DETAILED ITINERARY

Day 1: UK to San Jose
Fly from the UK to San Jose.
On arrival you’ll be privately transferred into the heart of the city where you will spend 1 night at the San Ignacio Villa. Set in 22 acres surrounded by native trees, Villa San Ignacio is a hidden gem offering a tranquil start to your Costa Rica holiday. Welcome to Costa Rica!

Day 2: San Jose to Puerto Viejo 
This morning your car hire will be delivered, and you’ll start your journey of discovery. You’ll drive approx. 4 hours east towards the lively village of Puerto Viejo de Limon on the southern Caribbean coast. You’ll be staying for 4 nights at Le Cameleon, a stylish boutique hotel by the beach, with an infectiously laid-back atmosphere typical of this region.  Settle in, have a dip in the pool and chill.

Day 3: Puerto Viejo 
Today you will join a guided tour of Cahuita National Park, known for its vast coral reef, the largest in Costa Rica, and palm-fringed beaches. Put on a don mask, snorkel and flippers & discover the wonders of the marine world for yourself. Swim past tropical fish and you encounter octopi and turtles. Back on the land you’ll follow your guide on a walking trail for opportunities to spot birds, reptiles and both howler and white-faced capuchin monkeys.

Days 4-5: Puerto Viejo
Today you will have a full day at leisure. Enjoy a beach day, soaking up some sun and swimming in the clear Caribbean waters, maybe taking a cruise further out into the ocean to view dolphins. If you feel more adventurous, enjoy a horseback riding tour, join a surf class or explore the area by kayak. One thing’s for sure, you won’t be short of things to do.

Day 6: Puerto Viejo to Turrialba 
Today you’ll drive inland to the Turrialba Valley. Enjoy your drive and explore on the way to your next hotel, Casa Turire. You will spend 2 nights at this rural hacienda. Stretch your legs with a walk in the nearby gardens, watch the local birds and butterflies, or enjoy a reviving swim in the pool. Enjoy your dinner at the restaurant tonight and sample some of the local produce and Tico cuisine.

Day 7: Turrialba
You have a full day at leisure today. You can arrange additional tours with the lodge such as bird-watching tour, horse riding, hire bikes and explore the beautiful scenery, rafting, visit to the Lankester gardens or perhaps a chocolate tour. You can also head off and visit the Irazu Volcano. This area will keep you busy for weeks!

Day 8: Turrialba to Santa Juana
Today you’ll continue your drive you past sugar cane plantations, small quaint villages as well as Cartago, Costa Rica’s former capital, giving you the opportunity for stop en route. Your journey will end today on a dirt track to Santa Juana Lodge where you will spend 3 nights. Authentic Costa Rica is right here with spectacular views from every spot. 

Days 9-10: Santa Juana
Immerse yourself in the cloud-forested hills. Take a birding tour with Alain for hummingbirds & toucans. Cool-off with a swim in crystal clear waterfall pools. You won’t want to leave!

Day 11: Santa Juana to Uvita
Today is time to head for the Pacific Ocean and follow the coastline to the town of Uvita. You could stop en-route at Manual Antonio National Park, one of the most popular parks in the country with its combination of beaches and forest. From here it’s a a short distance to La Cusinga Lodge tucked away in the hills overlooking the unspoiled South Pacific. You’ll be staying here for 3 nights. Spot howler monkeys, sloths, and exotic birds. Take a path to the lodge’s own private beach – beautifully secluded, with rainforest spilling on to the white sand. Or just soak up the view.

Day 12: Uvita
This morning you’ll join a share boat tour to explore Bahia Ballena Marine Park. You depart from Uvita and see the famous Punta Uvita Whale Tail, Ballena Island, the Tres Hermanas Islets and Ventana caves. During this cruise you are likely to see dolphins and, in season, humpback and pilot whales. There is an opportunity to snorkel by a coral reef and view the colourful marine life. On your return ride there are more chances to spot dolphins and seabirds.

Day 13: Uvita 
A free day to soak up the tranquil scenery and enjoy the expansive empty beach down the path from La Cusinga. If you’d prefer to end with a little more luxury then ask us for some fantastic hotel upgrade options.

Day 14: Uvita to the UK 
Your Costa Rican journey is almost at the end. Having crossed the country and experienced contrasting habitats, witnessed incredible and colourful wildlife & stayed in some beautiful locations, it’s time to drive back to San Jose international airport to check in for your flight back to the UK.

Day 15: Welcome Home
Arrive to UK. If you don’t have 14 days, ask us to re-design this holiday to your requirements – call 01273 923 100.