Costa Rica is renowned for its eco-ethos, unparalleled biodiversity, untamed wilderness of jungles, rivers and rainforests, and undiluted tranquillity
San José - 2 nights
Tortuguero - 2 nights
Sarapiqui - 2 nights
Arenal - 1 night
Monteverde - 2 nights
Carara area - 1 night
Flight - 1 night
A magnificent masterpiece of nature, Costa Rica is a wild kaleidoscope of colour, from coast to coast, from the dazzling plumage of tropical birds to the dizzying heights of cloud forest canopies, from brooding volcanoes to starlight vigils on the beaches of green sea turtles, and from tangled jungles to the cultivated acres of coffee, cacao, and cardamom plantations. Our tour begins in the country’s cultural hub,
San José, home to about a third of Costa Rica’s population, and considered one of the safest cities in Latin America. On the Caribbean shore, we travel by boat to the sandbar of Tortuguero, a marshland maze of waterways, inaccessible by road; then inland to experience the astonishing biodiversity of Sarapiqui; continue to the Pacific west to bathe in hot springs in the foothills of the Arenal Volcano. Enjoy canopy walks in cloud forests, sharing the treetops with Costa Rica’s quetzals.
Culture & Wildlife
Jules Verne Sightseeing
Eco-friendly Accommodation
Local Guide Throughout
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 London Gatwick direct to San José and transfer to the Park Inn Hotel for a two-night stay.
Day 2 A tour this morning visits the National Theatre and the Gold and Jade museums. Afternoon at leisure for independent exploration. (B)
Day 3 Drive, via the rainforest landscapes of Braulio Carrillo National Park, to the Caribbean coast, where Tortuguero is truly off the beaten track. There is no road to this watery wonderland where marshes meet the ocean, so we continue by boat to Evergreen Lodge, for a two-night stay; and enjoy an afternoon boat tour. (B, L, D)
Day 4 Morning walk through the tropical forest, enjoy an afternoon visit to the Sea Turtle Conservancy Museum, to learn about the habitats and different turtle species which nest on local beaches; and enjoy an a Special Event cocktail. (B, L, D)
Day 5 Transfer by boat to Caño Blanco or La Pavona and continue by road to Sarapiqui. Enjoy a cookery class and an evening talk by your naturalist guide. Two nights at La Quinta de Sarapiqui. (B, L)
Day 6 Morning naturalist guide walk, in La Selva Biological Station reserve, home to almost half of Costa Rica’s 850 species of birds, and howler monkeys to Mexican porcupines, tree frogs, sloths, little agoutis, and white-nosed coatis. Afternoon at leisure. (B)
Day 7 Drive to Arenal Volcano and bathe in the hot springs of Ecotermales La Fortuna. Overnight at Volcano Lodge or similar. (B, D)
Day 8 Travel (3 hrs) traversing the scenic Tilarán Mountains to the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. Miles of trails are excellent birdwatching opportunities for collared redstarts, silver-throated tanagers. Afternoon tour of walkways bridges built high in the tree canopy. Two nights at the Poco a Poco Hotel. (B)
Day 9 Explore Monteverde’s trails on a guided walk and enjoy some time at leisure before a night walk in the grounds of the lower altitude Bosque Eterno de Los Niños (Children’s Eternal Rainforest). (B)
Day 10 Travel to the Carara area, its unique ecosystems providing the habitats for armadillos and amphibians, parakeets, kingfishers and keel-billed toucans, and huge numbers of scarlet macaws. Overnight in the unspoilt hills of Turrubares, at Macaw Lodge or similar. (B)
Day 11 Transfer to San José for the return overnight flight. (B)
Day 12 Morning arrival at London Gatwick.
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.
2023
Saturdays
per person in a twin/double room
British Airways from Gatwick
| November 4 | £3445 |
| November 18 | £3495 |
2024
Saturdays
per person in a twin/double room
British Airways from Gatwick
Supplements per person
Single Supplement
Single supplement £435
Flight Options
British Airways World Traveller Plus - On request
British Airways Club World - On request
Extension Options
Extension - Manuel Antonio
4 nights £965
Single supplement £745
Extra nights - San Jose
Park Inn (per night) £60
Single supplement £50
Privately Guided
Add £1345 per person
Tour Only
Save £850
Arrival transfer add £35
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.
© 2023 Jules Verne - 96 Great Suffolk Street, London SE1 0BE
VAT No. 805146159
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