Discover Costa Rica

Overview

Experience the rainforest, mountains and coast of this tropical paradise

Costa Rica is renowned for having proportionately more protected land than any other country, making it ripe for wildlife tourism. What is less known is the marvellous, often bizarre, variety of animals from catatonic sloths, screaming howler monkeys, screeching toucans and nesting green turtles. Throw in the Caribbean and Pacific coastlines and it is easy to see why so many return. This trip includes a few of our Citizen Science Departures. These special departures offer you the opportunity to be involved in the collection of freshwater samples during the trip. The environmental DNA information derived from this sample will contribute directly to the eBioAtlas; the world’s largest repository of flora and fauna species data, contributing to the conservation and restoration of biodiversity both locally and globally. To book onto one of these special departures, see the Dates & Prices tab. For more information on these departures and the eBioAtlas, click here.

Highlights

Unrivalled wildlife viewing: howler monkeys, caiman and sloths
Visit the beaches and waterways of Tortuguero, an important nesting site for green turtles
Verdant rainforest, lush mangroves, lava fields and serene cloud forests
Wonderful naturalist guides who will share their love of Costa Rica with you
Relax on idyllic Pacific coast beaches
Stay in comfortable ecofriendly lodges and hotels
Citizen Science departures available on this trip

Key Information

Travel by air-conditioned bus and boat
14 nights in comfortable hotels and eco-lodges
Some departures with specialist birdwatching guide
Green turtle nesting season: July to October

Included

All breakfasts, eight lunches, six dinners
All accommodation
All transport and listed activities
Tour leader throughout
Arrival and departure transfers

Not included

Travel insurance
Single accommodation (available on request)
Visas or vaccinations

Itinerary

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Day 1: Start San José
A free transfer will take you to our hotel in San José, the busy capital of Costa Rica. Check in and take it easy, there’s plenty of excitement on this trip, so today’s all about relaxing and easing ourselves into the adventure. To help, there’ll be a welcome briefing at the hotel in the evening, in which we’ll gather as a group for the first time and meet our guide. Accommodation: Presidente Hotel (or similar)
Day 2: To Tortuguero National Park
Our adventure begins early this morning, leaving San José behind as we travel to the northeast of Costa Rica to Tortuguero National Park. Accessible only by boat or light aircraft, Tortuguero has a vast network of waterways, canals and swamps that is remarkably tranquil, unspoilt and devoid of noise pollution. On reaching the pier, we board a small motorboat for the 1hr 15min journey to our lodge, which is nestled on a small strip of land between the Caribbean Sea and the main lagoon. Our afternoon is spent in Tortuguero village, where it’s possible to visit the Sea Turtle Museum (a donation will be requested at the entrance). Tortuguero is probably most famous as a nesting site for the endangered green turtle, which arrives onto the beach to lay eggs from late July to October (witness it as part of an optional excursion). Hawksbill, loggerhead and giant leatherback turtles also nest in this region. During November to January, baby turtles hatch and make their way towards the ocean. Today's travel time will be in the region of six hours including a break for breakfast. Accommodation: Laguna Lodge (or similar)
Day 3: Boat tour around Tortuguero waterways
An early morning boat trip enables us to discover the extraordinary flora and fauna of Tortuguero, passing serenely along the waterways. At this time of day, wildlife is usually at its most active, and with the help of our expert guide we are likely to encounter monkeys, caiman, iguanas, butterflies and many of the 300-plus bird species recorded here. The lodge is a tranquil spot to relax this afternoon if you want to take some time out to enjoy the facilities, or you can join a second boat trip or follow a short walking trail through the forest. Accommodation: Laguna Lodge (or similar)
Day 4: To La Fortuna, near Arenal Volcano
We leave Tortuguero the same way we arrived by taking a small boat to the pier. Our bus will be at the pier waiting to drive us to the region of Arenal, passing huge banana, pineapple and sugar cane plantations on the way. Arenal was the most active volcano in Costa Rica until fairly recently when it entered a resting phase, and can no longer be seen spitting ash, smoke or lava. However, there is still a lot of geothermal activity in the area and you'll have the opportunity to visit one of the excellent hot springs this evening. In clear weather, there are great views of the volcano from our overnight base in the nearby town of La Fortuna. Today's travelling time is around 5hr 30min including a lunch stop. Accommodation: Arenal Montechiari or Arenal Paraiso (or similar)
Day 5: La Fortuna Waterfall hike; visit Arenal Volcano
Waterfalls are abundant in the region of Arenal and this morning we visit La Fortuna, a 213ft (65m) cascade plunging into an emerald pool. A short trail through the rainforest brings us to a relatively steep set of steps that we must descend to reach the waterfall and then ascend to the exit – the hike/climb takes around 20-30 minutes and is within the capabilities of anyone with reasonable fitness. Reward your efforts with a cooling dip in one of the natural pools punctuating the foliage. Alternatively you could visit the lookout point and wait for the group. After lunch we take a short scenic hike within Arenal National Park, walking through secondary rainforest and passing some of the lava fields from past eruptions. The high vantage points on this walk allow great views overlooking Lake Arenal, and the birdlife is plentiful. Accommodation: Arenal Montechiari or Arenal Paraiso (or similar)
Day 6: To Monteverde in the Tilaran Mountains
From Arenal we travel to the Tilaran Mountain Range in the central highlands for our first taste of a Costa Rican cloud forest. The journey provides breathtaking views of the Gulf of Nicoya and the islands below as we ascend the hills towards Monteverde, a forest-cloaked region whose name literally means Green Mountain. The high altitude supports a complex ecosystem where plants thrive, particularly orchids of which there are more than 400 varieties here. Today's drive is around four hours — the last 25mi (40km) of road is gravel and can be bumpy, particularly following heavy rain. Accommodation: Montaña Monteverde or Monteverde Country Lodge (or similar)
Day 7: Visit Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve
This morning we have a guided walk in Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve, one of the first community-managed reserves in Costa Rica and an area celebrated for its biodiversity. To this day, the reserve is managed by the Santa Elena High School with funds channelled into protecting the reserve and providing environmental education classes within the community. Thanks to its high elevation, Santa Elena is bathed in thick misty clouds, which support a huge range of flowers, ferns, mosses, vines and orchids. Birdlife thrives in the cloud forest with more 425 species recorded here. Santa Elena is also one of the best places to spot noisy howler monkeys swinging through the trees. In the afternoon it's possible to join an optional coffee tour to learn about the importance of this crop to the socio-economic development of the country, or join a canopy tour to get a different view of the forest. Accommodation: Montaña Monteverde or Monteverde Country Lodge (or similar)
Day 8: To Manuel Antonio
Our journey takes a southeasterly turn today as we follow the Pan-Am Highway along the coastline to Manuel Antonio, passing African oil palm and teak plantations on the way. Manuel Antonio National Park consists of a vast marine reserve as well as 1,700 acres (690ha) of mangrove swamp, primary and secondary rainforest. The forest vegetation stretches as far as the high-tide line and provides a stunning backdrop to the expansive sandy beaches, forested islands and dramatic rocky headlands. Our drive to Manuel Antonio takes around four hours. We spend the next two nights here, normally in a hotel close to the beach and the entrance of the national park. Depending on our arrival time, we should be able to enjoy various optional activities this afternoon or make use of the hotel facilities. Accommodation: Villa Bosque Hotel or Espadilla Hotel (or similar)
Day 9: Discover Manuel Antonio National Park
A guided tour of Manuel Antonio National Park this morning should enable us to have close wildlife encounters. White-faced capuchin monkeys play in the trees and are frequently sighted on the beaches, while noisy howler monkeys are usually heard moving through the trees and calling to each other before they are seen. The endangered titi monkey (squirrel monkey) are fewer in number but can sometimes be spotted in this area. Iguanas, agouti and two- and three-toed sloths are also commonly sighted in the national park. Manuel Antonio's beaches rank among the most beautiful in the country and we have all afternoon to enjoy them or try one of the optional activities in this region. Please note that Manuel Antonio National Park is closed on Tuesdays. If your visit falls on a Tuesday, the timing of this activity will be adjusted so that you visit the park on the previous day, and today will be at leisure to enjoy the many optional excursions of the region. Accommodation: Villa Bosque Hotel or Espadilla Hotel (or similar)
Day 10: To Esquinas Lodge in Piedras Blancas
Travel four hours south towards Golfito, a relatively wild and undiscovered region. The dense jungle here has hardly been explored or researched. The next two nights are spent in the beautiful Esquinas Rainforest Lodge set in the heart of primary rainforest and bordered by the Piedras Blancas National Park and Golfito Nature Reserve. The lodge was originally financed by the government of Austria as a project combining forest research, development aid, and nature conservation. Most employees are local and profits are used to help with projects in the nearby village. This afternoon we discover our peaceful surroundings and search for the abundant bird and insect life that resides here. Accommodation: Esquinas Rainforest Lodge (or similar)
Day 11: Hike on trails in Esquinas Rainforest Nature Reserve
Hike through the rainforest this morning with your guide and experience all the sights and sounds of the jungle. During this activity we are likely to see snakes, monkeys and maybe sloths. This hike can be quite slippery after rainfall but is a real highlight and well worth the effort. This afternoon has been left free for optional activities — delve deeper into the forest on a network of trails departing directly from the lodge, or simply relax by the pool. Accommodation: Esquinas Rainforest Lodge (or similar)
Day 12: To Savegre Cloud Forest
Our journey takes a northwesterly turn through San Isidro and up and over the Cerro de la Muerte mountain range to our next destination, the Savegre Valley, around a 4hr 30min drive from Golfito. The cloud forest of Savegre is said to be one of the best places in Costa Rica to see the beautiful, colourful and notoriously shy resplendent quetzal and we have two nights here to discover the region. These endangered birds rely on the cloud forest for their habitat — the males in particular are striking with a green crest, red breast and tail feathers that can reach a metre long. A good pair of binoculars will be helpful for quetzal spotting as these birds camouflage themselves well among the wet leaves of the forest. In the afternoon, we take a short walk from our lodge into the cloud forest. Accommodation: Savegre Hotel & Spa or Trogon Lodge (or similar)
Day 13: Free day to discover walking trails in Savegre
Today is free to relax and explore Savegre Valley. Bring your binoculars to spot some of the 170 bird species, trek through the tropical cloud forest or simply enjoy the incredible view from the lodge. Your leader will suggest walks for today so you can discover the tropical cloud forest and sub-Andean vegetation of the area. Accommodation: Savegre Hotel & Spa or Trogon Lodge (or similar)
Day 14: Visit the village of Copey; to San José
Visit the Copey valley this morning to step momentarily into the agricultural lives of those living in the highlands of the Central Mountain Range. We take a short walk through this picturesque area stopping for snacks prepared for us with a local family, which is sure to be a memorable touch of Costa Rican hospitality. A 2hr 30min journey takes us back to San José, where there is time to explore the modern capital. Accommodation: Presidente Hotel (or similar)
Day 15: End San José
A final breakfast at the hotel is your chance to say goodbye to the group, swap numbers, and perhaps start planning your next adventure. For those joining our post-trip extension to Tamarindo Beach, the wait won’t be long. No matter what your future plans are, though, there’s a free transfer to San José airport for onward flights.

Important Information

The trip destination

Travel by air-conditioned bus and boat
14 nights in comfortable hotels and eco-lodges
Some departures with specialist birdwatching guide
Green turtle nesting season: July to October

Food

All breakfasts, eight lunches and six dinners included. Hotel breakfasts are normally buffet style, and lunches and dinners at Tortuguero and Esquinas Rainforest Lodge are also buffet style. Vegetarians are well catered for but please inform us before departure of any special dietary requests. Costa Rican specialities include gallo pinto, a black bean and rice dish considered to be a staple part of the local diet. Soups and stews are also common, and fresh fruit is abundant and will no doubt be one of the highlights of your time in the tropics.

Weather

Costa Rica is 10 degrees north of the equator and has a tropical climate. The average temperature range is 10C-13C (50F-55F) in the highlands, and from 22C-26C (72F-79F) in the lowlands. There is a rainy season from May to November when there are daily downpours, though these are usually quite short and there is still plenty of bright sunshine, so midsummer is not necessarily a bad time to go. December to April is the driest time of the year but you should still expect some rain.

Is this trip for you?

This trip has been graded Activity Level 1 (Leisurely) with a Safari Rating of 3.

Driving distances are not very long and most of the roads we travel on are of good quality. However, the road that leads to the river on the way to and from Tortuguero and the road into and out of Monteverde have poor surfaces and this can result in slow driving times, particularly following heavy rain. There are several included and optional walks on the itinerary, which occasionally involve walking on rough paths. These are suitable for most fitness levels and usually last from two to three hours. During times of heavy rain, trails can be muddy and slippery and extra care should be taken. Many of the areas visited on the trip are hot and humid and there is the chance of heavy rain year-round – this is why Costa Rica is so green.

Please note that in the Tortuguero region, the sea has very strong rip currents and is not suitable for swimming from the beach.

Please also note that Manuel Antonio National Park is closed on Tuesdays. If your visit falls on a Tuesday, the timing of this activity will be adjusted so you visit the park on the previous day, and have a free day to enjoy the many optional excursions of the region.

Birdwatching departures

For keen birders, we have designated a number of departures that will be accompanied by a specialist birdwatching guide. Walks and visits to national parks will be led with the intention of seeing as much bird life as possible. Please check the dates and prices for more details.

Prices / Dates

By accepting our offer in writing, you/you confirm that our terms and conditions have both been read and understood and that cancellation fees may apply if the trip is cancelled.

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sdsd AVAILABLE DATES	PRICE (1 ADULT)	PRICE (1 CHILDREN)	Single room supplement	TRAVEL STATUS
Sat, 20 Jul 2024 / Sat, 03 Aug 2024	NOK 49 120	On request	NOK 10 460	Available
Sat, 27 Jul 2024 / Sat, 10 Aug 2024	NOK 49 120	On request	NOK 10 460	Available
Sat, 03 Aug 2024 / Sat, 17 Aug 2024	NOK 49 120	On request	NOK 10 460	Available
Sat, 10 Aug 2024 / Sat, 24 Aug 2024	NOK 49 120	On request	NOK 10 460	Available
Sat, 17 Aug 2024 / Sat, 31 Aug 2024	NOK 49 120	On request	NOK 10 460	Available
Sat, 24 Aug 2024 / Sat, 07 Sep 2024	NOK 49 120	On request	NOK 10 460	Available
Sat, 07 Sep 2024 / Sat, 21 Sep 2024	NOK 49 120	On request	NOK 10 460	Available
Sat, 21 Sep 2024 / Sat, 05 Oct 2024	NOK 49 120	On request	NOK 10 460	Available
Sat, 28 Sep 2024 / Sat, 12 Oct 2024	NOK 51 930	On request	NOK 10 460	Available
Sat, 12 Oct 2024 / Sat, 26 Oct 2024	NOK 51 930	On request	NOK 10 460	Available
Sat, 19 Oct 2024 / Sat, 02 Nov 2024	NOK 51 930	On request	NOK 10 460	Available
Sat, 26 Oct 2024 / Sat, 09 Nov 2024	NOK 47 720	On request	NOK 10 460	Available
Thu, 31 Oct 2024 / Thu, 14 Nov 2024	NOK 51 930	On request	NOK 10 460	Available
Sat, 02 Nov 2024 / Sat, 16 Nov 2024	NOK 51 930	On request	NOK 10 460	Available
Tue, 05 Nov 2024 / Tue, 19 Nov 2024	NOK 51 930	On request	NOK 10 460	Available
Thu, 07 Nov 2024 / Thu, 21 Nov 2024	NOK 47 720	On request	NOK 10 460	Available
Sat, 09 Nov 2024 / Sat, 23 Nov 2024	NOK 51 930	On request	NOK 10 460	Available
Tue, 12 Nov 2024 / Tue, 26 Nov 2024	NOK 51 930	On request	NOK 10 460	Available
Thu, 14 Nov 2024 / Thu, 28 Nov 2024	NOK 51 930	On request	NOK 10 460	Available
Sat, 16 Nov 2024 / Sat, 30 Nov 2024	NOK 51 930	On request	NOK 10 460	Available
Tue, 19 Nov 2024 / Tue, 03 Dec 2024	NOK 51 930	On request	NOK 10 460	Available
Thu, 21 Nov 2024 / Thu, 05 Dec 2024	NOK 47 720	On request	NOK 10 460	Available
Sat, 23 Nov 2024 / Sat, 07 Dec 2024	NOK 47 720	On request	NOK 10 460	Available
Tue, 26 Nov 2024 / Tue, 10 Dec 2024	NOK 47 720	On request	NOK 10 460	Available
Thu, 28 Nov 2024 / Thu, 12 Dec 2024	NOK 51 930	On request	NOK 10 460	Available
Sat, 30 Nov 2024 / Sat, 14 Dec 2024	NOK 51 930	On request	NOK 10 460	Available
Thu, 19 Dec 2024 / Thu, 02 Jan 2025	NOK 51 930	On request	NOK 10 460	Available
Sat, 21 Dec 2024 / Sat, 04 Jan 2025	NOK 51 930	On request	NOK 10 460	Available
Sat, 28 Dec 2024 / Sat, 11 Jan 2025	NOK 51 930	On request	NOK 10 460	Available

AVAILABLE DATES	PRICE (1 ADULT)	PRICE (1 CHILDREN)	SINGLE ROOM SUPPLEMENT	TRAVEL STATUS
Sat, 20 Jul 2024 / Sat, 03 Aug 2024	NOK 49 120	On request	NOK 10 460	On request
Sat, 27 Jul 2024 / Sat, 10 Aug 2024	NOK 49 120	On request	NOK 10 460	On request
Sat, 03 Aug 2024 / Sat, 17 Aug 2024	NOK 49 120	On request	NOK 10 460	On request
Sat, 10 Aug 2024 / Sat, 24 Aug 2024	NOK 49 120	On request	NOK 10 460	On request
Sat, 17 Aug 2024 / Sat, 31 Aug 2024	NOK 49 120	On request	NOK 10 460	On request
Sat, 24 Aug 2024 / Sat, 07 Sep 2024	NOK 49 120	On request	NOK 10 460	On request
Sat, 07 Sep 2024 / Sat, 21 Sep 2024	NOK 49 120	On request	NOK 10 460	On request
Sat, 21 Sep 2024 / Sat, 05 Oct 2024	NOK 49 120	On request	NOK 10 460	On request
Sat, 28 Sep 2024 / Sat, 12 Oct 2024	NOK 51 930	On request	NOK 10 460	On request
Sat, 12 Oct 2024 / Sat, 26 Oct 2024	NOK 51 930	On request	NOK 10 460	On request
Sat, 19 Oct 2024 / Sat, 02 Nov 2024	NOK 51 930	On request	NOK 10 460	On request
Sat, 26 Oct 2024 / Sat, 09 Nov 2024	NOK 47 720	On request	NOK 10 460	On request
Thu, 31 Oct 2024 / Thu, 14 Nov 2024	NOK 51 930	On request	NOK 10 460	On request
Sat, 02 Nov 2024 / Sat, 16 Nov 2024	NOK 51 930	On request	NOK 10 460	On request
Tue, 05 Nov 2024 / Tue, 19 Nov 2024	NOK 51 930	On request	NOK 10 460	On request
Thu, 07 Nov 2024 / Thu, 21 Nov 2024	NOK 47 720	On request	NOK 10 460	On request
Sat, 09 Nov 2024 / Sat, 23 Nov 2024	NOK 51 930	On request	NOK 10 460	On request
Tue, 12 Nov 2024 / Tue, 26 Nov 2024	NOK 51 930	On request	NOK 10 460	On request
Thu, 14 Nov 2024 / Thu, 28 Nov 2024	NOK 51 930	On request	NOK 10 460	On request
Sat, 16 Nov 2024 / Sat, 30 Nov 2024	NOK 51 930	On request	NOK 10 460	On request
Tue, 19 Nov 2024 / Tue, 03 Dec 2024	NOK 51 930	On request	NOK 10 460	On request
Thu, 21 Nov 2024 / Thu, 05 Dec 2024	NOK 47 720	On request	NOK 10 460	On request
Sat, 23 Nov 2024 / Sat, 07 Dec 2024	NOK 47 720	On request	NOK 10 460	On request
Tue, 26 Nov 2024 / Tue, 10 Dec 2024	NOK 47 720	On request	NOK 10 460	On request
Thu, 28 Nov 2024 / Thu, 12 Dec 2024	NOK 51 930	On request	NOK 10 460	On request
Sat, 30 Nov 2024 / Sat, 14 Dec 2024	NOK 51 930	On request	NOK 10 460	On request
Thu, 19 Dec 2024 / Thu, 02 Jan 2025	NOK 51 930	On request	NOK 10 460	On request
Sat, 21 Dec 2024 / Sat, 04 Jan 2025	NOK 51 930	On request	NOK 10 460	On request
Sat, 28 Dec 2024 / Sat, 11 Jan 2025	NOK 51 930	On request	NOK 10 460	On request

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Discover Costa Rica

Overview

Itinerary

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Important Information

Prices / Dates