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Real Costa Rica

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  • Overview
  • Itinerary
  • What's Included
  • FAQ
  • Dates

Embark on an unforgettable journey through Costa Rica with the "Real Costa Rica" tour. This small group adventure, limited to 20 travelers, offers a deep dive into the country's rich biodiversity and vibrant culture. Begin in San José and explore the stunning beaches of Puerto Viejo de Limon, followed by a visit to Cahuita National Park. Experience the traditions of the Bribri community, including a chocolate-making session and a traditional lunch. Discover the wonders of Tortuguero National Park with guided boat tours, and learn about sea turtle conservation. Enjoy the Mi Cafecito Coffee Tour and relax in the lush surroundings of Muelle de San Carlos. Conclude your journey in Arenal, with optional excursions to the Hanging Bridges and La Fortuna Waterfall. With a dedicated holiday director and guaranteed private accommodations, this tour promises an enriching and comfortable experience.

Highlights
  • Visit Cahuita National Park and explore its coral reefs and diverse wildlife.
  • Learn about the culture and traditions of the indigenous Bribri community.
  • Enjoy a traditional Bribri lunch and discover the process of chocolate making.
  • Explore Tortuguero Village and the Caribbean Conservation Center.
  • Experience two guided boat tours through the waterways of Tortuguero National Park.
  • Discover the Mi Cafecito Coffee Tour and sample local coffee.
  • Walk the Hanging Bridges of Arenal for stunning views of the rainforest.
Mode of Transport
Travel includes return flights from London, overseas transfers, and other transportation. The journey to Tortuguero National Park involves a scenic boat ride, as there are no roads leading into the park, ensuring a unique travel experience.
Accommodation
Enjoy 10 nights in 4-star hotels and jungle lodges, with a guaranteed twin or double room of your own, plus 1 night in flight. Experience the comfort of Hotel Crowne Plaza Corobici, Hotel Terrazas del Caribe, Pachira Lodge, Tilajari Hotel Resort, and Hotel Mountain Paradise.
Optional excursions
Optional excursions such as the Hanging Bridges of Arenal and La Fortuna Waterfall are not included.
Personal expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs and additional activities are not covered.
Destinations
  • Central America
  • Costa Rica
Tour Types
  • Small Group
  • Gardens & Nature Tours
  • Cultural
  • Boat/Cruise Excursion
  • Foodie and Wine Tours
  • Wildlife Tours

Location: San José

Today, you fly to San José, the capital of Costa Rica. Get to know your travelling companions over dinner this evening.

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Hotel Crowne Plaza Corobici

Meals: Dinner

Location: San José, Puerto Viejo de Limon, Cahuita National Park

Our adventure begins as we travel to Puerto Viejo de Limon, a beach resort on the Caribbean coast. A popular spot for surfers, it boasts crystal-clear waters and stunning sandy beaches. <br/>This afternoon we will visit Cahuita National Park, which was created to preserve the coral reef along its shores. Sea turtles nest in the protected marine area and the reef is home to many different species of coral and fish. On land, brightly coloured birds including green ibises, keel-billed toucans and herons live in the forest, and you might spot mammals such as monkeys and pacas roaming amongst the tropical plants.

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Hotel Terrazas del Caribe

Meals: Breakfast

Location: Puerto Viejo de Limon, Bribri Reserve, Rio Dos Aguas Waterfall

There's a fascinating day in store, as we learn about the indigenous Bribri people of Costa Rica and get an insight into their culture and traditions. We travel to the Bribri Reserve, the biggest indigenous community in the country, where we will begin our visit to Watsi. We will visit a family where five generations live together under the same roof, and learn about their home and lifestyle. You will also discover how the Bribri people use medicinal plants and produce chocolate. You'll even have an opportunity to grind your own before enjoying a taste of the finished product. You'll then join the family for a delicious home-cooked meal of local chicken with vegetables, served on plantain leaves with no cutlery needed. After lunch you will visit one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the area, the Rio Dos Aguas Waterfall.

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Hotel Terrazas del Caribe

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Location: Tortuguero National Park, Tortuguero Village, Caribbean Conservation Center

We've an early start today as we set off for Tortuguero National Park. We'll stop at a restaurant for breakfast, and as there are no roads into Tortuguero, the final part of our journey will be by boat. We'll arrive at our hotel in time for lunch, and will visit Tortuguero Village to find out about the local community this afternoon. We'll also visit the Caribbean Conservation Center to discover more about the sea turtles that nest on the nearby beaches.

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Pachira Lodge

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Location: Tortuguero National Park

We'll explore Tortuguero National Park on two guided boat tours today. This beautiful region is one of Costa Rica's most important ecological sites and a renowned nesting site for sea turtles. Behind a beach-fringed coastline, a network of freshwater channels cuts through the dense jungle and is home to a variety of other wildlife, including monkeys, river otters, crocodiles, caimans and many species of bird. Keep your eyes peeled for sightings as you cruise the waterways, canals and swamps, and explore some of the trails on foot. Your guide is on hand to answer questions about the history and wildlife of the park and will do their best to help you spot as many different species as possible.

Accommodation: Hotel, Hotel

Accommodation Name: Pachira Lodge

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Location: Tortuguero, Muelle de San Carlos

After breakfast we leave Tortuguero by boat and then drive to the village of Muelle de San Carlos. We'll stop at a restaurant for lunch on the way, and then visit 'Mi Cafecito Coffee Tour' in the afternoon. During our tour of this community coffee plantation, we will gain an insight into the lives of Costa Rica's coffee producers. There will also be an opportunity to sample the coffee and purchase some to take home as a souvenir. <br/>When we arrive in Muelle de San Carlos, the rest of the evening will be free for you to relax and enjoy the facilities at the hotel or perhaps enjoy a drink with your travelling companions.

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Tilajari Hotel Resort

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Location: Arenal Hanging Bridges, La Fortuna

We've lined up a fantastic optional excursion for today. If you prefer to admire the rainforest from a higher vantage point, a visit to the Hanging Bridges of Arenal is a must. Explore the rainforest on a walking trail which crosses no less than 15 bridges, six of which are hanging in the rainforest canopy, offering a spectacular view of the scenery below. It’s an incredible experience, with highlights including 98-metre-long Tyra Bridge and Waterfall Bridge which is suspended 60 metres in the air. Keep your eyes peeled as you walk - more than 250 species of bird live in this rainforest reserve along with a vast array of reptiles, mammals and insects. In the early evening, pack your swimwear for a visit to a thermal bath complex in the jungle. Afterwards, enjoy a dinner.

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Tilajari Hotel Resort

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Location: Muelle de San Carlos, La Fortuna, Arenal Volcano

After breakfast we will transfer you to La Fortuna which is your base for the next 3 nights, exploring more of Costa Rica's incredible highlights, from dense rainforests to soaring volcanoes.

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Hotel Mountain Paradise

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Location: Arenal

Today has been left for you to spend at leisure in the local area. You could join us on an optional morning bird watching tour where you will observe bird species in their natural habitat, explore the trails of the reserve where your experienced guide will explain all about the species such as the Chocu aco and the Boat Billed Heron.

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Hotel Mountain Paradise

Meals: Breakfast

Location: La Fortuna, La Fortuna Waterfall

After breakfast why not join us on an optional excursion to La Fortuna Waterfall, a short hike through tropical forests to the base of the waterfalls natural pools. <br/>This evening enjoy a farewell dinner in a local restaurant in the centre of La Fortuna serving traditional Costa Rican dishes.

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Hotel Mountain Paradise

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Location: Arenal

Today you will be transferred to the airport for your return flight to the UK.

Accommodation: Flight to the UK

Meals: Breakfast

Location: United Kingdom

You will arrive in the UK today.

Included
  • Just You Holiday Director as your host & specialist Local Guide
    -A dedicated Just You holiday director and specialist local guide will accompany you throughout the trip.
  • Return flights from London
    -Return flights from London are included in the tour package.
  • Use of an airport lounge in the UK
    -Access to an airport lounge in the UK is provided.
  • Overseas transfers, other transportation & porterage
    -All overseas transfers, transportation, and porterage are included.
  • Visit Cahuita National Park
    -A visit to Cahuita National Park is included, where you can explore the coral reef and spot various wildlife.
  • Visit an indigenous Bribri community
    -Experience the culture and traditions of the indigenous Bribri community.
  • Visit Tortuguero Village & the Caribbean Conservation Center
    -Explore Tortuguero Village and learn about sea turtle conservation at the Caribbean Conservation Center.
  • Two guided boat tours through Tortuguero National Park
    -Enjoy two guided boat tours through the waterways of Tortuguero National Park.
  • Experience the Mi Cafecito Coffee Tour
    -Participate in the Mi Cafecito Coffee Tour to learn about coffee production and sample local coffee.
  • Small group travel style
    -Travel in a small group with a maximum of 20 people.
  • Your own room guaranteed & no single supplement
    -A private room is guaranteed with no additional single supplement charge.

Not Included
  • Optional excursions
    -Optional excursions such as the Hanging Bridges of Arenal and La Fortuna Waterfall are not included.
  • Personal expenses
    -Personal expenses such as souvenirs and additional activities are not covered.
A few years ago we set up Just You Cares, a programme that gives back to some of the places we love. We have always believed in taking care of the communities we visit, and have taken the time to really get to know the local people and understand the challenges they face. Some of our holidays give our Customers the chance to see how the money from their trips has been spent.
Of course, you’ll always have a twin or double room all to yourself. It’s great to have that space to relax and reflect at the end of the day. In some hotels you can also pay a little extra to upgrade for more space or a lovely sea view.
Yes, there are optional excursions available such as visiting the Hanging Bridges of Arenal and a bird watching tour in Arenal.
No, given the nature of our holidays, it is not possible to join the tour once it has departed.
Just You is exclusively for solo travellers, every tour includes a twin or double room of your own, with no single supplement.
Just You has been operating solo holidays for more than 15 years.
In Muelle de San Carlos, you can visit the 'Mi Cafecito Coffee Tour' to learn about Costa Rica's coffee production and sample the coffee. There is also an optional excursion to the Hanging Bridges of Arenal for a unique view of the rainforest.
The tour includes a visit to the indigenous Bribri community where you will learn about their culture and traditions, including how they use medicinal plants and produce chocolate. You will also have the opportunity to enjoy a traditional Bribri lunch.
Once you book, you will receive a confirmation invoice within 7 days, prior to departure, we will send you further information to help prepare for your trip.
At Just You, we are committed to operating our business operations responsibly, with integrity and always act ethically in all our business dealings and relationships. We are committed to implementing and enforcing effective systems and controls to ensure slavery and human trafficking does not take place in our own business or in any of our supply chains
If we can accommodate a change in date - we will always do our best to help you. Just pick up the phone and ask one of our friendly advisors - just make sure you have your booking number to hand.
The tour includes 10 nights in 4-star hotels and jungle lodges, with a guaranteed twin or double room of your own.
Typically, our customers are solo travellers in their 40s, 50s and 60s, but it’s quite possible you could meet 20-year-olds or 70-year-olds (or anyone in between)... After all, age is just a number!
In Tortuguero National Park, you can expect to see a variety of wildlife including monkeys, river otters, crocodiles, caimans, and many species of birds. The park is also a renowned nesting site for sea turtles.
We have received the World Travel and Tourism Councils (WTTC) Safe Travels stamp, which recognises businesses and destinations worldwide that have adopted a new set of global protocols to support the return of 'Safe Travel' around the world. The 'Safe Travels' stamp provides you, with assurance and peace of mind that we have implemented enhanced health and hygiene prprotocols on all holidays.
All the people in your group will be solo travellers and will share your sense of adventure and passion for travel. There’s usually a good mix of ages too, so you’ll meet a variety of solo travellers who have more, or in some cases less, life experience. We find the overall mix of people really adds to the whole experience and there are certainly plenty of l
We find there’s always a social element to dining, so you’ll never eat alone, unless you want to! Every holiday includes a welcome get-together, all breakfasts and many other meals. When a meal is not included we find travellers meet and dine together.
Yes, and all of our accommodation providers will be working to the very highest standards of hygiene – you already always enjoy a private room of your own on all of our trips, all of our partners will be guided by local government operational standards of hygiene and the new protocols we have issued to them.

You will have the option to book your own flights independently with the operator.

Dates Price Availability
01-Nov-2025
for 0 Nights 		Single Flight Included £4999.00
15-Nov-2025
for 0 Nights 		Single Flight Included £4999.00
03-Jan-2026
for 0 Nights 		Single Flight Included £4899.00
24-Jan-2026
for 0 Nights 		Single Flight Included £4899.00
07-Feb-2026
for 0 Nights 		Single Flight Included £4999.00
28-Feb-2026
for 0 Nights 		Single Flight Included £4999.00
14-Mar-2026
for 0 Nights 		Single Flight Included £5249.00
31-Oct-2026
for 0 Nights 		Single Flight Included £5074.00
14-Nov-2026
for 0 Nights 		Single Flight Included £5074.00

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This tour is operated by Just You

12 days from £4899 pp inc.flights; Enquire
Start:San José, Costa Rica
Finish:Arenal, Costa Rica
Group size:15 - 20
Suitable for: 18-99
Physical rating:Medium
Diets:Vegetarians, Vegans, Please make us aware of any specific dietary requests
Tour operated in: English
map
Tour Reference: SLCO2
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2 Call directly 0203 7939446