Using specialist naturalist guides and charming small-scale accommodation in the heart of Costa Rica
San José - 2 nights
Tortuguero - 2 nights
Sarapiqui - 2 nights
Arenal - 1 night
Monteverde - 2 nights
Carara area - 1 night
Flight - 1 night
Costa Rica is a kaleidoscope of vivid natural colour and offers over 2,000 species of orchid, more than 850 species of birds, thousands of species of butterflies and a scenic diversity comprising volcanoes, rainforests, cloud forests, plantations, farmlands and Atlantic and Pacific coasts.
Imaginings with regard to what the Garden of Eden might have been like generally describe a tropical abundance of brightly coloured fruits and flowers set against a lush and varied backdrop of vigorously thriving greenery.
Populating this paradise, the most noticeable presence would probably be a chorusing panoply of brightly coloured birds feeding on the fruits and flowers. The friendliest of primates, monkeys, would play in the forest canopy and a closer inspection of the undergrowth would reveal a lively, surprising and delightful diversity of flora and fauna. Little in mankind’s garden of recreation would be of menace (apart from the snake) and reciprocally mankind would nourish and protect it.
Culture & Wildlife
Jules Verne Sightseeing
Eco-friendly Accommodation
Local Guide Throughout
Group Size: 5 – 18
Enjoy a cruise on the waterways of Tortuguero, with a complimentary drink, and a cookery class at La Quinta de Sarapiqui.
Day 1 Fly from Gatwick direct to San José. Transfer to the Park Inn Hotel for two nights.
Day 2 Visit the National Theatre and the Gold and Jade museums. Afternoon at leisure for independent exploration. (B)
Day 3 Drive to the Atlantic coast via the Braulio Carrillo National Park. By boat to the Evergreen Lodge in Tortuguero for two nights. Afternoon boat tour exploring the Amazonesque channels surrounding the Tortuguero Lagoon. (B, L, D)
Day 4 Take a walk through the tropical forest of Tortuguero. Afternoon visit to the Turtle Museum and later enjoy a Tortuguero cruise. (B, L, D)
Day 5 Transfer by boat to Caño Blanco or La Pavona and continue by road, to La Quinta de Sarapiqui for a two-night stay. Enjoy a cookery class. Evening talk by your naturalist guide. (B, L)
Day 6 A morning walk through the intriguing La Selva Nature Reserve with a naturalist guide. The reserve is home to nearly half of the 850 species of birds in Costa Rica as well as monkeys, peccaries, agoutis and coatis. Afternoon at leisure. (B)
Day 7 Drive to Arenal Volcano to bathe in the hot springs at Ecotermales La Fortuna. Overnight at Volcano Lodge or similar. (B, D)
Day 8 Traverse the scenic Tilarán Mountains to the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve (3 hrs). A high elevation cloud forest offers miles of trails and excellent opportunities for bird watching, including the Silver-throated Tanager and Collared Redstart. Afternoon tour of walkways and bridges built high in the cloud forest canopy. Spend two nights at Poco a Poco Hotel. (B)
Day 9 A guided walk explores the trails of the reserve. Time at leisure prior to a night walk in the grounds of the lower altitude of the Bosque Eterno de Los Niños. (B)
Day 10 Travel to the Carara area for overnight at the Macaw Lodge or similar. (B)
Day 11 Travel to San José. Return flight to London. (B)
Day 12 Arrive London in the morning.
Notes
This is a full itinerary with some uneven surfaces.
This new hotel is a short walk from downtown and the main avenue of Paseo Colon in San Jose. Bar, restaurant, pool and 117 air-conditioned rooms with hairdryer, mini-bar, coffee maker and satellite TV.
The lodge is located in an ideal position, just a 5 minute boat ride from the entrance of Tortuguero National Park. Restaurant, pool, WiFi (chargeable) and 55 rooms with fans.
Located on the edge of a river, set in organic gardens and surrounded by 10 acres of trails, in the Northern Lowlands of Costa Rica. Restaurant, WiFi (free) and 28 air-conditioned rooms with hairdryer and safe.
A 3-star hotel at the foot of Arenal Volcano, admist tropical gardens with restaurant, bar, pool, WiFi (free). 62 air-conditioned rooms with hairdryer, coffee making facilities and satellite TV.
Situated in the mountains of Monteverde. Spa, pool and WiFi (free). 30 rooms with hairdryer, coffee making facilities and satellite TV.
An authentic eco haven with an abundance of bird life, in the hills of Cerros de Turrubares and situated near to Carara National Park. Restaurant, gardens, lounge and WiFi (free). 12 rooms with fans.
Notes
The hotels and lodges are 'eco-friendly'. Whilst precise definition will vary from property to property, it generally implies a scenic setting, environmentally sensitive architecture and operation, an active involvement in schemes to protect and regenerate Costa Rica's indigenous fauna and a desire on the part of an establishment's management to facilitate in some way its guests' enjoyment and appreciation of Costa Rica's superb natural world heritage. Our local agent has been awarded the prestigious Costa Rican Sustainable Tourism certificate and has recently been upgraded to the highest level, 'five leaves'. On occasion hotels of a similar standard may be substituted.
Manuel Antonio Extension
Stay four nights with breakfast in sea view rooms at the stunningly located and beautifully decorated 4-star Hotel Parador or Si Como No Hotel in Manuel Antonio National Park combining idyllic white sand beaches with wonderful wildlife.
Day 1 Transfer to the 4-star Hotel Parador or Si Como No Hotel in Manuel Antonio for four nights. (B)
Day 2 At leisure. (B)
Day 3 At leisure. (B)
Day 4 At leisure. (B)
Day 5 Return flight. (B)
A stay at the Manuel Antonio National Park combines idyllic white sand beaches with wonderful wildlife. The 4-star hotel is stunningly located and beautifully decorated with restaurants, bar, pools, gym, spa and WiFi (free). 130 air-conditioned rooms with hairdryer, safe, minibar, coffee making facilities and satellite TV. A complimentary shuttle service operates between the Parador, the nature reserve and nearby beaches.
A charming 4-star hotel set in the jungle of Manuel Antonio National Park and close to the beach. Restaurant, bar, pool and WiFi (free). 58 air-conditioned rooms with hairdryer, safe, mini-bar, coffee making facilities and satellite TV.
2022
Saturdays
per person in a twin/double room
British Airways from Gatwick
| November 5 | £2445 |
| November 19 | £2475 |
2023
Saturdays
per person in a twin/double room
British Airways from Gatwick
Saturdays
per person in a twin/double room
British Airways from Gatwick
Saturdays
per person in a twin/double room
British Airways from Gatwick
Supplements per person
Single Supplement
Single supplement £395 (2023 £415)
Flight Options
British Airways World Traveller Plus from £595
British Airways Club World from £2275
Extension Options
Extension - Manuel Antonio
4 nights £695 (Nov 5 £925; 2023 £725)
Single supplement £615 (Nov 5 £865; 2023 £625)
Extra nights - San Jose
Park Inn
(per night) £50
Single supplement £50
Privately Guided
Add £995 per person
Independent Arrival
Save £700
Arrival transfer add £25
Departure transfer with group included
Price Includes
Air travel and UK departure taxes, transfers, 10 nights' accommodation in 3 or 4-star hotels and lodges, breakfast daily, 3 lunches and 3 dinners, itinerary as described, services of a naturalist guide and local representatives. If our specially negotiated airfares are unavailable at the time of booking, a supplement may apply.
Not Included
Travel insurance, overseas departure taxes, optional excursions, tipping, any government taxes or compulsory charges introduced after publication.
© 2021 Jules Verne - 96 Great Suffolk Street, London SE1 0BE
VAT No. 805146159
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