Value Costa Rica: The essential highlights
12 days from £1,900
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.
Drive from San José through the misty cloud forest of Braulio Carrillo National Park to the sultry lowlands of the Caribbean Coast and the small dock at La Pavona (3 hours). It’s then a 1 ½ hours boat ride along canals and through mangroves before you arrive in the small, ramshackle village of Tortuguero, which gives you an insight into the way of life in this remote region. Your lodge is a short distance away but only accessible by boat.
Tortuguero National Park was originally intended to conserve a major nesting beach of the Atlantic green sea turtle. Now it is one of the last protected areas of tropical rainforest in Central America, with 11 different natural habitats. 3 species of monkeys (Spider, Howler, and White-faced), Three-toed sloths, and river otters are frequently seen along the natural inland waterways and canals.
Caimans, iguanas, river turtles, basilisk lizards and poison-dart frogs inhabit the area, along with more than 320 species of birds including all 6 species of kingfishers, 3 species of toucans, 8 species of parrot, and other tropical species such as the Slate-tailed trogon, White-collared manakin, Purple-throated fruit crow, and White-fronted nun bird.
Aninga Lodge sits in the heart of the mangroves of the watery wilderness of Tortuguero National Park, accessible only by boat.
Connected by a series of raised walkways are more than 30 simple but spacious, comfortable cabins with private bathrooms and balconies. The living is simple here, as expected from such a remote location. Entertainment is provided by the prolific surrounding wildlife, including countless birds, sloths, lizards and howler monkeys.
Buffet-style meals are served in the lodge’s restaurant and bar, and there’s a turtle-shaped pool as well as the spa. Bi-lingual tours of the national park and fishing excursions are available, and if you’re visiting between July and September you can witness the unforgettable arrival of green sea turtles.
The waters in the national park are black, owing to tannins from trees in the area, and flow slowly. Spend a couple of hours gently meandering the canals in a guided boat, spotting birds, mammals, and reptiles in beautiful scenery. The early start means you will see the wildlife at its most active. The remaining time can be spent relaxing at your lodge or participating in some of the activities available. These include a visit to Tortuguero village and the Sea Turtle Conservancy Visitor Centre, and, in season (July – October) watching Green Sea and Hawksbill turtles nest.
Aninga Lodge sits in the heart of the mangroves of the watery wilderness of Tortuguero National Park, accessible only by boat.
Connected by a series of raised walkways are more than 30 simple but spacious, comfortable cabins with private bathrooms and balconies. The living is simple here, as expected from such a remote location. Entertainment is provided by the prolific surrounding wildlife, including countless birds, sloths, lizards and howler monkeys.
Buffet-style meals are served in the lodge’s restaurant and bar, and there’s a turtle-shaped pool as well as the spa. Bi-lingual tours of the national park and fishing excursions are available, and if you’re visiting between July and September you can witness the unforgettable arrival of green sea turtles.
Return to La Pavona by boat (1 ½ hours) before continuing by shared shuttle bus to your hotel close to La Fortuna, in the shadow of Arenal Volcano (3 hours).
Although eruptions and lava flows are infrequent these days – there hasn’t been any significant activity since 2010 – the perfectly conical Arenal Volcano is still an impressive sight. On a shared tour to the El Silencio Private Reserve you’ll hike across lava fields from previous eruptions (most notably in 1968) to a superb viewpoint overlooking the volcano. Keep an eye out for wildlife too with toucans, orioles, peccaries, and monkeys commonly seen.
Today you have a free day to explore the region. There are many adventurous excursions on offer including: kayaking on Lake Arenal; whitewater rafting on the Río Balsa; walking through the rainforest canopy on a network of hanging bridges; ziplining; and canyoning. Alternatively, near the border with Nicaragua, you can take an enchanting boat trip through the Caño Negro Wildlife Reserve, a lowland forested wetland teaming with wildlife and hundreds of species of bird.
Take a ferry across Lake Arenal (40 minutes) and continue by road to Monteverde (2 hours). High up in the rolling Cordillera de Tilarán mountain range, Monteverde is surrounded by native cloud forest, a misty and magical ecosystem rich in wildlife.
The Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve sits at a slightly higher elevation (over 1,500m) than the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. Founded in 1992 by a group of Canadian volunteers, it receives far fewer visitors than its better-known neighbour but has just as many species: quetzals, deer, sloths, ocelots and howler and capuchin monkeys. There are 12km of trails, three lookout points, and an observation tower from which you can see five volcanoes on a clear day. It’s an atmospheric place with mosses, ferns and flowers embellishing the trees, while vines dangle over the trails.
Travel by shared shuttle bus to Manuel Antonio on the Pacific coast (4 hours). When we first went there 40 years ago, its beaches were visited only by monkeys and backpackers. Now you’ll find tourists from all over the world but it’s still a gorgeous place graced with exquisite natural beauty.
The small yet rather grand-looking Villa Bosque with its colonial air and traditional style has a privileged location a stone’s throw from Manuel Antonio National Park. Equally near are the pearly-white sands of Espadilla beach and the lively local village.
Villa Bosque is a clean and friendly place to stay and the staff are very welcoming, offering to help at every opportunity. The décor mixes dark classical furniture with touches of the vibrant colour typical of Central America.
The hotel offers a wide range of excursions (at extra cost), and has an outdoor swimming pool with panoramic views of the surrounding wilderness. There is a bar area and restaurant specialising in seafood.
Manuel Antonio National Park is one of the smallest but best regarded national parks in Costa Rica. Its setting is lovely – wild, tropical beaches and rocky outcrops backed by lush forest. It has a network of trails where you may see a variety of reptiles, as well as monkeys, sloths, armadillos, racoons and over 350 species of birds.
The small yet rather grand-looking Villa Bosque with its colonial air and traditional style has a privileged location a stone’s throw from Manuel Antonio National Park. Equally near are the pearly-white sands of Espadilla beach and the lively local village.
Villa Bosque is a clean and friendly place to stay and the staff are very welcoming, offering to help at every opportunity. The décor mixes dark classical furniture with touches of the vibrant colour typical of Central America.
The hotel offers a wide range of excursions (at extra cost), and has an outdoor swimming pool with panoramic views of the surrounding wilderness. There is a bar area and restaurant specialising in seafood.
Time to sit back and relax on the beach or by your hotel’s swimming pool. If you’re looking to do something more active, we can arrange for you to go kayaking through the mangroves of the Damas Island estuary, 15km north of Manuel Antonio.
The small yet rather grand-looking Villa Bosque with its colonial air and traditional style has a privileged location a stone’s throw from Manuel Antonio National Park. Equally near are the pearly-white sands of Espadilla beach and the lively local village.
Villa Bosque is a clean and friendly place to stay and the staff are very welcoming, offering to help at every opportunity. The décor mixes dark classical furniture with touches of the vibrant colour typical of Central America.
The hotel offers a wide range of excursions (at extra cost), and has an outdoor swimming pool with panoramic views of the surrounding wilderness. There is a bar area and restaurant specialising in seafood.
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 - Pacific coast
Rolling surf, golden sands, tropical forests and wildlife-rich national parks combine along Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast to create one of Central America’s most rewarding beach destinations. Stretching between the Nicoya and Osa Peninsulas, this stretch of Pacific Coast Costa Rica offers a real balance of relaxation, adventure and nature.
This short budget holiday saves you money by using modern, shared minibuses for transport between hotels. Combine outdoor adventures with beach wind-down time on the Pacific coast. Costa Rica is bursting with an extraordinary diversity of flora and fauna and its people are among the friendliest in Latin America. The comprehensive network of national parks with their extensive trails is very accessible.
Begin your trip visiting the Caribbean jungle waterways and mangrove forests of the wildlife-rich Tortuguero reserve; Move on to Arenal and chose from a variety of activities in the shadow of the picture-perfect volcano; Discover the densely packed canopy in the Monteverde cloud forest, with its rich bird and animal life in view; before travelling to the Pacific coast for a couple of days’ relaxation at a hotel close to Manuel Antonio National Park.
Sophie Barber
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.
- Transport
5 road journeys, 2 boat transfers, and 1 short ferry ride.
- Accommodation
This trip combines friendly mid-range hotels with well-equipped rooms, as well as comfortable but not luxurious wildlife and beach lodges. Accommodation throughout Costa Rica is of a high standard.
- Meals
Breakfast daily; full board on days 2 & 3.
- Guides
We carefully select our local partners, some of whom we have worked with for over 25 years. Their English-speaking guides understand the expectations of our clients very well, and are consistently singled out for praise by clients on their return.
- Summary Of Nights
12 days, 11 nights: San José 1; Tortuguero 2; Arenal 3; Monteverde 2; Manuel Antonio 3.
- Currency
The unit of currency in Costa Rica is the colón.
- How To Take It
Cash machines are available in San José, La Fortuna (Arenal) and Santa Elena (Monteverde). Taking a debit or credit card with a PIN number is the most convenient way of withdrawing money while on your trip and in many shops and restaurants you can also pay by card. However, since cards can get lost, damaged, withheld or blocked, you should not rely exclusively on a card to access funds.
We recommend that additionally you take a reasonable quantity of US dollars cash (no more than is covered by your insurance), which you can exchange into local currency in San José and possibly some travellers’ cheques, though these are increasingly falling out of use. (American Express cheques are the most widely accepted). Dollar bills should be in good condition, soiled or torn bills may be refused. You can exchange sterling but the rate may be unfavourable and there are fewer outlets providing this service.
- Daily Spend
It is very difficult to give a guideline for essential expenses but a budget of around US$40 per day should cover the cost of meals not included in the holiday itinerary, drinks and the odd souvenir.
- Tipping
Tips are expected and local guides often rely on their tip as a significant proportion of their income.
Most service industry workers will expect a tip of some kind and so it is useful to have spare change for hotel porters, taxi drivers and the like. It is common to leave 10 – 12% in restaurants.
- Insurance
Travel insurance is essential.
Details of our recommended policy can be found on our Travel Insurance page.
- Airport Taxes
Departure tax from San José is normally included in the price of your airline ticket.
- Visas
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.
- Trip Suitability
Generally this holiday is suitable for all able, reasonably fit visitors, including families with children.
Transport is by regular fixed-route and fixed-time shared minibus, which will collect you from and deliver you to your hotels.
Bear in mind it is a relatively active trip. On the whole trails are good and easy to follow.
- Climate
The trip covers climates ranging from tropical lowland to more temperate zones in the highlands. Those travelling between May and October journeys should encounter high temperatures (around 35°C) and high humidity in the lowlands. The ‘official’ rainy (green) season is May to November.
December to April visitors will still encounter high temperatures in lowland areas, but cool evenings around Arenal and San José with temperatures falling to around 5°C. Rainfall and humidity will be much lower at this time.
For your beach wind-down on the Pacific coast good weather is a priority, so most visits are in the dry season December to April when there is plenty of sun. It’s hot all year round (often over 30°C). The busy times for visitors are the dry season months, especially weekends and Easter week. The green (i.e. rainy) season is much quieter.
- Clothing And Special Equipment
Bring plenty of light cotton clothing and good, comfortable walking shoes. A waterproof jacket is also necessary. We suggest that you plan to ‘layer’ your clothing; it is easier and more efficient to put on a couple of light layers than one thick jumper, and sensible to have long sleeves for areas where mosquitos may be lurking. Sandals are a good informal option for evenings. Protection against the sun (sunblock, sun hat) and mosquito repellent are essential and you should bring swimwear. A daypack is useful for carrying sunblock, guidebook, water and any extra layers. If you have your own binoculars we strongly recommend taking them.
Please get in touch with the office before departure if you have any doubts. Good equipment is very important and hard to come by in Central America.
- Vaccinations
Preventative vaccinations are recommended against the following; typhoid; polio; tetanus; hepatitis A. For specific requirements you must consult your GP.
You can also find helpful information on the Masta Travel Health website.
- 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.
Watch an extraordinary natural event take place on Tortuguero’s beaches as giant leatherback turtles arrive en masse to lay their eggs.
See the resplendent quetzal in its natural habitat on a jungle trail through the cloud forest.
Cross wobbly hanging bridges on a 3km trail through the tropical rainforest.
An early-morning kayaking trip through the backwaters of Tortuguero offers the chance to watch the jungle awake.
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
This remote lodge offers a rustic but breathtaking escape 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.
Colonial-style hotel in a superb location, with traditional décor and touches of Central American colour.
Papagaio
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