Lush forests and stunning waterfalls…rumbling volcanoes and endless coastlines…Costa Rica is a paradise teeming with exotic plants and incredible animals. Luxuriate at a resort for two nights at Playa Carrillo, Guanacaste, known for its breathtaking beauty and fine sandy beaches. Spend two nights in Monteverde’s lush cloud forest. Experience the forest canopy on your choice of a hanging bridges nature walk or an exhilarating zip lining tour. Explore part of the 20,000 acre nature preserve of Cano Negro on a riverboat adventure. Enjoy the tranquil views of the Arenal Volcano from your hotel. Explore San Jose’s Plaza de Cultura and view the magnificent National Theatre. You will find a slice of paradise and so much more.

Your tour includes:

• 8 nights accommodation
• 14 Meals - 8 Breakfasts, 6 Dinners
• An expert Tour Manager
• Inclusions/Entrance fees as per itinerary
• Optional Experiences and free time

Highlights include:

• Climb high into the trees for your choice of a 'Hanging Bridges' tour OR zip lining in the cloud forest
• Enjoy the breathtaking scenery surrounding Arenal Volcano
• Spot indigenous wildlife whilst on a Cano Negro riverboat cruise
• Learn about Costa Rica's vegetation on a guided walk in the cloud forest
• Discover the history of coffee in Costa Rica during your visit to a coffee plantation
• Taste your way through a cooking demonstration featuring local ingredients
• Discover the charming town in Zarcero and its whimsical topiary garden

8 nights accommodation included on this tour

• Doubletree Cariari Hotel
• Nammbu Beachfront Bungalows ( 2 nights)
• El Establo (2 nights)
• Mountain Paradise Hotel (2 nights)

Please note that prices are subject to availability at time of booking and may change without notice.

• from $2,799 twin share per person
• from $3,499 single traveller

Pricing is land only based on travelling 17 July and 11 September 2023.

Multiple departure dates are available in 2023 and 2024

Our experienced Travel Advisors can also happily help with flights, pre/post-tour accommodation and travel insurance. Call 1300 414 198 to learn more and request a quote.

Day 1 San Jose, Costa Rica

Your trip to Costa Rica opens in the colourful capital city of San Jose, the perfect place to relax and soak up the sights as your adventure begins.

• Stay: Doubletree Cariari Hotel

Day 2 Coffee Plantation

Welcome to the Central Valley. Begin with a tour of a local coffee plantation highlighting the history and cultivation of this driver of the Costa Rican economy. This afternoon, arrive in breathtaking Guanacaste, known for its fine sandy beaches. Settle in for a relaxing 2-night stay at your resort and take in the mesmerizing ocean views.

• Stay: Nammbu Beachfront Bungalows
• Included Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 3 Guanacaste

Fun in the sun is in store today as you explore the nearby beaches, or simply relax by the pool and take advantage of your resort’s lovely amenities. This afternoon, visit the delightful beach town of Samara, one of the top sunset spots in Costa Rica. Soak in the spectacular colours as the sun illuminates the natural landscape.

• Stay: Nammbu Beachfront Bungalows
• Included Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 4 Monteverde

It’s off to the secluded Monteverde Cloud Forest, a place you have to see to believe, where trees grow to heights of 100 feet! Set off on a nature walk through this spectacular ecosystem, where you’re sure to encounter many incredible species of flora and fauna. Keep your eyes peeled and you may be lucky enough to spot the elusive quetzal!

• Stay: El Establo
• Included Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 5 Monteverde

It’s your choice! Explore one of the world’s largest butterfly gardens and a dazzling gallery containing more than 100 beautiful hummingbirds. Then, join an expert for a leisurely paced “Hanging Bridges” walking tour to gain a different perspective of the cloud forest’s lush ecosystem -OR- take an exhilarating ride on one of the longest canopy zip line tours in Costa Rica. If you would like to do both the hanging bridges and the zip line tour, you may purchase the second as an option on tour. This evening, take part in an expert-led discussion about the migratory birds that flock to Costa Rica.

• Stay: El Establo
• Included Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 6 Lake Arenal Cruise 

This morning, cross beautiful mountainous landscapes to Arenal, where spectacular views of the famous volcano await your discovery. Enjoy a delightful cruise on Lake Arenal, Costa Rica’s largest and most important lake. Later, check in for another 2-night stay at a lodge overlooking the majestic Arenal Volcano. Get to know the Costa Rican culture this evening. Taste your way through a cooking demonstration featuring local ingredients.

• Stay: Mountain Paradise Hotel
• Included Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 7 Cano Negro

Embark on a Cano Negro guided riverboat trip in a covered canoe known as a panga. These 20,000 acres are home to the largest viewable collection of indigenous wildlife in all of Costa Rica. Go in search of caimans, river otters, sloths, monkeys, river turtles, exotic birds and rare butterflies. Later, return to Arenal for the chance to relax during an optional spa visit.

• Stay: Mountain Paradise Hotel
• Included Meals: Breakfast

Day 8 Zarcero

Today, get a little whimsical as we journey to the charming town of Zarcero to explore its fanciful topiary garden. Continue to San Jose to see the treasures of the city on a panoramic tour. See the bustling Plaza de Cultura. This evening, bid farewell to paradise over a wonderful dinner with your fellow travellers.

• Stay: Doubletree Cariari Hotel
• Included Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 9 San Jose

Today your tour ends after breakfast as you depart for home with fabulous memories of your Costa Rican adventure.

Please note the following itinerary is subject to change without notice.

Tour Fitness Level Recommendation - Level 3: This tour includes moderate physical activity. The itinerary blends some longer days with shorter days and more leisure time. Walking tours, as well as walking slightly longer distances, up stairs or on uneven walking surfaces should be expected.

Masks - Guests are required to bring their own personal protective equipment they are comfortable with using, as wearing a mask may be required during some parts of your tour experience.

Motor Coach - All surfaces will be sanitised often, including regular cleaning of high-touch areas with disinfecting wipes. Hand sanitiser will be available at all times and drivers will wear protective gear.

Will I need a passport? Passports are needed when travelling outside of your home country. Your passport should be valid for at least six months beyond the conclusion of your trip.

Will I need a visa? You are responsible for obtaining all necessary visas prior to the departure of your guided holiday. Depending on your nationality, you may need visas to enter certain countries included on your trip. Please note that obtaining visas can take up to six weeks prior to your departure. It is strongly advised that you consult your Travel Agent and the local Consulate or Embassy of the country you are visiting well in advance to determine which visas they require and how to obtain them.