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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.
Take in some of Costa Rica’s best-known national parks and reserves on a classic route around the country, before finishing in the remote and untouched Osa Peninsula for a truly intense wildlife experience.
Your holiday begins exploring the flooded forests and canals of the Tortuguero National Park, an area that'll give you a gentle introduction to the jungle as well as the novelty of staying in a lodge that is only accessible by boat. Next stop is Arenal for a complete change of scenery. You’ll visit one of the pristine national parks in this area and have the chance to soak your limbs in the thermal springs. Continue on to Monteverde to learn about the fascinating flora and fauna of the cloud forest on your guided tour. You can also explore canopy walkways in the treetops, with the option to try out zip-lining if you're feeling a little adventurous. Finally, you’ll take a spectacular journey by light aircraft down to the wild and unspoilt Osa Peninsula. Wildlife viewing here is the best in the country, and a three-night stay ensures you really maximise your time in the rainforest. This is one of our favourite spots in all of Costa Rica.
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.
Your adventure begins when you land in San José, Costa Rica’s capital city and the perfect place to start your Pura Vida adventures. On arrival, you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel by our friendly team on the ground, where you can take some time to relax after your flight. If you’ve got the energy for a little exploring, take a stroll through the historic downtown, visit the National Theatre, or simply enjoy a traditional Costa Rican meal before the real adventure begins.
Leave the city behind as you travel by road and boat into the remote waterways of Tortuguero National Park. Often called the ‘Amazon of Costa Rica’, this lush rainforest is only accessible by water, offering a true escape into nature. Stop for a hearty Costa Rican breakfast en route, before arriving at your jungle lodge in time for lunch. In the afternoon, visit Tortuguero village, where you’ll learn about local conservation efforts and the region’s unique culture.
Wake to the sounds of the jungle and set off on a guided nature walk this morning. Keep your eyes up and open for glimpses of sloths, colourful toucans, and playful monkeys in the dense rainforest canopy above. Later today, glide through the canals of Tortuguero on a boat safari, searching for caimans, river turtles, and the elusive jaguar. With its rich biodiversity and tranquil waterways, Tortuguero is a paradise for wildlife lovers.
Today, you’ll travel by boat and road back to the mainland, stopping for lunch en route, before continuing to the Arenal Volcano region. As you approach, you’ll see the majestic volcano rising from the landscape, its near-perfect cone dominating the skyline. Settle into your accommodation and enjoy your first glimpse of this incredible volcanic region, home to hot springs, waterfalls, and rich rainforest.
Start the day with a visit to the 1968 Reserve, named after the year of Arenal’s most famous eruption. Hike through lava fields and thick forests, keeping an eye out for wildlife like coatis, howler monkeys, and vibrant bird species as you go. This afternoon, unwind in one of the area’s natural hot springs, soaking in the geothermal pools surrounded by tropical gardens is the perfect way to relax after a day of exploring.
This morning, travel across Lake Arenal by boat, taking in stunning views of the volcano as you glide across the water. On the other side, a scenic drive leads you into the cool misty highlands of Monteverde, home to one of the world’s most famous cloud forests. The afternoon is yours to relax or start exploring – perhaps take a walk along the hanging bridges for a first glimpse into this incredible ecosystem.
This morning you’ll head off on a guided tour of the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve – an almost mystical world of towering trees, moss-covered trails, and rare wildlife. Keep an eye out for the resplendent quetzal, one of Costa Rica’s most striking birds. The afternoon is yours to explore or relax – whether that’s ziplining through the treetops, visiting the family-run El Trapiche coffee and sugarcane plantation, or simply soaking in the serene surroundings.
This morning you’ll have an early start for your journey back to San José. From here you’ll hop on a scenic flight to one of the most special spots in all of Costa Rica – the wild Osa Peninsula. This remote region is one of the most biodiverse places on Earth, home to pristine rainforest, secluded beaches, and incredible wildlife to boot. It takes a bit of effort to get here, which we think all adds to the magic. On arrival, you’ll take a group transfer to your jungle lodge, where the sounds of the rainforest will be your backdrop for the next few days.
The next two days are yours to explore one of Costa Rica’s most unspoiled regions. The Osa Peninsula is arguably the best place in the country for wildlife viewing, so we highly recommend spending time on the jungle trails, keeping your eyes peeled for scarlet macaws, tapirs, and even pumas. Beyond wildlife tours, you could try surfing in the Pacific, horse riding along jungle paths, kayaking through mangroves, or birdwatching in the treetops. However you choose to explore, this is Costa Rica at its most raw, remote and untamed.
After a final morning in Osa, you’ll fly back to San José by light aircraft, arriving in time for your onward flight back to the UK. From towering volcanoes and misty cloud forests to pristine beaches and incredible wildlife encounters, this trip is a true immersion into the natural wonders of Costa Rica.
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.
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