Costa Rica
National Parks, Volcanoes, Rainforest and protected beaches
Hummingbird Tour - 18 Night Itinerary
Discover six national parks, each with a distinct habitat, trek in the foothills of volcanoes and long mountains and valley, exploring coastal forest with expert local guides.
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Travel Highlights
- Stay in first class hotels and lodges throughout
- Observe abundant wildlife and explore lesser-visited national parks and coastline
- Experience the aerial tram high in the forest canopy
- Observe Scarlet Macaws in Carara National Park
- Stay at Bosque de Paz hidden in the cloud forest
- Trek in the foothills of Arenal Volcano and admire the crater at Poas Volcano
- Admire La Cangreja waterfall on a trek in Rincon de la Vieja National Park
- Relax on protected beaches in Nosara
- Travel from July to December and observe Olive Ridley Turtles lay their eggs on the beach
Tour Route
- San Jose and Around - 5 Nights
- Bajos del Toro - 3 Nights
- Arenal Volcano - 3 Nights
- Rincon de la Vieja - 3 Nights
- Nosara and beach - 4 Nights
- Return to San Jose & 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.
Request QuotationTour Itinerary
San Jose and Around
5 NightsDay 1 - Departure from UK
Day 2 - Poas Volcano and coffee plantation
Day 3 - Irazu Volcano and Orosi Valley
Day 4 - Carara Biological Reserve and Sky Walk
Day 5 - Atlantic Rainforest and Aerial Tram
- Full Description
- Accommodation
Departure from UK
Depart on a direct flight to San Jose. On arrival, transfer to the Alta Las Palomas Hotel in the hills above the city for a 5-night stay on a bed and breakfast basis.
Wednesday, 26 March 2025
Visit Poás Volcano and coffee plantation
Today we visit nearby Poás Volcano, with its active, smoking crater and emerald green crater-lake. We continue to the Doka coffee plantation where you will learn how coffee is picked, milled, ground and roasted.
Our final stop today is the stunning La Paz Waterfalls Gardens, where walkways lead you past a series of waterfalls which cut through the surrounding lush forest. The rest of the day is at leisure to relax by the hotel pool, enjoy the spa or walk in the extensive grounds.
Lunch is included today.
Thursday, 27 March 2025
Irazu Volcano and Orosi Valley
Today, you guide will take you 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. The gently sloping southern flank with its patchwork pattern of potatoes, cabbages, and other vegetable crops, replaced by bucolic dairy farms at higher elevations, belies the violent past of this volcano that looms above the city of Cartago. We also visit the lush Orosi Valley with its panoramic view of the Reventazon River and the Cachi Dam.
Continue to the famous Lankester Gardens, one of the largest collections of orchids, bromeliads, ferns, and anthuriums of the region.
Lunch is included today.
Friday, 28 March 2025
Carara Biological Reserve and Villa Lapas Sky Walk
The 4,700 hectare Carara Biological Reserve occupies a unique position at the transition zone between tropical moist forest and tropical wet forest in the Pacific lowlands. Though most of the vegetation in the reserve remains evergreen and is characteristic of the wet forest life zone, there are a number of species that lose their leaves during the dry season, showing their affinity to the drier climate found north of the reserve. Carara's main attraction for most visitors is its wildlife, and star billing goes to the Scarlet Macaw. These large, raucous members of the parrot family add a bright splash of primary colors to the overall green of the rain forest, although at times it is amazing how difficult they can be to see in a leafy tree. Other bird species you will observe are black-hooded Antshrike, dot-winged Antwren, long-billed Gnatwren, chestnut-backed Antbird, and the Lesser Greenlet.
We continue to the "Villa Lapas Sky Way", natural trails and hanging bridges threading their way throughout the rain forest of centenary trees. It is located in a private reserve close to the Carara National Park. Lunch is included today.
Saturday, 29 March 2025
Atlantic Rainforest and Aerial Tram
Today we visit a 475-hectare private reserve and enjoy the unique experience of the aerial tram, with a hanging bridge accessible through a short walk; two gazebo observation areas; a video room; nature trails, the rain forest canopy tour; the butterfly and frog garden; and a snake exhibition. The tram ride with a trained nature guide covers a distance of 2.6 km through the primary rainforest.
Lunch is included today.
Henry Porras
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Bajos del Toro
3 NightsDay 6 - Transfer to Bajos del Toro
Day 7 - Explore the cloud forest
Day 8 - Explore the cloud forest
- Full Description
- Accommodation
Travel to Bajos del Toro
Transfer to Bajos del Toro and check into Bosque de Paz, staying for 3-nights on a full board basis in luxurious, individual cabins nestled in a secluded area of Cloud Forest. Rest of the day at leisure.
Monday, 31 March 2025
Explore the cloud forest
Explore the forest 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, 01 April 2025
Explore the cloud forest
A further day of optional guided treks in the cloud forest discovering the huge array of birdlife.
David Jiménez
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 Volcano
3 NightsDay 9 - Arenal National Park
Day 10 - Arenal Volcano Hike
Day 11 - Exploring Arenal National Park
- Full Description
- Accommodation
Travel to Arenal National Park
Transfer to the Arenal National Park where we stay for 3-nights at a Arenal Springs Hotel on a room and breakfast basis. Rest of the day is at leisure.
Thursday, 03 April 2025
Arenal Volcano Hike
Today enjoy a half-day trek in the foothills of the mighty Arenal Volcano, discovering the flora and fauna of the regenerated forest and a small area of primary forest that is at the base of the Arenal Volcano. With a bit of luck, we will observe toucan, turkeys, orioles, peccaries, snakes and monkeys.
Friday, 04 April 2025
Exploring Arenal National Park
Today is at leisure. Perhaps relax at your hotel, enjoy a hot spring or take an additional optional excursion including a horse riding tour, boat tour or zip wire adventure.
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 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…
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…
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 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…
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,…
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…
Rincon de la Vieja
3 NightsDay 12 - Travel to Rincon de la Vieja
Day 13 - Visit Rincon de la Vieja National Park
Day 14 - Explore Rincon de la Vieja National Park
- Full Description
- Accommodation
Travel to Rincon de la Vieja
Transfer by road to Rincon de la Vieja National Park, and check in to the Borinquen hotel for a 3-night stay on a half board basis (breakfast and dinner). The rest of the day is at leisure.
Sunday, 06 April 2025
Visit Rincon de la Vieja National Park
Today enjoy a guided trek in Rincon de la Vieja National Park, where the highlight is a visit to La Cangreja waterfall.
Lunch is included today.
Monday, 07 April 2025
Explore Rincon de la Vieja National Park
Further exploration of Rincon de la Vieja National Park with your guide.
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…
Nosara and beach
4 NightsDay 15 - Travel to Nosara
Day 16 - Wildlife, hikes and protected beaches
Day 17 - At leisure
Day 18 - At leisure
- Full Description
- Accommodation
Travel to Nosara
Transfer to Nosara, where we stay for 4-nights at the superb Lagarta Lodge on a bed and breakfast basis. The hotel overlooks coastal forest, sandy beaches and the meeting of two rivers on the Pacific coast of Nicoya Peninsula.
The rest of the day to relax at the lodge or on the beach.
Wednesday, 09 April 2025
Wildlife, hikes and protected beaches
As well as being a wonderful place to relax, Lagarta Lodge has a great selection of activities that can be arranged through the hotel, at extra cost. Take 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.
Access to the Nature Reserve is complimentary for guests of the hotel, and maps are provided by the reception although some paths can become overgrown and difficult to navigate.
Thursday, 10 April 2025
Observe the Olive Ridley Turtle
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.
Friday, 11 April 2025
At leisure
Your final day in Costa Rica, to relax at the lodge or on the beach.
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…
Return to San Jose & Fly Home
Day 19 - Return flight to the UK
Day 20 - Arrive in the UK
- Full Description
Return flight to the UK
Transfer to San Jose airport for your direct overnight flight home.
Sunday, 13 April 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, 23 Aug-13 Dec | 20 Jul-21 Aug, 14-30 Dec |
| Room Arrangement | First | First |
| Multiple Travellers - Twin Rooms | £4,865 | £5,053 |
| Single Traveller - Own Room | £7,511 | £7,563 |
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
- 20 Days / 18 Nights
- International flights (1 overnight)
- 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
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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