Experience nature’s wonders and wildlife in Costa Rica and Nicaragua
This two-week holiday travels through Costa Rica and Nicaragua’s jungles, cloud forests, nature reserves and volcanoes, spotting wildlife and birdlife along the way. Start in the cloud forest of Monteverde, where the misty surrounds are rich in biodiversity, then head to the lush jungles of Tenorio home to the dazzling blue waters of the Rio Celeste. Next, journey over the border to Nicaragua’s Indio Maiz Biosphere Reserve, a diverse ecosystem where a wide variety of birds, mammals, insects and reptiles can be seen. Finally, visit colonial Granada and nearby volcanoes, with time to relax on the tranquil shores of Apoyo Lagoon.
Visit several regions in Nicaragua.
Accommodation detailed in itinerary
See details in itinerary below
12 breakfasts
Transfers and domestic flights as per itinerary
Our holidays are ATOL Protected
We will help you plan your holiday
Customers rate us highly on Trustpilot
Highlights
- Visit a wildlife rehabilitation centre in Costa Rica’s Central Valley
- Hike jungle trails to discover the alluring, azure Rio Celeste waterfall
- Search for wildlife on foot and by boat in the Indio Maiz Biosphere Reserve
- See dormant Mombacho and active Masaya volcanoes up close
- Explore colourful and colonial Granada
What's Included
- International flights
- 12 nights’ accommodation
- 12 Meals – 12 breakfast
- Transfers and domestic flights as per itinerary
- Excursions and activities as per itinerary
Prices from £4749
Excludes:
- Local departure taxes payable locally
- Items of a personal nature such as laundry and drinks etc
- Tips for guides and drivers (discretionary)
- Camera or video fees at any sites
Quick Itinerary
Quick Itinerary
Day 1 UK – Central Valley
On arrival in San Jose, you will be greeted and transferred to your hotel in the green highlands of the Central Valley for the night.
Days 2-3 Monteverde
En route to Monteverde, visit the Toucan Rescue Ranch. Here you’ll learn all about the important work the project carries out, to care, rehabilitate and release injured and confiscated animals. You may see toucans, sloths, owls and porcupines. This is the perfect start to your trip, as you’ll also learn how to spot these animals in the wild. You continue to Monteverde Cloud Forest, renowned for its biodiversity and home to countless wildlife species including hummingbirds and the resplendent quetzal. The following day you have a guided walk along trails and suspension bridges within the cloud forest to discover some of the unique flora and fauna found here.
Days 4-5 Tenorio
Tenorio National Park was created to protect the active Tenorio Volcano, from development in the area. The park boasts a variety of ecosystems including rainforest and cloud forest, but the highlight for many is the Rio Celeste waterfall, where the fast-flowing waters drop 65 feet into a stunning sky-blue pool. Embark on a hike through the park, a haven for birdlife, where you may see bear-necked umbrella birds, toucans, toucanets or motmots among the 400+ species recorded here, and discover the varied flora, from towering palm trees and ferns to colourful bromeliads and delicate orchids.
Days 6-8 Rio San Juan
Departing from Tenorio, you transfer north to the border with Nicaragua, where you continue by road to San Carlos, and transfer by boat, along the Rio San Juan. Flowing from Lake Nicaragua to the Caribbean Sea, the river cuts through the jungle, passing small villages along the way, and into Indio Maiz Biosphere Reserve. The following two days are spent exploring the reserve on foot and by boat to discover some of the native wildlife found here, including howler and spider monkeys, sloths, manatees, macaws, caiman and wild boar.
Days 9-10 Granada
Journey by river and road to Granada, a UNESCO World Heritage site. On day 10 you have a morning visit to Mombacho Volcano. Taking a 4x4 up through the cloud forest, you’ll then hike along the crater trail, through varying landscapes and home howler and white-faced monkeys. Once at the top, enjoy fantastic views of Granada, Lake Nicaragua and Masaya Volcano. Back in the city enjoy a tour of the highlights of Granada, including San Francisco Convent and La Merced church, with its fantastic views over the city, lake and surrounding volcanoes.
Days 11-12 Apoyo Lagoon
Your final destination is Apoyo Lagoon, a huge crater lake believed to have been formed around 20,000 years ago. Your days here are free to explore the area at your leisure, take a dip in the nearby lagoon, or relax at your hotel.
Shortly before sunset on day 12 take a tour to Masaya Volcano, to see the bright green Chocoyo parakeets who have adapted to the sulphuric fumes of the volcano and now roost in the soft earth within the crater. You’ll end at a viewpoint where you can look into the crater itself to see bubbling lava, then you’ll understand why the Spanish named it the ‘Mouth of Hell’.
Days 13-14 Managua - UK
On day 13 you will be transferred to Managua airport for your onward flight and will land back in the UK on day 11.
Alternatively, end your holiday to Nicaragua on the pristine beaches of the Corn Islands on the Caribbean side of the country.
Why Book Our Costa Rica to Nicaragua Explorer Holiday?
Truly Individual and Trusted
- Truly individual holidays – every holiday we create is designed around you, the places you want to see and the things that are important to you.
- Dedicated Travel Specialists – your dedicated Specialist will have firsthand knowledge of the destinations and experiences we offer, enabling us to make perfect recommendations.
- First-class service – all our excursions and transport partners have been hand-selected to ensure they provide the best quality, experience and value.
- 100% financial protection – our holidays are ATOL protected and we’re an assured member of the Association of Independent Tour Operators (AITO).
- My Routes Rewards programme – as a thank you for being our trusted customer, we offer one of the most generous and flexible reward programmes in the industry.
What makes our Costa Rica to Nicaragua Explorer holiday Truly Individual?
The trusted choice for travellers seeking the ultimate Nicaragua adventure
An award-winning and leading UK tour operator providing Truly Individual holidays across Latin America
Every holiday we create is designed around you, the places you want to see and the things that are important to you.
Our passionate team of knowledgeable Latin America Travel Specialists are ready to help you plan the trip of a lifetime.
We consistently achieve 5-star ratings on Trustpilot, reflecting our first-class service and premium holiday experiences.
What Our Clients Say About Us
Speak to a dedicated Nicaragua Travel Specialist today
All our Nicaragua itineraries can be tailored to your unique requirements. Enquire about our Costa Rica to Nicaragua Explorer holiday and let us plan your perfect Latin American adventure.
