JANUARY 2024
FEB 2024
APRIL 2024
NOV 2024
8
DAYS
|
7
NIGHTS
|
COSTA RICA
Costa
Rica
Rica
A tropical paradise bursting with wildlife, Costa Rica is home to six percent of the world’s plant and animal species, many endemic. The rich biodiversity is extremely colourful. More than 850 bird species have been recorded here – far more than found anywhere in North America, Europe and Australia. A cornucopia of exotic flora and fauna, Costa Rica is a nature lover’s delight.
You will be directed to our partner site for booking your plan
You will be directed to our partner site for booking your plan
8 days
7 nights
8 days
7 nights
Waterways of
Tortuguero
Caño Negro
Wildlife Refuge
Arenal
Volcano
Lake
Arenal
Cano Negro
Wildlife Refuge
Tortuguero
National Park
Tortuguero
National Park
Tilaran
Mountains
Multiple Wildlife
Habitats
Monteverde Cloud
Forest Reserve
TRIP
Itinerary
SCROLL FOR MORE
DAY 01: SAN JOSE
Hola
San Jose!
Our trip starts in San Jose, the capital of Costa Rica. This evening is the perfect opportunity to meet your guide and get to know your fellow travellers. We’ll share many adventures over the next week.
Accommodation: Aurola Holiday Inn (or similar)
DAY 02: TORTUGUERO
Tortuguero
National Park
Our adventure begins early this morning, leaving San Jose behind as we travel to Tortuguero National Park in the northeast of Costa Rica. Accessible only by boat or light aircraft, Tortuguero has a vast network of waterways, canals and swamps that are 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 in the heart of the main lagoon. Our afternoon is spent in Tortuguero village, where we can 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 can be seen arriving onto the beach to lay eggs from late July to October (as part of an optional excursion).
Accommodation: Pachira Lodge or Evergreen Lodge (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 03: TORTUGUERO
Tortuguero
Boat Tour
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. We return to the lodge for a hearty breakfast by the river. This afternoon, we enjoy a second boat trip along a different canal. Alternatively, stay at the lodge this afternoon if you want to enjoy the facilities or follow a short walking trail through the forest.
Accommodation: Pachira Lodge or Evergreen Lodge (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 04: LA FORTUNA
Enroute
La Fortuna
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 Arenal region, passing huge banana, pineapple and sugar cane plantations on the way. Arenal was the most active volcano in Costa Rica until 2010, when it entered a resting phase and stopped spitting ash, smoke and lava. However, there is still a lot of geothermal activity here and you’ll have the opportunity to visit one of the excellent hot springs this evening. Alternatively, have a go on the Sky Tram/Sky Trek, departing at 3pm. In clear weather, there are great views of the volcano from our overnight base, the nearby town of La Fortuna. Today’s travelling time is around 5hr 30min including a lunch stop.
Accommodation: Arenal Montechiari (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 05: LA FORTUNA
Caño Negro
Wildlife Refuge
Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge and the Frío River combine to create a humid area that is very biodiverse and harbours a great variety of resident and migratory birds, three different monkey species, iguanas, sloths, turtles and caimans. We transfer approximately 90 minutes to the village of Los Chiles, close to the Nicaraguan border. From here, we board a boat for our river adventure, which lasts around 2hr 30min and passes through tropical rainforest and pastures until we arrive at the marshlands. Olivaceous cormorants nest here, while you may also see wood storks and the endangered jabiru (the largest bird in Central America). Along the river, we may also spot howler monkeys, three-toed sloths, caimans, lizards and turtles.
Accommodation: Arenal Montechiari (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 06: MONTEVERDE
Tilaran Mountain
Wildlife Walk
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 breath-taking views of the Gulf of Nicoya and the islands below as we ascend the hills towards Monteverde, a forest-cloaked region whose name means Green Mountain. Today’s drive is around four hours – the last 25mi (40km) of road is gravel and can be bumpy, particularly following heavy rain. 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.
This evening we set off on a night walk in Monteverde Wildlife Refuge. Situated within primary cloud forest, this reserve is committed to the preservation of native flora and fauna. Taking a nocturnal walk allows for a completely new perspective on the forest, which our guides will bring to life for us.
Accommodation: Monteverde Country Lodge or Montaña Monteverde (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 07: SAN JOSE
Monteverde Cloud
Forest Reserve
Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve is a favourite destination for birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts. A walk through the reserve will reveal huge old growth trees covered in moss while the surrounding mist permeates the atmosphere. The geographic, topographic and climatic conditions of the reserve allow a surprising biodiversity to thrive. There are four ecological ‘life zones’ that harbour different ecosystems for hundreds of species – mammals, birds, butterflies, amphibians, reptiles, insects and arachnids. We can also find a variety of mosses, vines, other plants and trees typical of the cloud forest. One of the reserve trails leads to a lookout point right at the top of the continental divide where, on clear days, you see both Costa Rican coasts: the Caribbean and Pacific. These forests are also one of the few remaining habitats of the endangered resplendent quetzal. Following today’s activity, we transfer to San Jose.
Accommodation: Aurola Holiday Inn San Jose (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 08: SAN JOSE
Adiós
San Jose !
The trip comes to an end today after breakfast, and it’s time to bid Costa Rica and the rest of the group goodbye. Free transfers to San Jose airport are available to all clients today. Alternatively, speak to your sales representative to join our post-trip extension to the palm tree-lined beaches of Tamarindo.
Meals included: Breakfast
TRIP
Itinerary
SCROLL FOR MORE
DAY 01: SAN JOSE
Hola
San Jose!
Our trip starts in San Jose, the capital of Costa Rica. This evening is the perfect opportunity to meet your guide and get to know your fellow travellers. We’ll share many adventures over the next week.
Accommodation: Aurola Holiday Inn (or similar)
DAY 02: TORTUGUERO
Tortuguero
National Park
Our adventure begins early this morning, leaving San Jose behind as we travel to Tortuguero National Park in the northeast of Costa Rica. Accessible only by boat or light aircraft, Tortuguero has a vast network of waterways, canals and swamps that are 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 in the heart of the main lagoon. Our afternoon is spent in Tortuguero village, where we can 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 can be seen arriving onto the beach to lay eggs from late July to October (as part of an optional excursion).
Accommodation: Pachira Lodge or Evergreen Lodge (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 03: TORTUGUERO
Tortuguero
Boat Tour
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. We return to the lodge for a hearty breakfast by the river. This afternoon, we enjoy a second boat trip along a different canal. Alternatively, stay at the lodge this afternoon if you want to enjoy the facilities or follow a short walking trail through the forest.
Accommodation: Pachira Lodge or Evergreen Lodge (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 04: LA FORTUNA
Enroute
La Fortuna
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 Arenal region, passing huge banana, pineapple and sugar cane plantations on the way. Arenal was the most active volcano in Costa Rica until 2010, when it entered a resting phase and stopped spitting ash, smoke and lava. However, there is still a lot of geothermal activity here and you’ll have the opportunity to visit one of the excellent hot springs this evening. Alternatively, have a go on the Sky Tram/Sky Trek, departing at 3pm. In clear weather, there are great views of the volcano from our overnight base, the nearby town of La Fortuna. Today’s travelling time is around 5hr 30min including a lunch stop.
Accommodation: Arenal Montechiari (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 05: LA FORTUNA
Caño Negro
Wildlife Refuge
Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge and the Frío River combine to create a humid area that is very biodiverse and harbours a great variety of resident and migratory birds, three different monkey species, iguanas, sloths, turtles and caimans. We transfer approximately 90 minutes to the village of Los Chiles, close to the Nicaraguan border. From here, we board a boat for our river adventure, which lasts around 2hr 30min and passes through tropical rainforest and pastures until we arrive at the marshlands. Olivaceous cormorants nest here, while you may also see wood storks and the endangered jabiru (the largest bird in Central America). Along the river, we may also spot howler monkeys, three-toed sloths, caimans, lizards and turtles.
Accommodation: Arenal Montechiari (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 06: MONTEVERDE
Tilaran Mountain
Wildlife Walk
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 breath-taking views of the Gulf of Nicoya and the islands below as we ascend the hills towards Monteverde, a forest-cloaked region whose name means Green Mountain. Today’s drive is around four hours – the last 25mi (40km) of road is gravel and can be bumpy, particularly following heavy rain. 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.
This evening we set off on a night walk in Monteverde Wildlife Refuge. Situated within primary cloud forest, this reserve is committed to the preservation of native flora and fauna. Taking a nocturnal walk allows for a completely new perspective on the forest, which our guides will bring to life for us.
Accommodation: Monteverde Country Lodge or Montaña Monteverde (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 07: SAN JOSE
Monteverde Cloud
Forest Reserve
Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve is a favourite destination for birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts. A walk through the reserve will reveal huge old growth trees covered in moss while the surrounding mist permeates the atmosphere. The geographic, topographic and climatic conditions of the reserve allow a surprising biodiversity to thrive. There are four ecological ‘life zones’ that harbour different ecosystems for hundreds of species – mammals, birds, butterflies, amphibians, reptiles, insects and arachnids. We can also find a variety of mosses, vines, other plants and trees typical of the cloud forest. One of the reserve trails leads to a lookout point right at the top of the continental divide where, on clear days, you see both Costa Rican coasts: the Caribbean and Pacific. These forests are also one of the few remaining habitats of the endangered resplendent quetzal. Following today’s activity, we transfer to San Jose.
Accommodation: Aurola Holiday Inn San Jose (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 08: SAN JOSE
Adiós
San Jose !
The trip comes to an end today after breakfast, and it’s time to bid Costa Rica and the rest of the group goodbye. Free transfers to San Jose airport are available to all clients today. Alternatively, speak to your sales representative to join our post-trip extension to the palm tree-lined beaches of Tamarindo.
Meals included: Breakfast
TRIP
Itinerary
SCROLL FOR MORE
DAY 01: SAN JOSE
Hola
San Jose!
Our trip starts in San Jose, the capital of Costa Rica. This evening is the perfect opportunity to meet your guide and get to know your fellow travellers. We’ll share many adventures over the next week.
Accommodation: Aurola Holiday Inn (or similar)
DAY 02: TORTUGUERO
Tortuguero
National Park
Our adventure begins early this morning, leaving San Jose behind as we travel to Tortuguero National Park in the northeast of Costa Rica. Accessible only by boat or light aircraft, Tortuguero has a vast network of waterways, canals and swamps that are 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 in the heart of the main lagoon. Our afternoon is spent in Tortuguero village, where we can 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 can be seen arriving onto the beach to lay eggs from late July to October (as part of an optional excursion).
Accommodation: Pachira Lodge or Evergreen Lodge (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 03: TORTUGUERO
Tortuguero
Boat Tour
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. We return to the lodge for a hearty breakfast by the river. This afternoon, we enjoy a second boat trip along a different canal. Alternatively, stay at the lodge this afternoon if you want to enjoy the facilities or follow a short walking trail through the forest.
Accommodation: Pachira Lodge or Evergreen Lodge (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 04: LA FORTUNA
Enroute
La Fortuna
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 Arenal region, passing huge banana, pineapple and sugar cane plantations on the way. Arenal was the most active volcano in Costa Rica until 2010, when it entered a resting phase and stopped spitting ash, smoke and lava. However, there is still a lot of geothermal activity here and you’ll have the opportunity to visit one of the excellent hot springs this evening. Alternatively, have a go on the Sky Tram/Sky Trek, departing at 3pm. In clear weather, there are great views of the volcano from our overnight base, the nearby town of La Fortuna. Today’s travelling time is around 5hr 30min including a lunch stop.
Accommodation: Arenal Montechiari (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 05: LA FORTUNA
Caño Negro
Wildlife Refuge
Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge and the Frío River combine to create a humid area that is very biodiverse and harbours a great variety of resident and migratory birds, three different monkey species, iguanas, sloths, turtles and caimans. We transfer approximately 90 minutes to the village of Los Chiles, close to the Nicaraguan border. From here, we board a boat for our river adventure, which lasts around 2hr 30min and passes through tropical rainforest and pastures until we arrive at the marshlands. Olivaceous cormorants nest here, while you may also see wood storks and the endangered jabiru (the largest bird in Central America). Along the river, we may also spot howler monkeys, three-toed sloths, caimans, lizards and turtles.
Accommodation: Arenal Montechiari (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 06: MONTEVERDE
Tilaran Mountain
Wildlife Walk
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 breath-taking views of the Gulf of Nicoya and the islands below as we ascend the hills towards Monteverde, a forest-cloaked region whose name means Green Mountain. Today’s drive is around four hours – the last 25mi (40km) of road is gravel and can be bumpy, particularly following heavy rain. 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.
This evening we set off on a night walk in Monteverde Wildlife Refuge. Situated within primary cloud forest, this reserve is committed to the preservation of native flora and fauna. Taking a nocturnal walk allows for a completely new perspective on the forest, which our guides will bring to life for us.
Accommodation: Monteverde Country Lodge or Montaña Monteverde (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 07: SAN JOSE
Monteverde Cloud
Forest Reserve
Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve is a favourite destination for birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts. A walk through the reserve will reveal huge old growth trees covered in moss while the surrounding mist permeates the atmosphere. The geographic, topographic and climatic conditions of the reserve allow a surprising biodiversity to thrive. There are four ecological ‘life zones’ that harbour different ecosystems for hundreds of species – mammals, birds, butterflies, amphibians, reptiles, insects and arachnids. We can also find a variety of mosses, vines, other plants and trees typical of the cloud forest. One of the reserve trails leads to a lookout point right at the top of the continental divide where, on clear days, you see both Costa Rican coasts: the Caribbean and Pacific. These forests are also one of the few remaining habitats of the endangered resplendent quetzal. Following today’s activity, we transfer to San Jose.
Accommodation: Aurola Holiday Inn San Jose (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 08: SAN JOSE
Adiós
San Jose !
The trip comes to an end today after breakfast, and it’s time to bid Costa Rica and the rest of the group goodbye. Free transfers to San Jose airport are available to all clients today. Alternatively, speak to your sales representative to join our post-trip extension to the palm tree-lined beaches of Tamarindo.
Meals included: Breakfast
TRIP
Itinerary
SCROLL FOR MORE
DAY 01: SAN JOSE
Hola
San Jose!
Our trip starts in San Jose, the capital of Costa Rica. This evening is the perfect opportunity to meet your guide and get to know your fellow travellers. We’ll share many adventures over the next week.
Accommodation: Aurola Holiday Inn (or similar)
DAY 02: TORTUGUERO
Tortuguero
National Park
Our adventure begins early this morning, leaving San Jose behind as we travel to Tortuguero National Park in the northeast of Costa Rica. Accessible only by boat or light aircraft, Tortuguero has a vast network of waterways, canals and swamps that are 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 in the heart of the main lagoon. Our afternoon is spent in Tortuguero village, where we can 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 can be seen arriving onto the beach to lay eggs from late July to October (as part of an optional excursion).
Accommodation: Pachira Lodge or Evergreen Lodge (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 03: TORTUGUERO
Tortuguero
Boat Tour
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. We return to the lodge for a hearty breakfast by the river. This afternoon, we enjoy a second boat trip along a different canal. Alternatively, stay at the lodge this afternoon if you want to enjoy the facilities or follow a short walking trail through the forest.
Accommodation: Pachira Lodge or Evergreen Lodge (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 04: LA FORTUNA
Enroute
La Fortuna
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 Arenal region, passing huge banana, pineapple and sugar cane plantations on the way. Arenal was the most active volcano in Costa Rica until 2010, when it entered a resting phase and stopped spitting ash, smoke and lava. However, there is still a lot of geothermal activity here and you’ll have the opportunity to visit one of the excellent hot springs this evening. Alternatively, have a go on the Sky Tram/Sky Trek, departing at 3pm. In clear weather, there are great views of the volcano from our overnight base, the nearby town of La Fortuna. Today’s travelling time is around 5hr 30min including a lunch stop.
Accommodation: Arenal Montechiari (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 05: LA FORTUNA
Caño Negro
Wildlife Refuge
Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge and the Frío River combine to create a humid area that is very biodiverse and harbours a great variety of resident and migratory birds, three different monkey species, iguanas, sloths, turtles and caimans. We transfer approximately 90 minutes to the village of Los Chiles, close to the Nicaraguan border. From here, we board a boat for our river adventure, which lasts around 2hr 30min and passes through tropical rainforest and pastures until we arrive at the marshlands. Olivaceous cormorants nest here, while you may also see wood storks and the endangered jabiru (the largest bird in Central America). Along the river, we may also spot howler monkeys, three-toed sloths, caimans, lizards and turtles.
Accommodation: Arenal Montechiari (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 06: MONTEVERDE
Tilaran Mountain
Wildlife Walk
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 breath-taking views of the Gulf of Nicoya and the islands below as we ascend the hills towards Monteverde, a forest-cloaked region whose name means Green Mountain. Today’s drive is around four hours – the last 25mi (40km) of road is gravel and can be bumpy, particularly following heavy rain. 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.
This evening we set off on a night walk in Monteverde Wildlife Refuge. Situated within primary cloud forest, this reserve is committed to the preservation of native flora and fauna. Taking a nocturnal walk allows for a completely new perspective on the forest, which our guides will bring to life for us.
Accommodation: Monteverde Country Lodge or Montaña Monteverde (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 07: SAN JOSE
Monteverde Cloud
Forest Reserve
Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve is a favourite destination for birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts. A walk through the reserve will reveal huge old growth trees covered in moss while the surrounding mist permeates the atmosphere. The geographic, topographic and climatic conditions of the reserve allow a surprising biodiversity to thrive. There are four ecological ‘life zones’ that harbour different ecosystems for hundreds of species – mammals, birds, butterflies, amphibians, reptiles, insects and arachnids. We can also find a variety of mosses, vines, other plants and trees typical of the cloud forest. One of the reserve trails leads to a lookout point right at the top of the continental divide where, on clear days, you see both Costa Rican coasts: the Caribbean and Pacific. These forests are also one of the few remaining habitats of the endangered resplendent quetzal. Following today’s activity, we transfer to San Jose.
Accommodation: Aurola Holiday Inn San Jose (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 08: SAN JOSE
Adiós
San Jose !
The trip comes to an end today after breakfast, and it’s time to bid Costa Rica and the rest of the group goodbye. Free transfers to San Jose airport are available to all clients today. Alternatively, speak to your sales representative to join our post-trip extension to the palm tree-lined beaches of Tamarindo.
Meals included: Breakfast
TRIP
Itinerary
SCROLL FOR MORE
DAY 01: SAN JOSE
Hola
San Jose!
Our trip starts in San Jose, the capital of Costa Rica. This evening is the perfect opportunity to meet your guide and get to know your fellow travellers. We’ll share many adventures over the next week.
Accommodation: Aurola Holiday Inn (or similar)
DAY 02: TORTUGUERO
Tortuguero
National Park
Our adventure begins early this morning, leaving San Jose behind as we travel to Tortuguero National Park in the northeast of Costa Rica. Accessible only by boat or light aircraft, Tortuguero has a vast network of waterways, canals and swamps that are 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 in the heart of the main lagoon. Our afternoon is spent in Tortuguero village, where we can 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 can be seen arriving onto the beach to lay eggs from late July to October (as part of an optional excursion).
Accommodation: Pachira Lodge or Evergreen Lodge (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 03: TORTUGUERO
Tortuguero
Boat Tour
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. We return to the lodge for a hearty breakfast by the river. This afternoon, we enjoy a second boat trip along a different canal. Alternatively, stay at the lodge this afternoon if you want to enjoy the facilities or follow a short walking trail through the forest.
Accommodation: Pachira Lodge or Evergreen Lodge (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 04: LA FORTUNA
Enroute
La Fortuna
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 Arenal region, passing huge banana, pineapple and sugar cane plantations on the way. Arenal was the most active volcano in Costa Rica until 2010, when it entered a resting phase and stopped spitting ash, smoke and lava. However, there is still a lot of geothermal activity here and you’ll have the opportunity to visit one of the excellent hot springs this evening. Alternatively, have a go on the Sky Tram/Sky Trek, departing at 3pm. In clear weather, there are great views of the volcano from our overnight base, the nearby town of La Fortuna. Today’s travelling time is around 5hr 30min including a lunch stop.
Accommodation: Arenal Montechiari (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 05: LA FORTUNA
Caño Negro
Wildlife Refuge
Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge and the Frío River combine to create a humid area that is very biodiverse and harbours a great variety of resident and migratory birds, three different monkey species, iguanas, sloths, turtles and caimans. We transfer approximately 90 minutes to the village of Los Chiles, close to the Nicaraguan border. From here, we board a boat for our river adventure, which lasts around 2hr 30min and passes through tropical rainforest and pastures until we arrive at the marshlands. Olivaceous cormorants nest here, while you may also see wood storks and the endangered jabiru (the largest bird in Central America). Along the river, we may also spot howler monkeys, three-toed sloths, caimans, lizards and turtles.
Accommodation: Hotel Surya (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 06: MONTEVERDE
Tilaran Mountain
Wildlife Walk
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 breath-taking views of the Gulf of Nicoya and the islands below as we ascend the hills towards Monteverde, a forest-cloaked region whose name means Green Mountain. Today’s drive is around four hours – the last 25mi (40km) of road is gravel and can be bumpy, particularly following heavy rain. 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.
This evening we set off on a night walk in Monteverde Wildlife Refuge. Situated within primary cloud forest, this reserve is committed to the preservation of native flora and fauna. Taking a nocturnal walk allows for a completely new perspective on the forest, which our guides will bring to life for us.
Accommodation: Monteverde Country Lodge or Montaña Monteverde (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 07: SAN JOSE
Monteverde Cloud
Forest Reserve
Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve is a favourite destination for birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts. A walk through the reserve will reveal huge old growth trees covered in moss while the surrounding mist permeates the atmosphere. The geographic, topographic and climatic conditions of the reserve allow a surprising biodiversity to thrive. There are four ecological ‘life zones’ that harbour different ecosystems for hundreds of species – mammals, birds, butterflies, amphibians, reptiles, insects and arachnids. We can also find a variety of mosses, vines, other plants and trees typical of the cloud forest. One of the reserve trails leads to a lookout point right at the top of the continental divide where, on clear days, you see both Costa Rican coasts: the Caribbean and Pacific. These forests are also one of the few remaining habitats of the endangered resplendent quetzal. Following today’s activity, we transfer to San Jose.
Accommodation: Aurola Holiday Inn San Jose (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 08: SAN JOSE
Adiós
San Jose!
The trip comes to an end today after breakfast, and it’s time to bid Costa Rica and the rest of the group goodbye. Free transfers to San Jose airport are available to all clients today. Alternatively, speak to your sales representative to join our post-trip extension to the palm tree-lined beaches of Tamarindo.
Meals included: Breakfast
Pricing
Inquire for Pricing
The itinerary has a service based option. You can pick the events and experiences you want to be a part of. Fill out this with a small message as to what all you'll be interested in and we'd love to get things rolling for you!
You will be directed to our partner site for booking your plan
You will be directed to our partner site for booking your plan
What's
Included
All breakfasts
All accommodation
All transport and listed activities
Tour leader throughout
Airport shuttle bus transfers for everyone
What's not
Included
Travel insurance
Visas and vaccinations
Single accommodation (available on request)
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