DETAILED ITINERARY

Day 1: UK to  San Jose 
Fly from the UK to San Jose.
On arrival into San Jose you will be transferred to Grano de Oro to spend 1 night in the city. This historic, Victorian hotel is full of character and provides an oasis of calm in a bustling city – the perfect place to relax before your adventure begins! Enjoy your evening soaking up the atmosphere and exploring this exciting city. Welcome to Costa Rica!

Day 2: San Jose to Tortuguero National Park
Leaving San Jose behind, you will travel by road & boat to Tortuguero National Park where you will stay 3 nights at Mawamba Lodge. This tropical lodge is perfectly nestled on a sand strip between Tortuguero Canals and Caribbean Ocean offering cosy rustic accommodation that blends perfectly with the surroundings of the jungle. Later today you’ll enjoy a guided group tour to the charming village of Tortuguero where you’ll learn all about the local life, art and culture.

Days 3-4: Tortuguero National Park
Two free days to explore the Tortuguero area. Enjoy a complimentary Tortuguero canal boat tour. Venture with your guide inside the canals and absorb the incredible fauna and flora with more than 350 bird species, monkeys, caimans and crocodiles, sloths, toucans and more. You can also join a complimentary Mawamba park and guided walk learning about the sustainable projects in this area including a visit to Butterfly and Frog gardens. Need help deciding what to do? Contact us for our recommendations based on what you like. 

Days 5: Tortuguero to Arenal
This morning you’ll be transferred by car and boat to Arenal Volcano region where you will spend 3 nights at Arenal Manoa Hot Springs Resort. Nestled in a serene and secluded location surrounded by breathtaking views of the Arenal Volcano, this hot spring hotel is a haven of relaxation and indulgence in La Fortuna area. Want some more time to explore Arenal? Talk to us about adding in an extra night.

Day 6: Arenal Volcano
You have a full day of exploring this magnificent area, starting with a shared trip in a Sky Tram to reach the highest top of Arenal reserve before beginning the adventurous Sky Walk Tour consisting of an impressive series of bridges and paths, bring binoculars for a chance to spot birds & howler monkeys at their own level!! Later, you will head off for a gentle hike through the forest and old lava flows around Arenal Volcano, followed by a visit to the volcanic thermal mineral pools. By the end of the day you will feel like a local.

Day 7: Arenal Volcano
This morning you will join a shared half day tour on the quiet waters of Penas Blancas River on inflatable rafts. You’ll be joined by an experienced guide who will guide you through this biodiverse region and talk to you about the varied fauna and flora. Local residents such sloths, monkeys, turtles, crocodiles and Jesus Christ Lizards might cross your way – cameras at ready! Afternoon at leisure back at the hotel – the hot spring pool and ponds are fed by natural mineral water, which have therapeutic properties. It is the perfect place to relax and unwind after a day of exploration or simply to soak up the tranquility of the surroundings!

Day 8: Arenal to Monteverde
This morning you’ll be collected for your shared transfer and lake crossing to Monteverde Cloud Forest where you will spend 2 nights at Belmar. Family-run Hotel Belmar, with its on-site micro-brewery and its farm-to-table restaurant and spa, gets fantastic feedback. The hotel itself is comprised of two buildings built in the style of a Swiss chalet with rustic wooden furniture throughout, its own nature trail in the grounds and beautiful views. Want to pick up the pace? Talk to us about shortening your stay in Monteverde to get to the beach earlier!

Days 9: Monteverde
Today, you’ll join a shared guided group tour of Monteverde Cloud Forest, voted one of the Seven Wonders of Costa Rica. You will hike through well marked trails around rivers, stopping at waterfalls and the observation area of the park and if you are lucky you might even spot a Quetzal. Later today, you will learn everything about local coffee, participate in a chocolate making process and learn all about sugar cane. Bottoms up!

Day 10: Monteverde to Nicoya
This morning you wave goodbye to Monteverde and join your shared transfers to Santa Teresa, Nicoya where you will spend 4 nights at Tropico Latino. This beautiful hotel is set along sandy shores of Malpais and consist of only 10 elegant, spacious bungalows offering a unique intimate beach break. Want to end on another beach or in another property? We can tailor this holiday to you! Call us on 01273 923100 to chat through some alternative ways to end your Costa Rica holiday.

Days 11 – 13 Nicoya
Three full days to enjoy this beautiful area that could keep you busy for weeks! From surfing lessons, beach front yoga classes, dining to strolling down the pristine white sand beach. This location has one purpose only – to relax! If you would like us to arrange a Horseback Riding Tour or Hike to waterfalls, then contact us for more info.

Day 14: Nicoya to the UK
Today you will be transferred to Tambor Airstrip for your short flight to San Jose. On arrival you will connect with your International flight back to UK.

Day 15: Home
Welcome home! If you don’t have 15 days, ask us to re-design this holiday to your requirements – call 01273 923 100.