We have improved our walking grade scale. Read more
10 Nov - 25 Nov 2026
15 nights. Trip notes
We have improved our walking grade scale. Read more
■ Location: Costa Rica
■ Duration: 15 nights
■ Board Basis: Half Board Extra
■ Travel Dates: Nov 2026, Jan-Nov 2027
■ Itineraries available: 1
■ Choice of Walking Grade: 3 details
■ Carbon Footprint: 2825kg CO2 details
Non-members From
£4,799
ppInc flights
Members From
£4,719
ppInc flights
Members Save £80 on this booking and get a whole range of extra exclusive benefits. Add HF Membership to your booking online. details
From September 2026, we have expanded our walking grade scale from 6 to 10 points. While the holidays themselves have not changed (the routes, daily distances and ascent levels remain the same), our newly expanded 1-10 scale offers greater distinction between holidays and clearer grade descriptions, so you can choose a holiday that best suits you.
Gentle walking grade 3
Slightly longer walks, mostly on well-trodden paths, with some gentle gradients plus stiles and steps possible. Typically, 5-6 miles (8-10km) with around 650ft (200m) of ascent.All our carefully-curated itineraries are designed by our experts. While we make every effort to adhere to the described itinerary, we may take alternative routes or adapt the running order for weather and/or operational reasons.
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[title] => San José
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[description] => We arrive in San José and transfer from the airport to our hotel, which is set in its own private botanical gardens. We are joined here by our without-flight guests and enjoy a welcome dinner.
Minimum altitude 1,200m
Maximum altitude 1,200m
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We arrive in San José and transfer from the airport to our hotel, which is set in its own private botanical gardens. We are joined here by our without-flight guests and enjoy a welcome dinner.
Minimum altitude 1,200m
Maximum altitude 1,200m
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[title] => San Gerado De Dota and the Quetzal Valley
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[description] => If you wake early, why not visit the botanical garden to start your day, before we drive into the mountains to the area known as the Quetzal Valley where Costa Rica’s rich birdlife thrives. With luck, we’ll spot the valley’s namesake bird, the resplendent quetzal. We’ll stop for lunch at Mirador de Quetzales, then walk along the cloud forest trails in search of rare wildlife and flora. The evening’s yours to enjoy before dinner back at the lodge.
Minimum altitude 2,700m
Maximum altitude 2,800m
Distance: 3km
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If you wake early, why not visit the botanical garden to start your day, before we drive into the mountains to the area known as the Quetzal Valley where Costa Rica’s rich birdlife thrives. With luck, we’ll spot the valley’s namesake bird, the resplendent quetzal. We’ll stop for lunch at Mirador de Quetzales, then walk along the cloud forest trails in search of rare wildlife and flora. The evening’s yours to enjoy before dinner back at the lodge.
Minimum altitude 2,700m
Maximum altitude 2,800m
Distance: 3km
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[title] => Quetzal Valley and Reserva Savegre
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[description] => You’ll experience the cloud forest of Reserva Savegre today, taking the Los Robles trail to reach the viewpoint, then returning along La Quebrada trail with a boxed lunch included for our journey. You can spend the afternoon relaxing back at the hotel or if you want to explore further in your own time, why not complete one of the shorter trails such as Canto de la Aves or Los Pioneros.
Minimum altitude 2,200m
Maximum altitude 2,600m
Distance: 7.8km total. Steep ascent at the start and over three hours’ walking time
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You’ll experience the cloud forest of Reserva Savegre today, taking the Los Robles trail to reach the viewpoint, then returning along La Quebrada trail with a boxed lunch included for our journey. You can spend the afternoon relaxing back at the hotel or if you want to explore further in your own time, why not complete one of the shorter trails such as Canto de la Aves or Los Pioneros.
Minimum altitude 2,200m
Maximum altitude 2,600m
Distance: 7.8km total. Steep ascent at the start and over three hours’ walking time
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[title] => Sarapiqui
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[description] => We’ll drive across mountainous areas including the Braulio Carrilo National Park to Costa Rica’s Atlantic region and Sarapiqui. We'll visit an Organic Pineapple Farm, run by a local family to learn about pineapple cultivation and its importance for the local economy. The tour includes a tractor ride around the farm and an opportunity to taste their produce, including a pineapple cocktail. Once we arrive at the hotel, you’ll have free time before dinner.
Minimum altitude 100m
Maximum altitude 100m
Distance: 2km with multiple stops (two hours)
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We’ll drive across mountainous areas including the Braulio Carrilo National Park to Costa Rica’s Atlantic region and Sarapiqui. We'll visit an Organic Pineapple Farm, run by a local family to learn about pineapple cultivation and its importance for the local economy. The tour includes a tractor ride around the farm and an opportunity to taste their produce, including a pineapple cocktail. Once we arrive at the hotel, you’ll have free time before dinner.
Minimum altitude 100m
Maximum altitude 100m
Distance: 2km with multiple stops (two hours)
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[title] => Sarapiqui to Arenal
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[description] => We’ll head into the jungle to explore the tropical rainforest on Selva Verde's 500-acre private reserve with our expert naturalist guides. Then we’ll travel to the Arenal Volcano area and La Fortuna to check in to our hotel and relax for the afternoon.
Minimum altitude 100m
Maximum altitude 100m
Distance: between 3km and 5km. On the longer route, the last 200m has a steep incline
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We’ll head into the jungle to explore the tropical rainforest on Selva Verde's 500-acre private reserve with our expert naturalist guides. Then we’ll travel to the Arenal Volcano area and La Fortuna to check in to our hotel and relax for the afternoon.
Minimum altitude 100m
Maximum altitude 100m
Distance: between 3km and 5km. On the longer route, the last 200m has a steep incline
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[title] => Arenal Volcano
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[description] => Explore the western side of the volcano on the Arenal 1968 trail named after the year it dramatically erupted. Hike the old lava flow trails and enjoy a picnic lunch, before a relaxing afternoon at our hotel. In the evening we’ll drive to the neighbouring town of La Tigra where a local family will host us on a nocturnal rainforest nature walk followed by traditional homecooked meal.
Minimum altitude 600m
Maximum altitude 900m
Distance: 3.2km (1.5 hours) or 5.3km (2.5 hours) with an ascent of approximately 150m to a viewpoint
La Tigra night walk minimum altitude 500m and maximum altitude 600m. Distance: 1 km
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Explore the western side of the volcano on the Arenal 1968 trail named after the year it dramatically erupted. Hike the old lava flow trails and enjoy a picnic lunch, before a relaxing afternoon at our hotel. In the evening we’ll drive to the neighbouring town of La Tigra where a local family will host us on a nocturnal rainforest nature walk followed by traditional homecooked meal.
Minimum altitude 600m
Maximum altitude 900m
Distance: 3.2km (1.5 hours) or 5.3km (2.5 hours) with an ascent of approximately 150m to a viewpoint
La Tigra night walk minimum altitude 500m and maximum altitude 600m. Distance: 1 km
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[title] => Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge And Frío River
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[description] => This morning, we’ll head to Los Chiles to visit the Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge. A slow river boat ride will take us along the Frío River, a biologically diverse wetland conservation area where you’re in with a chance of spotting monkeys, caimans, turtles, sloths, and butterflies. Our lunch is included today and later you’ll have time to relax before dining out at a restaurant in La Fortuna.
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This morning, we’ll head to Los Chiles to visit the Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge. A slow river boat ride will take us along the Frío River, a biologically diverse wetland conservation area where you’re in with a chance of spotting monkeys, caimans, turtles, sloths, and butterflies. Our lunch is included today and later you’ll have time to relax before dining out at a restaurant in La Fortuna.
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[title] => Rincón De La Vieja Volcano
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[description] => We’ll travel to Rincón de la Vieja Volcano in Guanacaste. Then we’ll head to our hotel which will be our base for the next three nights.
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We’ll travel to Rincón de la Vieja Volcano in Guanacaste. Then we’ll head to our hotel which will be our base for the next three nights.
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[title] => Rincón De La Vieja Volcano
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[description] => Taking our packed lunch, today we’ll hike through the Rincón de la Vieja National Park today, home to over 300 species of birds. We’ll see part of the Colorado River and several active fumaroles of this geyser volcano.
Minimum altitude 1,400m
Maximum altitude 1,800m
Distance: from 2.8km to 7.6km
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Taking our packed lunch, today we’ll hike through the Rincón de la Vieja National Park today, home to over 300 species of birds. We’ll see part of the Colorado River and several active fumaroles of this geyser volcano.
Minimum altitude 1,400m
Maximum altitude 1,800m
Distance: from 2.8km to 7.6km
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[title] => Rincón De La Vieja Volcano
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[description] => Today is a free day for you to relax and enjoy this diverse setting, with lunch included at the hotel if you plan to stay and relax here. There are waterfall hikes and volcanic mud baths to experience, or you can relax in the Rio Negro Hot Springs. If you’re feeling adventurous, there are a range of optional activities on offer including ziplining and canyoning.
[S] => 10
[E] => 10
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Today is a free day for you to relax and enjoy this diverse setting, with lunch included at the hotel if you plan to stay and relax here. There are waterfall hikes and volcanic mud baths to experience, or you can relax in the Rio Negro Hot Springs. If you’re feeling adventurous, there are a range of optional activities on offer including ziplining and canyoning.
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[title] => Santa Rosa National Park And Guanacaste Beaches
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[description] => The beautiful Guanacaste beaches are in reach today. On the way, we’ll stop at Santa Rosa National Park. Explore the trails and learn more about its history before journeying through several picturesque towns to reach the coast and our final beach-side accommodation.
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The beautiful Guanacaste beaches are in reach today. On the way, we’ll stop at Santa Rosa National Park. Explore the trails and learn more about its history before journeying through several picturesque towns to reach the coast and our final beach-side accommodation.
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[title] => Guanacaste Beaches
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[description] => You have a full day of free time and leisure. Relax by the pool, enjoy a refreshing dip at the beach, or discover one of the many optional activities.
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You have a full day of free time and leisure. Relax by the pool, enjoy a refreshing dip at the beach, or discover one of the many optional activities.
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[title] => Guanacaste Beaches to San Ramón Cloud Forest
[introduction] =>
[description] => After a last morning at the beach, we’ll head to our final destination, the San Ramón Cloud Forest – an important area of biodiversity which is nestled between the picturesque mountains of Alajuela province in the Central Valley.
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After a last morning at the beach, we’ll head to our final destination, the San Ramón Cloud Forest – an important area of biodiversity which is nestled between the picturesque mountains of Alajuela province in the Central Valley.
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[title] => San Ramón Cloud Forest
[introduction] =>
[description] => We explore one of the most remote and peaceful areas in Costa Rica today - the waterfalls of Bajos del Toro. Surrounded by jungle and misty rain clouds, these beautiful falls offer freshwater pools to bathe in mid-hike. We’ll take a packed lunch to enjoy as we take a break to soak up the scenery. In the evening, there’s a farewell dinner at our hotel.
Minimum altitude 890m
Maximum altitude 1,125m
Distance: 1km – 1.5km trail
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We explore one of the most remote and peaceful areas in Costa Rica today - the waterfalls of Bajos del Toro. Surrounded by jungle and misty rain clouds, these beautiful falls offer freshwater pools to bathe in mid-hike. We’ll take a packed lunch to enjoy as we take a break to soak up the scenery. In the evening, there’s a farewell dinner at our hotel.
Minimum altitude 890m
Maximum altitude 1,125m
Distance: 1km – 1.5km trail
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[title] => Poas Volcano and Departure Day
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[description] => Leaving the mountains today, we’ll head back to San José for our evening departure flight. On the way, we’ll visit the Poas Volcano for a short walk around the crater. Weather permitting, we’ll take in views of one of the largest volcano craters in the world. We’ll also visit Botos Lagoon, an extinct volcanic crater housing a huge variety of wildlife, plants, and flowers.
After enjoying a traditional lunch, with-flight guests will transfer to the airport for our overnight flight back to the UK.
Minimum altitude 902m
Maximum altitude 2,708m
Distance: 1km with small number of steps
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Leaving the mountains today, we’ll head back to San José for our evening departure flight. On the way, we’ll visit the Poas Volcano for a short walk around the crater. Weather permitting, we’ll take in views of one of the largest volcano craters in the world. We’ll also visit Botos Lagoon, an extinct volcanic crater housing a huge variety of wildlife, plants, and flowers.
After enjoying a traditional lunch, with-flight guests will transfer to the airport for our overnight flight back to the UK.
Minimum altitude 902m
Maximum altitude 2,708m
Distance: 1km with small number of steps
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[title] => Arrive UK
[introduction] =>
[description] => With-flight guests arrive back in the UK
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With-flight guests arrive back in the UK
Costa Rica experiences two seasons: wet and dry. Departures are planned for the dry season but even then, due to travelling through tropical rainforests, there may be a number of wet days, especially inland. Temperatures depend on place and altitude. San José has an average year round temperature of 22°C / 72ºF. The days can be fairly hot but temperatures drop a little at night. The highlands around San Gerado de Dota in particular are cold at night.
Book your holiday ‘with flights’ and you can choose to depart from a range of UK airports* to your destination. For latest flight times and prices please call us on 0203-974-8865 or email reservations@hfholidays.co.uk
If you choose to book your flights with us, we automatically include return transfers between the destination airport and hotel.
If you prefer to book the holiday without flights and make your own travel arrangements you will still be able to make use of the return group transfers between the airport and hotel, which are included in the cost of your holiday. You must contact us on +44 (0)20 3974 8865 or email reservations@hfholidays.co.uk at least 8 weeks before your holiday start date to provide your flight details if you wish to join the transfers. If you do not contact us, we will assume you are making independent travel arrangements.
If you are arriving ahead of the group, and are meeting them at the first hotel, please leave a message at the hotel reception for the HF Holidays’ leader or local leader, detailing your room number, and a mobile telephone number if possible. The leader will contact you once the group arrives. If you are arriving after the group, a message will be left for you at the hotel reception, welcoming you and giving details of the time and place to meet the group.
It's best to be prepared for all weather conditions. To make it easier, here is a list of items you should consider packing.
Essentials
Walking boots
Waterproof jacket
Waterproof trousers
Insulated jacket/top
Walking clothing
Walking socks (plus spares)
Sunhat
Gloves/mitts and warm hat
Water bottle (minimum 2 litre capacity)
Headtorch
High-factor sunscreen (minimum SPF 30)
Swimcap (compulsory in Itialian resorts)
Sunglasses with a dark lens
Rucksack (15-30 litres)
Mobile phone
Personal first aid kit (containing your medication, blister plasters, etc.)
Passport
Visa (if applicable)
Copy of your travel insurance policy
UK Global Health Insurance Card (formerly known as EHIC)
Recommended
Collapsible walking poles
Swimwear and travel towel
Snacks
Dry bags
Rubbish bags
Insect repellent
Optional extras
Camera
Sit mat
Flask for hot drinks
Durable lunch box
Gaiters
GPS device (excluding Bhutan, Georgia and India)
Before booking, you should check with your doctor to see if any health precautions are needed. The following websites provide a wealth of information on travelling and health: www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk or www.traveldoctor.co.uk
Medical services are not free to visitors and health insurance is therefore a necessity.
Vaccines: Hepatitis A, Typhoid & Tetanus vaccinations are recommended. Diphtheria, malaria and rabies prevention may be recommended too.
Mosquitoes, chiggers and a little biting black fly can present a problem if you are allergic to bites. Ticks are present but no diseases are known to be spread by them. Most people are not bothered at all. A spray repellent with DEET is recommended. Malaria is present in Costa Rica, although more towards the south and Atlantic coast, away from the areas we will visit. We would urge you to consult your GP before you depart for up to date information.
Many countries have lifted their COVID-19 restrictions but there are several with rules still in place. Please be aware that these restrictions can change frequently so you should consider packing a box of lateral flow tests and some FFP2 facemasks in case required. If you test positive on one of our holidays you may be asked to isolate and be unable to continue your holiday with the group. With this in mind, we recommend you have full COVID-19 insurance cover. If you test positive, please inform your HF Holidays Leader and the hotel management who will confirm any local restrictions and what to do next. We ask you to please check the FCDO website for the most up-to-date COVID-19 advice well in advance of travel.
A full passport is required and must be valid for one day beyond the date of departure from Costa Rica.
British citizens with full right of residence in the UK do not require a visa for Costa Rica. Those who do not have British passports should check requirements with the embassies or consulates of Costa Rica.
A full passport is required and must be valid for one day beyond the date of departure from Costa Rica.
British citizens with full right of residence in the UK do not require a visa for Costa Rica. Those who do not have British passports should check requirements with the embassies or consulates of Costa Rica.
Travel insurance is a condition of booking. Therefore, if you have not already arranged insurance, it is imperative that you do so before you travel.
For more information about healthcare and its costs, please visit: https://www.nhs.uk/using-the-nhs/healthcare-abroad/
The official currency is the Colon. Colones cannot be obtained in the UK, but can be exchanged from US Dollars in Costa Rica. US Dollars are also widely accepted. Travellers cheques are no longer accepted at most banks. Major credit cards are accepted in larger hotels, although you may have problems using them in some of the more rural locations we will visit.
GMT/UTC -6 hours, no Daylight Saving
110V, North American 3 pin plugs (2 flat & 1 round pin). Power surges and fluctuation occur frequently.
There are ATM’s available.
We see it as our responsibility to minimise our emissions, not just for this year but every year to come. Our work with sustainability experts, ecollective, has enabled us to measure our carbon footprint and create a strategy to reduce the carbon intensity of our product by 5% each year. Our ambition is to be net zero by 2040 – earlier if we can.
Learn moreCode: CRA14-WHW10
Dates & availability
Jungles & Volcanoes of Costa Rica
15 nights. Trip notes
15 nights. Trip notes
Save £100 Per Person
15 nights. Trip notes
Non-members
£4,999 £4,899
£4,249 £4,149
Members
£4,919 £4,819
£4,169 £4,069
£6,489 £6,389
£6,409 £6,309
£5,739 £5,639
£5,659 £5,559
Save £50 Per Person
15 nights. Trip notes
Non-members
Call to Enquire
Call to Enquire
£6,489 £6,439
£6,409 £6,359
£5,739 £5,689
£5,659 £5,609

We are proud to be Britain’s only walking holiday co-operative. Led by almost 40,000 members, offering hundreds of holidays across the UK and overseas, with all surplus being reinvested back into our Society.

Experienced volunteer HF Leaders guide every walk at our UK country houses, offering up to three daily options. Making it easy to find a holiday to suit your ability, and with the flexibility to switch grades each walking day.

Become an HF Member to benefit from our Price Pledge. Secure your first choice of holiday early, and if the cost drops after you book, we will automatically refund the difference (exc. travel agent, group and self-guided bookings).

If the flights we have organised are cancelled or changed, we’ll do everything we can to find alternative transport, with minimal disruption to your holiday
If we cancel your holiday, we honour all refund requests

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If the flights we have organised are cancelled or changed, we’ll do everything we can to find alternative transport, with minimal disruption to your holiday

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