Pura Vida in Costa Rica

Saturday 29th November

Fly to San Jose, the capital of Costa Rica.  Once we arrive, we’ll transfer to our hotel in the beautiful central valley where you’ll have the evening to relax and get used to life in the tropics. 

Overnight in San José Central Valley.

Sunday 30th November

Today 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 in Guapiles before arriving at the dock where we will board our boat. Surrounded by lush flora and fauna we will travel the Tortuguero canals and on to our accommodation, where lunch and a refreshing drink will be waiting for us. 

Breakfast, lunch and dinner included. Overnight in Tortuguero NP.

Monday 1st December

This morning, we wake to the sounds of the tropics, exotic bird song, chirruping cicadas and the call of the howler monkey to excite us for the day ahead.  Whilst in Tortuguero the order of our activities may vary but, during our time here, our local guide will take us on a visit to Tortuguero town and on a wildlife spotting boat trip along the winding waterways of the park. We will also have the opportunity to learn about one of Costa Rica’s favourite exports, with a chocolate tour at Casa Cecropia.  Here we will see how cacao grows and learn the process of chocolate making from tree to chocolate bar. Other optional activities will be available at Tortuguero or you can use your free time to relax in the beautiful gardens, or by the pool at our lodge. 

Breakfast, lunch and dinner included. Overnight in Tortuguero NP.

Tuesday 2nd December

After breakfast we take to the canals once more and dock at Cano Blanco, where our transport awaits. We will 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 adventurous activities. This afternoon we’ll start with a relaxed 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 3rd 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 adrenaline-fuelled traveller, a calmer float tour, giving you a better chance of spotting some wildlife along the way. After a lovely lunch by the river, we’ll continue with a short drive to the small town of La Fortuna, nestled in the shadow of the spectacular Arenal Volcano. Here we can relax by the pool, or in the hot tub, whilst enjoying the stunning landscape. 

Breakfast and lunch included. Overnight in La Fortuna.

Thursday 4th December

After breakfast at our hotel, we’ll visit the picturesque La Fortuna waterfall. After a short transfer, we’ll walk through the lush rain forest before arriving at this spectacular 75 metres of cascading water. Around 400 steps take us to the base of the waterfall and an unmissable experience of a cooling swim in the waters of its plunge pool with the tropical sound of calling birds all around awaits. What goes down, must go back up again and, after a slow and steady return up the steps, we’ll have a free afternoon to either explore the town of La Fortuna, or relax with a cocktail by the pool. 

Breakfast included.  Overnight in La Fortuna.

Friday 5th December

Today we’ll learn about one of the indigenous cultures of Costa Rica, the Maleku.  Travelling from La Fortuna we arrive at Rancho Maleku Tafa Urijif, where we will be met by our host, Hiqui Morera. Hiqui is 100% Maleku and will teach us about her heritage and culture, showing us traditional medicinal plants and sharing with us her way of life.  A typical indigenous lunch will be served to us and we will have time to explore before we board our bus, onwards, to Rincón de la Vieja. 

Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.  Overnight in Rincón de la Vieja.

Saturday 6th December

 We have so many opportunities for fun and adventure today with an Ecoadventure Day pass for the El Saino Nature Reserve. A likely day might consist of exploring the wildlife rich rainforest canopy from the hanging bridges and ziplines that adorn the trees, before recharging with freshly brewed local coffee. There’s the option to listen to a cultural presentation on traditional sugar cane processing, or get creative with an indigenous ceramic making workshop.  

After lunch we’ll perhaps take to horseback (or a tractor drawn carriage if you’d prefer) to visit a local waterfall followed by a relaxing dip in the thermal waters of the hot springs, giving you a chance to reflect on the day’s activities. This evening will be at your leisure. 

Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.  Overnight in Rincón de la Vieja.

Sunday 7th December

This morning is at your leisure. Perhaps a long breakfast before relaxing by the pool might be the way to start your day. Other options are to use your pass again to visit the El Saino Nature Reserve and stroll the nature trails… or perhaps returning to the hot springs might be more your style!  

After lunch we will head towards the Pacific coast and our base at Tamarindo. This horseshoe shaped bay offers three and a half kilometres of beautiful light sand and crystal clear, azure waters for you to relax and really embrace the Pura Vida lifestyle. 

Breakfast included. Overnight in Tamarindo.

Monday 8th December

After a busy week, today has been left at leisure for you to enjoy as you please. Our hotel is located on the beach front, has four pools, a spa and is just a short walk from the local town so you have plenty to choose from. There is also the possibility of joining a catamaran cruise in the morning, or other activities offered by the hotel.

Breakfast included.  Overnight in Tamarindo.

Tuesday 9th 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 or 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 in Tamarindo.

Wednesday 10th 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 and the experience a unique coffee tour. Our tour will teach us all about the process from seeding room to roasting, with a few aromatic tasting sessions along the way to stimulate your senses. Arriving at our hotel in the late afternoon, we’ll have time to relax in the hotel gardens and maybe a enjoy a cheeky sundowner before our final group dinner. 

Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.  Overnight in San José Central Valley.

Thursday 11th December

After breakfast and a chance to enjoy either a chilled morning by the pool, or to purchase some last minute souvenirs, we will transfer to San José airport for our international flight home. 

Breakfast included.  Overnight in flight.

Friday 12th December

Arrive home. 

As a UK passport holder you do not require a visa to enter Costa Rica.

If you are arranging your own flight and intending to fly via the USA you will need a valid ESTA.