Costa Rica
Grand Tour of Costa Rica
Grand Tour - 28 Night Itinerary
The Ultimate Tour visiting 8 National Parks including Tortuguero flooded forest, Cloud Forest and Arenal Volcano highlands, Los Quetzales National Park, coastal rainforests and remote beaches.
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Travel Highlights
- An in-depth tour of Costa Rica visiting 8 national parks
- Observe the awe-inspiring Poas and Irazu volcanoes
- Travel by boat discovering Toucans, Macaws and more in Tortuguero National Park
- Enjoy the relaxed charm of Bajos del Toro and explore the cloud forest
- Trek in the foothills of the mighty Arenal Volcano
- Enjoy guided walks in Rincon de la Vieja National Park
- Observe rare Quetzals in San Gerardo de Dota
- Relax on the beach at Manuel Antonio National Park
- Enjoy 4 days exploring the remote coastal paradise of Corcovado National Park
- End the tour in Nosara in the beautiful Nicoya Peninsula
- Stay in characterful or luxury lodges and explore with expert natualist guides
Tour Route
- San Jose - 3 Nights
- Tortuguero National Park - 3 Nights
- Bajos del Toro - 3 Nights
- Arenal National Park - 3 Nights
- Rincon de la Vieja - 3 Nights
- San Gerardo de Dota - 3 Nights
- Manuel Antonio National Park - 2 Nights
- Osa Peninsula & Corcovado National Park - 4 Nights
- Nicoya Peninsula - 4 Nights
- San Jose and fly home
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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Tour Itinerary
San Jose
3 NightsDay 1 - Fly to San Jose
Day 2 - Poas Volcano, coffee plantation and butterfly garden tour
Day 3 - Irazu Volcano, Orosi Valley & Lankester Gardens
- Full Description
- Accommodation
Fly to San Jose
Depart the UK on a daytime flight to San Jose. On arrival, our guide will transfer you to your chosen hotel for a 3-night stay including breakfast.
Friday, 07 August 2026
Poas Volcano, coffee plantation and butterfly garden tour
Today enjoy a guided tour to the Doka coffee plantation, where you learn how coffee is picked, milled, ground and roasted. Continue to Poas Volcano, one of the most spectacular volcanoes in Costa Rica, with its enormous crater measuring 1km in diameter and 314 meters in depth.
Continue to the La Paz Waterfall Gardens with 3.5 kms of walking trails leading to the beautiful White Magic Waterfall. The park also has a bird watching area with over 40 different birds, a rescued wildlife reserve, a butterfly observatory, a hummingbird garden, a serpentarium, a frog exhibit and a typical house.
Saturday, 08 August 2026
Irazu Volcano, Orosi Valley & Lankester Gardens
Today, enjoy a full day excursion to the Irazu volcano - the highest active volcano in Costa Rica. Visit the lush Orosi Valley with its panoramic view of the Reventazon River and the Cachi Dam, stopping at the "Mirador de Orosi" to view the valley and the Orosi church from the distance.
Continue to Lankester Gardens, home to one of the largest collections of orchids, bromeliads, ferns, and anthuriums of the region. The attractive garden also boasts almost one hundred species of birds. The gardens are the legacy of Sir Richard Lankester, an English botanist who made Costa Rica his home in the late 19th century.
David Jiménez
Balmoral 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…
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…
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…
Tortuguero National Park
3 NightsDay 4 - Travel to Tortuguero National Park
Day 5 - Explore by boat and on foot
Day 6 - Optional excursions
- Full Description
- Accommodation
Travel to Tortuguero National Park
This morning we drive through beautiful scenery to La Pavona river port. From here, travel by boat to your chosen lodge for a 3-night stay including all meals. In the afternoon, visit Tortuguero beach - the most important nesting site of the endangered green turtle in the Western Hemishpere. Giant leatherback, hawksbill, and loggerhead turtles also nest here. The green turtle population is believed to have come perilously close to extinction in the 1960s when nearly every female turtle arriving to nest in Tortuguero was taken for the export market for turtle soup. STC was established in 1959 specifically to study and protect Caribbean green turtles.
Monday, 10 August 2026
Explore by boat and on foot
Today explore the canals and forest of this most unique national park. In the morning, trek with your guide learning about the flora, fauna, bird and wildlife that makes this area their home. In the afternoon, explore the canals in small, open boats. Tortuguero is a network of navigable lakes, rivers and canals (both natural and man-made) that are used for transportation and are a great place for observing local wildlife such as birds, monkeys, two and three-toed sloths, American crocodiles and caimans. The canals also provide shelter to endangered animals such as the oriental indian manatee, crocodiles, a large variety of crustaceous and about 30 species of sweet water fish, including the Gaspar, considered a living fossil.
Tuesday, 11 August 2026
Optional excursions
Today you can choose from a range of optional excursions, depending on your interests. Perhaps explore further by boat, or take a zip wire adventure in the forest canopy. Or relax in your tropical lodge.
Evergreen 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…
Aninga 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…
Manatus 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…
Bajos del Toro
3 NightsDay 7 - Travel to Bajos del Toro
Day 8 - Exploring Bajos del Toro
Day 9 - At leisure
- Full Description
- Accommodation
Travel to Bajos del Toro
Transfer to your chosen hotel in Bajos del Toro for a 3-night stay including all meals. The rest of the day is at leisure.
Thursday, 13 August 2026
Exploring Bajos del Toro
Bajos del Toro is a small village nestled in the lush, forest covered mountains north of San Jose. Today, opt for a guided tour of the cloud forest exploring the abundant wildlife, hidden waterfalls and gentle streams.
Friday, 14 August 2026
At leisure
A day free to relax at your lodge or enjoy walks in the rainforest.
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…
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…
Arenal National Park
3 NightsDay 10 - Travel to Arenal Volcano National Park
Day 11 - Arenal volcano expedition
Day 12 - Optional activities and excursions
- Full Description
- Accommodation
Travel to Arenal Volcano National Park
This morning, we transfer north by road to Arenal Volcano National Park, where we check into your chosen hotel or lodge for a 3-night stay including breakfast. The rest of the day is at leisure.
Sunday, 16 August 2026
Arenal volcano expedition
This morning, enjoy a guided excursion to the El Silencio Private Reserve, getting as close as possible to the base of the Arenal Volcano by vehicle. Once there, take a 1km hike along a volcanic stone path with a moderate level of difficulty until you reach the viewpoint, the closest permitted point to the volcano.
Continue the hike into the regeneration forest where you can observe toucans, guans, and oropendolas, and occasionally peccaries and snakes.
Monday, 17 August 2026
Optional activities and excursions
Today is free so explore this wonderful region of Costa Rica depending on your interests.
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…
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…
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,…
Rincon de la Vieja
3 NightsDay 13 - Travel to Rincon de la Vieja
Day 14 - Guided walks in the Rincon de la Veija National Park
Day 15 - Exploring Rincon de la Vieja
- Full Description
- Accommodation
Travel to Rincon de la Vieja
This morning, we to drive to Rincon de la Vieja National Park, where we check into your chosen hotel or lodge for a 3-night stay including breakfast and dinner.
Wednesday, 19 August 2026
Guided walks in the Rincon de la Veija National Park
Today enjoy a guided excursion to Rincon de la Veija National Park including a trek in the foothills of the volcano and a visit to the impressive La Cangreja waterfall. Lunch is included today.
Thursday, 20 August 2026
Exploring Rincon de la Vieja
A further day of guided exploration in Rincon de la Veija National Park.
Hotel Hacienda Guachipelin
Located in Costa Rica’s sunny Guanacaste province, next to Rincon de la Vieja National Park, Hotel Hacienda Guachipelin offers a relaxing base to explore the many attractions of this region of Costa Rica.
The hotel has a range of rooms from standard to suites, superior rooms, family rooms and even a luxury tented camp experience.…
Borinquen Thermal Resort
Borinquen Thermal Resort is located in the countryside in Rincon de la Vieja National Park.
The hotel has beautiful and private villas, bungalows and junior suites with a rustic flare yet modern amenities. All rooms have private decks or balconies with great mountain views and breathtaking sunsets.
The thermal springs with hot pools, the volcanic mud and…
San Gerardo de Dota
3 NightsDay 16 - Travel to San Gerardo de Dota
Day 17 - Quetzal quest
Day 18 - Optional guided tours
- Full Description
- Accommodation
Travel to San Gerardo de Dota
Today we transfer to Liberia Airport and fly to San Jose, from where we drive to San Gerado de Dota, A lush region of cloud forest and one of the best places to observe the Resplendent Quetzal - one of the most beautiful birds in Costa Rica. Check-in to Trogon Lodge for a 3-night stay on a bed and breakfast basis. The rest of the day is at leisure or you can enjoy one of several guided tours.
Saturday, 22 August 2026
Quetzal quest
Trogon Lodge's signature tour. From the Trogoniade Family and sacred bird to the ancient indigenous cultures, Quetzals have a peaceful and tranquil living in the area and reside here year round. The climate and good amount of food (Aguacatillo tree) provide a great habitat for these birds. Join a local guide departing at 6am on this 2 hour walk, searching for the mythical Quetzal, while enjoy the natural scenery of the forest of San Gerardo de Dota.
Later, join your guide to observe some of the 170 bird species have been identified in the area so far, including tanagers, black guans, flycatchers, hummingbirds, trogons, emerald toucanet and sparrows, among many others.
Sunday, 23 August 2026
Optional guided tours
Today, opt for a birdwatching tour or take an excursion to the “Paramo” at Cerro de la Muerte, 3,300 metres above sea level to discover the variety of birds and plants that reside in this high altitude region.
Trogon Lodge
Trogon Lodge, named after a popular Costa Rican bird has 23 rustic and comfortable wooden cabins, all with heating, private bathroom, hot water, and a small shared terrace. The family style restaurant serves delicious home cooked meals, and there is also a bar with forest view and balcony, pool table and original duke box.
The lodge…
Manuel Antonio National Park
2 NightsDay 19 - Travel to Manuel Antonio National Park
Day 20 - At leisure
- Full Description
- Accommodation
Travel to Manuel Antonio National Park
Travel to your chosen hotel or resort in Manuel Antonio National Park for a 2-night stay including breakfast. The rest of the day is at leisure.
Tuesday, 25 August 2026
At leisure
A day free to relax on the beach or at your 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…
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…
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,…
Osa Peninsula & Corcovado National Park
4 NightsDay 21 - Fly to the Osa Peninsula & Corcovado National Park
Day 22 - Guided explorations
Day 23 - Guided explorations
Day 24 - At leisure
- Full Description
- Accommodation
Fly to the Osa Peninsula
Transfer to San Jose airport and fly to Puerto Jimenez airport. Our guide will transfer you to your chosen lodge in the Osa Peninsula or Corcovado National Park for a 4-night stay with all meals and selected guided tours included. The rest of the day is at leisure.
Thursday, 27 August 2026
Guided explorations
Covered by pristine primary lowland tropical rainforest, the Osa Peninsula is renowned for its biodiversity & endemic wildlife. Corcovado is Costa Rica's largest National Park and one of its most isolated and remote. Its size means that it can support significant populations of tapir, crocodile and caiman, and big cats such as jaguar, ocelot, margay and puma. It is also the only place in Costa Rica which is home to all four species of monkeys: howler monkeys, white-faced capuchin monkeys, spider monkeys and squirrel monkeys. Many species of lizard and several varieties of venomous snakes, such at the fer-de-lance, can be found in the park. Corcovado has been described by National Geographic as 'the most biologically intense place on Earth in terms of biodiversity', and wildlife sightings are common for visitors. Today enjoy a guided tour of the park.
Friday, 28 August 2026
Guided explorations
A further day to explore the nature and wildlife of this remote region, including a visit to the beach where it is possible to observe whales and other mammals at certain times of the year.
Saturday, 29 August 2026
At leisure
A day free for your own exploration, depending on your interests.
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…
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…
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…
Nicoya Peninsula
4 NightsDay 25 - Travel to Nosara
Day 26 - Exploring the coastal rainforest
Day 27 - At leisure
Day 28 - At leisure
- Full Description
- Accommodation
Travel to Nosara
This morning, transfer to the airport and fly back to San Jose, from where we transfer to Nosara in the beautiful Nicoya Peninisula. Check into your chosen lodge overlooking coastal forest and remote sandy beaches for a 4-night stay including breakfast.
Monday, 31 August 2026
Exploring the coastal rainforest
Relax at your lodge or explore the coastal rainforest, sandy beaches and the meeting of two rivers. Admire magnificent mangrove trees and subtropical dry forest. Opt for a guided tour of the nature reserve with a naturalist guide, or a wildlife spotting boat trip through the Mangrove forest to see the many wetlands bird species of the area.
Nearby Ostional Beach is the world's 2nd largest nesting site for Olive Ridley Turtles. Their mass arrivals, called 'arribadas', mainly happen between July and December, and it is possible to see thousands of turtles arriving within 3 or 4 days to lay their eggs on the beach.
Tuesday, 01 September 2026
At leisure
A day free to relax on the beach or at your hotel.
Wednesday, 02 September 2026
At leisure
Your final day in Costa Rica and a chance to reflect on your wonderful journey - while relaxing by the pool
La Ensenada Lodge
La Ensenada Sanctuary is located in its own 800 acres estate, on the Pacific Coast, in the Gulf of Nicoya. It is an ideal place for birdwatchers, naturalists and nature lovers in general. The Tretti facility are committed to sustainability and have a major reforestation project and other work to protect this special area of…
Lagarta Lodge
Lagarta Lodge Hotel sits between two rivers on the Nicoya peninsula, with sandy beaches and woods to explore along the pacific shores of Costa Rica. With sustainability and social responsibility in mind Lagarta Lodge has its own private nature reserve of mangrove trees.
Public areas include the observation tower with panoramic vistas, a sun deck, restaurant and sunset bar…
Nantipa Hotel
Nantipa is the Chorotegan word for blue, aptly named for this stylish beachfront hotel in the heart of the Nicoya Península. A hidden treasure where deep blue waters are framed by vividly green tropical rainforests.
Public facilities include the excellent Manzu Restaurant located on the beach, swimming pool, bar and spa.
The hotel has 15 guest bungalows and…
San Jose and fly home
Day 29 - Fly back to the UK
Day 30 - Arrive in the UK
- Full Description
Fly back to the UK
Transfer to San Jose Airport for your overnight flight back to the UK.
Arrive in the UK
Arrive in the UK in the morning.
Price Guidelines
| Season | Low Season | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Travel Dates | Year round | ||
| Room Arrangement | Tourist | First | Deluxe |
| Multiple Travellers - Twin Rooms | £9,102 | £10,364 | £11,954 |
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.
What's Included
- 30 Days / 28 Nights
- International flights (1 overnight)
- Internal flights as stated
- Treks and excursions with English-speaking guides
- 28 breakfasts, 11 lunches and 13 dinners
- All transfers and transfers
- Local taxes
Complete a form or call our specialist advisors to start planning your trip. Please provide as much information as possible, and we will aim to respond to your enquiry the same or next working day.
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