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:

Riviera Travel

Tour code:

RI

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Please contact Riviera Travel if you have any concerns regarding the suitability of the holiday due to reduced mobility.

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians, Please contact Riviera Travel with specific dietary requests.

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Luxury

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

  • See Emperor butterflies, toucans, unique three-toed sloths and much more in one of the most scenic and bio-diverse counties on the planet, including the unique eco-system along the Caribbean coastline in Tortuguero National Park.

  • Explore the area around the perfect cone of the still-active Arenal Volcano and the extraordinary Cloud Forest from above on superb hanging bridges.

  • Travel to the remote Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge, renowned for its incredible birdlife.

  • Enjoy a fascinating tour of a coffee and cocoa plantation.

  • Stay for three nights at a five-star resort overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

Itinerary

Expand All

DAY 1

Baroque Church of the Merced in San Jose Center
Aerial view of Costa Ricas San Jose city
Aerial View of San Jose, Costa Rica
The Costa Rica National Theater in San Jose

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

Volcano Arenal in Costa Rica
Sunset view of Arenal Volcano and tropical rainforest
Amazing view at the Arenal Volcano

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

Rincón de la Vieja National Park

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

Tamarindo Beach

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

Baroque Church of the Merced in San Jose Center
The Costa Rica National Theater in San Jose
Aerial View of San Jose, Costa Rica
Aerial view of Costa Ricas San Jose city

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

  • Return flights

  • 11 nights’ accommodation

  • Daily breakfast, 6 lunches & 5 dinners

show more

What's Not Included

  • Tipping and Gratuities

    Tipping and gratuities are not included.

  • Optional Activities

    Optional activities such as the zip-line tour and evening cooking class with dinner are not included.

  • Personal Expenses

    Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance is not included.

  • Visas

    Visa fees, if applicable, are not included.

Check out our Q&As

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    For almost 40 years

  • 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

  • Do I require travel insurance?

    It is a condition of booking that you carry suitable travel insurance.

  • 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.

Reviews of this operator

David Clarke (Google Reviewer)  

This review is for the...

08-Aug-2023

This review is for the italian Lake Como trip Aug 1-8 Wow what a trip. Riviera from start to finish were excellent the booking and help line answering questions were very good and clear. The travel booklet you get is laid out that it is simple to read and follow with step by step info from booking in to flights to meeting the guides. Our guide Matt Purse was just the best guide and real credit to Riviera with his knowledge and straight forward approach to running the trips. Matt kept us informed and told us all the sort of info you want to know without going over the top....This chap should teach other reps ..thank you so much. The coaches they use are all clean and well equipped with usb chargers and have aircon. The places chosen to visit were well researched even down to where coaches park or drop you off. The Bernina Express was the highlight for our family and matts photo tip was welcomed. The only down point was the hotel,a little dated and evening meal in main restuarant was a bit of a let down. I think we were lucky with our room on level 7 and with balcony as the walls are very thin and noise travels. We would book again with riviera

Sharon Wal (Google Reviewer)  

Riviera are amazing attention to...

24-Mar-2025

Riviera are amazing attention to detail fantastic, staff and crew can't do enough for you. Food excellent drinks package great, cannot fault, definitely cruise with them again

Barbara Shillaker (Google Reviewer)  

I have been on three...

11-Jan-2024

I have been on three trips with Riviera Travel so far, with two more booked during 2024. Highly recommended. Excellent tour guides. Great program of visits. Great hotels used.

Dawn Curzons (Google Reviewer)  

Just returned from my first...

18-Oct-2024

Just returned from my first Riviera tour ,Valencia and the orange grove coast for solo travellers an̈d despite challenges due to two public holidays and things closing, it was managed excellently by the tour manager. Would not hesitate to use Riviera again. Pleased to find a replacement after very bad service from Titan in the past.

Julie Berry (Google Reviewer)  

What a fantastic holiday to...

29-May-2024

What a fantastic holiday to Canada on the Rocky Mountaineer & Alaska Cruise. If you are thinking of booking this do it right now. From start to finish everything was great. The hotels, the transport and the cruise. The rep was absolutely fabulous. If you have ‘B’ as your rep you will make a friend. She is so full of knowledge. We went on this trip with strangers and left it as friends.

Mrs Bodnarec (Google Reviewer)  

Thankyou Riviera and all the...

28-Apr-2024

Thankyou Riviera and all the staff on the William Wordsworth Danube River cruise. My husband and i have just travelled on the Danube to celebrate my husbands 60th and we had such a lovely experience. We were younger than most of the travellers but we met so many lovely people so this wasnt a problem. The staff were so lovely and professional. The service we experienced was so high. The boat was beautiful, the food amazing and the excursions were informative and well managed. I would definately recommend riviera as a company. In fact we are now considering their Japan holiday.

David Chard (Google Reviewer)  

We have just returned from...

06-Feb-2025

We have just returned from the most wonderful holiday in Sri Lanka and the Maldives. Sri Lanka is such a fascinating place to visit; the people, the sights, the food, the wildlife are extraordinary. Riviera have created a super itinerary which includes notable sights including visits to an Elephant Sanctuary and Yala National Park, whilst staying at top notch hotels. The Maldives leg - 7 days on a boat visiting numerous deserted islands and sandbanks, night time fishing expeditions, snorkelling, barbecue on the beach etc.....it was simply out of this world. i cannot praise Riviera too highly. Thank you.

Jean Libaert (Google Reviewer)  

Fantastic small boat cruise from...

29-Sep-2024

Fantastic small boat cruise from Split to Porec and then by catamaran to Venice. Well done Riviera for another wonderful holiday. Would recommend this company and all their small boat cruises (just completed our 3rd!).

Paul Carpenter (Google Reviewer)  

First River Cruise and the...

25-Aug-2024

First River Cruise and the first time with Riviera but it won't be the last. The holiday exceeded our expectations. From the reps we spoke to when booking, to the staff and crew on board, they were all very friendly and helpful. Nothing was too much trouble. Everything was well organised and made for a very enjoyable holiday. The boat was very clean, plenty of space in the cabin and on deck and the food was some of the best I have ever tasted. Plenty to see along the Rhine, with castles, towns passing by at a nice sedate pace and watching the other craft using the Rhine. Highly recommend.

Barbara Parkes (Google Reviewer)  

Presently in Croatia staying at...

22-Sep-2023

Presently in Croatia staying at Arauana Hotel, supposedly a 4 star property, but wouldn't give it any star rating. Rooms are small and dirty. Wallpaper blistering. Meals served in a shed like lean-to. Food like warm, greasy and always self service. Second holiday with Riviera this year and neither at standard advertised. Have travelled with them previously and everything was fine, but standards have really dropped. Have booked a holiday with them next year and now dreading it. Certainly don't provide the standard advertised. We have never stayed in such a hovel and have visited youngsters in back packers accommodation which was far better than this supposedly 4 star accommodation. There are no indoor bars or lounges only a shed as a so called restaurant. Absolutely disgusting. Won't be boking with them again

Book with Confidence

  • 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.

  • 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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