Holidays in Costa Rica, from packages to super luxury - we are the Costa Rica specialist tour operator from the UK - the perfect Costa Rica holiday combination

Day 1 – Arrive in San Jose
Welcome to Costa Rica. Arrive at Juan Santamaria International Airport. After passing through Immigration you will be met by one of our representatives, who will take you to your hotel and give you your welcome kit. Overnight in San Jose City.

Day 2 – Transfer to Tortuguero National Park
Early in the morning your guide will meet you at your hotel and transfer you to the Lodge on the beachfront in Tortuguero National Park on the Caribbean side of Costa Rica. A navigable network of lakes and canals cross the National Park and activities include day excursions to Tortuguero National Park, visit to the town. The lodge includes swimming pool, relaxing ranchos with hammocks, nature trails, beach access by foot, comfortable rooms. Specialised naturalist guides. Apart from the boat tours along the canals of the national park (or even beyond), you can walk along the pristine beach, or visit the simple Tortuguero village and the Caribbean Conservation Corporation’s visitor centre and turtle museum. If energetic, you can also climb the only hill in the area, the short but steep 150m high Cerro Tortuguero, for a great scenic view of the canals and ocean

Day 3 – Tortuguero National Park
Opportunity to explore the Tortuguero National Park area. Hiking and boat trips are included.
On turtle nesting season (July to October), there is an optional tour at night available upon request at the hotel (Not included).

Day 4 – Self-drive to Puerto Viejo.
After breakfast, boat and ground transfer to Siquirres, where you will receive your vehicle Daihatsu Terios or similar at midday to start your self-drive adventure and drive to the exotic south Caribbean (estimated driving time 2-3 hours)

At the finest hotel in Puerto Viejo, you will stay in a Standard bungalow. Hard wood bungalows few steps from white sand beaches, nestled in a lush tropical garden surrounded by uncontaminated beaches and wild tropical jungle. Spacious rooms in palm-thatched duplex bungalows, with private bathrooms decorated in mosaic, hot water, ceiling fans, mosquito nets, and inviting porches with hammocks.

Day 5 – Puerto Viejo. Cariblue Hotel

Day 6 – Selfdrive to Sarapiquí.
The idea of creating a place for further conservation of nature and eco-development, in combination with sustainable tourism, education and scientific research, has become reality with the integrated, holistically inspired Centro Neotrópico SarapiquíS (CNS).The architecture of the CNS Ecolodge is inspired by the indigenous pre-Columbian construction techniques of the region, used by natives far more than 1000 years.

Day 7 – Sarapiqui.

Day 8 – Seldrive to Arenal Volcano.
Nothing short of “awesome” is the only way to describe the feeling one has when seeing Arenal Volcano for the first time. Moving through the valleys of the agriculturally rich Northern Zone up through San Carlos and into the towering rain forest, this is one of the most inviting regions in Costa Rica.

Day 9 – Arenal Volcano.
Optional activities: Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge, Tour to the Arenal Volcano and Tabacón Resort Hot Springs, Sport Fishing in the Arenal Lake, Arenal Volcano Hike Tour, Mountain Biking, Venado Caves Tour, horseback Riding to Arenal Volcano, Peñas Blancas Safari Float

Day 10 – Self-drive to Rincón de la Vieja NP Area.
Along the Pan American highway you will discover Guanacaste and Rincon de la Vieja National Park
The climate in this national park is so diverse that areas with a severe dry season lasting 4 or 5 months are immediately followed by others, near the summit or on the Caribbean side, where there is constant rainfall, which gives rise to a forest mass rich in epiphytes. The differences in altitude and climate play an important role in the distribution of the flora and fauna. Resident species include the reslendent quetzal, three-wattles bellbirds, morpho butterflies, tapir, coatimundis and three kinds of monkeys. The park also has small geysers, bubbling mud pots and mineral hot springs.
Famous for its rare and gorgeous cloud forest and friendly community, Monteverde's refreshing climate and peacefulness allows you to enjoy one of Costa Rica's most beautiful locations.

Day 11 - Rincón de la Vieja NP Area.
Secluded in the picturesque mountains of the Rincon de la Vieja Volcano, your mountain hotel resort is the perfect place for rest and relaxation or simply the ideal place to let go with a wide array of outdoor activities. Surrounded by magnificent views and exquisite forests, the hotel offers spacious luxury bungalows and villas that combine rustic design with modern.
You may enjoy many outdoor activities such as Natural Hot Spring Pools, Forest Hikes, Thermal Sauna, ATV Safari's, Mud Bath, Canopy Tour, Horse-back Rides etc.

Day 12 – Self-drive to Monteverde Cloudforest.
Founded in the 1950's by a group of Quakers from the U.S., Monteverde has gained international renown as one of the most outstanding wildlife sanctuaries in the tropics. The reserve spreads out over 10,500 hectares of land that hold six different life zones. The climate and terrain of the preserve produce an incredible bio-diversity. There are at least 400 bird species in this high elevation rain forest, including the Resplendent Quetzal, ancient holy bird of the Mayans, over 100 species of mammals, 120 species of amphibians and reptiles and an estimated 2,500 species of plants making Monteverde a true "nature lover's paradise". Delicate orchids, more than 400 species, grace the limbs of majestic trees. Their captivating colors of whites, lilacs, and yellows contrast with the emerald green of the forest.
Aside from the preserve, some other places merit attention while you're staying in nearby Santa Elena. The Children's Eternal rain forest, the first international children's rain forest in the world, the Monteverde Butterfly Garden, and the Hummingbird Gallery a must for those with a penchant for these winged, coloured jewels of the forest, to name a few.

Day 13 – Monteverde
Optional visits The Sky trek -a secure system of trails and zip lines, in the Monteverde Cloud Forest that offers visitors the opportunity to observe and appreciate the nature from different vantage points. The Serpentarium (Snake farm), The Frog Pond, Skywalk - a combination of suspension bridges and platforms built in the cloud forest, that offers an opportunity to explore the forest canopy in a safe and easy manner, or take a night tour at the Ecological Farm

Day 14 – Self-drive to Manuel Antonio NP area
Manuel Antonio National Park covering almost 1,800 acres attracts the visitor with gorgeous hiking trails through abundant, tropical jungle that borders white sand beaches and blue-green waters. The evergreen fascinating forest is the home of about 100 species of mammals and 180 kinds of birds. A hiking trail through dense vegetation all around the cape enables one to catch the beautiful sight of 12 smaller islands just in front of it. A splendid combination of nature experience and beach fun.
The elegant Mediterranean-styled architecture and decor of your hotel, harmoniously combined with the trimmings of traditional Spanish government-sponsored inns called "paradors" and the sophisticated atmosphere of Central European "boutiques hôtels." All this in the midst of exotic tropical gardens inhabited by colorful birds, fascinating iguanas, playful monkeys, with the backdrop of golden sunsets and warm hospitality. Beach only 5 minutes away by free shuttle.

Day 15 – Manuel Antonio. Hotel Parador

Day 16 – Drake Bay
Self drive to Sierpe for 11:00 am boat transfer from Sierpe to lodge which can be a bit rough due to tides and waves, but is the only way to arrive at this wonderful area of Costa Rica. This is part of the adventure in the Corcovado National Park area.
The South Pacific Coast of Costa Rica is claimed by National Geographic as “one of the most biologically diverse regions on earth”. It is an enchanting oasis filled with exotic wildlife, friendly and diverse people, and stunning natural landscapes. The region has the highest percentage of protected land devoted to national parks and private reserves, including Ballena Marine National Park, Caño Island Biological Reserve, Corcovado National Park, Piedras Blancas National Park, and Amistad International Park. Its varied topography, extending from high mountain plateaus to marine environments with beautiful unspoiled beaches and endless acres of lush rainforest and waterfalls, allows for the existence of just about every type of bird (over 450 species counted!), animal and insect known to the country.
Enjoy beautiful panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean from your hilltop facilities, which are exposed to cooling sea breezes. The lodge was built in harmony with the surrounding rain forest and beach environment. Accommodation at bungalow with private balcony and are fully screened.

Day 17 – Drake Bay. Marenco Lodge. (B,L,D). Caño Island Tour (Included).
The Isla del Caño lies 17 kms due west of your hotel. The island and its environs invite study from several points of view. It is Costa Rica's largest concentration of coral-building organisms along the Pacific. Schools of tangs, jacks and needlefish, as well as moray eels, wrasses and huge trigger and porcupine fish present an ever-changing panorama to those who venture below the surface. Boring sponges, Diadema sea urchins, sea cucumbers, many crustaceans and calcareous alga mats and balls add to the variety of life found among the Porites and Pocillopora corals of these reefs. Marine life is abundant in the general vicinity of the island. Fishing boats take tuna, shrimp, shark, mackerel, snapper, and sardines in quantity. Manta rays are often seen breaching. Dolphins are encountered daily, and Olive Ridley sea turtles (Lepidochelys olivacea) are commonly observed swimming and even mating as they travel to and from the sandy beaches of the peninsula where they lay their eggs. Humpback whales are seasonally present and often sighted from your hotel. Snorkeling gear for rent available on lodge.

Day 18 – Drake Bay. (B,L,D). Corcovado Tour (Included).
This full day tour, accompanied by a naturalist guide, begins right after breakfast. A short 25-minute boat trip from Marenco´s landing takes you to San Pedrillo Station, the northernmost ranger station of Corcovado National Park. After disembarking, there is a walk of about an hour along the beach, to a forest trail up the Rio Pargo. Once more the rain forest story unfolds before you. The trees in this area are magnificent in height and support an outstanding variety of epiphytic plants such as orchids, bromeliads, ferns-even shrubs and small trees. Monkeys, agoutis, sloth and other critters will entertain you. By noon, the tour returns to the beach to enjoy your packed lunch in the shade of a mango tree while watching the surf. Then a short walk; the San Pedrillo river (time to get your feet wet) brings you to a pristine rain forest waterfall. As always keep your eyes peeled for beautiful birds and secretive wildlife. Kingfishers and Jesus Christ lizards are residents of this river. In late afternoon, we board the boat for return to the hotel.

Day 19 – Self-drive to San Gerardo de Dota.
Your hotel is a farm of 105 acres, located at an altitude of 700 ft (2200 mts) above sea level, near El Cerro de la Muerte. This is the perfect hideaway for nature lovers, birdwatchers and those wanting to get away from it all.
The cosy and relaxing ambiance of the Lodge makes you feel at home away from home. The misty and beautiful surroundings provides a unique opportunity to enjoy the views and sounds of the cloud forest, as well as discover the wonders of Costa Rica's unspoiled ecology.
The clean waters of the Savegre River run through the property with its waters on an endless travel through the rocks. The river hosts a large population of Rainbow trout and is a supply of potable water to the area.
The hotel features comfortable rooms all with private bathroom and hot water, a heating unit especially necessary on the area's chilly nights, and a view of the Savegre River or the forest.
The recently enlarged family-style restaurant " El Quetzal " serves a selection of high quality Costa Rican food, including the famous "Olla deCarne" (Vegetable and meat soup), served every Saturday and cooked in wood stoves, the way our ancestors used to cook. At the adjacent bar area, you can enjoy tranquil garden and river views, as well as fresh coffee-based drinks and cocktails.

Day 20 – Self-drive to San Jose. Drop off rental car at Hotel

Day 21 – Transfer to San Jose airport

Tour cost based on Double/Twin room with car rental Daihatsu Bego

High Season (November 01, 2009 – April 30, 2010)
from £ 2485 per person

Special Season (May 1 – October 31, 2010. Except July and August).
from £ 2302 per person

Green Season (July 1 - August 31, 2010)
from £ 2290 per person

Rate based on double occupancy. Local Taxes included. Subject to availability.

Single Supplement: £ 1488

Prices are 'Land only' and do not include international flights, the price of which are dependant on airline used and your date of departure. We will be happy to arrange these flights for you, or you can make your own arrangements if you prefer.
Please contact us for further information