Essential Costa Rica

10 days + beach extension

In just two short weeks you will have seen spectacular scenery, a famous volcano, beautiful white sandy beaches, a cloud forest, taken scenic boat rides, and most of all, witnessed the superb wildlife.

The wildlife here is magical - butterflies, brightly coloured birds, monkeys, lizards and much more besides. The accommodation has been chosen for its location, and so is not 5* luxury! Even so, all the rooms are comfortable and en-suite.

See the best of Essential Costa Rica...

• See the crystal clear crater lake of the Poás Volcano
• Watch turtles nesting on the beaches of Tortuguero
• Enjoy a natural fireworks show at the active Arenal Volcano
• Look out for the colourful Quetzal bird in the cloud forests of Monteverde
• San Jose
• Tropical beaches

San Jose (days 1-4)

Day 1

Fly to San Jose on an overnight flight

Day 2

Arrive in San Jose and transfer to your hotel for 2 nights. The rest of the day is at leisure

Day 3

Coffee plantation, Poas volcano, La Paz butterflies and hummingbirds

Day 4

Onward to Tortugero

Highlights

• Poas Volcano - this is an active volcano which has a steaming crater and crystal blue sulphur pools surrounded by lush vegetation
• Coffee plantation -
• La Paz Waterfall Gardens - enjoy a guided walk along the trails and a tour of the butterfly observatory and hummingbird garden

Accommodation

2 nights in San Jose (standard and deluxe options available)

Meals

Tortugero (days 4-6)

Day 4

the forests of Braulio Carrillo National Park, boat ride through the Tortuguero canals, town tour, stop at the beach

Day 5

at leisure

Day 6

onward to Arenal

Highlights

• Tortugero - home to more than 300 species of birds, fantastic scenery, and wildlife such as monkeys, crocodiles, toucans and iguanas. You can relax on the hammocks, walk the nature trails, or go down to the beach
• Braulio Carrillo National Park - these forests are home to banana plantations and canals, and you will have a boat ride through the canals to arrive at your lodge
• Around the lodge - on your day of leisure you can explore some of the trails around the lodge or to take optional excursions, including a sunrise boat ride and wildlife exploration tour through the forest and along the scenic waterways which are home to over 60 mammal and 300 bird species.
• Beach - after dinner at the lodge, you can walk along the beach and, in season (July to September), see the green turtles nesting

Accommodation

2 nights in Tortuguero (standard and deluxe options available)

Meals

Arenal (days 6 to 8)

Day 6

boat transfer to the airstrip for your flight to San Jose and onward to Arenal

Day 7

Arenal Volcano, optional canopy tours, mountain bikes, horse riding, hot springs

Day 8

boat transfer for your journey to Monteverde

Highlights

• Arenal Volcano - this is an active volcano and on clear nights provides a spectacular light show
• Around Arenal - options include volcano hikes, canopy tours, mountain biking, horse riding to La Fortuna waterfall or bathe in the hot springs at Tabacón

Accommodation

2 nights in Arenal (standard and deluxe options available)

Meals

Monteverde (days 8 to 10)

Day 8

boat and road transfer to Monteverde

Day 9

day at leisure with optional excursions to the cloud forest, the hummingbird, orchid and butterfly gardens, Sky Walk, zip line through the treetops

Day 10

Either back to San Jose or to the beach

Highlights

• Monteverde - a biological reserve which is home to many species including the endangered golden toad and the colourful Quetzal bird, along with almost 500 butterfly species
• Cloud Forest -

Accommodation

2 nights at Monteverde (standard and deluxe options available)

Meals

Manuel Antonio Beach (extension)

Day 10

travel to Manuel Antonio for the remainder of your stay

Highlights

• El Parador - Located close to Manuel Antonio National Park, this boutique spa resort is set on a Pacific bluff surrounded by tropical rainforest. Swim at the pristine beach just 10 minutes’ walk from the hotel, or enjoy the stunning ocean views from the infinity pool. There is exceptional fine dining in La Galeria restaurant, which overlooks the Pacific. The Pacifica Spa offers a range of treatments in an elegant and soothing setting. facilities include 2 restaurants, 3 bars, internet, small gym, 2 pools, tennis, miniature golf course, spa, laundry.

Meals

  Call 01462 677 111 to book your place today

	The prices are based on escorted group tours, however if you would like to travel on any date throughout the year (not just those listed below) using private transport, then the supplement will be approximately £250.