Costa Rica's Nature, Wildlife & Beaches 13 nights
ABOUT THIS ITINERARY
Discover Costa Rica’s wild heart on this 11-day journey that blends rainforest, wildlife, volcanoes and pristine beaches. Begin in San José before venturing to remote cloud forests and the iconic Arenal region. Float along hanging bridges, spot toucans and sloths, soak in natural hot springs, then unwind on both the Pacific and Caribbean coasts.
Price Includes
International flights
Private transfers
Activities and tours as mentioned
All accommodation
24/7 support while you're away
UK airport transfers (conditions apply)
DAY 1
SAN JOSE
Upon arrival, you will be met by a Tailored Journeys representative and transferred to your hotel for the night, in downtown San Jose.
Once you have settled in, the rest of the day is yours to unwind. Explore San Jose or simply relax and get ready for the adventures ahead!
Accommodation: Finca Rosa Blanca Coffee Plantation Resort
DAY 2-3
PUERTO VIEJO DE SARAPIQUI
Today you will be transferred to Sarapiqui, on the banks of the Puerto Viejo River.
Here you can enjoy a trip through the canopy of trees, horseback riding, hiking, bird watching, rock climbing and white water rapids on the Sarapiqui River, a picturesque river surrounded by tropical rainforest.
You'll also have a half day guided walk to La Selva Biological Station.
A bilingual naturalist guide leads the walks that give a glimpse of the leading-edge research conducted at La Selva Biological Station. Enjoy and learn about the amazing natural history of the tropical forests, its flora and fauna.
Accommodation: Selva Verde Lodge Puerto Viejo Rainforest Reserve
DAY 4-6
BOCA TAPADA
Today you will be transferred to Boca Tapada, close to the border with Nicaragua. Your lodge for the next 3 nights is set amongst 68 acres of tropical rainforest, within which the walking trails can be enjoyed along or with a guide.
With over 592 bird species, including some migratory species, this is the perfect spot for a bird watching tour. Some of the species that can be found here are Great Green Macaw (endangered), Scarlet Macaw, some Toucans, Oropendolas, Honeycreepers, Tanagers, Euphonias, and Jacamars. Your Naturalist Guide will take you through the gardens and lagoons before entering the forest path, nesting place for many bird species.
You'll also get to see the forest from a different perspective on a night tour. Experience the nightlife of animals such as alligators, frogs, nocturnal birds, snakes, and spiders, and listen to the sounds of nocturnal nature.
Enjoy the tranquility of the rainforest while rafting down the Tres Amigos River; see the wealth of flora and fauna in the area; and look out for exotic animals such as crocodiles, turtles, iguanas, monkeys, water birds and more.
Accommodation: Maquenque Eco Lodge
DAY 7-8
ARENAL VOLCANO NATIONAL PARK
Today you will be transferred to Arenal, where your eco-lodge for the next 2 nights is perfectly positioned directly between the massive Arenal Volcano and deep blue Lake Arenal.
During a 2-hour "float", you can relax and enjoy the tropical paradise from the comfort of your raft, while paddling down the flat and tranquil water of Peñas Blancas river. Your guide will point out different species that live in this ecosystem - spider and howler monkeys, sloths, lizards, a good variety of tropical birds and crocodiles.
Later on, you will see the jungle from difference perspectives: through the forest along the walking trails; and from the canopy of the trees while walking on the suspension bridges.
Accommodation: Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails
DAY 9-10
SANTA ELENA
This morning you will be driven to the Arenal Lake Dam, where you will board a very comfortable pontoon boat for the journey to Monteverde, via the small town of Río Chiquito.
Take a 4-hour guided tour to the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, a nature lover’s paradise with more than 130 species of mammals, 400 species of birds, including the beautiful quetzal, 30 species of hummingbirds, 5000 species of moths and 3000 species of plants.
You have 2 nights here to completely immerse yourselves into the atmosphere, nature and sounds of the forest surrounding you.
Accommodation: Senda Monteverde
DAY 11-14
TAMARINDO
Today you will travel to Tamarindo Beach, one of the most popular and beautiful swimming beaches of the Pacific coast of Costa Rica, for 3 nights.
Your days here are spent at leisure, to explore the area or take an optional activity, such as:
Surf Lessons
Kayak Snorkeling Tour
Catamaran Sailing
Canopy Tour
Palo Verde National Park tour
Rincon de la Vieja National Park tour
Accommodation: Hotel Capitan Suizo
Start Planning Today
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