DETAILED ITINERARY

Day 1: UK to  San Jose 
Fly from the UK to San Jose.
On arrival into San Jose you will be met and privately transferred to Hotel Presidente where you will spend your first night. This characterful hotel is located at the heart of San Jose just walking distance from the iconic landmarks, bars and restaurant. Enjoy the rest of your day soaking up the atmosphere and exploring this exciting city. Welcome to Costa Rica!

Day 2: San Jose to Arenal
This morning you will be collected for your shared transfer to the Arenal area. This area is famous for its majestic Arenal volcano. However, it is also a paradise for any birdwatcher and nature enthusiast. You will spend 2 nights at Arenal Observatory Lodge where nature is bursting at the seams thanks to the primary and secondary rainforests right on the doorstep. Enjoy the rest of your day with a sundowner and soaking up the incredible scenic views from the lodge. If you would like more time here, then ask us to tailor this itinerary to your requirements.

Day 3: Arenal
Today you will join a full day guided trip to Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge. These wetlands are one of the most important reserves for bird watching and wildlife observation in Costa Rica. You will board your boat and slowly and silently cruise through the jungle. Your nature guide will talk to you about the local biodiversity and with a bit of luck you will spot the locals – sloths, monkeys, caimans, bats and more. You can also spot Jabiru storks, cormorants and roseate spoonbills. Make sure you bring your binoculars and camera!

Day 4: Arenal to Monteverde Cloud Forest
This morning you will be met and collected for your shared transfer to the Monteverde Cloud Forest. You will spend 2 nights at Poco a Poco. This cosy boutique hotel is located at the heart of the Cloud Forest and offers a perfect opportunity for wildlife viewing with mammals and birds such as Quetzals and Hummingbirds as well as many types of butterflies and native flowers. It is an area of extraordinary beauty and one of the more exuberant ecosystems on the planet. Welcome to the Cloud Forest!

Day 5: Monteverde Cloud Forest
This morning you’ll be collected for a shared guided frog pond tour learning about the frog species as well as visiting the herpetarium where you can observe the 28 frog and toad species that are unique to Costa Rica. If you are looking to see the famous ‘Blue Jeans’ or the ‘Red Eye Frog’, you have found the best place to do it! Enjoy the rest of your day at leisure. For more details about activities in this area, call our specialist on 01273 923 100.

Day 6: Monteverde to Manuel Antonio
This morning you will be collected for your shared transfer to one of the best beach locations in Costa Rica, Manuel Antonio. You will spend 3 nights at Si Como No Resort & Wildlife Refuge. Surrounded by a lush green tropical rainforest, soft sandy beaches and clear water rivers this hotel offers excellent and friendly service, great wildlife spotting and luxury accommodation. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. Soak up the ocean views or kick back and cool down in a pool. Give us a call for ideas of what to do in this area.

Day 7: Manuel Antonio
Today you will be collected for your shared half day tour of Manuel Antonio National Park. You will be joined by a Tico nature guide who will take you for a gentle hike through the exotic biodiverse rainforest and explain the local fauna and flora while pointing out the local” passers-by” such mammals, sloths, several types of non-poisonous snakes, various birds and monkeys.

Days 8: Manuel Antonio
Today you have a free day at leisure. For those traveling during a whale season (Jul-Oct or Dec-March) we recommend taking a day trip to the nearby town of Uvita – the perfect location for watching these impressive mammals in their natural habitat. You can also head to butterfly gardens, go mangrove kayaking, snorkelling and more….this area could keep you busy for weeks. We can help you arrange a number of excursions, just get in touch! 

Day 9: Manuel Antonio to Corcovado
This morning you will be collected and transferred to the local airport Quepos where you will board your short flight to Drake Bay, Corcovado. From here you will be transferred to Aguila de Osa Inn where you will spend 3 nights. This lodge is perfectly positioned between Corcovado National Park and Island Biological Marine Reserve, offering you an unforgettable stay. According to National Geographic, Corcovado is considered one of the best National Parks in the world and the most biologically intense place on earth. Jackpot!!

Day 10: Corcovado
This morning you will set off on a full day guided tour to Corcovado National Park. You will join your guide on two hikes within this dense area. Each hike is through different areas and shows off the incredible diversity of this park. During your day you will be able to spot many mammals such as howler monkeys, white faced monkeys, racoons as well as variety of birds. This area has more than 300 species of birds and it makes for an incredible display. During your boat transfer you might even spot dolphins, whales, turtles on top of the fantastic views of the Osa coastline! No nature lover will forget this experience.

Day 11: Corcovado
Today you have a full day at leisure. Hit the beach, grab a snorkel and explore the clear blue waters of the ocean. Your hotel can also arrange a diving tour to Cano Island, birding tours, horse-riding and more. The choices are endless. If you would like to extend your Corcovado stay, ask us to re-design this holiday to your requirements – call 01273 923100.

Day 12: Corcovade to San Jose
Following a final breakfast, you will be transferred back to Drake Bay for your short flight to San Jose where you will spend your last night at Hotel Presidente.

Day 13: San Jose to the UK 
Today you will be transferred back to San Jose airport to check in for your international flight back to the UK.

Day 14: Home
Welcome home! If you don’t have 14 days, ask us to re-design this holiday to your requirements – call 01273 923 100.