Costa Rica Holidays
Experience Exuberant Nature, Wildlife, Flooded Rainforest, Mountain & Coastal Habitats
14 Night Itinerary from £3,360
Toucan Tour
Explore National Parks, home to exotic birds and wildlife in dense tropical rainforest. Chill at the beach on the Pacific coast, stay in first class hotels and enjoy guided excursions that bring to life the incredible natural wonders.
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Tour Route
- San Jose & the Poas Volcano - 2 Nights
- Tortuguero National Park - 3 Nights
- Arenal Volcano - 3 Nights
- Monteverde Cloud Forest - 2 Nights
- Manuel Antonio National Park - 4 Nights
- Transport to San Jose Airport & Overnight Flight Home - 0 Nights
Travel Highlights
- Direct flights included on British Airways
- Including first class hotels, all shared transport, domestic flight and excursions
- Admire towering volcanoes, tropical rainforest and abundant birdwatching
- Explore the backwaters and lagoons of Tortuguero National Park
- Experience the hanging bridges and rainforest canopy of Arenal National Park
- Discover the wildlife on a Peñas Blancas River adventure
- Spot exotic birds and mammals in Monteverde Cloud Forest
- Walk to the enormous Poas Volcano crater and visit a coffee plantation
- Relax and explore Manuel Antonio National Park by the sea
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 & the Poas Volcano - 2 Nights
Day 1 - Fly from the UK to San Jose
Day 2 - Poas Volcano and coffee plantation tour
- Full Description
- Accommodation
Meet your Guide
Our hand-picked guides offer you an exclusive insight into the best excustions and activites on offer.
Monday, 02 October 2023
Fly from the UK to San Jose
Depart from London Gatwick Airport on British Airways and fly directly to San Jose, capital of Costa Rica. On arrival, you will be met by your guide and transferred to the 4* Buena Vista Hotel located in the mountains of the Central Valley, just outside San Jose for a 2-night stay on a bed and breakfast basis. The rest of the evening is at leisure.
Tuesday, 03 October 2023
Poas volcano & coffee plantation tour
Today enjoy a privately guided visit to the Poas National Park, where you will trek to the huge crater of the volcano spanning one kilometre in diameter and 314 metres deep. The most extraordinary views await. We then continue to the Doka Coffee Estate on the fertile slopes of the Poas Volcano and enjoy a typical lunch (included) and a tour of the estate where you will learn about coffee production and cultivation in Costa Rica.
Buena Vista Hotel
San Jose - 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.
Tortuguero National Park - 3 Nights
Day 3 - Fly to Tortuguero National Park
Day 4 - Boat tour of Tortuguero National Park
Day 5 - Optional explorations
- Full Description
- Accommodation
Meet your Guide
Our hand-picked guides offer you an exclusive insight into the best excustions and activites on offer.
Wednesday, 04 October 2023
Fly to Tortuguero National Park
Up early today as we take a domestic flight to Tortuguero National Park. On arrival, check-into the Manatus Hotel where we stay for 2-nights with all meals included during your stay.
Tortuguero means “Land of the Turtles.” The canals are the primary egg-laying grounds on the Atlantic Ocean side for green sea turtles. Leatherback turtles also frequent the area, but are more elusive. In October, you can observe these majestic creatures laying their eggs. Guided tours are available after dark. Once this season ends, baby sea turtles begin to hatch from November to January. Beach walks during the late evening and early morning are likely to reveal tiny baby turtles making their first journey back to the ocean. These sightings don’t require to book specific tours, but guides are available to help you see the new hatchlings.
In the afternoon, you take a boat tour in the Tortuguero National Park water canals to observe the wildlife, birdlife, flora and fauna of this unique region of Costa Rica, a coastal rainforest only navigable by river. Species you will spot are monkeys, sloths, macaws, toucans, other exotic birds, iguanas, river turtles and caimans.
Thursday, 05 October 2023
Exploring Tortuguero National Park
This mooring enjoy further explorations into the rainforest by boat with your expert local guides discovering the amazing sights and sounds of the jungle.
After lunch at the hotel, you will take tour to Tortuguero Village and discover he way of life of the local people, their ongoing conservation efforts and learn about the Green Sea Turtles.
Friday, 06 October 2023
Optional explorations
Enjoy a day exploring this unique region with one of our many optional activities. The adventurous can take a zip line tour of the forest canopy, an experience you will never forget.
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.
Arenal Volcano - 3 Nights
Day 5 - Transfer to Arenal National Park
Day 6 - Explore the Peñas Blancas River
Day 7 - At leisure
- Full Description
- Accommodation
Saturday, 07 October 2023
Transfer to Arenal
Today we take a shared boat to the port at the edge of Tortuguero National Park and travel by road to Arenal National Park, where you check-in to the first class Arenal Manoa Hotel for 3-nights on a bed and breakfast basis. The rest of the day is free to relax and enjoy the facilities of this fine hotel.
Sunday, 08 October 2023
Explore the Peñas Blancas River
Today you take a wildlife and nature tour by boat explore the Penas Blancas River, where you will experience the sights and sounds of Costa Rica wildlife on a floating safari. Spot monkeys, sloths, caimans, iguanas Jesus Christ lizards, and a wide assortment of colourful bird species. The river is home to small crocodiles that duck in the water when you cruise past. The naturalist guide will share with you some history and knowledge of the plants and animals you encounter.
Monday, 09 October 2023
At leisure - optional activities
Today you are free to relax at your resort or take an optional activities including a hike to Arenal Volcano, a horse riding tour, guided birdwatching, a trip on the Sky Tram gondola above the rainforest or perhaps a zip line tour through the tree canopy.
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.
Monteverde Cloud Forest - 2 Nights
Day 8 - Travel to Monteverde & cooking class
Day 9 - Exploring Monteverde Cloud Forest
- Full Description
- Accommodation
Tuesday, 10 October 2023
Travel to Monteverde & cooking class
This morning we travel on the beautiful Arenal Lake and continue by road to the famous Monteverde Cloud Forest, with its unique eco-system where on certain indigenous species can grow in this elevated position, some 4,500 ft above sea level. Check-into the Senda Monteverde Hotel for a 2 night stay on a bed and breakfast basis.
In the afternoon, enjoy an included ‘Patacon’ cooking class.
Wednesday, 11 October 2023
Exploring the Cloud Forest
This morning enjoy an auto-guided hike in Agutu Wildlife Reserve located across a hanging bridge next to your hotel. You enter a reserve with majestic trees and rare wildlife including hummingbirds, the Resplendent Quetzal, Black and Yellow Silky Flycatcher, Chiriqui Quail Dove, and the Three-Wattled BellBird. Plants you will see are lichens, bromeliads, lineas and ferns.
The rest of the day is free to enjoy the facilities of the hotel, join an optional activity.
Senda Monteverde Hotel
Monteverde Cloud Forest - First Hotel
Perfectly located in Monteverde National Park, the Senda Monteverde Hotel is an ideal base to enjoy the cloud forest, mountain air and many activities.
The is a sustainable luxury hotel with an elegant and contemporary design, adorned with local artwork and little nooks to relax in a peaceful atmosphere.
The 24 guest rooms and suites with porches overlook the gardens or the Pacific Ocean in the distance. Each spacious room has fans, coffee station, mini bar, living space, covered terrace, and Wi-Fi. There are four room categories, with the upgraded rooms with a greater living area and some 2 bedroom casitas (ideal for families).
The Sapo Restaurant offers local and international cuisine plus there is a bar and lounge
In the loft you can to practice yoga, read or participate on different talks.
Manuel Antonio National Park - 4 Nights
Day 11 - Travel to Manuel Antonio National Park
Day 12 - Wildlife, hikes and protected beaches
Day 13 - Explore or relax on the beach
Day 14 - At leisure
- Full Description
- Accommodation
Thursday, 12 October 2023
Travel to Manuel Antonio National Park
Transfer north along the Pacific Coast to Manuel Antonio National Park, staying for 3 nights at a hotel surrounded by rainforest and overlooking beaches and coves. The pristine Manuel Antonio National Park is for many the best National Park in Costa Rica. The area has well-marked trails and is teeming with wildlife, including birds, toucans, monkeys and sloths.
You can relax at your lodge, on the beach or explore the National Park on a wide range of optional activities bookable locally.
Friday, 13 October 2023
Wildlife, hikes and protected beaches
You can relax at your lodge, on the beach or explore the National Park on a wide range of optional activities bookable locally.
Saturday, 14 October 2023
Wildlife, hikes and protected beaches
At leisure.
Sunday, 15 October 2023
At leisure
Your final day to relax on a protected beach or at your hotel.
Parador Resort & Spa
Manuel Antonio National Park - First Resort
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 Hotel has 129 air-conditioned rooms with TV, telephone, coffee maker, mini bar, safe, hair dryer, iron and ironing board, ceiling fan, balcony or terrace depending on its location and room category and bath amenities.
There are several dining options, with Costa Rican and International cuisine: La Galeria is the casual with an open air terrace overlooking the gardens and the sea, El Quijote Restaurant & Bar and a good option for a relaxed dinner.
La Fragata Restaurant and Bar offers seafood and different healthy meals in a stunning location and the pool bar and terrace is open all day.
Pamper yourself at Pacifica Spa, take a deep in one of the two swimming pools (there is also a children’s pool). There is also a fitness centre, souvenir shop, concierge service, Free Wi-Fi, tennis court, mini-golf, green areas, natural trails and shuttle service to Manuel Antonio beach. Optional guided treks into Manuel Antonio National Park are also available.
Transport to San Jose Airport & Overnight Flight Home - 0 Nights
Day 15 - Fly back to the UK
Day 16 - Arrive in the UK
- Full Description
Monday, 16 October 2023
Fly back to the UK.
This morning transfer to San Jose Airport for your overnight British Airways flight back to the UK.
PLEASE NOTE THIS ITINERARY CAN BE ADAPTED AND CHANGED TO SUIT YOUR PERSONAL REQUIREMENTS AND INTERESTS.
Tuesday, 17 October 2023
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 Jul-21 Aug, 14-30 Dec | ||||
| Room Arrangement | Tourist | First | Deluxe | Tourist | First | Deluxe |
| Multiple Travellers - Twin Room | £3,360 | £4,046 | £6,269 | £3,603 | £4,282 | £6,506 |
Prices are a guideline and per person. Please request a quote for Special Events, Christmas, New Year's Eve & Easter.
What's Included
- 16 Days / 14 Nights
- International flights (1 overnight)
- Domestic flight from San Jose to Tortuguero
- Entrance fee to Tortuguero National Park
- First class accommodation as shown on the itinerary
- 14 breakfasts, 4 lunches and 3 dinners
- Transfers to and from airports
- Transport (shared) throughout the itinerary
- Excursions as described, all with expert guides
- Prices are per person
- Prices for Christmas, New Year's Eve, Easter on request
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