Costa Rica is one of the most beautiful places I have ever visited. It really was a feast for the senses; vibrant colours, a symphony of animal sounds, aromatic food. I couldn't believe how richly bio-diverse the country was. It's not until you experience Costa Rica first hand that you can truly appreciate it's splendor. The people were incredibly warm and friendly and couldn't wait to showcase their fascinating land.
Overview
Key facts
- Duration:7 nights
- Suitable for: Children aged 8 years and over (younger children may join the holiday, but may not be able to participate in all the activities). Please see terms for details
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What's included?
- Transfers: private airport and activity transfers and a mixture of private and shared activity transfers (optional domestic flights may incur a supplement)
- Accommodation: 7 nights’ accommodation including: 2 nights in double room at Crowne Plaza Corobici or similar, 2 nights at Celeste Mountain Lodge or similar, 2 nights in a bungalow room at Lomas del Volcan in La Fortuna, Arenal or similar and 1 night in standard double room at Selva Verde Lodge in Sarapiqui or similar
- Meals: 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 2 dinners
- The following activities are included: Visits to Poas Volcano National Park, La Paz Waterfalls Gardens, Butterfly Garden, Hummingbird Gallery & Animal Rescue, Llanos del Cortes Waterfall, Tenorio Volcano National Park, Arenal 1968 Lava Trail, Baldi Hot Thermal Springs, Arenal Volcano National Park, Mistico Park Hanging Bridges, La Fortuna Waterfall, guided tour of Peach Palm Plantation, guided night tour of Nocturnal Wildlife observation in Selva Verde Private Reserve (the order of activities is subject to change)
- All equipment, tuition and supervision from fully qualified instructors/guides
- Services of our representatives or local guide
- 24/7 assistance from our UK based operations team and in destination support from our local partners
Please note:
International flights are not included - please speak to our Travel Experts for a quote if you wish to include these and optional domestic air transfers are not included.
Pura Vida – it’s the Costa Rican way of life. The locals embrace the good life by cherishing simple pleasures, spending quality time with friends and family and appreciating a leisurely, relaxed pace of life. We invite you to experience this motto in our holistic trip to one of the happiest countries on earth.
You will have the opportunity to observe an abundance of exotic species in their natural habitat and get up close to countless types of flora and fauna. This pocket-sized country really is a nature-lovers paradise. We’ve collaborated with our partners in Costa Rica to expertly hand-pick a selection of delightful accommodation that will provide you with comfort and amenities against stunning backdrops of the unparalleled topography.
Agenda
Agenda
Show full agenda-
Day 1 Arrival and Transfers
After completing entry procedures at San Jose Juan Santamaria International Airport, you will be greeted outside the terminal arrival exit by a CRT bilingual representative who will be ready to assist you with your luggage and complete your transfer to the Crowne Plaza Corobici in San Jose.
En route, your guide will brief you about the following day's activities. After arriving at the hotel, the rest of the evening is free for you to relax and enjoy your new surroundings and the hotel's trendy facilities and perhaps you will have dinner at one of the many restaurants nearby.
Included Meals: None -
Day 2 Poas Volcano and La Paz Waterfall Gardens
After a hearty Costa Rican breakfast, you will embark on your first day of activities. Your guide will meet you at the hotel and give you an overview of the exciting day ahead before you all head to the Poas Volcano National Park. The park is home to the active Poas Volcano and has one of the largest craters in the world! The National Park features one of the summits of the Central Mountain Range, which boasts magnificent natural landscapes. It offers an excellent introduction to Costa Rica's diverse natural world. We recommend that you wear walking shoes, a hat, sunscreen, and a rain jacket.
Next on the itinerary is a short drive along scenic roads through dairy farms and flower plantations to La Paz Waterfalls Gardens. This incredible area is a Nature Park and a Wildlife Refuge and Rescue Centre that features some of the most famous waterfalls in Costa Rica. Marvel at four majestic waterfalls and pause at unique viewpoints along the walking trail to admire the forest. There's also a hummingbird garden, serpentarium, frog pond, a small aquarium and large enclosed butterfly observatory. This tour includes lunch, entry fees and taxes.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch -
Day 3 Llanos del Cortes
Today, you will take a private transfer to Rincón Corobici Restaurant for lunch on the banks of the Corobici River. Afterwards, there will be a short drive to visit another stunning waterfall. Located in the Guanacaste Province, the Llanos del Cortes Waterfall is a beautiful and soothing spectacle where you can take a dip in the pleasant waters. Remember to pack your swimwear and a towel if you intend on embracing all this tour has to offer as visitors are permitted to swim under the warm cascading water. There is a sandy area to relax on and a well-maintained hike to the top boasting impressive views.
Following your time at Llanos del Cortes, you’ll ascend the slopes of the Tenorio Volcano (an incredibly scenic drive) to be taken to your next accommodation stop, Celeste Mountain Lodge. The afternoon and evening are free for you to spend how you choose. The on-site restaurant features unrivalled views across the treetops, mountains and gardens and offers a creative menu of Tica-fusion cuisine. The chefs cater for both meat-lovers and vegetarians and are praised for their efforts to accommodate allergies dietary requirements.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch -
Day 4 Tenorio Volcano National Park Tour
This morning, a friendly member of the CRT team will take you to visit the Tenorio Volcano National Park. The park is filled with many natural wonders, but perhaps the most impressive is the Celeste River. The river gets its spectacular colour from mineral molecules suspended in the water that reflect the blue spectrum of sunlight, and it's impressive to see how the turquoise hue contrasts with the surrounding green forests. The guided walking tour of Tenorio Volcano National Park and Rio Celeste marks the last Tropical Mesoamerican Dry Forest as you transition to the Tropical Rain Forest where the weather is influenced by the Caribbean. This will be a day of dramatic changes in landscape scenery, weather and temperatures as you cross over to the Caribbean Seaboard.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch -
Day 5 Arenal 1968 Lava Trail
It’s not every day that you will have the opportunity to travel across the Continental Divide where waters separate to flow into either the Pacific Ocean or the Caribbean Sea! Here, you will hike the path of former flowing lava. Your guide will lead you through the lava flow trail left behind by the Arenal Volcano’s eruption in 1968. Learn about the wildlife that inhabits the surrounding rainforest and breathtaking lake. The hills formed by the lava provide incredibly scenic hiking routes and you’ll soon understand why Arenal is the country’s foremost attraction. Your private transfer will take you to your next destination; Lomas del Volcan where you’ll be staying for the next two nights.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner -
Day 6 La Fortuna Waterfall
Another must-see splendour is that of La Fortuna Waterfall. Following breakfast, you will have the opportunity to visit the Mistico Park Hanging Bridges; traversing the world famous bridges and encountering local animal and plant species up close.
Later today, you will embark on a walking visit to the town of La Fortuna and a visit to La Fortuna Waterfall. The waterfall emerges from the Fortuna River and plummets an impressive 246 feet (76 meters) into picturesque jade-coloured pools below. Guests can delight in stunning views of the cliff adorned with luscious greenery, pristine waters and beautiful flora.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch -
Day 7 Peach Palm Plantation and Night tour of Nocturnal Wildlife Observation
Today, you will gain an insight into an ancient multi-purpose tree of the rain forest cultures in the Americas; The Pejibaye Palm Tree. The peach palm plantation inland in Palmitour uncovers the history and stories associated with this domesticated palm species. This native tree is predominantly cultivated by smallholders in agroforestry systems. After arriving at Selva Verde Lodge, a guided night tour is scheduled this evening for you to observe the transformation of the forest into a nocturnal stage of activities as the resident wildlife comes to life.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner -
Day 8 Departure or Extension
After breakfast, pack your luggage and check out from Selva Verde Lodge. Meet a CRT representative for the private transfer to the corresponding departure International Airport Terminal for check-in on the return flight to the United Kingdom. Of if you’re not ready to end your adventures just yet, choose from our trip extensions and you will be transferred to your new hotel or destination.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation
Accommodation
Included in price
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Crowne Plaza Corobici San José Hotel or similar
Nights: 1-2
Located near La Sabana Metropolitan Park in San Jose, the Crown Plaza Corobici is a sleek, contemporary hotel and features all the services and amenities you would expect from this prestigious hotelier. There are two restaurants; the Nattivo Restaurant serves a variety of International Urban Cuisine and a selection of authentic Costa Rican dishes whereas the Fuji Restaurant is renowned for its exotic Japanese menu. There’s a pool, health club, casino and convenience store. All rooms are well-equipped, bright and airy and promise a great night’s sleep with their soundproofed walls and thoughtful pillow menu.
Image Credits: Crowne Plaza Corobici San José Hotel
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Celeste Mountain Lodge
Nights: 3-4
As the only hotel located in the Volcan Tenorio National Park, Celeste Mountain Lodge provides guests with a truly unique experience. The property comprises of 3 hectares of open land and 4 hectares of protected primary forest. The entire area is abundant in wildlife from monkeys to toucans, tapir to rare species of butterflies. Along the private 1.7km ‘Celeste Trail,’ you’ll discover a rich and diverse vegetation of plants, trees and vines, some recording several hundred years old.
Read more about this accommodation Read less about this accommodationWith only 18 en-suite rooms, you can rest assured you will be well looked after by the friendly team at Celeste Mountain Lodge. Every room boasts spectacular views over two volcanoes, the rainforest, the valley below and their innovative gardens and sunsets. The accommodation is minimalistic in style and embraces an eco-design. The panoramic view from the restaurant and bar is anything but minimalistic. Picture sampling delicious Tica-fusion cuisine inspired by traditional local recipes whilst the ambient hues of the sun dance across the lush canopy.
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Lomas del Volcan in La Fortuna, Arenal or Similar
Nights: 5-6
Enjoy rustic rainforest romance in Lomas del Volcan’s wooden bungalows. Each provides an outdoor terrace for rest, relaxation and drinking in the sights and sounds unique to a rainforest.
Read more about this accommodation Read less about this accommodationFACILITIES
- Enjoy views of Arenal Volcano as astonishing as the food in Restaurant Hojarasca.
- Be one of the first to experience drinks and dancing in recent addition La Arboleda.
- Relax in a jacuzzi or do laps in front of the rainforest.
ROOM TYPE
Bungalow: Enjoy all the privacy of your own space with room service a mere phone call away in a beautiful wooden bungalow. Sit and enjoy a latte straight from your coffee machine on your private patio and unwind in a hot bath. With a safe deposit box, air conditioning, Wi-Fi, a hair dryer and a minibar, you have all you need for a relaxing self-contained stay.
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Selva Verde Lodge in Sarapiqui or Similar
Nights: 7
With elevated wooden corridors taking you through the rainforest canopy and astonishing views of the Sarapiquí river, the Selva Verde Lodge will truly immerse you in the wildlife you are here to seek.
Read more about this accommodation Read less about this accommodationFACILITIES
- Dining room which overlooks the Sarapiquí river and serves a wide range of fresh local cuisine.
- Hammocks surrounded by rainforest canopy.
- Sip cocktails by the side of the Selva Verde pool.
ROOM TYPE
Double room: Nestled amongst the forest, each room is air conditioned and contains two double or queen beds, with astonishing views of the rainforest canopy from the balcony attached to each building. Equipped with a ceiling fan, private bathroom and screened windows, as well as a reading lamp and telephone. Each room contains a hair dryer, safety box, desk and bath in private bathroom.
Personalise
Personalise this tour
Our pick
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Turrialba And South Caribbean Coast Extension
This four night extension is designed with coffee lovers in mind. You’ll spend your next two nights in a Coyote Room, at Hacienda Aquiares or CATIE Institute in Turrialba or similar and enjoy the Hacienda Aquiares Coffee tour. Considered one of the best producers in the world, Costa Rican’s are experts in the art and science of coffee making.
The opportunity to experience a unique South Caribbean beach is another coveted highlight of this extension. You’ll also venture into Guayabo National Park on a guided tour before transferring to either the Almendros y Corales Hotel or Le Cameleon Boutique Hotel (or similar), both situated in the South Caribbean Coast in the province of Limón for your final two night’s accommodation.
The following day, you’ll have the choice of activities: Saunter through the CATIE Botanical Gardens on a guided tour or for those feeling adventurous, we recommend Reventazon River Rafting Tour Class II & IV. All transportation, including a private transfer to SJO International Airport on your final day is included. Both accommodations are on a Bed and Breakfast basis.
From £1,365 per adult
Other options
Extensions
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Central Pacific Coast Manuel Antonio Extension
There’s still so much more to see in Costa Rica. This extension takes you on guided tours of Carara National Park, Manuel Antonio National Park on the Central Pacific Coast and a firm favourite with guests; a guided boat tour along the Tarcoles River Delta to spot the crocodiles and wildlife. You’ll spend one night in the Crowne Plaza Corobici or similar in San José followed by 3 nights’ accommodation at Hotel San Bada, in Manuel Antonio, Quepos.
All breakfasts and one lunch are included in the price. Private land transfers are included but you may wish to select the optional 30-minute domestic flight from Quepos (XQP) airport to San Jose (SJO) Domestic Airport for an additional charge. From there, a private transfer will escort you from San Jose Domestic Airport to the main terminal in time for your return international flight.
From: £925 per adult
Dates & Prices
We include more, no hidden costs
Dates
| Dates | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Fri 01 Nov 2024
to Fri 31 Oct 2025 |
Adult price (per person):
£2765.00
to £3095.00 |
Child (12 - 17):
£1515.00
to £1695.00 |
Child (age 6 - 11):
£985.00
to £1105.00 |
Enquire |
Terms
For our full booking terms and conditions please click here
The Specifics
Group Size
We always try to provide an approximation of the group size you can expect to be with for the duration of each of our holidays. It may be that you are joined by others for parts of your holiday (such as transfers and particular activities) but the above number reflects those you can normally expect to be with from beginning to end. If group size is something which is particularly important to you, please speak to our Travel Experts and they can suggest the best holidays for you.
Tailor-made holiday group sizes will vary for all activities as will the group size for any additional activities you book.
Minimum numbers required for a holiday to operate
Some of our holidays require a minimum number of participants to operate (as listed in the ‘Group Size’ section). If your holiday departure has not yet reached the minimum number, you will be told at the time of booking. In the unlikely event that your chosen date is not guaranteed by nine weeks before your scheduled departure date, we will contact you to discuss the available options as per our booking conditions.
Minimum and maximum age
The minimum age for this holiday can be found in the ‘Key Facts’ section of the holiday overview.
Younger family members may be able to participate but may not be able to take part in all activities. Please contact one of our Travel Experts if you have any questions.
Itinerary amendments
The order of activities listed in this agenda is provided for guidance only, your final and detailed itinerary will be provided either with your final travel documents (which are uploaded into your online account around a week prior to departure) or upon arrival.
Medical History and Advice
We want our holidays to be accessible as they can be and will do our best to accommodate any special requests and requirements where possible. We have a wide range of holidays and destinations and so our travel experts will help find the best holiday for you.
In order to give us the best possible chance to do this we ask that if you or any member of your party has any medical condition or disability which may affect your holiday or has any special requirements, that you tell us at the time of enquiry or booking. You must also promptly advise us if any medical condition or disability which may affect your holiday develops after your booking has been confirmed. You may need to provide a doctor’s note and proof of insurance in some cases as the health and safety of our clients is absolutely paramount.
In providing this information you are allowing us to work with our expert local partners to ensure that your whole party can enjoy the holiday. By letting us know in advance we can discreetly work with you to adapt any part of the holiday which may potentially be challenging. Being able to prepare for this in advance makes an incredible difference to what we can offer and minimises any impact on your party and the rest of the group.
Unfortunately, if you choose not to share this information with us in advance then it may limit some or all of the itinerary you have booked, and we cannot be held accountable for any additional costs or missed activities resulting from this.
It is vitally important that you advise us prior to departure of any medical or dietary condition relating to any member of your party so that we may notify our local staff before you arrive. We recommend only drinking bottled water from bottles with unbroken seals and be vigilant about the use of ice in drinks and ice cream.
Insurance
Insurance is not included in your holiday, but it is a pre-requisite to travelling with us. You will need to ensure that you have cover for all the activities that you will be participating in during your holiday.
It is extremely important that you take out a suitable travel insurance policy at the time of booking. Plans do sometimes change, and you will need this policy should you need to cancel your holiday.
If you are struggling to find a suitable policy then details of our preferred provider, who will cover you for all the activities we offer, can be found on our website by clicking here. Please note that this policy is available to EU residents under the age of 75 only.
The UK Foreign Office Advice
Our clients’ safety is at the centre of everything we do, and our operations team continually assesses and monitors the destinations we feature. We carry out thorough risk assessments and work closely with all of our suppliers to continually follow best practice. For up to date travel advice the UK government offers its Travel Aware website as well as the advice detailed below.
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office Advice
We receive all updates from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) with regards to travel advice and we always ensure that we follow this advice in our operations. The FCO issues travel advisories for countries based on a very wide range of factors. They may provide notification about things as simple as a football match and crowds, or they may go so far as to advise against all travel to a region. We ask all our clients to refer to the relevant Travel Advice by Country for the destinations they are visiting in order to make an informed decision on the safety of the destination based on the details provided. It also provides vital information regarding entry requirements, embassy information, local laws and customs as well as specific safety and health. Guests should take responsibility for keeping themselves up to date with this advice. Please also ensure that, if you are transiting through another country, you have read the advice and meet the entry requirements for that destination too.
The FCO travel advice is applicable to British Passport Holders. Most governments will issue their own travel advice for a region and, if you are not a UK resident then you can find some helpful links below:
Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade http://www.smartraveller.gov.au/
New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade http://www.safetravel.govt.nz/
Canadian Consular Affairs Bureau http://voyage.gc.ca/
The U.S. Bureau of Consular Affairs http://travel.state.gov/content/travel/english.html
If the FCO deems that there is an unacceptable level of risk for UK citizens then, together with the government, they may issue an advisory against all travel to a region or country. If such an advisory is published, then we will act accordingly, and this may require the cancellation, curtailment or amendment of a holiday itinerary. These decisions are made on the basis of ensuring our clients’ safety and will affect all clients on the holiday, regardless of their nationality.
If one of our local experts suggests an amendment due to a situation which develops locally then we may also take the decision to amend an itinerary appropriately.
If we have to cancel your holiday prior to departure you will be offered the option of an alternative trip (where any price difference will either be refunded to or covered by you) or a full refund of the monies paid.
If we have to curtail a holiday, then you will be refunded for any costs for the elements we have been unable to deliver, where we have been able to secure a refund from our suppliers. If we must reroute a holiday, then any basis for refund is determined on a case by case basis and dependent on whether the central holiday experience was provided or not.
Booking activities locally
Additional activities can be booked locally in almost all our destinations. However, as per our booking conditions, we cannot be held responsible for any injury or loss incurred through participation in activities which are booked at your destination outside of our holiday itinerary (see our ‘Terms and Conditions’ for further details).
When arranging any such activity please always ensure that safety is your primary concern.
In some of our destinations, you can borrow or hire equipment for use in your free time. You do so entirely at your own risk. You must ensure that you are correctly prepared, have the necessary equipment and knowledge (maps, etc.) and ensure that where applicable, you follow marked routes. We recommend discussing your plans with the local teams who will be able to advise on the most suitable options for you.
Always let the reception/guide know where you are planning to go and take a torch and mobile phone (with the hotel/guide’s phone number stored). It is also a good idea to leave your contact number and the time you expect to return to the hotel should the hotel need to contact you.
Flight schedule changes and connecting transportation
On your documentation, we will confirm your flight schedule. Sometimes the flight number, routing and timings might change prior to your departure. If the change is classed as a significant change then we will contact you to discuss this. Please see our booking conditions for details.
Flight schedule changes can impact on your pre and post-holiday travel arrangements if these have been booked separately to your holiday. We strongly recommend that you do not book transport (such as trains or transfers), car parking or non-connecting flights to the departure point for your holiday until you have received your final confirmed travel times when your final travel documents are issued. We are not responsible for the effect of any schedule change on your pre or post travel arrangements. We strongly recommend that you do not purchase non-flexible or non-refundable tickets to avoid cancellation and penalty charges.
Booking your own flights cancellation disclaimer
If you have chosen to book your own flights, then you will need to wait until we confirm to you that the holiday departure has met the minimum numbers required to run (if applicable to your chosen holiday). Once the holiday is guaranteed to run, you will be informed and you can then make your arrangements.
If transfers are included in your holiday, please ensure that any potential flights will be met by our standard transfers (speak to one of our Travel Experts for advice) otherwise private transfer supplements may be applicable. Once your flights are booked, please send us a copy of your detailed flight itinerary.
Please be aware that most tickets are non-refundable in the case of cancellation. For this reason, we strongly advise you check the rules of the ticket and check the limitations of your cancellation insurance before booking. We cannot be held liable, in the unlikely eventuality that we should be forced to cancel or amend your trip, for losses incurred relating to any flight booking you have made.
Terms and Conditions
Our full booking terms and conditions can be found on our website: https://www.activitiesabroad.com/booking-conditions
Please note: our payment and cancellation terms will be unique to each booking – they will be confirmed with you at the time of quotation. The terms listed above are noted as a guide only
Please note that the following cancellation terms supersede in part those mentioned in Section 7 of our general booking terms and conditions.
- Up to balance due date (this is normally 16 weeks prior to departure however some holidays differ. If this applies to your holiday you will be advised at the time of booking) - Loss of deposit (including the full cost of flights or other services where paid at the time of booking)
- Between balance due date and 92 days prior to departure – 50%
- 91 to 24 days prior to departure – 75%
- 23 or less days – 100%
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