Join your tour group at the hotel.

Park Inn by Radisson, San Jose (4-star)

Our tour of San Jose takes us through both residential and business areas of the city, including Plaza de la Democracia (Democracy Square) and the National Park. We'll also see the central market, cathedral, Supreme Court of Justice, and University of Costa Rica. Entrance is included to the National Opera House Theatre and the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum. The afternoon is free to explore further.

Park Inn by Radisson, San Jose (4-star)

Today includes…

Excursions & visits: Tour of San Jose (morning)

Costa Rica wildlife holidays are all about seeing incredible creatures in their natural habitat. After a drive through banana plantations to the Tortuguero Canals, we'll board a boat, looking out for sea turtles, crocodiles and other inhabitants on the riverbanks as we sail along these natural waterways. We arrive at our lodge for lunch, then take a short boat ride to Tortuguero village. Glimpse rural life as we walk through the village to the Turtle Preservation Centre. Exhibitions focus on the organisation’s work to protect green, hawksbill and leatherback sea turtles, which lay their eggs on the village beach. Turtle nesting season is usually July to October and they hatch from September to December, so we may catch a glimpse if we’re lucky.

Laguna Lodge, Tortuguero (3-star)

Today includes…

Excursions & visits: Visits to Tortuguero and Turtle Preservation Centre (all day)

This morning we take to the canals to view the 50 shades of foliage within the tropical rainforest. Hopefully you’ll also see monkeys, toucans, green macaws or caimans. This afternoon is at leisure to take a guided hike along the beach, or through acres of trees and botanical gardens. Or relax by the hotel’s pool.

Laguna Lodge, Tortuguero (3-star)

Today includes…

Excursions & visits: Tortuguero Canals wildlife cruise (morning)

After breakfast we’ll journey by boat and coach to our lodge in Sarapiqui, stopping for lunch on the way. Relax before we take a 4km guided night walk at La Tirimbina Biological Reserve, within walking distance of our lodge. At night, the tropical forest comes alive with an orchestra of nocturnal birds, insects and frogs. Your guide will help you look for sloths, porcupines and more.

Sarapiquis Rainforest Lodge, Sarapiqui (3-star)

Today includes…

Excursions & visits: La Tirimbina Biological Reserve night walk (evening)

Today is free to learn about indigenous cultures at the ecolodge or follow a nature trail. Alternatively, choose an optional excursion to a traditional cacao or pineapple plantation, or learn about dozens of native bat species at La Tirimbina Biological Reserve.

Sarapiquis Rainforest Lodge, Sarapiqui (3-star)

We journey to Arenal National Park to walk along the base of the active volcano, with views of lava that flowed in recent decades. Later, we head to the EcoTermales hot springs. Relax in mineral-rich water naturally heated by volcanic rocks, before a traditional Costa Rican dinner.

Arenal Paraiso Resort & Spa (3-star)

Today includes…

Excursions & visits: Mount Arenal base walk in Arenal National Park (morning)

Visit to Ecotermales Hot Springs (afternoon)

As we cross Lake Arenal, keep your camera ready for views of Arenal volcano. On reaching Rancho Heliconia, learn about Costa Rican culture, try home-grown coffee and enjoy a traditional home-made lunch. We then plant a native tree to help reforest the area. In Monteverde, we follow a guide into the Curi-Cancha Cloud Forest Reserve for a night walk. Watch out for armadillo, coati, two-toed sloth and over 200 bird species.

Montana Monteverde (3-star)

Today includes…

Excursions & visits: Arenal Lake boat trip (morning)

Cultural experience at Rancho Heliconia (morning)

Curi-Cancha Cloud Forest Reserve night walk (evening)

We take a walk at Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, with its unique ecosystems and lots of endemic species, before visiting Monteverde Butterfly Gardens to observe these beautiful insects. Then, maybe join an optional excursion in the forest canopy.

Montana Monteverde (3-star)

Today includes…

Excursions & visits: Visits to Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve and Monteverde Butterfly Gardens (morning)

Spend this morning in the Monteverde Orchid Garden - more than 450 types grow here. Then head to Tarcoles for a crocodile safari, after which we regroup for a late lunch. Birds, iguanas and basilisks might also be spotted. We’ll stay for two nights in Tarcoles.

Terrazas del Pacifico (3-star)

Today includes…

Excursions & visits: Visit to Monteverde Orchid Garden (morning)

Crocodile safari (afternoon)

Visit Carara National Park, populated by over 400 bird species of every shape and colour, like the scarlet macaw and collared aracari. The afternoon is at leisure - maybe spend it on the sweeping Pacific Coast beach.

Terrazas del Pacifico (3-star)

Today includes…

Excursions & visits: Visit to Carara National Park (morning)

Our exploration continues at Manuel Antonio National Park. With luck, on a leisurely hike, you’ll watch sloths and monkeys in the trees, anteaters rummaging on the ground, and various birds circling above. Please note: A limited number of visitors can access Manuel Antonio National Park each day and entrance isn’t guaranteed. We’ll start early to ensure our best chances, however if we’re unable to gain entry, an alternative and similar excursion will be arranged.

Villas Rio Mar Hotel, Dominical (3-star)

Today includes…

Excursions & visits: Visit to Manuel Antonio National Park (morning)

Rise early for a boat trip down the Pacific Coast to Corcovado National Park. We spend the morning hiking amongst the beautiful flora with the hope of spotting howler, spider and white-faced monkeys amongst the ancient trees. After another short boat ride, you’ll be rewarded with lunch, before taking the boat back along the coast and returning to your hotel.

Villas Rio Mar Hotel, Dominical (3-star)

Today includes…

Excursions & visits: Hiking day at Corcovado National Park (all day)

The acorn woodpecker, sooty robin and dozens of different hummingbirds are some of the species to look for on this morning’s excursion into San Gerardo de Dota. We walk through paramo forest with a guide who’ll talk you through the trails. This afternoon we’ll continue our exploration with another walk on the scenic trails around the hotel and visit a hummingbird garden.

Suria Hotel, San Gerardo de Dota (3-star)

Today includes…

Excursions & visits: Paramo forest walk (morning)

Hummingbird garden and walk (afternoon)

One last opportunity to search for the resplendent quetzal on a walking tour, then say goodbye to your tour group for your onward travel.

San Gerardo de Dota

Today includes…

Excursions & visits: Birdspotting walking tour (morning)