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Costa Rica Holidays

Explore land habitats & enjoy a 7-night Star Clipper Cruise

14 Night Itinerary from  £5,642

Clipper Tour

Discover natural wonders, Tortuguero flooded coastal forest, Arenal volcano and Monteverde cloud forest, and enjoy a 7-night Star Clipper cruise exploring the beautiful Pacific coast, from Manuel Antonio National Park to remote islands.

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Tour Route

Travel Highlights

  • Admire towering volcanoes, tropical rainforest and abundant birdwatching
  • Explore the backwaters and lagoons of Tortuguero National Park
  • Experience the hanging bridges and rainforest canopy of Arenal National Park
  • View the smoking green crater lake of a volcano up close
  • Enjoy a 7-night Star Clipper cruise exploring Costa Rica's beautiful Pacific Coast
  • Relive the golden age of travel on the wonderful sailing ship, Star Clipper
  • Explore off the beaten track islands and white sandy beaches at Isla Tortuga 
  • Visit Manuel Antonio National Park, a unique coastal natural paradise
  • Cruise to Golfito, Costa Rica's most southerly town

This itinerary can be tailored to your preferences by our specialist advisors, who can provide a guaranteed price based on your choice of route, duration, flights, hotels, transport and excursions.

Tour Itinerary

Scarlet Macaw

Fly to San Jose - 2 Nights

Day 1 - Fly to San Jose

Day 2 - San Jose tour & Irazu Volcano 

  • Full Description
  • Accommodation

Friday, 01 December 2023

Fly to San Jose

Take a daytime direct British Airways flight to San Jose, arriving the same evening, where you will be met by our representative and taken to your hotel for 2 nights. This is also the opportunity for our guide to provide you advice, explain your programme and answer any questions you may have.


Saturday, 02 December 2023

San Jose tour & Irazu Volcano

This morning, with our local guide visit the Irazú Volcano, with its impressive green crater lake rising out of a desolate grey moon landscape. Continue to the stunning Orosí Valley, where the Reventazón River cuts through the surrounding mountains. We visit the Lankester Botanical Gardens, housing thousands of species of plants endemic to Costa Rica. In the afternoon, your guide will take you on a walking tour of San Jose.

Balmoral Hotel

San Jose - Tourist Hotel

The Balmoral Hotel is located on Avenida Central, San Jose’s most famous street and walking distance to the historic centre. It is easy to visit  the Iglesia de la Merced, the cathedral, the central and Morazán parks, as well as the impressive gold and jade museums.

The hotel’s rooms include double beds, complimentary coffee, safe, hair dryer, FREE Wi-Fi, desk, and private bathrooms with power showers and complimentary toiletries.

There is a bar, restaurant, café, pizzeria and even a wine shop. The award-winning El Patio del Balmoral restaurant serves a variety of authentic Costa Rican specialties and international dishes in a casual and relaxing setting. There is also an on site gym.

New Gallery 7

Hotel Alta Las Palomas

San Jose - Luxury Hotel

Located on the outskirts of San Jose in Santa Ana, the 23 room Hotel Alta is an excellent base to explore the capital city and surrounding attractions, including the Poas Volcano.

Public areas include a swimming pool, excellent dining at the elegant La Luz Restaurant and bar or the more relaxed cafe de Verano.

There are 5 room types: deluxe queen, deluxe king, grand queen, grand king and a master suite. Each room is air-conditioned with private bathroom, balcony or terrace, TV, safe, hair dryer and iron/ironing board.

The rates are on a room and breakfast basis.

 

Room

Xandari Resort

San Jose - First Boutique

Xandari Resort and Spa is perfectly located for excursions to Poas Volcano, La Paz waterfall gardens, and Doka coffee plantation, and is only 30 minutes’ drive from San Jose International airport. Over 3km of scenic trails through coffee and fruit orchards lead into a lush natural tropical setting with a year-round river and five beautiful waterfalls.

The hotel consists of 24 comfortable and spacious villas, decorated in bright colours and adorned with original works of art. Set on top of a hill on a 40 acre coffee and fruit plantation, all the rooms are overlooking the Costa Rica's Central Valley, featuring private terrace. Each room has a bar kitchen and a private bathroom with toiletries. The resort has 3 swimming pools, with one overlooking the valley, as well as a spa offering a variety of treatments.

4808 Xandari Resort
Canalestprtuguero 18

Tortuguero National Park - 2 Nights

Day 3 - Travel to Tortuguero National Park

Day 4 - Exploring Tortuguero by boat 

  • Full Description
  • Accommodation

Sunday, 03 December 2023

Travel to Tortuguero National Park

Morning transfer through the mountains to the pier where we take a river journey to our lodge deep in the Tortuguero National Park, staying for 3 nights including all meals and a guided boat excursion.


Monday, 04 December 2023

Exploring Tortuguero by boat

Accompanied by guides, we explore the backwaters and lagoons by boat, observing the abundance of bird species and wildlife in this glorious jungle setting, home to spider monkeys, macaws, three toed sloths, toucans, caiman, otters and many other species.

Pachira Lodge

Tortuguero Forest & Canals - Tourist Lodge

Pachira Lodge is located only five minutes away from the entrance to Tortuguero National Park. This wild and remote area is only accessible by boat or plane and it takes 5 to 6 hours by land and boat from San Jose. Pachira Lodge offers 96 comfortable rooms with bamboo furniture and ceiling fans. The rooms are simple, rustic and comfortable, all with private facilities, hot water but without air-conditioning.

The lodge has a nicely decorated restaurant serving Costa Rican food buffet-style, a bar, a refreshing turtle-shaped swimming pool, beautiful gardens, ranchos with hammocks to enjoy the jungle and canal views.

The rates include transport from/to San Jose, all meals and guided walks and boat trips.

Pachira Lodge

Mawamba River Lodge

Tortuguero Forest & Canals - Tourist Lodge

Nestled in the lush rainforest, the lodge is the ideal hideaway for nature lovers and the perfect place to discover the wonders of the Tortuguero National Park. All the spacious and comfortable rooms are built in wood to blend in with the exuberant jungle vegetation and all feature a private bathroom with hot water and ceiling fans and offer tranquil garden views. There is a family style restaurant where you eat 3 meals a day, a pool area, games room and palapas with hammocks tucked away in the gardens - perfect for relaxing!

Every evening, there are lectures on the Tortuguero area in the conference room and you are always free to investigate the 15-acres of private nature trails, featuring an open sky butterfly farm.

The Lodge provides transfers by bus and boat, all meals, regular tours and taxes; the entrance fee to the National Park is not included.

Mawamba Lodge

Evergreen Lodge

Tortuguero Forest & Canals - Tourist Lodge

Located near the entrance to Tortuguero National Park, Evergreen Lodge offers a sustainable way to explore the rainforest from the Penitencia Canal that flows directly in front of the Lodge.

The lodge has 66 rooms and private bungalows constructed over pillars designed in a Caribbean style, with wooden and bamboo furniture. Each has comfortable beds, ceiling fans, security boxes and private bathrooms with warm water.

Public areas include a swimming pool and dining room. 

The lodge offers various excellent value packages that include guided excursions exploring Tortuguero National Park.

Evergreen Lodge has a commitment with the environment and sustainable development, due to this we have been working hard to obtain sustainability certifications by implementing different measures and programs such as but not limited to energy and water saving, recycling programs, and training programs in topics such as sustainability, and others. The objective is to use and treat the resources appropriately, as well as to contribute with the environment and the community.

Lodge walkway

Laguna Lodge

Tortuguero Forest & Canals - Tourist Lodge

Laguna Lodge is an eco-touristic lodge, located on a narrow strip of land, 650 feet wide, between Tortuguero´s main lagoon and a 5km stretch of beach on the the Caribbean Sea. The lodge has 6 acres of delightful, lush gardens, and its own botanical garden.

There are 106 rooms, each with private bathroom and ceiling fan. Public facilities include a restaurant with a wonderful view, decorated with rustic logs brought from the beach. There are 3 bars to enjoy a relaxing drink after a days exploration. The main bar overlooks the river edge with amazing sunsets. The lodge also has a large swimming pool with sun loungers.

Enjoy included guided tours during your stay, walk on the deserted beach and from July to October witness Green and Leatherback Turtles nesting on the beach; truly unforgettable.

The rates include transfers from/to San Jose, accommodation, all meals, and selected tours guided by a naturalist guide, depending on your length of stay.

Laguna Lodge

Aninga Lodge

Tortuguero Forest & Canals - First Lodge

Located only 5 minutes from Tortuguero National Park and surrounded by a network of picturesque canals, the Aninga Lodge offers a comfortable base to explore.

The lodge has 33 comfortable spacious bungalows with comfortable beds, private bathrooms, hot water and ceiling fans. Public areas include a beautiful swimming pool. an excellent restaurant, bar and a spa located on the shore of the main canal.

The lodge is committed to sustainability, many features designed to protect this special environment.

The rates include transfers from/to San Jose, accommodation, all meals, and guided boat and walking tours depending on your length of stay.

Aninga Lodge

Manatus hotel

Tortuguero Forest & Canals - Luxury Hotel

The Manatus Hotel is located 2.5km from Tortuguero town centre, very close to the airstrip that you fly into thus avoiding a long transfer by road. It is also one of the few properties that sit directly on a strip of land separating the Caribbean Sea from several canals. With only 12 bungalows with 2 Queen beds each, it really is a unique place to stay surrounded by stunning scenery. Each air-conditioned luxury bungalow has a private patio with an outdoor shower - plus TV, bathroom, FREE Wi-Fi and mini-bar.

Public areas include a bar, excellent restaurant with a la carte international menu combined with the exquisite traditional Costa Rican cuisine, a spa, gym and swimming pool. There is also a small, on-site gallery of local art.

Manatus Hotel also features some private trails to enjoy the natural surroundings and the possibilities to observe the wildlife, as well as a dock where you can enjoy the views of the calm waters of the lagoon. Kayaks can be rented to cruise the canals.

One of the biggest attractions of the region are the nesting of the sea turtles. As well as our included adventures by boat, you can also take optional guided hikes into the jungle.

Manatus Hotel

Tortuga Lodge

Tortuguero Forest & Canals - Deluxe Lodge

Overview and location

Tortuga Lodge and Gardens was the first upscale lodge built in Tortuguero National Park on Costa Rica's Caribbean Coast and remains the most comfortable place to stay in the area. Facing the Tortuguero River in its own 146 acre estate, the lodge offers a quiet, eco-friendly experience with solar powered energy, locally sourced ingredients and attractive and wooden buildings with a laid-back, tropical, yet classic design. The lodge has 20 hectares of attractively landscaped gardens with ornamental tropical trees, palms, shrubs, orchids, and other flowers that attract birds, lizards and butterflies.

Why stay here?

In a remote place like this, running a quality eco lodge with comfortable accommodation and a high standard of service is not easy, but Tortuga Lodge has got it right. Rustic elegance in the jungle.

Rooms

The 2 storey room blocks are set among the tropical gardens, with 11 downstairs terrace rooms, 12 upstairs balcony rooms, 1 large Penthouse suite and 2 family junior suites - all facing the river. The spacious rooms have quality beds, large en suite bathrooms with shower, ceiling fans and rocking chairs and hammocks in the outside terrace. There is a no smoking policy, no air conditioning or television - you will appreciate the sounds of the tropical rain forest - including a wake up call from a local howler monkey!

Food and drink

The reception, bar and superb restaurant are located in the main building built on the riverside, with veranda dining next to the water. The chef delights the guests with local and international dishes served in creative ways. All meals are served at your table. Veloso Tours recommends the full meal plan. An a la carte menu is available for all meals.

Facilities and activities

The lodge offers free Wi-Fi throughout. The stunning infinity pool features an environmentally-friendly purification system so the water does not irritate the eyes - a perfect place to relax after adventures in the jungle and the lodge's gardens. Expert-led excursions by boat exploring Tortuguero National Park are available from the lodge. These can be arranged in advance with your Veloso Tours UK travel advisor.

From July to October, the highlight in Tortuguero is standing a few feet from a 300-pound Green Sea Turtle while she lays 80-100 eggs, covers up her nest, perhaps digs a false nest to throw off predators, and finally, after more than an hour, returns to the sea.

Prices

Veloso Tours prices include room, local taxes and all meals. Packages including flight transfers from San Jose and excursions are also available. The National Park entrance fee is not included (USD $15.00 per person).

Families

Families with teenagers will appreciate the hotel's partnership with a local school where they can help teach local children with their English. Must be pre-arranged with our travel advisor. Families stay in a junior family suite with 2 beds (1 king) sleeping up to 4. Younger families benefit from up to 2 children aged 10 or younger staying FREE if sharing a room with 2 adults. The lodge offers a special 3 night family expedition package including transfers, room, meals and full excursion programme.

                                                                                           Please call us for a quote - 0208 762 0616

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

Tortuga Lodge
Mariposario 1 600X401

Arenal National Park - 3 Nights

Day 5 - Travel to Arenal National Park

Day 6 - Excursion on Arenal National Park & Trails

Day 7 - At leisure for excursions

  • Full Description
  • Accommodation

Tuesday, 05 December 2023

Travel to Arenal National Park

Our journey continues with a drive to Arenal, in the northern tropical lowlands, dominated by the picture-perfect cone of Arenal volcano. Transfer to your chosen hotel or lodge to relax. In the evening, weather permitting, witness the colourful lava flows from the volcano, quite a spectacle.


Wednesday, 06 December 2023

Arenal National Park

Today enjoy a boat ride on Arenal Lake and a guided trek in Arenal National Park, exploring the lush rainforest and admiring the volcano. You will witness the incredible lava flows and understand the flora and fauna of this unique part of Costa Rica. Birdwatchers will enjoy today as Arenal National Park is home to over 500 species of birds.

 


Thursday, 07 December 2023

At leisure for excursions

Day free to explore according to your interests. Explore further on a wide range of optional tours and excursions, including a hike in the foothills of the volcano, La Fontana Waterfalls trek, Zip-Wrire, River Rafting, Canopy Walkway, Rio Frio boat trip, Rio Celeste and more.

Arenal Volcano Inn

Arenal Volcano Park - Tourist Hotel

Arenal Volcano Inn is a cozy hotel located in front of the Arenal Volcano, just minutes away from the main attractions in Arenal National Park.

The hotel has just 25 rooms, from standard to deluxe. Each is air-conditioned with FREE Wi-Fi, private bathroom with shower, cable TV, mini bar, safe and telephone. Choose from a garden or volcano view.

Public areas include beautiful gardens with exotic plants, colourful birds and other animals. There is also  the Que Rico Arenal Restaurant offering excellent Italian, International, and Costa Rican cuisine. The restaurant offers a spectacular view of the volcano. The wood fired pizza is a must try for those who visit Que Rico Arenal.

The hotel can arrange a wide variety of activities, including zip wire adventures, treks, boat trips, horse riding and coffee plantation tours.

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Arenal Manoa Hotel

Arenal Volcano Park - First Hotel

Located a short drive from Arenal Volcano in a very natural and private environment, surrounded by the La Palma River, the Arenal Manoa Hotel is an ideal refuge for the great diversity of birds, mammals, lizards, and a large variety of plants. Surrounded by gardens, pastures and animals, the rooms have been designed so that each one offers you a panoramic view of the volcano.

Each of their 80 rooms is equipped with two queen sized beds, air conditioning, satellite television, private bath with hot water and a hair dryer, telephone, terrace with a view of the volcano, refrigerator, safe-deposit box and coffee maker.

You can enjoy the spacious gardens as well as see the daily operations of a typical Costa Rican farm - a farming tour is included. The hotel has an international restaurant, two swimming pools, Jacuzzi, wet bar, souvenir shop, Free Wi-Fi at the reception.

View of the volcano

Arenal Kioro Suites & Spa

Arenal Volcano Park - Luxury Hotel

Arenal Kioro Suites & Spa is a green-friendly luxury hotel framed by the crystalline waters of the La Palma and Kioro streams, lush, vibrant gardens and private thermal water spas. It is a peaceful setting for exploring the beauty and exhilarating activities of Arenal Volcano National Park. 

There are 53 spacious, air conditioned suites designed for couples or families. All suites include two “Juliet” balconies with panoramic volcano and mountain views, hydromassage hot tubs, minibars, coffee makers, cable television and free Wi-Fi. 

Public areas include a landscaped free-form swimming pool, the Neidin Spa, and a free shuttle to Titokú hot springs including complimentary admission to the heated hot springs pools. 

Award-winning local and international cuisine and captivating volcano views is on offer at Heliconia’s Restaurant, or enjoy poolside cocktails in the garden setting of Orquídeas Restaurant. Bar El Higueron and Sport Bar Carajillos are ideal for more casual get togethers. 

There are many optional tours and excursions bookable from the hotel.

Relax in the pool
Wonderful teak decks

Puerto Caldera - 1 Night

Day 8 - Travel to Puerto Caldera and embark the Star Clipper Classic for 7 Nights

  • Full Description

Friday, 08 December 2023

Travel to Puerto Caldera and embark the Star Clipper

Morning at leisure. After lunch, transfer to Puerto Caldera and embark the Star Clipper for your 7-night cruise including all meals and transport ashore at each port of call. Relax in your cabin and enjoy the golden age of travel on your classic sailing ship and you set sail of the beautiful Pacific coast of Costa Rica.

Marine Reserve

Quepos, for Manuel Antonio National Park - 1 Night

Day 9 - Quepos, for Manuel Antonio National Park

  • Full Description

Saturday, 09 December 2023

Quepos, for Manuel Antonio National Park

Today, enjoy exploring the small town of Quepos, the gateway to Manuel Antonio National Park. Although the rapid rise in ecotourism has meant that Quepos has been descended upon it, has largely retained it's authentic feel. There is a good restaurant scene, the streets are easy to navigate and the locals are friendly.

Explore remote islands

Golfito - 1 Night

Day 10 - Golfito 

  • Full Description

Sunday, 10 December 2023

Golfito

Arrive in Golfito is Costa Rica's most southern port town, where you spend the day ashore. It was built on bananas – the United Fruit Company moved its regional headquarters here in the '30s and remained until it's departure in the 1980s.Today it acts as a gateway to visitors who wish to surf at Pavones or take part in sport-fishing. There are plenty of other activities on offer including horseback riding, kayaking and trips to nearby mangrove forests.

Enjoy cruising with full sails

At sea - 1 Night

Day 11 - At sea

  • Full Description

Monday, 11 December 2023

At sea

Each Star Clippers ship offers a traditional and elegant way to see the world. Feel the wind fill the sails and gently carry you from one gorgeous destination to the next. During your time on board, you can choose to relax on a sun lounger or cool off in one of the pools on the top deck, while more adventurous passengers may enjoy the opportunity to climb the rigging or even have a go at steering the ship. Alternatively, you can wander the interior areas of the ship and discover relaxing lounges, and a peaceful library.

Poc Playa Nacascolo

Playa Panama, Bahia Culebra - 1 Night

Day 12 - Playa Panama, Bahia Culebra

  • Full Description

Tuesday, 12 December 2023

Playa Panama, Bahai Culebra

Arrive in Playa Nacascolo, located on Costa Rica's Pacific coast on the east side of the Papagayo Peninsula. The golden sandy beach is surrounded by headlands covered in vegetation that stay lush for most of the year allowing you to spot coatis and monkeys. It has been described as one of Costa Rica's prettiest beaches and as it's protected nythe Bahia Culebra headlands, the water is usually calm for swimming.

Poc Bahiapotrero

Playa Potrero, Flamingo - 1 Night

Day 13 - Playa Potrero, Flamingo

  • Full Description

Wednesday, 13 December 2023

Playa Potrero, Flamingo

Today we spend in this beautiful area consisting of the three seaside villages of Flamingo, Surf side and Potrero. It has an ideal beach with calm waters for a relaxing swim or a long stroll along this exquisite Pacific coastline.

Poc Tortugas

Islas Tortugas - 1 Night

Day 14 - Islas Tortugas

  • Full Description

Thursday, 14 December 2023

Islas Tortugas

Your final port of call is Isla Tortuga, widely regarded as the most beautiful island in Costa Rica. With giant coconut palms framing powder soft white sandy beaches that are lapped by crystal clear turquoise waters, this really is a tropical paradise. You can also play beach volleyball, rent a kayak, swim, or even get a ride of a glass-bottom boat. However if you are feeling adventuous you can ride the zip line as part of a canopy tour.

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Fly back to the UK - 0 Nights

Day 15 - La Paz & fly back to the UK

Day 16 - Arrive in the UK

  • Full Description

Friday, 15 December 2023

Fly back to the UK

We arrive back in Puerto Caldera and disembark after breakfast. Transfer to the peaceful La Paz Waterfall Gardens where you can enjoy a relaxing lunch and observe the waterfalls, jaguars, pumas, sloths, monkeys, hummingbirds, snakes, frogs and a lot more. Later transfer to San Jose airport and freshen up in the included business lounge before taking your overnight flight back to the UK. 


Saturday, 16 December 2023

Arrive in the UK

Arrive back in the UK in the morning.

Price Guidelines

Season Low Season High Season
Travel Dates 13, 27 Jan, 10, 24 Feb 2024 13, 27 Dec 2023
Room Arrangement Tourist First Deluxe Tourist First Deluxe
Multiple Travellers - Twin Room £4,568 £5,642 £6,497 £5,482 £6,390 £7,120

Prices are a guideline and per person. Please request a quote for Special Events, Christmas, New Year's Eve & Easter.


What's Included

  • 16 Days/14 Nights
  • International flights (1 overnight)
  • Accommodation as shown on the itinerary
  • Breakfast everyday and meals as described on the itinerary
  • 7-night Star Clipper cruise including all meals, port transfers and port taxes, based on grade 5 cabin
  • Transfers to and from airports
  • Transport throughout the itinerary
  • Excursions listed, all with expert, English-speaking guides
  • Prices are per person
  • Prices for Special Events, Christmas, New Year's Eve, Easter on request

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TRAVEL INSURANCE with extensive COVID-19 cover