Costa Rica: From the Caribbean to the Pacific
Costa Rica: From the Caribbean to the Pacific
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Costa Rica: From the Caribbean to the Pacific
13 Days Starting and ending in San Jose, Costa Rica
Visiting: San José, Tortuguero, Arenal, Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge, Caño Negro, Monteverde Cloud Forest, Rincon De La Vieja National Park, Guanacaste, Palo Verde National Park, Tamarindo, ሀመር።
Tour operator:
Tour code:
RI
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Please contact Riviera Travel with specific dietary requests.
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Costa Rica, a land of breathtaking biodiversity and stunning landscapes. This tour takes you from the lush Caribbean coastline of Tortuguero National Park, where you can spot Emperor butterflies, toucans, and three-toed sloths, to the majestic Arenal Volcano and its surrounding cloud forests. Experience the vibrant birdlife at the remote Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge and enjoy a fascinating tour of a coffee and cocoa plantation. Relax in luxury with a three-night stay at a five-star resort overlooking the Pacific Ocean. With guided tours, boat transfers, and hand-picked accommodations ranging from three to five stars, this adventure promises an immersive exploration of one of the world's most scenic countries. Enjoy daily breakfasts, select meals, and the expertise of a knowledgeable tour manager throughout your journey.
Highlights
Itinerary
DAY 1
Location: San José
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Depart from London Gatwick on your direct British Airways flight to San Jose. On arrival you will be met and transferred to the four-star Crowne Plaza Corobici Hotel where we stay for one night with breakfast. The remainder of the day is at leisure.
DAY 2
Location: Tortuguero
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After an early start, we leave the city behind, on our way to Tortuguero, on Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast, passing by coffee and banana plantations and small farming communities. We arrive at the dock where we transfer on to our boat for the final part of our journey through the complex maze of natural canals to our home for the next two nights, either the Aninga, Evergreen or Pachira eco-lodges, on full board basis. After lunch we visit the nearby small picturesque town of Tortuguero and the Caribbean Conservation Corporation museum dedicated to studying the thousands of Atlantic Green, Hawksbill and Leatherback turtles who come to lay their eggs on the protected beaches here between July to October every year. As the sun sets and the sounds of the tropical forest fill the air, you may look forward to sampling some typical Costa Rican cuisine in the hotel’s restaurant.
DAY 3
Location: Tortuguero
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast we set off for a fascinating walk along one of the nature trails around our lodge. After some time to relax by the pool during the hottest part of the day, in the afternoon we continue our exploration by boat, along the lush green waterways of this unique eco-system.
DAY 4
Location: Arenal
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning we set off westwards through the centre of the country towards Arenal, famous for the perfect symmetrical cone of the Arenal Volcano, Costa Rica's youngest volcano. After a stop for lunch we arrive in Arenal in the afternoon, staying three nights at the four-star superior Tabacon or four-star Arenal Manoa Hotel, with breakfast. Dinner is included tonight.
DAY 5
Location: Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Today we head north, close to the Nicaraguan border, to the Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge. Here we embark on a boat to quietly float along the Frio River – your local guide will point out what’s considered to be some of the most abundant bird life in Costa Rica. Iguanas, caimans and numerous monkey species can also be spotted along the river banks. Lunch is included.
DAY 6
Location: Caño Negro
Meals Included: Breakfast
A day to take it easy at your hotel – after a sumptuous breakfast, settle down around the pool with its swim-up bar and wonderful views of the volcano. Just an easy walk around the grounds is sure to offer plenty of chances to spot some local wildlife. Tonight, why not enjoy an optional evening cooking class with dinner included.
DAY 7
Location: Monteverde Cloud Forest
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
In the morning, embark on a walking tour in the foothills of Arenal Volcano, enjoying more close-up scenic views of the Volcano. We turn south today to drive towards the Monteverde Cloud Forest, staying for two nights with breakfast at the four-star El Establo Hotel. Dinner tonight is included at your hotel.
DAY 8
Location: Rincon De La Vieja National Park
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
This stunning Cloud Forest boasts an extraordinarily diverse ecosystem, being home to 120 species of reptiles and amphibians, 130 species of mammals and an astounding 500 species of birds, not to mention more than 3,000 species of plants. Possibly the best way to enjoy all this is from above: the Sky Walk Hanging Bridges are a system of walkways that offer a unique view into the jungle from up to 180 feet above the forest floor. If you’re feeling really adventurous (and at extra charge), this is where you can also enjoy what is considered to be the country’s best ‘zip-line’ experience. This afternoon enjoy lunch and a tour of a traditional Costa Rican coffee farm where you’ll see how one of Costa Rica's top exports is grown in this tropical region and its importance in the development of the country as a whole. Dinner tonight is included.
Day 9
Location: Guanacaste
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning we drive towards the shores of the striking Pacific coast to the region of Guanacaste, one of the most beautiful places in the country, with an exotic combination of exquisite beaches and an exuberant tropical forest. On the way, we stop at the bustling town of Liberia, for some free time to have a stroll and maybe sample some of the local cuisine.
Our hotel for three nights with breakfast will be the five-star JW Marriott Resort & Spa, close to the charming seaside resort of Tamarindo, where it’s not unusual to see iguanas and white-faced monkeys on the beach!
This evening we’ll take you into Tamarindo where there’s plenty of great food, music and friendly bars to choose from.
Day 10
Location: Palo Verde National Park
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Today, we take a guided tour to Palo Verde National Park, one of Costa Rica's most popular conservation areas. Its wide range of land and marine biodiversity make this one of the Central America’s most impressive natural habitats. Your local guide will lead you by boat through the waterways of this tropical paradise to discover a unique combination of thick coastal forest, rivers and mangrove lagoons which are home to more than 109 species of mammals and 184 species of birds. You’ll observe several species of monkeys, iguanas, and birds and possibly even the three-toed sloth.
Day 11
Location: Tamarindo
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Enjoy all the pleasures of your final day in your luxury hotel. You can take it easy on the beach or beside the hotel pool, with a pina colada or daiquiri in hand, play a round of golf, try out the spa or perhaps join the optional cruise along the coast with picturesque views and time for snorkelling. A farewell dinner in Tamarindo is included tonight.
Day 12
Location: San José
Meals Included: Breakfast
Travel back to San Jose airport for your overnight direct flight to London Gatwick.
Day 13
Location: ሀመር።
We arrive home this morning.
What's Included
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Return flights
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11 nights’ accommodation
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Daily breakfast, 6 lunches & 5 dinners
What's Not Included
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Tipping and Gratuities
Tipping and gratuities are not included.
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Optional Activities
Optional activities such as the zip-line tour and evening cooking class with dinner are not included.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included.
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Visas
Visa fees, if applicable, are not included.
Check out our Q&As
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What wildlife can I expect to see during the tour?
During the tour, you can expect to see a variety of wildlife including Emperor butterflies, toucans, three-toed sloths, caimans, several types of monkeys, and a huge number of endemic and migratory bird species such as toucans, macaws, and raptors. In the Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge, you might spot kingfishers, ibis, storks, vultures, iguanas, and monkeys. In Palo Verde National Park, you may see three-toed sloths, monkeys, technicolour tree frogs, scarlet macaws, and the Jesus Christ Lizard.
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What activities are included in the tour?
The tour includes a variety of activities such as guided tours of Tortuguero, Caño Negro, a walking tour at Arenal, exploring the Monteverde Cloud Forest on hanging bridges, and a tour of a coffee and chocolate farm. You will also have the opportunity to enjoy a boat tour in Palo Verde National Park and a visit to the Las Pumas Wildlife Rescue Centre & Sanctuary.
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Are there any optional activities available during the tour?
Yes, there are optional activities available during the tour. These include a zip-line tour, an evening cooking class with dinner, a night walk in Rincon De La Vieja National Park, and a coastal catamaran boat tour.
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What kind of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour provides eleven nights of accommodation in hand-picked three-star, four-star, and five-star hotels. Some of the accommodations include the Crowne Plaza Corobici, Pachira Eco-Lodge, Hotel Arenal Manoa, El Establo Mountain Hotel, and JW Marriott Guanacaste Resort & Spa.
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What meals are included in the tour package?
The tour package includes daily breakfast and five additional meals. Specific meals are provided on certain days, such as lunch during the visit to the Pejibaye Plantation and a farewell dinner at a local restaurant in Tamarindo Beach.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
For almost 40 years
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I have reduced mobility; can I still travel?
We want to ensure you make the correct choice before you book your holiday with us. If you have any concerns regarding the suitability of the holiday due to reduced mobility we would encourage you to contact us to discuss these concerns
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Do I require travel insurance?
It is a condition of booking that you carry suitable travel insurance.
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What is my luggage allowance?
You will receive details of your luggage allowance with your final travel documents, which are sent approximately 10 days prior to your date of departure.
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Low Deposit
Riviera Travel requires a minimum deposit of 500 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 75 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of riviera travel charges.
Up to 75 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 70% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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