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The Best of Costa Rica

From £3,599
Duration 12 Days
Departures from: Nov 2024 - Nov 2025
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From £3,599
Duration 12 Days
Departures from: Nov 2024 - Nov 2025

Tour Overview

Explore enchanting Costa Rica from the Caribbean to the Pacific. A destination where incredible highlights include Tortuguero National Park which looks out to the Caribbean Sea, the mighty Arenal Volcano and lush Manuel Antonio National Park. Breathtaking views of primary forest and incredible wildlife are the norm here, so look out for sloths, monkeys, crocodiles and more. You'll journey by boat amongst jungle-canopied canals, view the Arenal Volcano, and explore the Monteverde Cloud Forest, home to the incredibly vocal howler monkey and finish off with a relaxing stay on the Pacific Coast.
  • Classic Touring
  • All Breakfasts
nicaragua tour map Enlarge map

Your Holiday Includes

  • Return flights from London
  • 10 nights in 3 and 4-star hotels plus 1 night in flight
  • 16 meals: 10 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 3 dinners
  • Travelsphere Holiday Director and Specialist Local Guide
  • Overseas transfers, other transportation, porterage

Included Holiday Highlights

  • Tour of San José, Costa Rica's vibrant capital
  • Tortuguero National Park, including jungle cruises
  • Visit the Hanging Bridges of Arenal
  • Explore Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
  • Visit Carara National Park
  • Stay on both the Caribbean and Pacific Coasts
  • Visit Manuel Antonio National Park
Trustpilot

Itinerary

Day 1 UK - San José

Today you will fly to San José. We will transfer you to your hotel on arrival.

Next day

Day 2 San José - Tortuguero

Today you're heading to Tortuguero National Park on the Caribbean Coast, home to an array of wildlife including monkeys, sloths, crocodiles and caimans. Our journey takes us through the Braulio Carrillo National Park and across the Continental Divide, where you'll take in breathtaking views of primary forests. Towards the end of your journey, we will transfer you to your lodge by boat. This afternoon you'll learn all about sea turtles when we visit the Tortuguero Village and the Caribbean Conservation Museum.

Meals included: B,L,D
Next day

Day 3 Tortuguero National Park

Today you will discover Tortuguero National Park, which sits in the heart of the jungle. It's one of the best places in Central America to observe turtles nesting up close, and you will experience this remote rainforest on a boat trip through jungle-sheltered canals.

Meals included: B,L,D
Next day

Day 4 Tortuguero National Park - Muelle de San Carlos

After breakfast we leave Tortuguero by boat and then drive to the village of Muelle de San Carlos. We'll stop at a restaurant for lunch on the way, and then visit 'Mi Cafecito Coffee Tour' in the afternoon. During our tour of this community coffee plantation, we will gain an insight into the lives of Costa Rica's coffee producers. There will also be an opportunity to sample the coffee and purchase some to take home as a souvenir.
When we arrive in Muelle de San Carlos, the rest of the day will be free for you to relax and enjoy the facilities at the hotel. You could take a dip in the swimming pool or perhaps enjoy a drink with your travelling companions.

Meals included: B,L
Next day

Day 5 Muelle de San Carlos

Enjoy a day relaxing or join our optional excursions. This morning, you can choose to join our optional excursion, Safari Float on the Caño Negro River. This is a leisurely paddle along the river spotting wildlife and plant life as we go. And, this afternoon there is the opportunity to join our excursion to the La Fortuna Hot Springs which has dinner included. The hot springs are naturally heated and set within a beautiful surrounding - perfect for relaxing!

Meals included: B
Next day

Day 6 Muelle de San Carlos - Monteverde

After breakfast we will begin our journey to Monteverde, on the way we will visit the Hanging Bridges of Arenal. Explore the rainforest on a walking trail which crosses 15 bridges, six of which are hanging in the rainforest canopy, offering a spectacular view of the scenery below. Keep your eyes peeled as you walk - more than 250 species of bird live in this rainforest reserve along with a vast array of reptiles, mammals and insects.

American Quakers set up the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve in the 1950s and now it's home many different species of birds and mammals, including the howler monkey and you may be lucky enough to spot abundant wildlife, and this evening you could choose to join our optional guided forest walk excursion.

Meals included: B
Next day

Day 7 Monteverde

Early this morning we will go on a guided tour through the Monteverde National Reserve. Only 1% of all remaining forests on the planet are classified as cloud forests, so our visit to one today is a real privilege. Within the reserve, over 30 species of orchid that were new to science at the time of their discovery have been found!

Meals included: B
Next day

Day 8 Monteverde - Manuel Antonio

After breakfast at our hotel we will drive to the Pacific Coast and to the Manuel Antonio region. On the way we will stop at Carara National Park. Carara National Park is known as a haven for birds with; scarlet macaws, motmots and several species of trogon all frequenting the national park.

Meals included: B
Next day

Day 9 Manuel Antonio

Although the smallest national park in Costa Rica, Manuel Antonio National Park is one of the most beautiful and diverse, today we will visit it. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for the rare squirrel monkeys that call the park home!

Meals included: B
Next day

Day 10 Manuel Antonio - San Jose

Today we will travel to San José, the capital of Costa Rica. We'll introduce you to sights such as the National Theatre and the Gold Museum. Then, when you have your bearings, the rest of the day is yours to do as you please.

This evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant and sample typical Costa Rican cuisine. Why not try a casado, a popular dish of rice, black beans, salad, plantains and a tortilla. The name casado means 'married man' in Spanish, and is thought to originate from restaurant customers who asked to be treated like 'casados', since married men ate such meals at home.

Meals included: B,D
Next day

Day 11 San Jose - UK

After breakfast we'll transfer you to the airport in San José for your flight back to the UK.

Meals included: B
Next day

Day 12 UK

Arrive in the UK today.

Additional Information

Additional Information

Please note hotels are subject to change due to availability. Your Final Holiday Information around 2 - 3 weeks before departure will detail your confirmed hotels.

Accommodation (as specified or similar)

Studio Hotel

The 4-star Studio Hotel in San Jose is perfectly located, offering sweeping views of the surrounding Central Valley. Hotel facilities include a restaurant, bar, terrace and outdoor swimming pool. Bedrooms have private facilities, air-conditioning and tea/coffee-making facilities.

The 4-star Studio Hotel in San Jose is perfectly located, offering sweeping views of the surrounding Central Valley. Hotel facilities include a restaurant, bar, terrace and outdoor swimming pool. Bedrooms have private facilities, air-conditioning and tea/coffee-making facilities.
Next accommodation

Pachira Lodge

The lodge is positioned extremely close to the extraordinary Tortuguero National Park. The National Park is famed for the huge variety of biodiversity, as depicted by the 11 differing habitats, including rainforests, mangrove forests, swamps, beaches and lagoons.

The lodge is positioned extremely close to the extraordinary Tortuguero National Park. The National Park is famed for the huge variety of biodiversity, as depicted by the 11 differing habitats, including rainforests, mangrove forests, swamps, beaches and lagoons.
Next accommodation

Hotel Mountain Paradise

The Hotel Mountain Paradise enjoys an enviable location in the tropical rainforest, with some of the best views of the imposing Arenal Volcano. Hotel facilities include a restaurant serving international cuisine, spa and an outdoor pool. Bedrooms are airy and spacious, with private facilities, plus a balcony/patio area. Rooms are furnished in the traditional Colonial style, with many rooms affording views of the mountains or pool.

The Hotel Mountain Paradise enjoys an enviable location in the tropical rainforest, with some of the best views of the imposing Arenal Volcano. Hotel facilities include a restaurant serving international cuisine, spa and an outdoor pool. Bedrooms are airy and spacious, with private facilities, plus a balcony/patio area. Rooms are furnished in the traditional Colonial style, with many rooms affording views of the mountains or pool.
Next accommodation

Cala Lodge

Nestled just 5 minutes from Santa Elena town and 4.9 mi from Monteverde, Costa Rica, Cala Lodge welcomes you to a haven of nature on our 7.4-acre property. Discover trails, serene reading spots, and breathtaking mountain views. Our rustic-style rooms offer comfort and charm. Experience birdwatching on our deck and enjoy minibars in every room. Refreshments are available at the front desk and a sun terrace beckons for relaxation and reading.

Nestled just 5 minutes from Santa Elena town and 4.9 mi from Monteverde, Costa Rica, Cala Lodge welcomes you to a haven of nature on our 7.4-acre property. Discover trails, serene reading spots, and breathtaking mountain views. Our rustic-style rooms offer comfort and charm. Experience birdwatching on our deck and enjoy minibars in every room. Refreshments are available at the front desk and a sun terrace beckons for relaxation and reading.
Next accommodation

Crocs Hotel

Nestled along the breathtaking beaches of Jaco, Costa Rica, Crocs resort is a paradise for travellers who are looking for relaxation, adventure, and everything in between. All of the guest rooms are designed to provide a comfortable and relaxing experience, with amenities like plush bedding, air conditioning, and free Wi-Fi.

Nestled along the breathtaking beaches of Jaco, Costa Rica, Crocs resort is a paradise for travellers who are looking for relaxation, adventure, and everything in between. All of the guest rooms are designed to provide a comfortable and relaxing experience, with amenities like plush bedding, air conditioning, and free Wi-Fi.
Next accommodation

Studio Hotel

The 4-star Studio Hotel in San Jose is perfectly located, offering sweeping views of the surrounding Central Valley. Hotel facilities include a restaurant, bar, terrace and outdoor swimming pool. Bedrooms have private facilities, air-conditioning and tea/coffee-making facilities.

The 4-star Studio Hotel in San Jose is perfectly located, offering sweeping views of the surrounding Central Valley. Hotel facilities include a restaurant, bar, terrace and outdoor swimming pool. Bedrooms have private facilities, air-conditioning and tea/coffee-making facilities.

  1. Travelsphere Cares

    When you book this holiday you are helping us to support the Mi Cafecito Coffee Tour. Mi Cafecito is a successful tourism and agriculture co-op. You'll learn about the lives of Costa Rica's coffee producers and sample the coffee.

    Read More

Optional Excursions

Experience even more of your destination by adding one or more optional experiences to your holiday before you set off. Take a look below at the extra trips you can enjoy on this tour

Muelle de San Carlos - River Trip

Muelle de San Carlos - River Trip

In the morning or afternoon. A leisurely paddle along the river with guides in each small boat (approx 6 people per boat), spotting wildlife and plant life - great for photos.

Half day – Minimal Walking – Not to be missed
In the morning or afternoon. A leisurely paddle along the river with guides in each small boat (approx 6 people per boat), spotting wildlife and plant life - great for photos.
...

Read less

Read more

From
£66
Add at checkout
Muelle de San Carlos - Ecotermales Hot Springs

Muelle de San Carlos - Ecotermales Hot Springs

Take advantage of the beauty and natural surroundings at the Ecotermales Natural Hot Springs. Relax in the natural thermal springs, ponds and waterfalls. Dinner is included.
Take advantage of the beauty and natural surroundings at the Ecotermales Natural Hot Springs. Relax in the natural thermal springs, ponds and waterfalls. Dinner is included....

Read less

Read more

From
£95
Add at checkout

Further Information

Deposit information

When you book a holiday, you will be asked to pay a deposit, this will be made clear at the time of booking. In most cases we will charge the following deposit amount;

  • European Holidays - £200 Per person
  • Worldwide Holidays - £250 or 10% whichever is the greater
  • Ocean Cruises - £250 or 10% whichever is the greater

On some holidays we may charge a slightly higher deposit, to cover any costs we have to pay immediately to secure your booking with our suppliers. This will be made clear at the time of booking.

If you choose a tour that is within 84 days of departure you will need to pay the full balance when you book.

Our cancellation policy

If you decide to cancel your confirmed booking you must notify us (or your travel agent) in writing, as soon as possible. Since we incur costs in cancelling your arrangements, you will have to pay the applicable cancellation charges up to the maximum shown below.

  • More than 75 days before departure - Loss of deposit only
  • 43 - 74 days - 50% of tour price
  • 29 - 42 days - 75% of tour price
  • 15 - 28 days - 90% of tour price
  • Day of Departure - 14 days - 100% of tour price

Our full cancellation policy can be found in our booking terms and conditions, section 8.

How do I find out Entry and Health Requirements for my holiday?

We have partnered with Sherpa, an on-line self service tool that allows you to search up-to-date information regarding travel entry requirements for all countries and also allows you to apply for eVisas or eTAs via their on-line portal. Just click on this link to find out more – Travel Requirements & Visa Service

You can also refer to the Foreign Travel Advice section on the gov.uk website: Foreign travel advice - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk). Click on your destination and then click on 'Entry Requirements'. For Health Requirements, the Department of Health also offers travellers health advice on www.travelhealthpro.org.uk, click on country information to locate your destination.

It is important to remember that passport, visa and health requirements can change before departure; therefore, we recommend you regularly familiarise yourself with the latest requirements before you travel. If you cannot travel because you have not complied with any passport/entry/immigration requirements, we are unable to accept any responsibility.

For some destinations, it is not always discernable that a visa is required for entry at the border.  For example, for some customers, to travel to the United States, an ESTA may be required. For Canada, an ETA and to India, an e-visa may be needed. Please do check your requirements to avoid any unnecessary cost and delays.

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Prices shown are based on twin occupancy of a double or twin bedded room with private facilities unless otherwise stated. Single occupancy supplements will apply. Travelsphere have made every effort to ensure the accuracy of the hotel images provided on this website and images of room types displayed may vary to those offered on your tour. Therefore due to the possibility of inadvertent errors we do not guarantee their accuracy. Accommodation, airlines used and flight times are subject to change and will be confirmed in your final documents.

Reasons to book with Travelsphere

  • 60 years of touring
  • Expert direction & local flavours
  • Carefully-crafted holidays
  • A service you can count on
  • Book with confidence

100% Protection

All Travelsphere holidays are financially protected via ATOL (flight-inclusive holidays) and financial insurance (non-flight packages). Additionally, all customer money is held in a Trust Fund, governed by independent Trustees. This means your money is 100% protected no matter what.