Costa Rica Wildlife & Beach Holiday
Wildlife & Beach Costa Rica: Explore Costa Rica Holiday Details
San Jose - Tortuguero Wetlands - Arenal Volcano - Monteverde Cloudforest - Samara - Wildlife - Jungle River Raft - Freedom to Explore - Pacific Beaches
Brief Description
- See the best of beautiful, varied, safe Costa Rica in comfort.
- A perfect mix of independent and guided exploration.
- Combine wildlife viewing, varied activities and relaxation on a beach.
- Raft on a jungle river, relax in volcanic hotsprings, walk through cloudforest canopy, drift through Caribbean wetlands before ending at the beaches.
Costa Rica Wildlife & Beach Holiday Itinerary
Day 1 | San José | Arrive
On arrival in San Jose you are met and taken to your boutique hotel nearby.
Day 2 | San José | Relax
Enjoy your hotel, swim in one of the private pools, walk around the tropical grounds. (b)
Day 3 | Pacuare | Raft through rainforest
Early start, raft 27km of class III & IV rapids to your riverside camp which is comfortable & well equipped. Afternoon free to fish, hike or relax.
(b,l,d)
Day 4 | Pacuare | Continue rafting
Continue rafting along the Pacuare river through the rain forest. Spend tonight in the town of Guapiles en route to the Caribbean coast. (b,l)
Day 5 | Tortuguero | Boat into Tortuguero
Travel by road & river into the wetlands of Tortuguero. Your lodge has an excellent staff of naturalist guides for wildlife viewing; sea turtles (April-October) birds, monkeys and alligators. (b,l,d)
Day 6 | Tortuguero | See wildlife close-up
Explore by boat, canoe, bike or on foot through this enormous reserve.
The lodge runs tours of the wetlands with its own qualified guides. (b,l,d)
Day 7 | Arenal | Drive to Arenal
Leave the park by boat this morning. Collect your 4x4 vehicle and drive to Arenal.
Tonight watch the lava glow of the volcano from your comfortable lodge. (b)
Day 8 | Arenal | Relax in hot springs
Relax in hot springs. Enjoy your hotel facilities, stroll around the grounds, swim in the pool or have a massage, all within ear-shot of the rumbling volcano. (b)
Day 9 | Monteverde | Cloudforest wildlife
Drive to the Monteverde Cloudforest Reserve.
Stay in a mountain hotel next to the reserve entrance. (b)
Day 10 | Monteverde | Wildlife trails
Spend today in Monteverde enjoying this area. The canopy is extremely rich with humming birds, colourful butterflies, exotic frogs and orchids.
Tonight see the nocturnal wildlife. (b)
Day 11 | Samara | Head for the Pacific coast
Drive to the Pacific coast. Relax at the beach in your 6-villa complex with lovely pool, just back from the beach.
(b)
Day 12 | Samara | Explore & relax
During the day you can take surfing lessons, ride horses and mountain bikes, walk, explore this laid back village or relax on the beach. (b)
Day 13 | Samara | Explore & relax
Day at leisure.
Watch the sunset and enjoy the beach front bars and barbeques. (b)
Day 14 | Samara | Explore & relax
Another day to relax on the beach or try something more active. (b)
Day 15 | San José | Relax
Free morning to enjoy the beach. Driving back to San José for the evening. (b)
Day 16 | Travel | Depart for home
Transfer to airport for flight home. (b)
Optional extension
Day 16 | Corcovado | Relax & explore
Fly south to Corcovado on the Osa Peninsula, continue the last section by boat to stay at a rather special jungle lodge. (b,l,d)
Day 17 | Corcovado | Explore the rainforest
Walk through jungle to a waterfall, swim and spot monkeys. Picnic on the beach this afternoon. (b,l,d)
Day 18 | Corcovado | Explore the coast
Take a boat trip out into the bay to snorkel around the reef or see whales. Explore the network of trails around the lodge or simply relax in a hammock. (b,l,d)
Day 19 | Travel | Travel home
Transfer out of the lodge and fly to San José and connect with your onward flight home. (b)
“We had the most fantastic time. We saw and did so much and yet had time to relax as well. Not picking up the car until we had acclimatised to roads was very good.” John H Costa Rica 2007
"Best holiday we have ever had. Corcovado was the most special place we have ever visited - we swam in a waterfall while monkeys played in the trees about - magnificent."Maria B, Costa Rica 2007
Prices & Departures
Guide price |
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | Nov | Dec | £1,350pp May | Jun | Sep | Oct | £1,300pp Jul | Aug | £1,235pp |
Optional extension |
According to season | £650 - £805pp |
Prices include |
First class hotels & lodges (twin/double) per itinerary; |
| Not included | International flights; personal expenses or tips. |
Prices are per person based on two sharing.
Prices may be subject to change: please confirm at booking.
View full Costa Rica holiday itinerary now
Not quite right?
If this holiday’s not quite right for you, call us on 0845 22 55 058 to discuss your ideas or consider:Walk & Wildlife Peru and Galapagos: Inca Trail and Galapagos Cruise Combine two once-in-a-lifetime experiences at a balanced pace.
Wildlife & Culture: Latin Revelation Beautiful scenery, abundant wildlife, welcoming communities and lovely colonial towns.
Walk, Active & Wildlife Mexico: Copper Canyon and Pacific Combine hiking, kayaking and whale watching in one exciting holiday.