itinerary
DAY 1: ARRIVAL AT SAN JOSE AIRPORT AND TRANSFER TO YOUR HOTEL
On arrival at the airport you will be met by our representative and transfer to your hotel. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon at leisure.
Accommodation: Hotel Grano de Oro, San Jose
DAY 2: SAN JOSE TO TORTUGUERO NATIONAL PARK (4.5HRS)
Today take a 3 ½ hour coach transfer with a stop for breakfast en route, followed by a one hour journey by motorised canoe to Tortuguero National Park, on Costa Rica’s Caribbean Coast. Arrive at your accommodation in time for lunch. Known as the ‘little Amazon’, Tortuguero is home to an impressive variety of birds and animals, including large numbers of caimans, macaws, and howler and capuchin monkeys. Activities available during your stay including a guided jungle walk, a visit to the local village, and a boat tour of the national park’s waterways. Activities take place in small groups with other guests from the lodge.
Accommodation: Evergreen Lodge, Tortuguero
DAY 3: JUNGLE HIKE AND BOAT TOUR OF TORTUGUERO NATIONAL PARK
Today activities may include a guided hike in the jungle around the lodge and a boat tour of Totuguero's canals. Late July to September sees turtle hatching and nesting season within the national park, and is a huge draw for nature lovers. The main action takes place after nightfall, when hundreds of turtles emerge from the sea to lay their eggs in the sandy beach. If you are extremely lucky you might see the hatchlings emerge from their eggs and make their own way back down to the ocean. Note this seasonal activity is subject to permit availability, and that allocated viewing sessions may be late at night.
Accommodation: Evergreen Lodge, Tortuguero
DAY 4: TORTUGUERO TO ARENAL (4HRS)
This morning take a one hour boat transfer followed by a shared one hour drive to Guapiles. Here you will be met by your driver for a private two hour road transfer to Arenal. Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.
Accommodation: Arenal Observatory, Arenal
DAY 5: ARENAL VOLCANO HIKE
Hike the trails of Arenal Volcano National Park and learn about the history of this rugged and fascinating area. Weather permitting, you will enjoy spectacular views of the volcano, along with the opportunity to walk on the dry lava fields. Although there have been no eruptions since 2010, visitors may occasionally hear the volcano rumbling and observe vapour clouds emerging from the crater. There should be good potential for wildlife viewing, as the ash layer in the soil has limited surrounding tree growth. The afternoon is free to spend at leisure; relax at one of the town’s famous hot spring resorts, or partake in an exhilarating zip wire experience.
Accommodation: Arenal Observatory, Arenal
DAY 6: ARENAL TO MONTEVERDE (2.5HRS); CLOUD FOREST NIGHT WALK
This morning, enjoy a two hour transfer by boat across Lake Arenal to Monteverde. Founded in 1972, the 3,500 hectare Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve is internationally renowned for its dramatic biodiversity, and for its contributions to conservation and scientific research. On arrival at your accommodation, spend an afternoon at leisure, before setting out in the evening for a thrilling night walk in the Cloud Forest. This guided experience begins at sunset, when wildlife is at its most active. You will have the opportunity to hear and observe an impressive array of animals including sloth, coati, agouti, porcupine, and grey fox, along with numerous insects and hosts of sleeping birds.
Accommodation: Cloud Forest Lodge, Monteverde
DAY 7: MONTEVERDE CLOUD FOREST TOUR
Today you will hike through the well-marked trails, waterfalls, rivers, and observation areas of this prestigious reserve. Acclaimed as one of the ‘seven wonders’ of Costa Rica, the Cloud Forest’s geographical, topographical, and climatic conditions have spawned a remarkable diversity of wildlife. The reserve’s forests house numerous ecosystems inhabited by mammals, birds, reptiles, spiders, and insects, along with indigenous trees, plants, mosses, and tropical epiphytes and lianas. You may be lucky enough to spot the splendidly exotic Quetzal.
Accommodation: Cloud Forest Lodge, Monteverde
DAY 8: FLY TO OSA PENINSULA
This morning, take a private 2 ½ hour transfer to San Jose Airport, followed by a 50 minute flight by light aircraft to the Osa Peninsula. Considered the jewel of Costa Rica, the stunning Osa Peninsula remains relatively undiscovered, and spans vast tracts of primary rainforest and pristine coastline, all brimming with wildlife. Arrive at your accommodation by early afternoon, and enjoy the remaining day at your leisure.
Accommodation: El Remanso Lodge, Osa Peninsula
DAY 9: OSA PENINSULA - CANOPY TOUR
This morning, encounter the hidden life of the rainforest from the tree tops. Take part in a thrilling zip line canopy observation excursion, giving you an unforgettable bird’s eye view of the jungle and its inhabitants. The guided activity starts in the early morning with a short ridge hike to a series of suspension bridges, allowing you to climb to tree canopy level. Once you reach the first departure platform, you will use zip line cables to go from platform to platform, enjoying breath taking views of the forest.
Accommodation: El Remanso Lodge, Osa Peninsula
DAY 10: OSA PENINSULA - GUIDED HIKE
Today embark on a two hour guided rainforest hike where you will observe a multitude of wildlife. The dense tropical forest is home to a plethora of creatures including Costa Rica’s four monkey species (howler, spider, capuchin and squirrel) plus peccary, armadillo, kinkajou, and the elusive puma, jaguar, and ocelot. The area also hosts over 400 resident bird species, such as toucan, parrot, and macaw.
Several optional activities are available, including horse riding, kayaking, surfing, and dolphin watching at nearby Golfo Dulce.
Accommodation: El Remanso Lodge, Osa Peninsula
DAY 11: TRANSFER TO UVITA (3 HRS)
Relax during a private three hour transfer from the Osa Peninsula to Uvita, a world renowned whale watching destination fringed with beautiful beaches. Check in for a two night stay at a tranquil eco lodge.
Accommodation: La Cusinga Eco Lodge, Uvita
DAY 12: UVITA – WHALE WATCHING EXCURSION
Today embark on a scenic whale watching excursion along the stunning coastline of Marino Ballena National Park. Your boat trip will include several highlights of Costa Ballena: the Ventana sea caves, Ballena Island, and the famed Whales Tail at Punta Uvita. Keep eyes and ears open for humpback and pilot whales, as well as two resident dolphin species. (Humpback whales are a seasonal highlight, appearing from mid-July to late October, and from mid-December to the end of March.) Enjoy glimpsing marine wildlife amongst the coral reefs, and, weather permitting, indulge in a spot of snorkelling. (Note snorkelling may be limited during the rainy season, due to poor visibility).
Accommodation: La Cusinga Eco Lodge, Uvita
DAY 13: UVITA TO SAN JOSE (4HRS)
Return by private road transfer to San Jose, where the afternoon is free to spend at leisure.
Accommodation: Finca Rosa Blanca, San Jose
DAY 14: DEPARTURE
Today you will transfer to San Jose International Airport for your flight home.
