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The Jewel of Nature

Costa Rica in 15 Days, 13 Nights in Destination

Alex, Travel Expert

Alex
Travel crafter

Our most complete tour of Costa Rica, encounter the country's natural abundance as you journey through its most emblematic destinations including Arenal, wildlife-rich Tortuguero and the pristine beaches of Manuel Antonio.

Trip Highlights

  1. map-pin-check-icon
    Arenal
  2. map-pin-check-icon
    Manuel Antonio National Park
  3. map-pin-check-icon
    Monteverde
  4. map-pin-check-icon
    San José
  5. map-pin-check-icon
    Tabacón
  6. map-pin-check-icon
    Tortuguero

Included

  1. All flights

  2. Accommodation

  3. All transfers

  4. Activities

  5. Some meals

Availability

  1. Departures available until December 2025

  2. Available Group tours

  3. Solo travelers from + £ 550

  4. WHAT'S THIS?

Categories available

  1. charm included

  2. superior from + £ 650

  3. WHAT'S THIS?

From

£ 5,469

£ 2,449

/person

-55%

Book with an expert:

+44 20 4571 6769

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Exoticca is fully ABTA and ATOL protected

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Best Price Guarantee

SmartFare has secured the lowest fares on flights & services for this trip

Itinerary

Discover the abundant nature of Costa Rica and enjoy the perfect combination of adventure and relaxation. Stroll through the historic streets of San Jose, navigate the canals of Tortuguero and feel the strength of the Arenal Volcano. Explore the abundant cloud forests of lush Monteverde and embrace the laid-back atmosphere and idyllic beaches of diverse Manuel Antonio. 

 

 

1st Day: UK/Ireland - San José

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Arrive at your UK departure airport to board a flight to San José. Arrive in the capital of Costa Rica and transfer to your hotel. Overnight stay in San José.

Accommodation

ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Boutique Hotel Casa Orqui... or similar
tripadvisor rating

255 Reviews

See our full selection

2nd Day: San José - Tortuguero

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Set off early towards Tortuguero with a stop along the way for breakfast. Pass through the exuberant Braulio Carrillo National Park before finally arriving in Tortuguero and your hotel in time for lunch. In the afternoon, enjoy a fascinating tour of Tortuguero. Enjoy a boat ride through the leafy canals back to the hotel and spend the rest of the day exploring at your leisure. Dinner and overnight stay in Tortuguero.

Accommodation

ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Laguna Lodge or similar
tripadvisor rating

1425 Reviews

See our full selection

Activities

included
Tour of Tortuguero Village

Light

See more

3rd Day: Tortuguero

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Breakfast at the hotel. This morning, enjoy a relaxing boat trip along the canals of Tortuguero, admiring the abundant flora and fauna. Return to the hotel for lunch. The afternoon is free at your leisure to explore further or simply relax at the hotel. In the evening, we recommend taking the opportunity to see the turtles spawning on the beach (July - September). Dinner and overnight stay in Tortuguero.

Please note: Entrance to Tortuguero National Park is not included. Approximately $15 per person, to be paid at the destination. 

Accommodation

ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Laguna Lodge or similar
tripadvisor rating

1425 Reviews

See our full selection

Activities

included
Tortuguero National Park boat tour

Light

See more

4th Day: Tortuguero - Guapiles - Arenal

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Breakfast at the hotel. In the morning, set off for the charming city of Guapiles, arriving in time for lunch. Afterwards, continue to La Fortuna, where the Arenal Volcano is located, one of the most important and spectacular in Costa Rica. Arrive at the hotel and spend the rest of the afternoon exploring at your leisure. Overnight stay in Arenal. 

Accommodation

ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Hotel Lavas Tacotal or similar
tripadvisor rating

287 Reviews

See our full selection

5th Day: Arenal

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Breakfast at the hotel. Spend a relaxing morning at your leisure. In the afternoon, meet your guide in the hotel lobby and embark on a guided hike to the Arenal Volcano. Enjoy a hiking experience through trails marked with the remains of previous lava flows of the impressive and majestic Arenal Volcano. The main attraction of La Fortuna is the Arenal Volcano with its nearly perfect cone shape and a height of 1633 meters. Along the hike you will discover the abundant flora and some fauna which inhabits the rainforest under re-generation; your guide will tell you all about the Arenal Volcano history and activity. After the hike, you may choose between different popular hot springs in the area to relax and enjoy the water which is naturally heated by the volcano (optional extras).* Overnight stay in Arenal.


* Paradise Hot Springs Pass: Enjoy an evening of indulgence with a pass to the Paradise Natural Hot Springs, heated by the Arenal Volcano. Enjoy access to three different hot pools and two hydromassage hot tubs, perfect for relaxing in the beautiful tropical surroundings.


** Sloth Observation Excursion: Get to know these beloved slow-moving animals, icons of Costa Rica. Head to the aptly named 'Lazy Territory', a small eco-project, home to a population of sloths. Follow the trails and spot both two-toed and three-toed sloths resting in the treetops.

Accommodation

ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Hotel Lavas Tacotal or similar
tripadvisor rating

287 Reviews

See our full selection

Activities

included
Guided hike to the Arenal Volcano

Active

See more
Optional
Sloth Observation Excursion

Light

See more
Optional
Paradise Hot Springs Pass

Light

See more

6th Day: Arenal

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Breakfast at the hotel. Today, set off on an exciting river safari in an inflatable raft along the quiet Rio Peñas Blancas. Accompanied by an expert naturalist guide, travel through the abundant waterways, teeming with colorful flora and fauna. Look out for monkeys, toucans and sloths and spot vibrant tropical birds as you soak up the beauty of the immaculate natural environment. Return to Arenal and enjoy the remainder of the day relaxing at your leisure and enjoying the views of the Arenal Volcano. Overnight stay in Arenal

Accommodation

ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Hotel Lavas Tacotal or similar
tripadvisor rating

287 Reviews

See our full selection

Activities

included
Safari Float tour in Peñas Blancas

Moderate

See more

7th Day: Arenal - Monteverde

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Breakfast at the hotel. In the morning, set off towards Monteverde, travelling along the banks of Lake Arenal for breathtaking views of the volcano. Cross the lake on a shared boat service and continue by road for the remainder of the journey. Arrive in Monteverde, one of the richest and diverse rainforests in the world, home to extensive trails, abundant wildlife including several monkey species, and astounding natural beauty. Check-in to the hotel and enjoy an afternoon at your leisure. Overnight stay in Monteverde.

 

Accommodation

ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Dreams Lodge or similar
tripadvisor rating

96 Reviews

See our full selection

8th Day: Monteverde

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Breakfast at the hotel. In the morning embark on an exciting unguided Hanging Bridges excursion for the best views of the treetop wildlife of Monteverde. Traverse a route of approximately 3 kilometres, crossing a combination of trails and hanging bridges which criss-cross the abundant 'cloud forest'. This is a unique and thrilling way to experience the best of Costa Rican wildlife, away from the hustle and bustle of the rainforest floor. Return to the hotel and the rest of the afternoon is free at your leisure. Overnight stay in Monteverde. 

Please note: the Hanging Bridges excursion is unaccompanied, without a guide.

Accommodation

ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Dreams Lodge or similar
tripadvisor rating

96 Reviews

See our full selection

Activities

included
Hanging Bridges of Monteverde

Moderate

See more

9th Day: Monteverde

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Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy the day at your leisure, relaxing in the tranquil surroundings or exploring the diverse eco-system of this magical place. As the sun sets, set off on a Night Walk in Monteverde. Discover the abundant wildlife of Monteverde as you take several different trails around the well-preserved reserve. Your guide will provide you with the necessary equipment for the best chance of spotting the unique wildlife in the reserve, especially the hard to spot nocturnal species. After an evening of exciting wildlife spotting, return to the hotel. Overnight stay in Monteverde. 

Accommodation

ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Dreams Lodge or similar
tripadvisor rating

96 Reviews

See our full selection

Activities

included
Monteverde night walk

Moderate

See more

10th Day: Monteverde - Manuel Antonio

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Breakfast at the hotel. Set off in the morning to Manuel Antonio, an area of protected coastal rainforest, known for its idyllic beaches and wildlife. Arrive, check-in to the hotel, and spend the remainder of the day at your leisure. Overnight stay in Manuel Antonio.

Accommodation

ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Tres Banderas Hotel or similar
tripadvisor rating

414 Reviews

See our full selection

11th Day: Manuel Antonio

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Breakfast at the hotel. Today, embark on an exciting excursion into the Manuel Antonio National Park. Explore the pristine natural beauty of this national park famous throughout the world and full of exotic wildlife such as monkeys, sloths, birds, reptiles and butterflies. Enjoy a picturesque 2-mile hike to one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, surrounded by lush rainforest, where you can enjoy a short rest stop to swim in the crystal clear waters. Return to the hotel and the remainder of the day is at your leisure. Overnight stay in Manuel Antonio. 

Accommodation

ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Tres Banderas Hotel or similar
tripadvisor rating

414 Reviews

See our full selection

Activities

included
Manuel Antonio National Park Excursion

Moderate

See more

12th Day: Manuel Antonio

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Breakfast at the hotel. Spend the day at your leisure, relaxing on the idyllic undeveloped beaches and soaking up the laid back atmosphere. We recommend an optional Catamaran tour to enjoy the tranquillity of the waters surrounding Manuel Antonio.* Overnight stay in Manuel Antonio.

Optional Catamaran Tour: Discover the coast of Manuel Antonio, relax on board and enjoy the tranquillity of navigating these beautiful waters. Stop at a secluded bay where you can snorkel and explore the colourful coral reef, accompanied by a naturalist guide who can help you discover the fascinating underwater world. Lunch included. 

Accommodation

ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Tres Banderas Hotel or similar
tripadvisor rating

414 Reviews

See our full selection

Activities

Optional
Manuel Antonio Catamaran Tour

Light

See more

13th Day: Manuel Antonio - San José

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Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer back to the capital, to spend your last night in San José. We suggest taking a stroll through this beautiful city, visiting the National Theatre of Costa Rica or enjoying a delicious dinner at a local restaurant. For a great overview of the city, we recommend an optional city tour of San Jose.* Overnight stay in San José.

* Optional San Jose City Tour: Visit the most prominent sights of the city such as the National Theater, the Art Museum, the Metropolitan Cathedral and the charming Central Market, among other places. Traditional dinner included. P

Accommodation

ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Boutique Hotel Casa Orqui... or similar
tripadvisor rating

255 Reviews

See our full selection

Activities

Optional
San Jose City Bus Tour

Light

See more

14th Day: San José - Night on board

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Breakfast at the hotel. At the indicated time, transfer to the airport to board your flight back to the UK. Night on board.

15th Day: UK/Ireland

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Arrive in the UK and end your trip.

Select a day to go to next step

May 2025
June 2025
July 2025
August 2025

Categories Available:

charm

From £ 2,449

Selected
  • Accommodation in Charm category hotels.
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superior

From £ 3,099

  • Accommodation in Superior category hotels.

Accommodation: 13 Nights

Included activities

Included

Tour of Tortuguero Village

Included activity for day 2 in Tortuguero

In the afternoon, enjoy a fascinating tour of the sights of Tortuguero, including the Turtle Conservation Museum and the lively village. Enjoy a boat ride through the leafy canals back to the hotel.

Duration 03:00h Approx. Pick up time: 15:00 Approx

Physical rating:

Light

Recommended: comfortable shoes, comfortable clothes, camera, raincoat, sunscreen and insect repellent.

more information
Included

Tortuguero National Park boat tour

Included activity for day 3 in Tortuguero

Set off on a relaxing boat trip along the canals of Tortuguero, admiring the abundant flora and fauna along the route!

Duration 03:00h Approx. Pick up time: info at destination

Physical rating:

Light

Recommended: comfortable shoes, comfortable clothes, camera, raincoat.

more information
Included

Guided hike to the Arenal Volcano

Included activity for day 5 in Arenal

Take a guided hiking excursion to the Mirador el Silencio to discover the abundant landscapes of the incredible Arenal Volcano! Discover the rich flora and fauna of the rainforest and learn about one of Costa Rica's most iconic natural wonders.

Duration 02:30h Approx. Pick up time: 08:30 Approx

Physical rating:

Active

Recommended: cap or hat, rain gear, sunscreen, insect repellent, sunglasses, closed shoes and camera / Pick up time may be 8:30 am or 2:30 pm based on operational reasons.

more information
Included

Safari Float tour in Peñas Blancas

Included activity for day 6 in Arenal

Set off on an exciting river safari in an inflatable raft along the quiet Rio Peñas Blancas. Accompanied by an expert naturalist guide, travel through the abundant waterways, teeming with colourful flora and fauna!

Duration 02:00h Approx. Pick up time: 08:30 Approx

Physical rating:

Moderate

It is recommended to bring a cap or hat, comfortable clothes, closed shoes, sunscreen, insect repellent, sunglasses, camera and binoculars. This activity is not suitable for babies, if travelling with a baby the activity will be changed.

more information

Show more

Available Activities

Activities are subject to availability. The price for each optional activity will be shown in the next step of the booking process.
Optional

Sloth Observation Excursion

Suggested activity for day 5 in Arenal

Get to know these beloved slow-moving animals, icons of Costa Rica. Head to the aptly named 'Lazy Territory', a small eco-project, home to a population of sloths. Follow the trails and spot both two-toed and three-toed sloths resting in the treetops.

Duration 03:00h Approx. Pick up time: 06:00 Approx

Physical rating:

Light

What to bring: Light and comfortable clothing, tennis shoes or hiking shoes, sun lotion, insect repellent, camera and binoculars. / Pick up time may be 6:00 am or 2:00 pm based on operational reasons.

more information
Optional

Paradise Hot Springs Pass

Suggested activity for day 5 in Arenal

Experience the relaxing energy of naturally-heated springs, surrounded by manicured gardens and stunning views of the Arenal Volcano.

Duration 04:00h Approx. Pick up time: info at destination

Physical rating:

Light

What to wear: bathing suit, slippers, dry clothing, money for personal expenses. These hot springs are for adults only.

more information
Optional

Manuel Antonio Catamaran Tour

Suggested activity for day 12 in Manuel Antonio National Park

Cruise into the open sea ready to spot different animals on this tranquil waters. Our onboard guide will point out sights of interest while giving a brief history. Stop at a secluded bay to snorkel and explore the colourful coral reef. Lunch included.

Duration 04:00h Approx. Pick up time: 08:30 Approx

Physical rating:

Light

What to bring: bathing suit, towel, raincoat, sandals. / Pick up time may be 8:30 am or 1:30 pm based on operational reasons.

more information
Optional

San Jose City Bus Tour

Suggested activity for day 13 in San José

Embark on a city tour of the highlights of San Jose including the National Theatre, Art Museum, Metropolitan Cathedral and the charming Central Market, among other sights. Authentic Costa Rican dinner included.

Duration 04:30h Approx. Pick up time: 10:30 Approx

Physical rating:

Light

What to bring: Comfortable shoes, comfortable clothes, camera, raincoat, sunblock, hat, bottle of water. / Pick up time may be 10:30 am or 3:15 pm based on operational reasons.

more information

The price includes

  • Departures from main UK/Ireland airports.
  • International flights: UK/Ireland - San Jose - UK/Ireland.
  • 13 nights hotel accommodation in Charm category hotels.
    See hotels included
  • 11 Breakfasts and Full-Board in Tortuguero.
  • Transfers in air-conditioned vehicles.
  • Visits and entrance fees as indicated in the itinerary.
    See itinerary
  • All air taxes and fuel surcharge.
  • Shared boat service in Lake Arenal.
  • Boat ride in Tortuguero.
  • ATOL Protection.
  • Bilingual English/Spanish speaking guide during the excursions.

Not included

Entrances*, drinks, tips and any other services not mentioned in what's included.

*Entrance to Tortuguero National Park is not included. Approximately $15 per person, to be paid at the destination. 

Please note that the times shown in the itinerary may be affected by operational reasons. Follow the guidance provided in-country by the local provider.

If your destination is in the USA or Canada, or if your selected flights to a different destination have connections in the USA or Canada, it is mandatory to have an ESTA (for USA) or an eTA (for Canada) before travelling.

ESTA here: https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta/

eTA here: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada/eta.html


Travel times in some areas may be longer due to factors like traffic, weather, or possible road closures that may occasionally cause delays.


Keep in mind that a 3 star hotel (charm) quality standards in Costa Rica may be lower than the equivalently rated in US/UK/Canada (depending on the market).


This is an independent tour with guided shared activities, not an escorted group tour.


Some activities may be guided by a bilingual guide (English and Spanish) who provides explanations in both languages, depending on the composition of the group.


Any hotel mentioned in the offer, whether the main one or an alternative, is as likely as each other to be confirmed. You will find your final hotel confirmation on your updated trip summary approximately 15 days before departure.

  • Entry requirements

    Valid passport with at least six months validity.

  • Visa

    Visa is not required for stays less than 90 days.

  • Currency

    Costa Rican Colon

  • Language

    Spanish

  • Electricity

    110 V. Adapter required.

  • Health

    Please consult your doctor regarding malaria prophylaxis.

  • Time zone

    UTC - 06:00

  • Other useful information

    Local emergency number: 128

  • Tourist Office website

    https://www.visitcostarica.com/en

Remember to download your e-ticket to confirm the times of your flights and to complete online check-in using the airline’s website, or directly at the check-in desk at the airport.

Accommodation at the hotels is as indicated. In the event of any changes to accommodation, they will always be of the same, or a higher category. The category of hotels is not standardized across all countries in the world. For this reason, the criteria may differ depending on the destination country's own standards.

In the case of adverse weather conditions, for safety reasons or for any other reasons deemed appropriate, the order and duration of the excursions included in the itinerary may be changed or cancelled without prior notice.

Children: 2 - 10 years.

The Foreign & Commonwealth Office offer up-to-date travel advice by visiting www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice

If you have reduced mobility, require the use of a wheelchair, or you would prefer this tour to be a private experience for you and your group, you must contact our Experts at +44 20 8068 3176 before booking to ensure that your needs can be met.

While on the road, it is highly unlikely that the vehicle will be equipped with wifi or bathroom facilities, though rest stops will be made for long trips. We recommend purchasing a new SIM card at the airport or placing an e-SIM before travel to guarantee internet connection.

The Foreign & Commonwealth Office offer up-to-date travel advice by visiting https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice

 

Room allocation: We will do our best to accommodate your family in the same room. If availability doesn't permit this, we guarantee your family will be accommodated as close together as possible. Children will always be accomodated in a room with at least 1 adult.

Car seats: Not available in all destinations. Feel free to take your own if you need one.

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