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Costa Rica

Experience Exuberant Nature, Wildlife, Flooded Rainforest, Mountain & Coastal Habitats

Toucan Tour - 14 Night Itinerary

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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Travel Highlights

  • Direct flights included on British Airways from November to April
  • Other airlines all year, including Air France/KLM from most UK Regional Airports
  • 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

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 Toucan

Tour Itinerary

Poas Volcano 10
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  • Accommodation
Monday, 24 March 2025

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, 25 March 2025

Poas Volcano, La Paz Waterfall Gardens & Coffee Plantation tour

Morning departure from your hotel on a guided visit to the Poas National Park, where you will trek to the huge crater of the volcano spanning one kilometer in diameter and 314 meters deep. The most extraordinary views await. We may stop at Doka Coffee Estate on the fertile slopes of the Poas Volcano of the estate where you will learn about coffee production and cultivation. 

Later you will visit the La Paz Waterfalls Gardens Nature Park with a huge walk-in garden butterfly enclosure, and an even larger bird enclosure plus a snake sanctuary. There are a number of trails through lush tropical rainforest, rivers, and spectacular waterfalls for birdwatching including hummingbirds, and monkeys. You also have a number of restaurants/cafes.

The tour is shared as described or can be adapted to your preference when taken private.

4807 Hotel Presidente
San Jose & Alajuela - First Hotel

Hotel Presidente

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…

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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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Buenavista Hotel 01
San Jose & Alajuela - First Hotel

Buena Vista 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…

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Grano de Oro Hotel
San Jose & Alajuela - First Hotel

Grano de Oro

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…

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Room
San Jose & Alajuela - Luxury Hotel

Hotel Alta Las Palomas

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…

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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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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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Canalestprtuguero 06
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Wednesday, 26 March 2025

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 3-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, 27 March 2025

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, 28 March 2025

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.

Turtle Beach Lodge
Tortuguero Forest & Canals - Tourist Lodge

Turtle Beach 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…

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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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Mawamba Lodge
Tortuguero Forest & Canals - Tourist Lodge

Mawamba River 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…

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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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Laguna Lodge
Tortuguero Forest & Canals - Tourist Lodge

Laguna 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…

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Aninga Lodge
Tortuguero Forest & Canals - First Lodge

Aninga 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…

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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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Manatus Hotel
Tortuguero Forest & Canals - Luxury Hotel

Manatus 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…

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Volcano Hike
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Saturday, 29 March 2025

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, 30 March 2025

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, 31 March 2025

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.

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Arenal Volcano National Park - Tourist Hotel

Arenal Volcano Inn

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…

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View of the volcano
Arenal Volcano National Park - First Hotel

Arenal Manoa 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…

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Arenal Volcano National Park - First Resort

Arenal Springs Resort & Spa

Arenal Springs Resort is the ideal combination of modern comfort and exuberant tropical surrounding, with outstanding views of Arenal Volcano.

The suites are semi-detached air-conditioned bungalows spread over a wide area directly facing Arenal Volcano. Each suite has a patio with seating, private bathroom, outdoor shower, luxury toiletries and a hair dryer.

Public areas include three restaurants, bar, coffee…

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Relax in the pool
Arenal Volcano National Park - Luxury Hotel

Arenal Kioro Suites & Spa

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…

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Nayara Hotel & Gardens
Arenal Volcano National Park - Deluxe Resort

Nayara Gardens

Located in the outskirts of the Arenal Volcano, Arenal Nayara 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…

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Nayara Springs
Arenal Volcano National Park - Luxury Hotel

Nayara Springs

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,…

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Infinity pool
Arenal Volcano National Park - Luxury Tented Camp

Nayara 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…

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Forest Walk
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Tuesday, 01 April 2025

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. Stay for a 2 nights including accommodation and breakfast.

In the afternoon, enjoy an included ‘Patacon’ cooking class.


Wednesday, 02 April 2025

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.

2038 Fonda Vela
Monteverde Cloud Forest - First Hotel

Fonda Vela

The Fonda Vela Hotel is located in beautiful Monteverde, featuring six buildings within a 35 acre property and just a 15 minutes walk away from the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. The views of the Gulf of Nicoya from the hotel's 1400 meters elevation are spectacular. All rooms have large windows with views of the forest,…

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2039 Trapp Family Lodge
Monteverde Cloud Forest - Tourist Lodge

Trapp Family Lodge

Nestled on a hillside with spectacular mountain views, these Villas and Guest House provide all the amenities needed for a comfortable stay in the cloud forest. This hotel will allow you to enjoy an extraordinary vacation in the middle of a paradise of flora and fauna. Its rustic atmosphere will provide you with an agreeable…

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4798 Hotel Belmar
Monteverde Cloud Forest - First Hotel

Hotel Belmar

Nestled in the mountains adjacent to the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, the Hotel Belmar, offers 22 rooms with spectacular views. With personalized service in a comfortable rustic atmosphere, the hotel has a distinctly Alpine style with its wooden panelling, and is still managed by the family of the original owners. The spacious rooms have all…

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Senda Exteriorroom 01
Monteverde Cloud Forest - First Hotel

Senda Monteverde 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…

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4803 Monteverde Lodge
Monteverde Cloud Forest - Deluxe Lodge

Monteverde Lodge

The Monteverde Lodge is located in the Tilarán Mountain Range at 4,600 ft above sea level on the edge of the world's best known mid-elevation cloud forest. All designing with a nature theme, and all whilst protecting from mist and strong wind familiar to the area, rooms provide all the amenities for a perfect stay…

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Manuel Antonio
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Thursday, 03 April 2025

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, 04 April 2025

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, 05 April 2025

Wildlife, hikes and protected beaches

At leisure.


Sunday, 06 April 2025

At leisure

Your final day to relax on a protected beach or at your hotel. 

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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Falls Resort
Manuel Antonio National Park - Tourist Hotel

The Falls Resort

The Falls Resort at Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica sits within beautiful and tranquil garden and waterfall setting within walking distance of this famous little town´s best restaurants and gorgeous beaches. White faced capuchins, sloths, toucans, and Titi monkeys frequent the trees overhead, while blue butterflies and hummingbirds bustle about the garden.

There is a choice of…

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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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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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2031 Si Como No
Manuel Antonio National Park - First Resort

Si Como No

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…

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Relax on your private balcony
Manuel Antonio National Park - First Private Villa

Tulemar Bungalows and Villas

Rated by Tripadvisor as the best hotel in the Costa Rica for 2022, Tulemar Bungalows and Villas has luxurious casitas and beautiful private houses surrounded by nature. The resort features incredible gardens, walking paths, thriving wildlife, and the only exclusive sandy beach in the region.

The resort sits on 33-acres of tropical rainforest that extends from…

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Gaia Hotel and Reserve
Manuel Antonio National Park - Luxury Hotel

Gaia Hotel and Reserve

Gaia Luxury Boutique Hotel and Reserve, is a 5 star eco-friendly resort for adults and teenage families.  Nestled in the magnificent coastal forests of Manuel Antonio, the hotel offers well-appointed, terraced suites and villas with amazing views of lush and pristine wild surroundings 

The contemporary and spacious air-conditioned accommodations all have private bathrooms, TV, free Wi-Fi,…

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2032 Arenas Del Mar
Manuel Antonio National Park - Deluxe Resort

Arenas Del Mar

Located outside the town of Manuel Antonio, Arenas Del Mar is a luxury hotel located within walking distance of the National Park and situated in dense forest looking onto the Pacific. The hotel has access to its own private beach as well as the nearby Espadilla Beach. 

There are 38 air conditioned suites and rooms located…

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Cativo 029
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Monday, 07 April 2025

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, 08 April 2025

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 Rooms £3,360 £4,046 £6,269 £3,603 £4,282 £6,506

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

  • 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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