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Costa Rica Holidays

Mountain Landscapes, Volcanoes, Rainforest & Isolated Luxury Lodges

16 Night Itinerary from  £7,552

Macaw Tour

Staying in luxury accommodation throughout, explore five National Parks including mighty volcanoes, cloud forests, mountain landscapes and birdwatching. Relax on a remote tropical beach.

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Tour Route

Travel Highlights

  • Experience abundant wildlife and volcanoes in five national parks 
  • Stay in deluxe lodges, set in extraordinary locations 
  • Enjoy trekking in diverse ecosystems with expert naturalist guides
  • Learn about coffee making staying at a unique coffee plantation resort
  • Discover the rich variety of birds  
  • Stay at the luxury El Silencio lodge, hidden in the cloud forest
  • Explore Tenorio National Park 
  • Relax on a remote Pacific Coast beach in Guanacaste

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

San Jose & Poás Volcano - 2 Nights

Day 1 - Departure from UK

Day 2 - Poas Volcano

  • Full Description
  • Accommodation

Saturday, 09 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.


Sunday, 10 December 2023

Poás Volcano and a coffee plantation

Today we visit the Doka coffee plantation, owned by Costa Rican Vargas Ruiz family, pioneers in coffee production since 1931. During the coffee tour, you will learn about the production process, how coffee is picked, milled, ground and roasted.

We then visit to the mighty 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.

 

Xandari Resort

San Jose - First Boutique

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 waterfalls.

The hotel consists of 24 comfortable and spacious villas, decorated in bright colours and adorned with original works of art. Set on top of a hill on a 40 acre coffee and fruit plantation, all the rooms are overlooking the Costa Rica's Central Valley, featuring private terrace. Each room has a bar kitchen and a private bathroom with toiletries. The resort has 3 swimming pools, with one overlooking the valley, as well as a spa offering a variety of treatments.

4808 Xandari Resort
Bird 300

Carara National Park and San Jose - 3 Nights

Day 3 - Travel to Carara National Park

Day 4 - Carara National Park Tour

Day 5 - Travel to San Jose

  • Full Description
  • Accommodation

Monday, 11 December 2023

Travel to Carara National Park

Transfer to Carara and check into the Hotel Villa Lapas for a 2 night stay on a bed and breakfast basis. Set just outside Carara National Park, the Hotel Villa Lapas is only 12 km from Herradura Beach and 15 minutes' drive from Jaco Beach. The rest of the day is at leisure to visit a local beach or relax by the swimming pool and explore the extensive gardens. 


Tuesday, 12 December 2023

Carara National Park Tour

Today enjoy a guided visit to this impressive transitional moist to dry forest. We follow the trails to observe the variety of plants, amphibians, reptiles and birds, such as, the famous scarlet macaw. Crocodiles more than three meters long can be seen all along the Tarcoles river. Lunch is included today.


Wednesday, 13 December 2023

Travel to San Jose

Today we travel to San Jose and check in to the Grano de Oro Hotel for a 1-night stay on a bed and breakfast basis. Optional city tour of San Jose is available.

Hotel Villa Lapas

Carara National Park - Tourist Lodge

Carara National Park is truly a special place and one of the most biodiverse regions in Costa Rica's Puntarenas Province. The myriad array of native species ranges from birdlife like scarlet macaws, toucans, parrots, aracaris, kingfishers and herons, to white-face capuchin monkeys, peccaries, anteaters, poison-arrow frogs and the crocodiles of the Tárcoles River. Located adjacent to the park and five minutes from the river, Villa Lapas Jungle Village is one of the best hotels for exploring this stunning landscape in Costa Rica. 

Hotel Villa Lapas is also only 12 km from Herradura Beach and 15 minutes' drive from Jaco Beach. It features a swimming pool and extensive gardens. 

Overlooking the gardens, the air-conditioned rooms offer contemporary décor, a ceiling fan, a safe and a wardrobe. All are equipped with cable TV. The bathrooms are private and come with a shower and hairdryer. Free Wi-Fi is provided in the restaurant area. All meals included. 

There is a good range of optional activities available, including birdwatching tours, guided trekking and trips to the nearby beaches.

Rooms
Fincarosablanca Coffee 652X488 Man Holding Coffee Bean 01

Central Valley - 2 Nights

Day 6 - Transfer to the Central Valley 

Day 7 - Exploring the countryside

  • Full Description
  • Accommodation

Thursday, 14 December 2023

Travel to Heredia in the Central Valley

Transfer to Heredia in the Central Valley and check into the Finca Rosa Blanca Coffee Plantation Resort for a 2-night stay on a bed and breakfast basis. Situated above the beautiful Central Valley of Costa Rica, the resort offers amazing views of volcanoes, cloud forests and coffee plantations and nestled amongst 10 acres amid hundreds of fruit trees and tropical flora.

The rest of the day at leisure.


Friday, 15 December 2023

Explore the countryside

Enjoy an optional guided activity from at your resort. Perhaps a coffee plantation tour, birdwatching tour or  hiking in the cloud forest. 

Finca Rosa Blanca Coffee Plantation Resort

The Central Valley - First Lodge

Finca Rosa Blanca Coffee Plantation Resort 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. For lunch and dinner enjoy Latin fusion cuisine using only the fresh tropical ingredients of Costa Rica. During lunch or dinner you can choose between a cozy atmosphere, ideal for romantic dinners in the warmth of the fireplace or outdoors on our terrace with the central valley shining below. 

Accommodation includes room and breakfast. 

The resort also has a wide variety of activities to make the most of the surrounding countryside. You can experience Costa Rican coffee, the great outdoors and culture in countless ways during your stay at the Finca, including volcanoes, cloud forests, rafting and the rushing rivers of the Coffee Highlands. The region is one of the oldest in Costa Rica and abounds with coffee, culture, arts and crafts, and old fashioned central open markets. Our educational coffee tour and tasting is recognised for its beauty and biodiversity.

FRB Rainbow2 1
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Bajos del Toro - 3 Nights

Day 8 - Transfer to Bajos del Toro

Day 9 - Explore the cloud forest

Day 10 - Explore the cloud forest

  • Full Description
  • Accommodation

Saturday, 16 December 2023

Travel to El Silencio Lodge, Bajos del Toro

Transfer to Bajos del Toro and check into El Silencio Lodge for a 3-night stay on a bed and breakfast basis. Stay in luxurious, individual cabins nestled in a secluded area of Cloud Forest. Rest of the day at leisure.


Sunday, 17 December 2023

Exploring the cloud forest

Explore the forest around your 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.


Monday, 18 December 2023

Exploring 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
Kayaking in the flooded rainforest

Tenorio National Park - 3 Nights

Day 11 - Travel to Tenorio National Park

Day 12 - Discover Tenorio National Park

Day 13 - Activities in Tenorio National Park

  • Full Description
  • Accommodation

Tuesday, 19 December 2023

Travel to Tenorio National Park

Travel to Tenorio National Park, where we check in to Origins Luxury Resort for a 3-night stay on a bed and breakfast basis. The rest of the day is at leisure.

 


Wednesday, 20 December 2023

Discover Tenorio National Park

The picture-perfect and still active Tenorio Volcano reigns over one of the most beautiful secrets in Costa Rica, Tenorio National Park. Hike to the volcano summit along the Lago las Dantas Trail which winds its way through rain forest to cloud forest. This region serves as home to Ocelots, Jaguars and Cougars along with Tapirs, Howler Monkeys, Toucans and Sloths. The other spectacular sight is the vibrant turquoise waters of Rio Celeste created by the volcanic activity of Tenorio and the sulfur it emits. Costa Rican legend has it that the gods dipped their paint brushes into the river while painting the sky. A hike along this vivid blue river to its waterfall and a soak in several of its natural hot springs will no doubt, have you believing in the ancient legend.


Thursday, 21 December 2023

Activities in Tenorio National Park

Enjoy a wide choice of optional guided activities today, including lagoon fishing, a wildlife tour, hiking, a boat tour through the Caño Negro Wetlands, a coffee tour, kayaking and meeting the local Maleku people.

Origins Luxury Resort

Tenorio Volcano Park - Luxury Lodge

Located high up on a mountainside moments from Tenorio National Park and overlooking the out stretched valley, ORIGINS offers an exclusive opportunity for serenity within the wilds of the rainforest is an experience like no other.

Within the large, private estate are spacious  and beautifully designed luxury lodges, each with fantastic views, a terrace with wood fire fire-heated bath, private bathrooms, FREE Wi-Fi, coffee maker, hair dryer and safe.

Origins offers world class cuisine, using ingredients grown locally. The restaurant, bar and lounge offer breathtaking views. You really feel connected to nature. There is also a spa and yoga.

There is much to do here, from guided treks to the summit of Tenorio Volcano, exploring the National Park and Rio Celetse, birdwatching, fishing, horse riding, kayaking, meeting the local Maleku people, a coffee tour and adventure activities such as tubing.

You can access Origins by car from Liberia or San Jose, or even take a private helicopter flight to the Lodge own heliport.

The rates are on a full board basis.

A Villa With A View
Experience Amazing Views Min

Guanacaste National Park - 3 Nights

Day 14 - Travel to Guanacaste

Day 15 - At leisure 

Day 16 - At leisure 

  • Full Description

Friday, 22 December 2023

Travel to Guanacaste National Park

Travel by car today to Guancaste National Park, where we check in to the Kasiiya Papagayo Resort for a 3-night stay on a bed and breakfast basis.

Kasiiya us an eco resort set in 123 acres with its own beach. Kasiiya means "find your pace" in Swahili and the experience focuses on mind and body wellness.


Saturday, 23 December 2023

At leisure in Kasiiya

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


Sunday, 24 December 2023

At leisure

Your last day to relax in the warm tropical sunshine.

San Jose

Return to San Jose & Fly Home - 0 Nights

Day 17 - Return flight to the UK

Day 18 - Arrive in the UK

  • Full Description

Monday, 25 December 2023

Return flight to the UK

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


Tuesday, 26 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 Jul-21 Aug, 14-30 Dec
Room Arrangement First Deluxe First Deluxe
Multiple Travellers - Twin Room £6,989 £7,552 £7,185 £7,634
Single Traveller - Own Room £8,975 £12,460 £9,785 £13,979

Prices are a guideline and per person. Please request a quote for Special Events, Christmas, New Year's Eve & Easter.


What's Included

  • 18 Days / 16 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

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READY - 4 December 2023

ECUADOR & GALAPAGOS: Friendly Wildlife & Culture

LANDMARK TOURS: Multi-Country & Cross Continent

COSTA RICA TOURS & LODGES: Rainforest Habitats

CLIPPER CRUISES: Stunning Traditional Tall Sailling Ships: Costa Rica, Barbados, Saint Martin

CHINAINDIA: Local Life, People & Unique Cultures

GUIDES by Veloso Tours, are the best Local Hosts

TRAVEL INSURANCE with extensive COVID-19 cover