Exploring Costa Rica: Guanacaste, Santa Rosa and Rincón de la Vieja 6-Day
Guanacaste unfolds from the volcanic highlands of northern Costa Rica to a rugged Pacific coast, its rare tropical dry forests threaded by rivers and alive with monkeys, iguanas and colorful birdlife. Choose from six- and eight-day itineraries that reveal this remote region from its forested interior to its secluded bays and rocky shores. Hike amid the geothermal wonders of Rincón de la Vieja National Park, explore protected waters by Zodiac and kayak, and venture into habitats shaped by ancient volcanic forces. Along the way, discover the distinctive character of a province rooted in ranching traditions and warm hospitality.
Highlights
Explore Guanacaste’s rugged Pacific coast and venture into wildlife-rich national parks and protected areas
Experience the region’s diverse tropical ecosystems from every angle—by kayak and paddleboard, on foot and by zipline through the forest canopy
Unwind on the palm-shaded beaches of Isla Tortuga, enjoying refreshments and hors d’oeuvres
Discover the volcanic landscapes of Rincón de la Vieja National Park, where steaming vents and bubbling mud pots rise amid forests alive with monkeys and colorful birdlife
Cruise the Hacienda El Viejo Wetlands, watching for crocodiles, monkeys, iguanas and an extraordinary variety of birds (8-day itinerary only)
From
$3,200
/ per person
Does not include any flights
From
$3,200
/ per person
From
$3,200
/ per person
Itinerary
6-Day Expedition
Download ItineraryStarts atSan José, Costa RicaEnds atSan José, Costa Rica
Day 1
San José, Costa Rica / Puerto Caldera / Embark Ship
Arrive in San José this afternoon and transfer to Puerto Caldera, Costa Rica’s principal Pacific port. This evening, embark the ship and set sail on your Central American journey.
Before your voyage, you may choose to enjoy an immersive glamping experience in the remote Caño Negro region, including a visit to Tenorio Volcano National Park and an introduction to the traditions and cuisine of the Maleku people.
Arrival Time: Arrive before 1:00 p.m. local time.
Arrival City: San Jose, Costa Rica
Meals Included: Dinner
Day 1
San José, Costa Rica / Puerto Caldera / Embark ShipArrive in San José this afternoon and transfer to Puerto Caldera, Costa Rica’s principal Pacific port. This evening, embark the ship and set sail on your Central American journey.
Before your voyage, you may choose to enjoy an immersive glamping experience in the remote Caño Negro region, including a visit to Tenorio Volcano National Park and an introduction to the traditions and cuisine of the Maleku people.
Arrival Time: Arrive before 1:00 p.m. local time.
Arrival City: San Jose, Costa Rica
Meals Included: Dinner
Day 2
Papagayo Peninsula
Drop anchor off the remote Papagayo Peninsula, where dramatic volcanic headlands shelter secluded beaches and quiet coves. Tropical dry forest blankets the landscape, providing habitat for howler monkeys, coatis, iguanas and abundant birdlife, while rocky reefs and rich marine life lie beneath the clear coastal waters.
Conditions permitting, explore Bahía Huevos, a protected bay edged by sandy beaches and forest. Swim, snorkel or kayak in its sheltered waters; search for wildlife on a nature walk; or venture by Zodiac into nearby mangrove-lined waterways.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 2
Papagayo PeninsulaDrop anchor off the remote Papagayo Peninsula, where dramatic volcanic headlands shelter secluded beaches and quiet coves. Tropical dry forest blankets the landscape, providing habitat for howler monkeys, coatis, iguanas and abundant birdlife, while rocky reefs and rich marine life lie beneath the clear coastal waters.
Conditions permitting, explore Bahía Huevos, a protected bay edged by sandy beaches and forest. Swim, snorkel or kayak in its sheltered waters; search for wildlife on a nature walk; or venture by Zodiac into nearby mangrove-lined waterways.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3
Santa Rosa National Park / Guanacaste Conservation Area
Spend the day exploring Bahía Santa Elena, a protected marine area bordered by Santa Rosa National Park and the Guanacaste Conservation Area. Its striking, undeveloped shoreline provides important breeding habitat for dolphins, whales, sea turtles, whale sharks and rays. National Geographic Quest and National Geographic Venture are the first and only expedition ships to anchor here since the park was established, and your visit supports the surrounding communities and the continued protection of this remote wilderness.
Explore by Zodiac or kayak, hike a trail created specifically for our expeditions and, conditions permitting, swim or snorkel in the bay. As you venture out, watch for great kiskadees, orange-fronted parakeets, mangrove hawks and colorful ringed kingfishers.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3
Santa Rosa National Park / Guanacaste Conservation AreaSpend the day exploring Bahía Santa Elena, a protected marine area bordered by Santa Rosa National Park and the Guanacaste Conservation Area. Its striking, undeveloped shoreline provides important breeding habitat for dolphins, whales, sea turtles, whale sharks and rays. National Geographic Quest and National Geographic Venture are the first and only expedition ships to anchor here since the park was established, and your visit supports the surrounding communities and the continued protection of this remote wilderness.
Explore by Zodiac or kayak, hike a trail created specifically for our expeditions and, conditions permitting, swim or snorkel in the bay. As you venture out, watch for great kiskadees, orange-fronted parakeets, mangrove hawks and colorful ringed kingfishers.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4
Rincón de la Vieja National Park / Hacienda Guachipelin
Journey inland to Rincón de la Vieja National Park, part of the Guanacaste Conservation Area. Forests cloak the slopes of two active volcanoes, where bubbling mud pots, steaming vents and other geothermal features reveal the powerful forces shaping this mountainous landscape.
Choose from several ways to explore: Hike through a transition zone where tropical dry forest meets temperate cloud forest, watching for mantled howler monkeys and white-throated magpie-jays; swim beneath Las Chorreras Waterfall after a short forest walk; or soar through the canopy by zipline. Later, gather for a poolside lunch at Hacienda Guachipelin featuring fresh ceviche.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4
Rincón de la Vieja National Park / Hacienda GuachipelinJourney inland to Rincón de la Vieja National Park, part of the Guanacaste Conservation Area. Forests cloak the slopes of two active volcanoes, where bubbling mud pots, steaming vents and other geothermal features reveal the powerful forces shaping this mountainous landscape.
Choose from several ways to explore: Hike through a transition zone where tropical dry forest meets temperate cloud forest, watching for mantled howler monkeys and white-throated magpie-jays; swim beneath Las Chorreras Waterfall after a short forest walk; or soar through the canopy by zipline. Later, gather for a poolside lunch at Hacienda Guachipelin featuring fresh ceviche.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5
Curú National Wildlife Refuge / Isla Tortuga
Explore Curú National Wildlife Refuge, Costa Rica’s first private national wildlife reserve, set along the Nicoya Peninsula where the wetter forests of the south meet Guanacaste’s drier landscapes. Follow forest trails in search of white-faced capuchin monkeys, turquoise-browed motmots and scarlet macaws. With luck, spot the elusive northern tamandua, a primarily tree-dwelling member of the anteater family.
Return to the ship for lunch as you cruise toward the offshore islets collectively known as Isla Tortuga. Relax on a palm-fringed beach, then celebrate the finale of your Guanacaste adventure with refreshments and hors d’oeuvres ashore.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5
Curú National Wildlife Refuge / Isla TortugaExplore Curú National Wildlife Refuge, Costa Rica’s first private national wildlife reserve, set along the Nicoya Peninsula where the wetter forests of the south meet Guanacaste’s drier landscapes. Follow forest trails in search of white-faced capuchin monkeys, turquoise-browed motmots and scarlet macaws. With luck, spot the elusive northern tamandua, a primarily tree-dwelling member of the anteater family.
Return to the ship for lunch as you cruise toward the offshore islets collectively known as Isla Tortuga. Relax on a palm-fringed beach, then celebrate the finale of your Guanacaste adventure with refreshments and hors d’oeuvres ashore.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6
Puerto Caldera / Disembark Ship / San José
Disembark in Puerto Caldera and drive to the airport in San José for flights home.
Departure Time: Depart after 12:30 p.m. local time.
Departure City: San Jose, Costa Rica
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 6
Puerto Caldera / Disembark Ship / San JoséDisembark in Puerto Caldera and drive to the airport in San José for flights home.
Departure Time: Depart after 12:30 p.m. local time.
Departure City: San Jose, Costa Rica
Meals Included: Breakfast
Expedition Extensions
Ships
National Geographic Quest
GUESTS 100
CABINS 50
DECKS 4
National Geographic Quest was purpose-built to explore the Americas, her design and engineering informed by nearly 40 years of experience in these regions.
Expedition Team
Our captains, crew, staff and guides make up the most experienced team in the industry—committed to making every voyage unforgettable. Veteran captains, with decades at sea, are experts at navigating in all conditions, while seasoned naturalists bring advanced knowledge in fields such as geology, wildlife biology and climate science. Many of these professionals have been with us for decades, and their insights bring each destination to life in ways that profoundly enrich your journey. Their expertise is the foundation for the meaningful and transformative experiences we offer in the world’s most extraordinary places.
Special Offers
SUITE EXCLUSIVES
SAVE 5% TRAVELING AS A GROUP
CELEBRATE LIFE'S MILESTONES
COMBINING OFFERS