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Wildlife Encounters

Grand Tour of Costa Rica

Costa Rica

19 nights 17 Departures Available

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A comprehensive journey from Caribbean coastal wetlands to cloud forest mountains, volcanic landscapes, rainforest valleys, Pacific shores and exotic wildlife

Overview

Revered for its unparalleled biodiversity, undiluted tranquillity and untamed wilderness of rainforest, rivers, and jungles, Costa Rica is a beautiful, colourful country.
From coast to coast, from the dazzling plumage of quetzals to dizzying heights in cloud forest canopies, from brooding volcanoes to botanical gardens, and from whale-watching waters to the nesting beaches of green sea turtles, this is nature at its glorious best. Punctuating the tour with rural towns and oceanfront resorts, visit the biggest volcano in the country, Irazú, travel by boat to the Caribbean sandbar of Tortuguero, a marshland maze of waterways, inaccessible by road. Enjoy astonishing birdlife opportunities throughout this journey of discovery.

Highlights

  • UNESCO Site: Guanacaste
  • Irazú Volcano National Park
  • CATIE Botanical Gardens
  • Tortuguero National Park
  •  Monteverde Cloud Forest
  • Dolphin & whale watching tour
Grand Tour Of Costa Rica Map 2023

Itinerary

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Day 1 - Fly from London direct to San José. Transfer to the 4-star Aurola Holiday Inn (Formally

Fly from London direct to San José. Transfer to the 4-star Aurola Holiday Inn (Formally Delta by Mariott San Jose Aurola)  for overnight stay.

Day 2 - Visit Irazú Volcano National Park. Visit Cartago City and continue to Turrialba Valley

Visit Irazú Volcano National Park. Visit Cartago City and continue to Turrialba Valley and visit the CATIE Botanical Gardens with grand displays of gardens and tropical plants. Overnight at Villa Florencia in Turrialba.
(B, D)

Day 3 - Transfer by boat to the Evergreen Lodge in Tortuguero for two nights. Visit the Turtle

Transfer by boat to the Evergreen Lodge in Tortuguero for two nights. Visit the Turtle Museum and town.
(B, L, D)

Day 4 - Morning walk at the lodge’s private trail. Afternoon boat tour, exploring the Amazonesq

Morning walk at the lodge’s private trail. Afternoon boat tour, exploring the Amazonesque channels surrounding the Tortuguero Lagoon. Evening Unique Experience cocktail. 
(B, L, D)

Day 5 - Fly to San José. Visit the Doka Coffee Estate, Grecia town, Sarchi and Else Kientztler

Fly to San José. Visit the Doka Coffee Estate, Grecia town, Sarchi and Else Kientztler Botanical Gardens. Two nights at Volcano Lodge or similar.
(B, L)

Day 6 - Naturalist walk includes the hanging bridges and Arenal Volcano National Park. Bathe in

Naturalist walk includes the hanging bridges and Arenal Volcano National Park. Bathe in the hot springs at Ecotermales La Fortuna.
(B)

Day 7 - Visit Palo Verde National Park, enjoy a Bebedero river cruise. Overnight at Hacienda Gu

Visit Palo Verde National Park, enjoy a Bebedero river cruise. Overnight at Hacienda Guachipelin Hotel.
(B, D)

Day 8 - Discover Rincón de la Vieja National Park with a gentle hike to see geothermal wo

Discover Rincón de la Vieja National Park with a gentle hike to see geothermal wonders and ancient forests. Travel to Potrero Beach for two nights at the Bahía del Sol Hotel or similar.
(B)

Day 9 -  A day at leisure.
(B)

 A day at leisure.
(B)

Day 10 - Travel to Monteverde (3 ½ hrs) for two nights at Poco a Poco Hotel. Night walk at the C

Travel to Monteverde (3 ½ hrs) for two nights at Poco a Poco Hotel. Night walk at the Children’s Rainforest.
(B)

Day 11 - Visit Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. Afternoon at leisure.
(B, L)

Visit Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. Afternoon at leisure.
(B, L)

Day 12 - Travel towards the Central Pacific Area and visit the Carara National Park with its uni

Travel towards the Central Pacific Area and visit the Carara National Park with its unique ecosystems. Two nights at Macaw Lodge in Turrubares.
(B, L, D)

Day 13 - Visit Macaw Lodge Sustainable Farm. Afternoon at leisure or take an optional chocolate

Visit Macaw Lodge Sustainable Farm. Afternoon at leisure or take an optional chocolate tour in the hotel grounds (pre-bookable).
(B, L, D)

Day 14 - Continue to the Pacific area of Dominical for an afternoon guided walk through the jung

Continue to the Pacific area of Dominical for an afternoon guided walk through the jungle. Two nights at Hotel Villas Río Mar or similar.
(B, L)

Day 15 - Morning dolphin and whale watching tour. Afternoon at leisure.
(B, D)

Morning dolphin and whale watching tour. Afternoon at leisure.
(B, D)

Day 16 - Travel to San Gerardo de Rivas (2,200m). At leisure or walk with the local guide in sea

Travel to San Gerardo de Rivas (2,200m). At leisure or walk with the local guide in search of rare bird species within the Reserve. Two nights at the Talamanca Reserve.
(B, D)

Day 17 - Visit the Secret Gardens to discover the collection of orchids, flowering trees and tro

Visit the Secret Gardens to discover the collection of orchids, flowering trees and tropical plants.
(B, L)

Day 18 - Take a Quetzal trail. Visit a rural house. Continue to San José.
(B)

Take a Quetzal trail. Visit a rural house. Continue to San José.
(B)

Day 19 - Morning at leisure for an optional city tour (bookable locally). Return flight.
(B)

Morning at leisure for an optional city tour (bookable locally). Return flight.
(B) 

Day 20 - Arrive in London in the morning.

Arrive in London in the morning.

Day 1 - Fly to San José

Fly from your chosen airport to San José. Transfer to the 4-star Aurola Holiday Inn or similar for overnight stay.

Day 2 - Enjoy sightseeing en route to Turrialba

Visit Irazú Volcano National Park. Visit Cartago City and continue to Turrialba Valley and visit the CATIE Botanical Gardens with grand displays of gardens and tropical plants. Overnight at Villa Florencia or similar in Turrialba. 
(B, D)

Day 3 - Travel to Tortuguero and visit the Turtle Museum

Transfer by boat to the Evergreen Lodge or similar in Tortuguero for two nights. Visit the Turtle Museum and town. 
(B, L, D)

Day 4 - Enjoy a walk and boat tour, before a cocktail experience

Morning walk at the lodge’s private trail. Afternoon boat tour, exploring the Amazonesque channels surrounding the Tortuguero Lagoon. Evening Unique Experience cocktail. 
(B, L, D)

Day 5 - Fly to San José, visiting a coffee estate and botanical gardens

Fly to San José. Visit the Doka Coffee Estate, Grecia town, Sarchi and Else Kientztler Botanical Gardens. Two nights at Volcano Lodge or similar.
(B, L)

Day 6 - Explore Arenal and enjoy the local hot springs

Naturalist walk includes the hanging bridges and Arenal Volcano National Park. Bathe in the hot springs at Ecotermales La Fortuna.
(B)

Day 7 - Visit Palo Verde National Park

Visit Palo Verde National Park, enjoy a Bebedero river cruise. Overnight at Hacienda Guachipelin Hotel or similar. 
(B, D)

Day 8 - Explore Rincón de la Vieja National Park and travel to Tamarindo Beach

 Discover Rincón de la Vieja National Park with a gentle hike to see geothermal wonders and ancient forests. Travel to Tamarindo Beach or similar for two nights at the Tamarindo Diria Beach Resort or similar.
(B)

Day 9 - Enjoy a day at leisure to relax or explore

 A day at leisure.
(B)

Day 10 - Transfer to Monteverde for a guided night walk

Travel to Monteverde (3 ½ hrs) for two nights at the Monteverde Country Lodge or similar. Night walk at the Children’s Rainforest.
(B)

Day 11 - Visit the Cloud Forest Reserve with a free afternoon

Visit Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. Afternoon at leisure.
(B, L)

Day 12 - Travel to Turrubares

Travel towards the Central Pacific Area and visit the Carara National Park with its unique ecosystems. Two nights at Macaw Lodge or similar in Turrubares.
(B, L, D)

Day 13 - Visit a local farm before an optional chocolate tour

Visit Macaw Lodge Sustainable Farm. Afternoon at leisure or take an optional chocolate tour in the hotel grounds (pre-bookable).
(B, L, D)

Day 14 - Travel to Dominical for an afternoon jungle walk

Continue to the Pacific area of Dominical for an afternoon guided walk through the jungle. Two nights at Hotel Villas Río Mar or similar.
(B, L)

Day 15 - Enjoy a dolphin and whale watching tour

Morning dolphin and whale watching tour. Afternoon at leisure.
(B, D)

Day 16 - Transfer to San Gerardo de Rivas and enjoy an optional walk

Travel to San Gerardo de Rivas (2,200m). At leisure or walk with the local guide in search of rare bird species within the Reserve. Three nights at the Talamanca Reserve or similar. 
(B, D)

Day 17 - Spend time at the Secret Gardens

Visit the Secret Gardens to discover the collection of orchids, flowering trees and tropical plants.
(B, L)

Day 18 - Explore a Quetzal trail with a later cheese tour

Take a Quetzal trail. Enjoy a cheese tour in the mountainside area of Canaan including a tasting.
(B)

Day 19 - Transfer to San José for your flight home

Transfer to San José for the return flight or extend your stay for three nights in Manuel Antonio.
(B) 

Day 20 - Arrive home

Arrival in the morning.

Notes:

This is a full itinerary with some steps, uneven surfaces and occasional areas of altitude.
On occasion hotels of a similar standard may be substituted.

Reviews

Unique Experience

Accommodation

Here is a list of the accommodation you can stay in for this tour. Occasionally we use alternative hotels, or have a choice of hotels to choose from which will be detailed when booking.

Aurola Holiday Inn, San Jose, Costa Rica, Exterior

Aurola Holiday Inn (Formally Delta by Mariott San Jose Aurola) - San Jose

A mirrored tower 4-star hotel with views of the Central Valley and WiFi (free). 200 air-conditioned rooms with mini bar, safe, hairdryer, coffee making facilities and satellite TV.

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Villa Florencia, Turrialba, Costa Rica, Swimming Pool

Villa Florencia - Turrialba

A picturesque hotel set amongst lush gardens. Restaurant, pool, WiFi (free) and 21 rooms with hairdryer and satellite TV.

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Evergreen Lodge, Tortuguero, Costa Rica, Hotel Exterior

Evergreen Lodge - Tortuguero

The lodge is located in an ideal position, just a 5 minute boat ride from the entrance of Tortuguero National Park. Restaurant, pool, WiFi (chargeable) and 55 rooms with fans.

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Volcano Lodge, Arenal, Costa Rica, Swimming Pool View

Volcano Lodge - Arenal

A 3-star hotel at the foot of Arenal Volcano, admist tropical gardens with restaurant, bar, pool, WiFi (free). 62 air-conditioned rooms with hairdryer, coffee making facilities and satellite TV.

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Hacienda Guachipelin, Rincon, Costa Rica, Aerial View

Hacienda Guachipelin - Rincon

A 3-star eco-lodge surrounded by gardens with native trees and exotic flowers attracting a great variety of birds and located next to Rincón de la Vieja National Park in Guanacaste. Pool, bar, restaurant, WiFi (free) and 59 air-conditioned rooms with hairdryer, safe, coffee making facillities and satellite TV.

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Tamarindo Diria Hotel, Tamarindo Beach, Costa Rica, Dining

Tamarindo Diria Beach Resort - Tamarindo Beach

A beach front hotel on the Pacific Coast with restaurant, bar, pools, spa and WiFi (free). 238 air-conditioned rooms with hairdryer, safe, mini-fridge, coffee-making facilities and satellite TV.

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Monteverde Country Lodge, Monteverde, Costa Rica, Exterior

Monteverde Country Lodge - Monteverde

Situated in the mountains of Monteverde, a pleasant and simple lodge with restaurant, bar, spa, and WiFi (free). 60 rooms with satellite TV.

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Macaw Lodge, Turrubares, Costa Rica, Exterior

Macaw Lodge - Turrubares

An authentic eco haven with an abundance of bird life, in the hills of Cerros de Turrubares and situated near to Carara National Park. Restaurant, gardens, lounge and WiFi (free). 12 rooms with fans.

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Talamanca Reserve San Gerardo De Rivas Costa Rica, Exterior

Talamanca Reserve - San Gerardo de Rivas

A wildlife lodge located in a private reserve, abundant in vegetation and wildlife. Restaurant, bar, WiFi (free) and 15 rooms with hairdryer and coffee making facilities available from reception.

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Optional Extras

Customize your tour by adding optional excursions or extend your journey with our curated add-on extensions.

Optional Excursions

Chocolate Tour Costa Rica Cacao

Chocolate Tour

Enjoy a cocoa production visit within the grounds of the Macaw Lodge cocoa plantations with a briefing on the cocoa tree, its characteristics, the soil it needs, the fruit and its different varieties. Watch a demonstration of how the cocoa bean is processed in the factory with an included tasting.

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Extension Options

Sloth, Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica

Stay three nights with breakfast in sea view rooms at the stunningly located and beautifully decorated 4-star Hotel Parador in Manuel Antonio National Park combining idyllic white sand beaches with wonderful wildlife. Note:
On Day 18 of the main tour itinerary, you will participate in the scheduled activities and then transfer directly to Manuel Antonio (not San José) for your extended stay.

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Stay Extra Nights...

Add extra nights to your tour at the starting or ending hotel.

- Travel Guides -

You can find out more about the county on the travel guide.

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