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Costa Rica East to West

Highlights

  • See Costa Rica from Coast to Coast
  • Spot sea turtles, monkeys, hummingbirds and more, in a country of richly diverse wildlife
  • Swim under waterfalls and in a geothermal lagoon in the jungle
  • Ride the longest zipline in Latin America, above the cloud forest!
From £2856 pp*
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14 Nights

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What you'll do

Overview

Discover mighty volcanos, lush cloud forest, incredible wildlife, stunning beaches, local hidden gems and quirky cultural experiences as you get under the skin of this unique country. Thanks to your local hosts and guides, you'll come away having not just seen Costa Rica, but having experienced it like a local.

Discover mighty volcanos, lush cloud forest, incredible wildlife, stunning beaches, local hidden gems and quirky cultural experiences as you get under the skin of this unique country. Thanks to your local hosts and guides, you’ll come away having not just seen Costa Rica, but having experienced it like a local.

Tour Summary

Day 1: San Jose
Day 2 & 3: Tortuguero
Day 4, 5 & 6: La Fortuna
Day 7 & 8: Monteverde
Day 9 – 13: Nosara
Day 14: San Jose
Day 15: Departure Day

Once you land in San Jose, relax and allow our expert local hosts take care of everything, from transfers to accommodation and activities and simply drink in one of the most exciting travel destinations on earth.

From hiking at the base of Arenal volcano and bathing in the hot springs, to watching nesting turtles on the black sand beaches on the coast, cooking traditional cuisine with the locals to zip-lining with tropical birds in the cloud forest canopy, it’s an action-packed two weeks with a few days to relax on the beach as your time comes to an end, and your final stay is at a charming, sustainable boutique hotel on an organic coffee plantation, which is a global leader in responsible tourism.

For lovers of outdoor activities there is the opportunity to surf on the wild Pacific coast, and wild swimming in crystal clear lagoons in the jungle.

Wildlife enthusiasts can spot exotic birds, sea turtles, sloths, monkeys, tapirs and more, all in their natural habitat whether it be the steamy jungle, the beautiful cloud forest or the tropical beaches on a wildlife holiday that takes you to the most biodiverse parts of Costa Rica.

This is a Costa Rican adventure holiday with a difference. As well as the natural highlights, you’ll get to properly know the cuisine, the culture, and the people of the country. Visit traditional workshops and try your hand at craftsmanship, learn to master Costa Rican cuisine with the locals, and explore rural villages and meet the people who make Costa Rica.

By the time you leave, the memories of the magical landscapes will certainly remain, but the thing that will stick with you the most is the incredible warmth and generosity of the local people.

*From price based on travel for 2 people in 2024 during the low season (between May and June and August to November). For larger groups, solo travellers or children cost please enquire directly to hello@nitgb.com

Please note: this is a private itinerary but on some experiences throughout the tour you may join a small group.

Arrival Day

Arrive at San Jose International Airport and meet your driver, who will take you straight to your accommodation to relax, refresh, and get ready from your Costa Rican Adventure.

Accommodation: Parque del Lago Boutique Hotel

Meals: None

Journey to Tortuguero National Park

Today you’ll have an early start at 6am, diving straight into your once-in-a-lifetime adventure in Costa Rica.

After just twenty minutes of driving out from San José towards the Caribbean lowlands, you will have an early introduction to Costa Rica’s natural highlights, as you pass by the magnificent Braulio Carrillo National Park, with a rich variety of wildlife and through agricultural farmland with pineapple and banana plantations.

After another half hour, you will descend into the lowlands, and you’ll be able to notice the transition between two of Costa Rica’s key climates, the Cloud and the Rainforest.

Breakfast will be taken in a restaurant during your drive through the countryside. At around mid-morning, you’ll arrive at the pier to board a river boat taking you along the beautiful canals of the Tortuguero National Park,  one of the most important nesting sites in the world for the green sea turtle. Its territories protect not only the turtle-nesting beach, but also the surrounding forests, canals and lagoons. There is a  peaceful atmosphere which attracts nature lovers, yet the area never has the feeling of being touristy. It is the ideal place to start a trip to Costa Rica, with early opportunities to spot some of the most famous wildlife.

Along the way, your guide will talk you through the delicate eco-system of the area, giving you insight into how the waterways, the forest and the wildlife coexist so that you have an in-depth understanding of the environment you are experiencing.

Accommodation: Laguna Lodge Tortuguero

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Explore Tortuguero National Park

Today you have a full day to explore the Tortuguero area, you will take guided boat trip  the  jungle-fringed waterways behind the beach are teeming with bird, animal and insect life. More than half of Costa Rica’s bird species can be found here along with monkeys, sloths and for the lucky alligators, tapirs, ocelots, peccaries and anteaters.

You will have free time to hike to Tortuguero Hill for a spectacular view of the area – the walk is a short but sharp climb, with a serious reward at the top.

Or paddle out on a canoe, exploring the canals to really get in touch with the incredible nature the park boasts. Visit the little town of Tortuguero with its museum dedicated to the green turtle, and explore the miles of pristine Caribbean beaches to see-when in season- nesting green turtles, the world’s second largest sea turtle. The turtles nest here between July and October.  (Turtle nesting tour can be arranged locally at extra charge from 1 July – 31 October only).

Accommodation: Laguna Lodge Tortuguero

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Volcanoes and Hot Springs

After breakfast today you will leave the beautiful Caribbean coast via the beautiful rivers of the North Caribbean, and arrive back at the pier to jump into the bus for your drive to the northern plains.

In 1968 the Arenal Volcano, which until then was unassuming and dormant, erupted and the lava and ash completely buried the community of Pueblo Nuevo.

Little by little, the spectacular eruption attracted tourists and La Fortuna has transformed from a simple agricultural area to a tourist hot spot. Arenal is a large symmetrical volcano built upon layers of ash, rock and lava and is almost 1700 metres high.

Although it is now dormant, the underground heat from the volcano produces natural hot springs – perfect for swimming in and enjoying the gorgeous warm waters.

Spend the afternoon basking in the waters, drinking in the spectacular landscape around you – before heading to your accommodation for the evening, the resort village of Arenal Manoa with its extensive gardens and marvellous views of the Arenal Volcano, located on a working dairy farm.

Surrounded by gardens, pastures and animals, this is a wonderful place to relax, and enjoy the peaceful gardens, take a tour of the farm for an insight into the daily operations of a traditional Costa Rican farm.

Accommodation: Arenal Manoa Resort

Meals: Breakfast

Waterfalls and Local Lunches

Today you will explore the area around Arenal Volcano – a La Fortuna waterfall visit and a volcano hike is on the itinerary, and is one of the most memorable days of the entire adventure.

The day starts late in the morning at 11am, so you have time to enjoy a nice breakfast, explore the surroundings of the hotel and relax a little before your pick up.

Wear your swimming gear and take a leisurely hike down 500 steps that lead the way to a magnificent waterfall. On the way down, your guide will point out the various examples of the stunning wildlife that can be found, as you stroll easily, taking you time to drink in the gorgeous views ahead of you.

At the bottom of the steps, enjoy a refreshing dip in the lagoon, splash under the waterfall and enjoy one of the most beautiful swimming experiences of your life.

After you’ve dried off, your lunch will be a truly authentic experience with the Rodriguez Family. They will host and cook you an unforgettable, traditional lunch that you can enjoy relaxing on the riverside, experiencing local culture and of course a delicious and freshly brewed cup of Costa Rican coffee.

Round off the day by visiting the imposing Arenal Volcano National Park, where you will set off on a stunning guided hike around its base while learning everything there is to know about the iconic Costa Rican landmark, from the eruptions and the old lava flows.

Take in the bizarre sight of the rainforest reclaiming the old, dried-up lava flows, and try to spot some of the rainforest wildlife, before being driven back to your accommodation.

Accommodation: Arenal Manoa Resort

Meals: Breakfast and lunch

Tenorio Volcano National Park hike

Set in the north of Costa Rica, Tenorio Volcano National Park is home to a magnificent volcano from which it received its name, best known for the beautiful Río Celeste, whose light blue waters are caused by a reaction between sulphur and calcium carbonate in the river.

The park is covered in natural tropical forests and decorated with rivers and waterfalls. One of the many highlights here is a hike to the magnificent Celeste Waterfall, known for its stunning blue waters. Visitors can also enjoy walking over the many suspension bridges in the rainforest, visiting the Blue Lagoon, and climbing through the cloud forest along the Crater Trail to the top of the volcano to view the steaming Lago Dante.

You are likely to spot a variety of wildlife here, possibly even the shy tapir and puma. The park also provides the opportunity to bathe in wonderful natural hot springs, and afterwards we will stop for a typical local lunch.

Accommodation: Arenal Manoa Resort

Meals: Breakfast and lunch

Lake Cruise and Travel to Montverde

Today you will travel from La Fortuna to Monteverde, crossing the Arenal Lake. First you’ll travel by land to the lake, where you’ll board a boat for a one-hour cruise to Monteverde.

This is the fastest way to travel, but it is also an incredibly scenic journey where you can admire beautiful views of mountains, sky and the colossal Arenal volcano.

When you reach the other side of the lake, you will be picked up and driven to your hotel in Monteverde. It might be a transfer, but it’s also an adventure!

Your accommodation is the Eco Lodge Koora, a luxury ecolodge in the heart of the cloud forest, where you will sleep in the treetops, literally! With stunning treetop views only the natural beauty of Monteverde can provide, you will feel the magic of the cloud forest as you sip coffee or enjoy a late-night drink on your private balcony.

After an action-packed day, you can dine at the Restaurant Kiré with its delicious fresh local produce and amazing views.

Accommodation: Koora Hotel

Meals: Breakfast

Forest Canopies Zip line and Cuisine

In the morning, you will have the experience a canopy tour with an added adrenaline rush as you swing from platform to platform on the longest zipline in Latin America!

Enjoy the unique, spectacular panoramic views that can only to be seen from this lofty perch.

A walk through a cloud forest in Monteverde reveals a lush garden of mosses, ferns, flowers and epiphytes growing thickly on every tree. Clouds drift in and settle among the slopes, providing the plants with the continuous moisture that they require. Dangling roots and vines sweep across the trails, while the sounds of birds and other creatures echo throughout the forest, this is the magical cloud forest experience on foot and in the air!

Today you will visit the small and charming town of Santa Elena, filled with tasty restaurants and folksy artisan shops,

The afternoon will begin with a coffee – you will learn all about the wonderful history of coffee in the world, and in Costa Rica, how coffee influenced the development of the country, you see all the processes involved in the production of coffee, from the seed to the delicious final product. You will also learn about chocolate production in Costa Rica, and the traditions surrounding it, and then you’ll learn about the less familiar sugar cane; growing, harvesting and production through the centuries.

Of course, there will be delicious tastings of all the products!

Accommodation: Koora Hotel

Meals: Breakfast

Local Crafts and Cooking

Today, you’ll transfer to Nosara, on the Nicoya Peninsula known as the land of yoga and surf.

The pacific beaches are wide and sandy with long surf breaks, it has a calm and relaxed atmosphere.

Enjoy wandering the small, quaint towns of Nosara and Guiones, take a dip in the amazing waves of the protected beach, and spot the wildlife in the forest and perhaps even the nesting Olive Ridley turtles on Ostional Beach between July and February.

Today you will be visiting the community of Guanacaste, and the village of Santa Barbara in Santa Cruz, where there is a traditional house which has become a museum. It is a ‘casona’, a type of building that has been in existence for over 100 years.

There is a workshop here, where you will see how the famous Guaitil ceramics of the area have been produced for centuries, and how the Pre columbian Chorotega tribe used to make their utensils.

There will be a cooking class with a local cook, to learn how to make local dishes of the region, and you will learn about the local musical instrument the Marimba and the traditional music of the area.

Tonight you will be staying at the Olas Verdes hotel, a small Costa Rican boutique hotel  dedicated to preserving the natural environment and supporting the local community.

Accommodation: Olas Verde Hotel

Meals: Breakfast

Relax on the Beach

For the last few days of your holiday, enjoy a relaxing time at the beach!

Fill your time surfing, practicing yoga, or perhaps visit the village of  Ostional.

Located on the western coast of the Nicoya Peninsula, the small fishing village of Ostional is known for its unspoilt nature and fascinating nesting turtles.

Enjoy the crystal-clear waters lapping at the beautiful beaches, creating the perfect habitat for these protected animals. The beach of the Ostional Wildlife Reserve is a rare natural wonder, with thousands of sea turtles coming to lay their eggs in the black, volcanic sand between July and February. Three types of turtles inhabit the waters here; leatherbacks, green turtles, and most famously, the Olive Ridley sea turtles.

Accommodation: Olas Verde Hotel

Meals: Breakfast

Coffee Plantation Finca Rosa Blanca

Today, you’ll say goodbye to the coast and head back to the Central Valley, and your final stay is at a charming, sustainable boutique hotel on an organic coffee plantation, which is a global leader in responsible tourism.

Accommodation: Finca Rosa Blanca Coffee Plantation Resort

Meals: Breakfast

 

Departure Day

Today, the time has come to fly home. You’ll be transferred to the airport and waved off by your driver.

We hope you’ve had an amazing time in Costa Rica, and really felt as if you know the country, its culture and its people intimately, and haven’t simply been a tourist, but have travelled like a local.

Meals: Breakfast

What's included

Included

  • Private transfers from and to the airport
  • 1 night San Jose - BB*
  • 2 nights Tortuguero National Park - FB* (includes tea, coffee and soft drinks)
  • 3 nights La Fortuna - BB
  • 2 nights Santa Elena - BB
  • 5 nights Nosara - BB
  • 1 night Santa Barbara de Heredia - BB
  • Shared bus from/to Tortuguero
  • Tortuguero Village Tour
  • Tortuguero Canals (includes National Park entrance)
  • Arenal Volcano National Park guided hike and entrance fee
  • La Fortuna Waterfall guided visit and entrance fee
  • Tenorio Volcano National Park guided tour and entrance fee
  • Zip lining experience
  • Guided Coffee/Coco/Sugar Cane Farm visit in Monteverde
  • Authentic community experience: ceramic and cooking classes in a house-museum
  • *BB - Breakfast Included
  • *FB - Full Board (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included)

Accommodation

Parque del Lago Boutique Hotel - Executive Room (or similar)

Located 20 minutes from the Juan Santamaria International Airport and in close proximity to San Jose city. Your comfortable room will include air-conditioning and free Wifi, there is also a restaurant on site.

Laguna Lodge Tortuguero - Standard Room (or similar)

Laguna Lodge Tortuguero Eco-lodge is built on a narrow strip of land 650 feet wide, between Tortuguero´s main lagoon and the Caribbean Sea, the Laguna Lodge rooms, reception, restaurants, bars and swimming pools are located in 15 acres of trees and exotic plants which are home to numerous birds and butterflies. There are amazing views of the lagoon and direct access to the beach.

Arenal Manoa Resort - Junior Suite (or similar)

There are 80 comfortable and spacious bungalows all with bright tropical décor, a small garden and private terrace. Nestled in the tropical gardens, the bungalows all feel very private and offer panoramic views of the Arenal volcano. Its large swimming pool is made up of 3 connected pools, and there a jacuzzi and a swim-up bar.

Arenal Manoa is a delightful place to relax, guests are encouraged to enjoy the peaceful gardens which are full of insects, lizards and abundant birdlife. The resort village of Arenal Manoa sits on a working dairy farm so take advantage of the daily tour of the dairy farm for an insight into the operations of a traditional Costa Rican farm, and even get chance to help with the milking!

With Costa Rican owners and authentic Costa Rican hospitality, Hotel Arenal Manoa is the eco destination with no artificial ingredients!

Koora Hotel - Forest Double Room (or similar)

The Eco Lodge Koora has just 10 cosy suites and bungalows within easy reach of the magical Aguti Wildlife Reserve and the bustling centre of Monteverde.

This boutique accommodation is the perfect nature retreat. The accommodation is seamlessly integrate with the surroundings and you’ll be able to gaze at this natural oasis from the floor to ceiling windows with the chirping and singing of birds as the soundtrack. There is a restaurant, bar and coffee shop on site. The rooms have handcrafted furniture made by local artisans, comfortable beds, hot showers

Olas Verdes Hotel - Pool Side Suite (or similar)

Located in Nosara, a world class surfing destination, with Playa Guiones featuring 4 miles of beach break that catches any swell direction year-round. There is a flourishing wellness community of local artists, organic farmers, an array of renowned yoga studios and an abundance of adventure and ecotourism activities in the area, to help you achieve the 'pura vida'

Olas Verdes Hotel consists of areas named after a different region of Costa Rica, and each suite is decorated with authentic crafts from the designated areas. All suites have a living room, bedroom, and bathroom.

The restaurant, El Manglar, serves favorite Tico or fusion dishes prepared with freshly harvested seasonal ingredients, including a variety of seafood caught by artisanal fishermen, dishes are always cooked to order and accompanied by in house made bread, and dressings, fresh herbs and vegetables from local farms.

The hotel has a yoga deck and a salt water pool. The beach is accessed via a path and is about a 5 minute stroll.

Finca Rosa Blanca Coffee Plantation - Junior Suite (or similar)

Finca Rosa Blanca is a friendly boutique eco-resort set within a coffee farm plantation only 25 minutes from the international airport.

All 15 rooms are individually designed and have a Jacuzzi bath along with spectacular views. There is a strong emphasis on sustainability here and a tour of the coffee farm is available.

The Restaurant offers classic Costa Rican food and Bar Buho has comfy sofas set around a fireplace. There is also an infinity pool and spa.

Your local host

Roberto

I was born and raised in Costa Rica and have lived here my entire life. And ever since I could, I’ve been travelling the world. Soon after I left school, I travelled around Costa Rica and discovered every single part of it! Although, we do have a fairly small country, there’s an insane amount to explore, and I’m still exploring it today, seeking out new hiking trails, new lagoons, different viewpoints, that take you to places you hadn’t even knew existed before, it really is fascinating.

Due that passion for discovery and exploring new places eating away at me, I started my immersive travel company with a friend (over 18 years ago to be exact) and began having way too much fun helping people discover my won... Read All

I was born and raised in Costa Rica and have lived here my entire life. And ever since I could, I’ve been travelling the world. Soon after I left school, I travelled around Costa Rica and discovered every single part of it! Although, we do have a fairly small country, there’s an insane amount to explore, and I’m still exploring it today, seeking out new hiking trails, new lagoons, different viewpoints, that take you to places you hadn’t even knew existed before, it really is fascinating.

Due that passion for discovery and exploring new places eating away at me, I started my immersive travel company with a friend (over 18 years ago to be exact) and began having way too much fun helping people discover my wonderful country and the countries around it, so as soon as the possibility came around I just grabbed it, and have worked in the industry ever since.

We choose destinations that are not the same as all the other tour companies out there, those that are emerging or have something special about them, that most people don’t know about, we work with local companies that employ real locals and we choose hotels that are sustainable and have a positive impact on their environment.

We always ensure the people we work with are committed to sustainability, it’s our mission to spread the wealth of tourism, to make sure that the money from tourism is kept in the local communities so that the destination can be developed and conserved as a beautiful place to visit.

 

Roberto image

Location

You’ll be picked up from Juan Santamaria International Airport, before embarking on an incredible itinerary that takes in both the Caribbean and Pacific coasts, the jungle interior of Montverde, and the mountains and villages of La Fortuna.

At the end of the tour, you will be dropped off back at the airport, and all transfers are taken care of.

1. San Jose
2. Torteguero
3. La Fortuna
4. Monteverde
5. Nosara
6. San Jose

FAQs

What clothes should I pack?

Lightweight cotton and linen clothing is recommended for most of the year with warmer clothes for cooler evenings. Waterproofing is necessary during the rainy season. Loose-fitting clothing is best. Wear neutral browns and greens for birding and wildlife viewing. Always bring mosquito repellent for both day and night.

Is this package suitable for children?

Children can book onto this package, however certain experiences may not be suitable for certain ages. Please advise ages at time of enquiry so the relevant adjustments can be made (if applicable).

Are there any ziplining restrictions?

Maximum weight is: 136 kg (300 lb).
Maximum waist size to fit the harness: 117 cm (46 in).

Zip lining is not suitable for anyone with health issues such as back, neck, bone, or muscle problems, surgeries within the past year, or heart conditions.

The minimum age to participate is 5 years old, provided that the harness and other equipment can be properly adjusted, and it is up to the guides discretion if the child can travel alone on the zipline.

Can children go on this trip?

Whilst there are no age restrictions, this tour is recommended for children aged 12+ this is at the discretion of the adults travelling. There may be size restrictiosn on for some activities such as ziplining ( if included).

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