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

Day 1.- Private transfer San José.   Welcome to Costa Rica
Arrive at Juan Santamaria International Airport. After passing through Immigration you will be met by your guide. He will take you to Alta Hotel, considered one of Costa Rica’s best small luxury hotels, It combines the natural splendour of Costa Rica with old-world luxury. In a relaxed atmosphere of understated elegance, guests will always receive the finest in personalised service while enjoying Alta’s royal accommodations, extensive facilities, thoughtful amenities and fine cuisine.

Day 2.- San José.Private transfer to Orchid Botanical Garden. Alajuela. (B)
Visit to Botanical Orchid Gardens.included The Botanical orchid garden lets you experience orchid life throughout different settings such as tropical trails, varied gardens, exhibition spots, learning nurseries and more. Their goal is to maintain the garden as an ecological haven since ecological conservation is a priority for them.
At the gardens you will find trail signs that guide you along the most interesting areas. You will be in awe as you meet with the infinite variety of colorful orchids, exotic birds, majestic trees, varied tropical plants, and much more. Enjoy taking pictures on strategic spots, and also take advantage of our observation and relaxing sites.
You will have the opportunity to learn about the fascinating orchid cultivation and how to give maintenance to your own. Our “Cultivation Steps” nursery contains a complete guide about orchid life cycle, which explains in a very dynamic way how the plant develops from seed to flower.
Enjoy our permanent orchid flower exhibition. We have an exclusive greenhouse suited perfectly to display the great variety of hybrids and species present in our collection. Throughout the year, flowering is varied and continuous. January, February, and March are the months with the highest peak in flowers. During this time, you can appreciate flowered species from various countries. One example of this is the “Guaria Morada” Costa Rica’s national flower. Other types of orchids, such as hybrids can bloom up to four times a year; this means that no matter the season, you will always find surprising orchid flowers in our garden.

Day 3   Private transfer to Turrialba   (B)
Visit the Tapanti National Park, (entrance fee not included)
Tapanti National Park formerly known as Tapanti National Wildlife Refuge was established on April 23, 1992. It forms part of La Amistad Conservation Area and is one of Costa Rica’s most diverse areas. Around 45 species of mammals live in the park. Among them, some are in danger of extinction such tapir, pace, brocket deer, cotton tail rabbit, kinkajou, racoon, coatimundi, white face monkey, agouti and wild cats like ocelot, jaguarundi and margay.
The park is home to 260 species of birds such as quetzals, hawks, falcons, black guan, scoly robin, tinamou, tanagers, pigeons, doves, oropendola, golden oriole, among others. Many lizards, basilisks and snakes such as the Picado Pitviper, eyelash viper, jumping viper and side-striped palm pit viper can be found. In total there are some 28 different species of reptiles. As well there are 28 species of amphibians including salamanders, frogs and toads.
Insects are abundant and there are many species that have not yet been identified. Butterflies of brilliant colors flap theirs wings through the rich vegetation. Among the moths found there, the Thysania agripina is the largest found within North and South America. There are also numerous examples of bees, wasps and crickets.
The rich abundance of vegetation includes different species of bromeliads, ferns, epiphytes, palms, moss, orchids, heliconias. In order to have and idea what biodiverse areas these kinds of forests have, one hectare could contain from 80 to 160 tree species.
Visit to Lankester Gardens (included) There are more than 1,400 varieties of orchids in Costa Rica, and no fewer than 800 species are on display at this botanical garden in Cartago province. Created in the 1940s by English naturalist Charles Lankester, the gardens are now administered by the University of Costa Rica. The primary goal is to preserve the local flora, with an emphasis on orchids and bromeliads. Paved trails meander from open, sunny gardens into shady forests. In each environment different species of orchids are in bloom. There's an information center and gift shop, and the trails are well tended and well marked.
Plan to spend between 1 and 3 hours here if you're interested in flowers and gardening; you could run through it more quickly if you're not.
Turrialba lies in a valley that carries its name and sits on the slopes of the Turrialba Volcano. Known as the door to the Atlantic, this piece of paradise will take you out of the Central Valley and into the lowlands of the Caribbean via, a scenic road surrounded by landscapes and photo opportunities.
Overlooking the Turrialba Valley, with the magnificent Turrialba Volcano in the background, you will find Guayabo Lodge. This beautiful, light and airy lodge is located 1500 meters above sea level in a lush cloud forest environment. To reach the lodge, which is surrounded by the pastures of a dairy farm, you drive down a pristine private lane. The Lodge is a 2 hour drive from the San Jose Airport, and is ½ hour from the bustling town of Turrialba.
All 20 rooms have a local flavor, each furnished with unique Central and South American art and exquisite antique furniture. Each room has a modern bath with abundant hot water generated by solar panels, and the rooms on the second and third floors have balconies with panoramic views.

Day 4.- Free leisure day at Turrialba's Guayabo Lodge(B)

Day 5.- Arenal (B)
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.
Accommodation at Arenal Springs (standard room): Wood and concrete bungalows, with private bathroom, and air conditioning, surrounded by some of the most astonishing flora and fauna of Costa Rica, that you will be able to enjoy from your own porch with a perfect view to the volcano.
Night visit toTabacón hot water springs.included The Arenal Volcano is magnificent, drawing attention to its powerful explosions of ash and lava which appear as multicolored fireworks at night, making Arenal one of the most active volcanoes in the Américas. And if this wasn’t enough, just in front of the volcano, so close that you can feel the colossus vibrate, we will visit the most beautiful gardens with hot springs that complete the fascinating night of natural wonders. A delicious buffet dinner is included.

Day 6.-Private transfer to Monteverde (B)
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, colored jewels of the forest, to name a few.
The Trapp Family Lodge is the closest lodge to Monteverde Reserve Costa Rica (a 15 minute walk, great for bird watching), this cozy inn pays tri The Trapp Family Lodge is the closest lodge to Monteverde Reserve Costa Rica (a 15 minute walk, great for bird watching), this cozy inn pays tribute to its setting with beautiful tropical wood appointments, private balcony in each guest room, and a family-style restaurant fronted by huge picture windows and a balcony overlooking gardens and verdant rain forest. Set in a small private reserve, the lodge is ideal for families or anyone appreciative of a warm, homey atmosphere and a convenient location just a few minutes walk from the Monteverde Cloud Forest Costa Rica.
Exotic rainforest vegetation surrounds the property on all sides, and many activities await nearby. It is an ideal home away from home in this fascinating area of Costa Rica.bute to its setting with beautiful tropical wood appointments, private balcony in each guest room, and a family-style restaurant fronted by huge picture windows and a balcony overlooking gardens and verdant rain forest. Set in a small private reserve, the lodge is ideal for families or anyone appreciative of a warm, homey atmosphere and a convenient location just a few minutes walk from the Monteverde Cloud Forest Costa Rica.
Exotic rainforest vegetation surrounds the property on all sides, and many activities await nearby. It is an ideal home away from home in this fascinating area of Costa Rica.

Day 7.- Monteverde. Trapp Family Lodge. (B)
Visit to Monteverde Orchid Gardens Gardensincluded The garden contains more than 400 species including the national flower of Costa Rica, the Guardia morada (Cattleya skinneri). Larger and showier flowers include Maxillaria, Epidendrum, and Oncidium species. The smallest known orchid species in the world, Platystele jungermannioids is found in the greenhouse. Your visit helps support the scientific goals of the Monteverde Orchid Conservation and Research Project. The plants you see are study material as a biological catalog and the owners attempt to learn the distribution, habitat, flowering season, and pollinating agents of all the orchid species found in Monteverde.

Day 8.- Manuel Antonio   (B)
Enjoy a tropical rainforest lodge in a secluded setting, Manuel Antonio National Park. In this 682 - hectare national park you will see beaches, islands offshore, lush rainforest with good trails, and may have close - up encounters with monkeys, sloth's and lots of birds. Manuel Antonio National Park attracts the visitor with tropical jungle that borders white sand beaches and blue-green waters. A splendid combination of nature experience and beach fun.
The elegant Mediterranean-styled architecture and decor of Hotel El Parador, 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 at 5 minutes and free shuttle transportation available.

Day 9.- Manuel Antonio. Accommodation at Hotel Parador   (B)

Day 10.- San José. Accommodation at Hotel Country Inn & Suite – Standard Rooms(B)

Day 11.- Transfer to Juan Santamaria International Airport   (B)

Tour cost (Land only): £ 1,510 per person, based on double/twin sharing and minimum group size of 10 people

Single Supplement: £ 620

Estimated additional cost for international flights from London Heathrow to San Jose £480 to £760 per person, depending on availability at time of booking