Amazing Costa Rica

Located between the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean, the small country of Costa Rica is one of the most ecologically diverse places on Earth. This journey explores some of the major national parks and the astonishing variety of wildlife and contrasting habitats found here, including rainforest, cloud forest, volcanoes, lakes and canals.

  • Return flights
  • View the Arenal volcano from your hotel
  • Cross Lake Arenal by boat & cruise the Tortuguero canals
  • Caño Negro boat trip & explore the hanging bridges at Monteverde
  • Small group size – average 16, maximum 18 people
  • Quality guides and experts
  • 9 breakfasts, 5 lunches & 2 dinners
  • Can also be taken as a private tour

Itinerary

Days 1-2: Fly to San José

Fly from London (regional connections available) to San José with British Airways. Transfer to the Crowne Plaza Corobici Hotel (or similar) for 2 nights. In the morning, visit Poas or Irazú Volcano and see its impressive crater and surroundings. (N) (B)

Days 3-4: Tortuguero

Shared overland transfer to Caño Blanco on the Caribbean coast. Cruise through the canals and backwaters that lead to Tortuguero, looking for birdlife, monkeys, sloths and other wildlife. Stay for 2 nights at Mawamba Lodge and enjoy a full day of shared local excursions. From July to September, an option is available to observe turtles nesting on the beach. (B, L, D)

Day 5: Arenal

Return to Caño Blanco by boat and drive to Arenal, visiting La Selva Biological Station en route. Learn about the scientific and conservation work of the researchers and take a short walk in the protected rainforest surroundings. Stay 2 nights at Arenal Paraiso, with views of Arenal Volcano. (B, L)

Day 6: Caño Negro

Full-day tour to Caño Negro, an important wetland habitat for a range of bird species. (B, L)

Day 7: Lake Arenal • Monteverde

Shared boat across Lake Arenal, taking in the spectacular views of the lake and its surroundings. Continue to Monteverde for 2 nights at the Fonda Vela Hotel. Afternoon visit to the Selvatura Butterfly Garden & Walkways and explore the treetop canopy from its hanging bridges. (B)

Day 8: Monteverde

Morning tour of the Monteverde cloud forest, a habitat for rare flora and fauna, such as the colourful quetzal bird. Afternoon visit to a typical family-run farm to learn about coffee and sugar cane production. (B, L)

Day 9: Sarchí • San José

Return to San José via the town of Sarchí, home to traditional handicrafts and colourfully painted oxcarts, and final overnight. (B)

Days 10-11: Fly to London

Transfer to the airport for a flight to London with British Airways. (B) (N)

Contact us for dates and prices

If you are looking to travel outside of these dates please contact us to discuss options.

Meal basis
As per itinerary – B: Breakfast, L: Lunch, D: Dinner, N: No meals.

Group tour manager
This tour is fully escorted throughout by a local tour manager from arrival in San José.

Standard tour
This tour is based in 3- and 4-star accommodation. All the lodges are comfortable, but do not always have a large range of facilities. The tour includes some longer drives on unpaved roads.

Private & tailor-made travel
This itinerary can be taken privately on a date that suits you, for which guideline prices are shown. Alternatively, it can be tailored to your exact requirements. Contact us for details.

 

Contact us for dates and prices