Keel-billed Toucan
Caption: Keel-billed Toucan
Caption: Sloth hanging around in Costa Rica
Caption: Arenal Volcano National Park
Caption: Monteverde Cloud Forest

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Journey Snapshot

Activity level: Level 2 Requires moderate physical activity. You need to be able to participate in physical activities such as longer walking tours, walking over uneven terrain, climbing steps and be comfortable with some periods of standing. Not suitable if you have limited mobility or require a wheelchair/mobility scooter.
Destination: Costa Rica Adventure Experience
Duration: 12 Days / 11 Nights
Flight information: Please arrange your flights to arrive at Juan Santamaria International Airport [SJO] on Day 1 and depart from there on Day 12
Pickup location: Juan Santamaria International Airport [SJO]

Overview

Choose your own departure date for your group.

Costa Rica, the eco and adventure-tourism capital of Central America...The perfect destination for nature and lovers!

Costa Rica is a small country that will have a big impact on you. Situated between North and South America, its proximity to the equator provides visitors with a tropical climate year-round along with breathtaking scenery and unique wildlife. Joining our escorted group tour will ensure you make the most of this tropical land of adventure.

Itinerary

Itinerary summary: DAY 1 - Welcome to Costa Rica!
DAY 2 - Tortuguero via Braulio Carillo National Park
DAY 3 - Explore Tortuguero National Park's canals by boat
DAY 4 - Tirimbina Forest & Sarapiquí
DAY 5 - Safari Cruise to Arenal
DAY 6 - Arenal Volcano National Park & Hot Springs
DAY 7 - Lake Crossing to Monteverde
DAY 8 - Nature Adventure at the Monteverde Biological Reserve
DAY 9 - Carara National Park & Manuel Antonio
DAY 10 - Manuel Antonio National Park
DAY 11 - San José
DAY 12 - Farewell to Costa Rica & Home
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Full Itinerary

DAY 1 - Welcome to Costa Rica!

A warm welcome awaits you in San José as you set out on your adventure in Central America. We will meet you from your flight and transfer you to the hotel where your Tour Director will meet with you and your fellow travellers.

DAY 2 - Tortuguero via Braulio Carillo National Park

We have an early pick up from our hotel to give us as much time as possilbe today, to admire the biodiversity of this astonishing protected area. We drive through Braulio Carrillo National Park. We stop en-route for a delicious traditional breakfast. Along the road, you can observe the many different produce grown in this area, such as pineapples and bananas.
Then we board our comfortable boat and let this extraordinary exotic paradise enchant us as we travel through the Tortuguero canals. We will enjoy a refreshing cocktail and a delicious lunch as we arrive at the lodge. After lunch we explore the picturesque town of Tortuguero before enjoying dinner served at the lodge.

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner 

DAY 3 - Explore Tortuguero National Park's canals by boat

After breakfast we will spend the morning exploring the canals of the Tortuguero National Park by boat. Abundant wildlife inhabits Tortuguero, including 57 species of amphibians, 111 species of reptiles, and 60 species of mammals - so you are sure to enjoy the wildlife spotting in the rain forest. After lunch at the lodge we have some time at leisure before dinner is served.

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner 

DAY 4 - Tirimbina Forest & Sarapiquí

After breakfast, we take a boat transfer back to the pier to travel to Sarapiquie. On the way we will stop in Trimbina forest and take a guided tour of a former cacao growing plot. Here we experience the artisanal process by which the cacao fruit is transformed into chocolate. Be sure to taste all the different types of chocolate prepared for you, it doesn’t get much more authentic than this! During the hike, the fascinating cultural history of pre and post-colonial chocolate is told.
We will then continue our journey to Sarapiquie for this evening.

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner 

DAY 5 - Safari Cruise to Arenal

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before we begin our journey to Arenal. Today we travel by boat for a guided safari down the Penas Blancas River. We will paddle downstream for a couple of hours, soaking in the incredible sights and sounds of this tropical setting. Keep your eyes peeled for an eclectic mixture of wildlife, from monkeys to Jesus Christ Lizards, which walk on water!
We stop at a riverside farm where we will have a tortilla making lesson & enjoy a delicious home cooked Costa Rican lunch.
Upon arrival at the hotel, the rest of the day can be spent at your leisure. You may enjoy a walk around the spacious gardens to discover yet more of the diverse wildlife or a take a tour of the farm.

Included meals: Breakfast & Lunch 

DAY 6 - Arenal Volcano National Park & Hot Springs

After breakfast we will take a morning visit to Arenal Volcano National Park. Although currently in a resting phase, this is Costa Rica's most active volcano. We will enjoy the breath-taking view of the volcano whilst we walk along the trails and across the hanging bridges, bringing us closer than you could imagine to the beautiful inhabitants of the rainforest.
To add an element of relaxation to the day we will also visit the Tabacon Thermal Resort & Spa. These natural pools are located along the walking trails, surrounded by steaming tropical gardens. Dinner will be enjoyed here before we return to the hotel.

Included meals: Breakfast & Dinner 

DAY 7 - Lake Crossing to Monteverde

This morning after breakfast we will take a boat transfer to Monteverde, a truly picturesque journey across the largest, and most important artificial lake in Costa Rica, it provides hydro electracy for the whole country. After crossing the lake we will arrive at Rio Chiquito, an area where all kinds of resident & migratory birds can be found, you might even spot a sloth! A bus will then transfer us to Monteverde. On the way we will enjoy a hands-on experience at the Helicona Ranch where we will be taught how to create a traditional Costa Rican lunch. After settling into the hotel, this evening we will venture out to experience the local wildlife and the incredible atmosphere of this tropical environment at night.

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner 

DAY 8 - Nature Adventure at the Monteverde Biological Reserve

After breakfast we will enjoy a half day guided nature tour through the renowned Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve. Here we will learn all there is to know about the spectacular flora and fauna alongside visiting the habitat of the native wildlife, after all Costa Rica is one of the most bio-diverse country in the world. A highlight of today will be witnessing the Resplendent Quetzal, arguably one of the most beautiful birds in the Americas.
The rest of the afternoon can be spent at leisure enjoying the superb facilities the hotel has to offer where we will later enjoy dinner.

Included meals: Breakfast & Dinner 

DAY 9 - Carara National Park & Manuel Antonio

First stop of the day today is in Carara National Park. This gorgeous natural sanctuary is home to almost 50% of Costa Rica's bird species. An incredible highlight will be the opportunity to see Red Macaw's flying overhead.
We will then continue our journey to Manuel Antonio, driving over to Tarcoles Bridge where we can look down and admire - from a distance - the enormous crocodiles which call the river home.

Included meals: Breakfast 

DAY 10 - Manuel Antonio National Park

Following breakfast we will take a transfer to Manuel Antonio National Park, one of the most popular wildlife areas in Costa Rica. We will venture out on a guided walk along a picturesque loop through the park looking out for monkeys along the way - 3 out of 4 of Costa Rica's existing monkey species call this National Park home. Your guide is on hand to tell you everything there is to know about the surrounding environment.
Enjoy some time on the beach before continuing along the trail where sloths, birds & reptiles alongside beautiful orchids and tropical trees can be admired. We will then enjoy the rest of the day at leisure before having dinner at the hotel this evening.

Included meals: Breakfast & Dinner 

DAY 11 - San José

After breakfast we will travel to San Jose where you will be free to follow your own interests with some time spent at leisure. Ask your Big Journey tour Director for ideas for exploring this beautiful city.
This evening we will all get together for our farewell dinner.

Included meals: Breakfast & Dinner 

DAY 12 - Farewell to Costa Rica & Home

Following breakfast we will transfer to the airport for our return flights to London Heathrow Airport.

Included meals: Breakfast 
Accommodation: none 

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More information

What's includedWhat's not includedImportant information

What's included

  • Meet & Greet at the airport on arrival
  • Transfers as detailed in the itinerary
  • Accommodation as detailed in the itinerary
  • All meals detailed as detailed in the itinerary
  • Excursions as detailed in the itinerary
  • Transport in an air-conditioned deluxe vehicle
  • Entrance fee into Arenal Volcano National Park & Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve
  • Tour Director from The Big Journey Company as well as the local English speaking Tour Guide (subject to minimum group size being reached.)

What's not included

  • ATOL Protection
  • International flights to/from San Juan Santamaria Airport [SJO], Costa Rica - please contact us for a flight quotation
  • Transfers on arrival or departure, to/from the airport(s), outside of the tour dates
  • Drinks
  • Gratuities 
  • Visas, travel and medical insurance
  • Any personal items and anything not mentioned under included in price above
  • Any meals not mentioned in itinerary
  • Any optional activities offered
  • Any COVID tests or related entry & exit requirements

Important information

  • Please note, flights to/from Costa Rica are not included in this package. The Big Journey Company would be happy to provide a quotation for your flights - please contact us for further details
  • Please let The Big Journey Company know prior to travelling if you have any medical needs or take any medication that we need to be made aware of to ensure that you have a safe and pleasant tour.
  • Check in is after 2:00 - 3:00pm and check out is before 10am unless otherwise specified in the itinerary.
  • Cancellation 90 – 0 days prior to departure cancellation fee is 100%. It is your responsibility to ensure the correct travel insurance in place to protect you against the need to cancel your holiday.
  • Deposits are non-refundable. Final payments are due 14 weeks prior to departure.
  • Further terms and conditions apply and will be provided upon request or at the time of booking. The Big Journey Company reserves the right to withdraw any offer prior to accepting a reservation request. This does not affect your statutory rights. This offer is subject to availability and space is limited.

The big journey promise

The big journey company was set up with one goal in mind, to share our passion for inspirational cultures, destinations and experiences. Over the last 10 years we have had the privilege to escort thousands of travellers on awe inspiring and sometimes life changing journeys. Our promise to every guest who joins us is that we will do everything possible to make sure your journey not only exceeds expectations but delivers at least one moment of true amazement.

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Holiday tours are operated by The Big Journey Company Limited. Registered in England. Registered office: Marron Bank, Branthwaite, Cumbria, CA14 4SZ. Registered number: 6532140. The Big Journey Company Limited is a member of The Travel Trust Association member number U5675 and holds an Air Travel Organiser’s License number T7282.

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