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Costa Rica

Volcanic peaks, exuberant rainforest and thriving wildlife

Columbus Tour - 14 Night Itinerary

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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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

Tour Route

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

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Map of Columbus

Tour Itinerary

Steam rises from the dramatic crater of Poas Volcano, a powerful natural wonder in Costa Rica.
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  • Accommodation
Friday, 13 June 2025

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, 14 June 2025

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.

4807 Hotel Presidente
San Jose & Alajuela - First Hotel

Hotel Presidente

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…

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Room
San Jose & Alajuela - Luxury Hotel

Hotel Alta Las Palomas

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…

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Grano de Oro Hotel
San Jose & Alajuela - First Hotel

Grano de Oro

Situated on a shady street just off Paseo Colon, San Jose's main street, the Hotel Grano de Oro is a welcome retreat in the heart of this bustling city. Converted from a tropical Victorian mansion, the hotel preserves the warmth and comfort of a private home, with its atrium terrace and corridors of sparkling fountains…

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Buenavista Hotel 01
San Jose & Alajuela - First Hotel

Buena Vista 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…

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4808 Xandari Resort
San Jose & Alajuela - First Boutique

Xandari Resort And Spa

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…

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4810 Finca Rosa Blanca
San Jose & Alajuela - Luxury Resort

Finca Rosa Blanca

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…

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A vibrant scarlet macaw perches macaw perches among lush foliage, radiating color in Costa Rica's wild canopy.
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Sunday, 15 June 2025

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, 16 June 2025

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, 17 June 2025

Explore the cloud forest

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

4812 Bosque De Paz
Bajos del Toro - First Lodge

Bosque de Paz

Bosque de Paz Reserva Biologica is located in Alajuela. The property boasts a large terrace offering stunning views of the surrounding nature. Situated in the mountains, this lodge is within 25 mi (40 km) of Aguas Zarcas Church, Aquas Zarcas Square, and Zoo Ave. La Paz Waterfall Gardens and Central Park are also within 32…

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2060 El Silencio Lodge & Spa
Bajos del Toro - Deluxe Lodge

El Silencio Lodge & Spa

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…

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Hikers explore the rugged trails beneath Arenal Volcano's iconic peak in lush Costa Rican scenery.
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Wednesday, 18 June 2025

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, 19 June 2025

Explore Arenal National Park

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


Friday, 20 June 2025

Explore Arenal National Park

Exploring Arenal National Park.

Galeria19
Arenal Volcano National Park - Tourist Hotel

Arenal Volcano Inn

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…

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Relax by the pool at Arenal Manoa with stunning volcano views and tropical tranquillity all around.
Arenal Volcano National Park - First Hotel

Arenal Manoa 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…

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Dji 0017 (1)
Arenal Volcano National Park - First Resort

Arenal Springs Resort & Spa

Arenal Springs Resort is the ideal combination of modern comfort and exuberant tropical surrounding, with outstanding views of Arenal Volcano.

The suites are semi-detached air-conditioned bungalows spread over a wide area directly facing Arenal Volcano. Each suite has a patio with seating, private bathroom, outdoor shower, luxury toiletries and a hair dryer.

Public areas include three restaurants, bar, coffee…

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Relax in the pool
Arenal Volcano National Park - Luxury Hotel

Arenal Kioro Suites & Spa

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…

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Nayara Hotel & Gardens
Arenal Volcano National Park - Deluxe Resort

Nayara Gardens

Located in the outskirts of the Arenal Volcano, Arenal Nayara 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…

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Nayara Springs
Arenal Volcano National Park - Luxury Hotel

Nayara Springs

Voted the leading spa hotel in the world by readers of Conde Nast Traveller in 2105, the Nayara Springs has a proud reputation for excellence in the most lush and enjoyable surroundings. It is one of the few hotels in the region that are adults only.

The public areas include a stunning pool, the award-winning spa,…

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Infinity pool
Arenal Volcano National Park - Luxury Tented Camp

Nayara Tented Camp

Located in the rainforest with views of the mighty Arenal Volcano, Nayara Tented Camp is an innovative luxury base to enjoy the many attractions of this part of Costa Rica. The camp is focussed on sustainability and protecting the fragile nature all around.

The spacious tents were built to maximise the stunning views and to leave…

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A peaceful retreat at Lapa Rios overlooks the lush Osa rainforest and sparkling Pacific horizon.
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Saturday, 21 June 2025

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, 22 June 2025

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, 23 June 2025

Exploring the Osa Peninsula

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

Bungalow 3
Osa Peninsula & Corcovado - Tourist Lodge

Luna 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…

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Deluxe Villa 7
Osa Peninsula & Corcovado - First Lodge

El Remanso 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…

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A peaceful retreat at Lapa Rios overlooks the lush Osa rainforest and sparkling Pacific horizon.
Osa Peninsula & Corcovado - Deluxe Lodge

Lapa Rios

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…

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Golden sands and calm waves create a peaceful escape at Manuel Antonio's hidden beach cove.
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Tuesday, 24 June 2025

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, 25 June 2025

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, 26 June 2025

Wildlife, hikes and protected beaches

At leisure.

2030 Playa Espadilla
Manuel Antonio National Park - Tourist Hotel

Playa Espadilla

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…

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2028 Costa Verde
Manuel Antonio National Park - Tourist Hotel

Costa Verde

Hotel Costa Verde is located on a coastal rainforest bluff overlooking the Pacific beaches of Manuel Antonio National Park near Quepos, Costa Rica. Its many amenities make Costa Verde a perfect destination for those seeking adventure travel, ecotourism, sports, fishing or just the tranquility of white sand beaches and magnificent ocean views.

The rooms are…

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Falls Resort
Manuel Antonio National Park - Tourist Hotel

The Falls Resort

The Falls Resort at Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica sits within beautiful and tranquil garden and waterfall setting within walking distance of this famous little town´s best restaurants and gorgeous beaches. White faced capuchins, sloths, toucans, and Titi monkeys frequent the trees overhead, while blue butterflies and hummingbirds bustle about the garden.

There is a choice of…

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Infinity pool.jpg
Manuel Antonio National Park - Deluxe Hotel

Makanda by the Sea

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…

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Manuel Antonio National Park - First Resort

Parador Resort & Spa

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…

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2031 Si Como No
Manuel Antonio National Park - First Resort

Si Como No

The Hotel Si Como No is surrounded by lush tropical rainforest, sandy beaches and nearby rafting rivers; and the hotel offers a number of guided excursions exploring these areas. The hotel has 58 rooms within 10 separate terraces and located on 10 acres of protected tropical forest. Choose from Superior, Deluxe, Deluxe Plus or the…

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Relax on your private balcony
Manuel Antonio National Park - First Private Villa

Tulemar Bungalows and Villas

Rated by Tripadvisor as the best hotel in the Costa Rica for 2022, Tulemar Bungalows and Villas has luxurious casitas and beautiful private houses surrounded by nature. The resort features incredible gardens, walking paths, thriving wildlife, and the only exclusive sandy beach in the region.

The resort sits on 33-acres of tropical rainforest that extends from…

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Gaia Hotel and Reserve
Manuel Antonio National Park - Luxury Hotel

Gaia Hotel and Reserve

Gaia Luxury Boutique Hotel and Reserve, is a 5 star eco-friendly resort for adults and teenage families.  Nestled in the magnificent coastal forests of Manuel Antonio, the hotel offers well-appointed, terraced suites and villas with amazing views of lush and pristine wild surroundings 

The contemporary and spacious air-conditioned accommodations all have private bathrooms, TV, free Wi-Fi,…

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2032 Arenas Del Mar
Manuel Antonio National Park - Deluxe Resort

Arenas Del Mar

Located outside the town of Manuel Antonio, Arenas Del Mar is a luxury hotel located within walking distance of the National Park and situated in dense forest looking onto the Pacific. The hotel has access to its own private beach as well as the nearby Espadilla Beach. 

There are 38 air conditioned suites and rooms located…

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A panoramic view of San Jose and Alajuela with scattered homes and lush greenery set against misty central mountains.
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Friday, 27 June 2025

Return flight to the UK

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


Saturday, 28 June 2025

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 Rooms £3,833 £4,789 £7,035 £4,238 £5,049 £7,260

Prices are a guideline per person, for travel within the next year and booking early and are subject to availability. Please see below what is included and request a detailed quotation with a guaranteed price for your specific departure date and for Special Events, Summer, Christmas, New Year's Eve & Easter.

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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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