Costa Rica

Your itinerary

Day 1: UK/San José

Meet your travelling companions in the executive lounge prior to your scheduled flight to San José for a three night stay. Enjoy a welcome drink before dinner this evening.

Meals: Dinner

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, where the bustle of everyday life lays a hectic veneer over a surprising wealth of culture. Our included walking city tour this morning will show us a few of the sights, including the Gold Museum and National Theatre. The rest of the day is free for you to explore San José at your own pace. Lunch will be included today.

Meals: Breakfast / lunch

Day 3: San José

Today we embark on a full day of sightseeing. We will drive up the slopes of the spectacular Poas Volcano where, within the swirling mist of the summit, lies one of the world’s largest craters. We will visit the Doka Estate Coffee Plantation to discover how Costa Rica’s most famous product is made.

Meals: Breakfast / lunch

Day 4: Tortuguero National Park

We leave San José for the journey by road and boat to the Tortuguero National Park for a two night stay in a lodge at what is considered one of the country’s most important ecological sites. Here, the green, leatherback and hawksbill turtles nest (June to September). Some of the animals we 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 us through the Braulio Carrillo National Park crossing the Continental Divide with breathtaking views of primary forests taking lunch en-route. This afternoon includes a walk to Tortuguero Village and the beach and the opportunity to see the local Caribbean Conservation Museum. Dinner is included at the lodge.

Meals: Breakfast / lunch / dinner

Day 5: Tortuguero National Park

This morning, enjoy a guided nature walk through the lodge’s frog, iguana and hydroponic gardens, aquarium and butterfly farm. After lunch this afternoon, we include a fascinating boat trip through the jungle-sheltered Tortuguero Canals. Dinner is included at the lodge.

Meals: Breakfast / lunch / dinner

Day 6: Arenal

We journey by boat and road to Guápiles, where we stop for lunch, before driving into the northern plains for a three night stay at the Volcano Lodge near Arenal. From the lodge there are direct views towards the active Arenal Volcano.

Meals: Breakfast / lunch

Day 7: Arenal

This morning you have the chance to take the optional canopy tour on the hanging bridges walkway or perhaps the aerial tram excursion known as the Skytrek to get a birds eye view of the dense forests at Arenal. Enjoy a leisurely afternoon or join the late afternoon optional river float along the Peñas Blancas River.

Meals: Breakfast / lunch

Day 8: Arenal

Day at leisure or take the option to get a taste of the local traditions and cultures. Watch a typical lunch being prepared on an original wood stove or take a ride on a tractor through the village and plantations to visit a school and a private home. We will have an opportunity to try activities such as making tortillas or preparing coffee the Costa Rican way. Lunch is included on excursion.

In the late afternoon, we offer an optional excursion to Ecotermales Hot Springs close to Arenal Volcano. It is best seen on a clear night, when its warm hues contrast sharply against the dark sky.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 9: Manuel Antonio

We leave Arenal early this morning for the drive to Jacó on Costa Rica’s Central Pacific coast, where we stay for three nights. En route, we make a stop for an exciting tropical mangrove and crocodile safari boat tour on the Tarcoles River - home to one of the world’s largest wild crocodile populations.

Meals: Breakfast / lunch

Day 10: Manuel Antonio

Today’s included visit takes us to see the Manuel Antonio National Park on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast. This unspoilt reserve is home to monkeys, toucans and many more wonderful creatures. We will take a guided walk along the trails through the park. You can then take time to stroll through the village or spend time relaxing on the beautiful forest-backed beaches.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 11: Jacó

Relax at leisure today or join one of the optional excursions on offer - perhaps choose to explore the Carara National Park and the many forest walks. Look out for Scarlet Macaws and other wildlife along the way. This evening there is a farewell dinner.

Meals: Breakfast / dinner

Day 12: San José/UK

Return to San José and transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 13: UK

Arrival in the UK.