Exodus Costa Rica Coast to Coast

• All breakfasts, 6 lunches and 6 dinners included
• All accommodation
• All transport and listed activities
• Tour leader throughout
• Flights from London

• Travel from the Caribbean to the Pacific coast
• Day walks to waterfalls through diverse scenery
• National parks, forests and volcanoes
• Comfortable eco-friendly lodges and hotels

Day 1: Fly to San Jose

This evening is the perfect opportunity to meet your guide and get to know your fellow travellers.

Day 2: To Tortuguero N.P.; short coastal walk

Our adventure begins early this morning, leaving San Jose behind as we travel to the north-east of Costa Rica to Tortuguero National Park. Accessible only by boat or light aircraft, Tortuguero’s vast network of waterways, canals and swamps is remarkably tranquil, unspoilt and devoid of noise pollution. On reaching the pier we board a small motorboat for the one hour fifteen minute journey to our lodge. This afternoon we visit Tortuguero village and take a short walk following a pathway parallel to the coastline.

Day 3: Boat tour of Tortuguero; kayak the waterways

An early 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+ bird species recorded here.

Day 4: El Toro Waterfall walk; to La Fortuna near Arenal Volcano

e leave Tortuguero this morning, taking a short internal flight back to San Jose to reduce today’s travel time. Our bus will be waiting to drive us to the region of La Fortuna, passing huge banana, pineapple and sugar cane plantations. On the way we stop for a short walk in the area of Bajos del Toro, where the highest and most impressive waterfall of the country is located. Our walking trail takes us all the way to the bottom of the waterfall, which empties at a height of 90 metres into an old extinct volcanic crater. There are several fantastic viewpoints on the first 500 metres of the trail, which is generally flat and surrounded by forest.

Day 5: Arenal Volcano and La Fortuna Waterfall walks; optional visit to Ecotermales Hot Springs

Today we travel to the province of Alajuela in the central valley where the Juan Castro Blanco National Park is located. Our hike focuses on reaching the summit of Platanar Volcano, a spectacular hike through the varying forest climates as well as panoramic views at some of the highest points. This is a full day hike along a one-way trail, so after reaching the highest lookout point we’ll re-trace our steps.

Day 6: Hike with views of Lake Arenal; to Tenorio

There is a short guided hike this morning through Arenal Volcano National Park. The park has a great system of trails passing through secondary forest and near lava fields created by previous eruptions. The high vantage points on this walk allow great views overlooking Lake Arenal, and the birdlife is plentiful.

Day 7: Walk along Rio Celeste in Tenorio Volcano National Park

After breakfast we travel to the Tenorio Volcano National Park where we join a hiking trail along the Rio Celeste towards ‘Tenideros’. After merging with a small creak this section of the river takes on a striking blue turquoise colour, the result of components such as copper and sulphur reacting together.

Day 8: Hike from Miravalles Volcano to Aguas Claras with views of Rincon de la Vieja N.P

We depart early towards the area of Rincon de la Vieja, an area that combines dry forest with enchanting waterfalls and is best known for its bubbling mud pots, steaming vents in the earth, hot springs and a whole host of wildlife. The starting point of our walk will be close to the Miravalles Volcano, from which we walk towards Aguas Claras town along a gravel road.

Day 9: Follow walking trails to the ‘cauldrons’ and waterfall in Rincon de la Vieja N.P

Covering some 14,804 hectares, Rincon de la Vieja National Park is full of geological features and has the active Rincon de la Vieja Volcano (1895m) within its boundaries, as well as a series of other craters and volcanic peaks. This region is still relatively undiscovered but is starting to attract more visitors. This morning we walk inside the national park, widely regarded as one of Costa Rica’s hidden gems.

Day 10: Hike in Santa Rosa N.P; to Samara beach on the Pacific coast

Today’s hike takes place on trails within the grounds of Hacienda Guachipelin, located in the sunny Guanacaste province next to the Rincon de la Vieja National Park. On this expansive 3,400 acre ranch there are 360° views of the Rincón de la Vieja and Santa Maria volcanoes, the Guanacaste plains and the Pacific coastline. On our hike we’ll discover three waterfalls: Oropendula, the Choreras and Victoria Waterfall.

Day 11: Free day to enjoy Samara beach or sign up for an optional activity

Samara beach is one of the best kept secrets in Costa Rica! The broad, shady bay stretches for 4 km and is backed by coconut palms. The water is calm and safe for swimming thanks to a coral reef just out to sea on which the normally large, Pacific waves break before reaching the beach.

Day 12: Free morning at Samara; to San Jose

This morning is free to enjoy Samara beach before we leave the Nicoya peninsula and transfer back to San Jose, a journey of approximately 4.5 hours.

Day 13: Depart San Jose

The trip comes to an end today after breakfast and it’s time to bid Costa Rica and the rest of the group goodbye.

Day 14: Arrive in London

Those on the group flights arrive back into London today.

• 3 daywalks and 5 shorter walks
• Altitude maximum 2,183m, average 230m
• 12 nights in comfortable hotels and eco-lodges

From a rustic wooden lodge set in tropical gardens to a hotel overlooking the Pacific ocean, most of the properties that we use are small, family run establishments offering a warm welcome and relaxing surroundings.

Please note, prices listed are guide prices only and are based on 2 people sharing and don’t include any additional supplements. Holiday prices are fluid and dynamic and may be changed at a moment’s notice, prior to booking, at which point they are confirmed. Please call the team free on 0800 707 6229 for more departure dates available and a quote.