When to go
January – March and July – November
Price
From £4,899 pp (including flights)
Flight time
11hrs 21mins
Introduction
Famous for its diverse ecology, bird and marine wildlife, and lush tropical rainforests, Costa Rica is a must-see destination for lovers of nature and wildlife. Whether you are witnessing the geothermal activity at the (now inactive) Arenal volcano, going on a boat tour through the Tortuguero waterways, or discovering the wildlife diversity at Cahuita National Park, there is plenty to see and do at this magical destination.
At a Glance
Duration
16 days & 15 nights
Guide price
Group: £4,899pp (including flights)
Cities/Destinations (in order)
San Jose – Tortuguero National Park – Cahuita – La Marta Wildlife Refuge – Turrualba Valley – Savegre Cloud Forest – Sierpe – Drake Bay – Caño Island – Corcovado National Park – Sierpe – San Jose
Tour Type
Experienced local tour manager and guided sightseeing
Tour Theme
Group Tour
Activity Level
2 out of 7 - Leisurely / Moderate
Age Range
16+
Star Rating of Tour
Superior
Accommodation
Presidente Hotel or Park Inn | Evergreen Lodge | Ciudad Perdida or Villas del Caribe | Villa Florencia or Guayabo | Savegre Hotel, Nature Reserve & Spa or Trogon Lodge | Drake Bay Wilderness Resort | Presidente Hotel or Park Inn
Board Basis
Varied - please see the sample itinerary for details
Min|Max Group Size
Average 5 people with a maximum of 16
Start/Finish
San Jose – San Jose
Extensions
Tamarindo Beach (consult sales consultant to discuss pricing and options)
Highlights
Spend Three Nights in Drake Bay
Located in the Southern Pacific of the Osa Peninsula, Drake Bay is home to many natural treasures, including lush rainforests and sprawling coasts. As a remote island, getting to Drake Bay is part of the adventure, where you will board a small motorboat to get there.
Enjoy the Biodiversity of Corcovado National Park
Containing around 5 percent of the world’s animal population, Corcovado National Park is a real treat for nature lovers. There are many optional activities here, including hiking trails, wildlife adventures, and camping opportunities. There are also 13 major ecosystems, with four monkey species, four sea turtle species, and more than 40 frog species.
Marvel at the Monkeys, Sloths, and Whales
Costa Rica contains a wide variety of bird, land, and marine wildlife. These include more than 100 bat species, 90 percent of all of Central American’s butterflies, more than 25 whale and dolphin species, and American crocodiles, to name a few.
Recommended Hotels
Presidente Hotel or Park Inn | Evergreen Lodge | Ciudad Perdida or Villas del Caribe | Villa Florencia or Guayabo | Savegre Hotel, Nature Reserve & Spa or Trogon Lodge | Drake Bay Wilderness Resort
Sample Itinerary
Coastal Splendors of Costa Rica
Over the span of 16 days, you will explore the beautiful coastal areas of Costa Rica, including the lush Tortuguero Waterways, the Caribbean coast, and the rich agricultural region of the La Marta Wildlife Refuge. You will also encounter many wildlife species, such as the six species of Blue-Crowned Motmots, squirrel monkeys, and two species of sloth.
Day 1: Fly to San Jose
Arrive in San Jose in the evening. Then take the opportunity to meet your guide and fellow travelers.
Stay overnight at the Presidente Hotel or Park Inn or similar.
(N)
Day 2: Tortuguero National Park
In the early morning, leave San Jose and head to Tortuguero National Park, located in northeast Costa Rica. You’ll need to travel by a small motorboat to access the park.
In the afternoon, explore Tortuguero village, where you can visit the Sea Turtle Museum (a small donation is required to enter). Turtuguero is famous for being a nesting site for the endangered green turtle, which arrives on the beach during late July and October to lay eggs.
Spend 2 nights at the Evergreen Lodge or similar.
(B, L, D)
Day 3: Tortuguero Waterways
Board a small boat in the morning and explore the extraordinary flora and fauna of Tortuguero Waterways. The wildlife is usually most active in the morning, making it the perfect opportunity to watch the various land, marine, and bird wildlife. Go on a second boat trip in the afternoon.
(B, L, D)
Day 4: Cahuita | Caribbean Coast
Leave Tortuguero and take a small boat to Siquirres pier. Then take a bus to your next hotel. Relax on the white sandy beaches and explore the tropical region of Cahuita National Park.
Spend 3 nights at the Ciudad Perdida or Villas del Caribe or similar.
(B, L)
Day 5: Cahuita National Park
Explore Cahuita National Park and go on a 4-mile nature walk. You’ll follow the coastline, rainforests, and stunning coastal beaches. Enjoy free leisure in the afternoon, exploring the beach and participating in an optional snorkeling excursion.
(B)
Day 6: Cahuita
Enjoy a day of free leisure in Cahuita. Go on an optional excursion to learn about the indigenous communities of Bri Bri Reserve and Kekoldi, the various applications for the natural plants, and the local chocolate cultivation practices.
(B)
Day 7: La Marta Wildlife Refuge – Turrialba Valley
Today, head to Turrialba Valley. On the way there, you will visit the La Marta Wildlife Refuge, a 3,650 acres large area that protects the Gato, Atirro, and La Marta River basins. It contains many tall, large mountainous regions, including waterfalls, rivers, and caves.
Stay overnight at the Villa Forencia or Guayabo or similar.
(B)
Day 8: Savegre Cloud Forest
After breakfast, depart for San Gerado de Dota and the Savegre Cloud Forest. The cloud forest is more than 500 hectares in size, and home to a large number of flora and fauna. The region is also home to many bird species, which rely on the unique conditions of the cloud forest to survive. Bring a pair of binoculars for an engaging birdwatching session. After lunch, go for a short walk in the cloud forest.
Spend 2 nights at the Savegre Hotel, Nature Reserve & Spa or Trogon Lodge or similar.
(B, L, D)
Day 9: Savegre
Enjoy a free day of leisure and relaxation in Savegre. Use your binoculars to discover more than 170 bird species, enjoy the incredible views from the lodge, or travel through the lush cloud forest. Your leader will advise you on the best walking trails in the area.
(B, L, D)
Day 10: Sierpe – Drake Bay
Proceed to the small town of Sierpe, and board a small motorboat to Drake Bay, located on the Osa Peninsula. The remote island is only accessible via boat. It provides spectacular views of the lodges on the horizon, along with the chance to spend time at the Drake Bay Wilderness Resort, a family-run resort.
Spend 3 nights at the Drake Bay Wilderness Resort or similar.
(B, L, D)
Day 11: Caño Island
Take a small boat to Caño Island, which takes about 45 minutes to get there. Along the way, you may encounter migrating whales and dolphins, along with orcas or humpbacks depending on the season. Caño Island is the perfect destination for snorkeling, due to the abundance of marine wildlife and excellent underwater visibility. Enjoy free leisure on the island after lunch.
(B, L, D)
Day 12: Corcovado National Park
In the morning, go on a 30-minute boat journey to San Pedrillo Ranger Station, the entrance to Corcovado National Park. The park is the largest of its kind, covering 164 square miles of land, and protecting 13 major ecosystems across different elevations and settings. Spend the day exploring the park and its various regions, including the lowland tropical rainforests, waterfalls, and lush beaches.
(B, L, D)
Day 13: Sierpe – San Jose
After breakfast, leave Corcovado and return to Sierpe. On the way back, your boat will travel along the Sierpe River, which takes you through a complex network of tributary rivers and streams. Upon arrival in Sierpe, transfer to a private minibus and return to San Jose.
Spend 2 nights at the Presidente Hotel or Park Inn or similar.
(B)
Day 14: Irazu Volcano National Park – Orosi Valley
In the morning, take a trip to Irazu Volcano National Park, which takes about 90 minutes to get there. Irazu Volcano is one of the easiest volcanoes to visit in Costa Rica. Its name is derived from the indigenous word thunder. It has recorded about 23 small and major eruptions since 1723 and has recently entered a dormant phase.
Proceed to the city of Cartago, home to the Orosi Valley, and the oldest Catholic Church in Costa Rica. The Orosi Valley is notable for its beautiful scenery and dense vegetation, along with the snaking valleys and coffee plantations. Spend the day learning about the country’s efficient coffee production practices, including its harvesting and cultivation processes. Then return to San Jose.
(B)
Day 15: Leave San Jose
After breakfast your journey will come to an end. Head to the airport and depart for London.
(B)
Day 16: London
Arrive in London.
