Signature Costa Rica: The natural highlights
12 days from £3,450
Explore the tour day by day, from the highlights to the quieter moments in between. Here’s how each day unfolds and what to expect along the way.
You will be met at the airport by our local representative who will take you to your hotel in the modern capital.
The modern Hotel Presidente is located on a lively pedestrianised street right in the heart of downtown San José with many of the capital’s landmarks, including the Jade Museum and the National Theatre, just steps away.
The hotel’s public areas have an industrial aesthetic to them with exposed brick walls, parquet flooring, and black metal beams. The vintage sewing machines, sitting atop pedestals, are a nod to the building’s former incarnation as a fashion boutique. The comfortable and spacious guest rooms, in contrast, have a fresh white minimalist décor and are spotlessly clean.
One of the most attractive features of the hotel is its plant-filled rooftop bar and restaurant, a popular hangout for locals and tourists alike, with tasty food, excellent cocktails, and a sociable atmosphere.
Depart San José early in the morning for the three-hour drive towards the Caribbean Coast. It’s a scenic journey: the highway begins in the mountains which define Costa Rica’s central spine and winds its way through the misty cloud forest of Braulio Carrillo National Park before descending to the sultry coastal lowlands where banana and pineapple plantations abound. You’ll stop for breakfast en route and then continue to the small dock at La Pavona. The 1½ hour boat trip to your lodge in Tortuguero National Park is an experience in itself, with opportunities to spot birds, sloths, monkeys, and occasionally crocodiles.
A small, comfortable lodge in Costa Rica’s wildlife-rich Tortuguero National Park.
Manatus Lodge sits right in the heart of Tortuguero National Park and is only accessible by boat or light aircraft. With only 12 bungalows, the lodge offers an intimate and comfortable stay. Each bungalow features two queen beds, air conditioning, modern amenities, and a private outdoor patio with a shower – perfect for cooling down after a day’s wildlife spotting.
The lodge makes the most of its beautiful location with a swimming pool, bar, and deck area right on the water’s edge where sightings of monkeys, tropical birds, and other wildlife are common. The open-air restaurant serves à la carte dishes showcasing traditional Costa Rican cuisine.
Included in your stay are two boat trips exploring the creeks and lagoons of Tortuguero National Park, where you’ll discover its extraordinary biodiversity. Expect to spot a wealth of wildlife, from dozens of bird species to river turtles, caiman, otters, iguanas, sloths, and three types of monkey – Spider, Howler, and Capuchin. You’ll also visit the nearby Tortuguero village and the Sea Turtle Conservancy Visitor Centre.
Other adventures, such as guided night walks, kayaking, or witnessing Green Sea and Hawksbill turtles nesting (July–October), can be booked for an additional cost.
Included in your stay are two boat trips exploring the creeks and lagoons of Tortuguero National Park and discovering its extraordinary biodiversity. Accompanied by a naturalist guide and an experienced boatman you’re likely to spot a lot of wildlife, including dozens of species of bird, river turtles, caiman, otters, iguanas, sloths, Spider, Howler and Capuchin monkeys.
A visit to the nearby Tortuguero village and the Sea Turtle Conservancy Visitor Centre is also included. Other excursions such as a guided night-time walk, kayaking or watching Green Sea and Hawksbill turtles nest (July – October) cost extra.
A small, comfortable lodge in Costa Rica’s wildlife-rich Tortuguero National Park.
Manatus Lodge sits right in the heart of Tortuguero National Park and is only accessible by boat or light aircraft. With only 12 bungalows, the lodge offers an intimate and comfortable stay. Each bungalow features two queen beds, air conditioning, modern amenities, and a private outdoor patio with a shower – perfect for cooling down after a day’s wildlife spotting.
The lodge makes the most of its beautiful location with a swimming pool, bar, and deck area right on the water’s edge where sightings of monkeys, tropical birds, and other wildlife are common. The open-air restaurant serves à la carte dishes showcasing traditional Costa Rican cuisine.
Included in your stay are two boat trips exploring the creeks and lagoons of Tortuguero National Park, where you’ll discover its extraordinary biodiversity. Expect to spot a wealth of wildlife, from dozens of bird species to river turtles, caiman, otters, iguanas, sloths, and three types of monkey – Spider, Howler, and Capuchin. You’ll also visit the nearby Tortuguero village and the Sea Turtle Conservancy Visitor Centre.
Other adventures, such as guided night walks, kayaking, or witnessing Green Sea and Hawksbill turtles nesting (July–October), can be booked for an additional cost.
After breakfast you’ll return to La Pavona by boat (1½ hours) before continuing by road to La Fortuna, in the shadow of Arenal Volcano (3 hours).
Arenal Manoa is a resort in the foothills of Arenal Volcano, a 10-minute drive from the town of La Fortuna and 20 minutes from the national park. With good quality accommodation and a range of facilities, as well as impressive views of the volcano throughout the property, it’s a great place to stay.
The resort is spread out and surrounded by beautifully maintained tropical gardens, attracting a lot of birdlife and ensuring the 80 rooms retain a sense of privacy. Accommodation is spacious and bright and comes with air-con and a private terrace with either garden or volcano views.
For an upgrade guests can stay in one of the ten Chato Suites with their own private plunge pool and a spacious deck replete with multiple lounging options as well as an outdoor shower, perfect for an afternoon’s relaxation after a morning full of adventure.
Facilities include a small complex of hot springs, two swimming pools, an open-air riverside spa and three on-site restaurants serving a la carte menus, pizza and sushi.
The 225-hectare El Silencio Private Reserve is a short drive from La Fortuna and offers a selection of hiking trails in the foothills of Arenal Volcano. Accompanied by a guide who will tell you all about the area’s history and geology, you’ll follow the 1km Lava Field’s trail which climbs up to a viewpoint overlooking the volcano. Although very short, the trail is quite steep in places and generally uneven due to the black jagged rocks which once exploded out of the volcano, most notably in 1968.
After the hike, you’ll be taken to Ecotermales hot springs to relax and enjoy the waters which are naturally heated by the volcano. The natural-looking pools, lined with stone and filled with crystal-clear water, are set in a river gorge surrounded by lush vegetation, and vary in temperature from 38ºC to 43ºC.
Arenal Manoa is a resort in the foothills of Arenal Volcano, a 10-minute drive from the town of La Fortuna and 20 minutes from the national park. With good quality accommodation and a range of facilities, as well as impressive views of the volcano throughout the property, it’s a great place to stay.
The resort is spread out and surrounded by beautifully maintained tropical gardens, attracting a lot of birdlife and ensuring the 80 rooms retain a sense of privacy. Accommodation is spacious and bright and comes with air-con and a private terrace with either garden or volcano views.
For an upgrade guests can stay in one of the ten Chato Suites with their own private plunge pool and a spacious deck replete with multiple lounging options as well as an outdoor shower, perfect for an afternoon’s relaxation after a morning full of adventure.
Facilities include a small complex of hot springs, two swimming pools, an open-air riverside spa and three on-site restaurants serving a la carte menus, pizza and sushi.
Experience the rainforest from a completely different perspective on today’s excursion. A 3km trail is linked by six elaborate suspension bridges – some measuring almost 100m in length and 50m off the ground – and ten smaller fixed bridges. Constructed from galvanized steel and aluminium, the bridges are strategically placed in the jungle canopy so you can expect to spot a wide range of birds (350 species have been recorded), plants, and insects.
Arenal Manoa is a resort in the foothills of Arenal Volcano, a 10-minute drive from the town of La Fortuna and 20 minutes from the national park. With good quality accommodation and a range of facilities, as well as impressive views of the volcano throughout the property, it’s a great place to stay.
The resort is spread out and surrounded by beautifully maintained tropical gardens, attracting a lot of birdlife and ensuring the 80 rooms retain a sense of privacy. Accommodation is spacious and bright and comes with air-con and a private terrace with either garden or volcano views.
For an upgrade guests can stay in one of the ten Chato Suites with their own private plunge pool and a spacious deck replete with multiple lounging options as well as an outdoor shower, perfect for an afternoon’s relaxation after a morning full of adventure.
Facilities include a small complex of hot springs, two swimming pools, an open-air riverside spa and three on-site restaurants serving a la carte menus, pizza and sushi.
From your hotel it’s a short drive to the shores of Lake Arenal where you embark a boat to take you across the lake (30-40 minutes) to Rio Chiquito. As you cross the lake there are beautiful views of the mountains and the colossal Arenal volcano itself. From the other side of the lake it’s a further 2 hours to Monteverde.
This is one of Costa Rica’s original upcountry lodges and still one of the best. The superb Monteverde Lodge & Gardens nestles within the cloud forest of the Tilaran Mountains, looking out over a striking landscape of crumpled, forested ridges.
This eco-conscious property is built of wood and glass in Scandinavian style, and has two wings with simple rooms that vary in size, all with solar-heated showers. Natural light enters through large floor-to-ceiling windows, and the premier rooms have balconies fringing the cloud forest.
There is an open-plan restaurant with an open log fire and views out over the beautiful landscaped gardens, which are full of native plant species and attract a wide variety of wildlife. In addition to the heated outdoor pool there’s a large hot tub in which to unwind at the end of a busy day exploring the natural surroundings.
The Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve was founded in 1972 and extends down both slopes of the Tilarán Mountains. It is home to more than 100 species of mammals, 400 of birds and 1,500 of plants. Walking along the well-marked trails, amidst dense, dripping foliage, you are likely to encounter the Resplendent quetzal. Other species include the Three-wattled bellbird, the Emerald toucanet, and White-faced and Howler monkeys.
This is one of Costa Rica’s original upcountry lodges and still one of the best. The superb Monteverde Lodge & Gardens nestles within the cloud forest of the Tilaran Mountains, looking out over a striking landscape of crumpled, forested ridges.
This eco-conscious property is built of wood and glass in Scandinavian style, and has two wings with simple rooms that vary in size, all with solar-heated showers. Natural light enters through large floor-to-ceiling windows, and the premier rooms have balconies fringing the cloud forest.
There is an open-plan restaurant with an open log fire and views out over the beautiful landscaped gardens, which are full of native plant species and attract a wide variety of wildlife. In addition to the heated outdoor pool there’s a large hot tub in which to unwind at the end of a busy day exploring the natural surroundings.
Travel by road (4 hours) to Nosara, a small town on the Nicoya Peninsula on the Pacific coast. Secluded and tranquil, this stretch of Pacific coast is popular with surfers and those looking to ‘get away from it all.’ The surrounding tropical dry forest attracts nature lovers with hiking trails to explore by foot or horseback.
Set on a bluff overlooking a string of beaches and the Pacific Ocean, Lagarta Lodge has a privileged location on Costa Rica’s undeveloped Nicoya Peninsula and is one of our favourite hotels.
It isn’t a beachfront hotel but there are several beautiful beaches nearby which you can reach on foot or using the complimentary shuttle service. Playa Pelada, a sheltered bay with calm waters, is the closest and a 15-minute walk away. To the south is Playa Guiones, an impressive 7km long and a popular spot for surfing, and to the north is Playa Ostional, a nesting ground for olive ridley sea turtles. If you’re lucky, your stay may coincide with an ‘arribada’ when thousands of turtles come ashore to lay their eggs on the beach.
The property comprises 36 spacious suites each with its own veranda or terrace and decorated in neutral colours to reflect the natural surroundings. Meals are served at the al-fresco Chirriboca restaurant which focusses on local, organically grown produce, and the Gecko Lounge is perfect for a sundowner. Wherever you are in the hotel you will be treated to a breathtaking view.
This is an ideal place to spend several days at the end of your trip, relaxing and enjoying the scenic setting and facilities. There are two infinity pools, a pool with a wet bar, a children’s pool, and a jacuzzi, as well as a spa and yoga studio.
Those feeling more active can explore the adjacent nature reserve, a unique subtropical dry forest, on their own or in the company of a naturalist guide. The walk takes two hours and mornings in particular offer good wildlife-spotting opportunities: howler monkeys, anteaters, coatis, raccoons, iguanas, butterflies, insects, and many species of birds. Other activities such as boat trips on the Rio Nosara and surf lessons can also be booked.
Spend your time relaxing beside the pool, walking along the endless sandy beaches or watching tangerine sunsets over the Pacific ocean. Those looking for something more active can go surfing at nearby Playa Guiones, or hiking and birdwatching in local nature reserves.
Playa Ostional, a short drive from Nosara, is also one of the world’s largest nesting grounds for olive ridley sea turtles. Watching innumerable turtles come ashore to lay their eggs is quite the spectacle between July and December and can be arranged as part of a guided tour.
Set on a bluff overlooking a string of beaches and the Pacific Ocean, Lagarta Lodge has a privileged location on Costa Rica’s undeveloped Nicoya Peninsula and is one of our favourite hotels.
It isn’t a beachfront hotel but there are several beautiful beaches nearby which you can reach on foot or using the complimentary shuttle service. Playa Pelada, a sheltered bay with calm waters, is the closest and a 15-minute walk away. To the south is Playa Guiones, an impressive 7km long and a popular spot for surfing, and to the north is Playa Ostional, a nesting ground for olive ridley sea turtles. If you’re lucky, your stay may coincide with an ‘arribada’ when thousands of turtles come ashore to lay their eggs on the beach.
The property comprises 36 spacious suites each with its own veranda or terrace and decorated in neutral colours to reflect the natural surroundings. Meals are served at the al-fresco Chirriboca restaurant which focusses on local, organically grown produce, and the Gecko Lounge is perfect for a sundowner. Wherever you are in the hotel you will be treated to a breathtaking view.
This is an ideal place to spend several days at the end of your trip, relaxing and enjoying the scenic setting and facilities. There are two infinity pools, a pool with a wet bar, a children’s pool, and a jacuzzi, as well as a spa and yoga studio.
Those feeling more active can explore the adjacent nature reserve, a unique subtropical dry forest, on their own or in the company of a naturalist guide. The walk takes two hours and mornings in particular offer good wildlife-spotting opportunities: howler monkeys, anteaters, coatis, raccoons, iguanas, butterflies, insects, and many species of birds. Other activities such as boat trips on the Rio Nosara and surf lessons can also be booked.
The places you’ll stay and explore on this tour. Here’s a closer look at each one and what makes it worth the trip.
Costa Rica - San Jose, central highlands and central valleys
The cultural and geographical heart of Costa Rica, where volcanic landscapes, coffee plantations, fertile valleys and historic towns surround the country’s busy capital. Central Highlands Costa Rica holidays and San José city break itineraries both tend to start here, combining culture, nature, cuisine and easy access to many of the country’s highlights.
Costa Rica - Caribbean coast
Volcanic-sand beaches, dense tropical rainforest, banana plantations and wildlife-filled waterways create a completely different atmosphere from the country’s Pacific shores on Costa Rica’s Caribbean Coast. From the canals of Tortuguero National Park to laid-back Caribbean beach communities, this stretch of Caribbean Coast Costa Rica offers exceptional wildlife encounters and rich Afro-Caribbean culture.
Costa Rica - Arenal and the north
One of Costa Rica’s most iconic regions, where a perfectly conical volcano rises above rainforest, wildlife-rich reserves, hot springs and adventure-filled landscapes. From Arenal Volcano to cloud forest, hanging bridges and rushing rivers, this is Costa Rica at its most classic – and Arenal Volcano holidays remain some of the country’s most memorable.
Costa Rica - Monteverde and the cloud forest
Monteverde holidays offer the chance to explore one of Costa Rica’s richest cloud forests, where mist drifts through moss-covered trees and orchids thrive amongst abundant wildlife. Famous for its atmospheric scenery and spring-like climate, Monteverde is also one of the best places in Central America to spot the resplendent quetzal.
Costa Rica - Nicoya Peninsula
Costa Rica’s laid-back Pacific paradise, where long stretches of golden sand, hidden bays and coastal villages create the perfect beach escape. Separated from much of the country by the Gulf of Nicoya and Guanacaste’s dry ranching landscapes, the Nicoya Peninsula Costa Rica keeps largely to itself, offering a peaceful, authentic side of the country.
Tiny Costa Rica is bursting with an extraordinary diversity of flora and fauna, and this trip provides an in-depth exploration of its natural highlights as your journey from one coast to another.
Beginning on the Caribbean Coast, explore the jungle waterways and mangrove forests of the wildlife-rich Tortuguero National Park. Continue to Arenal and bathe in naturally heated thermal springs in the shadow of the picture-perfect volcano, before heading to Monteverde and its trio of cloud forest reserves, and ending with a few days’ relaxation on a beach on the Nicoya Peninsula.
Costa Rica is one of the most peaceful and stable countries in the world and its people are among the friendliest in Latin America. The comprehensive network of national parks with their extensive trails is always very accessible. In line with its respect for the great outdoors, Costa Rica has been at the vanguard of adventure tourism, with activities on offer from zip-lining to white-water rafting.
Sally Dodge
All of our experts have lived or travelled extensively in Latin America, so you will receive unrivalled advice based on unique personal experiences.
The practical detail for this tour, all in one place. Transport, accommodation, what’s included and what to pack, so you know exactly what to expect before you go.
- Summary of Nights
12 days, 11 nights: San José 1; Tortuguero 2; Arenal 3; Monteverde 2; Nosara 3.
- Accommodation
We use a mix of hotel standards from mid-range upwards, choosing accommodation we think is great value, comfortable, well-located and which showcases a touch of local character. Properties will vary in heritage from colonial style, to modern, purpose-built developments, but will all be well-equipped with rooms that have private bathrooms. All accommodation is flexible and can be tailored to meet your specific preferences and requirements.
- Transport
5 road journeys (longest 5 hrs) and two hour long boat journeys.
- Meals
Breakfast daily, lunch & dinner days 2 & 3, lunch or dinner on day 5.
- Guides
Our local, trusted and carefully selected partners understand the expectations of our customers very well, and their staff and guides are consistently singled out for praise by clients on their return. On this holiday, you will be joined by different guides for each activity and or region, ensuring you benefit from specialised expertise and knowledge, often from someone local to the area.
- Optional Excursions
As well as any included activities, this Private Journey includes some free time for optional excursions. As optional excursions are often subject to availability, we recommend you discuss and arrange them with your Travel Expert as early as possible before you depart.
- When is the best time to visit Costa Rica?
Despite its small size, Costa Rica has a number of distinct microclimates. The best time for wildlife lovers to visit Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast may be from July-August to watch nesting turtles. However, the wettest months are September to October. The rest of the country experiences a dry season Dec-April, when there is plenty of sun and temperatures are high, and a rainy season from May-Nov. However, this is variation between regions: for example, the rainy season often starts a month earlier in the south Pacific, while the northern areas, including the Guanacaste coast, are not as affected by the seasons and are generally much drier. The highlands and cloud forests have warm temperatures during the day but the high altitude means evenings are much cooler.
For more detailed information on the best time to visit Costa Rica, go to our When To Go section.
- What is the official language of Costa Rica?
The official language of Costa Rica is Spanish.
- What is the national currency of Costa Rica?
Colón is the national currency of Costa Rica. Notes can be withdrawn from the many ATMs using a UK credit or debit card. There is at least one in most main towns. You may have to authorise your bank first, and withdrawals may be limited to amounts lower than in the UK. US dollars cash can be exchanged in banks too. US dollars themselves are widely accepted.
- What is the time difference between Costa Rica and the UK?
The time difference between the UK and Cosa Rica is GMT -5 hours.
- Do I need a visa to travel to Costa Rica?
Holders of a full British passport do not require a visa, although passports must be valid for at least 6 months after the trip begins. Anyone with a different nationality should enquire with us or check with the relevant consulate.
If flying to the US, or via the US you will need to fill in your online ESTA application. - What vaccinations are recommended for visiting Costa Rica?
Please check Travel Health Pro for information on health recommendations and vaccinations for the destinations you are visiting. Please note that many Latin American countries require proof of vaccination against Yellow Fever if you have recently travelled to another country where Yellow Fever is present.
- What places combine well with Costa Rica?
- How do I get to Costa Rica?
To get to Costa Rica there are flights from London to San José via US and European hubs.
- What are the cultural and sport events in Costa Rica?
Some of the cultural events that take place in Costa Rica include:
International Arts Festival in San José in March with music, dance, and film art exhibitions. Monteverde Music Festival takes place in Monteverde between Jan – Feb.
Why choose Journey Latin America for your holiday
We’ve been planning trips to Central and South America for over 45 years, longer than any other UK specialist. Every holiday is built around you by a Travel Expert who has been to the places they recommend, with support from your first enquiry to the day you fly home.
Rosie embarked on a year-long backpacking trip across Latin America. She is excited to share her knowledge and experiences with others.
Finn discovered his passion for travel on an extensive 18-month trip to Latin America, experiencing the vibrant Carnaval in Rio, the end-of-the-world city of Ushuaia, trekking the Andes and volunteering on the Galápagos Islands.
Maggie visited Latin America on her first backpacking trip when she was 19. Since then, she has taken every opportunity to travel, and has managed to explore a lot of the region in subsequent trips.
Gary discovered what he had been missing with his first foray into the wilds of Latin America. In his role as Product Manager, he combines this personal obsession with years of industry experience to help ensure that travellers will fall for the region every bit as much as he has.
Things to do
We proudly offer the widest range of activities, excursions and one-of-a-kind experiences across all our destinations, tried and tested personally by our travel experts.
An early-morning kayaking trip through the backwaters of Tortuguero offers the chance to watch the jungle awake.
Watch an extraordinary natural event take place on Tortuguero’s beaches as giant leatherback turtles arrive en masse to lay their eggs.
Bathe in steaming pools of naturally warm water set into a verdant river gorge.
Cross wobbly hanging bridges on a 3km trail through the tropical rainforest.
Explore the channels and lagoons of a rich marshland ecosystem.
See the resplendent quetzal in its natural habitat on a jungle trail through the cloud forest.
Accommodation
Browse our unrivalled portfolio of accommodation. Every option has been carefully chosen by our team of travel experts, so you can rest assured that you will relax in utter comfort
A small, comfortable lodge in Costa Rica’s wildlife-rich Tortuguero National Park.
Modern San Jose hotel with rooftop bar and an unrivalled location in the heart of the city.
Lagarta Lodge is a luxurious, eco-friendly property on Costa Rica’s Nicoya Peninsula offering intimate first class accommodation, spa, gourmet restaurants and fabulous ocean views.
Papagaio
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