Natural Highlights of Costa Rica

Overview

Jungles, mountains and coast: Costa Rica is a natural paradise

A tropical paradise bursting with wildlife, Costa Rica is home to six percent of the world’s plant and animal species, many endemic. The rich biodiversity is extremely colourful. More than 850 bird species have been recorded here – far more than found anywhere in North America, Europe and Australia. A cornucopia of exotic flora and fauna, Costa Rica is a nature lover’s delight.

Highlights

Enjoy an easy-going week in wildlife hotspots: rainforest, mangroves, lava fields and cloud forests
Navigate the Tortuguero waterways in search of monkeys, caiman and more
Discover the natural wonders of Arenal Volcano National Park via walking trails, observation towers and hanging bridges
Feel the cloud forest come alive on a nocturnal walk in the Monteverde Wildlife Refuge

Included

7 Classic nights (5 hotel, 2 lodge)
All breakfasts, four lunches, three dinners
Immersive itinerary with all transport (air-conditioned bus and boat) and listed activities
Expert tour leader to enhance your adventure
Arrival and departure transfers

Not included

Request a single room if required, purchase travel insurance and arrange any visas and vaccinations. Green turtle nesting season happens during July to October.

Itinerary

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Day 1: Adventure starts in San José
Begin your adventure in San José, the culture-rich capital of Costa Rica. A complimentary transfer from the airport to the hotel is available. Check in and take it easy, there’s plenty of excitement on this trip, so today’s all about relaxing and easing ourselves into the adventure. Around 7.30pm, say hola to your tour leader and fellow travellers when we gather as a group for a short briefing. Our main briefing takes place tomorrow afternoon in Tortuguero due to the late arrival of some flights today. Want to explore San Jose further? Secure pre-tour hotel nights through your sales representative.
Day 2: To Tortuguero National Park
Our adventure begins early this morning, leaving San Jose behind as we travel to Tortuguero National Park in the northeast of Costa Rica. Accessible only by boat or light aircraft, Tortuguero has a vast network of waterways, canals and swamps that are remarkably tranquil, unspoilt and devoid of noise pollution. On reaching the pier, we board a small motorboat for the journey to our lodge (up to 1hr 30min) , which is a short distance from the main lagoon. Please note the transfer from San José to Tortuguero is not private for our groups. This afternoon your tour leader will host the main welcome briefing when we gather as a group to get to know each other and learn more about the adventures ahead. We also visit Tortuguero village, where it’s possible to enter the Sea Turtle Museum (a donation is requested at the entrance). Tortuguero is probably most famous as a nesting site for the endangered green turtle, which can be seen coming ashore to lay eggs from late July to October (as part of an optional excursion). Hawksbill, loggerhead, and giant leatherback turtles also nest in this region, and from late August through to November, baby turtles hatch and make their way to the ocean. Today's travel time will be in the region of five to six hours including a stop for breakfast.
Day 3: Boat tour around Tortuguero waterways
A morning boat trip enables us to discover the extraordinary flora and fauna of Tortuguero, passing serenely along the waterways. At this time of day, wildlife is usually at its most active and with the help of our expert guide we are likely to encounter monkeys, caiman, iguanas, butterflies and many of the 300-plus bird species recorded here. We return to the lodge for a hearty breakfast by the river. This afternoon, we enjoy a second boat trip along a different canal. Alternatively, stay at the lodge this afternoon if you want to enjoy the facilities or follow a short walking trail through the forest.
Day 4: To La Fortuna, near Arenal
We leave Tortuguero the same way we arrived by taking a small boat to the pier. Our bus will be at the pier waiting to drive us to the Arenal region, passing huge banana, pineapple and sugar cane plantations on the way. Arenal was the most active volcano in Costa Rica until 2010, when it entered a resting phase and stopped spitting ash, smoke and lava. However, there is still a lot of geothermal activity here and you'll have the opportunity to visit one of the excellent hot springs this evening. Alternatively, embark on a chocolate and coffee tour or take a walk on the wild side with the Ecoglide zipline . In clear weather, there are great views of the volcano from our overnight base, the nearby town of La Fortuna. Today's travelling time is around 5hr 30min including a lunch stop.
Day 5: Morning at Arenal Observatory Lodge; free afternoon
Today we enjoy Costa Rica's natural beauty at its best with a visit to Arenal Observatory Lodge, located within Arenal Volcano National Park. Our walk incorporates a hanging bridge through the treetop canopy and meanders through beautiful tropical gardens and lush rainforest. The property has a variety of trails and the tour leader will select a trail that suits the whole group for an enjoyable walk full of biodiversity. Two impressive observation towers, including the 28-meter-high Nest Tower, offer panoramic views of the surroundings. The adventure takes approximately two to three hours and offers opportunities to see or hear more than 250 species of birds, three types of monkeys and a whole host of other mammals, insects, reptiles, plants and flowers. After the nature walk, a delicious lunch is included in the restaurant. The afternoon is free to relax or embark on one of Arenal's many optional activities, including a coffee and chocolate tour.
Day 6: To Monteverde in the Tilarán Mountains; nocturnal wildlife walk
From Arenal, we travel to the Tilarán Mountain Range in the Central Highlands for our first taste of a Costa Rican cloud forest. The journey provides breath-taking views of the Gulf of Nicoya and the islands below as we ascend the hills towards Monteverde, a forest-cloaked region whose name means Green Mountain. The high altitude supports a complex ecosystem where plants thrive, particularly orchids of which there are some 400-plus different varieties here. Today's drive is around four hours – the last 25mi (40km) of road is gravel and can be bumpy, particularly following heavy rain. In the afternoon, it's possible to join an optional coffee tour to learn about the importance of this crop to the socio-economic development of the country. This evening we set off on a night walk in Monteverde Wildlife Refuge. Situated within primary cloud forest, this reserve is committed to the preservation of native flora and fauna. Taking a nocturnal walk allows for a completely new perspective on the forest, which our guides will bring to life for us. Keep your eyes peeled for sloths, who are often active during the night!
Day 7: Visit Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve; to San José
Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve is a favourite destination for birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts. A walk through the reserve will reveal huge old growth trees covered in moss while the surrounding mist permeates the atmosphere. The geographic, topographic and climatic conditions of the reserve allow a surprising biodiversity to thrive. There are four ecological ‘life zones’ that harbour different ecosystems for hundreds of species – mammals, birds, butterflies, amphibians, reptiles, insects and arachnids. We can also find a variety of mosses, vines, other plants and trees typical of the cloud forest. One of the reserve trails leads to a lookout point right at the top of the continental divide where, on clear days, you see both Costa Rican coasts: the Caribbean and Pacific. These forests are also one of the few remaining habitats of the endangered resplendent quetzal. Following today's activity, we transfer to San José. Tonight we have a farewell dinner at a local restaurant, a chance to toast the end of our adventure and look back on the highlights of the trip.
Day 8: End San José
The trip comes to an end today after breakfast, and it's time to bid Costa Rica and the rest of the group goodbye. If you aren’t quite ready to leave, speak to your sales representative about extending your adventure – relax on the beach, treat yourself to some spa time, or discover more nature. To ensure total relaxation, you can stay for as many nights as you wish in a range of hotels, and we’ll organise airport transfers in either direction for you.

Important Information

The trip destination

Food

In the itinerary we state which meals are included on which day. Hotel breakfasts are normally buffets, and lunches and dinners at Tortuguero are also buffets. Vegetarian and vegan options are limited but food is plentiful and tasty – please inform us before departure of any special dietary requests. Costa Rican specialities include gallo pinto, a black bean and rice dish that’s a staple part of the local diet. Soups and stews are also common, and fresh fruit is abundant and will no doubt be one of the highlights of your time in the tropics.

Weather

Costa Rica is 10 degrees north of the equator and has a tropical climate. The average annual temperature is around 26C (79F) in the lowlands and 10C (50F) in the highest mountain regions. However, it’s essential you prepare for the time of year in which your departure takes place.

Dry season (December to April): This is the driest period of the year and can get incredibly hot; on the Pacific side, temperatures may exceed 37C (98F). If passing through areas of dry tropical forest it can be hot, dusty and dry. Prepare for some rain even during this time of year.

Green season (May to November): Expect daily downpours, although these are usually quite short and there is still plenty of sunshine. Typically, there are sunny conditions until approximately 1pm-2pm and then a build-up of cloud from around 3pm, resulting in late afternoon rain (most likely showers between 3pm-5pm). Usually, the sky clears by 6pm.

Is this trip for you?

This trip is graded Activity Level 1 (Easy) with a Wildlife Rating of Three. Visit our Wildlife Holidays page for more on our Wildlife ratings. For more information on our trip gradings please visit the Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip please do not hesitate to contact us.

Most of the roads we travel on are good quality. However, the road that leads to the river on the way to and from Tortuguero and the road into and out of Monteverde have a poor surface and this can result in slow driving times, particularly following heavy rain. There are also some longer drives on the itinerary; when rest stops and meal breaks are taken into account, a 4-hour drive may take 6-7 hours in total.

There are several included and optional walks on the itinerary which occasionally involve walking on rough paths. These are suitable for most fitness levels. During times of heavy rain, trails can be muddy and slippery and extra care should be taken. Many of the areas visited on the trip are hot and humid and there is the chance of heavy rain year-round – this is why Costa Rica is so green.

Please note, the sea in the Tortuguero region has very strong rip currents and is not suitable for swimming from the beach.

Prices / Dates

By accepting our offer in writing, you/you confirm that our terms and conditions have both been read and understood and that cancellation fees may apply if the trip is cancelled.

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AVAILABLE DATES	PRICE (1 ADULT)	PRICE (1 CHILDREN)	Single room supplement	TRAVEL STATUS
Sat, 31 Oct 2026 / Sat, 07 Nov 2026	NOK 27 810 NOK 25 125	On request	NOK 5 715	On request
Sat, 14 Nov 2026 / Sat, 21 Nov 2026	NOK 29 560 NOK 26 600	On request	Not available	On request
Sat, 16 Jan 2027 / Sat, 23 Jan 2027	NOK 29 560	On request	NOK 5 980	On request
Sat, 06 Feb 2027 / Sat, 13 Feb 2027	NOK 29 560	On request	NOK 5 980	On request
Sat, 13 Mar 2027 / Sat, 20 Mar 2027	NOK 29 560	On request	NOK 5 980	On request
Sat, 17 Apr 2027 / Sat, 24 Apr 2027	NOK 29 560	On request	NOK 5 980	On request
Sat, 08 May 2027 / Sat, 15 May 2027	NOK 29 560	On request	NOK 5 980	On request
Sat, 05 Jun 2027 / Sat, 12 Jun 2027	NOK 29 560	On request	NOK 5 980	On request
Sat, 24 Jul 2027 / Sat, 31 Jul 2027	NOK 29 560	On request	NOK 5 980	On request
Sat, 06 Nov 2027 / Sat, 13 Nov 2027	NOK 29 560	On request	NOK 5 980	On request
Sat, 27 Nov 2027 / Sat, 04 Dec 2027	NOK 29 560	On request	NOK 5 980	On request
Sat, 15 Jan 2028 / Sat, 22 Jan 2028	NOK 30 230	On request	NOK 6 250	On request
Sat, 05 Feb 2028 / Sat, 12 Feb 2028	NOK 30 230	On request	NOK 6 250	On request
Sat, 19 Feb 2028 / Sat, 26 Feb 2028	NOK 30 230	On request	NOK 6 250	On request
Sat, 04 Mar 2028 / Sat, 11 Mar 2028	NOK 30 230	On request	NOK 6 250	On request
Sat, 11 Mar 2028 / Sat, 18 Mar 2028	NOK 30 230	On request	NOK 6 250	On request
Sat, 15 Apr 2028 / Sat, 22 Apr 2028	NOK 30 230	On request	NOK 6 250	On request
Sat, 06 May 2028 / Sat, 13 May 2028	NOK 30 230	On request	NOK 6 250	On request
Sat, 03 Jun 2028 / Sat, 10 Jun 2028	NOK 30 230	On request	NOK 6 250	On request
Sat, 22 Jul 2028 / Sat, 29 Jul 2028	NOK 30 230	On request	NOK 6 250	On request
Sat, 04 Nov 2028 / Sat, 11 Nov 2028	NOK 30 230	On request	NOK 6 250	On request
Sat, 25 Nov 2028 / Sat, 02 Dec 2028	NOK 30 230	On request	NOK 6 250	On request

AVAILABLE DATES	PRICE (1 ADULT)	PRICE (1 CHILDREN)	SINGLE ROOM SUPPLEMENT	TRAVEL STATUS
Sat, 31 Oct 2026 / Sat, 07 Nov 2026	NOK 27 810 NOK 25 125	On request	NOK 5 715	On request
Sat, 14 Nov 2026 / Sat, 21 Nov 2026	NOK 29 560 NOK 26 600	On request	Not available	On request
Sat, 16 Jan 2027 / Sat, 23 Jan 2027	NOK 29 560	On request	NOK 5 980	On request
Sat, 06 Feb 2027 / Sat, 13 Feb 2027	NOK 29 560	On request	NOK 5 980	On request
Sat, 13 Mar 2027 / Sat, 20 Mar 2027	NOK 29 560	On request	NOK 5 980	On request
Sat, 17 Apr 2027 / Sat, 24 Apr 2027	NOK 29 560	On request	NOK 5 980	On request
Sat, 08 May 2027 / Sat, 15 May 2027	NOK 29 560	On request	NOK 5 980	On request
Sat, 05 Jun 2027 / Sat, 12 Jun 2027	NOK 29 560	On request	NOK 5 980	On request
Sat, 24 Jul 2027 / Sat, 31 Jul 2027	NOK 29 560	On request	NOK 5 980	On request
Sat, 06 Nov 2027 / Sat, 13 Nov 2027	NOK 29 560	On request	NOK 5 980	On request
Sat, 27 Nov 2027 / Sat, 04 Dec 2027	NOK 29 560	On request	NOK 5 980	On request
Sat, 15 Jan 2028 / Sat, 22 Jan 2028	NOK 30 230	On request	NOK 6 250	On request
Sat, 05 Feb 2028 / Sat, 12 Feb 2028	NOK 30 230	On request	NOK 6 250	On request
Sat, 19 Feb 2028 / Sat, 26 Feb 2028	NOK 30 230	On request	NOK 6 250	On request
Sat, 04 Mar 2028 / Sat, 11 Mar 2028	NOK 30 230	On request	NOK 6 250	On request
Sat, 11 Mar 2028 / Sat, 18 Mar 2028	NOK 30 230	On request	NOK 6 250	On request
Sat, 15 Apr 2028 / Sat, 22 Apr 2028	NOK 30 230	On request	NOK 6 250	On request
Sat, 06 May 2028 / Sat, 13 May 2028	NOK 30 230	On request	NOK 6 250	On request
Sat, 03 Jun 2028 / Sat, 10 Jun 2028	NOK 30 230	On request	NOK 6 250	On request
Sat, 22 Jul 2028 / Sat, 29 Jul 2028	NOK 30 230	On request	NOK 6 250	On request
Sat, 04 Nov 2028 / Sat, 11 Nov 2028	NOK 30 230	On request	NOK 6 250	On request
Sat, 25 Nov 2028 / Sat, 02 Dec 2028	NOK 30 230	On request	NOK 6 250	On request

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Natural Highlights of Costa Rica

Overview

Itinerary

Photos

Important Information

Prices / Dates