Itinerary Highlights
  • Time your visit to watch turtles nest or hatch in Tortuguero National Park

  • Try out white water rafting, canyoning and ziplining in the cloud forest

  • Hike the foothills of dormant Arenal Volcano and relax in the geothermally-heated waters of its nearby hot springs

  • Surf, snorkel and soak up the sunshine on the beaches of the Nicoya Peninsula

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Costa Rica stakes its reputation on the concept of Pura Vida (or 'pure life'), protecting the natural environment and prioritising ecotourism. This is what makes it such a delight to visit. This two-week itinerary is packed with wildlife spotting opportunities in some of the most spectacular volcanic, coastal and river landscapes on the planet.


Embrace the Pura Vida lifestyle upon arrival in Costa Rica with a stay in Tortuguero National Park, one of the best places for experiencing the country’s incredible array of wildlife. Look out for howler monkeys and watch turtles hatching on the beach during the summer. Along the way, you’ll be able to sample plenty of traditional tico (Costa Rican) cuisine.


While in Pacuare, zipline through the canopy, white water raft on the river and relax with some pampering spa treatments. Onwards to Mount Arenal, ride the Sky Tram gondolas through the canopy for incredible views of the volcano, before heading to Nosara. Soak up the sunshine on the Nicoya Peninsula, snorkel in the turquoise waters and stroll along the pristine sand, as you treasure your final days of Pura Vida.

Route

Everything is 100% tailored to you
DAY 1

ARRIVAL IN COSTA RICA

Catch either a direct flight from London, or fly to Paris first and take a connecting flight to San Jose. Either way you will arrive in Costa Rica’s capital by early evening thanks to the six-hour time difference. Complete immigration and customs formalities and then your driver will meet you and take you to your San Jose hotel, where you can enjoy a relaxed dinner before bed.

DAY 2

SAN JOSE TO TORTUGUERO

Costa Rica is famous for its wildlife and nowhere more so than in Tortuguero National Park. If you're here in season (our summer) the action centres on the local turtle population, but at other times of year there's still plenty to see. Transportation from San Jose is via a short domestic flight to Tortuguero. With no roads through the national park, access to your lodge involves a two-hour boat trip. Once you've settled into your lodge, take a walk through its extensive gardens where you might spot snakes, lizards, howler monkeys and a variety of birds. After dark, if it's turtle nesting season (July to October) join an organised tour with a qualified local guide. On the beach, watch as the female turtle lays her eggs and then pushes her way back to the sea. Later in the season, you might catch the magical moment a baby turtle hatches from its egg.

DAY 3

WILDLIFE SPOTTING IN TORTUGUERO

This morning enjoy a leisurely boat trip through the canals and waterways of the lagoon at Tortuguero. Slip silently through the water as your guide points out some of the local wildlife that calls Tortuguero home, including monkeys, snakes and birds. Later, pay a visit to Tortuguero Town to get a feel for local life. It's a colourful place and a great spot to pick up a souvenir. Before you leave, pay a visit to the Sea Turtle Conservancy research centre to learn more about the work they do in helping to protect these fascinating creatures. Fishing, kayaking, birdwatching and rainforest canopy tours can also be organised during your stay.

DAYS 4 & 5

ACTION-PACKED PACUARE

Depart Tortuguero by boat this morning and head towards the Pacuare River in the Limón Province of Costa Rica. Stay for two nights at a 'back to nature' eco-lodge, nestled within the rainforest near the riverbank. There are plenty of activities on offer here and you can spend your time swimming, fishing, exploring the surrounding rainforest and visiting an indigenous community. Adrenaline junkies are sure to be tempted by the thrill of white water rafting along the river's rapids, or ziplining through the rainforest canopy. For something a bit more sedate, perhaps hike an ancient trail to a local waterfall or, accompanied by a local guide, head out for an afternoon of bird spotting. The hotel is also equipped with a spa for unwinding after action-packed days, while evenings can be spent enjoying candlelit dinners beneath the stars.

DAY 6

DEPART FOR ARENAL

In complete contrast to the waterways of Tortuguero and Pacuare, Arenal's scenery is dramatic and rugged. Dominated by the cone-shaped volcano (which until 2010 spewed lava down its flanks almost every night), it's a feast for the eyes. The volcano is dormant now, but no less impressive for it. Even getting there is fun, as you'll raft out of Pacuare and then be driven by private 4x4 to your hotel in Arenal. Relax this afternoon and explore the verdant surroundings.

DAY 7

ENJOYING NATURE'S LANDSCAPES NEAR ARENAL

After a delicious breakfast, you'll ride the Sky Tram gondolas which will take you up to the rainforest canopy. Watch out for sloths, birds and butterflies as you glide through the trees. Alight at the observation deck and if you wish, ride the zipline course through the trees. If you are brave enough to keep your eyes open, there are breath-taking views of the volcano and Arenal Lake. This afternoon, ditch the harness and hike some of the trails around the base of Mount Arenal with an experienced guide. End the afternoon relaxing in the luxurious and lush setting of the nearby hot springs.

DAY 8

VOLUNTEERING AT THE ASIS PROJECT

Don closed shoes and slap on the bug repellent for this unique wildlife encounter. At Proyecto Asis, animal welfare and environmental conservation is paramount. On this tour and volunteering combo you'll have the chance to encounter the wildlife at the centre, prepare their food and clean out their enclosures. As this is a rescue centre, the type of animals varies and you may also have the chance to help build new enclosures or make toys. Recent releases back into the wild following successful rehabilitation include monkeys, anteaters, sloths, squirrels, toucans and hawks.

DAY 9

TRANSFER TO NOSARA

This morning you'll leave Arenal and enjoy a private transfer to Nosara, on the Nicoya Peninsula of Costa Rica, known for its Pacific beaches. Check into your boutique eco-lodge and spend the afternoon relaxing, while enjoying the stunning sea views.

DAYS 10 to 13

TAKE TO THE WATER IN NOSARA

Nosara is renowned as one of Costa Rica’s top surfing and yoga spots, so you can spend your mornings enjoying whichever is your preferred sport. Other water sports on offer include fishing, diving and swimming, or you can opt to simply soak up the sun's rays in this Central American corner of paradise. Explore the region’s many beaches, enjoy strolls along the sand and as dusk falls, propose a toast with a chilled G&T at cocktail hour before enjoying a meal at the hotel.

DAYS 14 & 15

DEPART FOR HOME

Sadly your Costa Rican coast-to-coast adventure has come to an end. Check out of the hotel for your private transfer to Liberia's airport. Catch your flight to Atlanta, Georgia, before hopping on your direct flight back to London, which takes around eight hours. Your flight arrives back in London in the early morning.

A Rough Idea of Price

Dependent on season, accommodation and activities
The cost for this trip starts from £4,705 per person. The final cost of the trip depends on the way we tailor it especially for you. The final cost varies according to several factors, which include the level of service, length of trip and advance booking time. The exact price will be provided on your personalised quote. The average starting price for this trip is £5,410 per person.
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