Private Journeys

Signature: Best of Costa Rica and Nicaragua

12 days

Costa Rica / Nicaragua

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Overview & Highlights

We’ve picked the best natural highlights of two friendly neighbouring republics:  discover them on an adventurous holiday with river trips, lake ferries, volcano visits and an island stay. Wildlife abounds in luscious tropical landscapes. 

These two central American neighbours have a lot in common: rugged volcanoes and fertile landscapes, luscious rainforests, prolific wildlife and a friendly, relaxed tropical vibe.

But there are big differences too: the heritage of Nicaragua’s colonial and revolutionary history is still very much in evidence, while Costa Rica has become one of the world’s top eco-destinations and hub of active adventures. On this holiday we introduce you to the best highlights of both countries.

We’ve put together a range of adventurous yet undemanding experiences which include a tropical river trip and an island stay on Lake Nicaragua, you get to peer down into an active volcanic crater, clamber over a Spanish colonial fortress once besieged by Nelson, and go spotting exotic birds and spider monkeys swinging through trees where iguanas laze. You’ll be staying in independent simple and hospitable lodges and small hotels carefully selected to complement a holiday where you’ll come to know and love the gentle pace of life. If you've time to linger longer, both nations offer palm-flecked Caribbean and Pacific beaches which invite relaxation.

Read More
  • Arenal: Sky Tram and hanging bridges
  • Caño Negro Wildlife Reserve
  • Rio San Juan: Nature trail in Indo Maiz rainforest reserve
  • Granada: Guided city tour and las Isletas boat trip
  • Granada: Night-time visit to Masaya volcano crater
  • Ometepe Island: Guided cultural and landscapes tour

THE UK’S NO. 1 SPECIALIST IN TRAVEL TO LATIN AMERICA

Chris

Chris Rendell-Dunn

Travel Expert

Talk to our experts

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.

Bartolome, Galápagos

What our clients say

  • It was a wonderful adventure which we enjoyed with a very nice group, all of us led by an excellent guide. 

    WD, Greenford
  • Please describe the most memorable experience/aspect of your trip? "In Galapagos; swimming with a playful Sea Lion, having a penguin swim right under my tummy and watching white tipped sharks…

    DM, Marlborough
  • The Journey Latin America experience greatly enhanced my enjoyment and understanding of the culture and customs and Chile.

    JT, York
  • Having travelled with a number of different companies in the past, I was really impressed with the depth of knowledge and professionalism of JLA and the opportunity to trial to…

  • I had an absolutely wonderful holiday and saw things I had been longing to for a long time. Thank you.

    CK, Clacton-on-Sea
  • It was my first trip on this kind of tour. I felt very safe & included & thoroughly enjoyed my time in Mexico. As a group I felt we really…

    KM, Salisbury
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Our Expert's Opinion

Chris
Chris Rendell-Dunn Travel Expert Anglo-Peruvian Chris grew up in Lima and spent much of his adult life in between London and Cusco as a tour leader, before settling permanently in our London-based Tailor-made and Group Tours sales team.

Inspired by this trip

Our exciting range of articles on Latin America explore everything from iconic destinations and lesser-known cultural gems to delicious traditional recipes. You’ll also find exclusive travel tips, first-hand client reviews and the chance to get your personal questions answered by our travel experts.

Papagaio

Your edit for Latin American inspiration

Our exciting range of articles on Latin America explore everything from iconic destinations and lesser-known cultural gems to delicious traditional recipes. You’ll also find exclusive travel tips, first-hand client reviews and the chance to get your personal questions answered by our travel experts.

View Extraordinary Inspiration
Bartolome, Galápagos

Meet our team

Real Latin american experts

  • Juliet
    Juliet Ellwood - Travel Expert

    After graduating with a degree in Anthropology and History and having been fascinated by Latin America since childhood by the book featuring photos of Nazca, Juliet first visited the region in 2003. Since then, Juliet has visited the majority of countries in Latin America but has particularly extensive experience with Peru, a country she loves for many reasons but not least, its incredible archaeological richness and delicious food!

  • Millie
    Millie Davies - Travel Expert

    Having caught the travel bug as a child, Millie has travelled all over Latin America before making her home in Buenos Aires for 3 years.

  • Chris
    Chris Rendell-Dunn - Travel Expert

    Anglo-Peruvian Chris grew up in Lima and spent much of his adult life in between London and Cusco as a tour leader, before settling permanently in our London-based Tailor-made and Group Tours sales team.

  • Carrie
    Carrie Gallagher - Travel Expert

    A former JLA tour leader, Carrie brings a wealth of on-the-ground experience to our London-based Tailor-made and Group Tours department.

  • Lina
    Lina Fuller - Travel Expert

    Lina's passion for the continent where she was born really took off when she moved to Córdoba (Argentina) to study, spending the holidays travelling between Argentina and her native Colombia.

  • Kathryn
    Kathryn Rhodes - Travel Expert

    Kathryn backpacked across Argentina, Chile, Bolivia and Peru before joining us. She has a degree in Philosophy and French and is a keen netball player.

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