Natural Wonders of Costa Rica

All hotels are 3-star or equivalent. Typical of the hotels you will stay in are: in San José the Hotel Alta; in Tortuguero, the Pachira Lodge and in Muelle de San Carlos, the Tilajari Resort. In Monteverde the Montaña Monteverde Hotel and in Jacó, the Morgan’s Cove Hotel. All hotels except Monteverde feature a pool. All rooms feature private facilities. Hotels will be confirmed in your final documents.

Day 1: UK/San José

Depart on your scheduled flight via Madrid to San José, where you will stay for two nights.

Day 2: San José

The capital of Costa Rica, San José is a vibrant city set in the centre of a ring of mountain peaks. It’s a fascinating place with a wealth of culture. Our included city tour this morning will introduce you to a few of the sights, including the National Theatre and Gold Museum. The rest of the day is free for you to explore San José.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 3: Tortuguero National Park

Leave San José for the drive to the tropical Tortuguero National Park, considered one of the country’s most important ecological sites where, in June to September, leatherback and hawksbill turtles nest. Some of the animals you may see include monkeys and sloths plus a huge range of reptiles, cayman alligators and crocodiles, insects and birds. Today’s drive will also take you through the Braulio Carrillo National Park crossing the Continental Divide from where you will experience breathtaking views of primary forests. Transfer to your lodge by boat for a two-night stay. This afternoon includes a visit to Tortuguero Village and the opportunity to see the Caribbean Conservation Museum.

Meals: Breakfast / lunch / dinner

Day 4: Tortuguero National Park

Your included day of activities today begins with a morning nature walk in the rainforest and a boat trip through the jungle-sheltered canals of the Tortuguero National Park.

Meals: Breakfast / lunch / dinner

Day 5: La Fortuna

Travel out of the Tortuguero National Park by boat and continue by road to Muelle de San Carlos in the area of the Arenal Volcano for a three night stay. This magnificent volcano has been active since 1968. It is best viewed on a clear night, when its red and orange hues contrast sharply against the dark sky.

Meals: Breakfast / lunch

Day 6: La Fortuna

This morning we are given an introduction to the flora and fauna of this region during an included guided walk through the gardens and plantations that surround the hotel. Also on offer is a range of optional excursions, including a walk at the Hanging Bridges of Arenal, across suspension bridges and platforms. This exciting experience offers a totally different perspective of the rainforest. In the late afternoon, why not join an optional visit to the hot springs of Tabacon for views of the Arenal Volcano, with dinner included.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 7: La Fortuna

Today you can take an optional morning river float along the Peñas Blancas River through stunning scenery. Alternatively you can choose optional horse riding. An optional guided walk through the rainforest is on offer this afternoon.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 8: Monteverde

We travel to Monteverde for a two-night stay, journeying along scenic – if a little bumpy – roads. The Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve was set up in the 1950s by American Quakers searching for peace. Today the forests are home to more than 400 species of birds and 100 species of mammal, including the very vocal howler monkey and the quetzal, Costa Rica’s national bird. We take a panoramic tour of Monteverde village before transferring to the hotel. Lunch is included at a coffee farm en route to Monteverde, where we will learn all about the process of making coffee, an important part of Costa Rican culture. This afternoon attend an included talk given by a descendent of the original Quaker settlers.

Meals: Breakfast / lunch

Day 9: Monteverde

Included this morning is a visit to a nature reserve, where we learn about the cloud forest. During the afternoon, there are lots of optional activities to choose from, including a canopy tour, a trip along hanging bridges over the cloud forest and visits to the serpentarium, frog, hummingbird and insect gardens.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 10: Jacó

Drive south to the central Pacific region and the coastal area of Jacó for a three-night stay. This lively seaside village has a good selection of restaurants, bars and shops within walking distance of your hotel.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 11: Carara National Park

Included today is a morning excursion to the Carara National Park. The park is a major centre for ecological research and is one of the country’s best areas for bird watching. Among the many species that call the park their home is the beautiful Scarlet Macaw. This afternoon join an optional tropical mangrove cruise along the Tarcoles River, where you’ll be able to look out for iguanas and birds as well as crocodiles in their natural habitat - this area is famous for having one of the world’s largest wild crocodile populations.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 12: Manuel Antonio National Park

Included today is a visit to Manuel Antonio National Park on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast. This beautiful and unspoilt reserve is home to monkeys, toucans and many other wonderful creatures. We include a guided walk through the park. You can then take time to stroll through the village or spend some time relaxing on the beach.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 13: San José/UK

After breakfast you will return to San José and transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK via Madrid.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 14: UK

Arrival in the UK.