Overview & Highlights
This is a short, low cost, value-for-money-plus holiday with good quality lodges. Includes the top wildlife-rich locations, from the mangroves on the Caribbean coast to mountainous cloud forest.
Costa Rica, famous for its huge variety of wildlife, exotic vegetation, coffee and genial population, is small enough to get around easily in a short time. This holiday can slot easily into half-term, and is a great choice for families. In just eight days you get to savour this diversity in comfort, staying at high quality accommodation but keeping the costs down by using some shared transport.
The comprehensive network of national parks with their extensive trails is always very accessible, and Costa Rica has been at the vanguard of adventure tourism, with activities on offer from zip-lining to white-water rafting.
Begin by exploring the Caribbean jungle waterways and mangrove forests of the wildlife-rich Tortuguero reserve. Enjoy a spectacular light-aircraft flight back to San José and continue by road to the Monteverde cloud forest, where the vivid birdlife can be easy to view. Descend from the mountains to the tropical, fertile landscapes around the dominant Arenal volcano, and visit picturesque La Fortuna waterfalls.
After this, it’s a road journey back to San José for your flight home, or if you have time, add a few days to enjoy the Manuel Antonio Pacific beach. Famed for its surf beaches and the monkey-filled national park nearby: there’s lots you can do here, or just relax in the shade of a palm tree.
- Explore the canals and waterways of Tortuguero
- Discover the cloud forest around Monteverde
- Take in the trails and spectacular volcano in Arenal
THE UK’S NO. 1 SPECIALIST IN TRAVEL TO LATIN AMERICA
Juliet Ellwood
Travel Expert
Outline itinerary
Day 1
Transfer to a vibrant pedestrian street in the centre of San José
Day 2
By road and boat to Tortuguero Jungle Reserve
Day 3
Wildlife spotting in Tortuguero National Park
Day 4
Fly to San José, transfer to Monteverde. Guided excursion to the Cloud Forest Reserve
Day 5
Transfer to Arenal volcano area
Day 6
Excursion to La Fortuna waterfalls
Day 7
Transfer by shuttle bus to San José
Day 8
Transfer to the airport for international flight home; or continue to the Pacific beach at Manuel Antonio.
Things to do
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Accommodation
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What our clients say
Our Expert's Opinion
This holiday is ideal for those seeking an introduction to Costa Rica. If you have limited time but still want to see the country's highlights, this is a great option. It is also well-suited for families as it can be fitted into a half-term break, and you can even take advantage of British Airways' direct flight to San José.
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.
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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.
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