Highlights of Costa Rica - Unique Small Group

Depart for San Jose Costa Rica for your holiday in Central America.

On arrival in San Jose airport, we meet our guide and transfer to our hotel where we will spend the next night.

We explore the lush tropical countryside on our coach journey to Arenal. Our journey takes us through the picturesque Northern Highlands of Central Valley, passing through the captivating provence of Alajuela, the esteemed birthplace of Juan Santamaria. We make a stop to visit his monument and gain insights into his remarkable history.

Drive through quaint villages and coffee plantations en-route to Poas Volcano National Park. We have arrived! Let’s stretch our legs and prepare for a walk in the heart of the forest to witness diverse bird species, flora, and fauna. At the 9000ft summit we walk on a paved path to the top (approximately 30 minutes) where we can marvel at the breath-taking scenery of the main crater, renowned as one of the largest geyser types in the world, adorned with striking turquoise hues. Alternatively, those who prefer not to do the walk can choose to stay in the visitor centre until everyone returns.

Following our invigorating walk, we descend by coach to a local family-owned coffee plantation, where we explore the secrets of Costa Rica’s renowned coffee production. Learn about traditional farming, harvesting, milling, and roasting techniques. After our coffee experience, enjoy a typical Costa Rican lunch (included), and seize the chance to buy locally produced coffee to take home.

We depart after our lunch and make our way to our hotel where we will spend the next three nights in Arenal.

Check in and relax after our adventure today.

Let’s get together for dinner tonight at our hotel (included).

This morning we explore Costa Rica’s rich biodiversity at Mistico Park with an exhilarating walk across renowned hanging bridges. Join us in discovering the wonders of Mistico Park, where these bridges offer a unique perspective of the rainforest’s diverse layers- from treetops to the forest floor. Keep your eyes peeled for a variety of birds, mammals, butterflies, and more in this biodiverse corridor.

The hanging bridges trail is approximately 1.5km in length, with 6 fixed bridges and optional 2 hanging bridges and is graded as an easy walk with a low degree of effort.

We return to our hotel and enjoy some free time at leisure to relax and unwind.

This evening, we journey to some Hot Springs, where we indulge in a soothing soak in natural mineral waters, set in a lush tropical background. Unwind and absorb the rejuvenating benefits of the thermal waters.  

After our soak we get together for dinner (included). Later we transfer back to our hotel.

Today, you have the freedom to explore your surroundings or simply unwind. Consider opting for an optional excursion to the Cano Nego Wildlife Reserve, renowned as one of Costa Rica's prime spots for birdwatching and wildlife observation. Home to sloths, monkeys, caimans, bats, and a myriad of tropical plants, this reserve is dedicated to preserving wetlands and boasts diverse zoological groups. Glide silently on a boat, immersing yourself in the rich flora and fauna, and keep an eye out for the elusive sloths, playful monkeys, and stealthy bats expertly camouflaged in the trees.

This is bookable locally and subject to minimum numbers.

Join us this evening for a return transfer into La Fortuna. We have free time to explore and have dinner (not included).

Timings will be advised locally.

Embark on a scenic coach journey from Arenal to the elevated heights of Monteverde, nestled in the Tilaran Mountain Range at approximately 4300ft above sea level. Explore this unique and biodiverse haven, home to rare flora and fauna. If luck is on our side, we may catch sight of the elusive three-wattle bell bird and the legendary resplendent quetzal, renowned as one of the world's most beautiful birds. Keep a keen eye out for sloths in the wilds of the cloud forest, ensuring an unforgettable and enchanting experience!

We have arrived! Let’s check in and get settled.

Join us for a delightful exploration of Costa Rican specialties on our Trapiche tour. Immerse yourself in the charm of a family-run farm, where we delve into coffee, sugar cane plantations, and a cocoa greenhouse. Experience the traditional methods of extracting sugar cane juice and crafting "sobado" sweets. Discover the artistry behind artisan chocolate creation, and even try your hand at making your own candy! After this short but sweet excursion, return to our hotel to further relaxing and unwind.

This evening we transfer by coach into town for dinner (included) a simple three course dinner at a local restaurant and then return to our hotel.

Today, we venture to the Monteverde Cloud Reserve at Curi-Cancha, a haven for bird watchers with more than 200 different species. This lush habitat is also inhabited by various other species, such as coatis, agutis, kinkajous, two-toed sloths, and monkeys, enhancing our nature-filled experience.

Next, we enjoy a leisurely experience with the Sky Tram and Sky Walk at Sky Adventure. Take a scenic 15-minute ride above the tree canopy on an aerial gondola leading to a coffee shop, a walking trail, and an observation tower. The tram ride takes us to the highest mountain in Monteverde, offering views of the surrounding forest.

After our thrilling ride we discover the Sky Walk trails and hanging bridges to further explore our surroundings giving us access to a completely different ecosystem that can only be discovered at the highest points of trees.

The walk is a relaxed excursion on the trail is (2.5km) circuit with six hanging bridges, including the longest one in Costa Rica 236m long! There will be some ascents and descents, this excursion can take approximately two hours. Experience what it is like to walk above the canopy of the trees and cloud forest.

For those who do not want to do this excursion can wait at the cafeteria restaurant or may have the option to visit the nearby Selvatura butterfly gardens (entrance not included and subject to availability).

After our walking excursion into the cloud forest, we return to our hotel and enjoy some time at leisure.

This evening we transfer by coach into town for dinner (included) a simple three course dinner at a local restaurant and then return to our hotel.

This morning we depart Monteverde by coach and make our way to Tamarindo, Guanacaste region.

The journey will take over 3.5 hours with comfort stops along the way. We arrive in the afternoon settle in and soak up the costal atmosphere.

The next two days are yours to delve deeper into your surroundings, explore Tamarindo, or visit one of the nearby beaches. These days are yours to simply relax, unwind, and immerse yourself in the laid-back atmosphere.

We depart Tamarindo early in the morning and make our way back to where we started, San Jose. The journey will take approximately 6 hours with comfort stops along the way. Arrive in the evening and check into our hotel.