Natural parks of the Caribbean & Pacific

Set off early for Tortuguero, travelling through the lush Braulio Carrillo National Park. Along the way, stop in Guápiles to enjoy a delicious included breakfast.

Upon arrival at the boat dock,  embark on one of the most beautiful journeys, gliding through the canals aboard a motorised boat to the lodge, a charming accommodation nestled on the canal’s edge, followed by lunch at the main restaurant.

In the afternoon, visit the picturesque and colourful village of Tortuguero, situated on a small island between the Caribbean rainforest and an extensive network of rivers, lagoons, and canals. Take a pleasant walking tour to experience the lively traditional Caribbean life of the locals. Return to the lodge for dinner. Overnight stay in Tortuguero.

Total distance covered today: 112 miles (approx 5.5hrs).

Breakfast at the lodge. In the morning, explore Tortuguero National Park*, one of the most biologically diverse areas in the world, located on the Caribbean coast in Limón province.

Relax on a pleasant boat ride through Tortuguero’s canals, admiring the abundant flora and fauna of the nature reserve. The park is home to eleven habitats, 2,000 plant species, and 400 tree species, including lilies, cedars, palms, and aquatic ferns, as well as manatees, jaguars, otters, sloths, crocodiles, basilisk lizards, and hundreds of bird species. Return to the lodge for lunch.

The afternoon is free to explore the surroundings at your own pace or simply relax, stroll along the beach, or cool off in the pool. If you’re travelling during nesting season, we highly recommend witnessing this incredible natural event at least once in your life. With a bit of luck, you might see turtles returning to the beach where they were born, carefully burying their eggs in the sand before heading back to the sea (July to September). Enjoy a delicious dinner. Overnight stay in Tortuguero.

*Entry to Tortuguero National Park is not included. Cost per person: roughly $15, payable directly to the guide.

Breakfast at the lodge. In the morning, begin the return journey by boat to La Pavona port, gliding through the green canals of the tropical rainforest. Upon arrival, continue by road to the town of Guápiles, arriving in time to enjoy a delicious traditional Costa Rican lunch.

Then continue inland to La Fortuna in Alajuela province, known for the magnificent Arenal Volcano, one of Costa Rica’s most important and spectacular natural landmarks. Arrive at the hotel and enjoy the rest of the afternoon exploring the beautiful cloud forest surroundings at your own pace.

You can also visit one of the area’s many hot springs to relax and enjoy the naturally heated waters, or take the optional visit to Paradise Hot Springs.* Overnight stay in Alajuela.

*Optional visit to Paradise Hot Springs: Just a 5-minute drive from central La Fortuna de San Carlos and close to the main hotels in the Arenal Volcano area, Paradise Hot Springs is set in a stunning natural environment with beautiful tropical gardens and naturally heated thermal pools. Enjoy the comfort of the Palma Real, Los Papiros, and Pangea pools, along with the relaxing hydro-massage jacuzzis, Ginger and Oasis. This is an unmissable experience, offering a natural and relaxing environment to enjoy alone or with company. We recommend bringing comfortable spare clothing, sandals, insect repellent, a hat, rain gear, a camera, sunscreen, and a swimsuit. Dinner included. Transfer to the hotel.

Total distance covered today: 131 miles (approx 5hrs).

Breakfast at the hotel. The morning is free to rest, or you can join an optional excursion to see charming sloths.*

In the afternoon, embark on an unforgettable hike to Arenal Volcano in La Fortuna. This active volcano is estimated to be around 7,000 years old, stands 1,633 meters tall, and has an almost perfect conical shape, making it one of the most beautiful volcanoes in the world.

Follow a hiking trail formed by ancient lava flows, admiring the tropical rainforest and its abundant flora and fauna along the way. At the viewpoint, the guide will explain the formation and history of the volcano. Then return to the hotel following the same trail. For an added adventure, we also recommend joining an unforgettable guided night walk** in La Fortuna. Overnight stay in Arenal.

*Optional sloth observation excursion: 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.

**Optional guided night walk: Hike through the Cerro Chato Biological Corridor in La Fortuna, covering around 800 metres. Observe nocturnal wildlife such as frogs, insects, and reptiles in their natural habitats. Along the way, an expert guide will share insights into the behaviour of these fascinating species. And cap off the experience with a refreshing drink.

Note: It is possible to do both excursions. Please be aware that the schedule or day of one excursion may be adjusted so activities don't overlap.

Breakfast at the hotel. Set off toward the sea, enjoying the scenery of tropical mountains along the way to the Central Pacific coast. Stop at the Río Tárcoles viewpoint, famous for its large population of crocodiles.

Arrive in Manuel Antonio, one of Costa Rica’s most renowned destinations, celebrated for its combination of paradise beaches and tropical rainforest. The afternoon is free to relax at the beach or at the hotel. Overnight stay in Manuel Antonio.

Total distance covered today: 137 miles (approx 5hrs).

Breakfast at the hotel. Go on an exciting excursion through Manuel Antonio National Park*. Hike just over three kilometers, taking in the pristine natural beauty and spotting exotic wildlife such as monkeys, sloths, birds, reptiles, and butterflies. At the end of the trail, you’ll reach a white-sand beach, one of the most beautiful in the country. The rest of the day is free to enjoy at your own pace. Overnight stay in Manuel Antonio.

*Manuel Antonio National Park is closed on Tuesdays. If your visit was scheduled for that day, it will be moved to Wednesday. Tuesday will be free or will be spent on the optional activity, if booked.

Breakfast at the hotel. A free day to enjoy at your own pace: relax on the pristine beaches of Manuel Antonio and soak in the tranquil atmosphere. In the afternoon, you can also join an optional catamaran tour with dinner.* Overnight stay in Manuel Antonio.

*Optional Catamaran evening with dinner: Enjoy the sunset over the Pacific on a scenic tour of bays and inlets. Depending on the season, you may also spot marine life. The tour includes a stop in a protected bay where you can go snorkelling (equipment provided). The experience ends with dinner as the sun sets over the horizon.

Breakfast at the hotel. Return to the capital, travelling through the green valleys and mountains of central Costa Rica. Once back in San José, you’ll have free time to explore at your own pace. We recommend taking a walk to visit the National Theatre of Costa Rica or continuing to discover the local cuisine. Overnight stay in San José.

Total distance covered today: 102 miles (approx 4hrs).

Breakfast at the hotel. Your journey through Costa Rica comes to an end, but you’re returning with unforgettable memories. At the scheduled time, a transfer will pick you up to take you to the airport for your flight back to the UK/Ireland. Night on board.