Overview

San José - 1 night
Turrialba - 1 night
Tortuguero - 2 nights
Arenal - 2 nights
Rincón de la Vieja - 1 night
Potrero Beach - 2 nights
Monteverde - 2 nights
Turrubares - 2 nights
Dominical - 2 nights
San Gerardo de Rivas - 2 nights
San José - 1 night
Flight - 1 night

GRAND TOUR OF COSTA RICA

A comprehensive journey from Caribbean coastal wetlands to cloud forest mountains, volcanic landscapes, rainforest valleys, Pacific shores and exotic wildlife

Revered for its unparalleled biodiversity, undiluted tranquillity and untamed wilderness of rainforest, rivers, and jungles, Costa Rica is a beautiful, colourful country.

From coast to coast, from the dazzling plumage of quetzals to dizzying heights in cloud forest canopies, from brooding volcanoes to botanical gardens, and from whale-watching waters to the nesting beaches of green sea turtles, this is nature at its glorious best. Punctuating the tour with rural towns and oceanfront resorts, visit the biggest volcano in the country, Irazú, travel by boat to the Caribbean sandbar of Tortuguero, a marshland maze of waterways, inaccessible by road. Enjoy astonishing birdlife opportunities throughout this journey of discovery.

Key Features

Cultural Tour & Wildlife 
Jules Verne Sightseeing
UNESCO Site: Guanacaste
Eco-friendly Accommodation
Local Guide Throughout

Special Events

Rural Home Visit & Caribbean Cocktail

Visit a rural home in La Trinidad de Dota for a tasting of local products and to see the farming activities of the local communities. Enjoy a Caribbean cocktail at the Evergreen lodge in Tortuguero, with complimentary snacks.

Day 1 Fly from London Gatwick direct to San José. Transfer to the 4-star Aurola Holiday Inn Hotel for overnight.

Day 2 Visit Irazú Volcano National Park. Visit Cartago City and continue to Turrialba Valley and visit the CATIE Botanical Gardens with grand displays of gardens and tropical plants. Overnight at Villa Florencia in Turrialba. (B, D)

Day 3 Transfer by boat to the Evergreen Lodge in Tortuguero for two nights. Visit the Turtle Museum and town. (B, L, D)

Day 4 Morning walk at the lodge’s private trail. Afternoon boat tour, exploring the Amazonesque channels surrounding the Tortuguero Lagoon. Evening Special Event cocktail. (B, L, D)

Day 5 Fly to San José. Visit the Doka Coffee Estate, Grecia town, Sarchi and Else Kientztler Botanical Gardens. Two nights at Volcano Lodge or similar. (B, L)

Day 6 Naturalist walk includes the hanging bridges and Arenal Volcano National Park. Bathe in the hot springs at Ecotermales La Fortuna. (B)

Day 7 Visit Palo Verde National Park, enjoy a Bebedero river cruise. Overnight at Hacienda Guachipelin Hotel. (B, D)

Day 8 Discover Rincón de la Vieja National Park with a gentle hike to see geothermal wonders and ancient forests. Travel to Potrero Beach for two nights at the Bahía del Sol Hotel or similar. (B)

Day 9 A day at leisure. (B)

Day 10 Travel to Monteverde (3 ½ hrs) for two nights at Poco a Poco Hotel. Night walk at the Children’s Rainforest. (B)

Day 11 Visit Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. Afternoon at leisure. (B, L)

Day 12 Travel towards the Central Pacific Area and visit the Carara National Park with its unique ecosystems. Two nights at Macaw Lodge in Turrubares. (B, L, D)

Day 13 Visit Macaw Lodge Sustainable Farm. Afternoon at leisure. (B, L, D)

Day 14 Continue to the Pacific area of Dominical for an afternoon guided walk through the jungle. Two nights at Hotel Villas Río Mar or similar. (B, L)

Day 15 Morning dolphin and whale watching tour. Afternoon at leisure. (B, D)

Day 16 Travel to San Gerardo de Rivas (2,200m). At leisure or walk with the local guide in search of rare bird species within the Reserve. Two nights at the Talamanca Reserve. (B, D)

Day 17 Visit the Secret Gardens to discover the collection of orchids, flowering trees and tropical plants. (B, L)

Day 18 Take a Quetzal trail. Visit a rural house. Continue to San José. (B)

Day 19 Morning at leisure for an optional city tour (bookable locally). Return flight. (B) 

Day 20 Arrive in London in the morning.

  • Key
  • B - Breakfast
  • L - Lunch
  • D - Dinner

Notes

This is a full itinerary with some steps, uneven surfaces and occasional areas of altitude.
On occasion hotels of a similar standard may be substituted.

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.

Notes

On Day 18 of the main tour itinerary participate in the scheduled activities and then transfer directly to Manuel Antonio (not San José) for your extended stay.

2023

Tuesdays
per person in a twin/double room
British Airways from Gatwick

Date Price
October 31 £5345
November 14 £5645

2024

Click here for 2024 departures

Supplements per person

Single Supplement

Single supplement £1045

Flight Options

British Airways World Traveller Plus - On request
British Airways Club World - On request

Extension Options

Extension - Manuel Antonio
Hotel Parador/Si Como No Hotel
4 nights £945
Single supplement £795

Extra nights - San Jose
Aurola Holiday Inn
(per night) £65
Single supplement £60

Privately Guided

Add £2395 per person

Tour Only

Save £850
Arrival or departure transfer add £25

Price Includes
Air travel and UK departure taxes, transfers, 18 nights' accommodation in 3 or 4-star hotels and lodges, breakfast daily, 8 lunches and 8 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, optional excursions, tipping, any government taxes or compulsory charges introduced after publication.

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Grand Tour of Costa Rica

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