Costa Rica Explorer

Day 1 London Heathrow to San Jose
Depart Heathrow this morning for your flight to San Jose via Madrid, where you’ll be met at the airport and transferred to the Hotel Rincón del Valle for 1 night.

Day 2 San Jose to Tortuguero
You’ll leave the city this morning, passing green valleys and extinct volcanoes and board a boat for a journey through the Tortuguero canals surrounded by colourful bird life. You’ll check into the Pachira Lodge for a 2 night stay and after lunch you’ll take in a tour of Tortuguero village, situated close to the Caribbean coast where locals speak patois English. In the evening, join your fellow travellers for dinner.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Day 3 Tortuguero
An early start means you’ll see the Tortuguero canals as they come to life at dawn on a morning boat tour. As you cruise through the Tortuguero National Park, your guide will be able to tell you all about the diverse and wonderful wildlife, including green turtles which nest here every year. This afternoon is free to relax in pristine nature.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Day 4 Tortuguero to Arenal
This morning you’ll take the boat back to the Cano Blanco pier, then head by road through beautiful hill scenery to Arenal, stopping for lunch along the way at a local restaurant. You’ll arrive early evening and settle into the Los Lagos hotel for 3 nights.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.

Day 5 Arenal
Prepare for a thrilling adventure this morning on a trip to the Arenal Hanging Bridges. You’ll be able to walk right into the heart of the rainforest canopy on high bridges, along stunning trails that bring you up close to the indigenous flowers and vegetation, following the flight paths of the many birds that migrate between North and South America. This afternoon, you’re free to explore in your own time.

Meals: Breakfast.

Day 6 Arenal
Today is at leisure, with so much to do in the area. Take a walk on Arenal volcano, explore beautiful Lake Arenal or simply relax in the natural hot springs and waterfalls.

Meals: Breakfast.

Day 7 Arenal to Manuel Antonio
This morning you’ll transfer from the highlands to the beautiful Pacific Ocean coastline. You’ll stay at the Hotel Parador for 3 nights, located by the Manuel Antonio National Park on a beautiful peninsula between two bays, with a large infinity pool and views of azure seas. The wildlife is abundant, with tropical birds, several species of monkey and sloth all found within the hotels’ tropical gardens.

Meals: Breakfast.

Day 8 Manuel Antonio
Today, a tour of Manuel Antonio National Park will reveal more of the beautiful nature of Costa Rica. Watch out for white-faced capuchin monkeys, raccoons and colourful birds as you follow natural trails through the park. There’s also time for a dip in the warm, turquoise waters of the Pacific before returning to your hotel early afternoon.

Meals: Breakfast.

Day 9 Manuel Antonio
You have a free day today, with time to relax in tropical surroundings or spend the day at the beach. You can choose from a variety of adventurous jungle activities, such as zip wiring and a variety of exciting watersports.

Meals: Breakfast.

Day 10 Depart San Jose
This morning you’ll transfer back to San Jose for the afternoon flight to London via Madrid.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 11 Arrive London Heathrow
You’ll arrive into London this afternoon.

Tour includes:

Maximum group size: 25
Local expert guides in resort
All flights specified
Inspirational sightseeing programme
9 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners
Caribbean and Pacific Coasts
Jungle and mountain retreats
Arenal volcano and Canopy Walk

On a Journey of Distinction, you are not merely a bystander. They believe that the wonders, customs and cultures you experience will live on in the core of your being. They even go so far as to say that one of their holidays will change your life forever.

Their combination of Tour Managers and Local Guides is what makes Journey of Distinction so distinctive. When you’re embarking on a voyage of discovery, it’s reassuring to know that a seasoned traveller is with you every step of the way; planning, organising, checking details and offering their advice and support. Their groups all depart from the UK, and no one joins us along the way, so you have the reassuring constancy of always knowing your travelling companions.

Our Opinion
“Limited to just 25 travellers per departure, every Journeys of Distinction escorted tour has an intimate, personal feel that makes for a more enjoyable experience.”