Classic Costa Rica
13 Nights/14 Days
Over 20 years Local Expert Travel Experience
Hi, I'm Paulo
If you want to go to Costa Rica these partners are quite simply the very best. Their Mission is to create unique & responsible travel whilst offering services and experiences beyond expectations.
We are delighted to partner with them and are certain you will be too. Based in San Jose their local knowledge and expertise is second to none.
AsktheTraveller local Partner
Trip highlights
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San Jose
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Arenal Volcano
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Poas Volcano
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Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
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Tamarindo Beach
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Hanging bridges
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Doka Coffee Plantation
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La Paz Waterfall
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Tortuguero National park
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Incredible Wildlife
Day 1
Arrive (Costa Rica)- transfer to San Jose
Welcome to Costa Rica!
Transfer from airport to your hotel.
Rest of day at leisure
Overnight in San Jose :
Studio Hotel
Day 2
Poas Volcano - Doka Coffe Tour - La Paz Waterfall Gardens
Breakfast at the hotel before heading off towards Doka, a third generation coffee plantation for ur guided tour.
Next we head towards Poas Volcano followed by the La Paz Waterfall Gardens.
Afternoon at leisure
Overnight in San Jose ;
Studio Hotel
(Breakfast & Lunch)
Details
Poas Volcano - Doka Coffe Tour - La Paz Waterfall Gardens
Breakfast at the hotel. Guided visit to Poas Volcano, Doka Coffee Plantation and La Paz Waterfall Gardens.
To get to the different attractions included during this tour, we will drive by the city of Alajuela passing the Agriculture Monument, the Monument to Juan Santamaria and the famous Mango Park. First stop, will be in Doka, a third-generation coffee plantation to learn how coffee is picked, milled, ground and roasted.
As we continue towards the Poás Volcano, we will notice the change in temperature and vegetation; we will see coffee plantations, fern, flower and strawberry farms along the way, creating a colorful landscape. The Poas is one of the most spectacular volcanoes in the country, with its enormous crater measuring one kilometer in diameter and 314 meters deep. The crystal blue sulfur pools will amaze you along with the steam rising from the various volcanic vents. We will also hike to the beautiful Botos Lagoon.
The tour continues to discover La Paz Waterfall Gardens, a natural park where we will walk through some spectacular trails leading to the White Magic Waterfall. We will also visit the largest butterfly observatory and the impressive hummingbird gallery, the serpentarium, the old house, the bird house and the frogs’ exhibit.
After lunch we will head back to San José.
Overnight in San Jose ;
Studio Hotel
(Breakfast & Lunch)
Day 3
San Jose - Tortuguero
We take a bus ride before breakfast today which will be taken at a stop in Rio Danta private restaurant. Onward to catch a 2 hour boat ride before arriving at your destination Mawamba Lodge for lunch.
Afternoon lunch we take a guided walk through tropical rainforest before returning for dinner.
From July to September
Optional night tour (not included in the package) to observe the turtles nesting
Overnight in Tortuguero National Park :
Mawamba Lodge
(Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
Details
San Jose - Tortuguero
The fascinating Afro-Caribbean culture, a combination of Jamaican, Italian and Chinese immigrants, predominates in this region and fills the atmosphere with fragrances, tropical rhythms and brilliant colors, which mixes with the daily work of many of the inhabitants on the banana plantations and the ports of Limon and Moin. After the South Pacific, this is the rainiest region in the country and this factor, combined with high temperatures, makes it a very humid area throughout the year.
The extensive Caribbean plains are beautified by the Pacuare, Estrella, Reventazon and Parismina rivers, which join in some sectors with the Tortuguero canals, of great importance for their scenic splendour and as a site of refuge for the marine turtles to lay their eggs. Along this area you can observe small groups of houses among the plantations of cassava, annatto, and bananas, as well as a vast number of beautiful beaches on the southern part of the coast, coral reefs, and protected areas with small trails which permit the access into the heart of the tropical forest.
After an early departure from San Jose, driving through the spectacular Braulio Carrillo National Park, stop in Rio Danta private restaurant for a delicious typical breakfast. The bus ride continues through banana plantations to the pier. A two-hour boat ride through the canals will take you to Mawamba Lodge... just in time for lunch.
In the afternoon, departure by boat to the nearby private trail, next to the National Park, for a guided walk into the tropical rainforest. A visit to the small town of Tortuguero is included before walking back to the lodge by the beach. Before dinner, free time to enjoy the pool or just to relax in a hammock. Dinner is served in the pool restaurant from 7:30 pm.
From July to September
Optional night tour (not included in the package) to observe the turtles nesting
Overnight in Tortuguero National Park :
Mawamba Lodge
(Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
Day 4
Tortuguero
This morning after breakfast enjoy guided visit to Mawamba parks private trails.
Afternoon canal boat ride through Tortuguero National Park.
Dinner at the lodge.
Overnight in Tortuguero National Park :
Mawamba Lodge
(Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
Details
Tortuguero
After breakfast, guided visit to Mawamba Park’s private trails, visiting the butterfly gardens, and the iguanas and a frog gardens. The Bio-digester, a system where the sewage waters are treated and converted in a natural source of gas to heat up the kitchen stoves.
After lunch, in the afternoon, enjoy a canal boat tour through Tortuguero National Park.
About Tortuguero National Park:
Created to protect the most important nesting site of the green turtle in the Western Hemisphere, Tortuguero National Park extends along 14 miles (22 Km) of shoreline and 19 miles (30 Km) out to sea. The Canal de Tortuguero runs through the park, connecting a labyrinth of deltas, canals, and lagoons.
With 11 distinct life zones ranging from raffia palm forest to herbaceous swamps, the park offers one of the most rewarding nature experiences in the country. This watery world is best seen by boat, the wide canals allow grandstand wildlife viewing, and silent approaches on the water permit unusually close contact with the fauna. River otters, caimans, and howler monkeys are easily sighted as are birds such as oropendolas, toucans, and jacamars and other waterfowl.
For most visitors, the star attraction is the green turtle, which nests between June and November. Three other species of marine turtles also come ashore throughout the year, although in lesser numbers.
Free time before dinner.
Important Notes
- The order and logistics of the itinerary may change depending on weather conditions.
- Alcoholic beverages, sodas or bottled water are not included
- During turtle nesting season, dinner will be served at 6:45 pm, to allow visitors to join the tour
- We recommend to using dark color clothes when taking the night tour during the nesting season. - Luggage is limited to 25 pounds (12 Kg) per person
What to bring?
We recommend fast drying/light clothes, bathing suit for swimming pool use, comfortable walking shoes, a pair of flip flops or sandals, flashlight, hat or cap, insect repellant, camera and binoculars (are a great help to spot animals up in the trees and behind bushes) and sunblock. If you are visiting during turtle nesting season (July to September) and you are going to join the evening tour, please note you will need dark (black) clothes.
Overnight in Tortuguero National Park :
Mawamba Lodge
(Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
Day 5
Tortuguero - Arenal Area
After breakfast, take a shared boat transfer back to the pier, where the trip will continue by bus to your next destination.
Lunch is included in Rio Danta Restaurant.
Private transfer from Guápiles to Arenal area.
Overnight in La Fortuna :
Hotel Arenal Springs
(Breakfast & Lunch)
Day 6
Arenal Area
After breakfast we take a walk in the Hanging Bridges.
Afternoon - an up close exploration of Arena Volcano.
Evening at leisure
Overnight in La Fortuna :
Hotel Arenal Srings
(Breakfast)
Details
Arenal Area
Breakfast. In the morning, natural history walk in the Hanging Bridges.
Located within the corridor followed by birds migrating between North and South America, the trails and bridges of this project will bring the visitor as close as any person could ever imagine observing the birds, the flowers and the lush vegetation of the primary rainforest. It is a 250-hectares primary-forest property, made of paths and bridges built to maintain the utmost harmony between man-made structures and nature. The property has impressive views to Arenal Volcano and to the lake that feeds the largest hydroelectric plant in Costa Rica.
This walk is a fun and educative option to learn more about the forest and the local environment and enjoy the close contact with nature. While walking along the trails, the fascinating world of the tropical forest will open to you. Along these three kilometers of trails, visitors will be immersed in the diverse fauna and flora of this rainforest admiring colorful birds and tropical plant species. More than 50 species of birds can be counted in this site, one of the most productive bird watching walks of the region.
Suitable for all ages and fitness levels.
What to bring? Comfortable clothing, long pants, hiking shoes, raincoat (especially during green season), camera, binoculars, sunscreen and insect repellent.
In the afternoon, see from up close the activities of the Arenal Volcano.
Few sites in Costa Rica inspire more respect and admiration than Arenal Volcano. At 5437 feet, it’s tall and conical shape stands imposing over the pastured green hillsides that surround its base. Although currently in a resting phase, Arenal remains Costa Rica’s most active volcano for the past 43 years. Its history is charged with eruptions – both major and minor – that have intimately affected the region and the people who live here.
This tour will allow you to enjoy the most extraordinary views of Arenal Volcano during a gentle hike along the lower slopes of the colossus. The walk begins in one of the trails close to the volcano and continues through the forest until reaching the area destroyed in its first eruption, back in 1968.
This tour takes approximately 2 1⁄2 hours. Included: Entrance fee, guide and transfers. What to bring? Camera, binoculars, light sweater, long pants, raincoat, hiking shoes, sun lotion and insect repellent.
Overnight in La Fortuna :
Hotel Arenal Srings
(Breakfast)
Day 7
Arenal - Monteverde
After breakfast, private boat transfer to Monteverde through Arenal Lake
The town of Monteverde, located at the south end of the cloud forest, had its beginnings in the early 1950s with the impetus of a group of Quakers from the United States, a group that came to Costa Rica attracted by its pacific inclinations and disarmament. They established themselves in the region and devoted themselves to produce milk and quality cheeses. Monteverde is located 172 kilometers northeast of San José. The climate is temperate and humid. The nights are cool and at times cold when the trade winds blow.
Overnight in Monteverde :
Trapp Family Lodge
(Breakfast)
Day 8
Monteverde
This morning after breakfast, we take an extensive visit to the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve.
Afternoon at leisure
Overnight in Monteverde :
Trapp Family Lodge
(Breakfast)
Details
Monteverde
Breakfast. Morning visit to the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve.
Costa Rica is one of the most biologically diverse countries in the world, having 4% of all the known species of plants and animals in only 0.04% the earth's surface. Due to its altitudinal variation and climatic factors that vary between the Pacific and Caribbean slopes, Monteverde is perhaps one of the richest regions in the country where there are 3,021 known species including a total of 755 species of trees.
One of the main attractions of Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve is its 13-kilometer network of trails. While walking the trails, visitors are presented with a number of options. One alternative is to walk to "La Ventana" scenic overlook, where they may witness the contrasting panorama exhibited naturally by the Continental Divide, a geographical feature that traces the principal mountain ranges of Costa Rica. At this location, visitors can experience the force of the moisture-laden trade winds blowing in from the Atlantic coast, and witness how they descend at high velocity toward the Central Pacific and Northern coastal plains of Costa Rica. There are over 500 bird species live, including the majestic quetzal and the three-wattle bellbird, 120 species of reptiles and amphibians and more than 3000 plants among them, the highest diversity of orchids in the world. In the main building visitors will find a restaurant and a Gift Shop
Includes: Entrance fee, tour with a bilingual naturalist guide, transportation and a 15 minute-stop at CASEM. (Local women’s handcraft cooperative).
Afternoon at leisure to enjoy the area or to take optional tours.
Overnight in Monteverde :
Trapp Family Lodge
(Breakfast)
Day 9 to 11
Tamarindo Beach Stay
After breakfast take your private transfer towards the north pacific coast and your lcoation for the next 3 nights.
3 Nights in Tamarindo :
Tamarindo Diria Hotel
(B&B)
Day 12
Tamarindo - San Jose
After breakfast we can take prepare and then take your private transfer back to San Jose for your last night.
Overnight in San Jose :
Studio hotel
(B&B)
Day 13
Last day and transfer to Juan Santamaria International Airport
Morning at leisure - then private transfer to the Airport.
Departure - We recommend that you arrive at the airport 3 hours prior to your departure flight (or 2 hours if travelling business class). Your departure time will be given to you by your chauffeur guide. It is recommended that you check in online for your departure flight so that you can avoid long queues at the airport check in counters. On line check in is available for most airlines 24 hours before your flight. Your hotel will be able to help you with this if necessary. We wish you a pleasant journey back home or to your next destination.
International flights home
Trip details
Price from £ 1940 Per person based on twin share basis, subject to exchange rates.
With all international and domestic flights prices from approx £2480 per person
Price includes
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Services of English speaking guide(s) as per itinerary
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Private transfers and meet and greet services as shown
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Meals included as indicated daily
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Hotels shown are subject to availability & can change
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ATOL protection (When taking international flights)
Additional Extra's
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International & connecting flights home
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Additional unscheduled excursions
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Departure tax from Costa Rica Airport approx US$29
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Still/video camera fees at monuments
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Immunisations
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Visa's
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Personal travel insurance
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local gratuaties