Based in comfortable, handpicked hotels, we explore Costa Rica’s diverse landscapes: from unspoilt tropical rainforest to volcanic craters and golden sandy beaches. We search for the rare Quetzal bird in the Monteverde Cloud Forest and discover howler monkeys, toucans and parrots as we cruise along jungle waterways in Tortuguero. We also visit the capital city of San Jose, see an active volcano at Arenal and explore the beaches and forests of Manuel Antonio National Park.
Itinerary
[+] Detailed Itinerary
1
Join tour San Jose
Arrive San Jose and check-in at hotel. San Jose lies in a fertile valley at an altitude of 1150m. Coffee and sugar cane are grown in this area and coffee is still planted between new buildings and along the roadside on the outskirts of the city.
Overnight Comfortable Hotel
in Studio Hotel
Studio Hotel
Studio Hotel is a new boutique hotel located just outside the cntre of San Jose. Studio Hotel is an ecologically conscious hotel built with the highest quality materials and innovative designs that are friendly for the environment. Solar panels are used to heat the swimming pool as well as providing hot water to the rooms. At Studio Hotel you will find works of art of famous Costa Rican artists such as Marcia Salas, Rafael Fernández, Valerio Triguero, Margarita Madrigal, Manuel Vargas, Guillermo Conte, and Rudy Espinoza amongst others.
2
In San Jose
This morning we’ll head up to Volcan Poas National Park where the smoking volcano rises majestically from the beautiful tropical rainforest. The main crater is one of the largest in the world and there are many trails, one of which leads to a forest fringed lake where fiery throated humming birds can be seen feeding on colourful flowers. Alternatively, depending on cloud level, we may head up to Irazu, with equally spectacular views. In the afternoon we make an orientation tour of San José to get a feel for the city centre and main sights, including the National Museum.
Overnight Comfortable Hotel
in Studio Hotel
Included meals: Breakfast
3
Drive to Turrialba
We drive to Cartago, the old colonial capital until 1823, situated at the foot of the Irazu volcano and encircled by mountains. We continue through coffee farming land to the town of Turrialba. On arrival there is an opportunity to visit the remarkable serpentarium to witness Costa Ricas most venomous snakes. This evening, your tour leader may be able to organise a visit to a typical ‘Finca’, where you can enjoy dinner prepared in a traditional family way (optional).
Overnight Comfortable Hotel
in Guayabo Lodge
Included meals: Breakfast
Guayabo Lodge
Guayabo lodge is a family run hotel with breathtaking views over the Turrialba valley and spectacular views of the Turrialba Volcano to the north.
The hotel is set in a lush cloud forest environment a great option for both mountain and tropical adventure lovers. The lodge is also known for its exceptional home made cuisine and locally grown coffee.
4
In Turrialba
Today there is an opportunity for adrenalinjunkies to try a full day whitewater rafting trip on the world famous Pacuare river (optional). A short bus journey brings us to the excavated Indian ceremonial centre at Guayabo, dating from AD 1000 to 1400. Here it is possible to see the excavated remains of village life as paved streets and water channels have been uncovered. The rest of the day is left free for personal exploration. We may make a visit to CATIE, an important agricultural research station, dedicated to conserving genetic diversity.
Overnight Comfortable Hotel
in Guayabo Lodge
Included meals: Breakfast
5
Drive and boat to Tortuguero
This morning we drive through extensive banana plantations to Cano Blanco where we board our boat to cruise through the jungle waterways to Tortuguero. Partly artificial, created from narrow lagoons, and partly natural, a complex canal system links small isolated settlements. The rivers are rich in fish, including the unique fresh water shark, rainbow bass and grouper and support an abundance of birds such as heron, stork and kingfisher amongst others. We stay in a lodge in the National Park.
Overnight Comfortable Hotel
in Laguna Lodge
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Laguna Lodge
A rainforest Eco lodge with swimming pool, this is a leader amongst the countries hotels.
Set on a peninsula 600 feet wide with the open sea on one side and the Tortuguero Lagoon to the other, its 15 acres of Gardens with tropical trees and exotic plants are home to diverse wildlife including birds, butterflies and the occasional monkey visits.
6
In Tortuguero National Park
A full day to explore the Park. At certain times of the year green turtles, leatherbacks and occasionally loggerheads can be seen struggling ashore to lay their eggs (leatherbacks can weigh up to 700lbs). Every year between June and September over five thousand turtles come ashore to nest on Tortuguero’s beaches (optional). There are many other animal species to watch out for such as the howler monkey noisily protecting its territory. The osprey, toucan, parrot and humming bird are amongst the hundreds of birds to be spotted whereas the ocelot, jaguar and tapir are shy and elusive. There is a full programme of included and optional excursions by boat and on foot to help you get the most out of this unique environment.
Overnight Comfortable Lodge
in Laguna Lodge
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
7
Boat to Cano Blanco and Drive to Arenal
This morning we return by boat on this system of waterways, passing the virgin forest, seemingly impenetrable with dense vegetation. In fact 33% of the jungle’s total biomass is made up of ants and termites! In the afternoon we drive, skirting the great central volcanic massif, past fertile farmlands, rich with a diversity of tropical crops, brings us within sight of Arenal Volcano. This classic cone, which rises to 1,633m, is covered by a tangled mass of vegetation on one side while the other is starkly barren and lava flows are visible. We recommend an evening bathe in the nearby thermal baths (optional).
Overnight Comfortable Lodge
in Casa Luna Hotel and Spa
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Casa Luna Hotel and Spa
The rooms are set amongst beautiful tropical gardens and there is a large swimming pool outside with tumbling waterfall. Each bedroom is tastefully decorated and the dining area is open to the surroundings, providing spectacular views of Arenal volcano.
8
In Arenal
The day is free to explore the area – you can take a walk across the Lava Trails of Arenal National Park with the towering backdrop of the volcano’s barren flank ahead (optional). There are local trails to waterfalls and various optional rafting (grade (II or III) and float trips available, not to mention spa treatments with the volcanic mud!
Overnight Comfortable Hotel
in Casa Luna Hotel and Spa
Included meals: Breakfast
9
Drive to Monteverde
Today we will travel around Arenal Lake up into the cloud forest of Monteverde. On arrival, there are plenty of activities on offer in this lush forested area, perched on the continental Divide between Pacific and Caribbean.
Overnight Comfortable Hotel
in El Establo
Included meals: Breakfast
El Establo
El Establo is owned and run by a Quaker/Costa Rican family and is set on 150 acres of farmland, in Cerro Plano. It provides the perfect place from which to start exploring the area. It is adjacent to Monteverde, famous for its beautiful Cloud Forests and abundant flora and fauna. The rooms provide excellent views of the Gulf of Nicoya (Pacific) and its amazing sunsets on clear days. There is also a swimming pool.
10
Visit Monteverde reserve; free PM
We have two full days to take advantage of all the things there are to see and do around Monteverde. The famous, but now very rare, Resplendent Quetzal is fairly commonly seen in Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, one of the last remaining places in Central America where its habitat has been preserved. The best months are March and April, the breeding months. This morning we include a guided walk in the reserve searching for a glimpse of the three-wattled bell bird or the Quetzal, whose feathers were traded as valuable items throughout pre-Columbian America. Then you can spend the rest of the day exploring the reserve, walking the paths that wind their way through gigantic ferns and giant trees dripping with lichen and moss. The jungle floor is often littered with blossoms that fall from the high canopy providing a carpet of colour amidst the endless green. The rest of your time here maybe filled with optional activities such as the Canopy Tour, sliding down wires through the canopy, exploring the forest more sedately on suspension bridges, strung at canopy height, and on the fascinating Night walk. There are also other private forest reserves in the area which can be explored, and various innovative local businesses to support.
Overnight Comfortable Hotel
in El Establo
Included meals: Breakfast
11
Free day in Monteverde
Today has been left free to enjoy one or several of the many opional activities available in and around the reserve.
Overnight Comfortable Hotel
in El Establo
Included meals: Breakfast
12
Drive to Manuel Antonio N.P.
From the cloud forest we descend to the Pacific coast enjoying staggering views over the Gulf and Peninsula of Nicoya. Heading south, we cross the Rio Tarcoles bridge from which huge crocodiles are regularly seen. We then pause at Carara Biological Reserve, famed for the scarlet macaws and abundant birdlife which populate this transitional forest, before continuing along the Pacific coast to Manuel Antonio National Park.
Overnight Comfortable Hotel
in El Parador
Included meals: Breakfast
El Parador
Set on a cliff in the 500 acres of Punta Quepos, this boutique style hotel with swimming pool is positioned in one of the most pristine and tranquil areas of Manuel Antonio but still close to the park itself. Its elegant Mediterranean style architecture blends into the topical gardens. It has expansive views of the Pacific.
13
In Manuel Antonio N.P.
This morning we explore the Manuel Antonio park area, famed for its beautiful beaches and rich wildlife which includes white-faced Capuchin monkeys (which can be seen coming down to the beach), coatimundi, sloth and the tiny squirrel monkey. The remainder of the day can be spent relaxing on the white sandy beaches, enjoying a swim in the warm azure waters. The sunsets from this coast are spectacular and have to be seen to be believed!
Overnight Comfortable Hotel
in El Parador
Included meals: Breakfast
14
Drive to San Jose
After a morning relaxing, we leave the Pacific Ocean at about Midday, following the road back the way we came to Costa Rica’s capital.
Overnight Comfortable Hotel
in Studio Hotel
Included meals: Breakfast
15
Tour ends San Jose
Depending on your departure time this morning you may wish to take an optional visit to La Paz Waterfalls with an option of also including lunch.
Included meals: Breakfast
