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Costa Rica

Pacific and Caribbean wetlands, mountain habitats and volcanoes

Macute Tour - 12 Night Itinerary

Explore unique wetlands on the Pacific coast and Tortuguero National Park, mountain landscapes and eco-systems by Arenal Volcano and continue to the mangroves and beaches of Nicoya Peninsula.

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Travel Highlights

  • Stay in luxury lodges, boutique hotels and a Costa Rican estancia
  • Visit San Jose and Poas Volcano with its enormous crater
  • Trek and hike in diverse ecosystems with expert naturalist guides
  • Explore the wildlife of Tortuguero National Park by boat 
  • Admire awe-inspiring Arenal volcano and relax at Tabacon thermal springs
  • Take a boat trip on the Frio River, part of the Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge
  • Enjoy a wetlands tour in the Tempisque River region
  • Travel between July and December and observe nesting Olive Ridley Turtles
  • Relax on remote golden Pacific beaches at the Nicoya Peninsula

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 Macute

Tour Itinerary

Mist rises above the vivid crater lake of Poas Volcano, striking geothermal wonder in Costa Rica.
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Friday, 13 June 2025

Departure from UK

Depart from the UK on a direct flight to San Jose arriving later the same day. On arrival, transfer to your hotel for a 2 night stay on a bed and breakfast basis. You will be met by a Veloso Tours guide who will give you a short introduction to San Jose and the area surrounding your hotel.


Saturday, 14 June 2025

Full day tour to Poas Volcano

Today enjoy a full day guided tour to the Poas Volcano, stopping the way at the Doka coffee plantation, owned by Costa Rican Vargas Ruiz family, pioneers in coffee production since 1931. We continue past coffee plantations, fern, flower and strawberry farms to Poas, one of the most spectacular volcanoes in Costa Rica. We hike to the enormous crater for some amazing photo opportunities. Continue to La Paz Waterfall Gardens and explore the walking trails that lead to the beautiful white magic waterfall.

4807 Hotel Presidente
San Jose & Alajuela - First Hotel

Hotel Presidente

The Presidente Hotel is located in the heart of San JosĂ© 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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New Gallery 7
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 MorazĂ¡n 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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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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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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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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Visitors cruise through Tortuguero's lush canals, surrounded by dense jungle and vibrant wildlife.
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Sunday, 15 June 2025

Travel to Tortuguero National Park

Up early today to travel to Tortuguero National Park. Admire the biodiversity of an astonishing protected area in Costa Rica as the bus drives through Braulio Carrillo National Park. Stop on route to have a delicious typical breakfast. Along the road, you can observe many different kinds of products grown in this area such as pineapples and bananas. Board a comfortable boat upon arrival to Caño Blanco pier and let this extraordinary exotic paradise enchant you, as you travel through the Tortuguero canals. Enjoy a refreshing cocktail and a delicious lunch as you arrive to the lodge. After lunch, visit to the picturesque town, the green turtle information centre and the beach area.

Tortuguero beach is the most important nesting site of the endangered green turtle in the Western Hemisphere. 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.

Working closely with the Costa Rican government, the Sea Turtle Conservancy (STC) helped establish Tortuguero National Park in 1970, a move that offered protection to the turtles and strictly limited the number of turtles that could be taken. STC researchers and volunteers, who are based at STC's John H. Phipps Biological Field Station, continue to monitor nesting trends, growth rates and reproductive success begun by Dr. Archie Carr in the 1950s. We visit the field station in the afternoon.

We stay at the Manatus Lodge on a full board basis for 3-nights.

From July to September you can take an optional night tour to observe turtles nesting.


Monday, 16 June 2025

Exploring on foot and by boat

After breakfast, enjoy a guided walking tour through the trails. In the afternoon, we visit Tortuguero National Park, exploring the canals in small, open boats to allow a better visibility. 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 macaws, 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 as a living fossil.

Turtle Beach Lodge
Tortuguero Forest & Canals - Tourist Lodge

Turtle Beach Lodge

Turtle Beach Lodge is set in a 175-acre resort offering forest trails, the secluded stretches of beach, and spectacular private canals on a heady Caribbean landscape. Witness endangered sea turtles on the sprawling nestling grounds on the oceanic coast and explore the area’s alluringly bio-diverse landscape comprised of eleven varied habitats. 

The lodge has a choice…

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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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Mawamba Lodge
Tortuguero Forest & Canals - Tourist Lodge

Mawamba River Lodge

Nestled in the lush rainforest, the lodge is the ideal hideaway for nature lovers and the perfect place to discover the wonders of the Tortuguero National Park. All the spacious and comfortable rooms are built in wood to blend in with the exuberant jungle vegetation and all feature a private bathroom with hot water and…

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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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Laguna Lodge
Tortuguero Forest & Canals - Tourist Lodge

Laguna Lodge

Laguna Lodge is an eco-touristic lodge, located on a narrow strip of land, 650 feet wide, between Tortuguero´s main lagoon and a 5km stretch of beach on the the Caribbean Sea. The lodge has 6 acres of delightful, lush gardens, and its own botanical garden.

There are 106 rooms, each with private bathroom and ceiling fan. Public…

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Aninga Lodge
Tortuguero Forest & Canals - First Lodge

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…

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Tortuga Lodge
Tortuguero Forest & Canals - Deluxe Lodge

Tortuga Lodge

Overview and location

Tortuga Lodge and Gardens was the first upscale lodge built in Tortuguero National Park on Costa Rica's Caribbean Coast and remains the most comfortable place to stay in the area. Facing the Tortuguero River in its own 146 acre estate, the lodge offers a quiet, eco-friendly experience with solar powered energy, locally sourced…

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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, lush greenery surrounding the majestic Arenal Volcano under a bright blue sky.
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Tuesday, 17 June 2025

Drive to Arenal National Park

Today take a scenic drive around Lake Arenal to your hotel in Arenal National Park for a 2-night stay on a bed and breakfast basis. Here, discover a great diversity of birds, mammals and lizards, as well as a large variety of plants. There is much on offer in this area, the most exciting observing the active Arenal Volcano at night where streams of red hot lava cascade down the mountainside.

 


Wednesday, 18 June 2025

Arenal volcano trek and hot springs

Today we take a full day guided tour to explore the active Arenal Volcano. At 5437 feet, its tall and conical shape stands imposing over the pastured green hillsides. You will see extraordinary views during a gentle hike along the lower slopes of the colossus.

After the hike, enjoy a relaxing soak into the natural mineral waters of the Tabacon Hot Springs, the finish to a perfect day. Thanks to geothermal activity beneath Arenal, the area surrounding the volcano is home to a number of natural hot springs.


Thursday, 19 June 2025

Frio River Tour

Today take a full day guided tour including a boat ride on the Frío River, starting at Los Chiles, a small town only 4 km from the Nicaraguan border. This river is part of the Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge, a Ramsar site, where you will find one of the most diverse flora and fauna habitats in Costa Rica. Here, observe snake-birds, herons, cormorants and animals such as howlers, spiders or even white face monkeys, and three-toed sloth's. You can also see reptiles like caimans, Jesus Christ lizards and turtles.

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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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 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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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 local guide navigates through the wetlands of Guanacaste, offering a glimpse into Costa Rica's diverse ecosystems.
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Friday, 20 June 2025

Drive to your rural estancia

Today head north to Guanacaste National Park and check into Rancho Humo Estancia for a 2-night stay on a full board basis including a tour of the wetlands Located at the riverside of the Tempisque River, amidst mangroves, wetlands and dry forest converge, enjoy the facilities of the estancia as well as self-guided walks, horseback riding and yoga.


Saturday, 21 June 2025

Wetlands Tour

Today, enjoy a jeep tour exploring the wetlands, with its extraordinary wildlife. Hundreds of aquatic birds can be observed including Roseate Spoonbills, Wood Storks, White and Tiger Herons, Anhingas, Neotropical Cormorants, Northern Jacanas and the Jabiru (the largest aquatic bird in America on the verge of extinction).

Health 7
Guanacaste Beaches - Luxury Estancia

Rancho Humo Estancia

Located in a private reserve in Guanacaste and spread over 2642 acres of protected nature conserved lands,, the Rancho Humo Estancia is a place wildlife and birdwatching enthusiasts will find captivating. 

The Estancia was transformed from a cattle farm into a wetland conservation sanctuary where numnerous ecosystems, from mangroves to wetlands, dry tropical rainforest to pastures…

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A sweeping view of the Nicoya Peninsula shows rivers winding through lush green valleys under a dramatic sky.
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Sunday, 22 June 2025

Travel to Nicoya Peninsula

Today, travel to Lagarta Lodge, located in an enviable position overlooking sandy beaches, coastal forest and two rivers entering the Pacific from the Nicoya Peninsula. We stay here for 3-nights on a bed and breakfast basis. The rest of the day is at leisure to enjoy the fine facilities of the lodge including the two infinity pools and lush gardens. 


Monday, 23 June 2025

Exploring the nature reserve

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. 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, 24 June 2025

Hikes and protected beaches

At leisure. Relax on the beach, or enjoy one of the many available optional activities.

Isla Chiquita
Nicoya Peninsula - Luxury Hotel

Isla Chiquita 'Glamping' Hotel

Perched on the tiny island of Isla Jesusita in Costa Rica's picturesque Gulf of Nicoya, you find the Isla Chiquita Glamping hotel. A ferry boat takes you across the Gulf of Nicoya Gulf to a small island called Jesusita, where the hotel is located.

"Glamping" blends the adventure and eco-friendly appeal of a camping holiday with the comforts…

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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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2045 Punta Islita Hotel
Nicoya Peninsula - Luxury Hotel

Punta Islita Hotel

Perched on a privileged mountain outpost and overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Hotel Punta Islita greets you with authentic Costa Rican charm and aesthetics. Rustic-colonial elegance, a spectacular natural setting, and incomparable service cater to a select clientele of experienced travellers. The hotel's tiered layout grants stunning ocean views as well as privacy. The hotel is…

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Plunge Pool
Nicoya Peninsula - Luxury Hotel

Nantipa Hotel

Nantipa is the Chorotegan word for blue, aptly named for this stylish beachfront hotel in the heart of the Nicoya PenĂ­nsula. 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…

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Pool
Nicoya Peninsula - First Private Villa

Batik Blue Luxury Villa

Located 4 minutes walk to the beach in Santa Teresa in the Nicoya Peninsula, Batik Blue, an original Balinese inspired tropical villa, is a perfect place to feel at home when visiting Costa Rica. Ideal for couples and families to stay after your tour.

The villa has three Bedrooms to a maximum of eight guests. Room…

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A grand historic building in downtown San Jose, proudly flying the Costa Rican flag, reflects the capital's cultural and political heritage.
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Wednesday, 25 June 2025

Return flight to the UK

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


Thursday, 26 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 First First
Multiple Travellers - Twin Rooms £4,082 £5,121

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

  • 14 Days / 12 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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