Volcanoes, Rainforest and Manuel Antonio National Park

Sunday, 02 April 2023

Departure from UK

Depart on a direct flight to San Jose. On arrival, transfer to your comfortable lodge or hotel in the hills above the city for a 3-night stay on a bed and breakfast basis.

Monday, 03 April 2023

Irazu Volcano & Lankester Gardens

Today, enjoy a shared excursion to Cartago, the original capital of Costa Rica. At 3432 metres, the Irazu volcano is the highest active volcano in Costa Rica and it is easy to see why Neil Armstrong said that its desolate landscape looks like the surface of the moon. We also visit the lush Orosi Valley with its panoramic view of the Reventazon River and the Cachi Dam, We continue to the famous Lankester Gardens, one of the largest collections of orchids, bromeliads, ferns, and anthuriums of the region. The gardens are the legacy of Sir Richard Lankester, an English botanist who made Costa Rica his home in the late 19th century. Lunch is included today. 

Tuesday, 04 April 2023

Poás Volcano and coffee tour

Today we visit the Doka coffee plantation, owned by Costa Rican Vargas Ruiz family, pioneers in coffee production since 1931. During the coffee tour, you will learn about the whole production and processing. After an included lunch, we then visit the Poás Volcano, with its active, smoking crater and emerald green crater-lake. We continue to the stunning La Paz Waterfalls Gardens, where walkways lead you past a series of waterfalls which cut through the surrounding lush forest. 

Wednesday, 05 April 2023

Travel to Arenal National Park

This Morning, transfer to Arenal National Park where we stay for 6-nights on a bed and breakfast basis at the excellent tourist class Arenal Volcano Inn. The rest of the day is at leisure.

Thursday, 06 April 2023

Optional Hanging Bridges Tour

Today enjoy an optional half-day visit to the Arenal Hanging Bridges. Here, observe the birds, the flowers and the lush vegetation of the primary rainforest. While walking along the trails in the forest canopy the fascinating world of the tropical forest will open to you as your naturalist guide explains the species you will discover during the walk. 

Friday, 07 April 2023

Optional Arenal Volcano Trek & Hot Springs

This morning, enjoy an optional guided trek in the foothills of Arenal Volcano. You will enjoy amazing views discover a great variety of flora and fauna, such as the toucan, turkeys, orioles, peccaries, snakes and monkeys. 

In the evening, opt to visit the largest network of natural hot springs in Arenal, amid the lush vegetation to symphony of rushing waterfalls. Included tonight is an Indulgent dinner experience. 

Saturday, 08 April 2023

Optional visit to the Maleku Tribe

Today, opt to join other like-minded travellers to the northern plains, where you will walk through a local village to learn about the way of life of the Maleku tribe, their crafts, use of cocoa in their agriculture, their clothing and medicinal plants and trees used by the ancestors. Afterwards, participate in a demonstration of a traditional “Maleku” rite dramatised with his dances, songs and music characteristic of their culture. Finally, enjoy a typical local Costa Rican lunch, the Mafuriseka, which consists of a dish based on fish wrapped in banana leaves, cooked in steam; which is accompanied by vegetables and a natural fruit juice. 

Sunday, 09 April 2023

Optional Sloth Encounter and Sky Tram

An optional morning guided tour in the beautiful open areas in La Fortuna where you will observe two or three toed sloths in the wild, as well as the multicoloured toucan, the poisonous blue jeans dart frog, iguanas and monkeys, among others.

In the afternoon, perhaps experience the Sky Tram gondolas that soar smoothly over the rainforest with amazing views of the jungle, Arenal volcano and the lake. 

Monday, 10 April 2023

Optional Rio Frio Boat Excursion

Today enjoy an optional boat tour on the Rio Frio, visiting the magical Rio Celeste Waterfall and the blue lagoon, a stretch of the calm river that makes a beautiful natural lagoon. Also visit an observation deck for the Tenorio Volcano, as well as discovering the fascinating flora, fauna and wildlife on the river. Lunch is included today.

Tuesday, 11 April 2023

Travel to Manuel Antonio National Park

Transfer north along the Pacific Coast to Manuel Antonio National Park, staying for 3-nights on a bed and breakfast basis at a hotel surrounded by rainforest and overlooking beaches and coves. The pristine Manuel Antonio National Park is for many the best National Park in Costa Rica. The area has well-marked trails and is teeming with wildlife, including birds, toucans, monkeys and sloths. You can relax at your lodge, on the beach or explore the National Park on a wide range of optional activities bookable locally.

Wednesday, 12 April 2023

Wildlife, hikes and protected beaches

Today perhaps relax at your hotel, on the beach or explore the National Park on a wide range of optional activities bookable from your hotel.

Thursday, 13 April 2023

Relax on the beach

At leisure on your final day in Costa Rica. A chance to relax on the beach.

Friday, 14 April 2023

Return flight to the UK

Transfer to San Jose airport for your direct overnight flight home.

Saturday, 15 April 2023

Arrive in the UK

Arrive in the UK in the morning.