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. Although we do recommend splashing in the pool on arrival. Welcome to Costa Rica!

Day 2: San Jose to Tortuguero
Today you’ll be transferred by land and boat to Tortuguero. You’ll spend 2 nights at Mawamba Lodge. This family-friendly lodge is perfect combination of relaxation, fantastic food and plenty of activities to keep you busy. In the afternoon you’ll take a tour to the local village – learn about Tico history as well as turtle conservation. If it’s the right time of year you can also see turtles nesting on the beaches.

Day 3: Tortuguero
Head on a boat ride across the water canals – surrounded by dense bush and lush green jungle you’ll see the incredible wildlife display unfolding in front of you as you cruise by. You will also have a guided walk around the local gardens and reserve. You can also add-in a kayak tour at sunrise for an amazing start to the day – highly recommended!

Day 4: Tortuguero to Arenal
Today you’ll be transferred to the great family destination, Arenal. Your base for the next 3 nights will be the family-friendly gem, El Silencio del Campo. Owner-run El Silencio del Campo offers the perfect view of Arenal. With just 23 stand-alone casitas, this is one of Arenal’s smaller hotels, and with its own farm and hot springs this is a lovely retreat after days exploring the local area. Enjoy the rest of your day at leisure. Why not head on a rainforest night walk to spot some of Costa Rica’s nocturnal wildlife! Arenal is a key tourist highlight – however if you would prefer to see volcanoes and rainforest without the crowds then ask us for alternatives – call a Costa Rica specialist today on 01273 923100.

Days 5-6: Arenal
Two full days at leisure to explore this fantastic area. Arrange an exhilarating zip-line tour across river valleys, hire kayaks and paddle across the vast lake, go canyoning down a waterfall, head on a sloth tour or maybe have a family picnic at La Fortuna waterfalls. Or if you want to head further afield you could visit the Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge. This wildlife reserve is one of the most important reserves for bird watching and wildlife in Costa Rica. We can help you decide and arrange activities for you to do in the Arenal.

Day 7: Arenal to Monteverde
This morning you’ll be transferred by car and boat to the other side of the Arenal lake, towards the hills of the elevated Monteverde cloud forest, one of the most biodiverse areas in Costa Rica! Spend 2 nights at the Cloud Forest Lodge. In a nutshell – family friendly, intimate, nature and wildlife focused. Let’s see who can spot the first quetzal! Enjoy the rest of your day at leisure.

Day 8: Monteverde
Full day at leisure. You can explore this incredibly rich biodiverse cloud forest by foot or on horseback, a trip to the Frog Pond is not to missed. Spot the famous “Blue Jeans” frog or the “Red eye frog” – and make sure you don’t forget your camera! Another highlight is a visit to The Children’s Eternal Rainforest – the largest private reserve in Costs Rica.  Need help deciding what to do? Give us a call to hear our recommendations based on what you like.

Day 9: Monteverde to Manuel Antonio
This morning you’ll leave the cloud forest behind to start the beach part of your holiday. You’ll arrive to Manuel Antonio, an area that boasts natural beauty and more amazing wildlife viewing opportunities. You’ll spend 5 nights at Parador Resort & Spa. A large, luxurious resort with a focus on sustainable tourism, El Parador is set on twelve acres of lush rainforest high above the Pacific coast. Enjoy the rest your afternoon and evening at leisure. Prefer to head elsewhere for the beach – we can talk you through the best spots depending on the time of year and your interests. Contact us today.

Days 10-13: Manuel Antonio
Four days at leisure to fully relax and enjoy this wonderful location. You can explore the national park with a knowledgeable guide, go on a kayak excursion to local mangroves, hire a snorkel and spend hours watching the varied marine life, learn to surf and much more. We can arrange a whale watching tour for those travelling during the season (Dec–Apr). Pura Vida!

Day 14: San Jose to the UK 
Following a final breakfast, you will be transferred back to San Jose where you’ll check in for your flight back to the UK.

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