
We'd love to keep in touch.
Sign up to get our latest team news, travel tips and holiday inspiration straight to your inbox.
Your tailor-made holiday will be as unique as you are. These itineraries are just a starting point – a bit of inspiration to show what’s possible. Your own trip all starts with a conversation with one of our Costa Rica experts, who’ll take the time to understand what matters most to you and design the perfect Costa Rica holiday to match.
Costa Rica is friendly, relaxed, and packed with natural beauty, and although it’s never going to be the cheapest of destinations to visit, there are ways to experience the magic whilst dodging the higher price tags as much as possible. If you know where to look! And that’s where Lou and Dawn, our Costa Rica experts, come in. We’ve designed this Costa Rica itinerary with value in mind, whilst making sure to never compromise on experience. We’ve sought out a wonderful selection of great value, hand-picked lodges in perfect locations, along with a few shared transfers thrown in to keep the price down. You’ll enjoy wonderful adventures through the thick, green rainforest, looking out for fascinating wildlife such as sloths, monkeys, toucans, and colourful tree frogs. Discover nature trails, stunning waterfalls, cool cloud forests and spectacular volcanoes.
After exploring Tortuguero’s vast network of waterways and flooded rainforest, you’ll head to Arenal to experience some of the adrenaline-packed activities the region is most famous for. Explore the lava trails in the volcanic national park, take a relaxing soak in the thermal springs, and fly above the trees on an exciting zip-lining tour. Next stop is Monteverde to get your fix of cloud forest, rich wildlife and birds, before ending your journey with a well-earned rest on one of the country’s laid-back Pacific beaches. This is Costa Rica at its best – all without breaking the bank.
Here's a summary of what you might get up to day-to-day on this Costa Rica holiday. As always, this is just an idea. Every single day of your holiday will be tailored to suit you.
Grab your bags and head to the airport for your flight to San Jose today. Are there any feelings better than checking in for a flight knowing a big adventure is ahead? When you land in San Jose, you’ll be met by our smiling team on the ground and whisked off to your hotel in San Jose for the night.
Today, you’ll head to Tortuguero National Park, a region that’s teeming with biodiversity and accessible only by boat, adding a touch of extra adventure as you go. This afternoon, you’ll visit Tortuguero village, where you’ll explore the local culture, meet the locals and acclimatise to the peaceful, Pura Vida atmosphere. From eco-lodges nestled in nature to charming cabins on the river, we’ll be sure to find the perfect accommodation option for you.
Wake up to the best alarm clock in the world – the sounds of the jungle, before setting off on a guided nature walk right through the heart of Tortuguero. With your expert guide, you’ll explore the trails in search of fascinating wildlife like monkeys, toucans, and brightly coloured frogs. Later, float along on a boat safari along one of Tortuguero’s lush canals, where you’ll drift through flooded forests, spotting everything from herons to the occasional caiman.
After one last morning in Tortuguero, you’ll be whisked off to the famous Arenal Volcano region, where thick forests meet ancient lava fields and bubbling hot springs. There are plenty of different accommodation options in Arenal to cater to all budgets, from rustic hotels and lodges with stunning volcano views to brilliant family-friendly eco-resorts with sprawling pools and private trails. This evening, settle in, grab some delicious dinner and prepare for tomorrow’s big day – you’ll need to engage your adrenaline for this one.
Today, you’ll get your adventure fix at one of Costa Rica’s top adventure centres. Here you’ll try your hand at ziplining – we think it’s the best way to take in the beauty of the surrounding rainforest. Flying through the air, above the canopy of green below, is a thrilling experience suitable for all ages. You’ll end the day with a walk around the adventure centre or relax back at your lodge (all whilst patting yourselves on the back for your bravery, of course.)
This morning, look out for sloths! You’ll head out with your guide to seek out Costa Rica’s most adorable residents in their natural habitat. The guides are brilliant here, they know the sloths so well. Not only will you learn about the creatures as a species, but you’ll learn their names, habits and often even their love stories as you go. After all that excitement, you’ll head into the Arenal Volcano National Park to soak yourself in the nearby hot springs.
You’ll be driven up into the misty Monteverde Cloud Forest today to explore another of Costa Rica’s crucial and wildlife-teeming ecosystems. You’ll arrive at your cosy lodge and check in before grabbing your walking boots (and your nerve) to head out on a night walk once the sun goes down. Under the light of your torch, you’ll follow your guide along the eerie forest paths in search of the nocturnal creatures lurking within the leaves. From red-eyed tree frogs to hairy tarantulas, exploring by night is a great chance to encounter wildlife you wouldn’t see when the sun’s up.
Today, explore Monteverde’s famed cloud forest from above on suspended canopy walkways, offering views across the lush treetops. You’ll be surrounded by unique birdlife, dense forest, and hanging vines – the epitome of Costa Rica’s wild beauty. For those up for more Tarzan-esque adventure, tackle another zipline circuit or a walk through the forest to spot colourful hummingbirds darting through the canopy.
After days of exploring rainforests and cloud forests, head to the Northern Pacific Coast, where relaxation awaits. There are some great beach hotels available here, ranging from the simple and comfortable to the more lavish. We’ll be sure to seek out a budget-friendly option for you, because after all, the magic is in the location here. Spend your days sunning yourselves on the sandy shores, exploring the nearby national parks, or trying your hand at watersports such as snorkelling, surfing, and horseback riding. Don’t forget to factor in time to sit and watch a few Costa Rican sunsets, too. It’s an experience that costs nothing, but you’ll never forget.
Today, your Costa Rican adventure comes to an end as you transfer to the airport in time for your flight back to the UK. This great value, yet unforgettable journey, will leave you with a camera full of memories, a heart full of stories, and a deep appreciation for Costa Rica’s beauty. Until next time! (We know you’ll be back.)
We offer tailor-made holidays to suit a wide range of tastes. Our experts Dawn and Louise are dedicated to all things Costa Rica and are here to help you plan your perfect trip.
Speak to one of our travel specialists today.
Get a Quote 01242 253 073Open Mon-Fri: 9am-5pm
Sign up to get our latest team news, travel tips and holiday inspiration straight to your inbox.