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Costa Rica

In-depth tour, exploring regional Eco-Systems and Habitats of 8 National Parks, north, central, south, Caribbean & Pacific coast

Pura Vida Tour - 25 Night Itinerary

Comprehensive tour exploring the numerous regions and habitats that result from the mountainous central highlands and valleys, to the lowlands on the Tortuguero flooded forest and the Pacific virgin rainforest in the Corcovado National Park

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Travel Highlights

  • An in-depth tour of Costa Rica visiting 8 national parks 
  • Observe the awe-inspiring Poas and Irazu volcanoes
  • Travel by boat discovering Toucans, Macaws and more in Tortuguero National Park
  • Observe the rare green macaw in Sarapiqui  
  • Climb to the summit of the mighty Tenorio Volcano 
  • Enjoy the relaxed charm of Bajos del Toro and explore the cloud forest
  • Spend 3 days exploring Turrialba National Park region, rich in bird species varieties 
  • Enjoy 4 days exploring the coastal paradise of Corcovado National Park
  • Relax on the beach at Manuel Antonio National Park
  • Stay in characterful or luxury lodges with expert natualist guides

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 Pura Vida

Tour Itinerary

Steaming crater of Poas Volcano, a striking natural landmark near Alajuela.
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Thursday, 04 June 2026

Fly to San Jose

Depart the UK on a daytime flight to San Jose arriving in the early evening. On arrival, your Veloso guide will transfer you to your chosen hotel for a 3-night stay including breakfast.


Friday, 05 June 2026

Coffee Plantation Tour

Today enjoy a visit to a coffee plantation, where you will learn about coffee production from picking to processing and the roasting of the beans. You will be able to enjoy freshly roasted coffee, homemade biscuits and cookies with views of the beautiful farms and Central Valley. 


Saturday, 06 June 2026

Poas & Irazu Volcanoes

Today visit the active Poás Volcano, with its summit at 8,885 feet. Stand in awe at the edge of one of the biggest craters in the world with its simmering volcanic lagoon at Poas Volcano bubbling with active fumaroles. We also visit Irazú volcano and explore the foothills with the mountains, cloud forests, wild rivers, waterfalls, big cats, quetzals, tapirs and eagles. After your wonderful morning adventure, you will enjoy an authentic Costa Rican lunch at one of the local mountain restaurants. 

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 Morazán parks, as well as the impressive gold and jade museums.

The hotel’s rooms include double beds, complimentary coffee, safe, hair…

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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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Tourists explore the lush waterways of Tortuguero National Park by boat, guided through the dense tropical jungle.
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Sunday, 07 June 2026

Travel to Tortuguero National Park

This morning we drive through beautiful scenery to La Pavona river port. From here, travel by boat to your chosen lodge for a 3-night stay including all meals. In the afternoon, visit Tortuguero beach - the most important nesting site of the endangered green turtle in the Western Hemishpere. 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. STC was established in 1959 specifically to study and protect Caribbean green turtles.


Monday, 08 June 2026

Explore by boat and on foot

Today explore the canals and forest of this most unique national park. In the morning, trek with your guide learning about the flora, fauna, bird and wildlife that makes this area their home. In the afternoon, explore the canals in small, open boats. 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 birds, 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 a living fossil. 


Tuesday, 09 June 2026

Optional excursions

Today you can choose from a range of optional excursions, depending on your interests. Perhaps explore further by boat, or take a zip wire adventure in the forest canopy. Or relax in your tropical lodge. 

Lodge walkway
Tortuguero Forest & Canals - Tourist Lodge

Evergreen Lodge

Located near the entrance to Tortuguero National Park, Evergreen Lodge offers a sustainable way to explore the rainforest from the Penitencia Canal that flows directly in front of the Lodge.

The lodge has 66 rooms and private bungalows constructed over pillars designed in a Caribbean style, with wooden and bamboo furniture. Each has comfortable beds, ceiling…

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Pachira Lodge
Tortuguero Forest & Canals - Tourist Lodge

Pachira Lodge

Pachira Lodge is located only five minutes away from the entrance to Tortuguero National Park. This wild and remote area is only accessible by boat or plane and it takes 5 to 6 hours by land and boat from San Jose. Pachira Lodge offers 96 comfortable rooms with bamboo furniture and ceiling fans. The rooms are…

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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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Parrot
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Wednesday, 10 June 2026

Travel to Sarapiqui

Morning drive to Sarapiqui and check into your chosen lodge for a 3-night stay including breakfast. The rest of the day is at leisure.


Thursday, 11 June 2026

Exploring Sarapiqui

Sarapiqui is famous for its river, Braulio Carrillo National Park, La Selva Biological Station, Tapiria Wildlife Reserve and incredible wildlife, including the endangered Green Macaw. Opt for guided walks, boat trips, canoeing, rafting and mountain biking - depending on your interests. 


Friday, 12 June 2026

At leisure

A day free to relax at your lodge or explore the Sarapiqui region with a local naturalist guide.

Selva Verde Lodge
Sarapiqui - First Lodge

Selva Verde Lodge Reserve

Located in Sarapiqui county, Selva Verde is a rainforest reserve with 500 acres of tropical nature and a haven for nature enthusiasts from around the world. The abundant biodiversity, comfortable rainforest lodge, and exciting activities are ideal for adventure seekers, bird and wildlife watchers, and families. 

The lodge has forty well-appointed rooms, five secluded bungalows, and…

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Sloth 19
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Saturday, 13 June 2026

Travel to Tenorio National Park

This morning drive to your chosen lodge in Tenorio National Park, where we stay for 3-nights including all meals. The rest of the day is at leisure.


Sunday, 14 June 2026

Exploring Tenorio

Created in 1995, the Tenorio Volcano National Park is one of Costa Rica's best kept secrets. Taking its name from the still active Tenorio volcano, the park offers stunning river views, waterfalls, wildlife spotting and great hiking. Hike to the volcano summit 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. Opt to explore with a local naturalist guide.


Monday, 15 June 2026

At leisure

A day to relax at your lodge to take an optional excursion or trek into the national park. 

Tenorio Lodge Hotel 12
Tenorio Volcano National Park - Tourist Lodge

Tenorio Lodge

Situated on their own 17 acre plat, Tenorio Lodge is located between Tenorio and Miravalles volcanoes at an altitude of 1,640 ft. The lodge has lovely gardens of fruit trees and tropical vegetation surrounding two natural ponds. Indeed, the Lodge was designed to offer its quietness, relaxation, and serenity in a peaceful environment.

The lodge has 12…

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A luxury hillside villa at Origins Lodge overlooks lush forest and distant peaks, bathed in golden sunset light.
Tenorio Volcano National Park - Luxury Lodge

Origins Luxury Resort

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…

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VALLE Y RIO BOSQUE DE PAZ
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Tuesday, 16 June 2026

Fly to Bajos de Toro

Transfer to Liberia Airport and take a domestic flight to San Jose. On arrival, our guide will transfer you to your chosen hotel in Bajos del Toro for a 3-night stay including breakfast. The rest of the day is at leisure.


Wednesday, 17 June 2026

Exploring the cloud forest

Bajos del Toro is a small village nestled in the lush, forest covered mountains north of San Jose. Today, opt for a guided tour of the cloud forest exploring the abundant wildlife, hidden waterfalls and gentle streams. 


Thursday, 18 June 2026

At leisure

A day to relax at your lodge or opt for a range of excursions including horse riding, zip wire adventures, walking tours, birdwatching and mountain biking. Or relax at your lodge and enjoy yoga or the facilities of the spa.

4812 Bosque De Paz
Bajos del Toro - First Lodge

Bosque de Paz

Bosque de Paz Reserva Biologica is located in Alajuela. The property boasts a large terrace offering stunning views of the surrounding nature. Situated in the mountains, this lodge is within 25 mi (40 km) of Aguas Zarcas Church, Aquas Zarcas Square, and Zoo Ave. La Paz Waterfall Gardens and Central Park are also within 32…

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2060 El Silencio Lodge & Spa
Bajos del Toro - Deluxe Lodge

El Silencio Lodge & Spa

Located an hour from San Jose, El Silencio Lodge & Spa is ideally located at Bajos del Toro, a relatively unknown tourist destination offering many beautiful landscapes and activities. The Lodge is set in 500 acres of private tropical forest reserve, flanked by Juan Castro Blanco National Park and Poas Volcano National Park. Ideal for…

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A tiny hummingbird rests gracefully on a board green leaf, glowing in Costa Rica's morning light.
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Friday, 19 June 2026

Travel to Turrialba National Park

Today we drive south to Turrialba National Park and our chosen lodge, Rancho Naturalista where we stay for 3-nights including all meals and selected guided birdwatching tours. The rest of the day is at leisure. 


Saturday, 20 June 2026

Birdwatching tour

Located two hours from San Jose in Cartago Province in the Central Valley, Turrialba Volcano National Park is dominated by the volcano, the 2nd tallest in Costa Rica. The park is a mix of cloud and rain forest and apart from the volcano, is a haven for a vast number of bird species, including giant toads, agouti, toucans, howler monkeys, armadillos, various species of hummingbirds, tanagers, collared aracaris, chachalacas and even an occasional rufous motmot. At the base of Cerro Silencio you can observe foraging mixed flocks, and in the rivers you have a chance to see a Sunbittern. There is also an array of rich foliage, which includes bamboo, awaiting you in the forest that you can easily explore on a guided trek from your lodge.


Sunday, 21 June 2026

At leisure

A day to relax at Rancho Naturalista or opt for a guided trek or excursion in the national park.

Rancho Naturalista
Turrialba Volcano National Park - First Lodge

Rancho Naturalista

Located just 2 hours drive from San Jose, Rancho Naturalista is set in its own private reserve 3000 feet above sea level in the Northern end of the Talamanca mountain range in premontane rainforest.

Multiple species of hummingbirds, as well as many other birds, can be seen right from the balcony where you also have a…

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A peaceful retreat at Lapa Rios overlooks the lush Osa rainforest and sparkling Pacific horizon.
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Monday, 22 June 2026

Fly to the Osa Peninsula & Corcovado National Park

Transfer to San Jose airport and fly to Puerto Jimenez airport. Our guide will transfer you to your chosen lodge in the Osa Peninsula or Corcovado National Park for a 4-night stay with all meals and selected guided tours included. The rest of the day is at leisure.


Tuesday, 23 June 2026

Exploring with your guide

Covered by pristine primary lowland tropical rainforest, the Osa Peninsula is renowned for its biodiversity & endemic wildlife. Corcovado is Costa Rica's largest National Park and one of its most isolated and remote. Its size means that it can support significant populations of tapir, crocodile and caiman, and big cats such as jaguar, ocelot, margay and puma. It is also the only place in Costa Rica which is home to all four species of monkeys: howler monkeys, white-faced capuchin monkeys, spider monkeys and squirrel monkeys. Many species of lizard and several varieties of venomous snakes, such at the fer-de-lance, can be found in the park. Corcovado has been described by National Geographic as 'the most biologically intense place on Earth in terms of biodiversity', and wildlife sightings are common for visitors. Today enjoy a guided tour of the park.


Wednesday, 24 June 2026

Exploring with your guide

A further day to explore the nature and wildlife of this remote region, including a visit to the beach where it is possible to observe whales and other mammals at certain times of the year.


Thursday, 25 June 2026

At leisure

The final day in this coastal paradise. Relax at your lodge, head to the beach or the forest.

Bungalow 3
Osa Peninsula & Corcovado - Tourist Lodge

Luna Lodge

Luna Lodge is situated within 60 acres of primary and secondary rainforest, on the pristine and captivating Osa Peninsula in Carate near Corcovado National Park. 

Corcovado is one of the largest parks in Costa Rica and protects one-third of the peninsula. Described as “…the most biologically intense place on Earth.” by National Geographic Magazine.

There are eight…

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Deluxe Villa 7
Osa Peninsula & Corcovado - First Lodge

El Remanso Lodge

Located on the South West Pacific side of the Osa Peninsula next to the Ocean, El Romanso Lodge is an exceptional eco-friendly base to explore one of the world's most pristine and bio diverse rainforests. You may see monkeys leaping in the trees, explore hidden valleys and spot sloths, kinkajous, eagles, toucans and parrots. Recent…

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A peaceful retreat at Lapa Rios overlooks the lush Osa rainforest and sparkling Pacific horizon.
Osa Peninsula & Corcovado - Deluxe Lodge

Lapa Rios

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…

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A rocky islet rises just offshore as gentle waves lap the peaceful sands of Manuel Antonio.
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Friday, 26 June 2026

Fly to Manuel Antonio National Park

This morning transfer to Puerto Jimenez Airport and fly to San Jose. On arrival, our guide will transfer you to your chosen hotel or resort in Manuel Antonio National Park for a 3-night stay including breakfast. The rest of the day is at leisure.


Saturday, 27 June 2026

Explore the national park or relax on the beach

The day is free to explore Manuel Antonio National Park, or head to the beach where a wide range of water sports are available.


Sunday, 28 June 2026

At leisure

A final day to relax on the beach or at your hotel.


Monday, 29 June 2026

Fly back to the UK

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


Tuesday, 30 June 2026

Arrive in the UK

Arrive back in the UK in the morning.

2028 Costa Verde
Manuel Antonio National Park - Tourist Hotel

Costa Verde

Hotel Costa Verde is located on a coastal rainforest bluff overlooking the Pacific beaches of Manuel Antonio National Park near Quepos, Costa Rica. Its many amenities make Costa Verde a perfect destination for those seeking adventure travel, ecotourism, sports, fishing or just the tranquility of white sand beaches and magnificent ocean views.

The rooms are…

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aerial-parador_5_orig.jpg
Manuel Antonio National Park - First Resort

Parador Resort & Spa

The Parador Resort & Spa is settled on a hill, immersed in the tropical rainforest and located at a walking distance from the beach. You will enjoy stunning ocean views

The coast offers a wide variety of facilities such as bars, restaurants, supermarkets, banks, stores, natural attractions and beautiful beaches like Biesanz & Espadilla.

The…

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Infinity pool.jpg
Manuel Antonio National Park - Deluxe Hotel

Makanda by the Sea

Makanda by the Sea is the ideal location for adults wishing to experience Manuel Antonio's natural splendour, magical sunsets and wildlife while enjoying the comforts of first-class accommodation within 12 acres of rainforest sanctuary. All of the 11 air-conditioned villas and studios are uniquely contoured into the surrounding jungle and descending mountain terrain, and provide…

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Price Guidelines

Season Low Season High Season
Travel Dates March - June & September - November December to March & July, August
Room Arrangement Tourist First Deluxe Tourist First Deluxe
Multiple Travellers - Twin Rooms £6,878 £7,680 £8,718 £7,356 £8,144 £9,278

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

  • 27 Days / 25 Nights
  • International flights (1 overnight)
  • Internal flights as stated
  • Treks and excursions with English-speaking guides
  • Accommodation and breakfast
  • Transfers to and from accommodation
  • Transport and meals as stated

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