Costa Rica: From the Caribbean to the Pacific

Location: San José

Depart from London Gatwick on your direct British Airways flight to San Jose. On arrival you will be met and transferred to the four-star Crowne Plaza Corobici Hotel where we stay for one night with breakfast. The remainder of the day is at leisure.

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals: Breakfast

Location: Tortuguero

After an early start, we leave the city behind, on our way to Tortuguero, on Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast, passing by coffee and banana plantations and small farming communities. We arrive at the dock where we transfer on to our boat for the final part of our journey through the complex maze of natural canals to our home for the next two nights, either the Aninga, Evergreen or Pachira eco-lodges, on full board basis. After lunch we visit the nearby small picturesque town of Tortuguero and the Caribbean Conservation Corporation museum dedicated to studying the thousands of Atlantic Green, Hawksbill and Leatherback turtles who come to lay their eggs on the protected beaches here between July to October every year. As the sun sets and the sounds of the tropical forest fill the air, you may look forward to sampling some typical Costa Rican cuisine in the hotel’s restaurant.

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Location: Tortuguero

After breakfast we set off for a fascinating walk along one of the nature trails around our lodge. After some time to relax by the pool during the hottest part of the day, in the afternoon we continue our exploration by boat, along the lush green waterways of this unique eco-system.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Location: Arenal

This morning we set off westwards through the centre of the country towards Arenal, famous for the perfect symmetrical cone of the Arenal Volcano, Costa Rica's youngest volcano. After a stop for lunch we arrive in Arenal in the afternoon, staying three nights at the four-star superior Tabacon or four-star Arenal Manoa Hotel, with breakfast. Dinner is included tonight.

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Location: Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge

Today we head north, close to the Nicaraguan border, to the Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge. Here we embark on a boat to quietly float along the Frio River – your local guide will point out what’s considered to be some of the most abundant bird life in Costa Rica. Iguanas, caimans and numerous monkey species can also be spotted along the river banks. Lunch is included.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Location: Caño Negro

A day to take it easy at your hotel – after a sumptuous breakfast, settle down around the pool with its swim-up bar and wonderful views of the volcano. Just an easy walk around the grounds is sure to offer plenty of chances to spot some local wildlife. Tonight, why not enjoy an optional evening cooking class with dinner included.

Meals: Breakfast

Location: Monteverde Cloud Forest

In the morning, embark on a walking tour in the foothills of Arenal Volcano, enjoying more close-up scenic views of the Volcano. We turn south today to drive towards the Monteverde Cloud Forest, staying for two nights with breakfast at the four-star El Establo Hotel. Dinner tonight is included at your hotel.

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Location: Rincon De La Vieja National Park

This stunning Cloud Forest boasts an extraordinarily diverse ecosystem, being home to 120 species of reptiles and amphibians, 130 species of mammals and an astounding 500 species of birds, not to mention more than 3,000 species of plants. Possibly the best way to enjoy all this is from above: the Sky Walk Hanging Bridges are a system of walkways that offer a unique view into the jungle from up to 180 feet above the forest floor. If you’re feeling really adventurous (and at extra charge), this is where you can also enjoy what is considered to be the country’s best ‘zip-line’ experience. This afternoon enjoy lunch and a tour of a traditional Costa Rican coffee farm where you’ll see how one of Costa Rica's top exports is grown in this tropical region and its importance in the development of the country as a whole. Dinner tonight is included.

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Location: Guanacaste

This morning we drive towards the shores of the striking Pacific coast to the region of Guanacaste, one of the most beautiful places in the country, with an exotic combination of exquisite beaches and an exuberant tropical forest. On the way, we stop at the bustling town of Liberia, for some free time to have a stroll and maybe sample some of the local cuisine.<br/><br/>Our hotel for three nights with breakfast will be the five-star JW Marriott Resort & Spa, close to the charming seaside resort of Tamarindo, where it’s not unusual to see iguanas and white-faced monkeys on the beach!<br/><br/>This evening we’ll take you into Tamarindo where there’s plenty of great food, music and friendly bars to choose from.

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals: Breakfast

Location: Palo Verde National Park

Today, we take a guided tour to Palo Verde National Park, one of Costa Rica's most popular conservation areas. Its wide range of land and marine biodiversity make this one of the Central America’s most impressive natural habitats. Your local guide will lead you by boat through the waterways of this tropical paradise to discover a unique combination of thick coastal forest, rivers and mangrove lagoons which are home to more than 109 species of mammals and 184 species of birds. You’ll observe several species of monkeys, iguanas, and birds and possibly even the three-toed sloth.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Location: Tamarindo

Enjoy all the pleasures of your final day in your luxury hotel. You can take it easy on the beach or beside the hotel pool, with a pina colada or daiquiri in hand, play a round of golf, try out the spa or perhaps join the optional cruise along the coast with picturesque views and time for snorkelling. A farewell dinner in Tamarindo is included tonight.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Location: San José

Travel back to San Jose airport for your overnight direct flight to London Gatwick.

Meals: Breakfast

Location: ሀመር።

We arrive home this morning.