Costa Rica North and South: National Parks, Wildlife & Hot Springs - 15 Days

Itinerary

• Days 1-0: San Jose: Welcome to the JungleArrival Day

  Feel the warm air hit your face as you step out of the plane in Costa Rica. Fall into the pace of the traffic and beeping car horns as you take in the sights and sounds of this vibrant Central American country en route to the city centre. We welcome you to San José, and while technically not quite in the jungle just yet, we invite you to embrace all of the new and exciting things that await. Arrive to Costa Rica at any time and transfer to the hotel. Meet your fellow group members at the welcome meeting in the evening and get all the important information about the adventure ahead. Afterwards, head to a nearby restaurant for a delicious welcome dinner with new friends.

• Days 2-1: Tortuguero National Park: Kayaking in the Canals

  See the landscape dramatically change as you head out of the city and through the lush Braulio Carrillo National Park en route to the coast. Before long you'll be gliding through the canals of Tortuguero in a kayak, keeping a lookout for tropical birds, reptiles and monkeys that call this place home. Settle into the comfortable lodge for the night and fall asleep to the sounds of the jungle. Travel by minibus and boat from San José to Tortuguero National Park. After lunch, take the first of 2 kayaking excursions to the nearby canals to spot wildlife.

• Days 3-2: Tortuguero National Park: Coastal Waterways

  Wake early and prepare for more exploration of Tortuguero's waterways to spot wildlife. Catch the light glinting off of a Morpho butterfly's blazing blue wings as you paddle along the canals and listen to the calls of the forest. In the evening, you could take an excursion to visit the nesting grounds of green and leatherback turtles for which the national park was named, and perhaps spot the females laying eggs on the beach (seasonal, July to October). Take an optional morning boat safari to spot wildlife at dawn when things are most active. After breakfast head out again by kayak to explore some of the secondary canals and waterways. Enjoy free time in the afternoon to visit the nearby town or to relax by the pool.

• Days 4-3: La Fortuna: Arenal Volcano

  Leaving the coast behind, we'll head inland with a stop at a the tour operator-supported coffee cooperative along the way. Learn all about how coffee is harvested and produced as you sip a delicious cup of one of Costa Rica's most tasty indulgences. Stretch your legs and soak in the scenery on a walk to a nearby waterfall before a typical lunch and then continue onwards towards the iconic and active Arenal Volcano, unmissable in the distance as you approach. Travel by boat and bus from Arenal to La Fortuna with a stop en route at a coffee cooperative. Arrive to La Fortuna in the late afternoon and enjoy a free evening to choose from one of the many great restaurants or join the CEO at their local favourite.

• Days 5-4: La Fortuna: Your OMG Day

  Today is all about you. Fly through the lush forest canopy on a series of zip-lines and platforms or go on a canyoning excursion, rappelling down waterfalls and swimming in the refreshing pools. Whichever option you choose, your muscles will appreciate a soak in the restorative thermal springs and waterfalls of Tabacón Resort, a luxurious and relaxing way to spend the evening. Choose from either zip-lining or canyoning in the morning with an included lunch afterwards. Free afternoon to relax or head to Tabacón hot springs early with the day pass and have dinner at the resort before returning to the hotel.

• Days 6-5: Rio Celeste: Tropical Rainforest

  Start the morning high up in the forest canopy, strolling a series of hanging bridges and witnessing the environment come alive from the treetops to the rainforest floor below. See Costa Rica's incredible diversity on full display and keep your eyes out for colourful toucans, hummingbirds and other residents of this lush magical natural world. Visit the hanging bridges en route to Rio Celeste, arriving in time for lunch. Free afternoon to relax or to do optional activities from the hotel before dinner.

• Days 7-6: Rio Celeste: Volcán Tenorio National Park

  Local legend has it that when God was finished painting the sky, the brush used was washed in the river of Volcán Tenorio National Park. Hike through the rainforest along jungle trails, keeping an eye out for birds and wildlife before reaching the spectacular blue waterfall of Rio Celeste. Transfer to the entrance of Volcán Tenorio National Park and hike to Rio Celeste Waterfall. Free afternoon for optional activities from the hotel before a farewell dinner in the evening.

• Days 8-7: San José: Bikes and Bites

  Get to know Costa Rica's capital city like a local today as you set off by bike to explore the sights and to stimulate the senses. Discover some of San José's history and architecture in the downtown area while also visiting some local favourite spots and hidden neighbourhood gems along the way with stops for typical snacks and coffee. Travel from Rio Celeste to San José by minibus and have lunch at a local restaurant near the hotel. In the afternoon set off to explore the city by bicycle and on foot with a local guide before meeting up in the evening for dinner.

• Days 9-8: Mount Chirripó Area: The Central Highlands

  Swap the big city energy for stunning natural beauty as you take in the breathtaking views from the walking trails at Irazú Volcano, the highest active volcano in the country. If you're extremely lucky and the skies are clear it is possible to see both the Caribbean and Pacific coasts from the top. The evening provides a respite from the hustle and bustle as you settle into a wellness eco-camp at the foot of Chirripó Mountain, an ideal place to connect with nature and with your senses. Travel from San José to the Chirripó Mountain area with a stop at Irazú Volcano before continuing to the eco-camp glamping retreat for the evening.

• Days 10-9: Mount Chirripó Area: Your OMG Day

  Freedom and choice are the order of the day to get the most out of this incredible part of the country. The nearby Cloudbridge Nature Reserve offers hiking and wildlife-spotting opportunities while closer to camp provides a waterfall hike with a swim and yoga. Allow the landscapes, movement and environment to revitalize your body and mind. Choose either a wildlife excursion or a waterfall hike and yoga before lunch at the eco-camp. Enjoy a free afternoon for relaxing, on-site wellness activities, or to explore the trails around the camp on foot.

• Days 11-10: Puerto Jimenez: The Osa Peninsula

  The Osa Peninsula is Costa Rica's final frontier, home to vast wilderness, wildlife and incredible diversity, and it will be our playground for the next couple of days. The journey south provides continuously changing landscapes until reaching the pristine coastal rainforest and stretches of wild ocean as far as the eye can see. Travel south to the town of Puerto Jimenez. Take an orientation walk around town with the CEO followed by an optional walk to the nearby beach.

• Days 12-11: Puerto Jimenez: Corcovado National Park

  Set off on an unforgettable expedition into the wilds of Corcovado National Park, a natural treasure of Costa Rica. One of the most biodiverse places on the planet, we will venture in and out by boat to head into the park on foot in search of an array of tropical birds and wildlife like toucans, monkeys and the elusive jaguar. When you hear the distinctive call, turn your eyes skyward to catch a glimpse of colourful macaws, usually flying in pairs and gleaming in the sun. Embark on a full-day hiking and wildlife excursion into Corcovado National Park with a local naturalist guide.

• Days 13-12: Manuel Antonio National Park: The Pacific Coast

  Beautiful beaches and small towns dot the Pacific coastline from north to south, with hidden coves and surf breaks coming into sight as you round each corner. Take in the sweeping views and hike to a waterfall before descending down to one of Costa Rica's most well-known gems at Manuel Antonio National Park. Travel from the Osa Peninsula to Manuel Antonio National Park with a stop en route for a hike and a typical rural lunch.

• Days 14-13: Manuel Antonio National Park: Wildlife and Beaches

  Wildlife, birds and natural beauty abound as you head into Manuel Antonio National Park to walk the coastal jungle trails. Embrace the slower pace like the resident sloths of the forest to appreciate the lush environment packed with wildlife before settling on one of the park's idyllic beaches for a swim. Take a half-day excursion into Manuel Antonio National Park with a naturalist guide. Free afternoon for relaxing at the beach and optional activities before a farewell dinner in the evening.

• Days 15-14: San José

  Leave the coast behind and relive the memories on the return to San Jose and on the onward travels home. Two departure shuttles will be provided from the Manuel Antonio hotel directly to the San José airport, where the tour ends on arrival.