Caribbean to Pacific

1 nts San Jose, 2 nts Tortuguero, 2 nts Sarapiqui, 4 nts Arenal Volcano, 5 nts Tamarindo

This holiday starts in the steamy, humid jungle canals of Tortuguero where you will see the diversity of wildlife and birds that frequent this unique and interesting habitat. Sightings may include caimans, howler monkeys and spider monkeys. If you travel between the months of July through October you can take a guided night walk on the Caribbean beach and may see nesting Atlantic Green Turtles.

Then travel on to the Sarapiqui region, where you will take guided day and night walks within a primary rainforest reserve and may have the chance to see red eyed tree frogs, bats, snakes, spiders and the infamous 'Blue Jeans' frog and other poison dart frogs. You will also have an exhilarating trip white water rafting along the beautiful Sarapiqui river. If you prefer an easier pace then you choose a more gentle float along the river.

Continuing on to the Arenal region you will see a different landscape that includes the majestic and dominant Arenal Volcano. Here you can explore the rainforest in a variety of active ways that could include hiking, ziplining, mountain biking and horse riding. Included is a guided walk through the rainforest and hanging bridges and an zip lining through the rainforest.

Then finish the holiday with some beach relaxation on Playa Tamarindo, where you can learn to surf, take a catamaran sail or snorkel and dive.

Price Guide

14 nights from £2,758 per person based on double occupancy

These prices are excluding international flights. Average direct flight prices to Costa Rica range from £900 per person to over £1,000 per person at peak times (Christmas, Easter and Summer). Flight routes vary, there are direct flight options with British Airways from London Gatwick but also many alternative routes via the US. Please contact us for accurate flight pricing for your timings and place of departure.

Day to Day

Below is an example day by day itinerary

Day 1

Met on Arrival at San Jose International Airport and transferred to Presidente Hotel in downtown San Jose. Overnight Presidente Hotel.

Day 2

An early start this morning for your group tour to Tortuguero, your trip begins by coach with breakfast en route and then transfer with your luggage into a boat to journey along the canals to your hotel (total journey approx. 6 hrs). After lunch you will take a guided tour of Tortuguero village and the Sea Turtle Centre. *Between the months of July and October the Atlantic Green Sea Turtle comes in great numbers to lay their eggs on the Tortuguero beach and for additional cost you can book onto an evening slot to see this majestic event. Overnight Evergreen (BLD).

Day 3

Nature is all around you at Evergreen Lodge, book optional morning kayaking or wander around the grounds of the hotel where you may see toucans, howler monkeys and other wildlife. Take a guided group boat tour along the Tortuguero canals where you may see caiman, capuchin monkeys, herons surrounded by tropical jungle foliage. Enjoy a guided nature walk in the rainforest. Overnight Evergreen Lodge (BLD).

Day 4

After breakfast you will begin your boat journey back along the Tortuguero canals, you will have lunch en route before your coach journey takes you to Guapiles where you will be met and transferred to the Sarapiqui region, to spend some more time in the Caribbean lowlands. Great Green Macaws, Keel Billed Toucans, Red Eyed Tree Frogs and Poison Dart Frogs can all be found in the rainforest around Sarapiqui. This evening you will enjoy a guided night walk which will take you across the hanging bridge into the private Tirimbina rainforest reserve where you may see frogs, toads, snakes and spiders. Overnight Tirimbina Rainforest Reserve (BLD).

Day 5

This morning enjoy a self guided rainforest walk in the Tirimbina Reserve and then after lunch head back to the reserve to do the renowned chocolate tour where you will learn how to make chocolate from cacao bean to bar. Overnight Tirimbina Reserve (BLD)

Day 6

Private transfer to Arenal region (journey time approx. 1.5 hrs). Spend the afternoon at leisure at your hotel Arenal Manoa, which has fabulous views of Arenal volcano and hot spring fed pools for guests to relax in. Overnight Arenal Manoa (B).

Day 7

Enjoy a guided hanging bridges tour, a 3 km tour takes in 5 hanging bridges, and your guide will share his knowledge of the local flora and fauna. You may see a variety of bird species including hummingbirds, motmots, trogons, toucans. Overnight Arenal Manoa (B).

Day 8

Today you will take a trip to nearby Rio Balsa river to enjoy the spectacular scenery whilst white water rafting. Your guide will point out wildlife between guiding you through the rapids. Overnight Arenal Manoa (B).

Day 9

Transfer to the Pacific coast to the beach town of Tamarindo, your hotel is on the beachfront and easy walking distance to bars, shops and restaurants. The sea at Tamarindo is ideal for beginner and expert surfers and lessons can be easily arranged. Overnight Tamarindo Diria (B).

Day 10

Day at leisure, optional excursions include surf lessons, kayaking tours, snorkelling and diving trips. Overnight Tamarindo Diria (B).

Day 11

Day at leisure. Overnight at Tamarindo Diria (B).

Day 12

Day at leisure. Overnight at Tamarindo Diria (B).

Day 13

Day at leisure. Overnight Tamarindo Diria (B).

Day 14

Day at leisure. Overnight at Tamarindo Diria (B).

Day 15

Depart your hotel and take a private transfer to San Jose International Airport in time for your international flight back to UK. Journey time approx. 5 hrs.