Costa Rica Footprints

Discover One Of The Most Ecologically Diverse Places On Earth

Over the years, Costa Rica has proven itself as a trailblazing destination for natural preservation and ecotourism. This 13-day adventure is designed to showcase Costa Rica’s commendable vision for sustainability by introducing you to some of the finest conservation initiatives in the world, whilst staying in some of the most environmentally friendly ecolodges.

Immersive experiences are in abundance - bringing you closer to the communities, wildlife, and tropical landscapes that make Costa Rica such a wonderful destination.

Highlights

• Stay in some of Costa Rica's most efficient ecolodges
• Plant a tree in the rainforest
• Spend the day at a wildlife rescue centre
• Walk through elevated walkways high in the forest canopies
• Discover the ecological highlights of Golfo Dulce

Quick Itinerary

Day 1 - San José

Days 2 & 3 - Selva Bananito Sur

Days 4 - 6 - Arenal 

Days 7 & 8 - Santa Juana Nature Reserve 

Days 9 - 11 - Golfo Dulce

Day 12 - Depart San Jose

Day 13 - Arrive back in the UK

Truly Individual Holiday

Any element of this holiday can be tailormade to your requirements, including the places you want to see and the things that are important to you. Just contact one of our Travel Specialists today.

Day 1 - San José

Arrive in Costa Rica’s capital and transfer to your centrally located hotel

Days 2 & 3 - Selva Bananito Sur

Travel to the Selva Bananito Lodge on the eastern coast of Costa Rica. This is the only lodge in the country that has been almost entirely constructed using recycled wood from the logging industry, helping to preserve the 2,000 acres of primary forest in which it sits. The family-run lodge also provides more than 100,000 people with their drinking water supply and your hosts will be delighted to share their efforts and dedication to social and environmental protection. The surrounding forest is a haven for an unfathomable amount of bird species and this afternoon take a gentle walk through the forests with an expert naturalist.

As part of a growing reforestation project, the Selva Bananito Lodge has planted thousands of tropical trees in land that has been greatly diminished by logging. This morning you will aid this important work by planting your own tree, contributing to the conservation of the endemic and endangered species that inhabit the area. Your guide will show you how to give your tree the best chance of survival and, with a 91% success rate, your tree will hopefully become part of the tropical rainforest. The afternoon is at leisure although the lodge does provide several optional activities including forest hikes and natural history walks to immerse yourself in the vegetation.

Meals: B, L, D

Days 4 - 6 - Arenal

Travel to Arenal for a three-night stay at the Arenal Observatory Lodge, renowned for its ecological ethos, organic farm, and conservation projects. Engage with on-site eco-specialists to learn about the lodge's initiatives.  

Visit the Proyecto ASIS Wildlife Rescue Centre, dedicated to rehabilitating injured or mistreated animals for release back into the wild. This hands-on experience involves activities like preparing diets or constructing enclosures, offering an educational and impactful visit.  

Spend your final day at leisure, exploring the lodge’s activities or venturing to Agua Azul for a farm experience. Learn traditional Costa Rican practices like cow milking, chocolate tasting, and liquor distillation. Alternatively, enjoy a raft cruise along the Peñas Blancas River, spotting crocodiles, monkeys, and birds, followed by a tortilla-making demonstration.

Meals: B

Days 7 & 8 - Santa Juana Nature Reserve

Travel south to stay two nights in the Santa Juana Rural Mountain Lodge, home to elevated canopy walkways. The labyrinth of bridges and observation platforms will unveil a myriad of wildlife and natural wonders.

The mountain lodge is located approximately an hour’s journey from Manuel Antonio National Park in an isolated and idyllic spot in a pristine nature reserve. The day is at leisure to revel in your remote surroundings and to bathe in the flow of the natural spring waterfalls created from the cloud forest. 

Meals: B, L, D

Days 9 - 11 - Golfo Dulce

Your next three nights are spent at Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge reached by a road and boat journey. Serenely located within the lush rainforest of the Piedras Blancas National Park, the lodge exemplifies Costa Rica’s pioneering efforts for sustainability and preservation of the natural environment.  Sustainable tours of the lodge and surrounding national parks are included, as is the use of kayaking and snorkelling equipment to enjoy the crystal-clear waters.

Meals: B, L, D

Day 12 - Depart San Jose

You will take a short domestic flight back to San Jose to connect with your onward international flight.

Meals: B

Day 13 - Arrive back in the UK

Today you will land back in the UK from Costa Rica

Price from £4,999 per person

(Valid for 2024 departures, based on 2 people sharing a room)

Includes:

• International flights

• 11 nights’ accommodation as detailed

• 24 meals; 10 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 7 dinners

• Birdwatching and tree-planting experiences at Selva Bananito Sur

• Full-day visit to Proyecto ASIS Wildlife Rescue Centre

• Santa Juana Rural Mountain Adventure

• Transfers & domestic flights as per itinerary

Excludes:

• Meals not indicated in your itinerary

• 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