Tour info

About Our Group Tours

To find out more about how our group tours including group sizes, solo travellers and why to choose us. Please click here.

Tour Leader

Due to the tour concentrating on some less explored areas of Costa Rica we felt it was essential that this tour be led by a local expert and local naturalist guides.

Summary Of Nights

12 days, 11 nights: San José 1; Tortuguero 2; Sarapiqui 2; Rio Celeste 2; Monteverde 2; Carara 2.

Accommodation

On our Discovery Journeys the standard of accommodation varies. We aim to keep the price competitive while ensuring the basic comforts. Hotels/guesthouses are comfortable and attractive in most places, and you will be pleasantly surprised. This tour visits some of the more remote areas of Costa Rica, so accomodation will vary from place to place, but all with have ensuite bathrooms and a range of facilities.

Examples of hotels/lodges used on this journey include:
• San Jose: Park Inn
• Tortuguero: Laguna Lodge
• Sarapiqui: Tirimbina
• Rio Celeste: Celeste Mountain Lodge
• Monteverde: Sibu Lodge
• Carara: Cerro Lodge

Transport

All journeys by private vehicles and boats. Travelling days between 2-4hrs.

Meals

Breakfast daily; Dinner days 5,6,8,9 and 11; Full board days 2,3,4,7 and 10.

Travelling Alone

There is no extra cost for single travellers who are willing to share a room. You will be accommodated with a same-sex member of the group who is usually also travelling solo. For single travellers who wish to be sure of having their own room there are a limited number of single rooms available, which carry a surcharge.

Trip Suitability

Costa Rica is a country where activities are based outside in the nature, so a relative level of fitness will help you make the most of trip. Most excursions will involve some walking, but your tour leader can advise on each activity and make sure it is suitable. For the more active there are opportunities for longer hikes and adventurous activities.

Climate

The trip covers climates ranging from tropical lowland to more temperate zones in the highlands. November to April when we run this tour, visitors will encounter high temperatures in lowland areas, but cool evenings in the highlands and San José with temperatures falling to around 5°C. Rainfall and humidity will be lower at this time.

Clothing, Equipment and Luggage

A daypack is essential for carrying rainwear, snacks, books/tablet and a water bottle as are comfortable walking shoes. Bring a hat with a visor, sunglasses and sunblock. Binoculars are useful for bird and wildlife spotting. Because the weather can be changeable, we recommend wearing layered clothing for excursions.

Please bring a reusable water bottle. Single-use plastic bottles are forbidden inside protected areas.

Money

Please see the Country Info tab on this holiday for our latest currency information and advice about how to take your spending money. Tipping in Latin America is almost always done using cash. It is customary to tip tour leaders, local guides, drivers, boat crews and other service providers such as restaurant staff and porters. Full tipping guidelines are sent with your confirmation documents as is advice on local costs.

Health, Entry Requirements and Insurance

For health information on travelling to Costa Rica visited including recommended vaccinations, please see https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/

All Latin American countries have specific entry regulations related to Covid 19. Please also check our Travel Hub for further information.

Holders of a full British passport do not require a visa, although passports should be valid for at least 6 months after the trip begins. Other nationalities should enquire with us or check with the consulates.

Travel insurance is essential. Details of our recommended policy can be found on the Travel insurance website.

Our full briefing dossier contains more information on vaccinations, visas and insurance and will be provided with your final travel documents or can be requested from your travel consultant at any time.

Country info

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?

A visit to neighbouring Nicaragua or Panama pairs well with Costa Rica holidays. There are land crossings to both, as well as international flights.

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.