Discover Costa Rica

Wedged between North and South America, Costa Rica is famous for its glorious national parks and nature reserves, which cover a quarter of the country and which also boast a rich array of birds, mammals, reptiles and rainforest plants. This peaceful nation not only offers ecological treasures, but also has an excellent infrastructure as well as a society with distinct local cultures and traditions.

Essential Experiences:

• Explore the jungle by boat in Tortuguero National Park

• Learn the culture and traditions of the Costa Rican people

• Watch for colourful birdlife in Monteverde's cloud forest

The Tour: Our tour commences in the capital, San Jose, and takes you to witness active volcanoes, explore pristine cloud forest, watch for colourful birdlife and learn a little of the country's distinct culture and traditions.

Accommodation: Costa Rica offers an abundance of good quality accommodation. Whilst there is a growing luxury market much of it is in simple, good value lodges, which have been carefully designed to minimise their impact on the environment. Facilities are generally comparatively limited but they are usually clean, friendly places, ideal to relax after after a day sightseeing.

» Day 1: LONDON TO SAN JOSE

Fly from London Heathrow to San Jose arriving the same day where you will be met and transferred to your hotel.

» Day 2: IRAZU VOLCANO
Travel out from San Jose to visit visit Irazú volcano where we take a short walk through the moon-like landscape to see the 3 craters. This volcano is the highest one in Costa Rica. On the return jourey visit Cartago, the former capital of Costa Rica, Lankaster gardens and the historical town of Orosi. (B,L)

» Day 3: SAN JOSE TO TORTUGUERO

Depart early, travelling through Brauilo Carillo National Park stopping en route for a typical Costa Rican breakfast. Continue to Cano Blanco where we transfer to a boat to continue the journey to Tortuguero. Lunch is served at the lodge and the remainder of the day is at leisure. (B,L,D)

» Day 4: TORTUGUERO NATIONAL PARK

An early start for a boat tour along the canals of the Tortuguero National Park in search of the park's rich wildife, returning to the lodge for breakfast. Afterwards, enjoy a guided walk of the hotel's jungle trails. Remainder of the day at leisure. (B,L,D)

» Day 5: PUERTO VIEJO DE SARAPIQUI

After breakfast return by boat to Cano Blanco and continue by bus to Guapiles, where lunch will be served. We then continue to Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui, which was formerly used as the central port for coffee from the central valley. Check in to our hotel for a 2 night stay. (B,L)

» Day 6: TIRIMBINA RAINFOREST RESERVE

Enjoy a guided walk in the tropical rainforest where it is possible to see monkeys, sloths, iguanas, coatis and other mammals. We also visit a nearby pineapple plantation to learn about how these fruits are grown and processed. (B)

» Day 7: LA FORTUNA

Continue our journey by bus to La Fortuna, located at the foot of the active Arenal volcano. After checking in at our hotel we include a guided tour of Arenal National Park. (B)

» Day 8: CASONA RIO FORTUNA

Today visit a century-old farm house called La Casona. Here we learn about the culture and traditions of the Costa Rican people, starting with a short lesson on how to prepare a traditional coffee break including freshly made tortillas with sour cream and cheese and coffee. Afterwards enjoy a ride on a tractor-drawn trailer through the picturesque countryside, visiting a typical family home, a small village and also a local school. After a traditional lunch return to the hotel for an afternoon at leisure. (B,L)

» Day 9: LA FORTUNA TO MONTEVERDE

Today enjoy a scenic drive around picturesque Arenal lake. Continue our journey to Monteverde for a 2 night stay. This evening, we include a nocturnal walk at the Monteverde Reserve where the local guide will explain about the local flora and fauna. (B)

» Day 10: MONTEVERDE

After breakfast, embark on a tour to observe the canopy of the cloud forest, visiting the Selvatura hanging bridges, a system of suspension bridges which allows you to view the jungle from a different perspective. (B)

» Day 11: MONTEVERDE TO SAN JOSE

Return to San Jose by road for a final night. Instead you may prefer to take our alternative itinerary adding time on the Pacific coast. (B)

» Day 12: SAN JOSE TO LONDON

Transfer to the airport for return flight to London. (B)