Complete Costa Rica

  • Spot whales and dolphins on an optional boat tour in Marino Ballena National Park

    Spot whales and dolphins on an optional boat tour in Marino Ballena National Park

  • Explore the canals of Tortuguero by boat

    Explore the canals of Tortuguero by boat

  • Spend an afternoon relaxing on the beach in Manuel Antonio National Park

    Spend an afternoon relaxing on the beach in Manuel Antonio National Park

  • Soak in the waters of the thermal springs

    Soak in the waters of the thermal springs

  • Don't forget your binoculars!
  • Arenal Volcano, Costa Rica

    Arenal Volcano, Costa Rica

  • Tortuguero is home to the largest population of green turtles in the Western Hemisphere

    Tortuguero is home to the largest population of green turtles in the Western Hemisphere

  • Stop for breakfast and explore a working banana plantation – Costa Rica’s prime export

    Stop for breakfast and explore a working banana plantation – Costa Rica’s prime export

Trip ideas

Duration(in days): 9

From: San Jose

To:

From

£1,250

Exc. International flights (per person, based on 2 sharing)

Get a quote

or Call 01273 320580

See more ideas for: Costa Rica

Immerse yourself in all that Costa Rica has to offer with our 9 day adventure. Explore both the Caribbean and Pacific coasts as well as Arenal National Park in the central highlands. Spot a variety of turtle species in Tortuguero before heading out into the waterways to see the local animal and birdlife going about their daily business. Hike the Arenal Volcano and spot monkeys through the tree canopy in the stunning Manuel Antonio National Park – this trip introduces you to the very best of Costa Rica!

This itinerary can be tailored to suit your requirements please contact one of our consultants to start planning your dream trip.

Highlights

  • Arrive into Tortuguero by boat, through rich biodiversity              
  • Hike the lower slopes of Arenal
  • Soak in the Tabacon Hot Springs
  • Revel in the wildlife living in the Manuel Antonio National Park – binoculars are a must!
  • Spot whales and dolphins on an optional boat tour in Marino Ballena National Park

 

Itinerary in brief:

  • 1 night San Jose       
  • 2 nights Tortuguero       
  • 2 nights Arenal
  • 2 nights Manuel Antonio National Park area
  • 1 night San Jose

 

Day 1: Arrive in San Jose

On arrival you will be met and taken to your hotel in San Jose, where you can relax and unwind before your adventure begins tomorrow.

Day 2: San Jose to Tortuguero          

You will be collected by bus from your hotel before heading to the pier to take an onward boat along the Tortuguero Canals. On route, you’ll stop for breakfast and explore a working banana plantation – Costa Rica’s prime export.

*Optional evening tour to observe turtle nesting may be available July-September – not included*

Day 3: Day in Tortuguero   

Tortuguero is essentially a series of canals and waterways that run through an extraordinarily biodiverse region on the Caribbean coast. It is home to the largest population of green turtles in the Western Hemisphere and is an important nesting point for leatherbacks. Take a walking tour through some of the nearby trails in the morning today, exploring flora and fauna and on the look-out for monkeys, birds, sloths and caimans.

Day 4: Tortuguero to Arenal        

After breakfast you will take a boat back to the pier where a shuttle to Arenal via Siquirres awaits.      

Day 5: Arenal    

Currently in a resting phase, Arenal Volcano remains Costa Rica’s most active volcano. This afternoon you will take a gentle hike around the lower slopes before heading to the Tabacon Hot Springs for a soak to end the day.

Day 6: Arenal to Manuel Antonio

After breakfast you’ll take a shuttle to Manuel Antonio, a National Park on the Central Pacific coast. The warm waters and year round sunshine make this a wonderful place to spend your final few days in Costa Rica.

Days 7: Manuel Antonio National Park    

The park is home to some amazing wildlife – sloths, monkeys and birds being top of the list. The beautiful beaches will delight and the crystal waters offer opportunity to snorkel, swim and kayak amongst the marine life. Your trip includes a morning tour of the park, with optional kayak and whale watching trips possible.

Day 8: Manuel Antonio to San Jose      

Take a lunchtime transfer back to the city for your final night in Costa Rica.

Day 9: Depart San Jose        

After breakfast take a private transfer back to the airport for your onward travel arrangements.        

      

The sun generally always shines in Costa Rica. The seasons are either hot and humid, or hot and dry and this differs depending on location. The Pacific Coast tends to be drier in climate, especially during the summer months (December-April). The Caribbean Coast is generally more humid and therefore lush and wet. September-October are considered the wettest months, when some transport options may be limited or shut.

This itinerary is purely a suggestion, and can be tailor-made to your requirements, so please contact us with your dates and requests and we’ll put together a bespoke quotation for you

What's included
  • Private arrival and departure transfers with English speaking assistance
  • Shared ground transfers throughout
  • 8 nights bed and breakfast accommodation in 3* properties
  • Lunch and dinner on day 2 and 3, and lunch on day 4 (Tortuguero)           
  • Walking tour Tortugeuro Village
  • Boat to Tortugero and entry fee to the National Park
  • Arenal Volcao tour and entry to the Tabacon Hot Springs (inc. dinner)
  • Manuel Antonio National Park tour and entry fee
  • All hotel taxes
Not included
  • International flights       
  • Meals not mentioned
  • Optional activities (turtle tour, whale watching, kayaking and any not mentioned)
  • Alcoholic drinks
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Costa Rica departure tax (USD $29 at the time of writing) – paid locally
  • Other expenses and services not mentioned

8 nights in 3* standard accommodation. Hotels in this category include:

  • Best Western Irazu Hotel, San Jose
  • Pachira Lodge, Tortuguero
  • Arenal Paraiso Hotel
  • Parador Hotel, Manuel Antonio