Southern Costa Rica
Southern Costa Rica
Southern Costa Rica
10 Days Starting and ending in London, UK
Visiting: San José, Jardín Botánico Lankester, San Gerardo de Dota, Golfito, Esquinas Rainforest Lodge, Las Cruces Biological Station, Quepos, RAFTING Dominical FAMILY SPECIALS Naranjo River, Bougainvillea Hotel
Tour operator:
Tour code:
BSCO
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
6 - 25
Physical rating:
Medium, Active
Age range:
1-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Vegans, Meat, Please contact Brightwater with any specific dietary requirements
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Active, Coach tours (worldwide), Small Group, Walking Hiking and Trekking
Interests:
Tour Overview
Costa Rica, Spanish for ‘rich coast’, is particularly well named when you consider the extraordinary wealth of plant, bird and animal life to be found within this small Central American country. Indeed, the term ‘biodiversity’ might have been coined with Costa Rica in mind, such is the range and number of different species that flourish within its pristine, tropical forests. Add to the mix some truly spectacular scenery and a laid-back, happy people and you have the makings a life-affirming holiday experience. Introduced by popular demand, this holiday complements our successful tour of the country’s northern parts. It explores the southern regions, including Golfito, often referred to as Costa Rica’s ‘last frontier’. Here we find an unexplored rugged wilderness, where the amenities are more basic, but the where one can experience an alternative to the hustle and bustle of the more popular tourist destinations. Please note it is possible to link this tour with our Gardens of Costa Rica tour 28 January – 9 February 2022 – please ask for details
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1
Location: San José
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Bougainvillea
Meals Included: Dinner
We depart from London on our flight to San José, the capital city of Costa Rica. Upon arrival in San José we will be met by our coach and local guide and transferred to our hotel.
We will also have a meal on the flight.
Day 2
Location: Jardín Botánico Lankester, San Gerardo de Dota
Accommodation: Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning after breakfast we visit the Lankester Garden, which has a world class collection of nearly a thousand varieties of orchids, all conveniently displayed at eye level. Orchids are very difficult to spot in the wild - even with a qualified guide you would be lucky to spot a dozen during a full day in the forest – and the majority are epiphytic, growing high in the canopy on trunks and branches and flowering for only a day or two. With so many varieties here there are likely to be hundreds in bloom during our visit, an excellent opportunity to view some exquisite specimens at close quarters.
After lunch we continue our journey south into the mountains, an area of National Parks and Reserves. Our base for the next two nights is Dantica Lodge, a mountain lodge in the cloud forest of San Gerardo de Dota.
Day 3
Location: San Gerardo de Dota
Accommodation: Resort
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Enjoy your breakfast. We have an unusual and fascinating day ahead of us today, which begins with a walking tour of the surrounding tropical cloud forest. While one can never rely on the co-operation of wild animals there is every chance that we shall see some Resplendent Quetzals (Pharamochrus mocinno costarricencis), the magnificent Phoenix-like bird that was so revered by the indigenous peoples of Central America. Look out also for humming-birds, fly-catchers and finches darting about among the mighty oaks of the forest, along with bromeliads, lichens, ferns and orchids.
We return to the resort for lunch, after which we will enjoy a visit to the surrounding area of San Gerardo de Dota.
Day 4
Location: Golfito, Esquinas Rainforest Lodge
Accommodation: Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Following breakfast, we check out of the hotel and head south once again, towards Golfito, often referred to as Costa Rica’s last frontier. A remote and secluded region of the country, Southern Costa Rica is an unexplored rugged wilderness, where the amenities are basic, but the experience is authentic.
Our base this evening is the Esquinas Lodge. Featuring a natural swimming pool and an extensive tropical garden, this eco-lodge is set in the rainforest just 2 km from La Gamba Village, on the edge of Piedras Blancas National Park. Each comfortable rustic cabin is en-suite. On arrival there will be time to explore the surrounding area and get to know the local flora and fauna.
Day 5
Location: Las Cruces Biological Station
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast we check out of the hotel and continue our journey southwards, stopping en route for lunch. Our destination is San Vito and the Wilson Botanical Garden. Covering 12 hectares and surrounded by 254 hectares of natural forest, this world-class garden was established by Robert and Catherine Wilson in 1963 and thereafter became internationally known for its collection.
Accommodation is provided here in self-contained cabins with views over the gardens.
Day 6
Location: Las Cruces Biological Station
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today is spent exploring the 25-acre Wilson Botanical Garden. The elaborate garden is broken up into sections. Each features a different genus of plant with some crossover and additional species, such as large trees, mixed in. Mostly we will find areas of similar plants and see various plaques or tags identifying their scientific names. In the past, the gardens have been used mainly for scientific research so aesthetics wasn’t the priority. Recently, though, a new director has been initiating changes to make the gardens more appealing to everyday visitors. Flowering species are being added to areas that previously held only leafy vegetation, and a new hummingbird garden has been built in a Japanese style.
The plants include Palms (over 700 species), Marantas, Bananas, Heliconias, Dracaenas, Bamboos, Gingers, Aroids, Cycads and Bromeliads. Bromeliad Hill, where the Wilsons are buried, is one of the more manicured areas of the property. A signature design method of architect Roberto Burle Marx can also be found here. Look for the ruffled fan palm (Lacuala grandis) planted beside an imperial bromeliad (Vriesea imperialis).
Day 7
Location: Quepos, RAFTING Dominical FAMILY SPECIALS Naranjo River
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast this morning we head for the Central Pacific region where we experience a fun and informative tour of local cuisine. First stop is the local farmers’ market in Quepos, where we will have the opportunity to browse the stands and pick out ingredients for our lunch with the guide’s assistance, depending on menu designed for us. Once at our private ranch and dining area, we will be greeted by the team, who will proceed to guide us through the organic garden to pick out some finishing flavours, colours and textures for our meal. We then go to the kitchen and experience the process of making corn tortillas by hand, exotic “ceviches” with plantain or banana, rice cooked the old-fashioned way, chicken in a hearty tomato sauce, “picadillos”. Then we sit down and enjoy the fruits of our labours! There is then free time to explore the ranch, and walk down to the Naranjo River where, weather permitting, you can have a dip in the refreshing waters.
We continue to our hotel on the coast.
Day 8
Location: San José, Bougainvillea Hotel
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After a leisurely breakfast to explore the surrounding area or enjoy the beach and perhaps take a swim in the ocean. In the afternoon we continue our journey to San José and return to the Bougainvillea Hotel where dinner is served in the evening.
Day 9
Location: Airport SJC
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning after breakfast we check out of the hotel and travel to San José’s Airport for our return flight to London.
Day 10
Arrival is due in London this morning, when the group will disperse or make onward connections.
What's Included
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Accommodation
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Services of a professional tour manager
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Comfortable coach travel throughout
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Meals - as per the itinerary
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All Domestic Transportation (including internal flights)
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Drinks with Meals
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Entrance Fees
What's Not Included
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Tipping and Gratuities
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International Travel
Check out our Q&As
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Are flights included in this tour?
Yes
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
Yes
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
Yes
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Are all entrance fees included in the price?
Yes
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes
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Will I receive more details of the holiday before I travel?
You will receive detailed joining instructions around 10 days prior to you departure, but you are of course welcome to contact us at any time should you have any queries.
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What facilities do your coaches have?
Generally, our coaches have reclining seats, air-conditioning and toilets, however this cannot always be guaranteed as sometimes we have to use smaller vehicles. Toilets are recommended for emergency use only and regular comfort stops will be made throughout your holiday while travelling around.
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Do I have to go on the included excursions?
Absolutely not. You are more than welcome to spend the day at your hotel or exploring independently should you wish. All we ask is that you inform your Tour Manager, so they are not left waiting for you to join the group.
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Is there time to relax?
Although our itineraries may seem jam-packed, boasting access to some of the most exclusive sites across the UK and beyond, a Brightwater Holiday is just that: a holiday. Each trip will counter in more than enough free-time for you to explore places at your own leisure. And with most nights and the majority of meals being included in our tour prices, you can relax in hand-picked accommodation.
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Do I need to be an expert?
Absolutely not! Although some of our tours are specifically focused on one thing, all you need to enjoy a Brightwater holiday is interest and bags of enthusiasm! Even on our most specialist tours, we take travellers from all skill levels, from experts to beginners.
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How fit or active do I need to be for one of your holidays?
You need to be able to get on and off the coach unassisted, and most – but not all – coaches have a kneel facility that lowers the front step for ease of boarding
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Do you have self-drive holidays?
Yes, we do – tailored to your exact requirements!
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What’s the luggage allowance on your coaches?
There’s no fixed limit, but we generally say one large suitcase to go in the luggage compartment and a smaller bag that you can take onto the coach with you. For flight-inclusive holidays, we include a luggage allowance of at least 20kg.
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Where are your departure points?
UK garden holidays generally depart from London, with additional pick-ups depending on the route of the coach, while holidays to Scotland depart from Glasgow, Edinburgh and Perth, with Dundee, Inverness and Aberdeen sometimes included. All Eurostar holidays depart from London St. Pancras and flight-inclusive holidays depart from one or more of the main London airports, with regional flights .
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What about the company that will be kept?
For single travellers, those with a companion or even those travelling in a larger group, you'll find that the signature of any Brightwater Holiday is the company. You won't ever be travelling with a group of strangers, instead, you'll find yourself surrounded by like-minded people with a strong shared interest who will soon become your firm friends.
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What is a Brightwater Holiday?
Bursting with enthralling, educational and enlightening itineraries, a Brightwater Holiday, by its very nature, is packed with bucket-list-worthy destinations, behind the scenes passes and expert-led experiences. From creating bespoke quality garden and special interest tours for groups and individuals alike, we have made it our business to make our guests' travel dreams come true.
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Why is there a single supplement?
Unfortunately, single room supplements are charges that are often imposed on us as a company when we book rooms for group holidays. However, most hotels do charge less for single occupancy, and we always pass this saving on to our solo travellers in the form of a modest single supplement.
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How much are your optional excursions?
Prices start from as little as £20, but please contact our friendly team for questions about specific itineraries or excursions.
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Can I pre-book my coach seats?
Yes, you can. In the case of front seats, guests with limited mobility are given priority. Please get in touch with our friendly team to discuss any requirements you may have.
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How to get there? Easy!
With a Brightwater Holiday, the journey is just as important as the destination and we make getting you to your tour start point easy. From organising group flights and individual travel plans, to offering accessible local departure and pick-up points, we go out of our way to ensure that your journey is as convenient and hassle-free as it can be.
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Do I need to have travel insurance?
Travel insurance is required for all overseas holidays and is also strongly recommended for UK holidays – primarily to protect yourself against cancellation charges should you be unable to travel.
Reviews of this Operator
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Brightwater Holidays allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform brightwater holidays, 25 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Brightwater Holidays requires a minimum deposit of 15% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of brightwater holidays charges.
At 40 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 7 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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