A collection dedicated to travelers seeking true immersion. Misty canopies, silent jungles, cloud forests — Costa Rica in its raw state.
Designed for travelers who want more than a stay — an immersion — the Forest Collection dives into the heart of Costa Rica's densest ecosystems. No showcase beaches, no comfort for comfort's sake. Here, every night is spent in a lodge rooted in the jungle; every day starts with the howler monkeys and ends with the frog chorus.
Five ecosystems in a row, five radically different atmospheres: the humid Caribbean jungle of Tortuguero, the lowland rainforest of Sarapiquí, the volcanic slopes of Arenal, the mystical cloud forest of Monteverde, and (on the longer itineraries) the Pacific coastal forest.
Forest is a curious naturalist's journey.For those who want to feel the mist on their skin, who don't fear a tropical downpour, who would rather hear the quetzal than have a pool.
A Forest itinerary is a crossing of five distinct biological worlds. Never the same green, never the same life.
01Navigable canals, dense mangroves, a humid rainforest growing with its feet in the water. Access by boat only. Sea turtles laying their eggs on the beach (June-October), then the babies hatching (October-November). Howler monkeys at dawn, iguanas in the sun.
02Humid rainforest at 100 m altitude, the country's agricultural heart. This is where you learn to read the forest: a cacao finca visit, river rafting, a night hike to observe poison dart frogs, snakes and spiders. The most intense experience of the collection.
03Highland humid rainforest, on the slopes of an active volcano. Hanging bridges above the canopy, natural hot springs heated by the volcano, ziplines crossing the forest, sloth and toucan watching. The balance between adrenaline and wonder.
★ Heart of the collection
04At 1,400 meters altitude, the forest lives in permanent mist. Continuous 100% humidity, epiphytic orchids, giant ferns, Resplendent quetzal (the sacred bird of the Maya), hanging bridges in the clouds, more than 2,500 species of recorded plants. Featured in ALL itineraries.
05The forest meets the ocean. Sloths sleeping in the trees lining the beach, capuchin monkeys on the sand, estuarine mangroves. Optional on 11-night itineraries — the gentle close to an intense immersion.
All share the same base — Tortuguero, Sarapiquí, Arenal, Monteverde. Each differs in its ending — and therefore in its final rhythm.
9 nightsThe pure, uncompromising Forest program. Tortuguero, Sarapiquí, Arenal, Monteverde. Back to San José. No beach, all forest.
5 ecosystems · 2 nights Monteverde · Sarapiquí night hike · 500+ potential birds
11 nightsThe forest + the Nicoya peninsula. Tambor, an intimate beach between dry forest and the Pacific. A rare, authentic ending.
5 ecosystems + coastal forest · Nicoya beach + ferry · immersion/relaxation balance
11 nightsFrom the Cloud Forest to the Pacific Waves. The complete forest + Sámara, a crescent-shaped family bay. A restful end to the trip.
5 ecosystems + Guanacaste beach · calm bay · ideal for families
11 nightsThe premium Forest version. Tortuguero, Sarapiquí, Arenal, Monteverde, then Manuel Antonio — an iconic beach + national park with sloths, monkeys and toucans within reach.
5 ecosystems + Manuel Antonio park · CR's most photogenic beach · combines forest+wildlife+beach
A foretaste of what your eyes will meet.
All Forest itineraries can be booked directly on our Dynamics platform — real-time quotes and availability, secure payment.
A rhythm dictated by the wildlife. The best observation moments are at dawn and dusk.
In the Forest, the rhythm is dictated by the wildlife. Toucans wake at 5:30 am, howler monkeys claim their territories at 5 am, the mist lifts at 8 am and settles again at 4 pm. Every animal has its slot, and the best observation moments are at dawn and dusk.
A Forest day is a day paced by the animals.
Howler monkeys mark their territory. Toucans wake up. The most memorable sound of the trip.
Gallo pinto at the lodge, tropical fruit, Costa Rican coffee. Hummingbird watching at the terrace feeder.
Guided forest hike — with a French-speaking naturalist guide who teaches you how to see.
Lunch break at a local family restaurant. Typical casado — protein, rice, beans, plantains.
Canopy zipline, hanging bridge, river rafting, hot springs or birdwatching.
Hammock at the forest's edge, lodge pool, spa, or reading on the terrace.
Poison dart frogs, caimans, snakes, spiders, bats. At night, it's the forest that wakes up.
Dinner at the lodge to the concert of frogs and crickets. Light rain on the wooden roofs (green season) or star-saturated skies (dry season).
Yes, from about 7-8 years old. The activities are accessible but require good stamina (hikes, nights in secluded lodges). For families with younger children, we recommend the Essential Collection instead.
No. «From» prices cover all services in Costa Rica (lodges, transfers, listed activities, car rental, French-speaking guides, taxes). Flights are not included — but thanks to Toucan Dynamics, you can add your flights to your quote in a single step:
Costa Rica can be visited year-round, and the Forest even more so. The green season (May to November) offers an explosive forest, extremely active wildlife, and waterfalls at their peak. The dry season (Dec-Apr) is more comfortable for hiking, but Monteverde's mist never disappears. Every season has its beauty.
Nothing serious — tropical rain is daily and short (45min-2h showers), usually in the late afternoon. Activities happen in the morning. And frankly, the forest in the rain is splendid.
Fewer than you'd imagine — the lodges are equipped (fans, mosquito nets). Repellent recommended, especially in green season. No malaria zones on our itineraries.
Yes — that's exactly what the 11-night itineraries offer (Tambor, Sámara, Manuel Antonio). To go further, our advisors can add Panama, Nicaragua or Mexico to your trip.
Essential = harmonious balance, more comfort, more accessible accommodations, a gentler pace. Ideal for a first discovery / families / classic travelers.
Forest = raw immersion, adventure, lodges deep in nature, a more sustained pace. Ideal for naturalists, hiking enthusiasts, adventurous couples.
"We chose the Costa Rica Forest 9 nights program for our 2nd trip to Costa Rica. After doing the classics with other agencies, we wanted immersion. Toucan kept their word: Monteverde in the mist, Sarapiquí and its night hike, Tortuguero by canoe — every stop left a mark. The choice of lodges is precious. No standard hotels, only places with a soul."
"We did Costa Rica Rainforest and Manuel Antonio 11 Nights as a family (kids aged 10 and 13). The first 9 days in the forest — Tortuguero, Arenal, Monteverde — were intense, the kids loved it. Finishing at Manuel Antonio on the beach was ideal for decompressing. We saw more sloths and monkeys than we ever imagined."
"The Costa Rica Forest & Sámara 11 nights itinerary let me take every photo I wanted: quetzal in Monteverde, poison dart frogs in Sarapiquí, Arenal volcano at sunset, and to finish, the deserted beaches of Sámara. The French-speaking guides knew exactly where to go for wildlife. A collection for enthusiasts."
At Toucan Discovery, we've designed four ways to travel. This one (Forest) is raw immersion. Here are the other three.
HarmonyThe perfect balance of nature, culture and comfort. Ideal for a first discovery or a family.
Discover Essentials
You are hereCosta Rican nature in its purest state. 5 ecosystems, lodges in the heart of the jungle, intense hikes.
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Well-beingFor those seeking rest and reconnection. Beaches, wellness, slow travel.
Discover Serenity
ExplorationFor seasoned travelers who want to push the borders. Costa Rica + Panama, Nicaragua, Mexico…
Discover HorizonA French-speaking advisor replies within 24h. Or compose your Forest trip directly on Dynamics.
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