Costa Rica Exploration

Arrive in San Jose in the afternoon or early evening. Check in to your hotel and take the opportunity to meet your guide and fellow travelers.

Stay overnight at the Presidente Hotel or similar.

(N)

In the early morning, leave San Jose and travel to Tortuguero National Park, located in the northeast part of Costa Rica. The park is only accessible by boat, which will take you about 1h 15min to reach. In the afternoon, explore the Turtuguero village and, if desired, visit the Sea Turtle Musuem (make a small donation to access).

Spend 2 nights at the Laguna Lodge or similar.

(B, L, D)

Go on an early morning boat trip to explore the Tortuguero waterways. Your expert tour guide will help you navigate the rivers. They will also help you spot the native and migrating birdlife. Then enjoy free leisure in the afternoon or go on an optional second boat trip.

(B, L, D)

Leave Tortuguero the same way you came, by taking the small motorboat back to the pier. From there, take a bus to the Arenal region, home to the Arenal Volcano that is currently in its dormant phase. Despite this, there is still plenty of geothermal activity, and in the evening, you will have the chance to visit one of the many hot springs. It will take around 5h 30min to reach the town of La Fortuna, including the lunch stop.

Spend 2 nights at the Arenal Montechiari or Arenal Paraiso or similar.

(B, L)

Visit the La Fortuna waterfall in the morning. This journey will take you on a short trail through the rainforest, comprised of relatively steep steps that you must ascend to reach the waterfalls. Upon arrival, enjoy a cool dip in one of the many nature pools.

If you do not wish to visit the peak of the waterfall, you can visit the nearby lookout point and wait for the group. After lunch, go on a hike through Arenal National Park, passing through lava fields and rainforests.

(B)

Leave Arenal and head to the Tilaran Mountain Range, where you will visit your first cloud forest. Along the way you will enjoy breathtaking views of the Gulf of Nicoya, as well as the islands below. Due to the high altitude, the region supports a wide range of ecosystems. There are more than 400 varieties of orchids. Today’s drive will take about 4 hours to complete, and the last route will have bumpy terrain.

Spend 2 nights at the Montaña Monteverde or Monteverde Country Lodge or similar.

(B)

Go on a guided tour of the Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve in the morning. It is a community-managed forest (by the local high school), and the raised funds are used to protect the reserve and educate the local community and tourists on the importance of forest preservation. Santa Elena supports a wide range of native plants, including more than 400 species of orchids.

In the afternoon, go on an optional coffee tour, where you will learn about the region’s coffee production practices.

(B)

Head to southeast Costa Rica and follow the Pan-Am Highway to reach the coastline to Manuel Antonio. The Manuel Antonio National Park has a marine reserve that is 1,700 acres in size, comprised of a swamp and primary and secondary rainforests. The thick, forest vegetation stretches far and wide, leading to expansive sandy beaches and gorgeous rocky highlands. There may be time for optional activities in the afternoon.

Spend 2 nights at the Villa Bosque Hotel or Espadilla Hotel or similar.

(B)

Go on a guided tour of Manuel Antonio National Park in the morning. The wildlife are most active in the morning, so you should be able to spot all kinds of animals, both on land and in trees. These include squirrel monkeys, iguanas, and sloths. In the afternoon, you can enjoy the nearby beach or participate in an optional activity.

Manuel Antonio National Park is closed on Tuesdays. If your visiting day lands on a Tuesday, arrangements will be made to visit the park on an earlier day.

(B)

Leave Manual Antonio and go on a 4-hour trip to Golfito, a relatively quiet and undisturbed region. The area is full of dense jungle, which includes an abundance of bird and insect life.

Spend 2 nights at the Esquinas Rainforest Lodge or similar.

(B, L, D)

Go on a morning hike in the rainforest with an expert tour guide. Marvel at the native wildlife such as snakes, monkeys, and even sloths. During the rainfall, the terrain may be quite slippery, so please take caution. Then enjoy free leisure in the afternoon.

(B, L, D)

Head northwest to San Isidro and travel through the Cerro de la Muerte Mountain range. Then arrive at the Savegre Valley, a place that is famous for its lush waterfalls, diverse wildlife, and picturesque rainforests.

The region is also home to endangered bird species, such as the wattled bellbird. Bring a pair of binoculars to enjoy a clear sight of the birds. Go on a short walk of the forest in the afternoon.

Spend 2 nights at the Savegre Hotel & Spa or Trogon Lodge or similar.

(B, L, D)

Enjoy free leisure of Savegre Valley. Go on a birdwatching session, travel through the cloud forest, or marvel at the stunning views from the comfort of your lodge. Your leader will also recommend various walking trails nearby.

(B, L, D)

Head to the valley of Copey in the morning. Go for a short walk around the area, and then enjoy snacks lovingly prepared by a local family. Then go on a 2h 30min trip back to San Jose, with time to enjoy free leisure in the town.

Stay overnight at the Presidente Hotel or similar.

(B, L)

After breakfast your trip will come to an end. Transfer to San Jose airport and depart for London.

(B)

Arrive in London.