We're open today till 1:30 PM 020 8758 4774 020 8758 4774
Get in touch
WIN A 7 NIGHT HOLIDAY FOR TWO TO CORFU. Click here to ENTER.
Comprehensive Costa Rica
Overview
Introduction
Our ‘Comprehensive Costa Rica' tour was created for award winning journalist Mark Stratton (click here to read his blog) in conjunction with Wanderlust magazine. Not only can you follow in his footsteps but this tour will give you the opportunity to peer into the crater of the magnificent Poas Volcano; immerse yourself in the country's pristine ecosystems and set your heart racing with the opportunity to try a host of activities including white water rafting and zip-lining (payable locally), before journeying to the Osa Peninsula, the most diverse area on the planet.
The Corcovado National Park in particular is known for offering abundant biodiversity, up-close wildlife encounters and wonderful hiking trails set amongst pristine primary forest. The park covers 44,484 hectares but surprisingly contains approximately 50% of the biodiversity within Costa Rica. The park protects around 500 species of trees, 150 orchid species, 140 mammal species, 370 species of birds, 120 of amphibians and reptiles, 16 species of freshwater fishes and countless species of insects. There is no better way to reconnect with nature than an early morning walk amidst the shadows of giant trees with accompanying birdsong in this truly unique biosphere. Several species of bird in Corcovado are endemic to the area and this is one of the few places in the country where big mammals are present in good numbers (such as peccaries, jaguars, other wild cats and tapirs). From the coastal areas of this park, you can watch whales in the Pacific Ocean and four species of marine turtle nest on these beaches.
It’s what Costa Rica packs into 19,700 square miles (approximately the size of Denmark) which is astounding. This tiny country of inland canals, rainforest, cloud forest, volcanoes and beaches harbors stunning flora, including 8,000 species of orchid and an amazing selection of wildlife including turtles, macaws, caiman, basilisks, monkeys, armadillos and sloths. 25% of the country is designated as a national park or protected area.
This trip is ideal for those looking to reconnect with nature and explore some of the best national parks the incredible country of Costa Rica has to offer.
Board Basis: Bed & Breakfast, Full BoardAgenda
Day 1 - Day of arrival
On arrival at San Jose international airport, private transfer (approximately 40 minutes) to the Xandari Resort & Spa. A lovely hotel set in a coffee plantation. All 24 bungalows feature colourful decoration, with modern furnishings and a large terrace with panoramic views. There are two swimming pools, an excellent spa and a restaurant with the same stunning views.
Overnight at the Xandari Resort & Spa on a bed and breakfast basis.
Xandarai Resort & Spa
Day 2 - Full day guided tour of Poas Volcano and La Paz Waterfall Gardens
A private full day guided tour of Poas Volcano and La Paz Waterfall Gardens, including lunch. Rising up to 8,885 ft (2,708 m) Poas Volcano is considered by many to be one of the most dramatic and breath-taking sites in the entire country. Today it remains one of Costa Rica's largest and most active volcanoes and this fact alone is enough to attract thousands of visitors per year. La Paz Waterfall Gardens is the most visited privately owned ecological attraction in Costa Rica. It features the most famous waterfalls in Costa Rica, a butterfly observatory, a rescued wildlife reserve with many rare animal species and an environmental education program. The spacious glass and acrylic design of their Butterfly Observatory allows visitors the opportunity to enjoy the butterflies throughout the year, whilst the laboratory allows guests to see the butterflies up close as they emerge from their chrysalis or in larva stages of their growth.
Overnight at the Xandari Resort & Spa on a bed and breakfast basis.
Poas Volcano
Day 3 - Transfer to Arenal
This morning after breakfast you will be collected from your hotel and transferred to Arenal, approximately 3 hours. The area is dominated by the Arenal Volcano (currently dormant) which rises out of the lush tropical rain forest. It is a wonderful area for walking, horse riding, zip-ling and bird watching. In addition, there are natural hot springs where it is possible to swim. The local town of La Fortuna that sits at the foot of the volcano has a variety of shops, cafes and simple restaurants. In the afternoon you will have a privately guided hike around the Arenal 1968 Reserve. The huge Arenal eruption of 1968 gave rise to a number of hiking trials offering views of its lava fields. Following your hike, you will be transferred to your hotel, the Arenal Manoa Resort. The Arenal Manoa Resort offers comfortable well-appointed rooms, many of which have views of Arenal volcano. In addition to the extensive gardens there are two swimming pools. The hotel is a 10-minute drive from Arenal Volcano National Park and La Fortuna.
Overnight at Arenal Manoa Resort on a bed & breakfast basis.
Arenal Volcano
Day 4 - Guided tours in Arenal
After breakfast you will be collected from your hotel for a private tour of Arenal Hanging Bridges. This fascinating walk through tropical rainforest uses a series of bridges that are suspended high above the forest floor. As you stroll along the 3 kilometre trail you can admire exotic animals, colourful birds and tropical plant species. In the evening you will have the chance to relax at one of Arenal’s famous hot springs (includes dinner). EcoTermales is a family owned natural hot springs located in La Fortuna. There are four pools (one with a cascading waterfall) with different temperatures ranging from 37° to 41° Celsius. The soothing hot waters are perfect for helping you relax and unwind after a long day of sightseeing.
Overnight at Arenal Manoa Resort on a bed & breakfast basis.
Arenal Hanging Bridge
Day 5 - Transfer to Turrialba
En route to Turrialba you will have a guided tour of La Selva Biological Station close to Sarapiqui (includes lunch). Sarapiqui houses some of the best-preserved primary rainforest in the country. It is an excellent area for wildlife and nature with La Selva Biological station, Braulio Carrillo National Park, Tirimbina Biological reserve and Rara Avis private rainforest reserve all located nearby. La Selva Biological Station was originally established in 1954 by Dr. Leslie Holdridge, as a farm dedicated to experimentation on mixed plantations for the improvement of natural resources management. It was purchased in 1968 by the Organization for Tropical Studies and declared a private biological reserve and station. Since then, it has become one of the most important sites in the world for research on tropical rain forest. Following your tour, you will be transferred to your hotel for the evening. Rancho Naturalista is famous for its warm, relaxed, friendly atmosphere, brilliant birding, good company, and delicious gourmet food served with the best fresh local ingredients. Meals are served family style where guests share stories of their day on the trail. Over 450 species of birds have been recorded in their private forest reserve and within the local area. You can hike and bird the trails on your own and excellent guides are also available.
Overnight at Rancho Naturalista on a full board basis.
Strawberry Poison-Dart Frog, La Selva Biological Station
Day 6 - In Turrialba
This morning you will have a private birdwatching tour at Rancho Naturalista with a resident guide. The premier birding lodge in Costa Rica, Rancho Naturalista is one of the finest birdwatching lodges in Central America. Several species of hummingbirds, as well as many other birds, can be seen right from the spacious balcony where you also have a great view of the distant smoking Turrialba volcano. It’s a wonderful getaway for birders, photographers, and naturalists.
Overnight at Rancho Naturalista on a full board basis.
Violet Crowned Woodnymph, Rancho Naturalista
Day 7 - Transfer to San Gerardo de Dota
Today you will be transferred to San Gerardo de Dota, approximately 3 hours. Something of a birdwatcher’s paradise, San Gerardo is a small farming hamlet tucked into a valley of orchards, trout-filled streams and a large population of Quetzals, one of the most spectacular of the Trogon bird species. The abundant tropical cloud forest growing in this region is the primary habitat of the dazzling Resplendent Quetzal, alongside woodpeckers, flycatchers and hummingbirds. Your accommodation, the Savegre Hotel is a friendly family run lodge set in a secluded location. It offers 51 rooms dotted around the grounds, a restaurant that serves a selection of home cooked meals and a cosy bar. In addition, there is a spa with sauna and jacuzzi. There are several walking trails, including one to a waterfall.
Overnight at Savegre Hotel on a full board basis.
Savegre River, San Gerardo de Dota
Day 8 - In San Gerardo de Dota
Today you will have a half day guided tour of Los Quetzales National Park in San Gerado de Dota. San Gerardo de Dota and its extensive cloud forests are the perfect habitat for hundreds of species of birds. The evergreen cloud forests of the area provide a habitat of enormous importance for the conservation of the Quetzal and many other species of birds, some of which are endemic.
Overnight at Savegre Hotel on a full board basis.
Resplendent Quetzal, San Gerardo de Dota
Day 9 - Transfer to the Osa Peninsula
Today you will be transferred to the southern corner of Costa Rica, the Osa Peninsula. Although the journey will take most of the day the rewards are well worth it. The drive will take close to 7 hours in total, but this fascinating trip will show you the ever changing landscapes of Costa Rica en route. The Osa Peninsula is located in the south of the country and is a lush verdant landscape. It is an excellent place for wildlife observation and walking - a unique wilderness experience. In the afternoon you will reach the unique and wonderfully located Luna Lodge. This secluded lodge is located next to the Corcovado National Park and spreads out over 150 acres primary and secondary rainforest. Here it is possible to spot many species of bird, monkeys, tayras and coatis that are regularly seen wandering through the grounds. In the main lodge (Rancho) is the restaurant, bar, kitchen, reception, library, and gift shop. In addition, guests can enjoy relaxing by the pool that is surrounded by wilderness. There are eight bungalows with twin or double beds, en suite facilities and a private deck from which you can enjoy the jungle dawn chorus. The lodge can arrange a variety of excursions (payable locally) including kayaking, horse-riding and guided trekking tours into Corcovado National Park.
Overnight at Luna Lodge on a full board basis.
Osa Peninsula
Day 10 - Day at leisure in Osa Peninsula
A free day at leisure to enjoy your hotel and the unique surrounding area.
Overnight at Luna Lodge on a full board basis.
Sunset Corcovado National Park
Day 11 - Day at leisure in Osa Peninsula
A free day at leisure to enjoy your hotel and the unique surrounding area.
Overnight at Luna Lodge on a full board basis.
Anteater, Corcovado National Park
Day 12 - Transfer to San Jose
This morning you will be transferred from Luna Lodge to Puerto Jimenez for a domestic flight back to San Jose. On arrival at San Jose Domestic Airport you will be met and transferred to your hotel in the Central Valley, the Hotel Bougainvillea. Hotel Bougainvillea is a modern comfortable hotel set in within lush tropical gardens just a 20-minute drive from San José Airport. The hotel offers a large outdoor pool, tennis courts and a gym. Rooms have balconies overlooking the gardens or city.
Overnight at Hotel Bougainvillea on a Bed & Breakfast basis.
Osa Peninsula from the sky
Day 13 - Day of departure
After breakfast you will have a private transfer to San Jose international Airport for your return flight back to the UK.
Accommodation
Xandari Resort and Spa - Night 1 to 2
The Xandari Resort and Spa is built on a coffee plantation overlooking the Central Valley.
The Xandari Resort and Spa is built on a coffee plantation overlooking the Central Valley. All (except one) of the unique bungalows have a large terrace with panoramic view and a walled-in patio for privacy. All 24 bungalows have very colourful modern furnishings and private facilities (shower).
The hotel has a beautiful Jalapa style spa offering massages, Jacuzzi and yoga. The small, informal restaurant has dramatic sweeping views over San Jose. It serves a variety of fruit and vegetables from the hotel’s own organic gardens and orchards. There are three swimming pools and a private trail and waterfall.
Superb property and one of our favourites in the whole of Central America.
Arenal Manoa - Night 3 to 4
Just a short drive from Arenal Volcano National Park, Arenal Manoa is an ideal base from which to explore this fascinating region.
Just a short drive from Arenal Volcano National Park, Arenal Manoa is an ideal base from which to explore this fascinating region. The spacious air-conditioned junior suites provide modern, comfortable furnishings and feature two queen sized beds, private bathrooms, refrigerator, direct dial telephone, safety deposit box and coffee maker.
Surrounded by mature gardens, the rooms have a small private terrace with table and chairs providing a panoramic view of the volcano.
The hotels’ La Saca Restaurant offers regional and international cuisine with the same amazing views of the volcano. There are two swimming pools, a spa and a farm where guests can interact with the animals.
Rancho Naturalista - Night 5 to 6
Not only is Rancho Naturalista the premier birding lodge in Costa Rica, it lays claim to be one of the finest birdwatching lodges in Central America. Several species of hummingbirds, as well as many other endemic birds, can be seen right from the spacious balconies where you also have a stunning view of the distant smoking Turrialba volcano. It’s a wonderful getaway for birders, photographers, and naturalists.
Not only is Rancho Naturalista the premier birding lodge in Costa Rica, it lays claim to be one of the finest birdwatching lodges in Central America. Several species of hummingbirds, as well as many other endemic birds, can be seen right from the spacious balconies where you also have a stunning view of the distant smoking Turrialba volcano. It’s a wonderful getaway for birders, photographers, and naturalists.
Rancho Naturalista is famous for its warm, relaxed, friendly atmosphere, brilliant birding, good company, and delicious gourmet food served with the best fresh local ingredients. Meals are served family style, where guests share stories of their day on the trail. Over 450 species of birds have been recorded in their private forest reserve and within the local area. You can hike and bird the trails on your own and excellent guides are also available.
With a farm to table concept at Rancho Naturalista dining is incomparable. Vegetables are of the best quality local produce available. The food is both delicious and authentic. All meals are included in your stay and they are happy to cater for any special dietary requirements. Don’t miss the opportunity to take up their offer of a “Free Cooking Class”.
Accommodation:
Rancho Naturalista consists of a main Lodge where there is a large communal balcony upstairs, and 4 comfortable cabins. One of the cabins is a “casita” and has a kitchen and a living room.
Most rooms have views of the forest and volcanos. There is a spacious living area in the main lodge with free Wi-Fi available. Birdwatchers find Rancho Naturalista is just what they want in a birding lodge! Rooms are cleaned daily and offer a high level of comfort away from home.
With 15 individually designed rooms no stay will be the same. Colourfully decorated rooms, appropriately named after local species of bird, provide a welcome respite after a day's hiking.
Savegre Hotel - Night 7 to 8
In operation for 46 years the Savegre Hotel is a unique place located in the midst of an exuberant mountain and the Savegre River. With its warm friendly atmosphere and excellent service this secluded spot offers a welcome respite as part of any trip to Costa Rica!
In operation for 46 years the Savegre Hotel is a unique place located in the midst of an exuberant mountain and the Savegre River. With its warm friendly atmosphere and excellent service this secluded spot offers a welcome respite as part of any trip to Costa Rica!
Sitting along the foothills of the Talamanca Mountain Range, the small town of San Gerardo de Dota may be lacking in size but it is packed with a wealth of natural beauty. Travellers come here to hike through the pristine wilderness and view some of the region's most predominant flora and fauna. One of the main draws to San Gerardo de Dota is the bird watching opportunities. The surrounding cloud forest is a haven for both birds and a vast variety of insect species. Tucked along the Savegre River Valley near Los Quetzals National Park, roughly 200 species flock to and from the region, including Tanagers, Hummingbirds, Woodpeckers and the famous Resplendent Quetzals.
Accommodation
- There are 50 rooms comprising Standard and Junior Suites
Amenities/Leisure
- Hot tub/jacuzzi
- Spa and wellness facilities
- Sauna
- Complimentary WIFI
- Snack bar
- Bar and lounge
- Restaurant
- Terrace
- Free private parking
- Gift Shop
- Walking trails
- Waterfalls
- Safari-style 4x4 vehicles
- Gardens that include forest
Luna Lodge - Night 9 to 11
This pristine and secluded lodge is located on the Osa Peninsula close to Corcovado National Park
This pristine and secluded lodge is located on the Osa Peninsula close to Corcovado National Park . It is spread over 150 acres, 75 of which are primary rainforest, so it is possible to spot many species of bird, including the scarlet macaw. Monkeys, tayras and coatis can also be seen wandering through the grounds.
There are eight bungalows, all with two double beds, en suite facilities and a private deck from which you can enjoy the jungle dawn chorus. There are also three rooms closer to the main lodge, all with private bathroom.
Excursions can be arranged from the lodge. They include guided walks, kayaking, horse riding and guided tours to Corcovado National Park.
Bougainvillea Hotel - Night 12 to 13
Surrounded by extensive mature gardens and a short drive away from the hustle and bustle of downtown San Jose, Bougainvillea Hotel is an oasis of calm and a comfortable base from which to explore the city.
Surrounded by extensive mature gardens and a short drive away from the hustle and bustle of downtown San Jose, Bougainvillea Hotel is an oasis of calm and a comfortable base from which to explore the city.
The hotel offers a large outdoor pool, tennis courts and fitness centre. In addition, guests can enjoy local and international cuisine in the Vitrales restaurant and bar.
The spacious rooms have private facilities and feature balconies overlooking the gardens or city, flat-screen TV, safety deposit box, coffee maker and complimentary Wi-Fi.
Route Map
Best time to go
- JAN
- FEB
- MAR
- APR
- MAY
- JUN
- JUL
- AUG
- SEP
- OCT
- NOV
- DEC
Time Difference
GMT - 6 hours
Currency
Colon
Language
Spanish
Average flight times
11 hours 35 minutes BA direct flight to San Jose from London Gatwick
-
Average temperature
Average rainfall
- JAN
- FEB
- MAR
- APR
- MAY
- JUN
- JUL
- AUG
- SEP
- OCT
- NOV
- DEC