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Family: Tortuguero, Arenal & beach relax

Costa Rica in 13 Days, 11 Nights in Destination

From

£ 3,149

£ 2,199

/person

-30%

Rachel, Travel Expert

Rachel
Travel crafter

Explore the richness of Costa Rica's flora and fauna in three distinctly biodiverse regions. Where memories are made on this trip: enjoying the stunning scenery at a paradisiacal all-inclusive resort on Tamarindo Beach.

Trip Highlights

  1. map-pin-check-icon
    Arenal
  2. map-pin-check-icon
    San José
  3. map-pin-check-icon
    Tamarindo
  4. map-pin-check-icon
    Tortuguero

Included

  1. All flights

  2. Accommodation

  3. All transfers

  4. Activities

  5. Some meals

Availability

  1. Departures available until August 2025

  2. Available Group tours

  3. Solo travelers from + £ 860

  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:

+44 20 76 60 34 10

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Itinerary

Discover the contrasts of Costa Rica. Arrive in the picturesque capital, San Jose, where a local guide will show the amazing nature of La Paz Waterfall Gardens. From there, fly to Tortuguero to explore its canals and enjoy its rich biodiversity. Finish with an all-inclusive stay at a resort to relax as a family on the pristine beaches of Tamarindo.

 

1st Day: UK/Ireland - San Jose

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Arrive at your UK/Ireland departure airport to board a flight to San Jose*. Land in the capital of Costa Rica and transfer to your hotel. Overnight stay in San Jose.

*If either your outbound or inbound flights depart in the early hours (before 4:00 a.m.) you must arrive at the airport the night before the indicated departure day.

Accommodation

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

2962 Reviews

See our full selection

2nd Day: San Jose

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Breakfast at the hotel. Today, enjoy a family excursion to the La Paz Waterfall Gardens. Upon arrival, walk along a beautiful trail that leads to the aviary, the largest butterfly observatory in the country, the hummingbird gallery, the serpentarium, and the frog, monkey and feline exhibits. Replenish your energy with a tasty lunch in the middle of the forest and then walk through this tropical rainforest following a paved path, with some steps, to visit the impressive waterfalls formed by the La Paz River. Return to the hotel and overnight in San Jose.

Accommodation

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

2962 Reviews

See our full selection

Activities

included
Visit to La Paz Waterfall Gardens

Moderate

See more

3rd Day: San Jose - Tortuguero

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Breakfast at the hotel. In the morning, rise early to visit the Tortuguero Village, where you’ll be accommodated in a Full Board hotel!

You’ll discover an incredible diversity of landscapes. This was once a site for hunting, fishing, and agriculture for various ethnic groups including the Miskitos, the Miskito-Zambo, and the Afro-Caribbean population. 

During the tour, visit the village school, the National Park, churches, stores, the community center that houses the local symphony, and the recycling plant, which is one of the most efficient in the country! Dinner and overnight stay in Tortuguero.

Accommodation

ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Laguna Lodge or similar
tripadvisor rating

1387 Reviews

See our full selection

Activities

included
Tour of Tortuguero Village

Light

See more

4th Day: Tortuguero

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Full Board. Breakfast at the hotel. Start the day with a 2-hour tour through the National Park's canals. Enjoy the lush biodiversity of plants and animals in this ecosystem, which is the most complex and dynamic in Central America. The tour includes lunch

You and your family will be accompanied by a naturalist guide and an experienced boatman, who will help you appreciate the park's many animal species. See monkeys, thousands of bird species, hundreds of reptiles and amphibians, such as iguanas, crocodiles, alligators, turtles... and, of course, a great variety of mammals. Dinner and overnight stay in Tortuguero.

Accommodation

ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Laguna Lodge or similar
tripadvisor rating

1387 Reviews

See our full selection

Activities

included
Canals of Tortuguero Boat Tour

Light

See more

5th Day: Tortuguero - Arenal

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Breakfast in the hotel. In the morning, head to Guápiles, one of the most popular cities in Costa Rica, a lush tropical landscape located within the country's banana growing region.

In addition to jungle adventures, visitors can also try a trip to one of the nearby botanical gardens. From wild colorful orchids to other types of flowers and wildlife native to the region, travelers will be amazed by the number of plants they can witness in one setting!

In the afternoon, head towards Arenal, where you can join an optional visit to the famous volcano the following day. Arrive, check-in at your hotel, and overnight stay in Arenal.

Accommodation

ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Lomas del Volcán or similar
tripadvisor rating

2410 Reviews

See our full selection

6th Day: Arenal

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Breakfast at the hotel. Set off for a half-day Floating Safari excursion in Arenal. Travel along the Peñas Blancas River with our expert English-speaking safari adventure guides.

They will help you appreciate the incredible fauna and flora of the region, where you will see the diversity of animals such as sloths, monkeys, toucans, crocodiles, “Jesus Christ” lizards, turtles and even colorful tropical birds! Ready to visit the volcano? Now’s your chance with our optional hike*. Overnight stay in Arenal.

*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. The main attraction of La Fortuna is the Arenal Volcano with its nearly perfect cone shape and a height of 1633 meters. 

Along the hike you’ll discover the abundant flora and fauna that inhabit the rainforest under re-generation; your guide will tell you all about the Arenal Volcano’s history and activity. After the hike, you may choose two different options to experience the popular hot springs in the area to relax in the warm waters, heated by the volcano.

Accommodation

ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Lomas del Volcán or similar
tripadvisor rating

2410 Reviews

See our full selection

Activities

included
Peñas Blancas River Adventure

Light

See more
Optional
Guided hike to the Arenal Volcano

Active

See more

7th Day: Arenal

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Breakfast at the hotel. Today, you’ll go on a Sloth Observation Excursion. La Fortuna is a unique environment and the climate, food, and lack of predators make it a perfect home for sloths.

Take a 2-hour tour through the Sloth Territory, a small family ecological project just 5 minutes from La Fortuna. The project features a 1-mile trail suitable for adults, families, and children of all ages. Pay attention to the two and three-toed sloths and also Guarumo trees, their favorite food! We also recommend our optional Monteverde Cloud Forest route.* Overnight stay in Arenal.

*Monteverde Cloud Forest: Explore the rich cloud forests and extensive nature trails of Monteverde Cloud Forest. Observe wildlife ranging from jaguars to butterflies and quetzals as you traverse a number of different trails through 8 different ‘life-zones’ ranging from swamps to cloud forests.

Accommodation

ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Lomas del Volcán or similar
tripadvisor rating

2410 Reviews

See our full selection

Activities

included
Sloth Observation Excursion

Light

See more
Optional
Cloud Forests Excursion

Moderate

See more

8th Day: Arenal - Tamarindo

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All-inclusive. In the morning, we head to Playa Langosta (Tamarindo) to enjoy this paradisiacal place at an all-inclusive resort. Arrive, check-in, and spend free time in an oasis of peace. Take advantage of the swimming pool to have a good time with your family, or spend time relaxing in the spa! Overnight stay in Tamarindo.

 

Accommodation

ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Occidental Tamarindo or similar
tripadvisor rating

5213 Reviews

See our full selection

9th Day: Tamarindo

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All-inclusive. Enjoy the incredible resort facilities, the wonderful natural surroundings, and the on-site restaurants full of exquisite dishes. If you wish, you can also participate in our optional boat safari in the Tamarindo Estuary*. 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 colorful bird life above. Slowly travel along the channels, so as not to disturb the wildlife, and admire the wonderful natural beauty of the reserve.

 

Accommodation

ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Occidental Tamarindo or similar
tripadvisor rating

5213 Reviews

See our full selection

Activities

Optional
Boat Safari on Tamarindo Estuary

Light

See more

10th Day: Tamarindo

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All-inclusive. Today is your last day to enjoy the wonderful white sandy beaches of Tamarindo. You have the entire day free to enjoy with your family in this incredible natural setting and all the activities offered in the resort. Overnight stay in Tamarindo.

 

Accommodation

ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Occidental Tamarindo or similar
tripadvisor rating

5213 Reviews

See our full selection

11th Day: Tamarindo - San Jose

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Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer back to the capital, to spend your last night in San Jose. 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 Jose*. Overnight stay in San Jose.

*Optional San Jose 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 Jose or similar
tripadvisor rating

2962 Reviews

See our full selection

Activities

Optional
San Jose City Bus Tour

Light

See more

12th Day: San Jose - 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/Ireland. Night on board.

*Depending on the return flight schedule and the hotel breakfast service, you may not be able to enjoy the included breakfast on the last day.

13th Day: UK/Ireland

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Arrive in the UK/Ireland and end your trip.

Select a day to go to next step

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November 2024
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Categories Available:

charm

From £ 2,199

Selected

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    Accommodation: 11 Nights

    Included activities

    Included

    Visit to La Paz Waterfall Gardens

    Included activity for day 2 in San José

    Arriving at the park you will walk through a beautiful trail and enjoy a delicious lunch in the middle of the forest. Then, continue exploring and visit the impressive natural waterfalls formed by the La Paz river.

    Duration 05:00h Approx. Pick up time: 08:00 Approx

    Physical rating:

    Moderate

    This hike takes place in the tropical rainforest, along a trail that is paved and has steps.

    more information
    Included

    Tour of Tortuguero Village

    Included activity for day 3 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

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

    more information
    Included

    Canals of Tortuguero Boat Tour

    Included activity for day 4 in Tortuguero

    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

    Recommended: comfortable shoes, comfortable clothes, camera, raincoat.

    more information
    Included

    Peñas Blancas River Adventure

    Included activity for day 6 in Arenal

    Set off on an exciting river safari in an inflatable raft along the quiet Rio Peñas Blancas. Accompanied by an expert naturalist guide, travel through the abundant waterways, teeming with colourful flora and fauna!

    Duration 04:30h Approx. Pick up time: 07:30 Approx

    Physical rating:

    Light

    It is recommended to bring a cap or hat, comfortable clothes, closed shoes, sunscreen, insect repellent, sunglasses, camera and binoculars. This activity is not suitable for babies, if travelling with a baby the activity will be changed.

    more information

    Show more

    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

    Guided hike to the Arenal Volcano

    Suggested activity for day 6 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

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

    more information
    Optional

    Cloud Forests Excursion

    Suggested activity for day 7 in Arenal

    Take a guided tour through the trails and suspension bridges of the Arenal Volcano jungle. Explore its tropical fauna, such as the quetzal bird and, depending on the season, the characteristic mist that envelops its vegetation.

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

    Physical rating:

    Moderate

    more information
    Optional

    Boat Safari on Tamarindo Estuary

    Suggested activity for day 9 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

    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.

    more information
    Optional

    San Jose City Bus Tour

    Suggested activity for day 11 in San José

    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

    Comfortable shoes, comfortable clothes, camera, etc.

    more information

    The price includes

    • Departures from main UK/Ireland airports.
    • International flights: UK/Ireland - San Jose - UK/Ireland.
    • 11 nights accommodation in Charm and Superior category hotels.
      See hotels included
    • 9 Breakfasts, Full Board in Tortugero and All Inclusive in Tamarindo.
    • Transfers in air-conditioned vehicles.
    • Visits and entrance fees as indicated in the itinerary.
      See itinerary
    • All air taxes and fuel surcharge.
    • Safari boat in Arenal.
    • All inclusive in Occidental Tamarindo.
    • ATOL Protection.
    • English speaking guide only during the excursions.

    Not included

    Drinks, tips and any other services not mentioned in what's included. 

    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

    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 cancelled 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.

    Room allocation: We will do our best to accommodate your family in the same room. If availability doesn't permit this, we guarantee your family will be accommodated as close together as possible. Children will always be accomodated in a room with at least 1 adult.

    Booster seats: Not available in all destinations. Feel free to take your own if you need one.

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

    Pay in installments

    Pay only 60% today to reserve your trip.

    Rest is paid in instalments according to your departure date.

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