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Costa Rica

Volcanoes, Rainforest, National Park & remote Beaches

Jacana Tour - 18 Night Itinerary

Hike in the foothills of volcanoes, discover the incredible endemic wildlife in 5 national parks, discover Tortuguero National Park by boat, and explore the remote Nicoya Peninsula with expert local guides.

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Travel Highlights

  • Trek in the foothills of Irazu Volcano, at 3,400 metres, the highest in Costa Rica
  • Visit a beautiful butterfly garden at La Paz Waterfall Gardens
  • Observe abundant wildlife with expert local naturalist guides
  • Explore Tortuguero National Park by boat - a very special experience
  • Discover endemic wildlife, hidden waterfalls, and gentle streams in Bajos del Toro
  • Trek in the foothills of Arenal Volcano and admire the crater at Poas Volcano
  • Choose from a wide range of optional activities in Arenal National Park
  • Admire La Cangreja waterfall on a trek in Rincon de la Vieja National Park
  • Relax on the remote and protected beaches in Nosara
  • Travel from July to December and observe Olive Ridley Turtles lay their eggs on the beach

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 Jacana

Tour Itinerary

A surreal green crater lake fills the vast bowl of Poas Volcano, showcasing Costa Rica's raw power.
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Friday, 31 July 2026

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.


Saturday, 01 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.


Sunday, 02 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.

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San Jose & Alajuela - Tourist Hotel

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…

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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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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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An aerial view captures the winding Tortuguero canals merging into the Caribbean Sea, framed by lush rainforest and coastal villages on Costa Rica's northeastern shore.
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Monday, 03 August 2026

Travel to Tortuguero National Park

An early start today as we drive through the mountainous Braulio Carrillo National Park to La Pavona river dock. From here, transfer by local boat to your chosen lodge in Tortuguero National Park for a 2-night stay including all meals. After lunch, enjoy a guided visit to Tortuguero town and visit the Sea Turtle Information Centre. Tortuguero hosts the largest green turtle (Chelonia mydas) rookery in the Western Hemisphere and also important nesting populations of leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea) and hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata) turtles. 


Tuesday, 04 August 2026

Exploring Tortuguero by boat

After breakfast, explore Tortuguero National Park by open boats. Tortuguero is a network of navigable lakes, rivers and canals perfect for observing local wildlife. Abundant wildlife inhabits Tortuguero, including 57 species of amphibians, 111 species of reptiles, and 60 species of mammals. More than 300 species of birds live in Tortuguero for all or part of the year. Birdwatchers commonly see keel-billed toucans, slaty tailed trogons, Montezuma oropendulas and a variety of parrots.

Birds common along the canals include green and great blue herons, egrets, belted kingfishers, anhingas, jacanas, sun grebes and several species of hawks and kites.

Other animals commonly seen are fishing bats, three-toed sloths, iguanas, basilisk lizards, poison dart frogs, and howler, white-faced and spider monkeys.

Lodge walkway
Tortuguero Forest & Canals - Tourist 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…

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Pachira Lodge
Tortuguero Forest & Canals - Tourist Lodge

Pachira 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…

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Manatus Hotel
Tortuguero Forest & Canals - Luxury Hotel

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…

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Central America, Costa Rica -  A hummingbird feeds from a vibrant tropical flower in the lush rainforest.
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Wednesday, 05 August 2026

Travel to Bajos de Toro

This morning, drive west to Bajos del Toro, a small village nestled in the lush, forest covered mountains north of San Jose. On arrival, check into your chosen hotel or lodge for a 3-night stay including breakfast. The rest of the day is at leisure.


Thursday, 06 August 2026

Exploring Bajos del Toro

Spend the day exploring the rainforest observing abundant wildlife, hidden waterfalls, and gentle streams. 


Friday, 07 August 2026

At leisure

A day to relax at your lodge or explore Bajos del Toro at your leisure.

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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Arenal's symmetrical peak rises over rolling green hills under the clear skies of Costa Rica.
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Saturday, 08 August 2026

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, 09 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, 10 August 2026

At leisure - optional excursions

Today is free to explore this scenic region of Costa Rica depending on your interests.

Choose from a wide range of optional guided tours, including the Rio Celeste waterfall, zip wire adventures, a coffee plantation tour, horse riding, a birdwatching tour, a boat trip on the Rio Frio, mountain biking, hot springs and a visit to a local village. 

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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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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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Tuesday, 11 August 2026

Travel to Rincon de la Vieja

This morning, we 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, 12 August 2026

Exploring Rincon de la Vieja

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.


Thursday, 13 August 2026

Guided walks in the Rincon de la Veija National Park

A further day of guided exploration in Rincon de la Veija National Park.

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Rincon de la Vieja - Tourist Hacienda

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.…

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Rincon de la Vieja - First Lodge

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…

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An elegant outdoor  table set for two overlooks the lush coastline and Pacific Ocean at Lagarta Lodge.
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Friday, 14 August 2026

Travel to Nosara

This morning, we drive south 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.


Saturday, 15 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. 


Sunday, 16 August 2026

At leisure

A day to relax on the beach or at your lodge.


Monday, 17 August 2026

At leisure

Your final day to enjoy at your leisure.


Tuesday, 18 August 2026

Fly back to the UK

Transfer to San Jose airport for your overnight flight back to the UK.


Wednesday, 19 August 2026

Arrive in the UK

Arrive back in the UK in the morning.

A birdwatchers dream location
Nicoya Peninsula - Tourist Hacienda

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…

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8676 Lagarta Lodge
Nicoya Peninsula - First Boutique

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…

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Price Guidelines

Season Low Season
Travel Dates Year round
Room Arrangement Tourist First
Multiple Travellers - Twin Rooms £4,937 £6,760

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

  • 20 Days / 18 Nights
  • International flights (1 overnight)
  • Excursions with English-speaking guides
  • 18 breakfasts, 2 lunches and 4 dinners
  • Transfers to and from accommodation
  • Transport as stated

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Monday - Saturday : 9am - 6pm

Closed Sunday & Public Holidays

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