This itinerary comprises of the canal waterways of Tortuguero, the Highlands and the Pacific Coast.
- San Jose: 2 nights
- Tortuguero: 2 nights
- Arenal: 2 nights
- Monteverde: 2 nights
- Manuel Antonio: 2 nights
The itinerary covers the different contrasting eco-systems of Costa Rica and is planned to provide a comprehensive insight into a country which is so rich and varied in wildlife and nature. Any clients wishing to extend their stay for a few days by the beach or at a remote jungle lodge may do so at a supplement - please see our suggestions below.
Day 1 (Monday) Arrive at San Jose’s Juan Santamaria International airport, where you will be met by our representative. The group will then be transferred to Alta Hotel for an overnight stay. After check-in, enjoy a welcome cocktail. The guide who will be accompanying the group for the duration of the tour will then introduce himself/herself to the group and outline the itinerary. The Alta Hotel is situated in the San Rafael de Escazú area, twenty minutes drive from downtown San Jose, and 14 miles from the airport. Dinner not included.
Day 2 (Tuesday) Early departure to Tortuguero. As the transfer is partly by boat, there is a luggage limit of 12kgs per person (take separate large rucksack for convenience). Any excess luggage can be left in San Jose and will then be returned to you on day 4. Our minibus will head east to the Caribbean coast for approximately two and a half hours (breakfast en route), and you then continue by boat through narrow canals enjoying the flora, fauna and wildlife along the way. The boat journey will take approximately two hours. Tortuguero National Park is known as the Costa Rican Amazon, due to the large number of natural canals in the region. Over three hundred species of birds inhabit this area, as well as several species of monkey, caiman, river turtles and sloths. Lunch will be taken on arrival at the Lodge. Afternoon boat excursion. Dinner and overnight at Pachira Lodge.
Day 3 (Wednesday) After breakfast, full day tour of the National Park on foot and by boat (entry fee not included – payable locally), accompanied by a local guide. Lunch will be taken at the lodge followed by an afternoon boat tour to lagoons and canals to observe the wildlife. Dinner and overnight at Pachira Lodge.
Day 4 (Thursday) After breakfast, depart to Guapiles for lunch (included). Transfer to Arenal. Arenal is Costa Rica’s most active volcano, rumbling regularly and occasionally bursting into explosive life. A spectacular night-time display is a common event. Dinner at local restaurant and overnight at Arenal Springs (Junior Suite).
Day 5 (Friday) After breakfast, guided tour of the Hanging Suspension bridges of Arenal. This is a great opportunity to enjoy impressive views of the forest canopy, rivers and Arenal volcano. The complex includes 3 kilometres of trails in a 250 hectare primary forest featuring 15 bridges from 5 to 100 metres long. Lunch at local restaurant, followed by an afternoon hike with your guide to observe the cold lava rivers. Evening dinner included. Overnight Arenal Springs (Junior Suite).
Day 6 (Saturday) After breakfast, depart for the Tilaran Mountain Range to explore the small town of Santa Elena and the Monteverde Cloud Forest. The forest has incredible, lush vegetation. Most trees are covered with veritable gardens of ferns, mosses, bromeliads and orchids. Colourful birds, such as the resplendent quetzal inhabit the area. (Lunch is not included). Dinner and overnight at The Trapp Family Lodge (Superior Room).
Day 7 (Sunday) After breakfast, guided tour of the Monteverde Reserve and the hummingbird gallery. After lunch (not included), free afternoon to explore independently any of the following: the Santa Elena Reserve, butterfly farm, cheese factory, canopy tour or horse-riding. Dinner and overnight at The Trapp Family Lodge (Superior Room).
Day 8 (Monday) After breakfast, you will be driven south to Manuel Antonio National Park. This park protects 1,685 acres of coastal forest, several beaches and 12 offshore islands. Its beaches are some of the most beautiful in Costa Rica. The snorkelling is good and the forest is home to 184 bird species including the mot mot, tanagers and acaris. More than 100 kinds of mammals inhabit the park, including the rare squirrel monkey, two species of sloth and the agouti. Lunch en route. Afternoon free to relax (please note the Park is closed on Mondays). Dinner and overnight at Hotel El Parador (Superior Room).
Day 9 (Tuesday) After breakfast, guided half-day tour of the Park. (Lunch not included). Afternoon at leisure. Dinner and overnight at Hotel El Parador (Superior Room).
Day 10 (Wednesday) After breakfast, morning free to relax (or begin your extension), explore the area or have a swim in the hotel pool. Leave after lunch (not included) for San Jose. Farewell dinner in San Jose. Overnight at Hotel Alta.
Day 11 (Thursday) After breakfast, transfer to San Jose airport for your return flight, or begin your extension.
Prices
Prices per person (based on 2 sharing twin / double)
2008 departure dates
|
Monday 17 March
single supplement |
£1,726
£353 |
|
Monday 5 November
single supplement |
£1,624
£311 |
| Price includes |
Not included |
|
Return economy airfares with British Airways and American Airlines between London Heathrow and San Jose (via Miami).
Accommodation and meals basis as detailed in the itinerary
All transfers and travel by mini-bus throughout (air-conditioned)
Entrance fees to parks mentioned in the itinerary (unless specified otherwise)
Services of a naturalist/guide throughout the duration of the tour. |
Personal travel insurance
Lunches or dinners as indicated in the itinerary
Departure airport tax from San Jose of US$26 per person
Supplements for other airports, routings and airlines are available on request
Tips.
|
3 Night Extensions
Prices are per person for 3 nights based on 2 sharing twin/double. The prices include transfers and flights (where applicable). Extensions to other areas/hotels on request).
El Parador, Manuel Antonio
Superior Room, Bed & Breakfast
(including transfer to San Gildar hotel in San Jose)
|
Mar |
Nov |
|
£301 |
£253 |
| (Single Supp) |
£241 |
£204 |
Bosque del Cabo, Osa Peninsula
Deluxe Ocean View, Full Board
(including transfer and flight from Quepos to Puerto Jimenez, return transfer to lodge, flight to San Jose from Jimenez and transfer to hotel in San Jose)
|
Mar |
Nov |
|
£606 |
£544 |
| (Single Supp) |
£164 |
£146 |
Tiskita Jungle lodge, Punta Banco
Full Board, Including excursions
(including transfer and flight from Quepos to Tiskita private landing strip and flight from Tiskita to San Jose, transfer from airport to hotel in San Jose)
|
Mar |
Nov |
|
£609 |
£582 |
| (Single Supp) |
£104 |
£104 |
