Colours of Costa Rica

The jewel of Central America and a biological haven, Costa Rica is a breathtaking destination. Tropical coastlines sandwich volcanoes, bountiful national parks, rainforest, mangroves and a lot of very friendly local people into an area smaller than Ireland – there is not a more spectacular paradise to explore.

What's Included:

• International flights and current taxes
• Domestic transportation
• 3* plus – 4* accommodation
• Meals as stated
• Touring with guides and entrance fees

Day 1: Arrive San José

Fly to San José and transfer to Santa Ana. Depending on your time of arrival the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture. (D)

Day 2: Discover La Paz Waterfall Gardens

This morning, head out of the city to explore the La Paz Waterfall Gardens, a 70-acre natural paradise. Two miles of trails wend their way through native flora in forests, gardens and five waterfalls – keep your eye out for a multitude of fascinating wildlife. (B,L)

Day 3: San Jose - Tortuguero

Transfer to San José Dock and take a boat to Tortuguero. Only accessible by boat or plane, Tortuguero exudes a relaxed Afro-Caribbean vibe and is famous for Green Turtles that nest here - Tortuguero even means ‘turtle catcher’. Spend the afternoon in the village, with the jungle and waterways on one side and on the other, blissful Caribbean beach. (B,L,D)

Day 4: Explore Tortuguero

The Tortuguero area is full of biological diversity, with habitats including rainforest, swamp and lagoon. The beaches are a nesting ground for Green Turtles, whilst the rivers are home to caimans, crocodiles and manatees and the forest boasts jaguars, sloths, monkeys and 375 species of birds. Exploring it will be a real adventure! This morning walk the trails around your hotel and in the afternoon take a boat trip on the area’s waterways. (B,L,D)

Day 5: Travel to Sarapiqui

Depart Tortuguero by boat. After lunch at a local restaurant, journey to Sarapiqui at the heart of Costa Rica’s northern lowlands, nestled amongst lush rainforest. Check in to your rainforest lodge accommodation and settle in. (B,L)

Day 6: Chocolate Tour

Embark on a tour dedicated to chocolate at La Tirimbina. Crossing the suspension bridge, visit a former cacao-tree plantation where you’ll learn about the history of the tree and its lucrative fruit. Watch the chocolate-making process first-hand and have a taste of the final product. The chocolate is produced by the Asociacion de Mujeres Amazilia del Caribe, a group of local women who are working to improve their lives through social enterprise and to rescue the native cacao tree. Transfer by road to the Arenal area, named after the magnificent Arenal Volcano. (B,D)

Day 7: Mistico Park Hanging Bridges

In the shadow of Arenal, the Mistico Park gives a whole new perspective of the rainforest with a series of suspension bridges at canopy level. As you walk through the trees, you’ll be able to spot all sorts of wildlife, birds, flowers and vegetation. Spend the day walking the easy trails and taking in your beautiful natural surroundings. (B,L)

Day 8: Monteverde by lake

Depart Arenal and voyage across Arenal Lake to the little town of Rio Chiquito. This lake is Costa Rica’s largest, especially since it tripled in size with the construction of the Arenal Dam in 1979. The views of Arenal volcano as you cruise will be fantastic. Transfer the rest of the way to Monteverde by road and enjoy an afternoon tour of the Don Juan coffee estate. Here you’ll learn all about the coffee making process, from harvest to processing and the humble coffee bean itself. (B,L,D)

Day 9: Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve

Explore the hanging bridges of the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve with a guide. This reserve covers 26,000 acres of virgin forest which a huge amount of Costa Rica’s native flora and fauna call home. The Cloud Forest is a highland rainforest, characterised by the clouds and fogs that settle in the lush canopy – the humidity here hovers at around 100%! The reserve shelters jaguars, pumas and over 450 species of bird, including the quetzal. (B,L,D)

Day 10: Travel to Manual Antonio

Travel down from Monteverde to the lush lowlands and dazzling white sands of the Pacific coast. Here, set amongst verdant nature is the oceanside village of Manuel Antonio where you will spend the next three nights. (B,L)

Day 11: Manual Antonio National Park

Enjoy a guided tour of Manuel Antonio National Park, Costa Rica’s most protected area. There is a huge range of breathtaking flora and fauna here – as you stroll the park’s trails, keep an eye out for white-faced capuchin monkeys, raccoons and a range of beautiful bird species. There’ll also be time to have a dip in the warm Pacific waters. (B,L)

Day 12: Day at leisure

Enjoy a day at leisure in Manuel Antonio. (B,D)

Day 13: Carara National Park

Depart Manuel Antonio and begin the journey back to San José, stopping en route at the Carara National Park. Enjoy the diverse nature of a transitional forest, a mix of dry tropical reserve and humid jungle created by changes in topography. It is home to many mammals and plant and tree species as well as the rare Scarlet Macaw. Arrive in San José. (B,L)

Day 14: Rainforest Aerial Tram

Today you will glide gently through the rainforest canopy aboard the Rainforest Aerial Tram, located in a private reserve. The tram travels at a leisurely 2 kilometres an hour, covering 2.6 kilometres, giving you the chance to examine the many layers of the rainforest canopy and the flora and fauna that call it home. (B,D)

Days 15-16: Fly San José to UK

Fly to the UK, arriving home the following day. (B)