Costa Rica

Costa Rica
Perfectly positioned between the warmth of the Caribbean and the
vastness of the Pacific, Costa Rica is the compact heart of an extraordinary
range of experiences. Where else in the world could you seek out scarlet
macaws and capuchin monkeys in a rain forest, overlook a smoking
volcano, raft down a tumultuous river and laze on a rugged beach,
all within the space of a few days?
NICARAGUA
Nosara
f of
Samara l
l
Playa Bejuco
(
Cabo Blanca
Nature Reserve
o c e an
l
l Puntarenas
3329m
l Heredia
s
R
ar e
San Jose n Volcan Irazu
cu
3432m
Escazu l vall
Tarcoles Carara
Biological Reserve
Curú
Jacó
National l
Wildlife
Refuge
Playa
Quisales
l
Puerto Limón
ey
l Turrialba
l
c e nt r al
pac i f i c
Quepos l
San Gerado
de Dota
Manuel l
Antonio
National Park
PANAMA
Bahia Wafer
Cabo
Barreto
Cabo
Lionel
l
l
Cabo
Dampier
+ Isla
del Coco NP
Cabo
Atrevida
■ O
ver
800 species of birds – toucans,
hummingbirds, macaws
■
Stunning flora – including 8,000 species of orchid
■
25% of country is National Park or Protected Area
■
Jungles, rainforests, beaches and volcanoes
Compact and safe
Casa Corcovado
Corcovado
Caño Island l National
& Reserve
Park
Boquete l
Golfito
l Puerto
o sa
Bosque del Cabo l
p e n i ns u la
Getting there (
Flights from London Heathrow to San Jose via Europe
(Madrid) with Iberia. Also flights from London Heathrow
to San Jose via the United States (Atlanta, Houston
or Newark) with Delta or United. KLM also offer a
service to San Jose via Amsterdam and Panama City.
Any flights via the US require an ESTA application.
Regional departures including Manchester and
Birmingham also available on request.
Prices from £2,756 per person (2 sharing)
for a 14 night trip
See pages 28-29 for suggested itineraries and prices
Combinations
Piedras Blancas
National Park
(
Bahia
Sur
Drake Bay
(
(
l Palmar
Punta Agujas l Chatham
Cahuita
National Park
l Puerto
Viejo
COSTA
RI C A
Dominical l
COCO ISLAND
selection of wildlife – turtles, caiman,
basilisks, monkeys, armadillos, sloths
(
R
ve
al
oya
Ferry
Playa Tambor l
P ac i f i c
Nic
S E A
nt
az
ón
Gul
(
l
i bb e an
Pa
Turtle
PROTECTION AREA
Ideal for honeymooners and families
■ A
mazing
Turtle
PROTECTION AREA
Tortuguero
La Selva l Puerto Viejo National
Biological de Sarapiqui
Park
Station &
C ar
Private Reserve
Rara Avis
Private Reserve
s
Volcan Poas 2704m
ce
& National Park
nt
Braulio Carrillo
s Volcan Turrialba
r
l Alajuela National Park
(
Playa Ostional l
l Abangaritos
■
■
Re
Bridge
N i co y a
p e n i nsula
Fauna Silvestre Barra
del Colorado National
Refuge
l Tortuguero
(
Tamarindo
season December to April, although most
areas can be visited all year round
wholesome food built around gallo pinto
(rice and beans)
Monteverde
Cloud Forest
Palo Verde
National Park
(
Turtle
PROTECTION
AREA
■ D
ry
■ S
imple,
Sarap
i qu
iR
(
Guanacaste
Caño Negro
National Park
Wildlife Reserve l
Santa Rosa
National Park
no r t h e r n
Rincon de la Vieja
m ounta i ns
National Park
Lake
l Liberia
Arenal
s Arenal Volcan
G U A nacast e
1633m
At a glance
Jiménez
l
Tiskita Jungle Lodge
For those looking to combine the wildlife of Costa
Rica with the fascinating indigenous communities
of Panama or the rich and colourful cultures and
archaeological sites of Guatemala and Mexico,
please refer to pages 10-13 for suggested country
combination itineraries.
Introduction Costa Rica 17
San Jose & Central Valley
The great gift with which Costa Rica rewards the traveller is accessibility to so many diverse environments, and nowhere is this more true than in the
Central Valley. A short distance from the country’s capital of San Jose are 4 vastly different habitats, offering volcanic peaks, jungle waterfalls, plunging
gorges, cloud forests and the largest butterfly observatory in the world!
So whether your interests lie in the thrills of white water rafting along the Pacuare River, a more leisurely visit to the sulphurous steaming waters at Poas volcano,
or perhaps mere astonishment at the dazzling display of butterfly life at La Paz Waterfall Gardens, you will have the opportunity to pursue them all.
Hotel Grano de Oro
San Jose
Grano de Oro is located on a quiet street, an
easy walk to the city centre. There are 39 rooms
(36 rooms & three suites) decorated in a colonial
style with en suite bathroom, mini bar, direct
dial telephone, safe deposit box, ceiling fan, air
conditioning and cable TV. Some of the suites have
a small terrace and one has a jacuzzi. There is also
a roof terrace with jacuzzi and changing room, and
an attractive courtyard with a fountain. This hidden
treasure in the centre of San Jose is full of character
and charm and comes highly recommended.
Xandari Plantation Resort and Spa
Near Alajuela
BB
The Xandari is built on a coffee plantation overlooking
the Central Valley. All (except one) of the unique
bungalows have a large terrace with panoramic view
and a walled-in patio for privacy. All 24 bungalows
have very colourful modern furnishings and private
facilities (shower). The hotel has a beautiful Jalapa
style spa offering massages, Jacuzzi and yoga. The
small, informal restaurant has dramatic sweeping
views over San Jose. It serves a variety of fruit and
vegetables from the hotel’s own organic gardens
and orchards. There are three swimming pools and a
private trail and waterfall. Superb property and one of
our favourites in the whole of Central America.
18 Costa Rica San Jose & Central Valley
BB
Traveller Tips
Visit the volcanic peaks of Irazu, Turrialba and Poas • Raft down the mighty Pacuare
River • Explore La Paz Waterfall Gardens, which include the world’s most spectacular
butterfly display and a serpentarium with 30 different species of snake • Horse-ride
along tropical trails • Roam through Lankester Botanical Gardens with over 3,000
varieties of plants – including a spectacular range of orchids.
Arenal
Dominated by the spectacular Arenal volcano as it rises out of the tropical rain forest, the surrounding area is bursting with nature’s abundance. Howler monkeys,
macaws and brilliant butterflies flourish among the heliconias and cascading waterfalls, and most nights the volcano unleashes an explosion of smoke or fiery lights.
Taking full advantage of the unique habitat, there is a vast range of activities on offer. Whether your interests lie in a guided exploration of this natural wonderland
of flora and fauna, or you wish to connect more energetically with the environment through ziplining, diving into hot springs, or negotiating a Hanging Bridge, your
expectations are likely to be surpassed.
Lost Iguana Resort
Arenal
BB
The Lost Iguana Resort is wonderfully situated
overlooking the Arenal volcano. All 42 rooms
(with volcano views) are spacious (particularly the
luxury suites with Jacuzzi) and are well appointed,
with attractive furnishings, safe deposit box, air
conditioning, telephone, cable TV and a private
balcony. This 100 acre property also features an
open air restaurant, the ‘Palapa’ bar, laundry facility
and a swimming pool incorporating a swim up bar.
There are private trails from the hotel that lead to
the Arenal Hanging Bridges. Highly recommended.
Traveller Tips
For additional lodges, pictures
and information on Costa Rica
please visit www.sunvil.co.uk
Take a tour to the lava flow of the volcano
• Relax in the hot springs at Ecotermales
• Walk the Hanging Bridges over the
Arenal rainforest canopy • Zip-line in local
reserves • Fish for Rainbow Bass and
Machaca on Arenal Lake • Explore the
7 million year old caves at Venado
Arenal Costa Rica 19
Monteverde
San Gerardo de Dota
The reward for the gruelling car-ride to 1400 metres high Monteverde is
to find yourself immersed in the life-giving moisture of a tropical cloud
forest. The constant soft mist nourishes a bountiful environment in which all
manner of species flourish – the numbers are truly astonishing: 100 species
of mammals, 400 species of birds, 420 species of orchids. You might even
catch a glimpse of divinity in the form of the Resplendent Quetzal!
The road to San Gerardo may not be for the faint-hearted, but the rewards
are immense – especially for those fascinated by birdlife. Here in the
surrounding cloud forest is the primary habitat of the dazzling Resplendent
Quetzal, alongside woodpeckers, flycatchers and hummingbirds. In the
valley, along the Savegre River, there is excellent fly-fishing for trout –
perhaps to be accompanied with the delicious fruit grown in the local
peach, plum and apple orchards.
Fonda Vela Lodge
Monteverde Cloud Forest
BB
Something of a birdwatcher’s paradise, San Gerardo offers a lush contrast to
the bustle of San Jose. Here, nature rules unconfined.
The rooms all have hot water
and showers. The main
restaurant specialises in Costa
Rican cooking and ingredients
come straight from the organic
garden. There is also a smaller
more intimate restaurant (best
booked in advance) and an
indoor pool and two Jacuzzis.
The grounds of the Fonda Vela
contain many high avocado
trees, a favourite of the Quetzal.
Savegre Lodge
San Gerardo de Dota
FB
There are 51 rooms comprising
standard and junior suites dotted
around the grounds. The restaurant
serves homely food and there
is a cosy bar. The spa provides
treatments, sauna and jacuzzi. There
are several walking trails including
one to a waterfall. A very friendly
family-run lodge in a secluded spot.
Traveller Tips
Traveller Tips
The longest zip-lines in all Costa Rica! • Canopy Tours and
Suspended Bridge Walks • Guided horseback tours • Get to
know about real coffee on a plantation tour
Follow trails around Los Quetzales National Park • Enjoy the
crisp freshness of the mountain air • Seek out the Resplendent
Quetzal (most evident during the breeding season, April-May)
20 Costa Rica Cloudforest regions
Tortuguero
Once an archipelago of volcanic islands, Tortuguero (“turtle place”) blurs the distinction between the sea and dry land. The jungle may fringe the National Park,
but water reigns supreme. In abundance are lagoons, wetlands, beaches and canals, which demand to be explored by boat.
Travelling by launch or – for the more energetic – in canoes or kayaks, you could encounter any of the 50 species of freshwater fish, Spectacled Caiman and
Southern River Otters, or watch the Spider and Howler monkeys in the jungle that fringes the beaches. Above all, though, and most exceptionally, there are the
hordes of Green Turtles going about their ancient business in this perfectly matched environment.
Magically, you can be guided in July and August moonlit nights to watch the turtles labouring their way onto the beaches to lay their eggs – an extraordinary
sight you will never forget.
Mawamba Lodge
Manatus Lodge
Tortuguero
Tortuguero
FB
This lodge has 58 simple cabins,
all with private facilities (shower)
including four honeymoon suites.
The suites have a private terrace,
king size bed and corner bath.
There is an attractive swimming
pool. From the lodge it is only a
short walk to the village and to
Tortuguero Beach, the nesting
place of Green Turtles.
Traveller Tips
Hire a canoe to get close and personal with the otters • Follow the turtles as they
lay their eggs under the night sky • Spot the “Jesus Christ Lizard” walking on water
FB
The most comfortable
lodge at Tortuguero. The
12 spacious rooms are
all furnished to a high
standard and it is the
only lodge to offer air
conditioning in Tortuguero.
All rooms feature mini bar,
TV, en suite bathroom and mosquito nets over the
beds. The restaurant named ‘Ara Macaw’ focuses
on Afro-Caribbean flavours combined with fresh
ingredients and locally caught seafood. There is a
pool overlooking the canal and a viewing platform.
For additional lodges, pictures
and information on Costa Rica
please visit www.sunvil.co.uk
Tortuguero Costa Rica 21
Pacuare River
Sarapiqui
Rarely given to hyperbole, National Geographic rates the Pacuare as among the top 10 river
trips in the world. Not only does it offer well-organised white-water rafting that ranges from
the mere exhilarating to the downright phenomenal (up to Class V!) but it does so in one of the
classic tropical forests, teeming with exotic wildlife. Here’s your chance to sight jaguars, ocelots,
raccoons, river otters, kaleidoscopic birds and butterflies from a river’s unique vantage point.
Sarapiqui hosts some of the best preserved
primary rainforest in the country.
On your final day at Pacuare Jungle lodge you will raft through the last section of the river, riding
through Class III-IV rapids. Please note that we do recommend a certain level of fitness to take part
in the rafting and an ability to swim (buoyancy aids and helmets are provided). The lodge can also
be accessed by a rough track if necessary. Children under 12 cannot participate in the rafting. Please
ensure that your insurance covers you for white water rafting (up to Class IV).
Pacuare Jungle Lodge
Pacuare river
FB
Reaching this lodge by raft is all part of the
experience! The lodge sits upon the banks of
the river. Each of the bungalows have a private
terrace, ensuite facilities and views to the lush
garden or the river. The suites have private pools.
After dark the bungalows are illuminated by
Linda Vista Honeymoon Suite 1
candle light creating a wonderful ambience. The
main lodge has a bar and an attractive restaurant. Excursions (payable locally) include a canopy tour
through the rainforest, horse riding, hike to a Cabecar Indian community or you can simply relax in the
beautiful surroundings. This lodge is highly recommended, particularly for a special occasion.
Traveller Tips
If rafting isn’t your style, there is still plenty of other ways to explore the area • Take
a trail on horseback, or a hike to a local Cabecar Indian community
22 Costa Rica Pacuare River
This is an excellent area for the nature enthusiast
with La Selva Biological Station, Braulio Carrillo
National Park, Tirimbina Biological Reserve and Rara
Avis private rainforest reserves all located nearby.
Selva Verde Lodge
Sarapiqui
BB
This lodge is set in lowland
rainforest , adjacent to
Braulio Carrillo National
Park and La Selva
Biological Station. It is
a great spot for birding,
nature tours and river
trips. The river Sarapiqui
runs through the property. The rooms are simple
but are spacious, clean and comfortable. There is a
swimming pool set amongst the attractive gardens
and a restaurant/bar area overlooking the river.
Carara Reserve
Nosara
This area is a convenient stopover point for those travelling between Monteverde or
Nicoya peninsula and Manuel Antonio. The Carara reserve lies at the meeting point of
the dry and wet climatic zones.
The eighty minute ferry trip across the Gulf of
Nicoya from Puntarenas is an opportunity to enjoy
the views and socialise with fellow passengers
(or alternatively take the bridge located further
north). Nosara is a small village with a beach Playa
Ostional to the north which is a site for nesting
Olive Ridley sea turtles (during full moons from
July- November).
A variety of wildlife can be seen here such as trogons, scarlet macaws, toucans, monkeys,
sloths and agoutis. Please ask us for lodge recommendations.
Other activities include hiking in the Nosara
Biological reserve, horse-riding and boat trips into
the Nosara river.
Lagarta Lodge
Nosara
BB
Set on a hill, this
rustic but charming
lodge offers
magnificent views
of the Ostional
coastline. It boasts
its own private biological reserve, where guests can
enjoy trails through the mangroves and humid forest.
The twelve rustic rooms are comfortable (some
with air conditioning) and all have private facilities
(shower) and fan. Breakfast is included and the
restaurant can provide meals in the evenings. The
hotel has a small swimming pool and there is a steep
path by the side of the property down to the beach.
Carara & Nosara Costa Rica 23
Osa Peninsula (Corcovado) & South Pacific Coast
Remote, mysterious, dramatic and beautiful, Corcovado is the sort of place that Sunvil prides itself on protecting. Difficult to get to, it is far less visited than
elsewhere in Costa Rica. A peninsula on the Pacific coast, it has been described by National Geographic as “the most biologically intense place on earth”, and it
is one of the few remaining sizeable areas of primary lowland rainforest in the whole world.
Here exist 13 separate ecosystems, almost 1000 species of trees, nearly 400 species of birds, alongside tapirs, jaguars, Red-eyed Tree Frogs, monkeys, iguana,
crocodiles and sea-turtles. There’s an opportunity to snorkel among the coral reefs – and perhaps catch sight of dolphins and the occasional passing whale. Truly,
an unparalleled location for anyone fascinated by Nature in all its extraordinary diversity.
At the mouth of Golfo Dulce is Punta Banco where you will encounter the remote and unique Tiskita Jungle Lodge. Tiskita is surrounded by virgin rainforest and has a
coastline with tide pools and beaches suitable for swimming. It is located 10km from the Panama Border. Its wild coastline, steamy jungle and virgin rainforest are home
to a wealth of wildlife such as monkeys, sloths, iguana, bats, ocelots, anteaters, coatis and toucans. There are more than 275 species of birds.
Corcovado Jungle Lodge
Corcovado National Park FB
(Closed 1 September-mid November
every year subject to change)
This unusual Lodge is a 170
acre private reserve bordering
Corcovado National Park. There
are no roads leading to Corcovado
Jungle Lodge so access is only
by motor launch from the town of
Sierpe. Please note that the transfer
travels down the River Sierpe viewing mangrove wetlands and then joins the Pacific
Ocean. This trip is great fun, sometimes bumpy and you may spot some whales en
route. It’s a wet landing on the beach so you’ll be up to your thighs in water! This
is followed by a tractor transfer to the top. The accommodation consists of simple,
tiled floor bungalows with shower and ceiling fans. Please note that none of the
bungalows have ocean views. There is a small pool. The Lodge includes a guided
full day tour to the National Park and a full day excursion to Cano Island.
24 Costa Rica Osa Peninsula & South Pacific Coast
Bosque del Cabo Hotel
Tiskita Jungle Lodge
Osa Peninsula
Punta Banco
FB
Bosque del Cabo is a relaxed and
secluded hideaway surrounded by a
300 acre forest reserve. Located at the
southernmost cape of the peninsula,
it is reached by flying into Puerto
Jimenez and taking a 60 minute 4x4
transfer to the lodge. Birding here is
excellent and hikes can be taken on
marked trails through the forest to
the ocean and a waterfall. Humpback
whales sometimes visit between
December and March. There are two
standard and eight deluxe bungalows.
All have a terrace area with hammocks
and easy chairs along with modern
bathrooms and unique outdoor
showers! The attractive swimming pool
is naturally filled by a spring and has
a poolside bar. There is a small beach
approximately a twenty minute walk
from the lodge with tidepools (down
a steep path). This small and intimate
lodge is suitable for both couples and
families and is highly recommended.
FB
Closed May-November every year
(dates subject to change).
This family run lodge is located in the middle of a
private, 400 acre rain forest reserve, in the remote
area of Golfito. To reach Tiskita, take a flight to
Golfito followed by a 4x4 transfer to the lodge There
is an experimental fruit farm with over 100 varieties
of tropical fruit from all over the world. The 16 rustic
rooms with private outside bathrooms. The main
lodge hosts the dining room, bar area and small
library. There is a small swimming pool and a five
minute walk brings you to deserted beaches and tide
pools. There is a protected five kilometers stretch of
beach below the reserve, the nesting site of ridley,
green and leatherback turtles (July- November).
Tiskita is without doubt a complete nature
experience. Highly recommended.
Traveller Tips
Be prepared for unusual modes of transfer ! (motor launch, tractor etc) • Horse-ride
along the magnificent beaches • Experience that sense of personal contact with
teeming nature
Osa Peninsula & South Pacific Coast Costa Rica 25
Playitas beach (near to Arenas del Mar)
Manuel Antonio
From the central mountain range, the land falls away westwards down to the drier, warmer Pacific side of the country. The attractive yet compact national
park of Manuel Antonio is blessed with picturesque beaches fringed with tropical dry forest. The ramshackle resort of Quepos, with its shops, bars, hotels
and restaurants, has flourished along the length of this rocky outcrop. It is a three hour drive from San Jose.
This is an excellent centre for a variety of activities such as deep sea sport fishing, snorkelling, birdwatching and seeing other wildlife.
El Parador Resort Hotel
Manuel Antonio
Arenas del Mar Beach and Nature Reserve
Manuel Antonio
BB
In our opinion this is amongst the most comfortable
accommodation in Manuel Antonio. The hotel is spread over
a large plot of land, boasting incredible views of the national
park and the ocean. Rooms have a king size bed, TV, minibar,
safe deposit box and a private viewing deck with breathtaking
views. The Ocean and Rainforest view suites all have a private
hot tub from where you can watch the sunset over the Pacific
Ocean and a sofa bed. The hotel has a restaurant with lovely
views over the ocean below. From the lodge it is only a short
walk to a small beach where you can be served snacks.
26 Costa Rica Manuel Antonio
BB
Situated on a cliff it commands
excellent views of the sea below.
A regular minibus service to the
nearby beach is provided, and
there is also a path from the hotel
to another beach. Amenities
include three swimming pools
(including a separate adult pool),
games room, lounge, tennis court,
mini gym, as well as a restaurant
and bar. All rooms have private
facilities and are air-conditioned.
The standard rooms have a shower,
while the suites have jacuzzi, bath
and shower. The hotel has a spa
with treatment rooms and jacuzzi.
Good value for money.
Nicoya peninsula
The eighty minute ferry trip across the Gulf of Nicoya from Puntarenas is an opportunity to enjoy the views and socialise with fellow passengers
(or alternatively take the bridge located further north).
The privately owned Curu reserve fringed with white sand beaches protects a wide variety of flora and fauna (advance notice required).The Cabo Blanco
Reserve occupies the entire southwest tip of the peninsula. Here you can find monkeys, squirrels, sloths, agoutis and a variety of snakes! With a four-wheel drive
in the dry season (can be impassable in the rainy season) it is possible to head north to Playa Bejuco and beyond. It is also possible to take a flight from San
Jose to an airstrip between Playa Samara and Playa Carrillo. The Nicoya Peninsula is a perfect destination to explore many unspoilt beaches.
The Tango Mar Golf & Beach Resort
Playa Quisales (near Tambor)
BB
Tango Mar is located 3km south of Tambor village,
a 40 minute drive from the ferry terminal. This is an
attractive, romantic and remote beachfront resort.
The extensive facilities include a swimming pool,
nine-hole golf course, two floodlit tennis courts and
stables. It has a variety of beachfront rooms, different
suites and large villas with air-conditioning, fans,
satellite TV, mini-bar, safe deposit box, large showers
and picture window balconies. Some rooms do not
have an ocean view. Lovely spot and great value.
For additional lodges, pictures
and information on Costa Rica
please visit www.sunvil.co.uk
Nicoya peninsula Costa Rica 27
Suggested Itineraries
Below are some suggested itineraries for a varied and enjoyable trip to Costa Rica:
These itineraries can be adjusted to suit individual
requirements. They are simply examples of what
is feasible within different timeframes. They are
aimed at individual travellers (based on 2 sharing).
For group escorted tours or single supplements
please contact us. Excursions include an English
speaking guide. The majority of these itineraries
can be switched to self-drive (instead of transfers).
Prices are a guideline only please contact us for an
exact quote.
Please note that we are able to quote for land only
arrangements but these have to be for a minimum
of 7 nights’ accommodation.
Guide prices include
■ International
economy return flights from the UK
■ Accommodation
(as outlined)
■ G
roup transfers and excursions (see supplement
for private transfers and excursions)
■ Internal flights (as stated in the itinerary)
Board Basis Key
BB
Bed & breakfast
FB
HB
Half board
SC
Full board
Self catering
28 Costa Rica Suggested itineraries
Highlights of Costa Rica
14 nights
Guide price per person (group transfers and
excursions) £2756
Supplement per person (private excursions and
transfers) £285
■ San
■
■
■
■
■
Jose 2 nights BB
Tortuguero
2 nights FB
Arenal 3 nights BB
Monteverde
2 nights BB
Manuel
Antonio 4 nights
Central
Valley 1 night BB
Day 14 Transfer back to Central Valley. Xandari
Plantation (Prima Plus Villa) 1 night BB
Day 15 Transfer to the airport
Wildlife Itinerary
14 nights
Guide price per person (private transfers
and excursions) £3678
■ San
BB
■
■
Day 1 Upon arrival transfer to hotel in San Jose. Alta
Hotel (standard deluxe) for 2 nights BB
Day 2 Full day guided tour to Poas Volcano and La
Paz Waterfall Gardens (lunch inc.)
Day 3 Early morning group transfer to Guapiles,
continue by boat to the lodge in Tortuguero.
Mawamba Lodge for 2 nights FB
Day 4 Group guided wildlife canal boat trips and
guided walks
Day 5 Boat transfer to Guapiles, followed by a
transfer to Arenal. Arenal Manoa Resort (junior suite)
for 3 nights BB
Day 6 Half day guided tour of Arenal Hanging
Bridges. Afternoon at leisure
Day 7 Day at leisure
Day 8 Transfer to Lake Arenal followed by a lake
crossing to reach Monteverde. Fonda Vela Lodge
(junior suite) for 2 nights BB
Day 9 Half day guided visit to Monteverde
Cloud Forest
Day 10 Transfer to Manuel Antonio. El Parador
(garden room) for 4 nights BB
Day 11-13 At leisure
Jose 2 nights (total) BB
2 nights FB
Tiskita 3 nights FB
San Gerardo de Dota 2 nights
Sarapiqui
2 nights BB
Arenal
1 nights BB
Abangaritos
2 nights FB
■ Tortuguero
■
■
■
FB
Day 1 Upon arrival transfer to hotel in San Jose. Alta
hotel (standard deluxe) for 1 night BB
Day 2 Early morning group transfer to Guapiles,
continue by boat to the lodge in Tortuguero.
Mawamba Lodge for 2 nights FB
Day 3 Enjoy group guided wildlife canal boat trips
and guided walks
Day 4 Short group transfer to airstrip for a flight to
Puerto Jimenez (via San Jose) group transfer to the
lodge. Tiskita Jungle Lodge 3 nights FB
Day 5-6 Day’s at leisure or join group guided walks
through the grounds observing birds and other wildlife
Day 7 Group transfer to airport. Flight to San Jose
and transfer to San Gerardo de Dota. Savegre Lodge
(junior suite) for 2 nights FB
Day 8 Morning guided walk in the cloud forest to try
and spot the renowned Quetzal
Day 9 Transfer to Sarapiqui. Selva Verde Lodge for 2
nights BB Evening group bat tour at La Tirimbina
Reserve (dinner inc.)
Day 10 Guided tour of La Selva Biological Station
(lunch inc.)
Day 11 Transfer to Arenal. Arenal Manoa Resort
(junior suite) for 1 night BB . Afternoon group guided
tour of Arenal Volcano followed by natural hot
springs (dinner inc.)
Day 12 Morning guided tour to Arenal Hanging
Bridges. Transfer to Abangaritos. Hacienda La
Ensenada for 2 nights FB
Day 13 Half day guided boat tour through the Palo
Verde National Park
Day 14 Transfer to San Jose. Alta Hotel (standard
deluxe) for 1 night BB
Day 15 Transfer to the airport
Costa Rica in Luxury
Honeymoon Itinerary
14 nights
Low season (May-November)
Guide price per person (private transfers and
excursions) £ 3,955
High season (December – April)
Supplement per person (private transfers and
excursions) £255
■ Central
■
■
■
■
Day 6 Morning guided tour of Arenal Hanging
Bridges. Afternoon at leisure
Day 7 At leisure
Day 8 Transfer to Manuel Antonio. Arenas del Mar
(Superior Ocean View Room) 3 nights BB
Day 9 -10 At leisure
Day 11 Transfer to Puerto Jimenez. 4x4 group
transfer to lodge. Bosque del Cabo (deluxe cabin
with ocean view), Osa peninsula 3 nights FB
Day 12-13 At leisure
Day 14 4x4 transfer to Puerto Jimenez airport. Fly
to San Jose. Transfer to Central Valley. Xandari
Plantation (prima plus villa) 1 night BB
Day 15 Transfer to the airport
Valley 3 nights (total)
Tortuguero
2 nights FB
Arenal 3 nights BB
Manuel
Antonio 3 nights BB
Osa
Peninsula 3 nights FB
BB
Day 1 Upon arrival transfer to hotel. Xandari
Plantation, Central Valley (prima plus villa) 2 nights BB
Day 2 Full day guided tour to Poas Volcano and La
Paz Waterfall Gardens (lunch inc.)
Day 3 Early morning group transfer to Guapiles,
continue by boat to the lodge in Tortuguero.
Manatus Lodge (Room with A/C) 2 nights FB
Day 4 Group guided wildlife canal boat trips and
guided walks
Day 5 Boat transfer to Guapiles, followed by transfer
to Arenal. Arenal Nayara Resort (Casita Deluxe w/
jacuzzi) 3 nights BB
14 nights
Low season (May-November)
Guide price per person (private transfers and
excursions) £ 4,099
High season (December – April)
Supplement per person (private transfers and
excursions) £234
■ Central
Valley 3 nights (total)
River 2 nights FB
Arenal 3 nights BB
Osa
peninsula 3 nights FB
Playa Quisales 3 nights BB
BB
■ Pacuare
■
■
■
Day 1 Upon arrival transfer to hotel. Xandari
Plantation (prima plus villa), Central Valley 2 nights BB
Day 2 Full day guided tour to Poas Volcano and La
Paz Waterfall Gardens (lunch inc.)
Day 3 Group transfer to Pacuare River. White water
raft stopping for a swim (3 miles, grade 1 & 2).
Pacuare Jungle Lodge (river view suite) 2 nights FB
Day 4 At leisure (activities can be arranged locally)
Day 5 White water raft out of lodge (17 miles, grade
3 & 4) stop for lunch on the river bank and swim in a
waterfall. Transfer to Arenal. Arenal Nayara (deluxe
casita w/jacuzzi) 3 nights BB
Day 6 Half day guided visit to Arenal Hanging Bridges.
ApproxIMATE dRIVING times
Abangaritos - Playa Quisales Arenal - Abangaritos Arenal - Caño Negro
Arenal - Carara National Park Arenal - Manuel Antonio
Arenal - Monteverde Arenal - Playa Bejuco
Arenal - Playa Quisales. Arenal - Rincon
Arenal - Sarapiqui
Ballena - Bosque del Cabo
Manuel Antonio - Ballena
Manuel Antonio - Esterillos
Manuel Antonio - Playa Quisales
Manuel Antonio - San Gerardo
Monteverde - Abangaritos
Monteverde - Manuel Antonio
Monteverde - Nosara
San Gerardo - Ballena San Gerardo - Bosque del Cabo
San Gerardo - Turrialba
San Jose - Arenal
San Jose - Carara National Park
San Jose - Manuel Antonio
San Jose - Monteverde
San Jose - Playa Quisales
San Jose - San Gerardo
San Jose - Sarapiqui
San Jose-Turrialba
Sarapiqui-Caño Negro
Sarapiqui-Guapiles
Sarapiqui-San Gerardo
4.5hrs (inc. ferry crossing)
4 hrs
2.5 hrs
4 hrs
5.5 hrs
4.5 hrs
5.5 hrs
5.5 hrs (inc. ferry crossing)
4.5 hrs
2.5 hrs
3.5 hrs
3 hrs
1 hrs
5.5hrs (inc. ferry crossing)
4 hrs
3.5 hrs
5.5 hrs
5.5 hrs
3 hrs
5.5 hrs
3.5 hrs
3.5 hrs
2.5 hrs
4 hrs
4.5 hrs
5 hrs (inc. ferry crossing)
2.5 hrs
2.5 hrs
2.5 hrs
2.5 hrs
50 min
5 hrs
Day 7 At leisure
Day 8 Transfer to San Jose airport. Fly to Puerto
Jimenez. 4x4 transfer to lodge. Luna Lodge
(bungalow), Osa peninsula 3 nights FB
Day 9-10 At leisure
Day 11 4x4 transfer to Puerto Jimenez. Fly to San Jose.
Transfer to Playa Quisales (inc. ferry crossing). Tangomar
Golf & Beach Resort (beachfront room) 3 nights BB
Day 12-13 At leisure
Day 14 Transfer to San Jose (inc ferry crossing).
Grano do Oro 1 night BB
Day 15 Transfer to airport
Suggested itineraries Costa Rica 29