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Costa Rica Holidays

Pacific and Caribbean wetlands, mountain habitats and volcanoes

12 Night Itinerary from  £4,082

Macute Tour

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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Tour Route

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

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

Poasvolcano 350X300

San Jose - 2 Nights

Day 1 - Departure from UK

Day 2 - Full day tour to Poas Volcano

  • Full Description
  • Accommodation

Friday, 19 April 2024

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, 20 April 2024

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.

Hotel Presidente

San Jose & Alajuela - First Hotel

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 a restaurant-bar, a casino, and a spa with beauty treatments.

4807 Hotel Presidente

Balmoral Hotel

San Jose & Alajuela - Tourist 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 dryer, FREE Wi-Fi, desk, and private bathrooms with power showers and complimentary toiletries.

There is a bar, restaurant, café, pizzeria and even a wine shop. The award-winning El Patio del Balmoral restaurant serves a variety of authentic Costa Rican specialties and international dishes in a casual and relaxing setting. There is also an on site gym.

New Gallery 7

Grano de Oro

San Jose & Alajuela - First Hotel

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 and lush tropical plants.

There is a rooftop deck ideal for sunbathing and also featuring a Jacuzzi. The hotel's restaurant is one of the best in San Jose and offers continental cuisine in an intimate and cordial atmosphere.

The rates include breakfast.

 

Grano de Oro Hotel

Buena Vista Hotel

San Jose & Alajuela - First 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 standard rooms have private bathroom, TV and mini-bar.

Public facilities include the Quetzal Grille restaurant, of international and typical cuisine, a bar, an outdoor pool, gift shop, masseuse, free WiFi, and lush gardens ideal for walks.

Buenavista Hotel 01

Hotel Alta Las Palomas

San Jose & Alajuela - Luxury Hotel

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 room types: deluxe queen, deluxe king, grand queen, grand king and a master suite. Each room is air-conditioned with private bathroom, balcony or terrace, TV, safe, hair dryer and iron/ironing board.

The rates are on a room and breakfast basis.

 

Room

Xandari Resort

San Jose & Alajuela - 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

Finca Rosa Blanca

San Jose & Alajuela - Luxury Resort

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 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.

4810 Finca Rosa Blanca
Canals through the tropical forest

Tortuguero National Park - 2 Nights

Day 3 - Transfer to Tortuguero National Park

Day 4 - Exploring on foot and by boat

  • Full Description
  • Accommodation

Sunday, 21 April 2024

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, 22 April 2024

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 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 of twin, double or single rooms, with ceiling fan and private bathroom. Public facilities include a dining room serving the Caribbean dishes using local ingredients, a terrace, and a swimming pool. The large site offers numerous walks into the forest.

The rates include transport from/to San Jose, all meals, a guided tour of the forest trails, a wildlife cruise on the canal and a trip to Tortuguero.

Turtle Beach Lodge

Pachira Lodge

Tortuguero Forest & Canals - Tourist 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 simple, rustic and comfortable, all with private facilities, hot water but without air-conditioning.

The lodge has a nicely decorated restaurant serving Costa Rican food buffet-style, a bar, a refreshing turtle-shaped swimming pool, beautiful gardens, ranchos with hammocks to enjoy the jungle and canal views.

The rates include transport from/to San Jose, all meals and guided walks and boat trips.

Pachira Lodge

Mawamba River Lodge

Tortuguero Forest & Canals - Tourist 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 ceiling fans and offer tranquil garden views. There is a family style restaurant where you eat 3 meals a day, a pool area, games room and palapas with hammocks tucked away in the gardens - perfect for relaxing!

Every evening, there are lectures on the Tortuguero area in the conference room and you are always free to investigate the 15-acres of private nature trails, featuring an open sky butterfly farm.

The Lodge provides transfers by bus and boat, all meals, regular tours and taxes; the entrance fee to the National Park is not included.

Mawamba Lodge

Evergreen Lodge

Tortuguero Forest & Canals - Tourist 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 fans, security boxes and private bathrooms with warm water.

Public areas include a swimming pool and dining room. 

The lodge offers various excellent value packages that include guided excursions exploring Tortuguero National Park.

Evergreen Lodge has a commitment with the environment and sustainable development, due to this we have been working hard to obtain sustainability certifications by implementing different measures and programs such as but not limited to energy and water saving, recycling programs, and training programs in topics such as sustainability, and others. The objective is to use and treat the resources appropriately, as well as to contribute with the environment and the community.

Lodge walkway

Laguna Lodge

Tortuguero Forest & Canals - Tourist 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 facilities include a restaurant with a wonderful view, decorated with rustic logs brought from the beach. There are 3 bars to enjoy a relaxing drink after a days exploration. The main bar overlooks the river edge with amazing sunsets. The lodge also has a large swimming pool with sun loungers.

Enjoy included guided tours during your stay, walk on the deserted beach and from July to October witness Green and Leatherback Turtles nesting on the beach; truly unforgettable.

The rates include transfers from/to San Jose, accommodation, all meals, and selected tours guided by a naturalist guide, depending on your length of stay.

Laguna Lodge

Aninga Lodge

Tortuguero Forest & Canals - First 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 located on the shore of the main canal.

The lodge is committed to sustainability, many features designed to protect this special environment.

The rates include transfers from/to San Jose, accommodation, all meals, and guided boat and walking tours depending on your length of stay.

Aninga Lodge

Tortuga Lodge

Tortuguero Forest & Canals - Deluxe 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 ingredients and attractive and wooden buildings with a laid-back, tropical, yet classic design. The lodge has 20 hectares of attractively landscaped gardens with ornamental tropical trees, palms, shrubs, orchids, and other flowers that attract birds, lizards and butterflies.

Why stay here?

In a remote place like this, running a quality eco lodge with comfortable accommodation and a high standard of service is not easy, but Tortuga Lodge has got it right. Rustic elegance in the jungle.

Rooms

The 2 storey room blocks are set among the tropical gardens, with 11 downstairs terrace rooms, 12 upstairs balcony rooms, 1 large Penthouse suite and 2 family junior suites - all facing the river. The spacious rooms have quality beds, large en suite bathrooms with shower, ceiling fans and rocking chairs and hammocks in the outside terrace. There is a no smoking policy, no air conditioning or television - you will appreciate the sounds of the tropical rain forest - including a wake up call from a local howler monkey!

Food and drink

The reception, bar and superb restaurant are located in the main building built on the riverside, with veranda dining next to the water. The chef delights the guests with local and international dishes served in creative ways. All meals are served at your table. Veloso Tours recommends the full meal plan. An a la carte menu is available for all meals.

Facilities and activities

The lodge offers free Wi-Fi throughout. The stunning infinity pool features an environmentally-friendly purification system so the water does not irritate the eyes - a perfect place to relax after adventures in the jungle and the lodge's gardens. Expert-led excursions by boat exploring Tortuguero National Park are available from the lodge. These can be arranged in advance with your Veloso Tours UK travel advisor.

From July to October, the highlight in Tortuguero is standing a few feet from a 300-pound Green Sea Turtle while she lays 80-100 eggs, covers up her nest, perhaps digs a false nest to throw off predators, and finally, after more than an hour, returns to the sea.

Prices

Veloso Tours prices include room, local taxes and all meals. Packages including flight transfers from San Jose and excursions are also available. The National Park entrance fee is not included (USD $15.00 per person).

Families

Families with teenagers will appreciate the hotel's partnership with a local school where they can help teach local children with their English. Must be pre-arranged with our travel advisor. Families stay in a junior family suite with 2 beds (1 king) sleeping up to 4. Younger families benefit from up to 2 children aged 10 or younger staying FREE if sharing a room with 2 adults. The lodge offers a special 3 night family expedition package including transfers, room, meals and full excursion programme.

                                                                                           Please call us for a quote - 0208 762 0616

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

Tortuga Lodge

Manatus hotel

Tortuguero Forest & Canals - Luxury 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 Queen beds each, it really is a unique place to stay surrounded by stunning scenery. Each air-conditioned luxury bungalow has a private patio with an outdoor shower - plus TV, bathroom, FREE Wi-Fi and mini-bar.

Public areas include a bar, excellent restaurant with a la carte international menu combined with the exquisite traditional Costa Rican cuisine, a spa, gym and swimming pool. There is also a small, on-site gallery of local art.

Manatus Hotel also features some private trails to enjoy the natural surroundings and the possibilities to observe the wildlife, as well as a dock where you can enjoy the views of the calm waters of the lagoon. Kayaks can be rented to cruise the canals.

One of the biggest attractions of the region are the nesting of the sea turtles. As well as our included adventures by boat, you can also take optional guided hikes into the jungle.

Manatus Hotel
Arenal Volcano

Arenal Volcano - 3 Nights

Day 5 - Drive to Arenal National Park

Day 6 - Arenal volcano trek and hot springs

Day 7 - Frio River tour

  • Full Description
  • Accommodation

Tuesday, 23 April 2024

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, 24 April 2024

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, 25 April 2024

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.

Arenal Volcano Inn

Arenal Volcano Park - Tourist Hotel

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 or volcano view.

Public areas include beautiful gardens with exotic plants, colourful birds and other animals. There is also  the Que Rico Arenal Restaurant offering excellent Italian, International, and Costa Rican cuisine. The restaurant offers a spectacular view of the volcano. The wood fired pizza is a must try for those who visit Que Rico Arenal.

The hotel can arrange a wide variety of activities, including zip wire adventures, treks, boat trips, horse riding and coffee plantation tours.

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Arenal Springs

Arenal Volcano Park - First Resort

Arenal Springs Resort is the ideal combination of modern comfort and exuberant tropical surrounding. The rooms are all in semi-detached bungalows spread over a wide area directly facing Arenal Volcano. Each room has a patio with seating, as well as air conditioning. The hotel also has its own hot springs, which feed into a number of hot tubs and pool of different temperatures, all of which guests can enjoy at their leisure. There is also a spa, a yoga studio, and two restaurants.

2043 Arenal Springs

Arenal Manoa Hotel

Arenal Volcano Park - First 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 each one offers you a panoramic view of the volcano.

Each of their 80 rooms is equipped with two queen sized beds, air conditioning, satellite television, private bath with hot water and a hair dryer, telephone, terrace with a view of the volcano, refrigerator, safe-deposit box and coffee maker.

You can enjoy the spacious gardens as well as see the daily operations of a typical Costa Rican farm - a farming tour is included. The hotel has an international restaurant, two swimming pools, Jacuzzi, wet bar, souvenir shop, Free Wi-Fi at the reception.

View of the volcano

Arenal Kioro Suites & Spa

Arenal Volcano Park - Luxury Hotel

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 or families. All suites include two “Juliet” balconies with panoramic volcano and mountain views, hydromassage hot tubs, minibars, coffee makers, cable television and free Wi-Fi. 

Public areas include a landscaped free-form swimming pool, the Neidin Spa, and a free shuttle to Titokú hot springs including complimentary admission to the heated hot springs pools. 

Award-winning local and international cuisine and captivating volcano views is on offer at Heliconia’s Restaurant, or enjoy poolside cocktails in the garden setting of Orquídeas Restaurant. Bar El Higueron and Sport Bar Carajillos are ideal for more casual get togethers. 

There are many optional tours and excursions bookable from the hotel.

Relax in the pool

Nayara Hotel & Gardens

Arenal Volcano Park - Deluxe Resort

Located in the outskirts of the Arenal Volcano, Arenal Nayara Hotel & 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 to rest and enjoy nature. A large Jacuzzi and wet bar provide a place to rest after enjoying the various guided activities, including white water rafting, hiking, mountain biking, volcano treks, and hot springs. Arenal Nayara Hotel & Gardens offers a full service restaurant, where local ingredients blend with a world-class cuisine to provide an incomparable dining experience. The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and boasts a direct view of the active volcano. 

Every (room) casita at the Arenal Nayara Hotel & Gardens has been designed to provide the utmost in comfort and style while maintaining a close connection with the natural surroundings. With the guests' experience in mind, Arenal Nayara offers a unique concept of individual casitas separated by lush tropical gardens. Each one of its large suite-size casitas provides independent space and privacy that includes a private backyard with an outdoor shower and a front balcony overlooking the volcano. For a full pampering experience select the Nayara Suites featuring in-room breakfast, bathrobe, and the best panoramic volcano view. Each of the casitas is equipped with a King or two full size beds, Plasma 27" Cable TV, DVD / CD Player, IPod Stand, Internet Access, Safe Box (Laptop capacity), Air Conditioning, private bathroom with hot water and rain shower, backyard with outside shower, in room "mini" bar service, coffee maker, front balcony overlooking the volcano with jacuzzi for two, high speed internet connection. Accommodation includes room and breakfast. 

Nayara Hotel & Gardens

Nayara Springs

Arenal Volcano Park - Luxury Hotel

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, a gym, yoga and walkways and trails into the rainforest. There are many activities to enjoy, including horse riding, white water rafting, guided trekking, night walks, zip wire adventures in the rainforest and birdwatching tours.  

There are several drinking and dining experiences to enjoy: Mis Amores, a gourmet Latin Bistro; Amore Loco, fine local cuisine; Mi Cafecito, an authentic coffee bar; the pool terrace serving lunch; the Altamera Restaurant offering upscale casual dining; Asia Luna, serving Asian cuisine; and the Nostalgia Wine and Tapas Bar.

The 35 spacious and elegant villas, each with its own plunge pool fed by a hot spring. Each has an expansive private garden with dual rain showers, oversized bathroom, sleek, four-poster bed and indoor and outdoor sitting areas. The Spring Villas also come with a private host to compliment our ever-attentive hotel staff.

The rates are on a room and breakfast basis, with other packages available.

Nayara Springs

Nayara Tented Camp

Arenal Volcano Park - Luxury 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 a minimal footprint. The experience is secluded and romantic for couples, or fun and educational for the whole family. Inspired in the African safaris but conceived in the tropical Costa Rican rainforest, the tents are a mix of sustainable luxury with a “Pura Vida” vibe. Each air-conditioned tent has a plunge pool, terrace, day bed, chairs for al fresco dining, mini bar, breakfast, and FREE Wi-Fi. 

Public areas include three bars and three restaurants: Amor Loco offers signature a la carte dining, another offers Asian/Costa Rican fusion cuisine or you can dine al fresco. There is a stunning infinity pool with views of the volcano, plus an open air spa and yoga classes. Local musicians provide nightly entertainment.

There is much to do here, from tours by the in house guides, exploring the hanging bridges, white water rafting, trekking in the rainforest, birdwatching, and learning about Costa Rican coffee or the rainforest eco-system.

Infinity pool
Health 8

Guanacaste estancia experience - 2 Nights

Day 8 - Drive to your rural estancia

Day 9 - Wetlands Tour

  • Full Description
  • Accommodation

Friday, 26 April 2024

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, 27 April 2024

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).

Rancho Humo Estancia

Guanacaste Beaches - Luxury 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 attract many birds such as herons, hawks, ducks spoonbills and the most exotic bird in Costa Rica - the Jabiru.

The Estancia offers a wide range of tours and excursions exploring the natural surroundings. An on your return enjoy top class meals in the restaurant (using local ingredients) and relax by the elegant swimming pool. The whole approach is underpinned with a sustainable philosophy.

The air-conditioned standard rooms, family rooms or junior suites all have TV, FREE Wi-Fi, coffee maker and safe.

The rooms are on a bed and breakfast basis.

Health 7
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Nicoya Peninsula - 3 Nights

Day 10 - Travel to Nicoya Peninsula 

Day 11 - Exploring the nature reserve

Day 12 - Hikes and beaches 

  • Full Description
  • Accommodation

Sunday, 28 April 2024

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, 29 April 2024

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, 30 April 2024

Hikes and protected beaches

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

Isla Chiquita 'Glamping' Hotel

Nicoya Peninsula - Luxury 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 and amenities of a traditional hotel. Isla Chiquita elevates the glamping experience with premium tent accommodations featuring plush bedding, organic bath products and lounging decks with gorgeous ocean or tropical forest views. The 18 premium tents with king size beds are designed to offer both rustic charm and modern convenience, each tent includes an en-suite bathroom with local, organic products, deluxe bedding, cooling ceiling fans, and a spacious private lounging deck with remarkable views. 

Enjoy delicious seafood meals at Donde Tía Nora Restaurant, or sip a drink at Harry’s Bar & Restaurant with gorgeous sea views. Various activities are offered by land or sea, including bioluminescence expeditions, birdwatching, forest bathing hikes, snorkelling excursions and island hopping.

The rates include accommodation, breakfast, pier fee and activities.

Isla Chiquita

La Ensenada Lodge

Nicoya Peninsula - Tourist Hacienda

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 Costa Rica. So much so, the lodge has been declared a ‘National Wildlife Refuge’. It is also a working farm with livestock and the production of salt and fruit. 

Accommodation is in comfortable bungalows facing the Gulf of Nicoya, with two beds, bathroom, and a spacious terrace where you can enjoy a relaxing sunset in a hammock. There is a dining room, lounge, lovely gardens and pool.

During your stay, you can participate in the daily activities of the farm and appreciate typical country life of Costa Rica. Other activities include guided hiking, several birdwatching tours, horse riding and a birdwatching boat tour on the Bebedero River.

The rates are on a full board basis.

A birdwatchers dream location

Lagarta Lodge

Nicoya Peninsula - First Boutique

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 with breathtaking views of the ocean to enjoy. The lodge also has two infinity pools, a spa and jacuzzi.

The 26 air-conditioned guest rooms include 11 Jungle suites, 8 Panorama suites and 7 Flor Blanca suites. Each has FREE WI-FI, safe, ceiling fan, king or queen size beds with luxurious bedding, terrace or balcony,  small fridge and coffee machine. 

The lodge can arrange many excursions and experiences, including guided hiking, nature tours, surfing, kayaks, boat tours, snorkelling, language courses and beach sports.

Rooms are on a bed and breakfast basis.

8676 Lagarta Lodge

Batik Blue Luxury Villa

Nicoya Peninsula - First Private 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 1 - king size bed. Room 2 - queen size bed and single day bed. Room 3 - queen size bed and single day bed. Each bedroom has its own private deck and air conditioning

The villa has two bathrooms, a fully furnished kitchen with handcrafted antique Indonesian wooden teak doors, and a separate seating area overlooking the garden and a private pool. Other facilities include iPod speakers, hammocks, a lush garden, ceiling fans, daily housekeeping and included Wi-Fi.

Optional activities on offer include a concierge, spa treatments, a boat adventure, surfing lessons, private yoga sessions, massage therapy, a private chef and guided tours of the local area.

Pool

Punta Islita Hotel

Nicoya Peninsula - Luxury 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 500 m from a secluded beach cove.

Choose from standard, deluxe, Junior suite or Junior Suite Premium rooms. All are air-conditioned with private bathroom and many amenities including private terrace, FREE Wi-FI, coffee maker, safe, mini bar, TV and terrace with hammock.

The hotel has two restaurants, the Pacifico restaurant with a 50 foot thatched palm root offering Costa Rican fusion cuisine and the Los Cocos Beachside restaurant. There is also an infinity pool, spa and many well defined trails to explore the surrounding rainforest.

The hotel has several complimentary activities in its rates, including art sessions, cooking lessons, zip wire adventures and horseback riding.

The rates are on a room and breakfast basis.

2045 Punta Islita Hotel

Nantipa Hotel

Nicoya Peninsula - Luxury 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 suites each with a glorious beachfront view. Surrounded by carefully landscaped flora to preserve privacy, every room has a private bathroom, climate controls, smart TV, working desk, small dining table and chairs, hammocks, Wi-Fi and a minibar.

In addition to the varied beach life, there are many activities to enjoy including horse riding, surfing, guided hikes, a canopy tour, a tour to Tortuga Island and fishing.

The rates are on a room and breakfast basis.

Plunge Pool
San Jose

Return to San Jose & Fly Home - 0 Nights

Day 13 - Return flight to the UK

Day 14 - Arrive in the UK

  • Full Description

Wednesday, 01 May 2024

Return flight to the UK

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


Thursday, 02 May 2024

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 Room £4,082 £5,121

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


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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READY - 12 April 2024

INDIA: Fascinating Culture & Kembh Mela Festival

LANDMARK TOURS: Multi-Country & Cross Continent. New Cosmopolitan Tour: Buenos Aires, Iguazu, Rio

CHINAINDIA: Local Life, People & Unique Cultures

GUIDES by Veloso Tours, are the best Local Hosts

PRIVATE VILLAS: Quality Time in exclusive settings

TRAVEL INSURANCE with extensive COVID-19 cover