A Taste of Costa Rica
Volcanoes, cloud forests, wildlife, Pacific beaches and a jungle crocodile safari
Day 1 Fly from London Heathrow via Miami or Madrid to San José. Transfer to El Rodeo Country Inn.
Day 2 Head due south on the Pan American Highway and ascend the mighty Irazu Volcano from where the Atlantic and Pacific oceans can be viewed. En route to San Gerado de Dota, visit the Lankaster Gardens, famed for orchids and bromeliads. Overnight at Savegre Lodge.
Day 3 Close to the Cerro de la Muerte at 2,135 metres, this region is noted for its bird life and the resplendent Quetzal. Forests line the banks of the crystal clear waters of the Savegre River before it gives way to a cascading waterfall. After a guided tour continue to the Pacific coast with unspoiled beaches, scenic bays and the village of Dominical. Spend two nights at Villas Rio Mar.
Day 4 Drive to the Sierpe river for a cruise through the largest mangrove swamp in Central Amerca. This wetland is home to many resident and migratory bird species.
Day 5 Visit Manuel Antonio, considered to be Costa Rica’s most beautiful national park. The amazing tropical rainforests are home to abundant wildlife including sloths who hang peacefully from the treetops and the noisy howler monkeys. After lunch (not included) travel to central Pacific coast and two-nights at Villa Lapas, an eco-friendly hotel surrounded by a 500-acre jungle reserve.
Day 6 A half-day tour to the Guacalillo Estuary to explore the habitat of enormous crocodiles. Witness at close quarters the species that some call the last of the living dinosaurs.
Day 7 Afternoon transfer to San José and overnight at Hotel El Rodeo. Alternatively, extend your stay at Manuel Antonio, (details on page 140) or continue to Nicaragua.
Day 8 Fly from San José to London Heathrow via Miami or Madrid.
Day 9 Morning arrival at London Heathrow.
Extension - Nicaragua
Nicaragua is largely undiscovered by modern-day Europeans and its colonial heritage provides a perfect contrast to Costa Rica.
Day 7 Morning departure from Villa Lapas to Rincon de la Vieja National Park. There will be opportunities for bathing in the heated pools of the Colorado River. Overnight at Hotel Canon de la Vieja Lodge.
Day 8 Cross the border to Nicaragua and take the ferry across Lago de Nicaragua to Ometepe Island, dominated by two active volcanoes both over 1000 metres high. Overnight at Villa Paraiso.
Day 9 Morning island tour before continuing to Leon, the former capital city, this is still the intellectual heart of the country. Overnight stay at Hotel Los Balcones.
Day 10 Sightseeing of Leon and view Momotombo volcano en route to Granada for a two-night stay at Hotel Colonia.
Day 11 A full-day tour of this colonial city which was named after its Moorish counterpart in Spain and is full of architectural interest.
Day 12 Drive to Liberia airport in Costa Rica for the flight to San José and overnight at El Rodeo Country Inn.
Day 13 Fly from San José via Miami or Madrid to London Heathrow.
Day 14 Morning arrival at London Heathrow.
Extension - Manuel Antonio
A four-night extension at the Manuel Antonio Nature Reserve combines idyllic white sand beaches with wonderful wildlife. Accommodation (with breakfast) is in superior sea view rooms at the stunningly located and beautifully decorated 4-star Hotel Parador. A frequent complimentary shuttle service operates between the Parador, the nature reserve and nearby beaches. A final night is spent in San José.
