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The Jewel of Nature

Costa Rica • 15 days / 13 nights

From £2,449

£4,089

40% off

Flights, hotels & activities included
Our most complete tour of Costa Rica, encounter the country's natural abundance as you journey through its most emblematic destinations including Arenal, wildlife-rich Tortuguero and the pristine beaches of Manuel Antonio.
Rachel
Designed by RachelTravel crafter

Highlights

Overview

Trip map

Discover the abundant nature of Costa Rica and enjoy the perfect combination of adventure and relaxation. Stroll through the historic streets of San Jose, navigate the canals of Tortuguero and feel the strength of the Arenal Volcano. Explore the abundant cloud forests of lush Monteverde and embrace the laid-back atmosphere and idyllic beaches of diverse Manuel Antonio. 

 

 

Itinerary

Day 1

1

UK/Ireland - San José

UK/Ireland - San José

Arrive at your UK departure airport to board a flight to San José. Arrive in the capital of Costa Rica and transfer to your hotel. Overnight stay in San José.

Day 2

2

San José - Tortuguero

San José - Tortuguero

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. 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.

Activities

Tour of Tortuguero Village

Tour of Tortuguero Village

included
3h

Day 3

3

Tortuguero

Tortuguero

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. In the evening, we recommend taking the opportunity to see the turtles spawning on the beach (July - September). Dinner and overnight stay in Tortuguero.

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

Activities

Tortuguero National Park boat tour

Tortuguero National Park boat tour

included
3h

Day 4

4

Tortuguero - Guapiles - Arenal

Tortuguero - Guapiles - Arenal

Breakfast at the hotel. In the morning, set off for the charming city of Guapiles, arriving in time for lunch. Afterwards, continue to La Fortuna, 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. 

Day 5

5

Arenal

Arenal

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. 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 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, you may choose between different popular hot springs in the area to relax and enjoy the water which is naturally heated by the volcano (optional extras).* Overnight stay in Arenal.


* 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 the beautiful tropical surroundings.


** 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.

Activities

Guided hike to the Arenal Volcano

Guided hike to the Arenal Volcano

included
2h 30m
Sloth Observation Excursion

Sloth Observation Excursion

Optional
3h
Paradise Hot Springs Pass

Paradise Hot Springs Pass

Optional
3h 30m

Day 6

6

Arenal

Arenal

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, 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 colorful flora and fauna. Look out for monkeys, toucans and sloths and spot vibrant tropical birds as you soak up the beauty of the immaculate natural environment. Return to Arenal and enjoy the remainder of the day relaxing at your leisure and enjoying the views of the Arenal Volcano. Overnight stay in Arenal

Activities

Safari Float tour in Peñas Blancas

Safari Float tour in Peñas Blancas

included
3h 30m

Day 7

7

Arenal - Monteverde

Arenal - Monteverde

Breakfast at the hotel. In the morning, set off towards Monteverde, travelling along the banks of Lake Arenal for breathtaking views of the volcano. Cross the lake on a shared boat service and continue by road for the remainder of the journey. Arrive in Monteverde, one of the richest and diverse rainforests in the world, home to extensive trails, abundant wildlife including several monkey species, and astounding natural beauty. Check-in to the hotel and enjoy an afternoon at your leisure. Overnight stay in Monteverde.

 

Activities

Canopy zipline half-day tour

Canopy zipline half-day tour

Optional

Day 8

8

Monteverde

Monteverde

Breakfast at the hotel. In the morning embark on an exciting unguided Hanging Bridges excursion for the best views of the treetop wildlife of Monteverde. Traverse a route of approximately 3 kilometres, crossing a combination of trails and hanging bridges which criss-cross the abundant 'cloud forest'. This is a unique and thrilling way to experience the best of Costa Rican wildlife, away from the hustle and bustle of the rainforest floor. Return to the hotel and the rest of the afternoon is free at your leisure. Overnight stay in Monteverde. 

Please note: the Hanging Bridges excursion is unaccompanied, without a guide.

Activities

Hanging Bridges of Monteverde

Hanging Bridges of Monteverde

included
3h 30m

Day 9

9

Monteverde

Monteverde

Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy the day at your leisure, relaxing in the tranquil surroundings or exploring the diverse eco-system of this magical place. As the sun sets, set off on a Night Walk in Monteverde. Discover the abundant wildlife of Monteverde as you take several different trails around the well-preserved reserve. Your guide will provide you with the necessary equipment for the best chance of spotting the unique wildlife in the reserve, especially the hard to spot nocturnal species. After an evening of exciting wildlife spotting, return to the hotel. Overnight stay in Monteverde. 

Activities

Monteverde night walk

Monteverde night walk

included
2h

Day 10

10

Monteverde - Manuel Antonio

Monteverde - Manuel Antonio

Breakfast at the hotel. Set off in the morning to Manuel Antonio, an area of protected coastal rainforest, known for its idyllic beaches and wildlife. Arrive, check-in to the hotel, and spend the remainder of the day at your leisure. Overnight stay in Manuel Antonio.

Day 11

11

Manuel Antonio

Manuel Antonio

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 the crystal clear waters. Return to the hotel and the remainder of the day is at your leisure. 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.

Activities

Manuel Antonio National Park Excursion

Manuel Antonio National Park Excursion

included
3h 30m

Day 12

12

Manuel Antonio

Manuel Antonio

Breakfast at the hotel. Spend the day at your leisure, relaxing on the idyllic undeveloped beaches and soaking up the laid back atmosphere. We recommend an optional Catamaran tour to enjoy the tranquillity of the waters surrounding Manuel Antonio.* Overnight stay in Manuel Antonio.

Optional Catamaran Tour: Discover the coast of Manuel Antonio, relax on board and enjoy the tranquillity of navigating these beautiful waters. Stop at a secluded bay where you can snorkel and explore the colourful coral reef, accompanied by a naturalist guide who can help you discover the fascinating underwater world. Lunch included. 

Activities

Manuel Antonio Catamaran Tour

Manuel Antonio Catamaran Tour

Optional
4h

Day 13

13

Manuel Antonio - San José

Manuel Antonio - San José

Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer back to the capital, to spend your last night in San José. 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 José.

* 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. P

Activities

San Jose City Bus Tour

San Jose City Bus Tour

Optional
4h 30m

Day 14

14

San José - Night on board

San José - Night on board

Breakfast at the hotel. At the indicated time, transfer to the airport to board your flight back to the UK. Night on board.

Day 15

15

UK/Ireland

UK/Ireland

Arrive in the UK and end your trip.

What's included

  • Departures from main UK/Ireland airports.
  • International flights: UK/Ireland - San Jose - UK/Ireland.
  • 13 nights hotel accommodation in Charm category hotels.
  • 13 Breakfasts and Full-Board in Tortuguero.
  • Transfers in air-conditioned vehicles.
  • Visits and entrance fees as indicated in the itinerary.
  • All air taxes and fuel surcharge.
  • Shared boat service in Lake Arenal.
  • Boat ride in Tortuguero.
  • ATOL Protection.
  • Bilingual English/Spanish speaking guide during the excursions.

Accommodation

Select your departure date

All prices include flights, hotels and activities. A £39 per person handling fee applies at checkout.

April to May 2026

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We recommend booking early

Prices can change and departure dates may sell out.

Flexible payment options available

Pay in full, make a deposit, or split payments.

Best prices

All prices include flights, hotels and activities. A £39 per person handling fee applies at checkout.

Included activities

Optional activities

Personalization options

  • Extra nightsExtend your stay with additional nights before or after the tour.
  • Flight optionsCustomize your flights by selecting your preferred airline, cabin class, and departure and arrival times.

Additional information

What's 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. 

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.

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 here: https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta/

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


Travel times in some areas may be longer due to factors like traffic, weather, or possible road closures that may occasionally cause delays.


Hotels in Costa Rica may differ from standards in Europe and the United States. They are often more traditional, set in natural surroundings, and offer a unique charm.


This is an independent tour with guided shared activities, not an escorted group tour.


Some activities may be guided by a bilingual guide (English and Spanish) who provides explanations in both languages, depending on the composition of the group.


Any hotel mentioned in the offer, whether the main one or an alternative, is as likely as each other to be confirmed. You will find your final hotel confirmation on your updated trip summary approximately 15 days before departure.

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.

Children: 2 - 10 years.

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

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

 

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.

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

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Costa Rica in our travellers' words

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