Discover Costa Rica, where rainforests, volcanoes and tropical coastlines create Central America’s most biodiverse and stunning destination.
This classic Costa Rica trip from the Caribbean to the Pacific Coast covers the best the country has to offer from coastal wetlands and rainforest to volcanic highlands and cloud forest. Start your tour in a wildlife lodge amidst the rainforests of Tortuguero before travelling inland to the iconic Arenal Volcano where a great variety of activities are available from hanging bridges to hot springs. Crossing Arenal Lake by boat, you will head to the unique ecosystem of the cloud forest of Monteverde, home to beautiful birdlife as well as traditional highland communities. End your tour on the beaches of the Pacific Coast at Manuel Antonio, where the rainforest comes down to the ocean and provides chances to see sloth and monkey swinging in the trees.
San Jose – Tortuguero – Arenal – Monteverde – Manuel Antonio
Trip Highlights
- Explore the wetlands of Tortuguero National Park by boat as you search for wildlife in the rainforest canopy
- Rejuvenate in geothermal hot springs after an afternoon hiking at the base of Arenal Volcano
- Walk over Arenal’s hanging bridges high above the rainforest canopy searching for birdlife
- Look out for the Resplendent Quetzal amongst other colourful birds in Monteverde cloud forest
- Get up close to monkeys and sloths in their natural environment at Manuel Antonio National Park
- Relax on the rainforest-fringed beaches of Manuel Antonio or head to Quepos’ farmers’ market
Itinerary
Day 1
UK to San Jose
Depart from the UK on the flight to Costa Rica, arriving into San Jose in the evening. On arrival you will be met and transferred in a private vehicle to your hotel in the heart of San Jose, just a short walk from the shops and restaurants of the city.
Please note, this tour can be taken at any time of year and is popular with couples and families. During the wetter summer season, you have the chance to see the turtles come ashore to lay their eggs in Tortuguero National Park, although you might want to consider ending the tour in Tamarindo on the Northern Pacific Coast which is usually drier than Manuel Antonio during this time.
Hotel Presidente
Day 2
San Jose to Tortuguero – 168kms
Early this morning you will be collected from your hotel in a shared vehicle and head towards the Caribbean Coast, pausing for breakfast in the small town of Guapiles before transferring to a shared boat for the journey to Tortuguero National Park. Tortuguero is a remote Costa Rican village woven through jungle canals, rich with wildlife and famed for nesting sea turtles along its wild, rain-soaked beaches. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife along the way as you travel through the rainforest, reaching your lodge in time for lunch before beginning your exploration of the park with a guide in the afternoon.
- Breakfast,
- Lunch,
- Dinner
Evergreen Lodge
Day 3
Tortuguero
During your stay at Tortuguero National Park you will have three shared activities accompanied by a guide from your lodge; exploring the waterways of Tortuguero by boat, walking the rainforest trails around your lodge and visiting the village of Puerto Tortuguero on the coast. During the turtle nesting season, which runs from mid-June to mid-October, you can also organise an optional night visit to the beaches of the Caribbean coast to see the Green Sea Turtles come ashore to lay their eggs.
- Breakfast,
- Lunch,
- Dinner
Evergreen Lodge
Day 4
Tortuguero to Arenal – 152kms
After breakfast depart the lodge and return by boat and shared vehicle to Guapiles where lunch will be arranged. After lunch, continue your journey in a private vehicle to your hotel at the base of Arenal Volcano where you will stay for the next four nights. The Arenal region is one of Costa Rica’s most iconic destinations which is known for its lush rainforests, adventure activities, hot springs, and of course, the dramatic Arenal volcano that frames the landscape.
- Breakfast,
- Lunch
Lomas del Volcan
Day 5
Arenal
Early in the morning when the wildlife is most active you will be collected from your hotel and transferred to the rainforest at the base of Arenal to explore the hanging bridges on a shared guided tour. Follow a trail that takes you across numerous bridges and suspended walkways, allowing you to see the magnificent wildlife of Costa Rica at canopy level with excellent views of Arenal Volcano. Your guide will help you look out for monkeys, sloths and an abundance of birdlife. At the end of the tour, return back to your hotel with the afternoon free to relax.
- Breakfast
Lomas del Volcan
Day 6
Arenal
After a free morning at your lodge, you will be transferred after lunch to the national park at the base of Arenal Volcano. Here you will join a shared guided walk that will take you through lush forest and lava flows, taking in panoramic views of the volcano and Arenal Lake, learning about the eruption of 1968. After your hike, you will be transferred to the Ecotermales Hot Springs to relax in the geothermally heated water before returning back in your hotel in the evening.
- Breakfast
Lomas del Volcan
Day 7
Arenal
Today is at leisure in Arenal. There is a wide variety of options you can organise through your accommodation, or you can explore local coffee and chocolate plantations. Alternatively, you can relax by the pool enjoying the fantastic views of the volcano.
- Breakfast
Lomas del Volcan
Day 8
Arenal to Monteverde – 76kms
This morning you will be collected from your hotel and taken down to the shores of Arenal Lake in a shared vehicle where you will transfer to a boat for the voyage across the lake, enjoying the views of the volcano along the way. On the other side, your shared vehicle will be waiting to transfer you on bumpy dirt roads into the hills of Monteverde and your lodge for a three night stay. Monteverde is a misty mountain region of cloud forest, where hanging bridges, rare wildlife, and cool air create a quiet, otherworldly atmosphere above Costa Rica’s lush landscape.
- Breakfast
Poco a Poco
Day 9
Monteverde
The cloud forest of Monteverde is famous for its birdlife, and this morning you will join a shared birdwatching tour in the Monteverde Reserve. Hike the trails that wind through the reserve with your guide, looking out for the Resplendent Quetzal amongst other beautiful birds. The afternoon is then free to explore the small mountain town of Santa Elena when you have the opportunity to visit the butterfly gardens, hike along the canopy walkways or taste the cheese for which the community is famous.
- Breakfast
Poco a Poco
Day 10
Monteverde
Today you will be visiting El Trapiche to learn about the production of chocolate, coffee and sugar at this traditional family farm. You have the chance to participate in the various production processes and taste freshly made produce while talking to your hosts about the way of life in this rural region. You will return to your hotel around lunchtime with rest of the day free to explore Monteverde on your own or relax at your lodge.
- Breakfast
Poco a Poco
Day 11
Monteverde to Manuel Antonio – 198kms
Your will be collected from your lodge in a private vehicle for the scenic journey taking you through the hills of the Central Highlands and down to the Pacific Coast. Your route will take you along bumpy winding roads through the forests and mountains of the Highlands before descending to smoother highways along the coast. Look out for crocodiles and macaws as you cross the Tarcoles River before following the coastal highway to your resort close to Manuel Antonio National Park for a four-night stay.
- Breakfast
Hotel Parador
Day 12
Manuel Antonio
This morning head the short distance to Manuel Antonio National Park to explore the coastal park on a shared guided walk. Although the park is small, it holds an incredible biodiversity, with the opportunity of seeing sloths, moneys and other species up close. The rainforest comes right down to the beautiful sandy beach, where there is the opportunity to swim and snorkel before returning to your hotel.
- Breakfast
Hotel Parador
Day 13
Manuel Antonio
Today is a free day in Manuel Antonio. Your resort is on a headland surrounded by tropical rainforest, with sheltered beaches with monkeys playing overhead just a short walk away. You can relax by the pool or the beach, perhaps treat yourself in the spa or walk the trails around your lodge.
- Breakfast
Hotel Parador
Day 14
Manuel Antonio
With another day of leisure you may wish to return to Manuel Antonio National Park or head to the farmers market in nearby Quepos. If you fancy a more adventurous day, you may wish to take part in some kayaking or a surfing lesson.
- Breakfast
Hotel Parador
Day 15
Manuel to San Jose – 115kms / San Jose to the UK
You will be collected from your hotel in the morning for the journey back to San Jose in a private vehicle. Your route will follow the Pacific Coast before turning inland and climbing into the hills of the Central Highlands. Arrive at the airport in San Jose in time to check in for your international flight home, arriving home the following day.
- Breakfast
Extending your stay...
Continue along the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica to Corcovado National Park, the most wildlife rich region of Costa Rica which boats several fabulous wildlife lodges.
San Jose is easy to skip over, but the central highlands around the capital are home to traditional towns, plantations and Poas Volcano.
Sarapiqui, between Tortugueo and Arenal, offers a great place to break the journey and explore the wildlife and plantations of the highland rainforest.
Self-Driving is a popular alternative with the possibility to pick up a hire car in Guapiles after the visit to Tortuguero and drop it off at the airport at the end of the tour.
Guide to Price
15 days from £4390 per person
What's Included
- International flights
- All transfers as specified
- Shared guided tours as specified
- Hotel accommodation and taxes
What's Not Included
- Visas
- Travel Insurance
- Expenses of a personal nature
- Meals unless specified
from £4390
Travel Information
Getting There
British Airways offers frequent direct flights from London to San Jose during the peak season from October until March. There are also indirect flights via Europe with airlines including Iberia, KLM, Air France and Lufthansa, as well as flights via Canada and the United States.
Flying Time
The direct flight between London and San Jose is about 10-11 hours, with indirect flights slightly longer depending on where you are flying via and the stopover time.
Time Zone
Costa Rica -6 hours GMT.
Visa Requirements
British citizens do not need a visa to visit Costa Rica for stays of up to 90 days.
Do’s and Don’ts
Greet locals with a friendly ‘buenos dias’ or ‘buenas tardes’ and understand that eye contact is valued in conversation. ‘Pura vida’ is the most common saying throughout Costa Rica, translating to the ‘simple life’ or ‘everything is good’ and recognises a relaxed, optimistic and grateful lifestyle.
Embrace the slower pace of life and expect service in restaurants and bars to be slower than the UK and Europe.
If self-driving, don’t underestimate travel times as when driving in more rural and remote areas roads can be windy and/or unpaved. Also avoid driving at night.
Do not touch or feed wildlife and do not remove natural souvenirs such as taking rocks, shells or plants from their natural habitats.
It is polite to ask permission of any local people before taking any photographs.
Money
Costa Rica has its own currency, the Costa Rica Colón, which is divided in 100 centimos. The US dollar is also very widely accepted in Costa Rica and can be used in most hotels, restaurants and shops as well as for tips. There are ATMs in larger towns and cities and credit cards are also widely accepted, but in remote rainforest lodges it is best to have US dollars cash or local currency.
Tipping
Tipping is common in Costa Rica as with the rest of Latin America but is at your discretion. The amount of tip should depend on the service received. A 10% service charge is always included in restaurant bills. As a guideline, a tip of around US$5 to US$10 per person per day for a guide is about the right amount, and about S$5 per person per day for a driver. Tips to guides and drivers are normally given in US dollars cash. Please note that American travellers to Costa Rica do often tip much higher than this amount, but you should not feel pressured to overtip.
Food and Drink
Costa Rica is known for its abundance of fresh tropical fruits and vegetables as well as excellent seafood. Many dishes were brough to Costa Rica by Spanish settlers but adapted to local ingredients, although the Caribbean coast does have more of an Afro-Caribbean influence. Gallo Pinto, the local version of the ubiquitous Latin American staple of rice and beans is one of the most common dishes, often served for breakfast, but can also be found for lunch and dinner. Grilled meat and fish with rice or salad is served in most restaurants, with ceviche, raw marinated fish, common on the Pacific Coast and rondón, a meat and vegetable stew common on the Caribbean coast.
Copo, shaved ice flavoured with fruit syrup is a great way to cool down, and there is an abundance of fresh fruit juices as well as excellent local coffees. The national alcoholic drink is guaro, made from sugar cane, although American-style beers are more common, with some excellent craft beers produced in San Jose.
Shopping
Local handicrafts such as the woodwork and handmade jewellery can be found in the Mercade Central in San Jose as well as the markets of Tamarindo and Sarchi. Costa Rica is known for its excellent local coffee and chocolate which can often be purchased directly from plantations as well as in Britt stores.
Travel Advice
Costa Rica is generally regarded as a safe country, although petty theft such as pickpocketing and purse-snatching is not uncommon, especially in San Jose and you should remain vigilant. For current information on Costa Rica the best resource is the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice) which is a comprehensive resource and updated regularly. We would also recommend visiting the Safer Tourism Foundation website (www.safertourism.org.uk) before you travel and will be happy to address any questions or concerns you may have.
Suggested Reading
Lonely Planet and Rough Guides have excellent guide books for Costa Rica. The ‘Birds of Costa Rica’ by Richard Garrigues is an excellent guide to the birdlife of the country, although many lodges have their own field guides.
Health
Costa Rica is considered to have the best healthcare system in Latin America with a comprehensive public health system supported by reputable private clinics. Your doctor is the best person to advise you on staying healthy whilst abroad but current recommended vaccinations are Hepatitis A and Tetanus. Yellow Fever is not present in Costa Rica, but a Yellow Fever certificate is required if travelling from countries with a risk of Yellow Fever. This includes all destinations with Latin America with the exception of Panama and Argentina. There is a low risk of malaria on the Caribbean Coast and very low risk elsewhere in the country - antimalarials are not usually recommend except in exceptional circumstances. For current information on health advice you may wish to visit the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) website Travel Health Pro on https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/. The Medical Advisory Services for Travellers Abroad (MASTA) website (www.masta.org) is also a useful resource.
Accommodation
Costa Rica offers a wide range of accommodation, from city hotels to rainforest lodges to boutique beach resorts and private villas, all with a wide range of standards. While there are some large beach resorts, most accommodation tends to be small and focuses on providing excellent service. Outside of San Jose, visitors to Costa Rica rarely stay in large towns or cities and most often stay in more remote locations to soak up the wildlife and scenery. Due to the remote location and small size of the hotels and lodges, accommodation needs to be booked well in advance.
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