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Costa Rica Holidays

Volcanic peaks, exuberant rainforest and thriving wildlife

14 Night Itinerary from  £3,833

Columbus Tour

Explore five National Parks with exuberant flora and fauna, mountain landscapes and birdwatching. Admire an active volcano, follow forest trails and relax on the beach.

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Tour Route

Travel Highlights

  • Experience abundant wildlife, lesser-visited national parks and coastline
  • Excursions in diverse ecosystems with expert naturalist guides
  • Enjoy great birdwatching 
  • Stay at Bosque de Paz or El Silencio lodges, hidden in the cloud forest
  • Explore hanging bridges and rainforest canopy at Arenal National Park
  • Optional horseriding, hike at Arenal volcano or cruise through wetlands
  • Explore the remote Osa Peninsula and Corcovado National Park
  • Relax on the golden Pacific Coast beaches

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

Poas Volcano in Costa Rica.jpg

Poás Volcano & La Paz Waterfall Gardens - 2 Nights

Day 1 - Departure from UK

Day 2 - Poas Volcano & La Paz Waterfall Gardens

  • Full Description
  • Accommodation

Friday, 01 December 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 2-night stay on a bed and breakfast basis.


Saturday, 02 December 2023

Visit Poás Volcano & La Paz Waterfall Gardens

Today we visit nearby 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.

Buena Vista Hotel

San Jose - First Hotel

Buena Vista hotel is a Spanish colonial style resort located just outside San Jose, at the top of a mountain offering panoramic views of three volcanoes in the Central Valley - Poas, Barva and Irazu. It is a super place to stay when you arrive in Costa Rica.

The hotel has 30 air-conditioned and comfortable rooms. Deluxe standard rooms have private bathroom, TV and mini-bar.

Public facilities include the Quetzal Grille restaurant, of international and typical cuisine, a bar, an outdoor pool, gift shop, masseuse, free WiFi, and lush gardens ideal for walks.

Buenavista Hotel 01

Finca Rosa Blanca

San Jose - Luxury Resort

Finca Rosa Blanca Country Inn is situated above the beautiful Central Valley of Costa Rica, offering amazing views of volcanoes, cloud forests and coffee plantations and nestled amongst 10 acres amid hundreds of fruit trees and tropical flora. It offers luxurious rooms including mini bar, Jacuzzi bath and private verandas overlooking the Valley. Each room has its own decoration allowing its unique atmosphere.

The hotel provides lots of amenities such as games room, large swimming pool, TV and reading area and 2 large dinner tables for group dining. The restaurant offers a spectacular view of the coffee plantation and serves delicious local cuisine with fresh products.

4810 Finca Rosa Blanca

Hotel Presidente

San Jose - First Hotel

The Presidente Hotel is located in the heart of San José in the pedestrian zone of Central Avenue, 2 blocks from the National Theatre and the Cultural Square. The hotel has over 100 comfortable and spacious rooms, which all include cable TV, air conditioning, safety box and en-suite bathroom. The hotel offers amenities such as a restaurant-bar, a casino, and a spa with beauty treatments.

4807 Hotel Presidente
The colourful toucans are a delight to observe

Bajos del Toro - 3 Nights

Day 3 - Transfer to Bajos del Toro

Day 4 - Explore the cloud forest

Day 5 - Explore the cloud forest

  • Full Description
  • Accommodation

Sunday, 03 December 2023

Travel to Bajos del Toro

Transfer to Bajos del Toro and check into your chosen lodge; either Bosque de Paz (first class) or El Silencio Lodge (Deluxe), staying for 3 nights in luxurious, individual cabins nestled in a secluded area of Cloud Forest. Rest of the day at leisure.


Monday, 04 December 2023

Explore the cloud forest

Explore the forest around your chosen lodge or take optional visits to nearby attractions such as Sarchi, Zarcero or the Juan Castro National Park. There also many other activities available, from cooking classes to coffee tasting, horse riding to early morning birdwatching to enjoy.


Tuesday, 05 December 2023

Explore the cloud forest

A further day of optional guided treks in the cloud forest discovering the huge array of birdlife.

El Silencio Lodge & Spa

Bajos del Toro - Deluxe Lodge

Located an hour from San Jose, El Silencio Lodge & Spa is ideally located at Bajos del Toro, a relatively unknown tourist destination offering many beautiful landscapes and activities. The Lodge is set in 500 acres of private tropical forest reserve, flanked by Juan Castro Blanco National Park and Poas Volcano National Park. Ideal for couples, nature lovers and families, the Silencio, Spanish for silence, is befitting of a destination when daily stress hushes the sounds of nature bloom.

The lodge includes a guided hike in the cloud forest and you can even plant your own tree. They provide advice on independent walks to explore the many waterfalls, streams, unique fauna, flora and birdlife. Optional activities include horseback riding, art and cooking classes, coffee tasting or adventure activities in the rainforest. Nearby attractions such as Sarchi, Zarcero and the Juan Castro Blanco National Park are also worth visiting. 

Choose from 2 bedroom suites (up to 4 people) or 2 or 3 bedroom private villas (up to 6). All have private bathroom, TV, outdoor whirlpool or heated pool, terrace, coffee maker, hair dryer, safe, amenities and stunning floor to ceiling windows.

The lodge has its own organic farm which provides many ingredients for their excellent Las Ventanas Restaurant. There is also a spa to relax after your days exploring this wonderful remote hideaway.

Rates are on a room and breakfast basis.

 

 

2060 El Silencio Lodge & Spa
Volcano Hike

Arenal Volcano - 3 Nights

Days 6-8 - Explore Arenal National Park

  • Full Description
  • Accommodation

Wednesday, 06 December 2023

Travel to Arenal National Park

Transfer to the Arenal National Park where we stay for 3-nights at a hotel on a bed and breakfast basis by the towering Arenal Volcano. Enjoy a full day exploring the National Park, go horse riding through the forest, walk on hanging bridge trails in the rainforest canopy, relax in hot springs, or take optional excursions, including a hike around the volcano to see the lava flows or boat trip to the wetlands of Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge, filled with migratory birds.

 


Thursday, 07 December 2023

Explore Arenal National Park

Exploring Arenal National Park on a wide range of optional excursions.


Friday, 08 December 2023

Explore Arenal National Park

Exploring Arenal National Park.

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.

Galeria19

Nayara Hotel & Gardens

Arenal Volcano Park - Deluxe Resort

Located in the outskirts of the Arenal Volcano, Arenal Nayara Hotel & Gardens provides a uniquely natural experience. Surrounded by lush tropical rainforest, each one of its 24 spacious casitas provides an exclusive retreat in which you can relax amidst the breathtaking view of the volcano. Interwoven with rich gardens its tropical grounds create the perfect setting to rest and enjoy nature. A large Jacuzzi and wet bar provide a place to rest after enjoying the various guided activities, including white water rafting, hiking, mountain biking, volcano treks, and hot springs. Arenal Nayara Hotel & Gardens offers a full service restaurant, where local ingredients blend with a world-class cuisine to provide an incomparable dining experience. The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and boasts a direct view of the active volcano. 

Every (room) casita at the Arenal Nayara Hotel & Gardens has been designed to provide the utmost in comfort and style while maintaining a close connection with the natural surroundings. With the guests' experience in mind, Arenal Nayara offers a unique concept of individual casitas separated by lush tropical gardens. Each one of its large suite-size casitas provides independent space and privacy that includes a private backyard with an outdoor shower and a front balcony overlooking the volcano. For a full pampering experience select the Nayara Suites featuring in-room breakfast, bathrobe, and the best panoramic volcano view. Each of the casitas is equipped with a King or two full size beds, Plasma 27" Cable TV, DVD / CD Player, IPod Stand, Internet Access, Safe Box (Laptop capacity), Air Conditioning, private bathroom with hot water and rain shower, backyard with outside shower, in room "mini" bar service, coffee maker, front balcony overlooking the volcano with jacuzzi for two, high speed internet connection. Accommodation includes room and breakfast. 

Nayara Hotel & Gardens

Arenal Springs

Arenal Volcano Park - First Resort

Arenal Springs Resort is the ideal combination of modern comfort and exuberant tropical surrounding. The rooms are all in semi-detached bungalows spread over a wide area directly facing Arenal Volcano. Each room has a patio with seating, as well as air conditioning. The hotel also has its own hot springs, which feed into a number of hot tubs and pool of different temperatures, all of which guests can enjoy at their leisure. There is also a spa, a yoga studio, and two restaurants.

2043 Arenal Springs
 Lapa Rios

Osa Peninsula and Corcovado National Park - 3 Nights

Days 9-11 - Fly to the Osa Peninsula

  • Full Description
  • Accommodation

Saturday, 09 December 2023

Fly to the Osa Peninsula

Transfer to San Jose domestic airport and fly to the Osa Peninsula, one of the last truly wild national parks, and to your chosen lodge overlooking the Golfo Dulce. We stay for 3-nights on a full board basis in the rainforest, surrounded by exotic birds, monkeys, sloths and the sounds of nature. Enjoy guided hiked in the forest, bird watching and boat trips onto the bay to see dolphins and other marine life. There is also access to beaches within walking distance. For the more adventurous there is also waterfall rappelling on offer.


Sunday, 10 December 2023

Exploring the Osa Peninsula

At leisure - there is so much to enjoy.

Take a guided hike in Corcovado National Park. Explore the shoreline and mangroves by kayak, discover the rainforest by horseback or go snorkelling. Visit the Sirena Park Station, go sport fishing, dolphin watching or take a tour at night to hear the sounds of the rainforest.

 


Monday, 11 December 2023

Exploring the Osa Peninsula

At leisure. Perhaps a day to relax on the beach in the natural wonderland.

Luna Lodge

Osa Peninsula & Corcovado - Tourist Lodge

Luna Lodge is situated within 60 acres of primary and secondary rainforest, on the pristine and captivating Osa Peninsula in Carate near Corcovado National Park. 

Corcovado is one of the largest parks in Costa Rica and protects one-third of the peninsula. Described as “…the most biologically intense place on Earth.” by National Geographic Magazine.

There are eight bungalows, three haciendas, and seven platform tents - all well-appointed with private bathrooms. All are beautifully situated in the rainforest and offer breathtaking views from their decks. The spacious colonial-style hacienda rooms have private baths and are designed to comfortably accommodate three with one double-bed and one single-bed.

The completely enclosed “nature-lover” tents have two single beds or one double bed, a private bathroom with hot water, electricity, and a balcony overlooking the rain forest.

The restaurant, “El Eclipse Total”, is open all day and features creative local and international cuisine. There is also a large deck and spa.

There are many activities at the lodge including guided treks in the rainforest, stargazing, swimming in nearby Carate Beach and yoga.

Bungalow 3

El Remanso Lodge

Osa Peninsula & Corcovado - First Lodge

Located on the South West Pacific side of the Osa Peninsula next to the Ocean, El Romanso Lodge is an exceptional eco-friendly base to explore one of the world's most pristine and bio diverse rainforests. You may see monkeys leaping in the trees, explore hidden valleys and spot sloths, kinkajous, eagles, toucans and parrots. Recent sightings include ocelots, pumas and several species of rare endemic birds. Wake up to the sounds of howler monkeys and parrots greeting the new day.

The lodge has a swimming pool, excellent restaurant and wide choice of accommodation from standard and superior rooms to bungalows and villas (some with a plunge pool). The rooms have either a garden or ocean view and have ceiling fans, hammocks and safe.

There are many activities on offer at the lodge, from guided hiking in the rainforest, sea kayaking, birdwatching tours, horse riding, dolphin watching and surfing.

The rates are on a full board basis with three meals included each day. 

Pool 3 (1)

Lapa Rios

Osa Peninsula & Corcovado - Deluxe Lodge

Lapa Rios is a wonderful combination of a sustainable luxury lodge and eco-conservation project spread over 1000 acres of tropical rainforest on the Osa Peninsula overlooking the Golfo Dulce. The main lodge and bungalows line three ridges, connected by walking paths and many steps.

Nearly all of the 17 thatched bungalows have an ocean view and all are surrounded by the rainforest. Each bungalow has huge windows, a ceiling fan (no air-conditioning), private deck and patio garden.

The buildings are of native materials, existing in harmony with the surrounding forest and beach environment. The main building houses the reception, bar and restaurant. There is also a swimming pool, access to the beach, and many trails throughout the forest leading to rivers with natural pools and waterfalls. There are daily guided excursions and activities inside and outside the property that take advantage of the pristine natural setting and discover the abundant wildlife, particularly birds.

The rates include transfers from Puerto Jimenez, accommodation, all non-alcoholic drinks, 3 meals a day and all on-site guided tours.

 Lapa Rios
Manuel Antonio

Manuel Antonio National Park - 3 Nights

Days 12-14 - Manuel Antonio National Park

  • Full Description
  • Accommodation

Tuesday, 12 December 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, 13 December 2023

Wildlife, hikes and protected beaches

You can relax at your lodge, on the beach or explore the National Park on a wide range of optional activities bookable locally.


Thursday, 14 December 2023

Wildlife, hikes and protected beaches

At leisure.

Playa Espadilla

Manuel Antonio National Park - Tourist Hotel

A comfortable and friendly tourist class hotel only a 3 minute walk from the entrance to the National Park of Manuel Antonio and a 2 minute walk from the beach. Known as a place in harmony with nature, their private reserve and delightful gardens allow guests to learn more about the flora and fauna of the Central Pacific.

Each air conditioned room is fully equipped with private bathroom, hot water, cable TV, coffee maker, fridge, telephone and safe. Other amenities include a tennis and basketball court, billiards table, laundry service, FREE Wi-FI, private parking and 24 hours room service. There is a Restaurant" and also a poolside "Tropical Bar". 

The hotel offers a range of tours and excursions including guided hikes, white water rafting, snorkelling, canopy adventures, horseback riding, surfing and fishing. 

The rates are on a room and breakfast basis.

2030 Playa Espadilla

Makanda by the Sea

Manuel Antonio National Park - Deluxe Hotel

Makanda by the Sea is the ideal location for adults wishing to experience Manuel Antonio's natural splendour, magical sunsets and wildlife while enjoying the comforts of first-class accommodation within 12 acres of rainforest sanctuary. All of the 11 air-conditioned villas and studios are uniquely contoured into the surrounding jungle and descending mountain terrain, and provide spectacular views of the sixty mile coastline.

The hotels open air design enhances the views while taking advantage of the cool Pacific breezes and the swimming pool is perched on the hillside. Enjoy the Arbol restaurant, spa and stunning infinity pool. There are many activities available at the hotel including guided walks in the National Park, cycle tours, fishing horse riding, scuba diving, zip line adventures, white water rafting and kayaking. Or just relax on the beach.

Accommodation includes room and breakfast.

Infinity pool.jpg

Parador Resort & Spa

Manuel Antonio National Park - First Resort

The Parador Resort & Spa is settled on a hill, immersed in the tropical rainforest and located at a walking distance from the beach. You will enjoy stunning ocean views

The coast offers a wide variety of facilities such as bars, restaurants, supermarkets, banks, stores, natural attractions and beautiful beaches like Biesanz & Espadilla.

The Hotel has 129 air-conditioned rooms with TV, telephone, coffee maker, mini bar, safe, hair dryer, iron and ironing board, ceiling fan, balcony or terrace depending on its location and room category and bath amenities.

There are several dining options, with Costa Rican and International cuisine: La Galeria is the casual with an open air terrace overlooking the gardens and the sea, El Quijote Restaurant & Bar and a good option for a relaxed dinner.

La Fragata Restaurant and Bar offers seafood and different healthy meals in a stunning location and the pool bar and terrace is open all day.

Pamper yourself at Pacifica Spa, take a deep in one of the two swimming pools (there is also a children’s pool). There is also a fitness centre, souvenir shop, concierge service, Free Wi-Fi, tennis court, mini-golf, green areas, natural trails and shuttle service to Manuel Antonio beach. Optional guided treks into Manuel Antonio National Park are also available.

aerial-parador_5_orig.jpg
San Jose

Return to San Jose & Fly Home - 0 Nights

Day 15 - Return flight to the UK

Day 16 - Arrive in the UK

  • Full Description

Friday, 15 December 2023

Return flight to the UK

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


Saturday, 16 December 2023

Arrive in the UK

Arrive in the UK in the morning.

Price Guidelines

Season Low Season High Season
Travel Dates 31 Dec -19 Jul, 22 Aug-13 Dec 20 July - 21 Aug, 14 Dec- 30 Dec
Room Arrangement Tourist First Deluxe Tourist First Deluxe
Multiple Travellers - Twin Room £3,833 £4,789 £7,035 £4,238 £5,049 £7,260

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)
  • Internal flights
  • Accommodation as shown on the itinerary
  • Breakfast everyday and meals as described on the itinerary
  • 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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