Classic Costa Rica

Day 1 - Day of arrival

Arrival at San Jose international airport.

On arrival, private transfer (approximately 40 minutes) to the 3 star, owner managed, Bougainvillea Hotel for one night on a bed and breakfast basis. The hotel is in a quiet residential area of the capital (15 minutes by taxi from the centre) and set in 10 acres of superb mature botanical gardens. Views are to the mountains which surround San Jose or to the capital’s skyline. The Bougainvillea boasts a restaurant, bar, pool and tennis court.

Day 2 - Transfer to Tortuguero

After breakfast, a group transfer (depart around 0600) north to Guapiles (breakfast stop) in the heart of Costa Rica’s banana growing region in the Limon district and the gateway between the Caribbean coast and the central highlands. From Guapiles, the transfer is by boat through exciting mangroves to the Mawamba Lodge in Tortuguero National Park for 2 nights on a full board basis. Arrive in Tortuguero around 1300. We have featured the Mawamba Lodge since we started our Costa Rica programme. This is a rustic lodge located between the canals and the sea with 58 wooden cabins - all with private facilities. Don't expect air conditioning, TV or WiFi here. There is, however, a swimming pool, jacuzzi, restaurant and bar. There is also a frog garden and butterfly sanctuary on site. It is a short walk to the tiny village of Tortuguero and to Tortuguero beach where, on moonlit nights in July and August, you can watch the Green Turtles labour their way up the beach in their hundreds in order to lay their eggs - a memorable experience.

Day 3 - In Tortuguero (guided tours)

After breakfast depart for a group guided wildlife canal boat trip and guided walk. Tortuguero (‘turtle place’ to the indigenous population) National Park was once an archipelago of volcanic islands so the distinction between sea and dry land is blurred. Lagoons, wetlands, beaches and canals abound and the park is best explored by boat. Fifty species of fish live in the canals as well as spectacled caiman and southern river otters. Spider and howler monkeys dominate the trees.

Day 4 - Transfer to Arenal

After breakfast a boat and land transfer (approximately 4 hours 30 minutes) to Arenal and the Arenal Manoa Resort (junior suite with volcano view) for 2 nights on a bed and breakfast basis. To see the perfect cone of the Arenal volcano rising from the surrounding tropical rainforest and lake below is a special experience. Howler monkeys, macaws and brilliant butterflies flourish among the heliconias and cascading waterfalls. The Arenal Manoa, set in lush gardens, has a unique setting giving incredible views of the volcano. All rooms have a panoramic vista of the mountain. The rooms are bright and modern, set in bungalow-style buildings. The hotel has a swimming pool, restaurant, bar and Jacuzzi. You need to make the most of your time at this incredible location. In the evening, go to the nearby Ecotermales hot springs to swim, relax and have dinner. Not only is this a wonderful experience but the view of the volcano, is one of lifetime’s unique memories. Our chairman Noel ranks his visit to Ecotermales in 1994 as the most memorable aspect of his research trip to Costa Rica.

Day 5 - In Arenal including private half day guided tour to Arenal hanging bridges

The private half day guided tour of the Arenal Hanging Bridges is yet another highlight to be remembered. The forest canopy is a world apart from what we are used to seeing in tropical rainforests and these suspension bridges (6 in total) which span the forest canopy, make it possible to view exceptionally beautiful plants and animals (for instance sloths and howler monkeys) which live in the canopy. Here you are often 50 metres above the ground. Taking full advantage of the unique habitat there are many activities in and around Arenal from white water rafting to zip wire rides which can be booked locally.

Day 6 - Transfer to Monteverde

After breakfast, private transfer (approximately 4 hours) including a lake crossing from Arenal to Monteverde to stay in the Trapp Family Lodge for 3 nights on a bed and breakfast basis in a mountain suite. The Trapp Family Lodge is the closest hotel to the Monteverde tropical cloud forest reserve which is a 15 minute walk away. This rustic lodge has 20 spacious rooms with cable TV and private facilities. Hardwood floors and bright local artworks complete the picture. Large windows look out onto the gardens and the cloud forest beyond. There is a bar, a lounge where one can relax and read and a restaurant which serves home cooked meals.

Day 7 - In Monteverde including a private half day guided tour to the reserve

At 1400 metres above sea level the Monteverde cloud forest is swept by mists heavily laden with moisture which nourishes the unique environment where a multitude of species flourish. Founded by American Quakers in the 1950’s - The Cloud Forest Reserve was established in 1972 and now covers 35,089 acres. The forest harbours the greatest number (420) of orchids in one place in the world… There are six ecological zones, 90% of which are virgin forest. The biodiversity is enormous, with 2,500 plant species, 100 species of mammals, 400 bird species and 120 reptilian and amphibian species. You might even catch a glimpse of divinity in the form of the resplendent Quetzal. After breakfast there is a private half day guided tour to the reserve and in the afternoon you are free to explore further or book one of the many activities that are available in the area.

Day 8 - Day at leisure

A day at leisure to relax or explore the area further. Here you will find some of the best zip wires in Costa Rica, canopy tours, suspension bridge walks, hiking trails and horseback tours. There is also an opportunity to visit a local plantation to discover how coffee is made.

Day 9 - Transfer to Nicoya peninsula

The private transfer from Monteverde to the southern part of the Nicoya Peninsula will take approximately 5 hours (including a lovely ferry crossing). Your stay here will be for four nights at the Tango Mar hotel in a beachfront room on a bed and breakfast basis. The Tango Mar is located at Playa Quizales, the furthest point south on the peninsula and 3 km south of the town of Tambor and a 40 minute drive from the ferry terminal. Tourism has transformed the original fishing village into a small town with a local airport and a variety of restaurants, cafes and bars. The Tango Mar is an ideal spot to relax and enjoy the final few days of your stay. This is an attractive, romantic beachfront resort. There is a swimming pool, nine-hole par three golf course, two tennis courts and stables for those interested in horse riding. It is possible to walk from the hotel all along the beach to the village of Montezuma (approximately 2 hours one way). Please note the tide can be strong in the area so please check before swimming. The rooms are all air conditioned, have ceiling fans, satellite TV, minibar and safe deposit box. Tropical gardens and palm trees surround the property.

Day 10 -12 - Days at leisure on Nicoya peninsula

The area has much to offer and activities can all be booked locally. The Nicoya Peninsula on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast is 80 miles long and is known for its magnificent beaches and long dry season. Water sports and wellness are popular activities here. There are many hidden beaches to explore. Kayaking, boating and surfing are all activities to be sampled. The privately owned Curu reserve fringed with white sand beaches protects a wide variety of flora and fauna. The Cabo Blanco reserve occupies the entire southwest tip of the peninsula. With a four-wheel drive in the dry season (can be impassable in the rainy season) it is possible to extend your itinerary and head further north to Playa Bejuco and Nosara. The Ostional coastline is the world’s largest nesting ground for the Olive Ridley turtle between July and December. Or alternatively - just relax!