Best of Costa Rica

2 Nights – San José
2 Nights – Tortuguero
3 Nights – Arenal Volcano
3 Nights – Monteverde
4 Nights – Manuel Antonio

2 Nights – Optional Extension : Rincón de la Vieja

Enjoy as a self drive or with a mix of internal flights and private transfers.

UK – San José (2 nights): The capital of Costa Rica is a fantastic starting point for your Costa Rican adventure. Stroll through the Central Market, a bustling labyrinth of stalls where you can sample the freshest local cuisine, or head to the Gold Museum or Jade Museum for a slice of history.  For a moment of quiet away from the lively streets, relax at Parque La Sabana, a peaceful green popular with locals at the weekend. This vibrant city has recently blossomed into a top destination for foodies, with its culinary hub in the Barrio Escalante which is full of trendy restaurants and bars. Also don’t miss out on trying Costa Rica’s world-renowned coffee, and the craft beer scene.

🚗 or San José – Tortuguero (2 nights): Next, you can either self-drive or hop on a flight to the remote and stunningly beautiful Tortuguero National Park, which gets its name from the Spanish word for turtle, ‘Tortuga’.  Affectionately known as the ‘Amazon of Costa Rica,’ (although only a fraction of the size), this destination offers a true jungle experience. The park features an extensive canal system perfect for exploring by kayak or boat. During your visit, you’ll have the opportunity to spot a variety of wildlife, including howler monkeys, sloths, and over 300 species of birds. Between July and October, you also may be able to view the incredible spectacle of sea turtles coming to the shore to lay their eggs.

🚗 or Tortuguero – Arenal Volcano (3 nights): You’ll spend the next 3 nights discovering the delights of the Arenal Volcano and all its geothermal wonders. The Arenal Volcano is one of Costa Rica’s most iconic landmarks, known for its near perfectly symmetrical cone and breath-taking views.  The park offers a mix of trails, rainforest, ancient lava fields, and wildlife spotting.   Unwind in the volcanic hot springs or take a refreshing dip in the nearby La Fortuna Waterfall. For those seeking adventure, Arenal offers many exciting outdoor activities including white-water rafting, zip-lining through the rainforest canopy, and even rappelling down waterfalls.

🚗 Arenal – Monteverde (3 nights): From Arenal, you’ll drive through scenic mountain roads to reach one of the world’s most famous cloud forests: Monteverde. The constant mist creates a magical atmosphere, perfect for spotting rare wildlife including the quetzal (a brightly coloured and endangered bird) and sloths.  As you walk through the forest, you’ll cross suspension bridges with breathtaking aerial views of the lush forest below, where you’ll hear the gentle hum of wildlife filling the air.  For those seeking thrills and spills, you could try a canopy tour with zip-lining and even a Tarzan swing! Monteverde is a leader in eco-tourism, and its commitment to conservation has set the standard for many of Costa Rica’s tourist spots.

🚗 Monteverde – Manuel Antonio (4 nights): Manuel Antonio National Park is home to some of the most popular beaches in the country, including Playa Manuel Antonio and Playa Espadilla, whose crystal-clear waters and white sandy beaches provide the perfect setting for relaxing and soaking up the sun.  The local area also has a vibrant restaurant scene, with plenty of options for sampling the delicious Costa Rican cuisine.  But it’s not just the beaches that make Manuel Antonio National Park special. The park is full of natural beauty with the opportunity to explore various trails through lush tropical forests teeming with wildlife.

Manuel Antonio to UK:  You’ll return to San Jose for a flight back to the UK, having experienced some of the best that Costa Rica has to offer, with its mix of adventure, relaxation, and natural beauty.

🚗 Optional Extension: 2 Nights in Rincón de la Vieja (2 nights):  You could also consider extending your stay in Costa Rica with a visit to Rincón de la Vieja National Park.  This active volcanic area offers hiking trails, hot springs, and waterfalls. Exploring the geothermal features such as boiling mud pots and fumaroles, is a fascinating experience.  The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including howler monkeys and toucans.