Costa Rica Holidays
Costa Rica is a tiny, peaceful country located at the heart of Central America and squeezed between the calm seas of the Caribbean and the rolling waves of the mighty Pacific Ocean and it is this strategic geographic location that acts as a biological bridge between North and South America.
Arenal Volcano
Famed for its regular fireworks displays, the perfectly coned Arenal Volcano is one of the country’s real highlights and to see orange molten rocks tumble down its flanks at night is an incredible sight.
This area is also home to some of the most spectacular scenery in the country with its forests, rivers, hot springs, botanical gardens and National Parks. The area offers all visitors a huge variety of activities and trips to explore the area including white water rafting on the Sarapiqui River; horse back riding; hiking around the slopes of the Arenal volcano; canopy & ‘Hanging Bridge’ tours in the forests to see the flora and fauna or merely relaxing in the hot mineral-rich waters of the Tabacon springs.
The nearby Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge, which stretches to over 100 sq kilometres is a fascinating reserve for those interested in birdwatching with huge numbers of resident and migratory birds (January to March is particularly good) including such notables as the roseate spoonbill, olivaceous cormorant and the Nicaraguan grackle. The reserve is also home to a wide variety of other wildlife including tapir, monkeys, alligators, sloths and even cats such as pumas and jaguars still live in the area although these are much rarer and harder to see.
The damming of Lake Arenal in 1974 flooded a few small local towns and their inhabitants were relocated to what is known today as La Fortuna, which is the main town in the Arenal area. The lake is well known for its superb windsurfing and sailing as well as some excellent fishing.
Our preferred hotels include:
Tabacon Thermal Spa Resort
Arenal Kioro Hotel
Arenal Nayara Hotel & Spa
Beach Hotels of Costa Rica
The ruggedly beautiful Nicoya Peninsula located on the northern Pacific coast is one of Costa Rica’s unspoilt gems and home to some of the country’s finest beaches.
The Tamarindo area in the Guanacaste region is where one can find the larger resort hotels and long stretches of unspoilt coastline, whilst in the southern region of Malpais the road access is not so good resulting in smaller, heavenly hideaways and wonderfully untouched beaches. Swimming, surfing, snorkelling, scuba diving, fishing, horse riding and forest hikes are just a few of the activities available on the peninsula for those who love the great outdoors.
Although mainly known for its crystal clear waters, sandy white beaches and golden sunsets, Nicoya Peninsula is also an area of significant importance for the country’s wildlife with the lush forest of the Cabo Blanco Reserve being home to a wide diversity of animal and plant species. The Barra Honda National Park boasts an incredible system of underground caves and caverns, some of which are up to 200m deep and offer some wonderful caving activities.
Our preferred beach hotels include:
Four Seasons Resort (Papagayo Peninsula)
Capitan Suizo (Tamarindo)
Cala Luna (Tamarindo)
Punta Islita (Punta Islita)
Flor Blanca (Santa Teresa)
Latitude 10 (Santa Teresa)
Tango Mar (Tambor)
Villa Caletas & Zephyr Palace (Herradura)
Alma del Pacifico (Esterillos)
Arenas del Mar (Manuel Antonio)
Makanda-by-the-Sea (Manuel Antonio)
Corcovado National Park & Osa Peninsula
The Osa Peninsula, located in Costa Rica’s south western corner, is one of the country’s most remote regions and is home to some of Central America’s last remaining and most ecologically important coastal rainforest. At the heart of the peninsula is the Corcovado National Park, which extends to over 42,000 hectares and is arguably the most beautiful and pristine of all the nation’s protected parks and reserves and is one of its great natural wonders.
Its rivers, mangroves, rain forest and cloud forest are home to a fabulous variety of wildlife including many monkey species, coatimundis, tapir, sloths, giant anteaters, peccaries and even the endangered jaguar. The area also plays host to over 6000 insect species such as the extraordinary leaf cutting ants and over 365 bird species including toucans, tanagers and the magnificent scarlet macaw.
The nearby Cano Island Biological Reserve incorporates the 326 hectare Cano Island, situated 17 kms from the mainland and is just the tip of a large underwater rock formation. These protected waters are one of the best areas for snorkelling in Costa Rica and are home to 15 different coral species as well as a fantastic number of fish, rays and occasionally turtles and whales. The island itself has some lovely trails through the rain forest and a small beach and is the perfect place for a full day trip.
Our preferred hotels include:
Casa Corcovado Lodge
Villa Corcovado
Lapa Rios EcoLodge
Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge
Manuel Antonio National Park
Situated on the central Pacific coast a few kilometres from the busy town of Quepos, the Manuel Antonio National Park is a beautiful, but small reserve encompassing just over 1600 hectares of wildlife rich forest, white sandy beaches and wild, rocky headlands. Due to its size it can get busy at times, but it offers great viewing of many different wildlife & plant species in a truly stunning beachside location. The nearby Carara National Park is home to many fascinating bird species such as the toucan, guan, trogon and the beautiful scarlet macaw as well as a number of animals including monkeys, agoutis and sloths.
The area is also famed for its pristine white beaches lapped by the emerald waters of the Pacific Ocean, which is peppered by islands and islets creating some dramatic coastal scenery. Consequently the area is an ideal place to enjoy a relaxing few days either on the beach or around the pool of one of many luxurious hotels. There are also many excursions and activities available in the area including hiking, aerial forest walkways, horse riding, kayaking and white water rafting.
Our preferred hotels include:
Arenas del Mar
Gaia Hotel & Reserve
Makanda-by-the-Sea
La Mariposa
Parador Hotel
The Suu Hotel
Monteverde Cloud Forest
Extending to over 10,000 hectares, the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve is located high in the hills behind the Arenal volcano and enjoys a traditionally moist tropical climate making it a paradise for a huge variety of flora including many mosses, lichens and other epiphytes. This high elevation forest also offers miles of trails and excellent opportunities for bird watching and is one of the best places to spot Costa Rica’s national bird, the Resplendent Quetzal.
The nearby Santa Elena Rain Forest Reserve was only inaugurated in 1992 and so is much smaller than Monteverde, but it is less busy and still offers wonderful walking along its misty trails and great birdwatching opportunities as well as the chance to see monkeys, three-toed sloths and other animals as well as wonderful views of the Arenal Volcano.
The Hummingbird garden, butterfly garden and sepentarium all offer a fascinating insight into the local wildlife and there are many trails, canopy tours and ‘hanging bridges’ in the surrounding forests to ensure you see the very best of the flora and fauna in the area.
Our preferred hotels include:
El Sapo Dorado Lodge
Fonda Vela
Trapp Family Lodge
El Establo
San Jose & the Central Valley
Originally founded in 1737, San Jose has grown significantly over recent decades and is now one of the largest and most cosmopolitan cities in Central America. Sadly it has lost much of its old colonial heritage and architecture and consequently is fairly unremarkable as a capital city, but remains a welcoming and safe city to visit with plenty of nice hotels, good restaurants and shopping malls.
What is perhaps of more interest is the surrounding area of the Central Valley. Despite being home to two thirds of the country’s population, much of it remains beautifully unspoilt and is home to large coffee plantations, butterfly farms, steaming volcanoes, waterfalls, cloud forests and numerous rivers ideal for some superb white water rafting.
There are some lovely rural retreats within easy reach of San Jose airport, so a few days at the start of the holiday spent exploring or merely relaxing in the glorious scenery of the Central Valley is time very well spent and a lovely introduction to the delights of Costa Rica.
Our preferred hotels & lodges include:
Grano de Oro (San Jose)
Marriott Hotel (San Jose)
Finca Rosa Blanca (Central Valley)
El Silencio Lodge (Central Valley)
The Peace Lodge (Central Valley)
Xandari Resort & Spa (Central Valley)
Casa Turire (Central Valley)
Tortuguero & the Caribbean Coast
The Tortuguero National Park on the north Caribbean coast extends to over 31,000 hectares on land and another 52,000 hectares of marine park making it a huge area for wildlife conservation, in what is an area of generally quite heavy human encroachment. The park is famed for its canal system, which was created in the late 1960’s to connect a series of natural lagoons and now allows access by boat all the way to Port Limon. This series of canals and lagoons is set within a thin coastal strip of jungle and is home to a great variety of mammals, reptiles and particularly bird species.
The beaches of Tortuguero are however best known for being the single most important breeding place in the whole of the Caribbean for the Green turtle, with as many as 20,000 females laying their eggs each year on these beaches. This is also an important breeding area for Hawksbill, Loggerhead and Leatherback turtles, although not quite to the same extent as the Green turtle. The season lasts from February to November although the peak time is from late July to the end of August.
The Caribbean coast is also well known for its vibrant afro-Caribbean population and rich cultural heritage. Plenty of reggae, beautiful beaches and delicious Creole cuisine make for a heady mix for those requiring some relaxation at the end of a visit to Costa Rica and there are a number of simple, but comfortable hotels set close to the beaches.
Our preferred lodges include:
Manatus Lodge
Pachira Lodge
Evergreen Lodge
Mawamba Lodge
Azania Bungalows (Puerto Viejo coast)
Shawandha Lodge (Puerto Viejo coast)
Alma del Pacifico
Location: On the Esterillos Este beach on the Central Pacific coast between Jaco and Quepos.
Rooms: 20 villas (beach front and garden)
Facilities: Restaurant, bar, swimming pool, jacuzzi, spa and direct beach access.
Activities: Snorkelling, scuba diving, surfing, mountain biking, horse riding, fishing, white water rafting and National Park visits are all available in the area.
Children: Children are welcome
Our view: This is a lovely property with spacious and stylish villas close to the beach, has more of a 4 than 5 star feel to it. Good location for exploring the whole Central Pacific coastline including Carara and Manuel Antonio National Parks.
Arenas del Mar
Location: On the central Pacific Coast, within walking distance of Manuel Antonio National Park.
Rooms: 38 rooms
Facilities: 2 Restaurants, bar, 2 swimming pools, spa and gift shop.
Activities: Surfing, snorkelling, scuba diving, kayaking, canopy tours, mountain biking, horse riding and National Park visits, all available in the area.
Children: Children are welcome
Our view: A great hotel, with direct access to its own two small beaches, located on a large area of private forested land, so feels very private and exclusive, very removed from the hub of Manuel Antonio. Top service. This is our favourite in Manuel Antonio.
Arenal Kioro Hotel
Location: 10 minutes North West from La Fortuna, in 27 acres of undulating land, surrounded by two streams, with every room facing the vulcano.
Rooms: 53 suites
Facilities: Restaurant, pool, hot springs, gym, gift shop and spa.
Activities: Horseback riding, hiking, canopy tours, zip wires, Cano Negro Tour, rafting, quad biking, sky tram & sky trek, Arenal Hanging Bridges and canoying.
Children: Children are welcome.
Our view: Great hotel with good service and every single room (including the restaurant and spa) faces the vulcano. Has its own hot springs. One of our favourite options here.
Arenal Nayara Hotel & Spa
Location: Just outside La Fortuna, surrounded by lush tropical gardens.
Rooms: 50 casitas
Facilities: 2 restaurants, wine bar, pool with pool bar, jacuzzis and spa.
Activities: Horseback riding, hiking, canopy tours, zip wires, Cano Negro Tour, rafting, quad biking, sky tram & sky trek, Arenal Hanging Bridges and canoying.
Children: Children are welcome.
Our view: Really nice property, lots of character, one of our favourite (if not the favourite!) option here. Each casita has a secluded garden with an outdoor shower and a terrace with a private Jacuzzi. Not all casitas have views of the volcano though.
Azania Bungalows (Puerto Viejo coast)
Location: In front of Cocles Beach, 1.5 km south of Puerto Viejo on the South Caribbean coast.
Rooms: 8 bungalows
Facilities: Restaurant and open air bar, pool, jacuzzi,
Activities: Snorkelling, scuba diving, dolphin watch tours, national park visits, canopy tour, horse back riding, quad biking, rafting, fishing.
Children: Children are welcome
Our view:
Cala Luna
Location: Near Tamarindo on the North Pacific coast.
Rooms: 20 rooms
Facilities: Restaurant, bar, swimming pool
Activities: Surfing, snorkelling, scuba diving, tennis,mountain biking, horse riding, fishing and National park visits
Children: Children of all ages are welcome
Our view: This is a lovely, small resort in the popular Guanacaste area with access to good beaches. Good option for families with the spacious villas.
Capitan Suizo
Location: Located on Tamarindo beach in Guanacaste on the north Pacific coast
Rooms: 30 (22 Rooms, 7 Bungalows & 1 Apartment)
Facilities: Restaurant, bar, swimming pool & gym
Activities: Surfing, snorkelling, scuba diving, tennis,mountain biking, horse riding, fishing and National park visits
Children: Children of all ages are welcome
Our view: This is arguably the nicest hotel on Tamarindo beach. It’s a small resort set in pretty gardens with nice rooms, good food, friendly staff and direct beach access and they not surprisingly get good repeat business. Easy access to the hustle & bustle of Tamarindo town if required.
Casa Corcovado Lodge
Location: A beautiful property, the lodge is located in a private reserve on the edge of the Corcovado National Park
Rooms: 14 deluxe bungalows and suites
Facilities: Restaurant, louge area, gift shop, laundry service, 2 swimming pools
Activities: Hiking, fishing, tours of San Josecito, Cano Island, the mangroves of Sierpe River, horse back riding, scuba diving, kayaking
Children: Children of all ages are welcome
Our view:
Casa Turire (Central Valley)
Location: Hotel Casa Turire is located in Turrialba and local attractions include Monumento Nacional Guayabo
Rooms: 16 guest rooms
Facilities: Restaurant, bar/lounge, currency exchange, front desk, laundry facilities, swimming pool,
Activities: Rafting nearby, volleyball nearby, bicycle rental, bird watching, boat launch, dock, ecotours, hiking/biking trails, horse riding/rental, mountain biking, kayaking, rowboats, swimming
Children: Children of all ages ae welcome
Our view:
El Silencio Lodge (Central Valley)
Location: El Silencio Lodge is a wonderful eco-luxury hotel situated in 500 acres of tropical cloud forest reserve in the Central Valley between the Juan Castro Blanco National Park and the Poas Volcano National Park
Rooms: 16 cottage suites
Facilities: Restaurant, bar/lounge, spa, gift shop, library, swimming pool, laundry services, front desk
Activities: Rafting nearby, horse riding/rental nearby, ecotours, bird watching, fishing, hiking/biking trails, yoga classes
Children: Children of all ages are welcome
Our view:
Flor Blanca
Location: Located on Santa Teresa beach on the Nicoya Peninsula
Rooms: 10 villas (7 are One bedroom and 3 are Two bedroom villas)
Facilities: Restaurant, bar, swimming pool, Bambu Spa, fitness centre, outside yoga centre and direct beach access
Activities: Surfing, snorkelling, mountain biking, horse riding, fishing and National park visits
Children: No children under 12 years (except between 01 May & 31 August when children of 6 years or older are welcome)
Our view: Although on the expensive side, this is a charming, small, beautiful property and one of the finest boutique beach hotels in Costa Rica.
Four Seasons Resort
Location: Located on the Papagayo Peninsula on the north Pacific coast
Rooms: 145 Rooms & Suites
Facilities: 4 restaurants, bar, swimming pools, spa, tennis courts, fitness centre, 18 hole golf course and direct beach access
Activities: Surfing, snorkelling, mountain biking, horse riding, fishing and National park visits
Children: Children of all ages are welcome
Our view: This is a luxurious 5 star resort set in beautiful gardens and overlooking two lovely beaches. Although quite expensive, this is a great property with excellent facilities to suite families or couples alike and an ideal choice to finish a visit to Costa Rica.
Finca Rosa Blanca (Central Valley)
Location: Finca Rosa Blanca is perfectly located in the Central Valley and a myriad of day trips can be taken with our renowned and certified guides
Rooms: 13 rooms
Facilities: Restaurant, bar, spa, gift shop, library, swimming pool, jacuzzi
Activities: Organic coffee farm tour, sustainability Tour, certified Tour Guide/Naturalist, bird watching, hiking/walking, interpretive trails through gardens
Children: Children of all ages are welcome
Our view:
Los Suenos Marriott
Location: Located on Herradura beach on the central Pacific coast
Rooms: 201 (Rooms & Suites)
Facilities: 6 Restaurants, bars, swimming pool, jacuzzi, gym, spa, tennis courts, 18 hole golf course & gift shop
Activities: Surfing, snorkelling, scuba diving, tennis,mountain biking, horse riding, fishing and National park visits
Children: Children of all ages are welcome
Our view: Nestled between the ocean and the rainforest, this is a large, 5 star luxury resort. Not for those who like small, boutique properties, but a great choice for those who like a large, modern resort set on a lovely beach with great facilities.
Lapa Rios EcoLodge
Location: Set in a private nature reserve spread over 1,000 acres of Central America’s last remaining lowland tropical rainforest in Costa Rica, Lapa Rios Ecolodge overlooks the pristine point where the Golfo Dulce meets the wild Pacific Ocean, a destination matching everyone’s idea of paradise
Rooms: 16 rooms and suites
Facilities: Restaurant, lounge/bar, front desk, Gazebo/ Private relaxation, internet, laundry service, massage, outdoor dining & lounging
Activities: Adventure, eco- frindly, hiking, horseback riding, photography, relaxing, swimming, wildlife
Children: Children of all ages are welcome
Our view:
Makanda by the Sea
Location: Located just outside Quepos on the Central Pacific coast overlooking Manuel Antonio National Park
Rooms: 9 villas & Studios
Facilities: Restaurant, bar & infinity swimming pool
Activities: Surfing, snorkelling, mountain biking, horse riding, fishing, kayaking and National park visits
Children: No children under the age of 16 years
Our view: Set on the hillside above the beach, this is a stylish and unique property. It is small, exclusive and ideal for those who want to escape the hustle & bustle, but within easy reach of Quepos and Manuel Antonio. Spacious rooms, delicious food and good service..the ideal retreat.
Manatus Lodge
Location: Located in Tortuguero, Manatus Hotel is near the airport and Refugio Nacional de Fauna Silvestre Barra del Colorado is a local attraction
Rooms: 12 guest rooms
Facilities: Restaurant, bar/lounge, pool table, gym, games room, outdoor pool, spa, beauty services
Activities: Canopy zip-line tours, white water rafting, quad biking, horseriding, hiking, mountain biking and kayaking
Children: Children of all ages ae welcome
Our view:
Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge
Location: Situated near the beach in Golfito, this lodge is in the same area as Parque Nacional de Fauna Silvestre Golfito
Rooms: 9 guestrooms
Facilities: Restaurant, bar/lounge, front desk, gift shop, tours/ticket assistance, rooftop terrace
Activities: Deep Sea Fishing, Fishing, Hiking, Kayaking, Windsurfing, Snorkeling, Ecological Excursions, Yoga, Wildlife Viewing, Bird Watching
Children: Children of all ages are welcome
Our view:
Punta Islita
Location: The hotel is set into the Guanacaste hillside of the Nicoya Peninsula overlooking the ocean and beach
Rooms: 40 Rooms & Suites
Facilities: Restaurant, bar, tennis court, exercise room, Beach Club, infinity pool & spa
Activities: Golf, horse riding, bird watching, river kayaking, hiking,
Children: Children of all ages are welcome
Our view: Enjoying stunning views from its hillside location, this is one of Costa Rica’s most romantic and luxurious boutique beach hotels. It is also a well deserved member of the ‘Leading Hotels of the World’.
Peace Lodge (Central Valley)
Location: The hotel is located in the Central Volcanic Mountain Range in the north of San Jose on the Caribbean slope. it takes less than 1 hour from San Jose International Airport
Rooms: 16 guest rooms
Facilities: Restaurant, bar, souvenior shop, currency exchange, safe, room service, jacuzzi tub
Activities: Butterfly observatory, hummingbird garden, trails, five waterfalls and La Paz river
Children: Children of all ages are welcome
Our view:
Shawandha Lodge (Puerto Viejo coast)
Location: Shawandha Lodge is located on the Caribbean side of Costa Rica, in the town of Puerto Viejo
Rooms: 14 bungalows
Facilities: Restaurant, salt water pool, bar, gardens, parking, laundry services, security box, massage therapy
Activities: Scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking, visiting butterfly farms, iguana farms, botanical gardens, bird watching
Children:
Our view:
Tango Mar
Location: Located on Quizales beach on the Nicoya Peninsula
Rooms: 39 Rooms (18 Rooms, 17 Suites and 4 Villas)
Facilities: Restaurants, bars, swimming pools, 9 Hole Golf course, tennis courts, small Spa and direct beach access
Activities: Surfing, snorkelling, mountain biking, horse riding, fishing and National park visits
Children: Children of all ages welcome
Our view: This is a delightful resort property that is located on a beautiful beach and is ideal for families or honeymoons
Trapp Family Lodge
Location: Trapp Family Lodge is the nearest hotel to Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. This makes this hotel a perfect home for exuberant nature and colorful birds, without a doubt, an ideal place to rest amid the forest
Rooms: 20 rooms
Facilities: Restaurant, bar, internet access, safe deposit boxes, gardens, private parking, laundry service
Activities: Guided tours to the reserve, butterflies garden, horse back riding, sky walk, sky trek, canopy tour, orchid garden
Children: Children of all ages are welcome
Our view:
Villa Caletas & Zephyr Palace
Location: Located on the central Pacific coast near the town of Jaco. Villa Caletas is set on the hill above the beach and overlooking the ocean. Zephyr Palace is a separate mansion with just seven suites.
Rooms: 43 (Rooms & Suites + 7 suites in Zephyr Palace)
Facilities: 2 Restaurants, bars, swimming pool, spa, gym & yoga
Activities: Surfing, snorkelling, scuba diving, tennis,mountain biking, horse riding, fishing and National park visits
Children: Children of all ages are welcome
Our view: This is a delightful hotel which is set high above the ocean with regular transport down to the beach. Zephyr Palace is a separate mansion with seven very ornate suites. This is a lovely property in a good location.
Xandari Resort & Spa (Central Valley)
Location: Situated near the airport, in Alajuela, this resort is close to Estadio Alejandro Morera Soto
Rooms: 23 guest rooms
Facilities: Restaurant, bar/lounge, currency exchange, front desk, laundry facilities
Activities: Bird watching, ecotours, pilates classes, yoga classes, hiking/biking trails nearby, bungee jumping near by, spa
Children: Minimum age is 18 years
Our view:
Despite its tiny size, this lush and colourful tropical paradise is a veritable Garden of Eden boasting as much as 5% of the planet’s biodiversity and with over 27% of the country’s land mass dedicated to conservation, this enlightened approach to its natural treasures has ensured that visitors will see a staggering variety of flora and fauna. Beautiful jungles are home to countless exotic birds such as the scarlet macaw, resplendent quetzal and the shimmering forms of many hummingbird species as well as a dizzying array of extraordinary insects, graceful butterflies and over 8000 varieties of orchid.
Reptiles and mammals are also in abundance including such favourites as poison-dart frogs, playful monkeys, three-toed sloths and even the elusive jungle cats and the jaguar. Meanwhile the oceans offer a wealth of beautiful fish for snorkellers to enjoy and the endangered sea turtles still come ashore on the country’s sandy white beaches as they have done for millennia to nest.
However it is not just for animal lovers. The scenery is equally dramatic with thundering volcanoes spewing their molten magma; numerous rivers offering excellent white water rafting; lush forests through which you can whiz through on a zip-line; hot thermal pools where you can soak up the mineral rich waters; stunning beaches on both oceans for some rest & relaxation as well as a horse riding, canoeing or surfing…Costa Rica is a paradise for thrill seekers and the more chilled alike.
Volcanoes & Rainforests
Volcanoes & Rainforests is two weeks in length and mainly explores the highlights of the west of the country and offers a nice combination of wildlife viewing as well as a few days to relax on the lovely north Pacific beaches.
After a relaxing couple of days in the Central Valley you drive west to the Arenal volcano where you can enjoy some lovely walking, riding and birding as well as a heavenly soak in the steaming hot springs of Tabacon. You then head further west to the delightful and little visited Rincon de la Vieja National Park for some excellent wildlife viewing and
beautiful volcanic scenery.
After a few lazy days on the popular Tamarindo beaches you then head to the Osa Peninsula where you finish with a flurry of excellent wildlife viewing in the lush tropical rainforests of Corcovado National Park.
Day 1 – Fly London Heathrow to San Jose – Drive to Finca Rosa Blanca – 2 nights
Day 2 – Full day at leisure
Day 3 – Transfer to Arenal – Hiking on Arenal volcano & Hot springs – Kioro Lodge – 2 nights
Day 4 – Wildlife viewing at Cano Negro Reserve
Day 5 – Drive to Rincon de la Vieja – Borinquen Hotel – 2 nights
Day 6 – Wildlife viewing in Rincon de la Vieja
Day 7 – Transfer to Tamarindo on the Pacific coast – Capitan Suizo – 3 nights
Days 8/9 – To full days at leisure on the beach
Day 10 – Fly to Osa Peninsula – Boat transfer to Casa Corcovado – 3 nights
Days 11/12 – Two days wildlife viewing in Corcovado National Park
Day 13 – Fly to San Jose – connect on to London Heathrow
Day 14 – Arrive London Heathrow
2012 price from £2,490 per person
(Price based on two people sharing a twin/double room excluding the cost of international flights London/San Jose/London).
Coastal Treasures
Coastal Treasures is a a two week trip that takes you along the Pacific coastline of Costa Rica and offers a nice mixture of activities, wildlife and relaxation. Starting in the Central Valley you have time to explore the beautiful scenery including coffee farms and volcanoes before heading south to the stunning Corcovado National Park where the rainforest touches the rocky shores of the Pacific coast and is home to some of the most diverse wildlife populations in the country.
You then head up the coast to Quepos and Manuel Antonio National Park in search of the three toed sloth and a variety of other bird and plant species, before enjoying a well earned rest on the heavenly Santa Teresa beach.
Day 1 – Fly London Heathrow to San Jose – Drive to Finca Rosa Blanca – 2 nights
Day 2 – Full day at leisure
Day 3 – Fly to Osa Peninsula – Boat transfer to Casa Corcovado – 3 nights
Days 4/5 – Two days wildlife viewing in Corcovado National Park
Day 6 – Fly to Quepos – Arenas del Mar Hotel – 3 nights
Day 7 – Wildlife viewing in Manuel Antonio National Park
Day 8 – Full day at leisure on the beach
Day 9 – Transfer to Santa Teresa – Flor Blanca – 4 nights
Days 10/12 – Two full days at leisure on the beach
Day 13 – Fly to San Jose – connect on to London Heathrow
Day 14 – Arrive London Heathrow
2012 price from £2,690 per person
(Price based on two people sharing a twin/double room excluding the cost of international flights London/San Jose/London).
Classic Costa Rica
Classic Costa Rica is a two week trip that takes you to not only some of the key wildlife viewing locations, but also gives you time to relax on the Pacific coasts golden beaches. You start with a relaxing visit to the Central Valley where you can enjoy the beautiful gardens, colourful butterflies and exotic butterflies of the Peace Lodge.
You then enjoy a visit to the active Arenal volcano and the lovely surrounding scenery and forests before visiting the lush cloud forest of Monteverde in search of a wide diversity of plant and animal species. You then continue to the Pacific coast and have time to relax on the lovely Santa Teresa beach before flying south to the lush tropical rainforest of the Osa Peninsula in search of the bountiful wildlife that lives within its borders.
Day 1 – Fly London Heathrow to San Jose – Transfer to The Peace Lodge – 2 nights
Day 2 – Full day at leisure
Day 3 – Transfer to Arenal – Kioro Lodge – 3 nights
Day 4 – Hiking on Arenal volcano and visit to the Tabacon Hot Springs
Day 5 – Wildlife viewing at Cano Negro Reserve
Day 6 – Drive to Monteverde Cloud Forest – El Establo Lodge – 2 nights
Day 7 – Wildlife viewing in Monteverde Cloud Forest
Day 8 – Transfer to the beach on Pacific Coast – Tango Mar – 3 nights
Days 9/10 – Two full days at leisure on the beach
Day 11 – Fly to Osa Peninsula – Lapa Rios Lodge – 3 nights
Days 12/13 – Two days wildlife viewing in Corcovado National Park
Day 14 – Fly to San Jose – connect on to London Heathrow
Day 15 – Arrive London Heathrow
2012 price from £2,698 per person
(Price based on two people sharing a twin/double room excluding the cost of international flights London/San Jose/London).
The Best of Costa Rica
The Best of Costa Rica offers a fascinating insight into the principal highlights of the country with a strong emphasis on the rich diversity of flora and fauna. The trip starts with a relaxing stay in the Central Valley before heading down to the Caribbean coast and the Tortuguero canals that are well known for their biodiversity. You then head to Fortuna and the Arenal volcano, which is renowned for its fiery volcanic displays. Hiking, riding and birdwatching are just some of the activities here and also in Monteverde, which is home to the stunning Resplendent Quetzal
and a host of Hummingbird and other beautiful bird species.
You then head down to the Pacific Coast to enjoy the beautiful sandy beaches and go in search of the extraordinary thee toed sloth before flying to the Osa Peninsula and the Corcovado National Park. This is the country’s last remaining area of virgin rainforest and its premier wildflife viewing destination and for nature livers is the perfect place to finish.
Day 1 – Fly London Heathrow to San Jose – Drive to Finca Rosa Blanca – 2 nights
Day 2 – Full day at leisure
Day 3 – Transfer to Tortuguero – Afternoon sightseeing – Manatus Lodge – 2 nights
Day 4 – Full day wildlife viewing on the Tortuguero Canals
Day 5 – Fly to San Jose – transfer to Arenal – Kioro Lodge – 3 nights
Day 6 – Hiking on Arenal volcano
Day 7 – Wildlife viewing at Cano Negro Reserve
Day 8 – Drive to Monteverde Cloud Forest – Sapo Dorado Lodge – 2 nights
Day 9 – Wildlife viewing in Monteverde Cloud Forest
Day 10 – Transfer to Pacific Coast – Parador Hotel – 3 nights
Day 11 – Wildlife viewing in Manuel Antonio National Park
Day 12 – Full day at leisure
Day 13 – Fly to Osa Peninsula – Boat transfer to Casa Corcovado – 3 nights
Days 14/15 – Two days wildlife viewing in Corcovado National Park
Day 16 – Fly to San Jose – connect on to London Heathrow
Day 17 – Arrive London Heathrow
2012 price from £2,965 per person
(Price based on two people sharing a twin/double room excluding the cost of international flights London/San Jose/London).