Highlights of Costa Rica
14 days from £3,237 pp
Discover the highlights of Costa Rica, full of active adventures, natural beauty and vibrant wildlife. Begin in San Jose, uncovering the city’s lesser known-cultural gems before venturing into the winding, wildlife-rich canals of Tortuguero National Park. Get active in the adventure hub of Arenal, hike the mist-shrouded cloud forest of Monteverde and end your journey on the golden sands of the Pacific coast. This is our classic Costa Rica holiday, perfect for first-time visitors.
Trip Highlights
- Get off-the-beaten path in San Jose and discover its surrounding neighbourhoods
- Navigate the wild canals of Tortuguero National Park, home to monkeys, sloths, caimans and rare birds
- Zipline through the jungle canopy, offering unique vantage points over the rainforest
- Amble the beach at dusk for beautiful sunsets over the Pacific
Our Expert Tip
”Wake up early to admire the best views of the volcano and an array of wildlife in Arenal”
Scarlett, Costa Rica Expert
Detailed Highlights of Costa Rica Itinerary
Day 1-2: San José
Welcome to Costa Rica! Upon arrival, transfer to your boutique hotel in the heart of San José, the country’s vibrant and bustling capital.
After a good night’s rest, step off the typical tourist trail with your local guide and explore the city’s hidden gems.
Discover fascinating insights into local culinary specialties and enjoy captivating stories that bring San José’s history and day-to-day vividly to life
Day 3-4: Tortuguero
Travel by road and boat to Tortuguero National Park, one of the largest remaining areas of tropical rainforest in Central America.
Stay at a rustic waterfront lodge and spend your days exploring the park’s winding canals home to a plethora of flora and fauna.
Hiking, kayaking and visiting the Tortuguero village can also be enjoyed here. Between June and October, Green turtles come ashore to lay their eggs, offering a truly spectacular natural experience..
Day 5-7: Arenal
Travel from Tortuguero to the adventure hub of Arenal, home to the iconic Arenal Volcano and an abundance of outdoor activities.
During your stay, soar through the jungle canopy on a thrilling zipline adventure and admire the volcano from a new perspective. Then, join your local guide on a sloth-spotting excursion around the La Fortuna area, learning about the fascinating traits of both two-toed and three-toed sloths.
The rest of your time is at leisure: unwind in the natural hot springs, explore scenic hiking trails, enjoy horseback riding through lush landscapes, or simply relax and take in the breathtaking views of Arenal’s impressive surroundings.
Day 8-9: Monteverde
Cross Arenal Lake by boat and continue your journey to the Monteverde Cloud Forest, home to some of Costa Rica’s most remarkable bird species and amphibians.
In the evening, embark on a guided night walk through the Curi Cancha Reserve to witness the jungle come alive, with the chance to discover some of the cloud forest’s most fascinating and elusive creatures.
The following day, explore the trails of the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve with your naturalist guide and gain a deeper understanding of one of the most endangered and biodiverse ecosystems on Earth.
Day 10-14: Playa Potrero
Conclude your Highlights of Costa Rica Holiday with a stay at a laid-back tropical hideaway in Playa Potrero, one of the best swimming beaches on the Northwest Pacific Coast.
While it may not boast dazzling white sands, its tranquil atmosphere makes it the perfect place to unwind, escape the crowds, and soak up the coastal beauty.
For those wishing to continue exploring, several day trips and activities are available nearby including nearby beach hopping, sunset cruises, snorkelling and more.
Day 15: Depart
Say goodbye to the coast and transfer to either Liberia or San Jose for your international flight home. Thinking of spending longer in costa Rica for a more immersive wildlife experience? Take a look at our Wild and Beautiful Costa Rica Holiday for more ideas and speak to our costa Rica experts.
When to Go
Why Book With Travel Differently
Passionate and experienced
- Each member of the team has over a decade of experience in the industry
- Our 5* client reviews reflect our service & standards
- We are a fully independent & owner-run tour operator
- Our holidays include full financial protection & ATOL coverage
- We are destination experts, ensuring authentic & reliable advice
Committed and Responsible
Tailor-made and Personal
- No two trips are the same, our holidays are 100% bespoke
- We design personal, genuine cultural connections & experiences
- From planning to travel, you’ll have one dedicated point of contact
- Our support is available around the clock during your holiday
- We take care of the details, so you don’t have to
Need More Inspiration?
Want to combine multi-countries, take less flights, or include a hike in Patagonia? Thinking of a longer sabbatical holiday, or staying in some luxury yurts? It’s all possible; all our holidays are tailor-made with a focus on responsible travel. Take a look at more ideas below, and contact our experts.
