Ultimate Costa Rica

Ultimate Costa Rica 18 Days

Prices From £6,988pp
Year round | 17 nights

Ultimate Costa Rica 18 Days

Costa Rica is one of the world’s great nature destinations, and this immersive journey reveals its extraordinary variety in style. From the cloud forests of San Gerardo de Dota and the wildlife-rich waterways of Tortuguero to the laid-back Caribbean coast and the pristine rainforests of the Osa Peninsula, each region offers a completely different perspective on the country’s remarkable landscapes and biodiversity.

Along the way, search for resplendent quetzals, monkeys, sloths, scarlet macaws and countless other species, raft the thrilling Pacuare River, snorkel around Caño Island and explore the legendary Corcovado National Park. With private transfers and all mentioned excursions included throughout, the itinerary is carefully arranged to make discovering Costa Rica as seamless as it is unforgettable.

This itinerary is also available as a self-drive itinerary for a small additional charge.

Prices shown are per person based on double occupancy. Please enquire for solo rates.

Highlights

  • Explore Costa Rica’s remarkable variety, from cloud forest and volcanoes to Caribbean beaches and Pacific rainforest
  • Search for the resplendent quetzal in the highlands of San Gerardo de Dota
  • Discover Poás Volcano, La Paz Waterfall Gardens and a traditional Costa Rican coffee estate
  • Experience an exhilarating whitewater rafting adventure on the Pacuare River
  • Cruise the wildlife-rich canals of Tortuguero National Park in search of monkeys, sloths, caimans and tropical birds
  • Enjoy time on Costa Rica’s laid-back Caribbean coast around Puerto Viejo and Cahuita
  • Explore Corcovado National Park, one of the most biodiverse places on Earth
  • Snorkel the protected waters around Caño Island in search of colourful reef fish, turtles and rays
  • Travel with private transfers and all mentioned excursions included throughout 

What's Included

  • Accommodation and meals as specified in itinerary
  • Domestic flights: Limon to Drake Bay (via San Jose) | Drake Bay - San Jose
  • Private transfers throughout except the shuttle transfer from Pacuare River to Puerto Viejo which is on a shared basis
  • Meet & greet upon arrival at SJO Airport
  • Excursions as described (share basis)
  • All hotel and VAT taxes

Our popularitinerary Suggestions

All our itinerary holidays are fully customisable

Arrive San Jose
1Day

Arrive San Jose

Your Costa Rican adventure begins on arrival at San José International Airport, where you’ll be met and transferred privately into the heart of the capital. Settle in at the Gran Hotel Costa Rica, ideally located in downtown San José beside the city’s iconic National Theatre.

The rest of the day is yours to relax after your journey or begin exploring the surrounding streets, plazas and historic architecture at your own pace.

Accommodation: 2 nights at Gran Hotel Costa Rica in a Standard Room with breakfast and lunch on day 2 included.

Doka Estate - Poas Volcano - La Paz
2Day

Doka Estate - Poas Volcano - La Paz

Today you’ll discover three of Costa Rica’s most rewarding attractions, beginning with a guided tour of Doka Coffee Estate. Learn how the country’s famous coffee is grown, harvested, processed and roasted before continuing to Poás Volcano National Park, home to one of the world’s largest volcanic craters accompanied by sweeping views across the Central Valley.

Next, travel to La Paz Waterfall Gardens for lunch and a guided exploration of this beautiful eco-park. Follow scenic trails through lush rainforest past a series of impressive waterfalls, while also visiting attractions including the butterfly and orchid gardens, hummingbird feeding stations and wildlife rescue centre. Return to San José in the late afternoon for another overnight stay at the Gran Hotel Costa Rica.

Transfer to San Gerardo de Dota
3Day

Transfer to San Gerardo de Dota

This morning you’ll leave San José behind and travel by private transfer to San Gerardo de Dota, a journey of around two hours into the mountains of Costa Rica’s Continental Divide. On arrival, check in at Savegre Lodge and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.

Set at more than 2,000 metres above sea level and surrounded by extensive cloud forest, San Gerardo de Dota is a haven for nature lovers and birdwatchers. Its cool mountain climate, lush forest and remarkable biodiversity create a wonderfully peaceful setting in which to begin discovering Costa Rica’s highland wildlife.

Accommodation: 3 nights at Savegre Lodge in a Junior Suite with breakfasts included.

San Gerardo de Dota
4 - 5Days

San Gerardo de Dota

An early start on Day 4 brings one of the trip’s most exciting wildlife opportunities as you head out at around 5:30am in search of the magnificent resplendent quetzal. San Gerardo de Dota is one of the best places in Costa Rica to see this iconic bird, and after your guided two-hour excursion you’ll return to the lodge for breakfast. Later in the morning, join an expert guide for a half-day birdwatching tour through the surrounding cloud forest, where more than 170 species have been recorded, including tanagers, black guans, hummingbirds, trogons and emerald toucanets.

The afternoon is free to explore at your own pace, and Day 5 is entirely at leisure. You may choose to relax at the lodge, wander the surrounding trails or arrange an optional excursion to discover more of this beautiful highland region.

Transfer to Turrialba
6Day

Transfer to Turrialba

Today you’ll leave the cloud forests of San Gerardo de Dota behind and travel by private transfer to Turrialba, a scenic journey of around three hours through Costa Rica’s varied interior landscapes.

On arrival, check in at Villa Florencia and enjoy the rest of the afternoon at leisure. Relax amid the peaceful surroundings of the Turrialba Valley and settle in ahead of the next stage of your Costa Rican adventure.

Accommodation: 2 nights at Villa Florencia in a Deluxe Room with breakfasts included.

Pacuare River Whitewater Rafting
7Day

Pacuare River Whitewater Rafting

Today brings an exhilarating adventure on the Pacuare River, one of Costa Rica’s most celebrated whitewater rafting destinations. Paddle along a spectacular 25-kilometre stretch of Class III and IV rapids, including exciting sections such as Huacas and Dos Montañas.

Between the rapids, take in dramatic canyon walls, cascading waterfalls and lush rainforest alive with tropical wildlife. Keep watch for toucans, sloths and other species as you journey through this remarkable natural setting, before changing at the take-out point and transferring back to Turrialba for an evening at leisure.

Transfer to Tortuguero
8Day

Transfer to Tortuguero

After breakfast, you’ll travel by road to the river port of La Pavona in Costa Rica’s Caribbean lowlands, a journey of around two and a half hours. From here, continue by boat for approximately one hour, winding through a beautiful network of rivers and canals framed by dense tropical vegetation as you make your way towards remote Tortuguero.

Accessible only by boat or air, Tortuguero is one of Costa Rica’s great wildlife destinations, with rainforest, mangroves, lagoons and coastline supporting an extraordinary variety of birds, mammals and aquatic life. It is also one of the world’s most important nesting sites for green sea turtles, which come ashore between June and October. On arrival, check in at Mawamba Lodge, enjoy lunch and spend the rest of the afternoon at leisure.

Accommodation: 2 nights at Mawamba Lodge in a Superior Room with breakfasts, lunches and dinners included.

Tortuguero National Park & Village
9Day

Tortuguero National Park & Village

This morning you’ll visit the village of Tortuguero with your guide to gain an insight into everyday life in this remote Caribbean community. You’ll also have the opportunity to learn more about the area’s important sea turtle conservation work before enjoying some free time and returning to the lodge for lunch.

In the afternoon, take to the waterways of Tortuguero National Park for a guided boat safari through its maze of narrow canals. Keep watch for monkeys, caimans, crocodiles, toucans, sloths and some of the more than 300 bird species recorded in the region, while your guide helps spot and identify wildlife along the way.

Transfer to Puerto Viejo
10Day

Transfer to Puerto Viejo

This morning you’ll leave Tortuguero by boat, travelling back through the waterways to La Pavona. From here, continue by private transfer south along Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast to Puerto Viejo, a laid-back destination set between the Caribbean Sea and the Talamanca Mountains.

Puerto Viejo is known for its relaxed atmosphere, beautiful beaches and distinctive blend of Caribbean culture and tropical nature. On arrival, check in at Aguas Claras Hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at your own pace.

Accommodation: 4 nights at Aguas Claras Hotel in a Pavlova Suite with breakfasts included.

Cahuita National Park Tour
11Day

Cahuita National Park Tour

An exciting day ahead as you set out for a guided exploration of Cahuita National Park, one of the highlights of Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast. During a hike of around three hours, follow trails through tropical rainforest while looking out for monkeys, sloths, frogs, butterflies and a wealth of colourful plant life, with your guide also sharing stories about the history of the local area.

The park combines lush forest with white-sand beaches and offshore coral reefs, creating a wonderfully varied natural setting. Weather permitting, snorkelling is also included, offering the chance to discover the marine life beneath the surface. Afterwards, return to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Days at Leisure in Puerto Viejo
12 - 13Days

Days at Leisure in Puerto Viejo

Enjoy two free days to relax and explore Puerto Viejo at your own pace. Spend time on the beautiful Caribbean beaches, soak up the area’s laid-back atmosphere or simply unwind at your hotel.

Those wishing to explore further can discover nearby beaches such as Punta Uva, Playa Chiquita and Manzanillo, visit the Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge or learn more about the indigenous communities of the Talamanca Mountains. Puerto Viejo’s distinctive Afro-Caribbean culture also adds plenty of character, with reggae music, local cuisine and a relaxed coastal way of life.

Fly to Drake Bay (Osa Peninsula)
14Day

Fly to Drake Bay (Osa Peninsula)

An early start today takes you to Limón Airport for a domestic flight to San José, where you’ll connect with a second flight to remote Drake Bay on the Osa Peninsula. On arrival, you’ll be met by a representative from La Paloma Lodge and continue your journey by 4x4 and boat to reach this wonderfully secluded corner of Costa Rica.

The Osa Peninsula is one of the country’s great wilderness regions, home to vast areas of primary rainforest and an exceptional concentration of wildlife. Nearby Corcovado National Park protects some of the most important lowland tropical forest remaining on the Pacific coast of the Americas. After checking in at La Paloma Lodge, enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Accommodation: 4 nights at La Paloma Lodge in a 2-story Deluxe Rancho with breakfasts, lunches and dinners included.

Corcovado National Park Tour
15Day

Corcovado National Park Tour

Today you’ll spend a full day exploring the extraordinary wilderness of Corcovado National Park. Travel by boat to San Pedrillo Ranger Station before setting out with your guide on foot, following rainforest trails beneath some of Costa Rica’s largest and most impressive trees.

Considered one of the most biodiverse places on the planet, Corcovado protects an astonishing variety of wildlife. The forests support important populations of Baird’s tapir, scarlet macaws and even elusive jaguars, alongside monkeys, colourful birds and countless other tropical species. This is a wonderful opportunity to experience the remarkable biodiversity of the Osa Peninsula at close quarters.

Caño Island Snorkelling
16Day

Caño Island Snorkelling

After breakfast, travel by boat for around 40 minutes to Caño Island Biological Reserve, keeping watch along the way for dolphins and, at certain times of year, pilot or humpback whales. Surrounded by an extensive coral reef and protected as part of a marine reserve, the island offers some of the best snorkelling opportunities off Costa Rica’s Pacific coast.

Accompanied by your guide, spend around an hour exploring beneath the surface in search of colourful reef fish and other marine life, with the possibility of seeing turtles, manta rays and small white-tipped reef sharks. Suitable for both beginners and experienced snorkellers, this is a wonderful chance to discover another side of the Osa Peninsula’s remarkable biodiversity.

Day at Leisure in Osa Peninsula
17Day

Day at Leisure in Osa Peninsula

Your final day gives you the chance to enjoy the beautiful surroundings of the Osa Peninsula at a more relaxed pace. Unwind at La Paloma Lodge, head down to the nearby beach or spend some time simply taking in the sights and sounds of the surrounding tropical forest.

Alternatively, you may choose to explore a little further or arrange an optional excursion for another opportunity to experience the wildlife and natural beauty of this remarkable region. Overnight at La Paloma Lodge.

Fly to San Jose - End of Tour
18Day

Fly to San Jose - End of Tour

This morning you’ll transfer back to Drake Bay airstrip for your domestic flight back to San José, enjoying one final aerial glimpse of Costa Rica’s remarkable landscapes along the way.

On arrival at San José Airport, connect with your onward or homeward international flight as your Costa Rican adventure comes to an end.

A view from Above

Accommodation Options

Savegre Mountain Lodge & Spa, San Gerardo de Dota

Savegre Lodge is a peaceful mountain retreat in San Gerardo de Dota, set at around 2,200 metres in Costa Rica’s cool, cloud forest-covered Talamanca mountains. Surrounded by private reserve, river, gardens and ancient oak forest, it is one of the country’s best-known bases for birdwatching, particularly for those hoping to see the dazzling resplendent quetzal, along with hummingbirds, tanagers and many other highland species.

Accommodation ranges from comfortable standard rooms to independent junior suites and more secluded master suites, all with private bathrooms, heating, WiFi and views of the gardens or mountains. Some rooms add balconies or terraces, lounge areas, bathtubs, fireplaces or Jacuzzis for extra comfort after a day outdoors. Guests can explore forest trails, waterfalls and the Savegre River on guided walks, birding tours, horseback rides or fishing excursions, then return to Las Bromelias Restaurant for Costa Rican and international dishes, including fresh trout, or unwind at Del Río Spa and the cosy Los Robles Bar & Lounge. Family-run and deeply rooted in the valley, Savegre Lodge is a wonderfully tranquil base for experiencing Costa Rica’s highland cloud forest.

Mawamba Lodge, Tortuguero

Mawamba Lodge is a 15 acre beach front property situated on a sand strip between the Tortuguero Canals and the Caribbean Ocean. It is surrounded by lush gardens, pristine beaches and the amazing Tortuguero National Park with its abundance of wildlife, this really is a perfect retreat for nature lovers.

The hotel's rustic accommodations blend perfectly with the surrounding natural richness. From the comfort of your wooden bungalow you will be able to listen to the jungle as it comes alive each day whilst the garden hammocks prove to be the perfect spot to relax after a day of adventures and discoveries. The lodge has several private nature trails and an open sky butterfly farm which will give guests the opportunity to discover a little more about the areas flora and fauna first hand.

Whilst staying at Mawamba Lodge you will have the opportunity to partake in a selection of optional extra activities, including massage, a night hike, fishing, dining on the katonga floating restaurant or an early morning boat tour inside the canals of the National Park. Accompanied by your naturalist guide and an experienced boatman in the area, the morning boat ride will allow you to appreciate the amazing variety of animal species the National Park shelter, including three species of monkeys, 400 species of birds, hundreds of reptiles and amphibians, such as iguanas, crocodiles, alligators, frogs , turtles and a a large number of mammals including the illusive jaguar.

The beach opposite the lodge has become the most important nesting site of the green turtle in Tropical America. Between June and October you will have the opportunity to take a night tour to watch these the sea turtles make their nest and between September and November you might be lucky enough to see a hatching, which is quite spectacular with some nests having as many as 150 eggs.

Hotel Villa Florencia, Turrialba

Hotel Villa Florencia is a welcoming countryside retreat in Costa Rica’s Turrialba Valley, surrounded by sugarcane plantations, tropical gardens and mountain scenery. Just a short drive from the town of Turrialba, it offers a peaceful base for relaxing between adventures, with easy access to the Pacuare and Reventazón rivers, Guayabo Archaeological Site, CATIE Botanical Garden and the volcanic landscapes of the region.

Rooms are spacious, comfortable and warmly furnished, with standard, superior and suite options available. Many look out over the gardens or offer direct access to them, and amenities include private bathrooms, hot water, WiFi, TV, coffee maker and homely touches designed for an easy stay. Guests can unwind by the swimming pool, enjoy the Jacuzzi, terrace, gardens and open-air spaces, or dine at Oropéndolas Restaurant, where fresh ingredients and garden views create a relaxed setting for Costa Rican and international flavours. With personal service and a tranquil rural setting, Villa Florencia is a lovely stop for nature lovers, families and travellers exploring the Turrialba area.

Gran Hotel Costa Rica, San Jose

Gran Hotel Costa Rica, Curio Collection by Hilton is a beautifully restored heritage hotel in the heart of San José, set on the Avenida Central pedestrian boulevard overlooking the National Theatre. First opened in 1930 and now a designated historical-architectural monument, it blends Costa Rican history with contemporary urban style, placing guests just steps from museums, cafés, shops and some of the capital’s key cultural landmarks.

The hotel’s 79 rooms and suites are sleek and comfortable, with modern amenities including WiFi, 50-inch HDTVs, mini-refrigerators, work desks and walk-in showers. Higher-category rooms and suites offer additional space, city views and upgraded comforts, while facilities include a fitness centre, business centre, restaurant and valet parking. Dining brings together international cuisine with local flavours, and the fifth-floor piano bar is a stylish spot for city views, cocktails, global whiskies and gin after a day exploring San José.

Aguas Claras Hotel, Puerto Viejo

Aguas Claras is a colourful, art-filled boutique hideaway on Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast, tucked within lush tropical gardens near Playa Chiquita. Eclectic, handcrafted and full of personality, it blends relaxed beach living with bold design, local artwork and a true sense of place, creating a private oasis just outside Puerto Viejo.

Accommodation ranges from individually styled Pavlova Suites to spacious one and two-bedroom bungalows, some with private plunge pools and generous indoor-outdoor living areas. Each space has its own character, with Caribbean-inspired décor, private bathrooms, air conditioning, fans, minibar, coffee maker and WiFi, while verandas and garden corners invite slow mornings and lazy afternoons. Guests can unwind by the pool, enjoy yoga or spa treatments, borrow bicycles, or wander down to DaLime Beach Club on Playa Chiquita for beachfront dining, music and cocktails. Papaya Restaurant adds another layer of flavour, serving tropical fusion cuisine with Afro-Caribbean influences in a vibrant jungle setting. With sloths, monkeys, frogs and birds often seen around the grounds, Aguas Claras is a stylish and soulful base for experiencing the wild, creative spirit of Puerto Viejo.

La Paloma Lodge, Osa Peninsula

This remote rainforest retreat is set above Drake Bay on Costa Rica’s wild Osa Peninsula, with sweeping views over the Pacific Ocean and lush jungle all around. Spread across 14 acres, just a short walk from the Agujitas River and secluded black-sand beaches, it offers a wonderfully immersive base for exploring Corcovado National Park, Caño Island and one of the most biodiverse regions on Earth.

Accommodation includes spacious ranchos and superior rooms tucked among tropical gardens, with ocean views, private balconies or decks, hammocks and plenty of privacy. Many ranchos are ideal for families or small groups, with multiple beds and bathrooms, while all rooms include air conditioning, ceiling fans, orthopaedic beds, hot water, in-room safes and filtered water. Days can be spent hiking rainforest trails with expert naturalist guides, snorkelling or diving around Caño Island, birdwatching, relaxing by the pool, or simply watching monkeys, toucans and scarlet macaws from your balcony. With warm, personal service, fresh locally sourced meals and a deliberately unplugged feel, La Paloma Lodge is perfect for travellers wanting comfort, wildlife and true back-to-nature adventure.

Too much to choose from? This is where we come in

Take advantage of our vast experience, passion and expertise to help you hand craft the perfect Costa Rica adventure for you.

Sheena Ogley Senior Travel Expert

Sheena’s abiding love of adventure travel has taken her to some of the most incredible wildlife-rich places on Earth. Her vast experience and genuine desire to share her knowledge makes her an outstanding and invaluable person to help you organise your wildlife adventure trip.

Simon Rowland Senior Travel Expert

Simon’s deep passion for and first-hand knowledge of a vast range of destinations all over the world gives him the ideal skills to help you create a truly unforgettable wildlife inspired adventure to the most exciting places on the planet.

Michael Gardiner Senior Travel Expert

Mike has more than fifteen years hands-on experience in the industry, travelling to some of the most incredible wild places on the planet. His far-reaching knowledge and invaluable skills will ensure that your wildlife travel adventure is a dream come true.

Ready to start planning youronce in a lifetime trip?

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Ready to start planning youronce in a lifetime trip?

Call us - 0800 195 3385
Outside the uk? + 44 1625 5811 43
+ 44 1625 5811 43 Call us - 0800 195 3385

Chat Now

Fill in our
Enquiry form

Book Consultation

Book a
Consultation

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