


A comprehensive journey from Caribbean coastal wetlands to cloud forest mountains, volcanic landscapes, rainforest valleys, Pacific shores and exotic wildlife
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
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.
Cultural Tour & Wildlife
Jules Verne Sightseeing
UNESCO Site: Guanacaste
Eco-friendly Accommodation
Local Guide Throughout
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.
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.
A mirrored tower 4-star hotel with views of the Central Valley and WiFi (free). 200 air-conditioned rooms with mini bar, safe, hairdryer, coffee making facilities and satellite TV.
A picturesque hotel set amongst lush gardens. Restaurant, pool, WiFi (free) and 21 rooms with hairdryer 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.
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.
A 3-star eco-lodge surrounded by gardens with native trees and exotic flowers attracting a great variety of birds and located next to Rincón de la Vieja National Park in Guanacaste. Pool, bar, restaurant, WiFi (free) and 59 air-conditioned rooms with hairdryer, safe, coffee making facillities and satellite TV.
A beach front hotel on the Pacific Coast with restaurant, bar, pool and WiFi (free). 28 air-conditioned rooms with hairdryer, safe, mini-bar 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.
A 3-star eco hotel set amongst lush gardens. Bar, restaurant, pool, tennis, spa and WiFi (free). 52 rooms with air-conditioning and ceiling fan, patio and garden view.
A wildlife lodge located in a private reserve, abundant in vegetation and wildlife. Restaurant, bar, WiFi (free) and 15 rooms with hairdryer and coffee making facilities available from reception.
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.
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
2024
Tuesdays
per person in a twin/double room
British Airways from Gatwick
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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