Skip link for screen readers

Costa Rica Holidays

Private aircraft and luxury lodges to explore the flora, fauna, rainforest and coast.

22 Night Itinerary from  £25,550

Papagayo Tour

Extensive tour with privately chartered domestic flights, helicopter flight to Tenorio and staying in the best luxury lodges, this is truly the ultimate way to experience the landscapes and national parks.

Select your Preferred Departure Date OR Default to Today's Date

Download Itinerary Request Quotation

Tour Route

Travel Highlights

  • The ultimate luxury tour of Costa Rica, with chartered domestic flights and the best lodges
  • Explore the coastal rainforest at Tortuguero National Park by boat 
  • Spend 4 nights at the award-winning Kasiiya Eco Resort in remote Papagayo
  • Take a private helicopter flight to Tenorio National Park, with its awe-inspiring volcano
  • Stay 4 nights at the fabulous Origins Luxury Lodge in Tenerio National Park
  • Enjoy 3 nights exploring the Osa Peninsula staying at Lapa Rios with their expert naturalist guides
  • Go birdwatching, hiking or whale watching at Piedras Blancas National Park 
  • Relax on the beach in Papagayo, the Osa Peninsula and Golfo Dulce

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

San Jose

San Jose - 2 Nights

Day 1 - Departure from UK

Day 2 - Explore San Jose

  • Full Description
  • Accommodation

Saturday, 09 December 2023

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.


Sunday, 10 December 2023

Explore San Jose

Today you are free to explore San Jose or take an optional excursion to the nearby Poas Volcano.

Hotel Presidente

San Jose - 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
Canals through the tropical forest

Tortuguero National Park - 3 Nights

Day 3 - Transfer to Tortuguero National Park

Day 4 - Private tour by boat

Day 5 - Explore Tortuguero

  • Full Description
  • Accommodation

Monday, 11 December 2023

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 Tortuga Lodge on a full board basis for 3-nights.

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


Tuesday, 12 December 2023

Private tour by boat

After breakfast, leave the lodge by private boat, accompanied by a naturalist guide, to explore the creeks of Tortuguero National Park. It is common to find troops of Howler monkeys in search of the tender young leaves of the Monkey Plum tree. The Northern Jacana is often perched on an island of water hyacinth, looking for insects and miniature shrimp. Caimans are often observed quietly waiting for its next meal to swim by.


Wednesday, 13 December 2023

Explore Tortuguero

A further day of optional guided treks and other optional activities, such as zip wire adventures in the tree canopy.

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
Lodge Kasiiya

Papagayo - 4 Nights

Day 6 - Fly to Papagayo

Day 7 - Kasiiya Eco Retreat

Day 8 - Kasiiya Eco Retreat 

Day 9 - Kasiiya Eco Retreat

  • Full Description
  • Accommodation

Thursday, 14 December 2023

Fly to Papagayo

Transfer to Tortuguero airstrip and take a private charter flight to Liberia, from where you transfer to the Kasiiya luxury eco retreat for a 4-night stay on a full board basis. Relax in your stunning beachfront villa. 


Friday, 15 December 2023

Kasiiya Eco Retreat

Enjoy a range of optional activities available from your hotel, including yoga, kayaking, paddle boarding, trekking and tree climbing. Or simply relax on the beach or by the pool. 


Saturday, 16 December 2023

Kasiiya Eco Retreat

A day to relax in the luxury of your resort.


Sunday, 17 December 2023

Kasiiya Eco Retreat

Your last day in Papagayo.

Kasiiya

Guanacaste Beaches - Luxury Resort

Located on the beach in Papagayo, The Kasiilya is a wonderful eco resort offering the perfect balance between comfort and wilderness. You stay in luxury tented suites, designed to strengthen your bond with nature and enhance your wellbeing. It is a unique experience.

The resort has 5 very spacious air-conditioned suites in total, balcony, quality linens, private bathroom, outside bath and luxury amenities. All are moments from the beach.

The public areas include a dining room, lounge and spa. Plus you can explore over 100 acres of wilderness. The cuisine is created by Chef Sebastian Guevara who believes the menus of Kasiiya should be as beautiful as the land itself. The views, the air and the smell of the ocean inspire his dishes.

A stay at Kasiilya is very much about the outdoors, with many activities available including kayaking, paddle boarding, snorkelling, diving, fishing, hiking, wildlife tours, culinary classes, surfing or simply relaxing on the beach.

The rates are on a room and breakfast basis.

Experience Amazing Views Min
Rainforest

Tenorio National Park - 4 Nights

Day 10 - Helicopter flight to Origins Luxury Lodge

Day 11 - Explore Tenorio National Park

Day 12 - Tenorio National Park

Day 13 - Tenorio National Park

  • Full Description

Monday, 18 December 2023

Helicopter flight to Origins Luxury Lodge

Today, transfer back to Liberia and take a privately chartered helicopter flight to Origins Luxury Lodge, located high on a mountainside in Tenorio National Park. We stay here for 4-nights on a full board basis including drinks. 


Tuesday, 19 December 2023

Explore Tenorio National Park

Tenorio Volcano National Park is located the northern Costa Rica and part of the Arenal Tempisque Conservation Area. The jewel of the National Park is the Tenorio Volcano, which you can experience today at your leisure.

There is much to explore from the lodge, including trekking, fishing, a coffee tour, kayaking, tubing, meeting the local Maleku tribe and a boat tour on the Cano Negro.


Wednesday, 20 December 2023

Exploring Tenorio

A further day to discover Tenorio National Park. Spot sloths, monkeys, turtles, caiman and many varieties of birds or perhaps experience the thrill of walking under the moonlight with our naturalist guide, through the Costa Rican forest, witnessing astonishing nocturnal animal species!


Thursday, 21 December 2023

Tenorio National Park

Your final day at the Origins Luxury Lodge in Tenorio National Park.

Lodge de Lapa Rios

Osa Peninsula - 3 Nights

Day 14 - Fly to the Osa Peninsula

Day 15 - Exploring the rainforest 

Day 16 - Exploring the rainforest

  • Full Description
  • Accommodation

Friday, 22 December 2023

Fly to the Osa Peninsula

Today we transfer to El Tanque airstrip and take a privately chartered flight to Puerto Jimenez. From here, transfer to the luxurious Lapa Rios Lodge, located in a stunning position overlooking the Pacific Ocean in the remote tropical rainforest of the Osa Peninsula. We stay at Lapa Rios for 3 nights on a full board basis and including all activities on site. 


Saturday, 23 December 2023

Exploring the rainforest

Wake up to views of the Golfo Dulce. After breakfast, enjoy a selection of on-site guided tours such as the early and sunset birds tour, the wild waterfall hike, the local medicine tour, the rain forest ridge walk, the Osa trail hike, the Matapalo Tour, the night walk and the pigs, twigs and garbage Tour.


Sunday, 24 December 2023

Exploring the rainforest

After breakfast, this morning explore the rainforest on the optional Osa Trail hike that takes you into the deep primary forest in the Lapa Rios private reserve. For the rest of the afternoon relax on the sun bed in your private balcony while hearing the toucans, macaws and sound of the waves or take time to relax in the fresh water pool.

Lapa Rios

Osa Peninsula & Corcovado - Deluxe Lodge

Lapa Rios is a wonderful combination of a sustainable luxury lodge and eco-conservation project spread over 1000 acres of tropical rainforest on the Osa Peninsula overlooking the Golfo Dulce. The main lodge and bungalows line three ridges, connected by walking paths and many steps.

Nearly all of the 17 thatched bungalows have an ocean view and all are surrounded by the rainforest. Each bungalow has huge windows, a ceiling fan (no air-conditioning), private deck and patio garden.

The buildings are of native materials, existing in harmony with the surrounding forest and beach environment. The main building houses the reception, bar and restaurant. There is also a swimming pool, access to the beach, and many trails throughout the forest leading to rivers with natural pools and waterfalls. There are daily guided excursions and activities inside and outside the property that take advantage of the pristine natural setting and discover the abundant wildlife, particularly birds.

The rates include transfers from Puerto Jimenez, accommodation, all non-alcoholic drinks, 3 meals a day and all on-site guided tours.

 Lapa Rios
Playa Cativo beachfront

Piedras Blancas National Park - 5 Nights

Day 17 - By boat to Playa Cativo Lodge

Day 18 - Rainforest & Golfo Dulce

Day 19 - Whale watching 

Day 20 - Hike in Piedras Blancas National Park

Day 21 - At leisure 

  • Full Description
  • Accommodation

Monday, 25 December 2023

By boat to Playa Cativo Lodge

Today we travel by boat to Playa Cativo Eco Lodge, nestled in the tranquil waters of Golfo Dulce, in southern Costa Rica. Unique in its native beauty and seclusion, Playa Cativo is a beachfront boutique hotel set within 1000 acres and offering a unique experience of a private rainforest, surrounded by the Piedras Blancas National Park, a former extension of the Corcovado National Park.

We stay at the lodge for 5 nights on a full board basis and use of all watersports equipment including kayaks and paddle boards.


Tuesday, 26 December 2023

Rainforest and Golfo Dulce

There are many optional treks and activities to enjoy at Playa Cativo Lodge. If birding is your passion, enjoy a guided tour exploring the impressive diversity of birds in Playa Cativo with over 390 species of birds recorded in Piedras Blancas, Playa Cativo Private Nature Reserve and surroundings. Observe bird species that inhabit beaches, wetlands, grasslands, valleys and even many migratory species.


Wednesday, 27 December 2023

Whale watching

Perhaps today take an optional boat trip on the Golfo Dulce, one of four tropical fjords around the world, and home to a variety of marine animals, including cetaceans. Two species of dolphins spend their whole life cycles in Golfo Dulce, and between July and October it is possible to experience the arrival of the Humpback whales and their calves. Sea turtles, jumping stingrays, and marine birds can also show up during the ride. Combine this tour with snorkelling for a fantastic day in the water!


Thursday, 28 December 2023

Hike in Piedras Blancas National Park

Today perhaps take an optional privately guided hike in the Playa Cativo private forest reserve with its rugged and steep topography, cant trees and fascinating tropical lowland rainforest ecology. The flora of Piedras Blancas is one of the most diverse in Central America. On your return, relax at the lodge - on the beach or by the pool.


Friday, 29 December 2023

At leisure

Your final day to relax and enjoy the unique surroundings of Playa Cativo Lodge.

Playa Cativo

Osa Peninsula & Corcovado - Luxury Lodge

Located in a stunning beachfront position in the Golfo Dulce, on accessible by boat, the Playa Cativo is a luxury lodge offering beauty, seclusion and nature. Surrounded by 1000 acres of private rainforest, a beautiful beach and lush grounds, you are free to explore the varied wildlife that inhabits this remote region of Costa Rica.

The lodge has a swimming pool, spa, wellness centre, library and an organic farm. The excellent cuisine is served in the El Gavilan Restaurant as well as El Gazebo Sunset Bar.

All 18 luxurious guest rooms are constructed from precious reclaimed hardwood and colourful tile works crafted by local artisans, offering an unspoiled 180-degree view of both the ocean and rain forest. Each room is air-conditioned with private bathroom, safe, FREE Wi-Fi and a rain shower. 

There is much to do and explore, from self-guided walks in the rainforest, paddle boarding, kayaks, snorkelling or simply relaxing on the beach.

The rates are on a full board basis including transfers from Puerto Jimenez, use of water sports facilities and tea/coffee throughout your stay.

 

 

Playa Cativo Lodge
San Jose

Return to San Jose & Fly Home - 1 Night

Day 22 - Return to San Jose

Day 23 - Return flight to the UK

Day 24 - Arrive in the UK

  • Full Description
  • Accommodation

Saturday, 30 December 2023

Return to San Jose

Transfer by boat to Puerto Jimenez for a flight to San Jose. On arrival, transfer to your chosen hotel on a bed and breakfast basis for your last night in Costa Rica.


Sunday, 31 December 2023

Return flight to the UK

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


Monday, 01 January 2024

Arrive in the UK

Arrive in the UK in the morning.

Grano de Oro

San Jose - 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.

4809 Grano De Oro

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

Hotel Presidente

San Jose - 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

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 Deluxe Deluxe
Multiple Travellers - Twin Room £25,550 £30,598

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


What's Included

  • 24 Days / 22 Nights
  • International flights (1 overnight)
  • Internal flights as described
  • Private helicopter flight
  • 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

Client Testimonials

AITO Widget

Speak with a Specialist
Travel Enquiries

Contact an Advisor

Please be a descriptive as possible





X

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