Costa Rica Wildlife Discovery
13 days from £4,565
Explore the tour day by day, from the highlights to the quieter moments in between. Here’s how each day unfolds and what to expect along the way.
You will be met at the airport by our local representative who will take you to your hotel in the capital.
The modern Hotel Presidente is located on a lively pedestrianised street right in the heart of downtown San José with many of the capital’s landmarks, including the Jade Museum and the National Theatre, just steps away.
The hotel’s public areas have an industrial aesthetic to them with exposed brick walls, parquet flooring, and black metal beams. The vintage sewing machines, sitting atop pedestals, are a nod to the building’s former incarnation as a fashion boutique. The comfortable and spacious guest rooms, in contrast, have a fresh white minimalist décor and are spotlessly clean.
One of the most attractive features of the hotel is its plant-filled rooftop bar and restaurant, a popular hangout for locals and tourists alike, with tasty food, excellent cocktails, and a sociable atmosphere.
Take a short flight from San Jose to Tortuguero National Park on the Caribbean coast for a couple of days most rewarding wildlife-spotting. On arrival at the local airstrip, you take a 5-minute boat ride across the river to your lodge. This is true wilderness: it isn’t the Caribbean of resort hotels, sugary beaches and piña coladas.
This excellent and well-established jungle lodge has always set the bar high in Tortuguero. Immersed in the natural beauty of its private reserve, with gardens alive with flowers and hummingbirds, the lodge offers very comfortable accommodation and facilities for such a remote area.
The 28 guest rooms, named after elders from the village of Tortuguero and whose children and grandchildren work at the lodge, are housed in elegant Caribbean-style pavilions. Rooms evoke the charm and romance of a bygone era with wood-effect floors and understated tropical décor. Each features an outdoor sitting area or balcony with views of the river channel and gardens, and screened windows mean you always feel close to the rainforest. Air conditioning and ceiling farms ensure comfort, while bathrooms are equipped with solar-heated showers. Wi-Fi and safety deposit boxes are provided, but TVs are deliberately omitted to preserve the sense of escape. For added luxury, the secluded Miss Florentina Villa offers a private plunge pool.
The open-air Green Turtle restaurant takes full advantage of its riverside setting, serving creative à la carte dishes alongside an extensive plant-based menu. Meanwhile, the swimming pool at the water’s edge offers welcome relief from the heat and humidity.
A range of guided excursions led by experienced naturalist guides are included in your stay. Choose from: a wildlife-spotting boat trip exploring the creeks and lagoons of Tortuguero National Park, where you’ll discover its extraordinary biodiversity; a visit to the nearby Tortuguero village; a night walk through the lodge’s 26-hectare jungle reserve; kayaking; hiking to the top of Cerro Tortuguero; and a journey to the pristine jungle lake, Laguna 4.
Optional excursions, such as witnessing Green Sea and Hawksbill turtles nesting (July–October) or a cacao tour at Casa Cecropia, can be booked at the lodge for an additional cost.
Set off on a wildlife adventure on a guided boat trip through the mangrove forest of Tortuguero National Park, now one of the last protected areas of tropical rainforest in Central America, with 11 different natural habitats and a huge range of endemic wildlife, much of which can be spotted as you glide through the water. There are 3 species of monkeys (Spider, Howler, and White-faced), Three-toed sloths, and River otters are often seen along the natural inland waterways and canals.
Caimans, iguanas, river turtles, lizards and poison-dart frogs inhabit the area, along with over 320 species of birds including 3 of toucan and 8 of parrot.
The park was originally intended to conserve a major nesting beach of the Atlantic green sea turtle and although less frequent these days you can see leatherbacks too . Visit the nearby turtle museum to gather some information about the nesting cycle of these ancient reptiles. In season, take a night-time walk along the moonlit beach, and search for turtles and their eggs. In season you will have the opportunity to request a private guided turtle observation expedition: if you travel between June and October you might be lucky enough to see them laying their eggs. ( Please ask one of our experts for details)
You’ll also have a guided tour of Tortuguero village including a visit to the Caribbean Conservation Corporation Museum. Flanked by rivers and waterways on one side and Caribbean beach on the other, this faraway village serves as a sleepy hub for visitors to the area, human and otherwise.
This excellent and well-established jungle lodge has always set the bar high in Tortuguero. Immersed in the natural beauty of its private reserve, with gardens alive with flowers and hummingbirds, the lodge offers very comfortable accommodation and facilities for such a remote area.
The 28 guest rooms, named after elders from the village of Tortuguero and whose children and grandchildren work at the lodge, are housed in elegant Caribbean-style pavilions. Rooms evoke the charm and romance of a bygone era with wood-effect floors and understated tropical décor. Each features an outdoor sitting area or balcony with views of the river channel and gardens, and screened windows mean you always feel close to the rainforest. Air conditioning and ceiling farms ensure comfort, while bathrooms are equipped with solar-heated showers. Wi-Fi and safety deposit boxes are provided, but TVs are deliberately omitted to preserve the sense of escape. For added luxury, the secluded Miss Florentina Villa offers a private plunge pool.
The open-air Green Turtle restaurant takes full advantage of its riverside setting, serving creative à la carte dishes alongside an extensive plant-based menu. Meanwhile, the swimming pool at the water’s edge offers welcome relief from the heat and humidity.
A range of guided excursions led by experienced naturalist guides are included in your stay. Choose from: a wildlife-spotting boat trip exploring the creeks and lagoons of Tortuguero National Park, where you’ll discover its extraordinary biodiversity; a visit to the nearby Tortuguero village; a night walk through the lodge’s 26-hectare jungle reserve; kayaking; hiking to the top of Cerro Tortuguero; and a journey to the pristine jungle lake, Laguna 4.
Optional excursions, such as witnessing Green Sea and Hawksbill turtles nesting (July–October) or a cacao tour at Casa Cecropia, can be booked at the lodge for an additional cost.
Fly to La Fortuna in a Cessna (or equivalent) light aircraft: a 30-minute airborne adventure where you skim over the countryside with volcano views. Land at a small airstrip and continue by road to your hotel.
At 1,674m, Arenal is an impressive conical volcano dominating the surroundings. These days, lava flow and volcanic eruptions are infrequent and there has not been any significant activity since 2010. However, as seismic activity is often unpredictable the situation may change by the time you travel. Even without any recent volcanic activity, the region is still considered to be one of the highlights of a visit to Costa Rica.
Arenal Manoa is a resort in the foothills of Arenal Volcano, a 10-minute drive from the town of La Fortuna and 20 minutes from the national park. With good quality accommodation and a range of facilities, as well as impressive views of the volcano throughout the property, it’s a great place to stay.
The resort is spread out and surrounded by beautifully maintained tropical gardens, attracting a lot of birdlife and ensuring the 80 rooms retain a sense of privacy. Accommodation is spacious and bright and comes with air-con and a private terrace with either garden or volcano views.
For an upgrade guests can stay in one of the ten Chato Suites with their own private plunge pool and a spacious deck replete with multiple lounging options as well as an outdoor shower, perfect for an afternoon’s relaxation after a morning full of adventure.
Facilities include a small complex of hot springs, two swimming pools, an open-air riverside spa and three on-site restaurants serving a la carte menus, pizza and sushi.
The 225-hectare El Silencio Private Reserve is a short drive from La Fortuna and offers a selection of hiking trails in the foothills of Arenal Volcano. Accompanied by a guide who will tell you all about the area’s history and geology, you’ll follow the 1km Lava Field’s trail which climbs up to a viewpoint overlooking the volcano. Although very short, the trail is quite steep in places and generally uneven due to the black jagged rocks which once exploded out of the volcano, most notably in 1968.
In the afternoon there’s an excursion to the hot springs at Ecotermales. These waters provide a more off-the-beaten-track experience than their better-known and more overcrowded cousins. Set well back from the road that runs between the lake and the town of La Fortuna, the farm has only recently been opened to the general public. The springs, five free-flowing pools set in a natural river gorge, vary in temperature from 38ºC to 43ºC depending on the pool.
Arenal Manoa is a resort in the foothills of Arenal Volcano, a 10-minute drive from the town of La Fortuna and 20 minutes from the national park. With good quality accommodation and a range of facilities, as well as impressive views of the volcano throughout the property, it’s a great place to stay.
The resort is spread out and surrounded by beautifully maintained tropical gardens, attracting a lot of birdlife and ensuring the 80 rooms retain a sense of privacy. Accommodation is spacious and bright and comes with air-con and a private terrace with either garden or volcano views.
For an upgrade guests can stay in one of the ten Chato Suites with their own private plunge pool and a spacious deck replete with multiple lounging options as well as an outdoor shower, perfect for an afternoon’s relaxation after a morning full of adventure.
Facilities include a small complex of hot springs, two swimming pools, an open-air riverside spa and three on-site restaurants serving a la carte menus, pizza and sushi.
A day trip in the Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge. This remote reserve near the Nicaraguan border is a lowland forested wetland set up to protect migratory birds. It has become renowned for opportunities to observe water-associated birds, especially during migrations.
You’ll be picked up by your bilingual guide and taken to the small town of Los Chiles to begin your nature cruise. It’s an enchanting 3hr boat trip up the Río Frío through the reserve to Caño Negro lake, a shallow overflow from the river in the wet season (it’s dry in March-April). In the months of July-November the reserve acts as a wintering site for migrant American birds. During the dry season the water level steadily falls, until all that is left is the Río Frío’s main channel. Most birds make their appearance at this time. These include the Glossy ibis, Black-necked stilt, American widgeon, Northern shoveller, and Snail kite.
Along the shores of the river and in the trees that bend over its waters, you’ll be able to spot birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians. There are Howler, Spider and White-faced monkeys, Three-toed sloths, caimans, turtles, bats and tropical flora.
Arenal Manoa is a resort in the foothills of Arenal Volcano, a 10-minute drive from the town of La Fortuna and 20 minutes from the national park. With good quality accommodation and a range of facilities, as well as impressive views of the volcano throughout the property, it’s a great place to stay.
The resort is spread out and surrounded by beautifully maintained tropical gardens, attracting a lot of birdlife and ensuring the 80 rooms retain a sense of privacy. Accommodation is spacious and bright and comes with air-con and a private terrace with either garden or volcano views.
For an upgrade guests can stay in one of the ten Chato Suites with their own private plunge pool and a spacious deck replete with multiple lounging options as well as an outdoor shower, perfect for an afternoon’s relaxation after a morning full of adventure.
Facilities include a small complex of hot springs, two swimming pools, an open-air riverside spa and three on-site restaurants serving a la carte menus, pizza and sushi.
It’s a 3hr drive to Bajos del Toro in the cloud-forest below Poás volcano, to stay at Bosque de Paz Lodge close to Bosque de Paz Rainforest Reserve. It’s a privately-owned reserve with a spectacularly rich ecosystem because of its privileged location on the continental divide, with altitudes ranging from 1,450 to 2,450m. It isn’t as well-known or visited as other reserves at this altitude, but is just as stunning, with waterfalls and trout pools, and is the habitat of a wide range of bird and orchid species. It’s only a 90min drive from San José, but feels very remote.
The small and friendly lodge embraces easy forest hiking trails and an orchid garden. You can see many hummingbirds flitting between the feeders scattered around the property.
The reserve is open only to prearranged visits. The number of visitors is limited so that environmental impact is kept at minimum levels, and visitors receive personal attention. The three main objectives here are: conservation, research and education. Most of the earnings are reinvested to purchase more forest to add to the privately protected area. You will have a guided tour of the trails in parts of the reserve from a local guide who can only be booked on site. During your visit, you will have the opportunity to pay a symbolic fee to plant a tree to help with the regeneration of the forest in areas that were once cleared.
Transfer to the airport and fly to Palmar Sur on the Osa Peninsula. Wildlife reserves have been established throughout this lush region, notably Corcovado National Park, with magnificent biodiversity, sheltering rare species of mammals including the Central American Squirrel monkey, White-faced capuchin, ocelots and tapirs. Caimans and crocodiles lurk watchful in the dark lagoons. The reserve is absolutely brimming with wildlife, and the diversity of flora is equally mind-boggling. You’re bound to see loads of birds, animals and exotic flowering plants.
You will be met at the airport and driven along a paved road to Sierpe, (30mins). Here, embark on a 90min motor-launch ride through forest canals and mangroves. The area has 13 separate ecosystems with almost 100 kinds of tree, over 350 species of bird, and a healthy population of Scarlet macaws, tapirs and jaguars.
Aguila de Osa is an exquisite rainforest and marine adventure lodge set on jungle-covered hillsides overlooking the tranquil waters of Drake Bay. The lodge has easy access to the lush Osa Peninsula’s natural highlights, including Corcovado National Park and the Caño Island Biological Marine Reserve.
There are a dozen spacious, thatched wooden cabins with private terraces, ceiling fans and views of the ocean. The open-air restaurant serves local fresh food, and the bar is perched on the rocks above the river.
You can take part in a choice of adventurous outdoor activities, including world-class sport fishing, scuba diving, snorkelling, bird-watching, hiking, beach trips, kayaking and mangrove estuary tours.
Aguila de Osa makes commitments to sustainability, including waste recycling, water conservation and sourcing food locally. The lodge also supports the Corcovado Foundation’s conservation and community work.
You’ll take a short boat ride to the Coral Garden – a snorkelling haven set in a marine reserve where you can spot manta rays, turtles and small (harmless) White-tipped sharks. Dolphins can be sighted all year round, while Pilot and Humpback whales are more common December – March and July – November. You’ll roam the waters for about an hour. Life jackets are provided and we strongly recommend you bring extra water, sun cream, a hat and a swimsuit. Snorkelling equipment is provided.
Aguila de Osa is an exquisite rainforest and marine adventure lodge set on jungle-covered hillsides overlooking the tranquil waters of Drake Bay. The lodge has easy access to the lush Osa Peninsula’s natural highlights, including Corcovado National Park and the Caño Island Biological Marine Reserve.
There are a dozen spacious, thatched wooden cabins with private terraces, ceiling fans and views of the ocean. The open-air restaurant serves local fresh food, and the bar is perched on the rocks above the river.
You can take part in a choice of adventurous outdoor activities, including world-class sport fishing, scuba diving, snorkelling, bird-watching, hiking, beach trips, kayaking and mangrove estuary tours.
Aguila de Osa makes commitments to sustainability, including waste recycling, water conservation and sourcing food locally. The lodge also supports the Corcovado Foundation’s conservation and community work.
This stimulating, adventurous guided tour takes you deep into the heart of Corcovado National Park. You’ll take a local boat to the Sirena Ranger Station to set off on a hike – the secluded, remote location allows for prime bird and wildlife spotting. Explore the various trails leading to different areas of the park. As you trek through the verdant primary and secondary rainforest you may well spot some exotic wildlife, such as tapirs, Spider monkeys, Scarlet macaws, White-faced capuchins and Howler monkeys. Bird sightings may include toucans, trogons, hummingbirds, parrots and vultures.
Aguila de Osa is an exquisite rainforest and marine adventure lodge set on jungle-covered hillsides overlooking the tranquil waters of Drake Bay. The lodge has easy access to the lush Osa Peninsula’s natural highlights, including Corcovado National Park and the Caño Island Biological Marine Reserve.
There are a dozen spacious, thatched wooden cabins with private terraces, ceiling fans and views of the ocean. The open-air restaurant serves local fresh food, and the bar is perched on the rocks above the river.
You can take part in a choice of adventurous outdoor activities, including world-class sport fishing, scuba diving, snorkelling, bird-watching, hiking, beach trips, kayaking and mangrove estuary tours.
Aguila de Osa makes commitments to sustainability, including waste recycling, water conservation and sourcing food locally. The lodge also supports the Corcovado Foundation’s conservation and community work.
Road transfer to airstrip to fly to San José, transfer to hotel for the last night of the holiday.
The places you’ll stay and explore on this tour. Here’s a closer look at each one and what makes it worth the trip.
Costa Rica - San Jose, central highlands and central valleys
The cultural and geographical heart of Costa Rica, where volcanic landscapes, coffee plantations, fertile valleys and historic towns surround the country’s busy capital. Central Highlands Costa Rica holidays and San José city break itineraries both tend to start here, combining culture, nature, cuisine and easy access to many of the country’s highlights.
Costa Rica - Caribbean coast
Volcanic-sand beaches, dense tropical rainforest, banana plantations and wildlife-filled waterways create a completely different atmosphere from the country’s Pacific shores on Costa Rica’s Caribbean Coast. From the canals of Tortuguero National Park to laid-back Caribbean beach communities, this stretch of Caribbean Coast Costa Rica offers exceptional wildlife encounters and rich Afro-Caribbean culture.
Costa Rica - Arenal and the north
One of Costa Rica’s most iconic regions, where a perfectly conical volcano rises above rainforest, wildlife-rich reserves, hot springs and adventure-filled landscapes. From Arenal Volcano to cloud forest, hanging bridges and rushing rivers, this is Costa Rica at its most classic – and Arenal Volcano holidays remain some of the country’s most memorable.
Costa Rica - Osa Peninsula
Rainforest-clad hills tumble down to the Pacific Ocean and wildlife thrives in protected reserves across one of the most biodiverse regions on Earth. Remote, wild and wonderfully unspoilt, Osa Peninsula Costa Rica offers extraordinary opportunities to immerse yourself in nature and encounter some of Central America’s rarest species.
On this wildlife-focused holiday you explore the Caribbean jungle channels and mangrove forests of the Tortuguero reserve; bathe in naturally heated thermal springs in the shadow of the picture-perfect Arenal volcano, and cruise through wetlands sheltering thousands of migrating birds. Head on to explore the little-visited but bird-prolific Bosque de Paz cloud forest reserve. Finally, move on to the Pacific coast and another wildlife experience at a jungle lodge on the remote Osa Peninsula.
Costa Rica is one of the most rewarding countries in the world for wildlife observation, with a long and impressive history of conservation and eco-tourism allowing species to flourish. The comprehensive network of national parks with their extensive trails is always very accessible. The compact country is bursting with an extraordinary diversity of landscapes, flora and fauna, and this private wildlife observation journey gives you all the opportunity to explore its national parks in various eco-systems.
Sally Dodge
All of our experts have lived or travelled extensively in Latin America, so you will receive unrivalled advice based on unique personal experiences.
The practical detail for this tour, all in one place. Transport, accommodation, what’s included and what to pack, so you know exactly what to expect before you go.
- Transport
4 flights by light aircraft; scenic road and boat journeys.
- Accommodation
This trip combines a small, friendly mid-range hotel in San José with well-equipped rooms with private bathroom with comfortable, eco-friendly but not luxurious wildlife and beach lodges well located for wildlife observation.
- Meals
Breakfast: daily
Lunch: day 6
Dinner: day 5
Full board: days 2-3, 7-8, 9-11
- Guides
We carefully select our local partners, some of whom we have worked with for over 25 years. Their English-speaking guides understand the expectations of our clients very well, and are consistently singled out for praise by clients on their return. On this particular trip we use specialist naturalist guides where necessary.
- Summary Of Nights
13 days, 12 nights: San José 1; Tortuguero 2; Arenal 3; Bajos del Toro 2; Osa Peninsula 3; San Jose 1.
- Currency
The unit of currency in Costa Rica is the colón.
- How To Take It
Cash machines are available in San José: taking a debit or credit card with a PIN number is the most convenient way of withdrawing money while on your trip, and in many shops and restaurants you can also pay by card. However, since cards can get lost, damaged, withheld or blocked, you should not rely exclusively on a card to access funds.
We recommend that additionally you take a reasonable quantity of US dollars cash (no more than is covered by your insurance), which you can exchange into local currency in San José at the beginning of your trip, and possibly some travellers’ cheques, though these are increasingly falling out of use. (American Express cheques are the most widely accepted). Dollar bills should be in good condition, soiled or torn bills may be refused. You can exchange sterling but the rate may be unfavourable and there are fewer outlets providing this service. US dollars cash is widely accepted for payments.
- Daily Spend
It is very difficult to give a guideline for essential expenses but a budget of around US$40 per day should cover the cost of meals not included in the holiday itinerary, drinks and the odd souvenir. Eat at the best restaurants and you will pay considerably more.
- Tipping
Tips are expected and local guides often rely on their tip as a significant proportion of their income.
Most service industry workers will expect a tip of some kind and so it is useful to have spare change for hotel porters, taxi drivers and the like. It is common to leave 10 – 12% in restaurants.
- Insurance
Travel insurance is essential.
Details of our recommended policy can be found on our Travel Insurance page.
- Airport Taxes
If you have purchased your flights through Journey Latin America, the international departure tax is usually included in the ticket.
- Trip Suitability
Generally this holiday is suitable for all able, reasonably fit visitors, including families with older children with an interest in wildlife.
Bear in mind it is a relatively active trip. On the whole the trails are good and clear. All activities are closely monitored by qualified guides.
- Climate
The trip covers climates ranging from tropical lowland to more temperate zones in the highlands. Those travelling between May and October journeys should encounter high temperatures (around 35°C) and high humidity in the lowlands. The ‘official’ rainy (green) season is May to October.
December to April visitors will still encounter high temperatures in lowland areas, but cool evenings around Arenal and San José with temperatures falling to around 5°C. Rainfall and humidity will be lower at this time.
- Clothing And Special Equipment
Bring plenty of light cotton clothing and good, comfortable walking shoes. A waterproof jacket is also necessary. We suggest that you plan to ‘layer’ your clothing; it is easier and more efficient to put on a couple of light layers than one thick jumper (it can be cool in the interior), and sensible to have long sleeves for areas where mosquitos may be lurking. Protection against the sun (sunblock, sun hat) and mosquito repellant are essential and you should bring swimwear. A daypack is useful for carrying sunblock, guidebook, water and any extra layers.
Don’t forget your binoculars, long lens camera and field guide.
Please get in touch with the office before departure if you have any doubts. Good equipment is very important and hard to come by in Central America.
- Vaccinations
Preventative vaccinations are recommended against the following; typhoid; polio; tetanus; hepatitis A. For specific requirements you must consult your GP.
You can also find helpful information on the Masta Travel Health website.
- Visas
Holders of a full British passport do not require a visa, although passports must be valid for at least 6 months after the trip begins. Anyone with a different nationality should enquire with us or check with the relevant consulate.
If flying to the US, or via the US you will need to fill in your online ESTA application.
- When is the best time to visit Costa Rica?
Despite its small size, Costa Rica has a number of distinct microclimates. The best time for wildlife lovers to visit Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast may be from July-August to watch nesting turtles. However, the wettest months are September to October. The rest of the country experiences a dry season Dec-April, when there is plenty of sun and temperatures are high, and a rainy season from May-Nov. However, this is variation between regions: for example, the rainy season often starts a month earlier in the south Pacific, while the northern areas, including the Guanacaste coast, are not as affected by the seasons and are generally much drier. The highlands and cloud forests have warm temperatures during the day but the high altitude means evenings are much cooler.
For more detailed information on the best time to visit Costa Rica, go to our When To Go section.
- What is the official language of Costa Rica?
The official language of Costa Rica is Spanish.
- What is the national currency of Costa Rica?
Colón is the national currency of Costa Rica. Notes can be withdrawn from the many ATMs using a UK credit or debit card. There is at least one in most main towns. You may have to authorise your bank first, and withdrawals may be limited to amounts lower than in the UK. US dollars cash can be exchanged in banks too. US dollars themselves are widely accepted.
- What is the time difference between Costa Rica and the UK?
The time difference between the UK and Cosa Rica is GMT -5 hours.
- Do I need a visa to travel to Costa Rica?
Holders of a full British passport do not require a visa, although passports must be valid for at least 6 months after the trip begins. Anyone with a different nationality should enquire with us or check with the relevant consulate.
If flying to the US, or via the US you will need to fill in your online ESTA application. - What vaccinations are recommended for visiting Costa Rica?
Please check Travel Health Pro for information on health recommendations and vaccinations for the destinations you are visiting. Please note that many Latin American countries require proof of vaccination against Yellow Fever if you have recently travelled to another country where Yellow Fever is present.
- What places combine well with Costa Rica?
- How do I get to Costa Rica?
To get to Costa Rica there are flights from London to San José via US and European hubs.
- What are the cultural and sport events in Costa Rica?
Some of the cultural events that take place in Costa Rica include:
International Arts Festival in San José in March with music, dance, and film art exhibitions. Monteverde Music Festival takes place in Monteverde between Jan – Feb.
Why choose Journey Latin America for your holiday
We’ve been planning trips to Central and South America for over 45 years, longer than any other UK specialist. Every holiday is built around you by a Travel Expert who has been to the places they recommend, with support from your first enquiry to the day you fly home.
Rosie embarked on a year-long backpacking trip across Latin America. She is excited to share her knowledge and experiences with others.
Finn discovered his passion for travel on an extensive 18-month trip to Latin America, experiencing the vibrant Carnaval in Rio, the end-of-the-world city of Ushuaia, trekking the Andes and volunteering on the Galápagos Islands.
Maggie visited Latin America on her first backpacking trip when she was 19. Since then, she has taken every opportunity to travel, and has managed to explore a lot of the region in subsequent trips.
Gary discovered what he had been missing with his first foray into the wilds of Latin America. In his role as Product Manager, he combines this personal obsession with years of industry experience to help ensure that travellers will fall for the region every bit as much as he has.
Things to do
We proudly offer the widest range of activities, excursions and one-of-a-kind experiences across all our destinations, tried and tested personally by our travel experts.
Explore the channels and lagoons of a rich marshland ecosystem.
Spot exotic animals and birds in Costa Rica’s most biodiverse national park.
Explore the pristine rainforest trails of Bosque de Paz, open only to a limited number of prearranged visits.
Bathe in steaming pools of naturally warm water set into a verdant river gorge.
See the resplendent quetzal in its natural habitat on a jungle trail through the cloud forest.
Visit the biological reserve of Caño island to submerge yourself in a natural aquarium of manta rays, lobsters and hundreds of tropical fish.
Accommodation
Browse our unrivalled portfolio of accommodation. Every option has been carefully chosen by our team of travel experts, so you can rest assured that you will relax in utter comfort
Modern San Jose hotel with rooftop bar and an unrivalled location in the heart of the city.
Aguila de Osa is a beautiful eco-lodge on Costa Rica’s wildife-rich Osa Peninsula.
Luxurious jungle lodge with spacious, stylish rooms overlooking the canals of Tortuguero.
Papagaio
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