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Tropical Paradise & Manuel Antonio Park

Costa Rica in 14 Days, 12 Nights in Destination

Up to £400 reward

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-35%

From

£ 3,549

£ 2,299

/person

Alex, Travel Expert

Alex
Travel crafter

The perfect combination of culture, nature and adventure! This essential tour of Costa Rica includes abundant wildlife, lush rainforests and idyllic beaches.

Trip Highlights

  1. map-pin-check-icon
    Arenal
  2. map-pin-check-icon
    Manuel Antonio National Park
  3. map-pin-check-icon
    San José
  4. map-pin-check-icon
    Tamarindo
  5. map-pin-check-icon
    Tortuguero

Included

  1. All flights

  2. Accommodation

  3. All transfers

  4. Activities

  5. Some meals

Availability

  1. Departures available until December 2025

  2. Available Group tours

  3. Solo travelers from + £ 850

  4. Add up to 3 nights to your stay

  5. WHAT'S THIS?

Categories available

  1. charm included

  2. WHAT'S THIS?

Book with an expert for free:

+44 20 8068 3176

Exoticca is fully ABTA and ATOL protected

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Our Travel Protection takes care of you

More info

Select a day to go to next step

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April 2024
May 2024
June 2024
July 2024

Categories Available:

charm

From £ 2,299

Selected

  • Accommodation in Charm and Superior category hotels.
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Accommodation: 12 Nights

Itinerary

Begin your Costarican adventure wandering through the historic streets of San José. Next, discover the canals of Tortuguero and feel the strength of the Arenal Volcano as you uncover the native wildlife on a nature hike. Admire the verdant landscapes of the interior before heading to the coast for a relaxing stay in Tamarindo. Finally, discover the lush coastal rainforests of Manuel Antonio.

1st Day: UK/Ireland - San José
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Arrive at your UK/Ireland departure airport to board a flight to San José. Arrive in the capital of Costa Rica and transfer to your hotel. We suggest taking a stroll through this beautiful city, visiting the National Theatre of Costa Rica or enjoying a delicious dinner at a local restaurant. For a great overview of the city, we recommend an optional city tour of San José.* Overnight stay in San José.

 

* Optional San José City Tour: Visit the most prominent sights of the city such as the National Theater, the Art Museum, the Metropolitan Cathedral and the charming Central Market, among other places. Traditional dinner included.

Accommodation

ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Barceló San José or similar
tripadvisor rating

2879 Reviews

See our full selection

Activities

Optional
San Jose City Bus Tour

Light

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2nd Day: San José - Tortuguero
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Set off early towards Tortuguero with a stop along the way for breakfast. Pass through the exuberant Braulio Carrillo National Park before finally arriving in Tortuguero and your hotel in time for lunch. In the afternoon, enjoy a fascinating tour of Tortuguero, including the lively village. Enjoy a boat ride through the leafy canals back to the hotel and spend the rest of the day exploring at your leisure. Dinner and overnight stay in Tortuguero.

Accommodation

ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Laguna Lodge or similar
tripadvisor rating

1359 Reviews

See our full selection

Activities

included
Tour of Tortuguero Village

Light

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3rd Day: Tortuguero
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Breakfast at the hotel. This morning, enjoy a relaxing boat trip along the canals of Tortuguero, admiring the abundant flora and fauna. Return to the hotel for lunch. The afternoon is free at your leisure to explore further or simply relax at the hotel. Dinner and overnight stay in Tortuguero.

 

Turtle Observation: If you are travelling between June and November, you will have the unique opportunity to experience the turtles spawning and hatching on Tortuguero beach. Find them nesting during June and July, and from the end of July until November you can see them hatching. If you are interested in living this experience you can purchase the tour at the lodge (subject to weather conditions and variations depending on the season).

Accommodation

ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Laguna Lodge or similar
tripadvisor rating

1359 Reviews

See our full selection

Activities

included
Canals of Tortuguero Boat Tour

Light

See more
4th Day: Tortuguero - Arenal
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Breakfast at the hotel. In the morning, set off for the charming city of Guapiles, arriving in time for lunch. Afterwards, continue to the La Fortuna district, where the Arenal Volcano is located, one of the most important and spectacular in Costa Rica. Arrive at the hotel and spend the rest of the afternoon exploring at your leisure. Overnight stay in Arenal. 

Accommodation

ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Tilajari Resort & Confere... or similar
tripadvisor rating

529 Reviews

See our full selection
5th Day: Arenal
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Breakfast at the hotel. Spend a relaxing morning at your leisure. In the afternoon, meet your guide in the hotel lobby and embark on a guided hike to the Arenal Volcano. Enjoy a hiking experience through trails marked with the remains of previous lava flows of the impressive and majestic Arenal Volcano. Along the hike you will discover the abundant flora and some fauna which inhabits the rainforest under re-generation; your guide will tell you all about the Arenal Volcano history and activity. After the hike, we recommend our optional Paradise Hot Springs activity to relax after the hike, where the water is naturally heated by the volcano. Overnight stay in Arenal.

 

* Optional Paradise Hot Springs Pass: Enjoy an evening of indulgence with a pass to the Paradise Natural Hot Springs, heated by the Arenal Volcano. Enjoy access to three different hot pools and two hydromassage hot tubs, perfect for relaxing in beautiful tropical surroundings.

Accommodation

ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Tilajari Resort & Confere... or similar
tripadvisor rating

529 Reviews

See our full selection

Activities

included
Guided hike to the Arenal Volcano

Active

See more
Optional
Paradise Hot Springs Pass

Light

See more
6th Day: Arenal
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Breakfast at the hotel. Today, enjoy an exciting tour of the hanging bridges of the Arenal Volcano Region. Comfortably hike through the forest with trails full of nature and wildlife, across spectacular hanging bridges, accompanied by our professional and bilingual guide. The well marked trail allows you to comfortably enjoy the rainforest while you admire the beauty of the majestic Arenal Volcano and the forest that surrounds it. To see more of the local wildlife enjoy an excursion to observe and learn about the slowest member of the animal kingdom, the beloved sloth*. Overnight stay in Arenal.

 

* Optional Sloth Observation Excursion: Get to know the icons of Costa Rica. Head to the aptly named 'Lazy Territory', a small eco-project, home to a population of sloth families. Follow the trails with our expert guides and spot both two-toed and three-toed sloths resting in the treetops amidst plants, a river bordering the property and of course the Guarumo trees, the most emblematic animal of the tropical forest’s favorite food.

Accommodation

ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Tilajari Resort & Confere... or similar
tripadvisor rating

529 Reviews

See our full selection

Activities

included
Hanging Bridges of Arenal

Moderate

See more
Optional
Sloth Observation Excursion

Light

See more
7th Day: Arenal - Tamarindo
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Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to Tamarindo, in the province of Guanacaste, known for its beautiful beaches and surfing. Arrive at the hotel and begin to enjoy your stay surrounded by idyllic beaches, bathed in Guanacaste sunshine. Overnight stay in Tamarindo.

Accommodation

ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Wyndham Tamarindo or similar
tripadvisor rating

1333 Reviews

See our full selection
8th Day: Tamarindo
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Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy a day at your leisure, soaking up the sunshine and relaxing on the idyllic beaches of Tamarindo. We recommend an optional boat safari in the Las Baulas National Park* or an exciting quad biking experience**. Overnight stay in Tamarindo. 

 

*Optional Boat Safari Tamarindo Estuary: Discover the unique flora and fauna which inhabit the lush mangroves. Look out for noisy howler monkeys, crocodiles and iguanas, whilst appreciating the colourful birdlife above. Travel leisurely along the channels, so as not to disturb the wildlife, and admire the wonderful natural beauty of the reserve.

 

* Optional Quad Biking Experience (ATV): Immerse yourself in the verdant rainforest of the mountains surrounding Tamarindo, home to a variety of flora and fauna. Live an exciting experience driving along the dirt roads that lead to the breathtaking viewpoint over the Guanacaste coast. One vehicle is assigned per person, although there is the option to share, in which case, both passengers must pay the same service fee as if they were driving alone. Excursion without driver and with guide. Minimum 2 quads for the tour to operate.

Accommodation

ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Wyndham Tamarindo or similar
tripadvisor rating

1333 Reviews

See our full selection

Activities

Optional
Boat Safari on Tamarindo Estuary

Light

See more
Optional
Quad Biking (ATV) Excursion in Tamarindo

Moderate

See more
9th Day: Tamarindo
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Breakfast at the hotel. Spend the day relaxing on the beaches of Tamarindo at your leisure. If you'd rather get moving and see more of the region, embark on one of our optional excursions; a leisurely Catamaran Tour* or an exciting Canopy Experience!** Overnight stay in Tamarindo.

 

* Optional Catamaran Tour: Set off in the morning on a relaxing catamaran tour. The route is the same as the afternoon but with much less boat traffic. Look out for marine life such as whales, dolphins and rays, and enjoy snorkelling in the clear waters. Buffet brunch included. 

 

** Optional Canopy Tour: Begin your adventure in the treetops of the Hilltop Eco Adventure Park, for fantastic views of Tamarindo Bay and a series of suspension bridges and zip wires to explore the rainforest like a pro! It's a heart-pumping experience to see wildlife from this unique vantage point!

Accommodation

ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Wyndham Tamarindo or similar
tripadvisor rating

1333 Reviews

See our full selection

Activities

Optional
Tamarindo Canopy Tour

Moderate

See more
Optional
Tamarindo Catamaran Excursion

Light

See more
10th Day: Tamarindo - Manuel Antonio
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Breakfast at the hotel. Set off this morning to Manuel Antonio National Park, chosen by Forbes as one of the most beautiful in the world. And it's not surprising, there are beautiful coastal jungles with tranquil hiking trails, stunning beaches apt for relaxing and surfing, tropical flora and plentiful exotic wildlife. Arrive, check-in to the hotel, and spend the remainder of the day at your leisure exploring this incredible location. Overnight stay in Manuel Antonio.

Accommodation

ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Costa Verde or similar
tripadvisor rating

1986 Reviews

See our full selection
11th Day: Manuel Antonio
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Breakfast at the hotel. Today, embark on an exciting excursion into the Manuel Antonio National Park. Explore the pristine natural beauty of this national park famous throughout the world and full of exotic wildlife such as monkeys, sloths, birds, reptiles and butterflies. Enjoy a picturesque 2-mile hike to one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, surrounded by lush rainforest, where you can enjoy a short rest stop to swim in its crystal clear waters. Return to the hotel and the remainder of the day is at your leisure to continue exploring the incredible surroundings. Overnight stay in Manuel Antonio.

Accommodation

ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Costa Verde or similar
tripadvisor rating

1986 Reviews

See our full selection

Activities

included
Manuel Antonio National Park Excursion

Light

See more
12th Day: Manuel Antonio - San José
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Breakfast at the hotel. To make the most of your last full-day, why not enjoy an optional Horseback Ride to experience the natural beauty of Manuel Antonio from a different perspective. In the afternoon, transfer back to the capital to spend your last night in San José. Overnight stay in San José.

 

* Optional Half-Day Horseback Ride Excursion: During this adventure,  marvel at nature's beauty, sounds, and colours, and experience the energy in the air. You will ride in awe of the density of the forest and the access to the pastures located in the park's highest hills, from which you will enjoy an incredible view of Arenal Volcano and its lake. Lunch included.

Accommodation

ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Barceló San José or similar
tripadvisor rating

2879 Reviews

See our full selection

Activities

Optional
Horseback Ride in Manuel Antonio

Light

See more
13th Day: San José - Night on board
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Breakfast at the hotel. At the indicated time, transfer to the airport to board your flight back to the UK. Night on board.

14th Day: UK/Ireland
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Arrive in the UK/Ireland and end your trip.

Included activities

Included
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Recommended: comfortable shoes, comfortable clothes, camera, raincoat, sunscreen and insect repellent.

Tour of Tortuguero Village

Included activity for day 2 in Tortuguero

In the afternoon, enjoy a fascinating tour of the sights of Tortuguero, including the Turtle Conservation Museum and the lively village. Enjoy a boat ride through the leafy canals back to the hotel.

Duration 03:00h Approx. Pick up time: 15:00 Approx

Physical rating:

Light

more information
Included
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Recommended: comfortable shoes, comfortable clothes, camera, raincoat.

Canals of Tortuguero Boat Tour

Included activity for day 3

Set off on a relaxing boat trip along the canals of Tortuguero, admiring the abundant flora and fauna along the route!

Duration 03:00h Approx. Pick up time: 08:30 Approx

Physical rating:

Light

more information
Included
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Recommended: cap or hat, rain gear, sunscreen, insect repellent, sunglasses, closed shoes and camera

Guided hike to the Arenal Volcano

Included activity for day 5 in Arenal

Take a guided hiking excursion to the Mirador el Silencio to discover the abundant landscapes of the incredible Arenal Volcano! Discover the rich flora and fauna of the rainforest and learn about one of Costa Rica's most iconic natural wonders.

Duration 03:00h Approx. Pick up time: 14:00 Approx

Physical rating:

Active

more information
Included
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Recommended: cap or hat, rain gear, sunscreen, insect repellent, sunglasses, closed shoes and camera

Hanging Bridges of Arenal

Included activity for day 6 in Arenal

Enjoy a Hanging Bridges Excursion through the lush, abundant rainforest of Arenal. Admire the beauty of the forest and the backdrop of the Arenal Volcano and gain valuable insight into the native plant and animal species from your expert guide.

Duration 02:30h Approx. Pick up time: 07:50 Approx

Physical rating:

Moderate

more information

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Available Activities

Activities are subject to availability. The price for each optional activity will be shown in the next step of the booking process.
Optional
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Comfortable shoes, comfortable clothes, camera, etc.

San Jose City Bus Tour

Suggested activity for day 1

Embark on a city tour of the highlights of San Jose including the National Theatre, Art Museum, Metropolitan Cathedral and the charming Central Market, among other sights. Authentic Costa Rican dinner included.

Duration 03:30h Approx. Pick up time: 15:15 Approx

Physical rating:

Light

more information
Optional
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Towel, bathing suit and change of clothes

Paradise Hot Springs Pass

Suggested activity for day 5

Enjoy an evening of indulgence with a pass to the Paradise Natural Hot Springs, heated by the Arenal Volcano. Enjoy access to three different hot pools and two hydromassage hot tubs, perfect for relaxing in the beautiful tropical surroundings.

Duration 04:00h Approx. Pick up time: 17:30 Approx

Physical rating:

Light

more information
Optional
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Bring: Coat, Camera, Binoculars, Hiking shoes, Comfortable clothes and Insect repellent. All timings are approximate and dependent on different conditions. This timing schedule is intended for guidance only and is subject to change by our guide.

Sloth Observation Excursion

Suggested activity for day 6

Get to know these beloved slow-moving animals, icons of Costa Rica. Head to the aptly named 'Lazy Territory', a small eco-project, home to a population of sloths. Follow the trails and spot both two-toed and three-toed sloths resting in the treetops.

Duration 03:00h Approx. Pick up time: 08:00 Approx

Physical rating:

Light

more information
Optional
info-icon

All timings are approximate and dependent on traffic, weather and local conditions. This timing schedule is intended for guidance only and is subject to change by our guide or driver.

Boat Safari on Tamarindo Estuary

Suggested activity for day 8 in Tamarindo

Discover the unique flora and fauna which inhabit the lush mangroves. Look out for noisy howler monkeys, crocodiles and iguanas, whilst appreciating the colourful birdlife above.

Duration 02:30h Approx. Pick up time: 07:00 Approx

Physical rating:

Light

more information

Show more

The price includes

  • Included in all our trips. more information
  • Departures from main UK/Ireland airports.
  • International flights: UK/Ireland - San José - UK/Ireland.
  • 12 nights accommodation in Charm and Superior category hotels.
    See hotels included
  • 10 Breakfasts and Full-Board in Tortuguero.
  • Transfers in air-conditioned vehicles.
  • Visits and entrance fees as indicated in the itinerary.
    See itinerary
  • All air taxes and fuel surcharge.
  • ATOL Protection.
*The cancellation policy applicable is according to the Terms and Conditions available and agreed at the time of your purchase

Not included

Entrances*, drinks, tips and any other services not mentioned in what's included.

Entrance to Tortuguero National Park is not included. Approximately $15 per person, to be paid at the destination. 

If your destination is in the USA or Canada, or if your selected flights to a different destination have connections in the USA or Canada, it is mandatory to have an ESTA (for USA) or an eTA (for Canada) before travelling.

ESTA: https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta/

eTA: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada/eta.html

The Foreign & Commonwealth Office offer up-to-date travel advice by visiting www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice.

Please note that the times shown in the itinerary may be affected by operational reasons. Follow the guidance provided in-country by the local provider.

  • Entry requirements

    Valid passport with at least six months validity.

  • Visa

    Visa is not required for stays less than 90 days.

  • Currency

    Costa Rican Colon

  • Language

    Spanish

  • Electricity

    110 V. Adapter required.

  • Health

    Please consult your doctor regarding malaria prophylaxis.

  • Time zone

    UTC - 06:00

  • Other useful information

    Local emergency number: 128

  • Tourist Office website

    https://www.visitcostarica.com/en

Remember to download your e-ticket to confirm the times of your flights and to complete online check-in using the airline’s website, or directly at the check-in desk at the airport.

Accommodation at the hotels is as indicated. In the event of any changes to accommodation, they will always be of the same or a higher category. The category of hotels is not standardized across all countries in the world. For this reason, the criteria may differ depending on the destination country's own standards.

In the case of adverse weather conditions, for safety reasons or for any other reasons deemed appropriate, the order and duration of the excursions included in the itinerary may be changed or canceled without prior notice.

If you have reduced mobility, require the use of a wheelchair, or you would prefer this tour to be a private experience for you and your group, you must contact our Experts at +44 20 8068 3176 before booking to ensure that your needs can be met.

While on the road, it is highly unlikely that the vehicle will be equipped with wifi or bathroom facilities, though rest stops will be made for long trips. We recommend purchasing a new SIM card at the airport or placing an e-SIM before travel to guarantee internet connection.

The Foreign & Commonwealth Office offer up-to-date travel advice by visiting https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice

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