Explore enchanting Costa Rica, where incredible highlights are Tortuguero National Park, Braulio Carrillo National Park and a journey across the Continental Divide. Breathtaking views of primary forest and incredible wildlife are the norm here, so look out for sloths, monkeys, crocodiles and more. You'll journey by boat amongst jungle-canopied canals, view the Arenal Volcano, and explore the Monteverde Cloud Forest, home to the incredibly vocal howler monkey! Next you head into colourful Nicaragua – an extraordinary land of volcanoes, lakes and colonial towns. Back in Costa Rica, the adventure continues as you delve into the El Viejo wetlands and hike to a biological reserve, both bursting with a diverse range of exotic flora and fauna.
OUR ROCK SOLID GUARANTEES

YOUR HOLIDAY INCLUDES
- Return flights from Gatwick with British Airways
- 14 nights in hotels of a good standard plus 1 night in flight
- 20 meals: 14 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 2 dinners
PLUS
Travelsphere Tour Manager and Local Guide
Overseas transfers and other transportation
Porterage


Included holiday highlights
- Tour of San José, Costa Rica's vibrant capital
- Tortuguero National Park, including jungle cruises
- Enjoy views of the Arenal Volcano
- Explore Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
- Walking tour of Granada
- Explore the El Viejo Wetlands, home to extraordinary flora and fauna
- Spot wildlife in the Werner Sauter Biological Reserve
Your Itinerary
Day 1 UK/San José
Depart on your scheduled flight to San José. We will transfer you to your hotel on arrival.
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Day 2 San José
Your adventure begins with a guided tour of San José, the capital of Costa Rica. We'll introduce you to sights such as the National Theatre and the Gold Museum. Then, when you have your bearings, the rest of the day is yours to do as you please.
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Day 3 Tortuguero National Park
Today you're heading to Tortuguero National Park, which is home to an array of wildlife including monkeys, sloths, crocodiles and caymans. Our journey takes us through the Braulio Carrillo National Park and across the Continental Divide, where you'll take in breathtaking views of primary forests. Towards the end of your journey, we will transfer you to your lodge by boat. This afternoon you'll learn all about sea turtles when we visit the Tortuguero Village and the Caribbean Conservation Museum.
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Day 4 Tortuguero National Park
There's a full day of activities ahead including, if conditions are right, two boat trips through jungle-sheltered canals.
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Day 5 Arenal Volcano
We are going to leave Tortuguero National Park by boat and then drive to Muelle de San Carlos. This will be our base for the next three nights as we explore the area around the Arenal Volcano, which has been active since 1968.
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Day 6 Arenal Volcano
Today is yours to spend at leisure. If you would prefer to join an organised excursion, we recommend an optional visit to the Hanging Bridges of Arenal and La Fortuna. There's also the option to enjoy a late afternoon trip to the Ecotermales Hot Springs with dinner.
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Day 7 Arenal Volcano
Enjoy a relaxing morning or join an optional boat trip along the Peñas Blancas River. This afternoon there's a guided walk through the rainforest to look forward to.
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Day 8 Monteverde
We're moving on to Monteverde today, a journey that takes us along scenic and sometimes bumpy roads! American Quakers set up the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve in the 1950s and now it's home many different species of birds and mammals, including the howler monkey. Lunch is included at a coffee farm along the way, and this afternoon we'll listen to a fascinating talk by a descendent of the original Quaker settlers. After a tour of Monteverde village we will transfer you to your hotel. Then, if you choose to join our optional excursion, there's a guided forest walk this evening.
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Day 9 Monteverde
You will learn all about the cloud forest when we visit a nature reserve today.
In the afternoon you can choose to join an optional excursion which gives you the chance to ride a zip line through the Monteverde Cloud Forest. This exhilarating trip will take you above and through the rainforest and is a truly exciting experience. There's even an optional Tarzan swing at the end if you're feeling really adventurous.
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Day 10 Granada
You're bound for Nicaragua today, the largest country in Central America. Here we will discover an extraordinary landscape of volcanoes, lakes, mountains and colonial towns. We are going to explore a traditional white village this afternoon and then head to the elegant city of Granada.
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Day 11 Granada
Granada sits on the shores of Lake Nicaragua, one of the largest and most beautiful lakes in the world. Today's walking tour will help you get your bearings and we'll also visit the fascinating Convento San Francisco Museum. You're free to do as you wish this afternoon. If you want to relax and soak up the atmosphere, an optional horse-drawn carriage ride and boat trip is hard to beat.
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Day 12 Granada, Masaya & Managua
You've got another day to enjoy Granada at leisure. Alternatively, your Tour Manager will be hosting a full-day optional trip to Managua, the capital of Nicaragua. There will be a stop along the way at Masaya, where you can browse the colourful market. You'll also visit the Masaya Volcano National Park and, if conditions are right, we'll venture close to the smoking crater.
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Day 13 Guanacaste
Today you'll cross the border back into Costa Rica, and head to the El Viejo wetlands. Here you'll visit the La Casona hacienda, where you can learn about the region's sabaneros, or cowboys. This historic house was previously owned by Anastasio Somoza, the former ruler of Nicaragua, as well as Próspero Fernández, his Costa Rican counterpart.
We'll head out to explore the surrounding parkland, which is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. The freshwater marsh here is an important feeding ground for around 60 species of resident and migratory water birds, including black-bellied whistling duck and blue-winged teal. It's also a wintering ground for migrants including hummingbirds, flycatchers, owls, falcons and many other species. Mammals to look out for include deer, monkeys, armadillos and jaguarundi. Keep your camera at the ready as we explore on a thrilling river cruise.
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Day 14 Guanacaste
You'll see more exotic flora and fauna today on an included excursion to the Werner Sauter Biological Reserve, which was once a farm. Over two-and-a-half hours you'll hike through a mango plantation to this private reserve, eating mangoes as you go if you wish! Nature runs wild here and as you explore you'll not only see but feel and breathe this unique tropical dry forest as you learn about the plants and animals that thrive here, as well as the people who inhabited this land long before Christopher Columbus arrived in 1502.
Afterwards you can spend some time on beautiful Samara Beach, with its white sands and aquamarine waters. We'll then return to your hotel, where you can spend the rest of the day at leisure.
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Day 15 San Jose
After breakfast we'll transfer you to the airport in San José for your flight back to the UK.
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Day 16 UK
You'll arrive in the UK today.
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Accommodation
Every hotel you will stay in on your holiday is hand-picked by us. We relish the challenge of finding the right accommodation for each and every tour, whether it's chosen for its location, its facilities or its downright quirkiness.
Day 1 - 2 :
Hotel facilities include a restaurant, bar, terrace and outdoor swimming pool. Bedrooms have private facilities, air-conditioning and tea/coffee-making facilities.
Day 3 - 4 :
Day 5 - 7 :
Hotel facilities include a restaurant, bar/lounge, three outdoor swimming pools and a fitness centre. Bedrooms have private facilities, air-conditioning, safe, TV and hairdryer.
Day 8 - 9 :
Day 10 - 12 :
Hotel facilities include a restaurant and swimming pool. Bedrooms have private facilities, air-conditioning, hairdryer and TV.
Day 13 - 14 :
Dates and Prices
You have chosen to arrange your own flights and transfers and meet us at your first hotel. Please see essential information for full terms and conditions.
TOUR DURATION |
DEPARTURE DATE |
DEPARTURE |
PRICE FROM |
STATUS |
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|
15 days |
Saturday 23 February 2019 |
|
£2,549 |
Call to book (Only 1 place left) |
|
15 days |
Saturday 23 March 2019 |
|
£2,474 |
Available |
|
15 days |
Saturday 05 October 2019 |
|
£2,074 |
Available |
|
15 days |
Saturday 16 November 2019 |
|
£2,024 |
Available |
|
15 days |
Saturday 09 March 2019 |
|
£2,549 |
SOLD OUT |
|
|
DEPARTURE |
WAS |
NOW |
STATUS |
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
SAT 23 MAR 19 |
London (Gatwick) |
![]() GUARANTEED |
£3,249 |
£3,124 |
Available |
|
Outbound
![]() Saturday 23 March 2019 Departs 08:05 London (Gatwick) Arrives 13:40 San Jose (J Santamaria) Operated by British Airways Inbound
![]() Saturday 06 April 2019 Departs 15:05 San Jose (J Santamaria) Arrives 08:35 London (Gatwick) Operated by British Airways |
||||||
SAT 05 OCT 19 |
London (Gatwick) |
![]() GUARANTEED |
£2,849 |
£2,724 |
Available |
|
Outbound
![]() Saturday 05 October 2019 Departs 09:00 London (Gatwick) Arrives 13:15 San Jose (J Santamaria) Operated by British Airways Inbound
![]() Saturday 19 October 2019 Departs 15:05 San Jose (J Santamaria) Arrives 08:35 London (Gatwick) Operated by British Airways |
||||||
SAT 16 NOV 19 |
London (Gatwick) |
![]() GUARANTEED |
£2,799 |
£2,674 |
Available |
|
Outbound
![]() Saturday 16 November 2019 Departs 08:05 London (Gatwick) Arrives 13:40 San Jose (J Santamaria) Operated by British Airways Inbound
![]() Saturday 30 November 2019 Departs 15:30 San Jose (J Santamaria) Arrives 07:45 London (Gatwick) Operated by British Airways |
||||||
SAT 15 FEB 20 |
London (Gatwick) |
![]() GUARANTEED |
£3,199 |
£3,074 |
Available |
|
Outbound
![]() Saturday 15 February 2020 Departs 11:20 London (Gatwick) Arrives 15:25 San Jose (J Santamaria) Operated by British Airways Inbound
![]() Saturday 29 February 2020 Departs 17:25 San Jose (J Santamaria) Arrives 10:35 London (Gatwick) Operated by British Airways |
||||||
SAT 07 MAR 20 |
London (Gatwick) |
![]() GUARANTEED |
£3,199 |
£3,074 |
Available |
|
Outbound
![]() Saturday 07 March 2020 Departs 11:20 London (Gatwick) Arrives 15:25 San Jose (J Santamaria) Operated by British Airways Inbound
![]() Saturday 21 March 2020 Departs 17:25 San Jose (J Santamaria) Arrives 10:35 London (Gatwick) Operated by British Airways |
||||||
SAT 03 OCT 20 |
London (Gatwick) |
![]() GUARANTEED |
£2,849 |
£2,724 |
Available |
|
Outbound
![]() Saturday 03 October 2020 Departs 11:20 London (Gatwick) Arrives 15:25 San Jose (J Santamaria) Operated by British Airways Inbound
![]() Saturday 17 October 2020 Departs 17:25 San Jose (J Santamaria) Arrives 10:35 London (Gatwick) Operated by British Airways |
||||||
SAT 14 NOV 20 |
London (Gatwick) |
![]() GUARANTEED |
£2,799 |
£2,674 |
Available |
|
Outbound
![]() Saturday 14 November 2020 Departs 11:20 London (Gatwick) Arrives 15:25 San Jose (J Santamaria) Operated by British Airways Inbound
![]() Saturday 28 November 2020 Departs 17:25 San Jose (J Santamaria) Arrives 10:35 London (Gatwick) Operated by British Airways |
||||||
SAT 09 MAR 19 |
London (Gatwick) |
![]() GUARANTEED |
£3,199 |
SOLD OUT |
SOLD OUT |
|
Outbound
![]() Saturday 09 March 2019 Departs 08:05 London (Gatwick) Arrives 13:40 San Jose (J Santamaria) Operated by British Airways Inbound
![]() Saturday 23 March 2019 Departs 15:30 San Jose (J Santamaria) Arrives 07:45 London (Gatwick) Operated by British Airways |
Prices are based on twin occupancy of a double or twin bedded room. Single occupancy supplements will apply. Travelsphere have made every effort to ensure the accuracy of the hotel images provided on this website and images of room types displayed may vary to those offered on your tour. Therefore due to the possibility of inadvertent errors we do not guarantee their accuracy. Hotels, airlines used and flight times are subject to change and will be confirmed in your final documents.
Optional Excursions
Experience even more of your destination by adding one or more optional excursions to your holiday before you set off. Right now is the perfect opportunity to do that – with everything booked and paid for you’ll have even more to get excited about and all you’ll need to think about while you’re away is having a great time.
By the way - look out for ‘Optional Excursion Packages’. For some holidays we’ve grouped a selection of excursions into a package which means you can make a saving when you book in advance.
Prices shown may vary according to departure date and are subject to change. The full range of excursions will be detailed in your holiday information pack, sent approximately 15 weeks prior to departure.
Costa Rica - Ecotermales Hot Springs
FROM £58
Take advantage of the beauty and natural surroundings at the Ecotermales Natural Hot Springs. Relax in the natural thermal springs, ponds and waterfalls. Dinner is included.
Costa Rica - Penas Blancas River Trip
FROM £58
In the morning or afternoon. A leisurely paddle along the river with guides in each small boat (approx 6 people per boat), spotting wildlife and plant life - great for photos. Short stop for coffee and snacks at a fascinating local homestead.
Half day – Minimal Walking – Not to be missed
Costa Rica - Managua and Masaya Volcano National Park Tour
FROM £58
Managua is a hive of activity and we learn on a fascinating history punctuated with earthquakes, civil wars and revolution. En route we pause in Masaya to explore it's fascinating markets, before paying a visit to the breathtaking Masaya Volcano National Park where we glimpse into the smoking crater and enjoy stunning views.
Full Day - Moderate Walking - Must See
Add-on
Take the opportunity to maximise your travel experience and extend your holiday with an add-on. The number of days shown is inclusive of the main tour and the price shown is in addition to the cost of the main tour:
Costa Rica and Nicaragua with Guanacaste Add-on
Extend your holiday to 21 days from £349
Feb 2019 - Nov 2020 Departures
You can choose to extend your holiday with an extra four nights in Puntarenas. This add-on begins on Day 15 of your holiday and will give you more time to enjoy Costa Rica’s incredible highlights, from dense rainforests and soaring volcanoes to idyllic tropical beaches. Perhaps head to the nearby coastal resort of Jaco, which boasts variety of restaurants, bars and shops and a long beach, popular with surfers. Please note: You will not be accompanied by a Tour Manager.Local Knowledge
LOCAL KNOWLEDGE
When seeking out wildlife in the rainforest always have your binoculars or camera ready. Muted coloured clothing will help you blend in too.
Costa Rica and Nicaragua