15 days tour

Discover Costa Rica

$ 4,770 .00 USD

Total price per person

Reserve with $4,770.00

Discover Costa Rica

This tour includes:

Others

Arrival and departure transfers

Meals

All breakfasts, eight lunches and six dinners included. Hotel breakfasts are normally buffet style, and lunches and dinners at Tortuguero and Esquinas Rainforest Lodge are also buffet style. Vegetarians are well catered for but please inform us before departure of any special dietary requests. Costa Rican specialities include gallo pinto, a black bean and rice dish that forms a staple part of the local diet. Soups and stews are also common, and fresh fruit is abundant and will no doubt be one of the highlights of your time in the tropics.

Accommodation

On this wildlife-watching trip in Costa Rica, we spend 14 nights in hotels and lodges, most of which have swimming pools. Weโ€™ve aimed for properties surrounded by nature, so we typically stay in wooden lodges within tropical gardens or within the heart of the rainforest. We have also been careful to avoid chain hotels where possible. The normal accommodations used on this trip can be found on the day-to-day itinerary; however, below are a few of the notable places we stay. Tortuguero:โ€ฏLaguna Lodge (nights 2-3) Constructed on a strip of land between the main lagoon and Caribbean Sea, Laguna Lodge is an away-from-it-all place to stay thatโ€™s ideal for disconnecting. Thereโ€™s no road access, so we get there by boat, while the estate itself combines several wooden lodges within beautifully kept gardens. Look out for the freely roaming sloths and monkeys! Thereโ€™s also a restaurant with river views and a bar on the waterโ€™s edge. Esquinas Rainforest Nature Reserve: Esquinas Rainforest Lodge (nights 10-11) A highlight of this trip will no doubt be our stay at Esquinas Rainforest Lodge, next to Piedras Blancas National Park. We stay in cabins, each of which has a covered porch where you can sit and look for monkeys, raccoons, coatis and the 300-plus bird species that live here. Elsewhere, the restaurant serves modern Costa Rican cuisine with produce from local farmers. Thereโ€™s also an outdoor pool and walking trails to enjoy. Savegre: Savegre Hotel & Spa (nights 12-3) In the middle of a natural forest reserve, Savegre Hotel is the ideal place to immerse in nature. It has plant-filled gardens, multiple walking trails, and a lookout point with views over forested slopes. We sleep in wooden lodges, while Las Bromelias restaurant dishes out international and local cuisines (made with seasonal, indigenous produce) and Los Robles, a bar-lounge, serves cocktails and Savegre coffee. Worth knowing Some of the properties have ceiling fans rather than air conditioning. One or several of the named properties might be substituted for similar alternatives to secure hotel availability. Please discuss with your customer operations executive if you require more details regarding your specific departure date.

Guide

Our team of tour leaders in Costa Rica are consistently rated among the best thanks to their enthusiasm, local knowledge and guiding expertise. In fact, two of our Leader of the Year winners, Johnny Villalobos and Glenda Araya, guide our trips here. There really is no better way to see this wildlife-rich country than with the help of an expert local leader.

Transport

We travel in air-conditioned buses and boats in Tortuguero. Depending on the group size, we either use a 16-seat Coaster minibus or a larger 20-seat vehicle. Due to the type of vehicles we use, itโ€™s common for luggage to be transported on the roof, covered by a tarpaulin. There is a shared transfer to Tortuguero on Day 2 of the itinerary in a larger coach.

Not included:

Flights

International flights not included.

Others

โ€” Travel Insurance โ€” Single accommodation (available on request) โ€” Visas or vaccinations

Optional

Other activities and services not included

Insurance

Insurance is not included

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip Discover Costa Rica

  • Day 1 Day 1: Start San Josรฉ
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 1: Start San Josรฉ

      Our adventure begins with a free transfer to our hotel in San Josรฉ, the busy capital of Costa Rica. Read the Joining Instructions in the Trip Notes for more information on booking your seat. Thereโ€™s a welcome briefing at the hotel this evening or tomorrow afternoon in Tortuguero (depending on the arrival time of the group), in which we gather for the first time and meet our guide. Accommodation: Presidente Hotel or Rincรณn del Valle (or similar)

  • Day 2 Day 2: To Tortuguero National Park (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 2: To Tortuguero National Park (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

      Our adventure begins early this morning, leaving San Josรฉ as we travel to Tortuguero National Park in northeast Costa Rica. Accessible only by boat or light aircraft, Tortuguero has a vast network of waterways, canals and swamps that is remarkably tranquil, unspoiled 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 on a small strip of land between the Caribbean Sea and the main lagoon. Our afternoon is spent in Tortuguero village, where itโ€™s possible to visit the Sea Turtle Museum (a donation is requested at the entrance). Tortuguero is probably most famous as a nesting site for the endangered green turtle, which arrives onto the beach to lay eggs from late July to October (witness it as part of an optional excursion, payable locally). Hawksbill, loggerhead and giant leatherback turtles also nest in this region. Todayโ€™s travel time is around six hours, including a stop for breakfast. Accommodation: Laguna Lodge (or similar)

  • Day 3 Day 3: Boat Tour Around Tortuguero Waterways (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 3: Boat Tour Around Tortuguero Waterways (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

      A morning boat trip enables us to discover the extraordinary flora and fauna of Tortuguero, passing serenely along the waterways. Weโ€™re joined by our tour leader and the keen-eyed boat captain, who knows this area inside out and has a well-honed skill for spotting the more hidden animals. Our early start means we see the wildlife at their most active; 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. Our lodge is a tranquil spot to relax this afternoon, perhaps take a dip in the pool or relax at the sandy beach. Alternatively, join a second boat trip or follow a short walking trail through the forest. Accommodation: Laguna Lodge (or similar)

  • Day 4 Day 4: To La Fortuna, Near Arenal Volcano (Breakfast,Lunch)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 4: To La Fortuna, Near Arenal Volcano (Breakfast,Lunch)

      We leave Tortuguero by taking a small boat to the pier. Our bus is at the pier waiting to drive us to the Arenal region, passing huge banana, pineapple and sugarcane plantations on the way. Arenal was the most active volcano in Costa Rica until 2010, when it entered a resting phase, and can no longer be seen spitting ash, smoke or lava. However, there is still a lot of geothermal activity in the area and you may be able to visit one of the excellent hot springs this evening. In clear weather, there are great views of the volcano from our overnight base in the nearby town of La Fortuna. Todayโ€™s travelling time is around 5hr 30min including a lunch stop. Accommodation: Arenal Montechiari (or similar)

  • Day 5 Day 5: Visit Arenal Volcano; La Fortuna Waterfall Hike (Breakfast)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 5: Visit Arenal Volcano; La Fortuna Waterfall Hike (Breakfast)

      This morning we take a short scenic hike within Arenal National Park, walking through secondary rainforest and seeing some of the lava fields from past eruptions. The high vantage points on this walk allow great views overlooking Lake Arenal, and the birdlife is plentiful. Waterfalls are abundant in the region of Arenal and we visit La Fortuna, a 213ft (65m) cascade plunging into an emerald pool. A short trail through the rainforest brings us to a relatively steep set of steps that we must descend to reach the waterfall and then ascend to the exit โ€“ the hike/climb takes around 20-30 minutes and is within the capabilities of anyone with reasonable fitness. Reward your efforts with a cooling dip in one of the natural pools punctuating the foliage. Alternatively, you could visit the lookout point and wait for the group. After lunch, the rest of day is at leisure to enjoy optional activities such as a chocolate tour or the exhilarating Ecoglide Zipline. Accommodation: Arenal Montechiari (or similar)

  • Day 6 Day 6: To Monteverde In The Tilaran Mountains (Breakfast)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 6: To Monteverde In The Tilaran Mountains (Breakfast)

      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 breathtaking views of the Gulf of Nicoya and the islands below as we ascend the hills towards Monteverde, a forest-cloaked region whose name literally means Green Mountain. The high altitude supports a complex ecosystem where plants thrive, particularly orchids of which there are more than 400 varieties here. Todayโ€™s drive is around four hours โ€” the last 25mi (40km) of road is gravel and can be bumpy, particularly following heavy rain. We should arrive in time for lunch, while the rest of the day is free to relax in our hotel or enjoy one of the many optional activities available in Monteverde. Accommodation: Montaรฑa Monteverde, Monteverde Country Lodge or Sibu Lodge (or similar)

  • Day 7 Day 7: Visit Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve (Breakfast)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 7: Visit Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve (Breakfast)

      This morning, we have a guided walk (around two hours) in Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve, one of the first community-managed reserves in Costa Rica and an area celebrated for its biodiversity. To this day, the reserve is managed by the Santa Elena High School with funds channelled into protecting the reserve and providing environmental education classes within the community. Thanks to its high elevation, Santa Elena is bathed in thick misty clouds, which support a huge range of flowers, ferns, mosses, vines and orchids. Birdlife thrives here with more 425 species recorded. Santa Elena is also one of the best places to spot noisy howler monkeys swinging through the trees. In the afternoon, itโ€™s possible to join an optional coffee tour to learn about the importance of this crop to the socio-economic development of the country or join a canopy tour to get a different view of the forest. Accommodation: Montaรฑa Monteverde, Monteverde Country Lodge or Sibu Lodge (or similar)

  • Day 8 Day 8: To Manuel Antonio (Breakfast)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 8: To Manuel Antonio (Breakfast)

      Our journey takes a southeasterly turn today as we follow the Pan-Am Highway along the coastline to Manuel Antonio, passing African oil palm and teak plantations on the way. Manuel Antonio National Park consists of a vast marine reserve as well as 1,700 acres (690ha) of mangrove swamp, primary and secondary rainforest. The forest vegetation stretches as far as the high-tide line and provides a stunning backdrop to the expansive sandy beaches, forested islands and dramatic rocky headlands. Our drive to Manuel Antonio takes around four hours (not including rest stops and lunch). We settle into our accommodation and, depending on our arrival time, can make use of the hotelโ€™s facilities Accommodation: Villa Bosque Hotel (or similar)

  • Day 9 Day 9: Discover Manuel Antonio National Park (Breakfast)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 9: Discover Manuel Antonio National Park (Breakfast)

      A guided tour of Manuel Antonio National Park this morning should enable us to have close wildlife encounters. White-faced capuchin monkeys play in the trees and are frequently sighted on the beaches, while noisy howler monkeys are usually heard moving through the trees and calling to each other before they are seen. The endangered titi monkey (squirrel monkey) are fewer in number but can sometimes be spotted in this area. Iguanas, agouti and two- and three-toed sloths are also commonly sighted in the national park. Manuel Antonioโ€™s beaches rank among the most beautiful in the country and we have all afternoon to enjoy them or try one of the optional activities in this region. Please note: Manuel Antonio National Park is closed on Tuesdays. If your visit falls on a Tuesday, the timing of this activity will be adjusted so you visit the park on the previous day and today will be at leisure to enjoy the many optional excursions of the region. Accommodation: Villa Bosque Hotel (or similar)

  • Day 10 Day 10: To Esquinas Lodge In Piedras Blancas (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 10: To Esquinas Lodge In Piedras Blancas (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

      Travel four hours south towards Golfito, a relatively wild and undiscovered region. The dense jungle here has hardly been explored or researched. The next two nights are spent in the beautiful Esquinas Rainforest Lodge set in the heart of primary rainforest and bordered by the Piedras Blancas National Park and Golfito Nature Reserve. The lodge was originally financed by the government of Austria as a project combining forest research, development aid, and nature conservation. Most employees are local and profits are used to help with projects in the nearby village. This afternoon, we discover our peaceful surroundings and search for the abundant bird and insect life that resides here. Accommodation: Esquinas Rainforest Lodge (or similar)

  • Day 11 Day 11: Hike On Trails In Esquinas Rainforest Nature Reserve (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 11: Hike On Trails In Esquinas Rainforest Nature Reserve (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

      Hike through the rainforest this morning with our tour leader and experience all the sights and sounds of the jungle. During this activity, which lasts around two hours, we are likely to see snakes, frogs, birds and if weโ€™re lucky, monkeys and sloths too. This hike can be quite slippery after rainfall but is a real highlight and well worth the effort. This afternoon has been left free for optional activities โ€” delve deeper into the forest on a network of trails departing directly from the lodge, or simply relax by the pool. Accommodation: Esquinas Rainforest Lodge (or similar)

  • Day 12 Day 12: To Savegre Valley Cloud Forest (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 12: To Savegre Valley Cloud Forest (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

      Our journey takes a northwesterly turn through San Isidro and up and over the Cerro de la Muerte mountain range to our next destination, the Savegre Valley, around a 4hr 30min drive (not including stops) from Golfito. The cloud forest of Savegre is said to be one of the best places in Costa Rica to see the beautiful, colourful and notoriously shy resplendent quetzal and we have two nights here to discover the region. These endangered birds rely on the cloud forest for their habitat โ€” the males are striking with a green crest, red breast and tail feathers that can reach a metre long. A good pair of binoculars will be helpful for quetzal spotting as these birds camouflage themselves well among the wet leaves of the forest. In the afternoon, we venture from our lodge into the cloud forest in search of these magnificent birds. Our destination depends on where their nesting and feeding spots have last been seen. Accommodation: Savegre Hotel & Spa, Suria Lodge or Trogon Lodge (or similar)

  • Day 13 Day 13: Free Day To Discover Walking Trails In The Savegre Valley (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 13: Free Day To Discover Walking Trails In The Savegre Valley (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

      Today is free to relax and explore Savegre Valley. Bring your binoculars to spot some of the 170 bird species, trek through the tropical cloud forest or simply enjoy the incredible view from the lodge. Your leader will suggest walks for today so you can discover the tropical cloud forest and sub-Andean vegetation of the area. Accommodation: Savegre Hotel & Spa, Suria Lodge or Trogon Lodge (or similar)

  • Day 14 Day 14: Visit The Copey Valley; To San Josรฉ (Breakfast,Lunch)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 14: Visit The Copey Valley; To San Josรฉ (Breakfast,Lunch)

      Visit the Copey valley this morning to step momentarily into the agricultural lives of those living in the highlands of the Central Mountain Range. We take a short walk through this picturesque area stopping for a typical lunch prepared for us by a local family, which is sure to be a memorable touch of Costa Rican hospitality. We visit the familyโ€™s property, where they grow flowers, medicinal plants, fruit and vegetables, and raise farm animals. A 2hr 30min journey takes us back to San Josรฉ, where there may be time to explore the modern capital. Accommodation: Presidente Hotel or Rincรณn del Valle (or similar)

  • Day 15 Day 15: End San Josรฉ (Breakfast)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 15: End San Josรฉ (Breakfast)

      A final breakfast at the hotel is your chance to say goodbye to the group, swap numbers, and perhaps start planning your next adventure. For those joining our post-trip extension to Tamarindo Beach, the wait wonโ€™t be long. No matter what your future plans are, though, thereโ€™s a free transfer to San Josรฉ airport for onward flights.

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Experience Style

Experience Style

Mixed

There will be challenging activities such as hiking, biking, canyoning and trekking, but youโ€™re also going to have other means of transportation and relaxed moments to just chill.

Accomodation level

Accomodation level

Medium

This accommodation includes essential services like a hot shower, electricity, and a nice and comfy bed.

Experience Type

Experience Type

Small Group

Youโ€™ll be accompanied by a small group of travelers just like you.

Physical Rating

Physical Rating

Average

There are several physical activities that last from 2 to 6 hours in easy terrains, low altitude flats, or water experiences. Please ask if youโ€™re not sure this applies to you.

Age range

Age range

Min: 16 / Max: 99

Age range allowed for this experience.

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