Guided Touring in Costa Rica

A mixture of sightseeing and a choice of walks. Easier walks range from 3-6 miles with up to 600 feet of ascent; harder walks are from 6-12 miles with up to 2,000 feet of ascent. Some paths are narrow and muddy. Options are offered each day.

Day 1: To San Jose - Fly to San Jose and on arrival meet experienced tour director Nancy Sears, and the local guide, for the transfer to Hotel Buena Vista for 2 nights.

Day 2: Poas Volcano - Visit the Poas Volcano National Park, with its spectacular crater filled with emerald green water. Walk by a hummingbird observation area and a refreshing waterfall.

Day 3: To Arenal - Travel to the lush San Carlos valley, stopping en route in the traditional town of Sarchi. Stay at the Tilajari Resort for 3 nights. This afternoon there will be time to relax and explore the lovely natural surroundings.

Day 4: Arenal - Today there are choices of walks around Arenal volcano, with extraordinary views, or the amazing experience of the Arenal Hanging Bridges in the primary rainforest canopy.

Day 5: Caňo Negro Wildlife Reserve - Take a slow river boat ride through the 20,000 acre Caňo Negro Wildlife Reserve on the lookout for howler monkeys, caimans, turtles, sloths, brightly coloured butterflies and exotic birds.

Day 6: To San Gerardo de Dota - Journey south, stopping at the Gold Museum with its collection of pre-Colombian artefacts, into the mountainous spine of Costa Rica near the Cerro de la Muerte and the Savegre Mountain Lodge for 2 nights.

Day 7: San Gerardo de Dota - A variety of trails is possible in the cool mountains, winding around the cloud forest of the Talamanca mountains and by the Savegre river. This is an area of wonderful bird life, including the rare resplendent quetzal and a large variety of hummingbird species.

Day 8: To Dominical - Cross over the continental divide, where on a clear day it’s possible to see both the Pacific and Caribbean coasts. Take a walk in the coastal mountains before heading to the Cristal Ballena resort near Dominical for 3 nights.

Day 9: Marino Ballena National Park - Explore this quiet and relatively undiscovered national park, with its large sandy beaches, tidal pools, and great marine and bird life. Coastal trails offer views of the Pacific Ocean not easily forgotten.

Day 10: Marino Ballena National Park - A further day for exploration of the national park and also to relax in the peaceful surrounds of the hotel. This area is renowned for its visiting whales and dolphins and it is possible to take an optional whale watching cruise, as well as an optional mangrove cruise.

Day 11: To San José - Travel overland back to San José, calling in at various places on the journey including an area where it’s possible to see scarlet macaws. Stay at the Buena Vista Hotel for 1 night.

Day 12: To London - Transfer to the airport for the departure flight.

Day 13: London - Early morning arrival.

Please Note - No flight holidays  finish on day 12.

Extension options

Corcovado National Park

Travel further down the Pacific coast to the Corcovado National Park, the largest primary forest on the American Pacific coastline, and stay at the excellent Casa Corcovado Jungle Lodge. The tropical waters surrounding the Osa Peninsula are an amazing marine habitat for whales, dolphins, sea turtles and more.

Day 11: To Corcovado - Transfer by land to the Sierpe river dock and take the boat directly to the Casa Corcovado Lodge, arriving in time for lunch. Afternoon is free to explore the jungle trails or relax on the beach.

Day 12: Corcovado National Park - Guided tour on the trails of the national park, with wildlife including spider monkeys, toucans, poison dart frogs, sloths and much more. There will also be plenty of time to relax on the coast.

Day 13: Caňo Island National Park - An exciting excursion to the Caňo Island National Park, a 45 minute boat journey from the mainland. Relax on the pristine white sand beach and see wonderful bird life including frigate birds, red footed boobies and rich marine life with dolphins, turtles and even humpback whales. Take a picnic on the beach and the opportunity to snorkel in the clear waters among colourful angel fish, puffer fish, rays and more.

Day 14: To San Jose - Take the boat up the Sierpe river and fly to San Jose. Stay 1 night at the Buena Vista Hotel. Afternoon at leisure.

Day 15: To London - Transfer to the airport for the departure flight.

Day 16: London - Early morning arrival.