Riviera Travel Costa Rica

• Explore Costa Rica’s breathtaking biodiversity, including Emperor butterflies, toucans, and the iridescent Quetzal.
• Direct flights from the UK now make this stunning country easily accessible.
• Immerse yourself in the unique ecosystem of Tortuguero National Park along Costa Rica’s Caribbean coastline.
• Witness the majestic Arenal Volcano, still active, and its surrounding area.
• Journey to the remote Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge, famous for its diverse bird species.
• Experience the awe-inspiring Monteverde Cloud Forest from suspended hanging bridges.
• Take a captivating tour of a coffee estate.
• For an adrenaline rush, consider a thrilling rainforest zip-line adventure.
• Relax and unwind with a three-night stay at a luxurious five-star resort with Pacific Ocean views.

• 11 nights in three to five-star accommodation
• Return flights & transfers
• 11 visits & tours
• Selected Meals: Daily breakfast, 6 lunches & 5 dinners
• Expert Tour Manager
• Checked luggage

Day 1 – Arrival in San Jose

Arrive at the airport for your flight to San Jose. Upon arrival, spend the rest of the day at leisure

Day 2 – Tortuguero

After an early start, depart for Tortuguero on Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast, passing coffee and banana plantations and small farming communities. Then, transfer to a boat, navigating natural canals to reach our home for the next two nights at Aninga, Evergreen, or Pachira eco-lodges, on a full board basis.

After lunch, visit Tortuguero, a charming town, and the Caribbean Conservation Corporation Museum dedicated to studying Atlantic Green, Hawksbill, and Leatherback turtles that lay eggs on the protected beaches here from July to October annually.

In the evening, enjoy Costa Rican cuisine at the hotel’s restaurant, and later, join expert guides with telescopes to explore the wonders of the Southern Cross and the Milky Way as the tropical forest comes alive with its sounds.

Day 3 – Tortuguero

After breakfast, embark on an intriguing nature trail walk around our lodge. This area, known as the “turtle catcher,” saw many turtle species on the brink of extinction until it was designated a national park. Along the way, you’ll encounter caimans, various monkey species, and numerous endemic and migratory birds like toucans, macaws, and raptors.

In the afternoon, extend your exploration by boat, navigating the lush green waterways of this extraordinary ecosystem, following a relaxing break by the pool during the hottest part of the day.

Day 4 – Arenal

This morning, head westward through the heart of the country toward Arenal, renowned for Costa Rica’s youngest volcano, the perfectly symmetrical cone of Arenal Volcano. Following a lunch break, reach Arenal in the afternoon.

Day 5 – Cano Negro Reserve

Today, journey north, near the Nicaraguan border, to the Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge. You’ll board a boat to peacefully cruise along the Frio River, guided by a local expert who will highlight the abundant birdlife of Costa Rica. This region boasts over 300 bird species, including kingfishers, ibis, toucans, storks, and even a unique vulture. Additionally, keep an eye out for iguanas, caimans, and various monkey species along the riverbanks.

Day 6 – Arenal Free day

Spend a leisurely day at the hotel.  In the evening, delve into Costa Rican cuisine through a fun and informative cooking class followed by dinner.

Day 7 – Monteverde

In the morning, set out on a guided walking tour in the foothills of Arenal Volcano, offering stunning up-close views of the volcano. Later,  head south, making our way to the Monteverde Cloud Forest, where you’ll spend the next two nights.7

Day 8 – Monteverde Cloud Forest

The Monteverde Cloud Forest boasts remarkable biodiversity, housing 120 reptile and amphibian species, 130 mammal species, over 500 bird species, and 3,000 plant species. To appreciate this beauty from above, explore the Sky Walk Hanging Bridges, offering unique views from heights of up to 180 feet.

In the afternoon, savour lunch and tour a traditional Costa Rican coffee farm, discovering the cultivation of one of Costa Rica’s major exports in this tropical region and its significant role in the country’s development.

Day 9 – Guanacaste

This morning, we drive to Guanacaste on the picturesque Pacific coast, known for its stunning beaches and lush tropical forests. Along the way, we stop in the bustling town of Liberia for free time to explore and sample local cuisine.

Discover remarkable creatures and the dedicated team caring for them at Las Pumas Wildlife Rescue Centre & Sanctuary. Here, you can observe five out of six wild cat species found in Costa Rica, including jaguars and pumas. Join a local naturalist to visit these animals, which the sanctuary rehabilitates and releases into their natural habitat whenever possible.

Day 10 – Palo Verde National Park

Today, explore Palo Verde National Park, a top Costa Rican conservation area with diverse land and marine life. A local guide will lead a boat tour through this tropical paradise, home to 109 mammal species and 184 bird species. You’ll spot three-toed sloths, monkeys, iguanas, tree frogs, hummingbirds, scarlet macaws, blue-winged teal, and more.

Day 11 – Free day in Guanacaste

Enjoy your final day in your hotel

Day 12 – San Jose and return home

Travel back to San Jose airport for your overnight flight home

Day 13 – Arrive home

Arrive home this morning

Crowne Palaza Corobici, San Jose

This four-star hotel in downtown San José offers a 24-hour front desk, a bar, a restaurant with international and Japanese cuisine options, a gift shop, fitness center, outdoor pool, spa & wellness facilities, and complimentary Wi-Fi. The air-conditioned rooms are spacious, equipped with essential amenities including a bath or shower, hairdryer, safe, minibar (local charges apply), TV, and tea/coffee making facilities. It’s an ideal choice for your first night in Costa Rica.

Hotel Arenal Manoa, Arenal

This charming four-star hotel offers stunning views of the Arenal volcano amidst lush gardens and greenery, situated on the original Manoa dairy farm. The spacious, air-conditioned rooms are in single-story cottages across the extensive grounds, equipped with a shower, hairdryer, fridge, safe, TV, tea/coffee facilities, complimentary Wi-Fi, and a private terrace. Shuttles are available for rooms further away from the main facilities.

JW Marriott Guanacaste Resort & Spa, Tamarindo

The five-star JW Marriott Guanacaste Resort & Spa is nestled within Hacienda Pinilla, a vast 4,500-acre ranch featuring an 18-hole golf course, tennis courts, villa resort, and beach club along the Pacific Ocean. The resort boasts a sprawling free-form pool, fitness room, and a luxurious spa. The comfortable and spacious rooms offer balconies or terraces with garden or pool views, air conditioning, separate bath and shower, hairdryer, iron, minibar (local charges apply), safe, TV with DVD player, and tea/coffee facilities.

Fact File

• Currency: Costa Rican Colón
• Flight time: Approx.  10 hrs 50 mins
• Language: Spanish
• Time zone: GMT-6
• Country: Costa Rica

*All transfer times are approximate and dependent on traffic.