Focussing on Costa Rica's natural beauty and wildlife, this itinerary explores the waterways and lagoons of Tortuguero, the forest reserves, rivers and waterfalls of Sarapiqui and Arenal, the cloud forests of Monteverde and the volcanic hotspot of Rincon de la Vieja.
- Visit San Jose & the La Paz Waterfall
- Search for wildlife in Sarapiqui, Monteverde & Tortuguero
- Enjoy a relaxing evening at a natural thermal spa
- Cross hanging bridges in the rainforest
- Bathe in waterfalls & volcanic mud baths
- Visit a chocolate farm in Tirimbina Reserve
The itinerary begins in San José with a visit to a coffee plantation and La Paz waterfall, before travelling to the coastal waterways of Tortuguero, spotting the abundant wildlife that makes its home in the region.
Then, moving to Sarapiqui, we spend time in the Tirimbina Reserve and learn about the creation of chocolate, before staying in La Fortuna at the foot of the Arenal Volcano where we relax in thermal pools, bathe in the streams of La Fortuna waterfall and explore the forest on a network of hanging bridges.
After crossing Arenal Lake by boat, we travel high into the Monteverde Cloud Forest, to observe nocturnal wildlife and experience the thrill of ziplining, a sky-tram and some incredible hanging bridges that take us high into the canopy of the surrounding forest.
The final destination is Rincon de la Vieja National Park - a volcanic region where we hike to bathe in more incredible waterfalls and natural volcanic mud-baths!
From here, you can fly home, or extend you trip for a few extra nights relaxing on the Pacific Coast.
Typical Itinerary
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Day 1: Depart UK & arrive San Jose
Leave the UK on a morning flight to San Jose. We are met upon arrival and transferred to our accommodation. -
Day 2: Coffee Plantation & La Paz Waterfall
Travel to the north of San Jose and visit the La Paz waterfall and gardens, a coffee plantation and hummingbird gardens. -
Days 3-4 : Explore Tortuguero & the Caribbean
Travel through the Braulio Carrillo Cloud Forest National Park to Tortuguero National Park, where we explore the lagoons and waterways of the Caribbean coast by taking boat rides and kayaking excursions through the canals and waterways of this spectacular coastal park. We admire the great diversity of marine life, amphibians, birdlife, insects and mammals. From April through to October it's also possible to observe turtles nesting, although there's a higher chance during July and August to witness this spectacular event. -
Days 5-6 : Explore Sarapiqui
Take a boat ride back through Tortuguero’s waterways, then travel to Sarapaqui for a night walk in the Tirimbina Nature Reserve. We also spend time at a farm learning about the creation of chocolate, and head onto the Sarapiqui River for an afternoon wildlife floating tour (or choose to do ‘tubing’ or ‘rafting’). -
Day 7: Visit Arenal Volcano
Leaving Sarapiqui, we transfer to La Fortuna at the base of the Arenal Volcano. Here we visit the amazing Natura Eco Park, before taking an excursion to bathe in La Fortuna Waterfall. We also discover the remarkable wildlife in the canopy of the rainforest from a network of hanging bridges, before spending the evening relaxing in the natural thermal pools of a nature spa! -
Days 8-9 : Explore Monteverde Cloudforest
A boat ride across Arenal Lake delivers us to the base of Monteverde, where we drive into the mountain cloud forests of this rich biosphere. Next, we enjoy a thrilling night walk, searching for the most fascinating wildlife as 80% of the animals in the area are nocturnal. We can look for insects, reptiles, raccoons and sloths.
The following day, we explore above-and-beyond the forests’ canopy on a trail of hanging bridges and trails, in addition to an exciting zipline experience.
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Day 10: Visit Rincon de la Vieja
Descending from the highs of Monte Verde, we enter the volcanic hotspot of Rincon de la Vieja. We have a walking tour to discover its true volcanic power and true beauty, and visit thermal pools where we can bathe and relax.
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Day 11: Optional tubing on the Rio Negro & Waterfalls
We have the choice today to go tubing down the rapids of the Rio Negro, but there are also plenty of quiet pools along the way where we can enjoy the tropical scenery.
There may also be time to take a guided walk to one of two spectacular waterfalls – La Chorrera or La Oropendola.
Alternatively, you can head straight to the beach for an extension to your group tour.
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Day 12: Depart Costa Rica or extend to the Pacific Coast
Sadly, the tour ends today. There may be time to visit one of two waterfalls in Rincon de la Vieja before we are transferred to the airport for our flight home.
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Day 13: Arrive UK
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Days 12-15 : OPTIONAL EXTENSION: Pacific Coast Beaches
Fancy a relaxing end to this incredible trip? Extend your holiday for a few extra days with a stay on one of Costa Rica’s beaches. Talk to one of our travel consultants to find out more.
Please note: Turtle nesting season in Tortuguero only coincides with our July & August departures.
Duration and Guide Prices
- Age Guide: 6+
- Itinerary Type: Small Group Holiday Tailor-made can be arranged
When To Go
View dates and prices-
Easter
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Summer
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Xmas
What’s Included
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Activities
- Boat trip
- Canoeing
- Canopy walk
- Chocolate tour
- Hiking
- Kayaking
- Nature walk
- Rafting
- Rainforest canopy tour
- River cruise
- River floating
- Safari
- Swimming
- Tubing
- Wildlife watching
- Ziplining
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Accommodation
Hotel x 11 nights -
Meals
11 breakfasts, 5 lunches & 2 dinners
Tailored for You
A private departure or tailor-made holiday can also be arranged to suit your requirements. Contact our experts today.
Next Steps
Departures
Choose your preferred departure date from the 11 options below, then make a no obligation booking request, or enquire if you would like to ask us a question.
Our small group holidays require a minimum number of participants to operate. Most of our holidays are also available on a private basis or can be tailored to meet your requirements.
| Itinerary Dates
(Exc. Flights) |
Prices Per Person From
(Exc. Flights) |
Prices Per Person From
(Inc. Flights) |
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year | Starts | Ends | Duration | Adult price, excluding flights, from | Child price, excluding flights, from | Duration | Adult price, including flights, from | Child price, including flights, from | Holiday Status | Options |
| 2026 | 4 Jul | 15 Jul | 12 days | £2,795 | £995 | 13 days | £3,995 | £1,995 | Guaranteed* | Book or Enquire |
| 2026 | 25 Jul | 5 Aug | 12 days | £2,795 | £995 | 13 days | £3,995 | £1,995 | Guaranteed* | Book or Enquire |
| 2026 | 8 Aug | 19 Aug | 12 days | £2,795 | £995 | 13 days | £3,995 | £1,995 | Guaranteed* | Book or Enquire |
| 2026 | 20 Dec | 31 Dec | 12 days | Price on request | Price on request | 13 days | Price on request | Price on request | On Request** | Enquire |
| 2027 | 27 Mar | 7 Apr | 12 days | £3,095 | £1,095 | 13 days | £4,195 | £2,095 | Available | Book or Enquire |
| 2027 | 5 Apr | 16 Apr | 12 days | £3,095 | £1,095 | 13 days | £4,195 | £2,095 | Available | Book or Enquire |
| 2027 | 11 Apr | 22 Apr | 12 days | £3,095 | £1,095 | 13 days | £4,195 | £2,095 | Available | Book or Enquire |
| 2027 | 3 Jul | 14 Jul | 12 days | £3,045 | £1,045 | 13 days | £4,095 | £1,995 | Available | Book or Enquire |
| 2027 | 29 Jul | 9 Aug | 12 days | £3,045 | £1,045 | 13 days | £4,095 | £1,995 | Available | Book or Enquire |
| 2027 | 7 Aug | 18 Aug | 12 days | £3,045 | £1,045 | 13 days | £4,095 | £1,995 | Available | Book or Enquire |
| 2027 | 18 Dec | 29 Dec | 12 days | Price on request | Price on request | 13 days | Price on request | Price on request | On Request** | Enquire |
| * Guaranteed: this holiday is available to book and has reached a minimum number of participants, so is guaranteed to run. ** On Request: we may be able to offer places on this holiday, please contact us for further information. *** Fully Booked: if your preferred holiday is full we may be able to offer you a private departure or tailor a holiday to suit your requirements, please contact us for more details. | ||||||||||
For alternative dates, please contact us. We may be in the process of finalising further departures and are often able to tailor a holiday for you according to your own requirements.
Kindly note that we prepare our prices several months ahead of travel dates, and our flight-inclusive prices are provided as a general indication, based upon flight costs at the time of publication. Your quotation may vary, based upon the prices of flights (and the availability) at the time of your enquiry.
