Pura Vida In Costa Rica

Saturday 28^th November

Fly to San Jose, the capital of Costa Rica.  Once we arrive, we’ll transfer to our hotel in the beautiful central valley.

Dinner included. Overnight San Jose Central Valley.

Sunday 29^th November

This morning we’ll start our journey towards Tortuguero.  We’ll drive through the primary forest of Braulio Carrillo National Park, stopping on route to enjoy a traditional Costa Rican breakfast before arriving at the dock where we will board our boat. Surrounded by lush flora and fauna we will travel the Tortuguero canals to our accommodation, where lunch and a refreshing drink will be waiting for us. After lunch, we’ll stretch our legs on a guided stroll through Tortuguero town for a glimpse of local life.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner included. Overnight Tortuguero.

Monday 30^th November

After breakfast, we’ll set out on a guided boat safari through the canals of Tortuguero National Park, where you’ll hear the calls of toucans, herons, and distinct howler monkeys echoing through the trees. Glide through calm waterways and feel the warm, humid air which carries the rich scent of the jungle. Wildlife stirs all around you, along the banks and high in the canopy, with the chanced to glimpse sloths, monkeys, manatees, and crocodiles.

We return to the lodge for lunch, after which, you may choose to take a guided tour of the surrounding botanical gardens, have a dip in the pool, or stroll along the Caribbean beach.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner included. Overnight in Tortuguero.

Tuesday 1^st December

After breakfast, we’ll take to the canals once more and dock at Cano Blanco, where our transport awaits. We will then drive towards Sarapiqui, the next stop on our adventure, enjoying a lunch on route. Sarapiqui is situated in the northwest of Costa Rica and is well known for its eco-friendly tours, lush rainforests and adventure activities. This afternoon, we will take a tour of a pineapple farm and learn about one of the tastiest crops of Costa Rica – la piña!

 Breakfast, lunch and dinner included. Overnight in Sarapiqui.

Wednesday 2^nd December

This morning, we will take to the waters of the Sarapiqui River, with the option of either class II and III rafting or, for the less adrenalin-fuelled traveller, a more relaxing float tour, and better chance of spotting some wildlife along the way. After a lovely lunch by the river, we’ll visit La Tirimbina Biological Reserve for a guided chocolate tour through rainforest trails and cacao plantations. Here, you’ll learn about the history of Costa Rican cacao and discover the chocolate-making process while tasting some fresh samples.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner included. Overnight in Sarapiqui.

Thursday 3^rd December

After breakfast, we depart for La Fortuna, home of the iconic Arenal Volcano. Upon arrival, we visit the impressive La Fortuna Waterfall via a unique 20-minute tractor ride, followed by a scenic walk through the lush rain forest before arriving at this spectacular 75 metres of cascading water. Once at the base, we enjoy time to relax by the foot of the falls where you can take a cooling dip, surrounded by the sounds of the jungle. Afterwards, we continue to a Maleku indigenous village to learn about the traditions, customs, and way of life of one of Costa Rica’s indigenous communities. We’ll then enjoy a picnic lunch by the river before continuing to our hotel, where the remainder of the day will be at leisure. Relax with a cocktail, or perhaps you may wish to enjoy the hotel’s thermal hot springs.

Breakfast and lunch included. Overnight La Fortuna.

Friday 4^th December

After a leisurely breakfast, we depart La Fortuna for the Rincón de la Vieja region, known for its striking volcanic landscapes, tropical forest, and rich biodiversity. On arrival, we check in at the Buena Vista Del Rincón Eco Adventure Park and spend the rest of the day relaxing and settling into the natural surroundings, with time to unwind ahead of the next day’s eco-adventure activities in the reserve.

Breakfast and dinner included. Overnight Rincon de la Vieja.

Saturday 5^th December

Today, you’ll enjoy a day pass at the Buena Vista Del Rincón Eco Adventure Park, with the freedom to choose from a selection of activities and shape the day however you wish. You might spend time soaring through the rainforest canopy on ziplines, crossing hanging bridges high above the forest floor, or exploring tropical trails on horseback. For a slower pace, there are opportunities to discover local traditions through sugar cane and farming demonstrations, try your hand at traditional pottery making, or simply relax and unwind in the nearby volcanic hot springs. With a mix of adventure, culture and relaxation on offer, it promises to be a fun and memorable day.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner included. Overnight Rincon de la Vieja.

Sunday 6^th December

Enjoy a relaxed morning before departing for the Pacific coast. Tamarindo is our next destination, a vibrant beach town known for its golden sands, turquoise waters, and laid-back surf culture, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty and relaxed coastal charm. Upon arrival, we’ll check into our beachfront resort and spend the afternoon at leisure, taking time to unwind and soak in the tropical surroundings, perhaps ending the day with a stroll along the beach to enjoy the sun set over the Pacific Ocean.

Breakfast included. Overnight Tamarindo.

Monday 7^th December

Today we enjoy a full day at leisure from our stunning beachfront hotel in Tamarindo… the perfect time to embrace the pura vida lifestyle. Relax beside one of the oceanfront pools with views of the Pacific, unwind in the lush tropical gardens just steps from the beach, or take a stroll along the beachfront lined with cafés, bars, and shops. If you’re still feeling the excitement from our adventure activities, you may also wish to join an optional catamaran cruise along the coast.

Breakfast included.  Overnight Tamarindo.

Tuesday 8^th December

Whether you are a beginner, or an experienced surfer, Tamarindo is one of the best places in Costa Rica to try the thoroughly enjoyable experience of surfing the Pacific Ocean. There are surf spots for all levels and our local guides are second to none in helping you learn how to “pop” on your board find the best “break” to surf.

We’ve left the afternoon at leisure to perhaps continue to pursue your newfound hobby or to relax in the surrounds of Tamarindo.

Breakfast included. Overnight Tamarindo.

Wednesday 9^th December

Today, we wave goodbye to the Pacific Coast and start our journey back to the central valley of San José. On route we will stop for lunch at the Doka Estate where we will experience a unique coffee tour. Doka has been growing world renowned coffee since the 1940’s and our tour will teach us all about the process from seeding room to roasting, with a few tasting sessions along the way. Arriving at our hotel in the late afternoon, we’ll have time to relax in the gardens and perhaps enjoy a cheeky sundowner before our final group dinner.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner included. Overnight San Jose Central Valley.

Thursday 10^th December

After breakfast, there’s a chance to enjoy a chilled morning by the pool, before we transfer to San José airport for our international flight home.

Breakfast included. Overnight in flight.

Friday 11^th December

Arrive home.

The UK flights included in the package price transit through the United States via Miami International Airport.

All passengers transiting through the US are required to hold either a valid Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) or a US visa prior to travel.

British citizens travelling to Costa Rica for tourism do not currently require a visa and may stay for up to 180 days under the visa exemption scheme.

Your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay in Costa Rica. We strongly recommend that your passport has at least 6 months’ validity remaining from your date of entry.

If you hold a passport from outside of the UK, check with your local embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date visa requirements before travelling.