In brief:
| San José - 2 nights. Tortugero - 2 nights. San Carlos - 2 nights. San José - 1 night. Flight - 1 night. |
Day 1 Fly from London Heathrow, via Miami or Madrid, to San José. Transfer to the El Rodeo Hotel for a twonight stay.
Day 2 City sightseeing includes the National Theatre, Plaza de la Cultura, National Museum and the University. In the afternoon, visit Lankester Botanic Gardens and the Orosí Valley.
Day 3 An early morning start sees us on the panoramic route from San José to the Caribbean coast driving through the Braulio Carrillo National Park en route. Board a cruise launch at Caño Blanco dock and cruise the Tortuguero channels and lagoons in the heart of Tortugero National Park for two nights at Pachira Lodge (or similar) on full board.
Day 4 An excursion by launch for nature watching and the opportunity of a walk through the rainforest. We also visit a local village and enjoy a 'Sunset cocktail cruise'.
Day 5 Return by launch to Caño Blanco dock and drive through some spectacular scenery to the Hotel Tilajari in the lush San Carlos Valley for a two-night stay.
Day 6 Morning at leisure. An afternoon scenic drive to Lake Arenal and visit the live volcano that provides a breathtaking spectacle. There will also be a chance to bathe in the thermal springsat, Ecotermales. Dinner at Ecotermales.
Day 7 Return to San José visiting the Poas Volcano and National Park en route. Overnight at the Hotel El Rodeo.
Day 8 Fly via Miami or Madrid to London Heathrow.
Day 9 Arrive London in the early morning.
Extension - Pacific Coast
Now includes TWO EXTRA FREE NIGHTS
A seven-night stay including breakfast at the 4-star Tango Mar Hotel on the Nicoya Peninsula plus a final night in San José. Situated on a 150-acre private beachfront reserve, this small deluxe hotel has delightful tropical gardens with an enormous richness of flora and fauna, two private beaches and a sign-posted nature trail with a 40-foot waterfall descending to a natural ocean pool. There is a swimming pool, tennis courts, fishing, stables, 9-hole golf course, restaurant, bar and poolside snack bar. The 18 large beachfront rooms have air-conditioning and ceiling fans, coffee maker, mini-bar, safety deposit box and satellite TV.
