Classic Costa Rica
Suggested Itinerary
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Overview
Sandwiched between the Pacific Ocean on one side and the Caribbean on the other, tiny Costa Rica hosts an unparalleled array of flora and fauna. Its stunning mix of high mountains, lush rainforests and protected coastline can boast one of the richest concentrations of biodiversity on earth.
Home to the largest percentage of protected area anywhere in the world, this spectacular adventure takes you from Costa Rica’s bustling capital and deep into the rainforests of Tortuguero, Arenal ...
Sandwiched between the Pacific Ocean on one side and the Caribbean on the other, tiny Costa Rica hosts an unparalleled array of flora and fauna. Its stunning mix of high mountains, lush rainforests and protected coastline can boast one of the richest concentrations of biodiversity on earth.
Home to the largest percentage of protected area anywhere in the world, this spectacular adventure takes you from Costa Rica’s bustling capital and deep into the rainforests of Tortuguero, Arenal and Monteverde, where you can search for sea turtles, quetzals and sloths by boat, on foot and from zip lines. There will also be time to enjoy a fascinating chocolate and plantation tour, take a dip in hot volcanic springs and relax on the white sand beaches of the Pacific.
A comprehensive discovery of one of Central America’s most breathtaking natural gems, this is a journey into the wild heart of Central America, travelling in the company of local guides and naturalist experts, to explore a country that has long been respected for its progressive environmental policies.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
- Take a chocolate tour at a cocoa plantation
- Visit Don Juan Farm to learn about sustainable agriculture and enjoy lunch with his family
- Search for sloths and quetzals in the Monteverde Cloud Forest
- Bathe in volcanic hot springs heated by Arenal Volcano
- Enjoy the pristine beaches of Manuel Antonio National Park
- Navigate the swamp canals of Tortuguero by boat in search of turtles and caiman
Suggested Itinerary
This is a suggested itinerary. Our experts have all travelled widely in the region and will be happy to tailor any of our itineraries to suit your tastes, or build a trip from scratch.
Day 1 SAN JOSE
Day 1 SAN JOSE
Your journey begins in Costa Rica's bustling capital, one of the youngest in Central America. Set in a fertile landscape of coffee and sugar cane plantations, San José was founded in the middle of the 18th century by order of Cabildo de León and today provides us with one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the region. On arrival you will be met at the airport by your local guide and transferred to your hotel.
Day 2 SAN JOSE - TORTUGUERO NATIONAL PARK
Day 2 SAN JOSE - TORTUGUERO NATIONAL PARK
The drive on towards the Caribbean coast today traverses most of Costa Rica's varied terrain, taking you across mountainous divides, through lush rainforest and past banana plantations towards the deserted beaches of the Tortuguero National Park. Encompassing a vast expanse of evergreen swampland and volcanic islands, the park is famed for its large green sea turtles, which come to these protected shores to lay their eggs during the nesting season (July and September). You will cross Braulio Carrillo National Park, banana plantations and the town of Guapiles until you reach the dock to board a boat to Tortuguero. The boat ride to Mawamba Lodge takes around an hour depending on water levels. This afternoon sees you enjoying a privately guided visit to Tortuguero village. Participate in the artisanal process of harvesting, drying and grinding the cocoa beans and learn why cocoa was so important to the Mayas, Aztecs and Caribbean pirates. Enjoy dinner in a local restaurant owned by the wonderful Miss Junnie.
Day 3 TORTUGUERO NATIONAL PARK
Day 3 TORTUGUERO NATIONAL PARK
Boasting over 20 miles of coastline and 11 different habitats, Tortuguero is a haven, not only for turtles, but also for spectacled caiman, manatees, sloths and three of Costa Rica's four species of monkeys. You will spend the day visiting Mawamba Park within the lodge’s grounds. See the butterfly farms, frog garden, the bio-digester and river turtles' area. Then, continue exploring the lodges nature trails. This afternoon sees you navigating the parks tranquil canals by boat, discovering a beautiful and timeless landscape that was formed by a combination of river sedimentation and volcanic activity from the young mountains that lie farther inland.
Day 4 TORTUGUERO - LA FORTUNA
Day 4 TORTUGUERO - LA FORTUNA
Following breakfast, you will be transferred to the local airstrip by boat for your flight to La Fortuna. La Fortuna is known as the base from which to explore the magnificent Arenal Volcano and national park. Naturally heated thermal springs originate from its depth, so several places in the area offer the chance to be surrounded by nature and waterfalls while soaking and relaxing on the mineral waters. Upon arrival, you will be taken to Tabacon Hot Springs to enjoy the naturally heated waters and a delicious meal. Then continue to Arenal Springs Resort & Spa, your base for the next two nights.
Day 5 ARENAL
Day 5 ARENAL
The smouldering cone of Arenal, Costa Rica's most active volcano, rises over 1,630 metres above the park beside the waters of the largest man-made lake in the country. A ride on the exhilarating Sky Tram to the top of the reserve presents some spectacular views of the lake and its surrounding forest. It also provides the starting point for a breathtaking adventure through the treetops, as you negotiate a series of zip lines across the park. After an exciting morning, you will visit Don Juan Farm to learn about sustainable agriculture (Don Juan Farm uses no pesticides and attracts a variety of bird species) and traditional sugar processing. Don Juan invites you into his family home and to take a tour of the plantation before sitting down to a delicious mouth-watering lunch made with some of the products he produces.
Day 6 ARENAL - MONTEVERDE
Day 6 ARENAL - MONTEVERDE
The journey towards Monteverde today begins by boat and crosses Arenal Lake, an ideal way to take in the stunning volcanic scenery and the forested peaks of the Tilaran Mountain Range. Arenal Lake is the largest and the most important lake in Costa Rica, it was made in 1974 to provide hydroelectric energy for the country. The boat ride provides the opportunity to view some of the abundant species and wetland birds that have made these lake shores their home. Disembark and take an hour and a half (weather dependent) minibus to Monteverde Country Lodge. The Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve is a superlative natural setting with over 2,000 species of plants, some 400 different types of birds and over 100 mammal species settled within its lush confines.
Day 7 MONTEVERDE
Day 7 MONTEVERDE
One of the last remaining refuges of the rare and colourful Resplendent Quetzal, the Monteverde Cloud Forest is made up of 90% virgin forest. Spanning six ecological zones, it can boast some 5% of the total biodiversity of the entire planet and a gentle hike through it today provides the perfect setting to learn more about its history, flora and fauna. Alongside the quetzal, you could also hope to see sloths and primates, rare golden toads and wild pigs and any one of half a dozen species of beautiful hummingbirds.
Day 8 MONTEVERDE - MANUEL ANTONIO
Day 8 MONTEVERDE - MANUEL ANTONIO
Heading down the Central Pacific coast today you’ll stop beside the Tarcoles River for a jungle river and crocodile adventure. Along the banks of the Tarcoles lies the opportunity to observe one of the largest populations of American Crocodiles on the continent. Take by boat to explore the mangrove swamp area with its four different mangle species, each one representing an important ecological habitat for the different bird species and fauna of the region. Enjoy fresh fruit and an ice-cold beer, tropical cocktail, or soft drinks during the tour. Then it is on to Parador Boutique Resort & Spa in Manuel Antonio National Park, located along Costa Rica's Pacific coastline just to the south of the city of Quepos.
Day 9 MANUEL ANTONIO NATIONAL PARK
Day 9 MANUEL ANTONIO NATIONAL PARK
A national treasure, Manuel Antonio National Park has been voted amongst the most beautiful anywhere. Boasting one of the most impressive landscapes of any national reserve, the park is a wondrous mix of mountains and forests, beautiful coral reefs and white sand beaches. In the company of a naturalist guide today, you will set off in search of sloths and hunt for several types of non-poisonous snakes as you listen to the birdsong echoing through the forest. Afterwards there will be the opportunity to enjoy some of the unspoiled beaches, before returning to the hotel for your final evening.
Day 10 MANUEL ANTONIO - SAN JOSE
Day 10 MANUEL ANTONIO - SAN JOSE
A private transfer back to San José in time to catch your international flight back home.
SUGGESTED ACCOMMODATION
Parador Boutique Resort & Spa, Manuel Antonio
Nestled between the blue Pacific and extensive rainforests, this award-winning eco-luxury resort is a great way to experience the beauty and nature that Manuel Antonio has to offer. Located just a stone’s throw away from Manuel Antonio National Park, it is not uncommon to find some of the local wildlife in the hotel grounds, or you can follow one of the many nature trails to really explore the surrounding rainforests for yourself. Alternatively, you can visit the peaceful cove of Playa Biesanz. Soak up the ocean, garden or rainforest views from one of the 129 rooms and suites, which you can access on foot or by golf cart. Parador boasts four ocean-view restaurants and luxury spa services, as well as three pools with incredible sea views.
Mawamba Lodge, Tortuguero
Mawamba Lodge is a 30-year-old, rustic eco-lodge in Tortuguero National Park, a short boat ride from Tortuguero town. Their superb guides will help you get the most from your time exploring the area’s maze-like lagoons, wildlife-rich rainforest and turtle beaches. Mawamba consists of 58 simple but comfortable rooms. Choose from a standard room or Japanese-style superior room, all without air-conditioning. Buffet meals are served at the family-style poolside restaurant which is very close to the beach, whilst the café serves drinks and snacks. When not exploring, it’s nice to relax by the swimming pool and look out for the iguanas that roam the gardens, unwind on the hammock river pontoon or play a game of beach volleyball. Within Mawamba’s grounds are butterfly and frog gardens, and the beach is just a short stroll away (swimming is prohibited) where turtles nest between July and October. For a more private dining experience, there is a dining barge with a restaurant and toilets, providing a romantic lunchtime or sunset meal. We recommend checking out tree frog walkway beside the pool.
Arenal Springs, Arenal
Located half-way between the quaint town of La Fortuna and the Arenal Volcano National Park, Arenal Springs Resort’s vast grounds, previously a livestock farm, mean that guests have everything they need right at their fingertips. Hotel facilities include multiple outdoor swimming pools, three restaurants, serving Italian, sushi and Costa Rican fare, a fitness centre, a spa and a yoga deck. Guests also have access to a thermal river and the horses’ stables. Rooms are split into two room categories, with popular junior suites affording direct views of the volcano. Décor inside the rooms is greatly inspired by the hotel’s surroundings, from tropical themed interiors and in-room rock jacuzzi tubs to local-wood furniture and complimentary artwork, all tastefully done to bring the hotel’s surroundings alive. The hotel is family-friendly and offers connecting rooms. All rooms are housed in individual, bungalow-style accommodation laid out across the grounds and connected to each other and the main building via paved roads.
Park Inn, San Jose
The Park Inn is a great option in central San Jose, in a quiet part of the city close to downtown. The stylish rooms are air conditioned with modern amenities such as king or queen size beds and orthopedic mattresses. Whether you are recovering from a long flight or day of sightseeing, the outdoor pool and gym is a welcome retreat. The modern and upbeat restaurant serves high quality international cuisine throughout the day. Located close to the airport, business centres, restaurants and museums, this is the ideal accommodation for business and leisure travelers.
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Accommodation listed here is intended as a guide only, to give you a taste of what we can do. Our experts can tailor any aspect of this itinerary and accommodation to suit your budget and tastes.
GUIDELINE PRICE & WHAT’S INCLUDED
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WILD MILES
ACCOMMODATION
Wild Miles Club
When you book a trip with Wild Frontiers you are awarded points, which are based on the return distance from London to the arrival city of your trip. Points are awarded for all our holidays, including both our escorted group tours and tailor-made trips. When you accrue points, you will qualify for the following discounts on all future bookings:
| Blue | More than 10,000 points | 2.5% discount |
| Bronze | More than 30,000 points | 5% discount |
| Silver | More than 45,000 points | 7.5% discount |
| Gold | More than 60,000 points | 10% discount |
This itinerary is aimed to give you an idea of what we can offer. The price shown above is per person, based on two people travelling outside of peak periods. As this itinerary is only a suggestion and can be tailor-made to suit your interests and budget, your final price may differ.
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Richard is our Latin America expert, who has travelled extensively in the region.
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