A fantastic itinerary for all but we have tailored this to be a brilliant option for families who want to see the highlights of the country, keep busy and have some adrenaline seeking activities thrown in! You begin by exploring the waterways of Tortuguero searching for wildlife including the mysterious caiman. From here you raft into a jungle lodge before heading to the Caribbean to try your hand at surfing. A few days at Arenal Volcano include canyoning, zip lining and waterfall rapelling before ending in the very south in the jungles of the Osa Peninsula. Here you stay in a beautiful hotel where you can either relax or fill your days with a whole host of adventures from dolphin watching, trekking, horse riding and kayaking.
Your Itinerary
Day 1: - Welcome to Costa Rica
Upon your arrival at San Jose International Airport, a representative will meet and greet you, and will provide you with all the necessary documentation you will need during your holiday; then, you will be transferred to your hotel in the city centre to rest and relax after your flight. You will have an early start tomorrow, so we recommend enjoying one of our restaurant recommendations near to your hotel.
Day 2: - Flight to Tortuguero
Early in the morning, you will depart from San Jose to the Domestic Terminal to board a local flight to Tortuguero. During the flight you will enjoy magical views of Braulio Carrillo National Park. Upon arrival at Tortuga Lodge & Gardens, you may schedule additional tours (at additional cost) or walk in the gardens, hike the trails behind the lodge or slip into a hammock set between the Tropical Rainforest and the Tortuguero River. The afternoon is at your leisure.
Day 3: - Exploring the waterways and the local village
After breakfast, leave the lodge by boat (shared with other guests) with your Tortuguero Naturalist Guide to explore the creeks of Tortuguero National Park. The morning hours are especially active in the rain forest. It is not uncommon to find troops of Howler monkeys, see caimans swimming neaby and you might even encounter a River Otter hunting. This afternoon your guide will take you on a visit to the local village with a population of approximately 1500 people. Rest of the day at leisure.
Day 4: - White Water Rafting to your Jungle Lodge
You will have a boat transfer out of Tortuguero and onto Guapiles where you will have lunch before heading to the Pacure River. You will meet your guide here for your incredible rafting journey. In the water you will experience the exhilaration of riding the waves on this wild and scenic river, which passes through scenic canyons and by crystal clear waterfalls. When you arrive at Rios Tropicales, you will find a unique jungle oasis nestled in a most remarkable setting perfect for adventure.
Day 5: - Optional jungle lodge activities
Day at leisure to enjoy the scenic beauty of the natural surrounds of the Pacuare River and the optional activities offered at the lodge. Thanks to its proximity to the Caribbean lowlands and the high annual rainfall, this area offers complex life systems and exotics flora and fauna. The abundance of rainforest here provides protection for for jaguars, ocelots, monkeys, sloths and numerous species of birds and plants.
Day 6 - Day 6: To the golden sand beaches of the Caribbean
In the morning, you will awaken to the river rushing by and songs of the tropical birds from the thick of the forest. After a delicious buffet breakfast, you will launch the rafts again to head out of the rainforest. Lunch will be served along the river. From here you will head to the South Caribbean by road transfer – the perfect place for relaxation. Stunning golden sand beaches, swaying palm trees and the open people of Puerto Viejo will greet you to this rustic by charming part of the country.
Day 7: - Tour of Cahuita National Park
Today you will visit the Cahuita National Park that features the largest coral reefs in Southern Central America as well as great hiking trails with lots of wildlife. The excursion combines a boat ride, snorkelling and hiking. The trip starts with snorkelling where you will find many varieties of corals and colourful fish. You will then land for a guided rainforest hike Monkeys, sloth, several reptiles, frogs and beautiful insects are common sights. The afternoon is at your leisure.
DAY 8: - Surfing Lesson on the Caribbean waves
Today you will be taken to the beach for a surfing lesson with an instructor. Dependant on your ability you can go to different beaches, so the surf suits you. After a short lesson on the beach you can get into the water and start catching some waves. Fruits and water will be provided. The rest of the day is at your leisure. You may just wish to relax or perhaps hire surfboards for longer and continue to improve your technique.
daY 9: - Transfer to Arenal Volcano
This morning you will board a domestic flight to Arenal Volcano area. On arrival a private transfer will take you to Arenal Observatory Lodge where you will stay the next two nights. This eco-lodge is perfectly positioned directly between the massive Arenal Volcano and deep blue Lake Arenal. No other hotel in La Fortuna, Costa Rica and the Arenal area is so close to the famous volcano and its lovely lake. Spend the afternoon at leisure enjoying the views.
Day 10: - Rapelling and Canyoning Adventure
Today you will enjoy a real adventure tour. You will be picked up and taken by 4×4 along the mountain roads to a ranch to change and have a short explanation before trekking through the rainforest to the first waterfall where you abseil into the canyon. Continue through 5 rappels and a zip line before climbing the canyon wall to a short trail. You then continue through different waterfalls before heading out of the canyon and transferring to the ranch for a well-deserved Costa Rican lunch.
Day 11: - To the wildlife haven of the Osa Peninsula
A short flight to the Osa Peninsula of Costa Rica this morning. This part of the country is the most bio-diverse and least discovered and is a true paradise for wildlife. You will head to Puerto Jimenez where the staff of your hotel El Remanso will greet you and take you to this stunning property. Even on the drive itself you will see so many different animals. Spend the next few days here taking in the views over the ocean, swimming in the pool and exploring trails with guides wildlife spotting!
Day 12 & 13: - Enjoying the activities in Corcovado National Park
These days are at your leisure to explore the area and its wonderful natural treasures, relax in your room with the sounds of the Mother Nature or take an optional tour (extra cost). Some activities you could enjoy in the area are waterfall rappelling, guided hikes, birdwatching, horseback riding, dolphin watching, surfing, kayaking, tree climbing and yoga classes. Definitely, you will love to combine this paradise with the adrenaline of these tours.
Day 14: - Flight back to San Jose for your International Flight Home
Today it is your final day in Costa Rica. Have a relaxing breakfast overlooking the Pacific Ocean before transferring to Pueto Jimenez airstrip for your short flight to San Jose and your international flight home.
DETAILS: -
This itinerary costs from £2,850 per person B&B based on 2 sharing and including all private transfers but not international flights.
You can get flights from £550 per person return and do ask us for advice. We can book the flights for you, but a booking fee may apply.
What's included?
INCLUDED:
- Prices start from £2,850 per person
- Accommodation on B&B basis
- Lunch on Days 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 10 , 11, 12 & 13
- Dinner on Days 2, 3, 4, 5, 12 &13
- Private Transfers (air-conditioned vehicle)
- All entrance fees with service of English-speaking guide for excursions
- Internal Flights
- Local Taxes
- All trips are ATOL protected or ABTA bonded to ensure you are fully covered
