Real Costa Rica

Real Costa Rica

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Real Costa Rica

12 Days Starting in San José Province, San José, Costa Rica and ending in United Kingdom

Visiting: San José, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Parque Nacional Cahuita, Puerto Viejo, Bribri, Parque Nacional Tortuguero, Muelle San Carlos, Arenal Volcano, United Kingdom

Tour operator:

Just You

Tour code:

SLCO2

Specialist Group:

Singles Solo

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

15 - 20

Physical rating:

Medium

Age range:

18-99

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians, Vegans, Please make us aware of any specific dietary requests

Tour operated in:
English

This tour is no longer available

Tour Overview

If you want to discover the real Costa Rica, this is the tour for you. There's so much packed in to this nine-day adventure, from a visit to an indigenous community, to guided boat tours through the jungle. You'll enjoy a stay on the stunning Caribbean coast, discover the flora and fauna of national parks and take a tour of a coffee plantation. For the thrill seeker, there's even an option to take in breathtaking views of the rainforest as you soar across an exhilarating zip line.

Highlights

  • Visit Cahuita National Park

  • Visit an indigenous Bribri community to learn about their culture & traditions

  • Visit Tortuguero Village & the Caribbean Conservation Center

  • Local Flavours - Sample traditional dishes and eat like a local in the home of a Bribri family

  • Dedicated Just You holiday director with you on the trip

  • Your own room guaranteed & no single supplement

Itinerary

Expand All
Day 1 : Uk - San José
Location: San José
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Crowne Plaza Corobici
Meals Included: Dinner

Today, you fly to San José, the capital of Costa Rica. Get to know your travelling companions over dinner this evening.

Day 2 : San José - Puerto Viejo De Limon
Location: San José, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Parque Nacional Cahuita, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Terrazas del Caribe
Meals Included: Breakfast

Our adventure begins as we travel to Puerto Viejo de Limon, a beach resort on the Caribbean coast. A popular spot for surfers, it boasts crystal-clear waters and stunning sandy beaches.
This afternoon we will visit Cahuita National Park, which was created to preserve the coral reef along its shores. Sea turtles nest in the protected marine area and the reef is home to many different species of coral and fish. On land, brightly coloured birds including green ibises, keel-billed toucans and herons live in the forest, and you might spot mammals such as monkeys and pacas roaming amongst the tropical plants.

Day 3 : Puerto Viejo De Limon
Location: Puerto Viejo, Bribri, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Terrazas del Caribe
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

There's a fascinating day in store, as we learn about the indigenous Bribri people of Costa Rica and get an insight into their culture and traditions. We travel to the Bribri Reserve, the biggest indigenous community in the country, where we will begin our visit to Watsi. We will visit a family where five generations live together under the same roof, and learn about their home and lifestyle. You will also discover how the Bribri people use medicinal plants and produce chocolate. You'll even have an opportunity to grind your own before enjoying a taste of the finished product. You'll then join the family for a delicious home-cooked meal of local chicken with vegetables, served on plantain leaves with no cutlery needed. After lunch you will visit one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the area, the Rio Dos Aguas Waterfall.

Day 4 : Tortuguero National Park
Location: Parque Nacional Tortuguero
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Pachira Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

​We've an early start today as we set off for Tortuguero National Park. We'll stop at a restaurant for breakfast, and as there are no roads into Tortuguero, the final part of our journey will be by boat. We'll arrive at our hotel in time for lunch, and will visit Tortuguero Village to find out about the local community this afternoon. We'll also visit the Caribbean Conservation Center to discover more about the sea turtles that nest on the nearby beaches.​

Day 5 : Tortuguero National Park
Location: Parque Nacional Tortuguero
Accommodation: Hotel, Hotel
Accommodation Name: Pachira Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We'll explore Tortuguero National Park on two guided boat tours today. This beautiful region is one of Costa Rica's most important ecological sites and a renowned nesting site for sea turtles. Behind a beach-fringed coastline, a network of freshwater channels cuts through the dense jungle and is home to a variety of other wildlife, including monkeys, river otters, crocodiles, caimans and many species of bird.
Keep your eyes peeled for sightings as you cruise the waterways, canals and swamps, and explore some of the trails on foot. Your guide is on hand to answer questions about the history and wildlife of the park and will do their best to help you spot as many different species as possible.​

Day 6 : Tortuguero - Muelle De San Carlos
Location: Parque Nacional Tortuguero, Muelle San Carlos
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Tilajari Hotel Resort
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast we leave Tortuguero by boat and then drive to the village of Muelle de San Carlos. We'll stop at a restaurant for lunch on the way, and then visit 'Mi Cafecito Coffee Tour' in the afternoon. During our tour of this community coffee plantation, we will gain an insight into the lives of Costa Rica's coffee producers. There will also be an opportunity to sample the coffee and purchase some to take home as a souvenir.
When we arrive in Muelle de San Carlos, the rest of the evening will be free for you to relax and enjoy the facilities at the hotel or perhaps enjoy a drink with your travelling companions.

Day 7 : Muelle De San Carlos
Location: Muelle San Carlos
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Tilajari Hotel Resort
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

If you want to discover Costa Rica's rainforest canopy, we've lined up a fantastic optional excursion for today. If you prefer to admire the rainforest at a slow pace, a visit to the Hanging Bridges of Arenal is a must. Explore the rainforest on a walking trail which crosses no less than 15 bridges, six of which are hanging in the rainforest canopy, offering a spectacular view of the scenery below. It’s an incredible experience, with highlights including 98-metre-long Tyra Bridge and Waterfall Bridge which is suspended 60 metres in the air. Keep your eyes peeled as you walk - more than 250 species of bird live in this rainforest reserve along with a vast array of reptiles, mammals and insects. In the early evening, pack your swimwear for a visit to a thermal bath complex in the jungle. Afterwards, enjoy a dinner.

Day 8 : Muelle De San Carlos - Arenal
Location: Muelle San Carlos, Arenal Volcano
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Mountain Paradise
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast we will transfer you to La Fortuna which is your base for the next 3 nights, exploring more of Costa Rica's incredible highlights, from dense rainforests to soaring volcanoes.

Day 9 : Arenal
Location: Arenal Volcano
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Mountain Paradise
Meals Included: Breakfast

Today has been left for you to spend at leisure in the local area. You could join us on an optional morning bird watching tour where you will observe bird species in their natural habitat, explore the trails of the reserve where your experienced guide will explain all about the species such as the Chocu aco and the Boat Billed Heron.

Day 10 : Arenal
Location: Arenal Volcano
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Mountain Paradise
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast why not join us on an optional excursion to La Fortuna Waterfall, a short hike through tropical forests to the base of the waterfalls natural pools.
This evening enjoy a farewell dinner in a local restaurant in the centre of La Fortuna serving traditional Costa Rican dishes.

Day 11 : Arenal - Uk
Location: Arenal Volcano
Accommodation: Flight to the UK
Meals Included: Breakfast

Today you will be transferred to the airport for your return flight to the UK.

Day 12 : Arrive Uk
Location: United Kingdom
Meals Included: No Meals

You will arrive in the UK today.

What's Included

  • Use of an airport lounge in the UK

  • Return flights from London

  • A guaranteed twin or double room of your own

  • Accommodation

    10 nights in 4-star hotels & jungle lodges plus 1 night in flight

  • Meals

    21 meals: 10 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 7 dinners including a welcome drink

  • Overseas transfers, other transportation & porterage

  • Just You Holiday Director as your host & specialist Local Guide

What's Not Included

  • Airport Transfers at Destination

  • Insurance

Check out our Q&As

  • Are flights included in this tour?

    Yes, Return flights from London

  • Are children permitted to take part in the tour?

    No

  • Are airport transfers included in this tour?

    Yes, overseas transfers, other transportation & porterage

  • Is there a supplement for solo travellers?

    No and your own room is guaranteed!

  • What is the maximum group size?

    20

  • Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?

    Yes

  • Will I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?

    Yes

  • Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?

    As detailed in the itinerary

  • Will there be an escort accompanying this tour?

    Yes

  • Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

    All the people in your group will be solo travellers and will share your sense of adventure and passion for travel. There’s usually a good mix of ages too, so you’ll meet a variety of solo travellers who have more, or in some cases less, life experience. We find the overall mix of people really adds to the whole experience and there are certainly plenty of l

  • Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?

    A few years ago we set up Just You Cares, a programme that gives back to some of the places we love. We have always believed in taking care of the communities we visit, and have taken the time to really get to know the local people and understand the challenges they face. Some of our holidays give our Customers the chance to see how the money from their trips has been spent.

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    At Just You, we are committed to operating our business operations responsibly, with integrity and always act ethically in all our business dealings and relationships. We are committed to implementing and enforcing effective systems and controls to ensure slavery and human trafficking does not take place in our own business or in any of our supply chains

  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    If we can accommodate a change in date - we will always do our best to help you. Just pick up the phone and ask one of our friendly advisors - just make sure you have your booking number to hand.

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes, and all of our accommodation providers will be working to the very highest standards of hygiene – you already always enjoy a private room of your own on all of our trips, all of our partners will be guided by local government operational standards of hygiene and the new protocols we have issued to them.

  • Will I eat alone?

    We find there’s always a social element to dining, so you’ll never eat alone, unless you want to! Every holiday includes a welcome get-together, all breakfasts and many other meals. When a meal is not included we find travellers meet and dine together.

  • Can I join the tour once it has departed?

    No, given the nature of our holidays, it is not possible to join the tour once it has departed.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Just You has been operating solo holidays for more than 15 years.

  • Am I guaranteed a room of my own?

    Of course, you’ll always have a twin or double room all to yourself. It’s great to have that space to relax and reflect at the end of the day. In some hotels you can also pay a little extra to upgrade for more space or a lovely sea view.

  • What is the typical age range on a Just You holiday?

    Typically, our customers are solo travellers in their 40s, 50s and 60s, but it’s quite possible you could meet 20-year-olds or 70-year-olds (or anyone in between)... After all, age is just a number!

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    We have received the World Travel and Tourism Councils (WTTC) Safe Travels stamp, which recognises businesses and destinations worldwide that have adopted a new set of global protocols to support the return of 'Safe Travel' around the world. The 'Safe Travels' stamp provides you, with assurance and peace of mind that we have implemented enhanced health and hygiene prprotocols on all holidays.

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Once you book, you will receive a confirmation invoice within 7 days, prior to departure, we will send you further information to help prepare for your trip.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Just You is exclusively for solo travellers, every tour includes a twin or double room of your own, with no single supplement.

Reviews of this Operator

Jenny Elliott  

Fabulous Holiday with Just You

28-Oct-2021

Fabulous holiday with Just You - well organised, excellent accommodation and our tour leader absolutely made the trip! Would highly recommend.

Featured on Trustpilot
Russell Kerfoot  

Travels 2013 -2019

21/06/2021

Have taken about 15 tours with JY, mainly long haul, and found the experience exhilarating. Apart from the company's professionalism and extensive and varied tour options, I have made so many friends for life. Looking forward to resuming my travels in 2022.

Featured on Trustpilot
Jan Clark  

My Go-to tour company!

16-Nov-2021

I’ve travelled many times with Just You and have always experienced 5-star service from them; so much so that they are always my go-to travel company. Realising a life-time’s dream of visiting Petra and touring Jordan with JY was amazing. Every day was a highlight and the tour manager, Jenny, was lovely and so professional. I can even see me doing this tour again next year.

Featured on Trustpilot
Chloe Brown   United Kingdom

Chile - The Atacama to Patagonia with Easter Island Extension

16-Mar-2024

I thoroughly enjoyed every day of this tour. We saw everything from desert, to lakes, to islands, to volcanoes, to mountains, snow and waterfalls. Chile is such a beautiful and unique country. The tour itself is quite challenging with lots of early mornings and 11 flights in 3 weeks (with Easter island extension), but it’s so worth it. Very well put together, we had a dedicated tour director who met us at the UK airport's and accompanied us the whole way. This was great as he made sure that we all knew exactly what we were doing and was on hand to sort out any issues. This was an adventure I’ll never forget!

aled blackshaw (Google Reviewer)  

Been on 5 holidays with...

13-Oct-2023

Been on 5 holidays with this company they have generally been good but the prices have risen considerably and i feel do not provide true value for money. In my opinion all the excursions and meals should be included in the total cost as they not worth the extra cost. Also they are very dismissive of any complaints once you have paid for the holiday they are not interested. I think i will try another company next time

Sue Sweeney (Google Reviewer)  

Great holidays for singles. I've been...

28-Jun-2023

Great holidays for singles. I've been on 4 holidays with them. Only issue is the hotel rooms. They generally use 3* hotels and I've booked at the same time and price as my friends but the difference in rooms is unbelievable. I've been lucky, but I've heard horror stories from friends of rooms like a dungeon with one small high window whilst I've had a fabulous sea view.

COLIN BROAD (Google Reviewer)  

I went on a spirit...

08-Apr-2024

I went on a spirit of an India trip with Amritsar add on. It looks good in the brochure, but things aren’t always as they seem. If like me you like a toilet break every two hours (discussed with the company in depth in advance) or have a hidden disability. then this holiday is not for you - use a different holiday company! Their planned toilet stops are every 3.5 hours, so ladies bring your pads and gents be prepared for “natural stops” while all the passengers watch you out the window or bring a bottle and a blanket as a screen. The Taj Mahal in Agra was good, along with the two trips to the Ganges river and the Golden Temple at Amritsar too. Rarely are you in the same spot for more than one night and a 6 hour daily coach or train journey became the norm. It was a shame that there was not an opportunity to enjoy the hotels that we’d obviously paid a lot of money for. If you’re looking for tigers in the game park, don’t get your hopes up. 99% unlikely. It is also a disappointment that there is little opportunity to explore the areas in the major cities that we’d traveled too If you are lucky enough to find some companionship from the opposite sex and wish to be bring them “home” this is frowned upon by the company - even if you have paid extra due double occupancy as required by the hotel I received a letter on holiday basically saying that the two hourly toilet stops required (and discussed in advance) due to diabetes was a disruption to the schedule. That photos sent to me by a girlfriend were “illicit”. Photo uploaded - make your own mind up” Also that managing to get lucky a couple of times and bringing them back to the hotel was an issue - very strange due a so called singles holiday

Maureen May (Google Reviewer)  

Just returned from St Lucia....

29-Feb-2024

Just returned from St Lucia. Hotel dreadfully shabby. Breakfasts very limited with very little fresh fruit. Our hotel was a 20 minute walk in 29C or a free bus on the hour to the beach and sister hotel. Location good for nearby local shopping and restaurants. The sunset cruise was brilliant as was the whale watching, but surf and safari trip was a disaster. We travelled in two open topped trucks with a two and a half hour drive to the surfing destination. During the trip smoke started from the gear box and we had to abandon the vehicle until the situation was rectified, which, to their credit, was sorted very quickly. Unfortunately the sea was too rough for the boat so we had to return back in the trucks. Extremely uncomfortable on side bench seats, hanging on in the rain. So, all in all we don’t over 6 hours on the trucks - not good. The tour guide left before the 5 day extension period without a handover to the local tour operators. No Information was given except by the hotel. I had already booked to go the Athens with Just You in May, now I wish I hadn’t.

Lynda Martin (Google Reviewer)  

Don't go to the Mercure...

10-Feb-2024

Don't go to the Mercure Hotel in Brighton for a Christmas holiday. Dingy rooms, small tables so you are encouraged to sit on your own when you have expected to be able to chat. But this is nothing compared to the Christmas lunch. Reconstituted white meat that could have been anything, no roasties, no stuffing, no cranberry sauce, you couldn't cut the sprouts because the knife wasn't sharp enough. I had pre ordered prawn cocktail as my starter but on the day when we all turned up together, there was no prawn cocktail for me they had run out, so all I had was soup. No dancing, no music. The carpets were stained and it was a very sorry affair. I paid £1348 for 4 nights of this very shabby standard. Sorry Just You, butbit is the last holiday I will have with you. This year, whether I go to Aldi or Waitrose, I will buy the whole shebang and cook it myself, and then I will be sure to enjoy it.

eamonn young (Google Reviewer)  

Great holiday but then no...

21-Sep-2023

Great holiday but then no response to email concerning an important point concerning incorrect information in documentation. Turkish Airlines do have online check in..saves being put on standby. Documentation says you can't check in online..you can. Just wanted to save other travellers having the same problem about being put on stand by. Just You don't seem to care.

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Just You requires a minimum deposit of 20% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 84 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of just you charges.

    Up to 75 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 42 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.

    At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

  • Book with Confidence

    When you book your holiday with Just You, you can have complete peace of mind. Your money is 100% protected through our Independent Trust Fund, any money you pay to us is held by them & governed by 3rd?party trustees. It is also a condition of our ATOL license and is regularly monitored by the Civil Aviation Authority. We don’t receive any money until after you’ve come back from your holiday – so your money is 100% protected no matter what. If you have any questions you can speak to one of our friendly and knowledgeable holiday advisors.

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