When to go
January and February, April, July, and November
Price
From £3,349 pp (including flights)
Flight time
11hrs 21mins
Introduction
Costa Rica is considered one of the most peaceful and most visited countries in the world. The region has not had an army since 1948, it shelters around 5 percent of the world’s existing biodiversity, it has more than 6,700 marine species, and more than 5 million birds migrate through Costa Rica each year. The result is an incredibly diverse country, one with plenty of unmissable landmarks, wildlife viewing opportunities, and chances to mingle with the friendly locals.
At a Glance
Duration
10 days & 9 nights
Guide price
Group: £3,349pp (including flights)
Cities/Destinations (in order)
San Jose – Tortuguero National Park – La Fortuna – Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge – Monteverde – San Jose
Tour Type
Experienced local tour manager and guided sightseeing
Tour Theme
Group Tour
Activity Level
1 out of 7 – Leisurely
Age Range
16+
Star Rating of Tour
Superior
Accommodation
Park Inn Hotel | Pachira Lodge or Evergreen Lodge | Arenal Montechiari | Monteverde Country Lodge or Montaña Monteverde | Park Inn Hotel
Board Basis
Varied - please see the sample itinerary for details
Min|Max Group Size
Minimum 4 people with a maximum of 16
Start/Finish
San Jose – San Jose
Extensions
Tamarindo Beach Extension Costa Rica (speak to sales representative for up-to-date pricings)
Highlights
Explore Tortuguero’s Waterways by Boat
In the brisk hours of the early morning, embark on a memorable boat journey through Turtuguero’s Waterways, passing by active wildlife in the hopes you may encounter wild monkeys, caiman, iguanas, and more than 300 bird species.
Boat Excursion to Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge
Go on a 2.5-hour river excursion through the Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge. Here you will pass through tropical rainforests and pastures, with the chance to counter various birdlife and even the endangered jabiru, the largest bird in Central America.
Nocturnal Wildlife Walk in Cloud Forest
Located in the Tilaran Mountain Range, this cloud forest provides breathtaking views of the Gulf of Nicoya, a complex ecosystem with thriving plants, and more than 400 different varieties of orchards.
Recommended Hotels
Park Inn Hotel | Pachira Lodge or Evergreen Lodge | Arenal Montechiari | Monteverde Country Lodge or Montaña Monteverde |
Sample Itinerary
Natural Highlights of Costa Rica
In this sample itinerary, you will encounter the many natural landmarks and beauties of Costa Rica. You’ll explore an enchanted cloud forest, cruise through the Cane Negro Wildlife Refuge by boat, and get to marvel at the geothermal activity taking place at the no-long-active Arenal volcano. You will also encounter all kinds of wildlife, from wild monkeys to endangered birds and more.
Day 1: Fly to San Jose
Begin your flight from London to San Jose.
(N)
Day 2: Arrive in San Jose
Arrive in San Jose by the afternoon. Check in to your hotel and meet your guide and fellow travelers.
Stay overnight at the Park Inn Hotel or similar.
(N)
Day 3: Tortuguero National Park
In the early morning, leave San Jose and travel to Tortuguero National Park. The park is only accessible by boat or light aircraft, for which you will board a small motorboat and take a 1h 15min journey to the park.
In the afternoon, you will explore Turtuguero village, by visiting the Sea Turtle Museum (which you must pay a small donation to enter). Whilst here, you will learn about the Sea Turtle activity in Tortuguero, which is most active from late July to October where the Sea Turtles lay eggs on the beach.
Spend 2 nights at the Pachira Lodge or Evergreen Lodge or similar.
(B, L, D)
Day 4: Tortuguero Waterways
Go on an early morning boat trip to explore the flora and fauna of Turtuguero. This is when the wildlife is most active, so you may encounter wild monkeys, iguanas, caiman, and butterflies. Then return to the lodge for a delicious breakfast. In the afternoon, enjoy a second boat trip on a different canal. Alternatively, you may stay at the lodge and enjoy free leisure.
(B, L, D)
Day 5: La Fortuna
Leave Tortuguero by taking the same boat back to the pier. Then travel by bus to the Arenal region, which is home to a once-active volcano. Despite no longer being active there is still plenty of geothermal activity, where you’ll see various hot springs scattered around the area.
Spend 2 nights at the Arenal Montechiari or similar.
(B, L)
Day 6: Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge
Transfer to the village of Los Chiles, and board a boat for a river journey through the Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge. The area is well known for its humid climate and biodiversity, which lends itself to a wide range of resident and migratory birds, along with different species of turtles, iguanas, caimans, and monkeys. You may also encounter the endangered jabiru, the largest bird in Central America.
(B, L)
Day 7: Monteverde
Leave Arenal and travel to the Tilaran Mountain Range. Here you will encounter one of the many cloud forests in Costa Rica, enjoy breathtaking views of the Gulf of Nicoya, and ascend the hill to Monteverde.
With its high altitude, the region is home to a complex ecosystem, including more than 400 orchard varieties. Today’s drive will take around 4 hours, with a high chance of bumpy terrain. There is an optional coffee tour in the afternoon, where you can learn about the coffee production industry and its importance to the Costa Rican economy.
In the evening, go for a night walk in Monteverde Wildlife Refuge, which’ll give you a whole new perspective of the forest.
Stay overnight at Monteverde Country Lodge or Montaña Monteverde or similar.
(B)
Day 8: Monteverde Cloud Forest – San Jose
Go for a walk through the Monteverde Cloud Forest. Here you will spend the day exploring the forest, learn about the region’s commitment to preservation and sustainability, and be guided by a local expert. The cloud forest is comprised of various resident and migratory bird species, up to 425 in total. As well as 120 species of mammals, 101 species of reptiles, and 60 species of amphibians.
Depending on weather conditions, you may visit a lookout point at the top of the continental divide, where you can see both the Caribbean and Pacific coasts. After exploring the cloud forest, transfer to San Jose.
Stay overnight at the Park Inn Hotel or similar.
(B)
Day 9: Depart San Jose
After breakfast the trip comes to an end. Take a free transfer to San Jose airport and depart for London.
(B)
Day 10: London
Arrive in London.
