Highlights of Costa Rica

Experience The Highlights of Costa Rica

Our Highlights of Costa Rica holiday takes in the country's highlights and most dramatic scenery on a 13-day action-packed holiday.

After a night in San Jose, your adventure will start in Tortuguero, on the Caribbean coast. Made up of a series of canals and waterways, take a boat trip through the National Park to spot a range of wildlife. Continue to Arenal, known for its imposing volcano and natural hot springs, where you will take an evening nature walk to learn about the area’s nocturnal wildlife. Next, head to Monteverde by crossing the Arenal Lake Dam, for a further walking tour through the highland cloud forests.

Manuel Antonio National Park will be your final destination where you will have the opportunity to observe the wonders of the wildlife and beautiful scenery in the most popular of Costa Rica's national parks. 

Highlights

• Explore the waterways of the Tortuguero National Park
• Admire the majestic Arenal, Costa Rica’s most active volcano
• Cross the Arenal Lake, the largest in Costa Rica
• Discover the cloud forest in Monteverde
• Relax on the Pacific Coast at Manuel Antonio

Quick Itinerary

Day 1 - San José

Days 2 & 3 - Tortuguero National Park

Days 4 & 5 - Arenal 

Days 6 & 7 - Monteverde

Days 8 – 11 - Manuel Antonio

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 - Arrive in San José

Arrive in San Jose, the capital of Costa Rica for a night

Days 2 & 3 - Tortuguero National Park

This National Park is located on the Northern Caribbean Coast and is only accessible by boat or light aircraft. The area is diverse as it has canals, rivers, lagoons and even beaches in dense rainforest. It is one of the rainiest areas in Costa Rica and home to abundant wildlife as you can observe monkeys, sloths, jaguars, or turtles such as hawksbill sea turtles and leatherback sea turtles. 

Meals:  B, L, D

Days 4 & 5 - Arenal

You will leave Tortuguero by boat and continue by road towards Arenal, where you will spend two nights. The area is renowned for its natural hot springs, fed by the majestic volcano, which dominates the landscape. Enjoy time at leisure to relax in the springs or there are plenty of more adventurous activities on offer. In the evening, a nature walk is included for you to learn about and spot some of the region’s nocturnal wildlife.

Meals: 

Day 4 - B, L

Day 5 - B, D

Days 6 & 7 - Monteverde

Head to Monteverde by crossing the Arenal Lake by boat. The artificial lake is the largest in Costa Rica and provides hydroelectric energy for the country. On reaching Monteverde, you will spend two nights in the cloud forest. The area is renowned for its biodiversity and is home to countless wildlife species. In fact, approximately 2.5% of the worldwide biodiversity can be found in this part of Costa Rica. The wildlife includes jaguars, ocelots and the colourful quetzal bird. Enjoy a walking tour through one of the area’s reserves where your expert guide will point out some of the native flora and fauna.

Meals: B

Days 8 - 11 - Manuel Antonio

Head to Manuel Antonio, located on the central Pacific coast and home to one of Costa Rica’s most famous national parks. Renowned for its vast diversity of tropical plants and wildlife, the area hosts more than 109 different species of mammals such as the howler monkey, the two-toed sloth and the squirrel monkey. Enjoy time at leisure to relax on the coast and explore the national park at your own pace.

Meals: B

Day 12 - Depart San Jose

Transfer from Manuel Antonio to San Jose airport for your onward flight.

Meals: B

Day 13 - Arrive back in the UK

Today you will land back in the UK from Costa Rica

Price from £3,699 per person

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

Includes:

• International flights 

• 12 nights’ accommodation as detailed

• 15 meals; 11 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners

• Boat trip and walking tour in Tortuguero National Park

• Evening nature walk in Arenal

• Half-day walking tour in Monteverde Cloud Forest

• 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