Costa Rica Holidays
'Glamping' on a remote Island, River Rafting, Cloud Forest and Coastal National Parks
15 Night Itinerary from £4,138
Quetzal Tour
Ideal for couples and families. Get back to nature with a 'glamping' experience on Isla Jesusita, raft on the Pacuare River, observe the Resplendent Quetzal, and enjoy Costa Rica's best coastal National Parks with their stunning beaches.
Select your preferred departure date
Tour Route
- San Jose - 2 Nights
- Pacuare River - 2 Nights
- San Gerardo de Dota - 3 Nights
- Luna Lodge, Corcovado National Park - 4 Nights
- Manuel Antonio National Park - 2 Nights
- Glamping in the Gulf of Nicoya - 2 Nights
- Return to Jose and fly home - 0 Nights
Travel Highlights
- Visit San Jose with fascinating pre-Colombian Gold Museum
- Enjoy thrilling river rafting adventures on the Pacuare River
- Explore the cloud forest at San Gerardo de Dota and observe the beautiful Resplendent Quetzal
- Discover the rainforest, birdlife and wild beaches in Corcovado National Park
- Stay on the beach and discover Manuel Antonio National Park
- Stay at a unique 'Glamping' Hotel on a remote Island in the Gulf of Nicoya
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 - 2 Nights
Day 1 - Daytime flight to San Jose
Day 2 - San Jose and Poas Volcano
- Full Description
- Accommodation
Meet your Guide
Our hand-picked guides offer you an exclusive insight into the best excustions and activites on offer.
Friday, 02 December 2022
Daytime flight to San Jose
Depart on British Airways daytime flight to San Jose, arriving late in the afternoon. Our guide will transfer you to your chosen hotel for a 2 night stay and give a short orientation tour.
Saturday, 03 December 2022
San Jose
Relax at your hotel or choose from a range of optional excursions, including a tour of San Jose or perhaps a visit to the impressive 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.
Pacuare River - 2 Nights
Day 3 - Transfer to Pacuare & River Rafting
Day 4 - Optional hiking and canopy tour
- Full Description
- Accommodation
Sunday, 04 December 2022
Transfer to Pacuare & river rafting
Morning transfer to the Pacuare River, followed by an exciting 1 hour river rafting tour to Pacuare Lodge where you will enjoy a 2-night stay on a full board basis.
Pacuare is a protected area in the Caribbean region of Costa Rica beginning near the town of Siquirres and covering approximately 25,000 acres as it descends down the Talamanca Mountain Range. Pacuare’s proximity to the lowlands and high annual rainfall combine to nurture the complex life systems whose abundance makes for extraordinary scenic beauty.
Monday, 05 December 2022
Optional hiking and canopy tour
Wake up to bird song and the soothing sound of the river nearby. The lodge employs a resident naturalist guide who will provide you with unique insights into the plant and animal world. Today you can choose from optional tours including a guided hike through the emerald rainforest or the Cabecar Indian hike - where visitors may participate in a cultural exchange. The optional adventure Canopy Tour allows you to view the rainforest from the treetops, as you glide from tree to tree amidst the tropical rainforest canopy.
There is also an opportunity for more rafting adventure on the Pacuare River.
Pacuare River Lodge
Pacuare - Tourist Lodge
Pacuare River Lodge is a secluded property located amid the exotic rainforest located outside Turrialba, accessible only by 4x4 and river raft. The lodge's eco-friendly bungalows are surrounded by exuberant tropical foliage, nestled between the river and our private nature reserve, which conserves 300 hectares (740 acres) of primary rainforest.
There are 14 river and jungle view bungalows, each with private bathroom and comfortable beds. As part of the lodge’s commitment to sustainablility, there is no air conditioning.
Public areas include a dining room, bar and lounge.
The reason for staying at Pacuare River Lodge are the side range of exciting activities; as well as white water rafting, kayaking and other river sports, you can bird watch, hike, swim, go horse riding, fish, explore the rainforest canopy, visit a traditional indigenous Cabecar community, or simply relax.
Costa Rica has become one of the premier White Water Kayaking destinations in the world. The warm water rivers, of Costa Rica, boast world-class white water in a lush, tropical environment.
The rates are on a full board basis.
San Gerardo de Dota - 3 Nights
Day 5 - Travel to San Gerardo de Dota
Day 6 - Exploring the Cloud Forest
Day 7 - Further Explorations
- Full Description
- Accommodation
Tuesday, 06 December 2022
Travel to San Gerardo de Dota
After breakfast, take a 3 hour rafting trip back along the river, from where we continue by private car to San Gerardo de Dota, an area of primary Cloud Forest. Located in a valley between high mountains, it has its own microclimate which often makes it colder than the rest of the country, particularly at night. Frequent rains make the vegatation verdant and lush, but the area has excellent trails for hiking. The main activity in San Gerardo is birdwatching, specifically because it is one of the only places to see the Resplendant Quetzal - one of the most beautiful birds in Costa Rica.
Check into Trogon Lodge for a 3-night stay on a full board basis.
Wednesday, 07 December 2022
Exploring the rainforest
Excursions can also be arranged from the lodge to visit the best birdwatching spots in the area, including Quetzal Quest, a general Birdwatching Tour, and the “Paramo” is a unique highland area that develops in altitudes higher than 3,000 meters above sea level.
Thursday, 08 December 2022
Further explorations
Enjoy further optional excursions from your lodge.
Trogon Lodge
San Gerardo de Dota - First Lodge
Trogon Lodge, named after a popular Costa Rican bird has 23 rustic and comfortable wooden cabins, all with heating, private bathroom, hot water, and a small shared terrace. The family style restaurant serves delicious home cooked meals, and there is also a bar with forest view and balcony, pool table and original duke box.
The lodge is set on the hillside near the bottom of the valley, and has special feeders to attract hummingbirds, private trails up the hillside in the forest, its own zip line circuit, several small trout ponds, all set among beautiful gardens and fruit trees.
Excursions can also be arranged from the hotel to visit the best birdwatching spots in the area, at extra cost payable locally.
Luna Lodge, Corcovado National Park - 4 Nights
Day 8 - Travel to Corcovado National Park
Day 9 - The Luna Lodge Experience
Day 10 - Exploring Corcovado National Park
Day 11 - Optional Excursions
- Full Description
- Accommodation
Friday, 09 December 2022
Travel to Corcovado National Park
After breakfast, transfer to San Jose airport and take a domestic flight to Puerto Jimenez, from where we travel by road to Luna Lodge, located enviably next to the Pacific Ocean on the edge of Corcovado National Park. We check into Luna Lodge, where we stay 4-nights on a full board basis.
Saturday, 10 December 2022
The Luna Lodge Experience
Luna Lodge features incredible nature tours, yoga, spa treatments, an organic swimming pool and free Wi-Fi in public areas. This sustainable property is run by hydro energy. The property offers private bathrooms with hot water, free toiletries and panoramic views of the surroundings. The bungalows and tents have private decks and the rooms have a terrace. Electricity is available 24 hours a day. Activities such as bird watching, kayaking and horseback riding on the beach can be arranged. Yoga lessons and spa treatments are also available.
Sunday, 11 December 2022
Exploring Corcovado National Park
Explore Corcovado National Park or relax on the beach.
Monday, 12 December 2022
Optional Excursions
Enjoy a range of guided excursions from the lodge, or perhaps join a Yoga class on the terrace.
Luna Lodge
Osa Peninsula & Corcovado - Tourist 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 bungalows, three haciendas, and seven platform tents - all well-appointed with private bathrooms. All are beautifully situated in the rainforest and offer breathtaking views from their decks. The spacious colonial-style hacienda rooms have private baths and are designed to comfortably accommodate three with one double-bed and one single-bed.
The completely enclosed “nature-lover” tents have two single beds or one double bed, a private bathroom with hot water, electricity, and a balcony overlooking the rain forest.
The restaurant, “El Eclipse Total”, is open all day and features creative local and international cuisine. There is also a large deck and spa.
There are many activities at the lodge including guided treks in the rainforest, stargazing, swimming in nearby Carate Beach and yoga.
Manuel Antonio National Park - 2 Nights
Day 12 - Travel to Manuel Antonio National Park
Day 13 - At leisure
- Full Description
- Accommodation
Tuesday, 13 December 2022
Travel to Manuel Antonio National Park
Today we travel to Manuel Antonio, one of the most popular destinations in Costa Rica, due to its combination of lowland tropical rainforest, National Park and wide sandy beaches. A small busy town has built up on a hill overlooking the coast, where many hotels, bars and restaurants can be found offering a variety of services. If you feel like relaxing there are beautiful beaches at the bottom of the hill, where some beach bars and restaurants can also be found. For those feeling more adventurous it is easy to explore the National Park, either on your own or on a guided tour. The park has more than one hundred mammal species and one hundred and eighty species of birds, including the rare white ibis. Squirrel monkeys (another endangered species) play in the trees above the trails in the Park and there are also two-toed sloths, raccoons, white-nosed coatis, howler and white faced monkeys, and squirrels.
We check into the first class Is Como No Hotel for a 2-night stay on a bed and breakfast basis.
Wednesday, 14 December 2022
Explore Manuel Antonio
Explore the national park or relax on the beach.
Si Como No
Manuel Antonio National Park - First Resort
The Hotel Si Como No is surrounded by lush tropical rainforest, sandy beaches and nearby rafting rivers; and the hotel offers a number of guided excursions exploring these areas. The hotel has 58 rooms within 10 separate terraces and located on 10 acres of protected tropical forest. Choose from Superior, Deluxe, Deluxe Plus or the Honeymoon Suite.
Each room has a private bathroom, mini-bar, direct dial telephones, energy efficient air conditioning and most have a private balcony. There is a family pool and also a separate new adult pool; both featuring a pool bar and adjacent restaurant. There are also fabulous spa facilities. Across the road from the hotel is a private Nature Reserve and Butterfly Farm.
The rates are on a room and breakfast basis.
Glamping in the Gulf of Nicoya - 2 Nights
Day 14 - Travel to the Gulf of Nicoya
Day 15 - Guided Exploratons
- Full Description
- Accommodation
Thursday, 15 December 2022
Travel to the Gulf of Nicoya
We travel north today to the Gulf of Nicoya, via a ferry from Puntarenas to the small island of Jesusita where we check in to the Isla Chiquita Glamping Hotel for a 2-night stay on a full board basis including the per fee and activities at the hotel.
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 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 as you survey the beauty that envelops you.
Friday, 16 December 2022
Guided explorations
Various activities are included, by land or sea. Choose from bioluminescence expeditions, birdwatching, forest bathing hikes, snorkelling excursions, and a boat trip visiting other nearby islands.
You can choose to stay on longer for extra nights, please call us if you require.
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.
Return to Jose and fly home - 0 Nights
Day 16 - Transfer to San Jose and fly home
Day 17 - Arrive in the UK
- Full Description
Saturday, 17 December 2022
Transfer to San Jose and fly home
Early morning transfer by road to San Jose Airport for your overnight flight back to the UK.
Sunday, 18 December 2022
Arrive in the UK
Arrive in the UK in the morning.
Price Guidelines
| Season | Low Season | |
|---|---|---|
| Travel Dates | Year round | |
| Room Arrangement | First | Deluxe |
| Multiple Travellers - Twin Room | £4,138 | £4,655 |
Prices are a guideline and per person. Please request a quote for Special Events, Christmas, New Year's Eve & Easter.
What's Included
- 17 Days / 15 Nights
- International flights (1 overnight)
- Internal flight San Jose to Puerto Jimenez
- 15 breakfasts, 9 lunches and 9 dinners
- River rafting adventures in Pacuare
- Accommodation as shown on the itinerary
- Transfers and transport throughout
- Prices per person
Client Testimonials
Speak with a Specialist
Travel Enquiries
Contact an Advisor
Stay in touch
Infuse your travels, with inspiration from our monthly newsletter.
READY - 26 November 2022
COSTA RICA - New Tours Arenal, Quetzal, Trogon
BRAZIL - New Eco-Lodges. Carnival 2023 ready
MEXICO YUCATAN - New Tour Kukulcan
INDIA - New Niraamaya Luxury Retreats & Wellness
EXPEDITION CRUISES in the Galapagos, Amazon, Patagonia Fjords & Cape Horn, Antarctica, Indonesia
TRAVEL INSURANCE with extensive COVID cover