner tonight will be at Agua Azul - known not only their fantastic food but also their incredible sunset views over Pacific Ocean making it ideal place end another adventurous day here! Post-dinner activities could include attending local live music event happening nearby (check schedules) or simply relaxing back hotel enjoying sounds nature around you.
Bedtime
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Final Day in Manuel Antonio

Morning
Kick off your final day here by having breakfast at The Falls Garden Café where they serve mouth-watering pancakes alongside tropical fruit juices ensuring good start ahead packed itinerary today! Morning activity involves going on guided tour through Rainmaker Conservation Project – home numerous waterfalls natural pools perfect cooling down after hike through lush rainforest surroundings teeming life everywhere look!
Afternoon
Lunch today will be enjoyed back near town center specifically choosing popular spot called El Patio de Café Milagro serving up delectable Costa Rican fare amidst charming garden setting providing respite before heading next destination afternoon plans involve visiting Nauyaca Waterfalls located short drive away from main area offering breathtaking sights cascading falls plus opportunity swim beneath them making unforgettable experience anyone visits here!
Evening
Conclude stay Manuel Antonio dining exquisite meal prepared talented chefs working restaurant named Villa Vanilla Spice Plantation & Restaurant specializing farm-to-table concept utilizing freshest ingredients sourced directly their own organic farm ensuring each dish served bursting flavors unique region itself followed perhaps final walk along beach soaking last moments paradise before moving onto next leg journey tomorrow!
Bedtime
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Discovering Monteverde's Mysteries

Morning
Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Stella's Bakery, known for its freshly baked goods and delicious coffee. Afterward, embark on the Melfi Private Walking Culture and History Tour. This tour will take you through the rich cultural history of Monteverde, providing insights into the local traditions and heritage. You'll explore various historical sites and learn about the region's past from knowledgeable guides.
Afternoon
For lunch, head to Tico y Rico, a popular spot offering traditional Costa Rican dishes. In the afternoon, visit the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. This reserve is one of the most famous cloud forests in the world and is home to an incredible diversity of flora and fauna. Take a guided hike through the misty trails, where you can spot exotic birds, monkeys, and even elusive quetzals. The hanging bridges offer breathtaking views of the forest canopy.
Evening
Dinner tonight will be at Tramonti, an Italian restaurant known for its wood-fired pizzas and cozy atmosphere. After dinner, consider joining a night walk tour to experience Monteverde's nocturnal wildlife. These tours provide a unique opportunity to see creatures that are active only after dark, such as frogs, insects, and night birds.
Bedtime
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Adventures in Monteverde

Morning
Café Orchid Coffee is your breakfast destination this morning, offering a variety of coffee drinks and light breakfast options. Begin your day's adventure with Venosa Tour Important Roman Places Near Matera. This tour will take you to significant Roman sites near Matera, providing historical context and fascinating stories about ancient Rome's influence on the region.
Afternoon
Sabor Tico is perfect for lunch with its authentic Costa Rican cuisine. In the afternoon, visit Selvatura Park for an adrenaline-pumping experience on their zip line canopy tour. Fly through the treetops and enjoy stunning views of the cloud forest below. If zip-lining isn't your thing, you can explore their butterfly garden or hummingbird gallery instead.
Evening
The Green Restaurant offers a delightful dining experience with its farm-to-table concept focusing on fresh local ingredients. Post-dinner activities could include attending a local music event or simply relaxing at your accommodation while enjoying Monteverde's serene ambiance.
Bedtime
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Final Day in Monteverde

Morning
The Common Cup serves excellent breakfast options including pastries made from locally sourced ingredients ensuring great start ahead! Morning activity involves going on Lakes of Monticchio Guided Private Walking Tour which takes around beautiful lakes located within volcanic crater providing picturesque scenery along way making perfect spot nature lovers photographers alike!
Afternoon
Taco Taco Taqueria serves up delicious Mexican fare ideal refueling before heading next destination afternoon plans involve visiting Curi-Cancha Reserve another must-see location here offering fantastic birdwatching opportunities plus chance see other wildlife amidst tranquil surroundings lush greenery everywhere look!
Evening
Conclude stay Monteverde dining exquisite meal prepared talented chefs working restaurant named Choco Café Don Juan specializing chocolate-infused dishes ensuring each bite unique flavor experience followed perhaps final walk around town soaking last moments magical place before moving onto next leg journey tomorrow!
Bedtime
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Arenal's Volcanic Wonders

Morning
Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Nene's Restaurant, known for its delicious Costa Rican dishes and fresh coffee. Afterward, embark on a guided tour of the Arenal Volcano National Park. This park is home to the iconic Arenal Volcano, one of the most active volcanoes in the world. Hike through the park's trails, where you can spot various wildlife species and enjoy stunning views of the volcano and surrounding landscape.
Afternoon
For lunch, head to Restaurante La Parada, a popular spot offering traditional Costa Rican cuisine. In the afternoon, visit La Fortuna Waterfall, one of Arenal's most famous attractions. The waterfall is located within a lush rainforest and cascades down into a beautiful pool below. Take a refreshing dip in the cool waters or simply relax and enjoy the natural beauty of the area.
Evening
Dinner tonight will be at Don Rufino, an upscale restaurant known for its gourmet cuisine and elegant atmosphere. After dinner, unwind with a visit to one of Arenal's hot springs. The Tabacón Hot Springs are particularly popular, offering a series of natural thermal pools surrounded by lush tropical gardens.
Bedtime
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Exploring Arenal's Natural Beauty

Morning
Begin your day with breakfast at Café Mediterráneo, where you can enjoy delicious pastries and coffee while taking in views of the surrounding mountains. Afterward, embark on an exciting adventure with Tortuguero Canoe Tour in Tortuguero National Park. This tour will take you through Tortuguero's canals by canoe while spotting various wildlife species such as caimans, toucans, and turtles.
Afternoon
For lunch, head to Soda Viquez, a local favorite known for its authentic Costa Rican dishes. In the afternoon, visit Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park. This park features a series of suspension bridges that offer breathtaking views of the rainforest canopy and Arenal Volcano. Take a guided tour to learn about the flora and fauna that inhabit this unique ecosystem.
Evening
Dinner tonight will be at Chifa La Familia Feliz, an Asian fusion restaurant offering delicious dishes inspired by Peruvian-Chinese cuisine. After dinner, consider joining a night hike tour to experience Arenal's nocturnal wildlife up close.
Bedtime
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Final Day in Arenal

Morning
Kick off your final day in Arenal with breakfast at Rainforest Café, known for its hearty breakfast options and fresh juices. Morning activity involves going on Tortuguero Night Wildlife Spotting and Jungle Walk Tour. This tour will allow you to explore Tortuguero's jungle trails while spotting various nocturnal wildlife species such as frogs insects night birds among others!
Afternoon
Lunch today will be enjoyed back near town center specifically choosing popular spot called Restaurante Tierra Mia serving up delectable Costa Rican fare amidst charming garden setting providing respite before heading next destination afternoon plans involve visiting Ecotermales Fortuna another must-see location here offering fantastic birdwatching opportunities plus chance see other wildlife amidst tranquil surroundings lush greenery everywhere look!
Evening
Conclude stay Manuel Antonio dining exquisite meal prepared talented chefs working restaurant named Villa Vanilla Spice Plantation & Restaurant specializing farm-to-table concept utilizing freshest ingredients sourced directly their own organic farm ensuring each dish served bursting flavors unique region itself followed perhaps final walk along beach soaking last moments paradise before moving onto next leg journey tomorrow!
Bedtime
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Arrival in Tortuguero

Morning
Begin your Tortuguero adventure with breakfast at Banana Azul, a charming spot known for its fresh fruit and hearty breakfast options. Afterward, embark on La Pavona Shared Boat to Tortuguero Village. This boat ride will take you through the scenic canals of Tortuguero, offering opportunities to spot various wildlife species along the way.
Afternoon
For lunch, head to Miss Junie's Restaurant, a local favorite known for its authentic Caribbean cuisine. In the afternoon, explore Tortuguero Village and visit the Sea Turtle Conservancy. This center is dedicated to the conservation of sea turtles and offers informative exhibits about these fascinating creatures.
Evening
Dinner tonight will be at Budha Café, an open-air restaurant offering delicious international dishes with a Caribbean twist. After dinner, join Tortuguero Night Wildlife Spotting and Jungle Walk Tour. This tour will allow you to explore Tortuguero's jungle trails while spotting various nocturnal wildlife species such as frogs, insects, and night birds.
Bedtime
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Exploring Tortuguero's Canals

Morning
Café de la Suerte is your breakfast destination this morning, offering a variety of coffee drinks and light breakfast options. Begin your day's adventure with Tortuguero Canoe Tour in Tortuguero National Park. This tour will take you through Tortuguero's canals by canoe while spotting various wildlife species such as caimans, toucans, and turtles.
Afternoon
Dorling Bakery is perfect for lunch with its fresh pastries and sandwiches. In the afternoon, visit the Tortuguero National Park for a guided hike through its lush rainforest trails. The park is home to an incredible diversity of flora and fauna, making it a paradise for nature lovers.
Evening
Wild Ginger offers a delightful dining experience with its fusion cuisine focusing on fresh local ingredients. Post-dinner activities could include attending a local music event or simply relaxing at your accommodation while enjoying Tortuguero's serene ambiance.
Bedtime
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Final Day in Tortuguero

Morning
Caribbean Paradise Eco-Lodge Restaurant serves excellent breakfast options including tropical fruit juices ensuring great start ahead! Morning activity involves going on Tortuguero Day walk in Tortuguero National Park which takes around beautiful trails within park providing picturesque scenery along way making perfect spot nature lovers photographers alike!
Afternoon
Rancho Aracari serves up delicious Costa Rican fare ideal refueling before heading next destination afternoon plans involve visiting Cerro de la Muerte another must-see location here offering fantastic birdwatching opportunities plus chance see other wildlife amidst tranquil surroundings lush greenery everywhere look!
Evening
Conclude stay Manuel Antonio dining exquisite meal prepared talented chefs working restaurant named Villa Vanilla Spice Plantation & Restaurant specializing farm-to-table concept utilizing freshest ingredients sourced directly their own organic farm ensuring each dish served bursting flavors unique region itself followed perhaps final walk along beach soaking last moments paradise before moving onto next leg journey tomorrow!
Bedtime
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Tortuguero's Hidden Gems

Morning
Start your day with breakfast at Café de la Suerte, known for its fresh coffee and light breakfast options. Afterward, embark on Tortuguero Canoe Tour and Wildlife Spotting. This tour will take you through Tortuguero's canals by canoe, offering opportunities to spot various wildlife species such as caimans, toucans, and turtles.
Afternoon
For lunch, head to Miss Junie's Restaurant, a local favorite known for its authentic Caribbean cuisine. In the afternoon, visit the Tortuguero National Park for a guided hike through its lush rainforest trails. The park is home to an incredible diversity of flora and fauna, making it a paradise for nature lovers.
Evening
Dinner tonight will be at Budha Café, an open-air restaurant offering delicious international dishes with a Caribbean twist. After dinner, join Tortuguero Night Wildlife Spotting and Jungle Walk Tour. This tour will allow you to explore Tortuguero's jungle trails while spotting various nocturnal wildlife species such as frogs, insects, and night birds.
Bedtime
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Final Adventures in Tortuguero

Morning
Caribbean Paradise Eco-Lodge Restaurant serves excellent breakfast options including tropical fruit juices ensuring great start ahead! Morning activity involves going on Tortuguero Day walk in Tortuguero National Park which takes around beautiful trails within park providing picturesque scenery along way making perfect spot nature lovers photographers alike!
Afternoon
Rancho Aracari serves up delicious Costa Rican fare ideal refueling before heading next destination afternoon plans involve visiting Cerro de la Muerte another must-see location here offering fantastic birdwatching opportunities plus chance see other wildlife amidst tranquil surroundings lush greenery everywhere look!
Evening
Wild Ginger offers a delightful dining experience with its fusion cuisine focusing on fresh local ingredients. Post-dinner activities could include attending a local music event or simply relaxing at your accommodation while enjoying Tortuguero's serene ambiance.
Bedtime
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Farewell to Tortuguero

Morning
The Common Cup serves excellent breakfast options including pastries made from locally sourced ingredients ensuring great start ahead! Morning activity involves going on Tortuguero Kayak Tour through the Natural Canals which takes around beautiful canals providing picturesque scenery along way making perfect spot nature lovers photographers alike!
Afternoon
Dorling Bakery is perfect for lunch with its fresh pastries and sandwiches. In the afternoon, visit the Sea Turtle Conservancy again if you missed it earlier or take another guided hike through the national park to soak in more of Tortuguero's natural beauty.
Evening
Budha Café offers a delightful dining experience with its fusion cuisine focusing on fresh local ingredients. Post-dinner activities could include attending a local music event or simply relaxing at your accommodation while enjoying Tortuguero's serene ambiance.
Bedtime
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Farewell to Costa Rica

Morning
Start your final day in Costa Rica with a hearty breakfast at Caribbean Paradise Eco-Lodge Restaurant. Enjoy fresh tropical fruit and a variety of breakfast options while soaking in the serene surroundings. After breakfast, embark on Tortuguero National Park Best Things to Do in Tortuguero. This comprehensive tour will take you through the highlights of Tortuguero National Park, including its lush rainforest trails and diverse wildlife. It's the perfect way to wrap up your adventure and ensure you don't miss any of the park's key attractions.
Afternoon
For lunch, head to Miss Junie's Restaurant, where you can savor authentic Caribbean cuisine one last time. In the afternoon, take a leisurely stroll through Tortuguero Village to pick up some souvenirs and enjoy the local culture. If time permits, consider visiting the Sea Turtle Conservancy once more for any exhibits or information you might have missed earlier.
Evening
Conclude your stay with a farewell dinner at Budha Café, an open-air restaurant offering delicious international dishes with a Caribbean twist. Reflect on your incredible journey through Costa Rica's natural wonders as you enjoy your meal. After dinner, take one last walk along the beach or relax at your accommodation, soaking in the sounds of nature before preparing for your departure.
Bedtime
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