Costa Rica Bespoke Holiday
Costa Rica has one of the highest levels of biodiversity in the world; with 221 mammal species, 830 birds, 265 reptiles and amphibians and about 4% of all the world’s vascular plants. The landscapes are magnificent – towering volcanoes, sweeping beaches, dense rain-forests, extensive wetlands… Yet it’s tiny – about the size of Scotland; easy to get around and has one of the the world’s best system of accreditation for responsible tourism. Accreditation is based on a four-fold set of criteria: biological conservation (including recycling and sustainable infrastructure), work to support the local community; the education of guests and excellence of service. In short Costa Rica is a wildlife destination where you can be sure that your money is genuinely going to support the well being of the environment, both natural and human. This trip packs in natural highlights.
Our Suggested Day By Day Itinerary
This tour can be fully-personalized and upgrades are available.
Costa Rica tailor-made holidays are shaped to suit your preferences.
PACKAGE DETAILS
From £8,700 Per Person
Based on 2 adults sharing a single or double room
Price Includes:
- Return economy flights from UK London/Manchester/Birmingham. Contact us for flight prices from other countries
Excursions
Park Entry fees
Transport: Private A/C Car with Chauffeur Guide
Hotels: Mid-range and luxury hotels on a mix of half and full board basis
Business Class Flights Upgrades are available
Day 1 – Departure to San Jose
Welcome to Costa Rica. When you arrive, you will be met at the airport by your Earth Trip representative and driven to your local hotel. Get a good rest as you prepare for the beginning of your trip into the Costa Rican wild.
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Day 2 – Poas Volcano
Today, you will visit Poás Volcano National Park. You will be picked up at 9am from your hotel for a private transfer, the journey time is around 1 hour.
Poás Volcano National Park is located in Costa Rica and spans an area of approximately 65 square kilometres (16,000 acres); its summit reaches 2,700 metres (8,900 ft). The park was established on 25 January 1971. Depending on conditions, visitors can walk to the edge of the main crater. However, on 13 April 2017, the park was closed to visitors due to an explosive eruption the previous evening. Further eruptions, including one on Easter Sunday, 16 April, led to the park’s closure until August 2018. Over the years, the park has been frequently closed as a precaution due to emissions of water vapour and sulphuric acid gas. Given that the park’s status is subject to change, visitors should check the current conditions before visiting. Poás Volcano erupted briefly twice in September 2019.
The volcano is located in the Central Conservation Area in Alajuela Province, near Costa Rica’s Pacific coast. The main crater, which is 290 metres (950 ft) wide, is quite active with small geyser and lava eruptions, though the last major eruptions occurred between 1952 and 1954. The park also includes two other craters: the extinct Von Frantzius crater and the Botos crater. Lake Botos, a beautiful cold, green crater lake, has a diameter of 370 metres (1,200 ft). The Botos crater has not erupted for about 7,500 years. Conditions permitting, well-marked trails lead to the two inactive craters.
- Board Includes:
- Breakfast
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Day 3 – San Jose to Tortuguero
Today, you will be picked up at 6am and transferred to Tortuguero.
After reaching the Guápiles area in the lowlands, a delicious breakfast awaits you at Senderos de Río Blanco, near Guápiles, around 1 hour and 15 minutes after departing from San José. After breakfast, at approximately 9am, the journey continues on the main road for a while, then through rural roads and banana plantations, before arriving at the La Pavona dock (or Caño Blanco, depending on the water level). From here, you will continue by boat through the canals and the national park, arriving at Laguna Lodge around 12:30 – 1pm. A welcome drink will be waiting for you, while your tour guide will provide all the necessary information for a relaxing stay at this tropical paradise lodge.
In the afternoon, you will visit the colourful town of Tortuguero, where you will learn about its history, from the development of the wood-sawing industry in the mid-20th century to how tourism has helped raise awareness about nature conservation. You will explore the town accompanied by a knowledgeable guide with a deep understanding of the region. Dinner will be included at the designated time.
- Board Includes:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
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Day 4 – Tortuguero National Park
Today, you will visit Tortuguero National Park. Your arrival is scheduled for 6am.
After breakfast, enjoy the highlight of Tortuguero: an early-morning wildlife boat ride through the narrow canals of the National Park in search of caimans, sloths, toucans, turtles, and monkeys. You will be comfortable and delighted as you experience nature at its best! The boats are small and without a canopy to offer better views. Please be prepared to provide your tour guide with the National Park reservation number that we have given you.
Your tour guide will inform you of the time for an afternoon walk through the lodge gardens, where you’ll have the chance to spot more wildlife and appreciate the abundant flora. The schedule of activities may change depending on weather conditions. Alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, or bottled water are not included.
While Laguna Lodge enjoys a prime location between the beach and the Tortuguero River, swimming is not permitted or recommended.
We suggest you bring: a torch, mosquito repellent, swimsuit, sunscreen, warm weather clothing, and binoculars.
- Board Includes:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
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Day 5 – Tortuguero
Today, you will have the day at leisure to explore the local surroundings.
There are plenty of optional activities nearby such as turtle watching, hiking trails and wildlife boat tours.
- Board Includes:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
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Day 6 – Tortuguero to Sarapiqui
After breakfast, there is a scenic boat transfer back to La Pavona dock (or Caño Blanco) and onward by bus. Lunch will be included at Senderos de Rio Blanco Restaurant near Guapiles.
You will then be picked up at 1:30pm from the restaurant for your private transfer to Sarapiqui.
- Board Includes:
- Breakfast
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Day 7 – Birdwatching at La Selva
You will depart the hotel at 7:30am for your river rafting class.
River rafting in Sarapiqui is a thrilling adventure known for its rapids and scenic beauty. The Sarapiqui River runs through lush tropical rainforests and is a popular spot for both beginners and more experienced rafters. The rapids are generally classified between Class II and Class IV, offering a mix of calm sections and more intense, challenging waters.
The afternoon is free for you to enjoy at your leisure, allowing time to explore the private rainforest trails of the La Tirimbina Reserve on your own.
- Board Includes:
- Breakfast
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Day 8 – Sarapiqui to Arenal
At 11am, you will depart Sarapiqui and make your way to Arenal.
Upon arrival, you will have the rest of the day at leisure to settle in.
- Board Includes:
- Breakfast
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Day 9 – La Fortuna Waterfall Hike
You will be picked up from the hotel at 8am for a morning of hiking at La Fortuna Waterfall, with lunch included.
The incredibly humid climate of La Fortuna, with over 4,000mm of annual rainfall, contributes greatly to the creation of the majestic La Fortuna Waterfall, which stands at a height of 210 feet (64 metres). This hike requires a moderate level of fitness, as you’ll descend 500 metres from the captivating viewpoint at the top of the valley to the river at the bottom, where “natural pools” invite you for a refreshing swim after the exercise. Don’t forget your camera to capture some of the most memorable landscapes and holiday photos. After completing the climb back to the top of La Fortuna Waterfall Park, you’ll enjoy a rich, traditional Costa Rican farm-to-table lunch, replenishing both body and soul after your outdoor adventure.
You will then return to the hotel and be picked up again at 2pm for another hike at Arenal Volcano.
The tour starts from your hotel and heads towards the western side of Arenal Volcano. This tour offers the opportunity to experience breathtaking views of the volcano as you hike along its lower slopes. The hike begins on a trail near the volcano and continues through forested areas, crossing recent lava flows, until you reach the zone destroyed during the volcano’s first eruption in 1968. The hike lasts around 1.5 to 2 hours and is moderately challenging.
After the hike, you’ll visit Ecotermales, a perfect place to unwind after a day of adventure. Here, surrounded by wildlife, exotic flora, and natural volcanic thermal springs, you can enjoy a unique setting with first-class service. The physical-chemical composition of Ecotermales Fortuna’s waters makes them ideal for relaxation. After enjoying the hot springs, you’ll be treated to a buffet dinner. Lockers and towels will be provided.
- Board Includes:
- Breakfast
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Day 10 – Hanging Bridges Mistico Park
You will leave the hotel at 8am for your tour of Hanging Bridges Mistico Park.
Accompanied by an expert naturalist guide, you will begin your exploration of Mistico Hanging Bridges Park, crossing six hanging bridges of varying lengths, from 5 to 100 metres. The entire circuit covers 3 kilometres of trails through the tropical jungle.
The walk is gentle, with paved paths leading you from one bridge to another. Rest assured, your safety is a priority at the park, as the suspension bridges have been designed with the highest safety standards in the world. With the guidance of your natural history expert, you will discover the wonders of the rainforest and witness a variety of wildlife species in the forest canopy, along the suspension bridges, and on the forest floor.
At 2pm, you will be picked up again from the hotel but this time to visit the Venado Caves.
The Venado Caves are a fascinating underground cave system located near the town of Venado, not far from La Fortuna and the Arenal Volcano. These caves offer an exciting adventure for those looking to explore a unique natural environment.
- Board Includes:
- Breakfast
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Day 11 – Arenal to Monteverde
This morning you will say goodbye to Arenal as at 8am, you will head off on your way to the cloud forests of Monteverde. Travel time is approximately 3 hours.
Once you arrive, you will have the rest of the day at leisure.
- Board Includes:
- Breakfast
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Day 12 – Monteverde Cloud Forest
An early start this morning, as at 7:30am, you will be heading to Monteverde Cloud Forest for a guided hike.
The Monteverde Preserve, located in a cloud forest, is one of the most renowned living laboratories in Costa Rica. Covering 4,125 hectares, it is home to valuable species such as the Resplendent Quetzal, and rare amphibians like the Ring-tailed Salamander, the largest of its kind in Costa Rica, and the Highland Dink Frog, which measures just 6 cm in length. The forest also provides refuge for mammals like the Tayra. In addition to the 13 kilometres of trails designed for tourists, the preserve also offers research facilities.
- Board Includes:
- Breakfast
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Day 13 – Curicancha Reserve
Today, you will set off for Curicancha Reserve at 8am.
Accompanied by our expert bird-watching guide, you will visit the best active spots of the day for birdwatching in one of the finest locations in the country: Monteverde.
- Board Includes:
- Breakfast
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Day 14 – Monteverde to Drake Bay
At 9am, you will be transferred back to San Jose airport for your flight to Sansa.
After a 50-minute flight, a representative from Drake Bay Wilderness Lodge will be waiting for you for your transfer to the lodge. You will have lunch upon arrival and the afternoon at your own leisure to enjoy the resort or for optional activities.
- Board Includes:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
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Day 15 – Corcovado National Park
After breakfast, you’ll set off on a scenic 90-minute boat ride to Sirena Ranger Station in Corcovado National Park.
Upon checking in at the Ranger Station, your guide will choose a suitable hiking trail based on the group’s preferences and hiking abilities. Spend the morning hiking through the park, discovering its diverse ecosystems, which include eight distinct habitats. After a delightful picnic lunch, you’ll head back to the resort to relax and enjoy the sunset. (Please note that this tour may be reversed with the Caño Island Excursion depending on various conditions, and the hotel will provide guidance on this.)
- Board Includes:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
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Day 16 – Corcovado National Park
Similar to yesterday, after an early breakfast, you will embark on a 20-minute boat ride to San Pedrillo Ranger Station in Corcovado National Park. Once you check in at the Ranger Station, your guide will choose an appropriate hiking trail based on the group’s preferences and hiking abilities. Enjoy a morning hike through the park, discovering its rich biodiversity across eight unique habitats. After a tasty picnic lunch, you can either explore the wild beach areas at your leisure or take a 30-minute hike to the stunning San Pedrillo Waterfall. A highlight of the trip is the refreshing swim in the waterfall’s pool. Finally, it will be time to return to the resort and relax while watching the sunset. (Note that this tour may be reversed with the San Pedrillo Excursion depending on various conditions; the hotel will provide further guidance.)
- Board Includes:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
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Day 17 – Drake Bay to Manuel Antonio
After your breakfast, you will be dropped off at 9am at the docks for transfer to Sierpe Town.
On arrival, a representative will be picking you up at 10am for transfer to your hotel in Manuel Antonio.
- Board Includes:
- Breakfast
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Day 18 – Manuel Antonio
Today you will have the day at leisure to relax and settle into your new surroundings.
Unfortunately, the National Park is closed on Mondays but you can just head to the beach or enjoy one of the many optional activities such as;
Zip-Lining: For an adrenaline rush, consider zip-lining through the rainforest canopy, where you can enjoy thrilling views and a unique perspective of the ecosystem.
ATV Tours: Explore the surrounding countryside on an ATV adventure. Many tours include stops at scenic spots and local farms.
Visit Nearby Towns: Explore the charming town of Quepos for shopping, dining, and experiencing local culture.
Fishing Tours: Join a fishing charter for a chance to catch local fish like mahi-mahi or tuna.
- Board Includes:
- Breakfast
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Day 19 – Manuel Antonio
Enjoy a day at your leisure to relax on the beach or explore the trails of Manuel Antonio National Park at your own pace!
- Board Includes:
- Breakfast
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Day 20 – Manuel Antonio
Enjoy a day at your leisure, some more optional activities include:
Beach Activities: Spend time at the park’s beaches, such as Playa Espadilla and Playa Manuel Antonio. Enjoy swimming, sunbathing or beach volleyball.
Hiking: Take advantage of the numerous hiking trails in the area, ranging from easy walks to more challenging treks. The park offers several trails that lead to beautiful viewpoints.
Wildlife Tours: Join a guided wildlife tour to see exotic animals in their natural habitat, including monkeys, iguanas and colourful birds.
Water Sports: Try your hand at kayaking, paddle boarding or snorkeling in the clear waters off the coast. Some tours offer guided excursions to explore marine life.
Sunset Tours: Experience a magical sunset over the Pacific ocean. many companies offer boat tours that include sunset views and sometimes dolphin or whale watching.
- Board Includes:
- Breakfast
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Day 21 – Departure from San Jose
A representative will pick you up from your hotel for your private transfer to the airport to catch your flight home.
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Tailor Your Tour - Potential Highlights
- Upgrade or change your hotels .
- Add or remove attractions.
- Stay longer in some locations.
- Let us make it perfect for you.
If you love this tour but want to change some details our team will tailor this tour to match your interests. With our in-depth knowledge we will provide you with the best advice on every detail of the tour.
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Tailor Your Tour - Potential Highlights
- Upgrade or change your hotels .
- Add or remove attractions.
- Stay longer in some locations.
- Let us make it perfect for you.
If you love this tour but want to change some details our team will tailor this tour to match your interests. With our in-depth knowledge we will provide you with the best advice on every detail of the tour.
Costa Rica – Highlights 2025/2026
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