Uncover the very best of Costa Rica on this carefully curated journey, blending vibrant cities, lush rainforests, towering volcanoes, and pristine beaches into one unforgettable experience. Begin your adventure in the energetic capital of San José before delving deep into the jungle waterways of Tortuguero National Park, a paradise teeming with tropical wildlife. Witness the majesty of the iconic Arenal Volcano and soak in natural thermal springs surrounded by verdant forests. Wander among the mist-shrouded trees of Monteverde Cloud Forest, where rare birds and exotic plants flourish in the cool mountain air.

The journey then leads to the serene shores of Playa Carrillo and Samara Beach, where golden sands, crystal-clear waters, and spectacular sunsets await. Throughout your travels, enjoy a perfect balance of guided activities and free time, ensuring a relaxed pace ideal for all ages. Whether you’re gliding through jungle canals, walking hanging bridges, seeking out sloths, or simply relaxing under swaying palms, this itinerary promises the ultimate Costa Rica holiday — immersive, inspiring, and tailored for a true connection with nature.

For those wishing to extend their adventure, a range of optional extensions are available. Stay longer on the Pacific coast in vibrant Tamarindo or tranquil Nosara, explore the wild beauty of Corcovado National Park on the Osa Peninsula, or visit the stunning Manuel Antonio National Park, where pristine beaches meet dense jungle teeming with wildlife. Alternatively, take a short flight to Panama City to experience the marvel of the Panama Canal and colourful colonial streets. Whether you seek further beachside relaxation, wildlife adventures, or urban culture, your Costa Rican journey can be tailored to end exactly the way you dream it.

The short itinerary

Day 1 : JOURNEY BEGINS – FLY FROM NEW YORK TO SAN JOSE, COSTA RICA
Day 2 : INTO THE HEART OF THE JUNGLE – JOURNEY TO TORTUGUERO NATIONAL PARK
Day 3 : TORTUGUERO NATIONAL PARK
Day 4 : FROM THE JUNGLE TO THE VOLCANO – JOURNEY TO ARENAL
Day 5 : WALKING AMONG GIANTS – ARENAL VOLCANO NATIONAL PARK & OPTIONAL LA FORTUNA WATERFALL
Day 6 : LEISURE AND OPTIONAL ADVENTURES IN ARENAL
Day 7 : ACROSS LAKE ARENAL TO THE MYSTICAL CLOUD FORESTS OF MONTEVERDE
Day 8 : WALK AMONG THE TREETOPS – HANGING BRIDGES & OPTIONAL NIGHT WALK IN MONTEVERDE
Day 9 : LEISURE IN MONTEVERDE – OPTIONAL BIRDWATCHING ADVENTURE
Day 10 : JOURNEY TO PARADISE – TRANSFER TO CARRILLO BEACH
Day 11 : RELAXATION IN PARADISE – LEISURE TIME AT CARRILLO BEACH
Day 12 : FINAL DAY OF BLISS – LEISURE TIME AT CARRILLO BEACH
Day 13 : RETURN TO THE CAPITAL – FINAL NIGHT IN SAN JOSE
Day 14 : FAREWELL COSTA RICA – DEPARTURE FROM SAN JOSE

AVAILABILITY OPTIONS

We carefully select a diverse range of accommodations to enhance your travel experience, ensuring comfort, convenience, and cultural immersion. From modern high-rise hotels in vibrant city centres to heritage-style properties in historic towns, each hotel is chosen to reflect the unique character of its destination. Whether you’re unwinding in a sophisticated hotel after a day of sightseeing, or enjoying the hospitality of a boutique stay, your accommodation will always complement the spirit of your journey. Below are some examples of the hotels you may stay in during this tour. If the listed hotels are unavailable, an alternate hotel of the same quality will be provided.

Extend Your Costa Rican Adventure – Beach Bliss, Jungle Wonders, and City Escapes

Why stop when there’s so much more to discover? After your incredible journey through Costa Rica’s cloud forests, volcanoes, and rainforests, extend your adventure with our hand-picked range of unforgettable experiences. Whether you dream of unwinding on sun-drenched Pacific beaches, encountering exotic wildlife deep within Corcovado National Park, or exploring the colourful streets of Panama City, there’s a perfect finale waiting for you. These optional Costa Rica extensions allow you to personalise your journey and savour even more magic before heading home.

Choose from blissful coastal escapes, thrilling rainforest adventures, or vibrant city stays — and create a tailor-made ending to your Costa Rican adventure that’s as extraordinary as the journey itself.

1. Manuel Antonio National Park Stay – Jungle and Beach in Perfect Harmony

End your Costa Rica holiday with a stay near the breathtaking Manuel Antonio National Park, where white-sand beaches meet dense jungle teeming with wildlife. Spot sloths, howler monkeys, colourful toucans, and maybe even an iguana or two. Spend your days exploring the lush trails or relaxing by the turquoise sea. A Manuel Antonio extension offers the perfect balance of adventure and relaxation, wrapped in the natural beauty that Costa Rica is famous for.

What’s included?

• Accommodation: 3 nights at Hotel San Bada, Manuel Antonio
• Meals: Daily breakfast included
• Transfers: Private transfers from your tour hotel to Manuel Antonio and onward to the airport

This extension can be added during the online booking process and will be seamlessly connected to your main itinerary. If the listed hotel is unavailable, we’ll offer a similar property.

2. Tamarindo Beach Stay – Sun, Surf, and Stunning Sunsets

After exploring the cloud forests, volcanoes, and jungles of Costa Rica, why not unwind in the vibrant surf town of Tamarindo? Famous for its golden beaches, lively atmosphere, and breathtaking Pacific sunsets, Tamarindo offers the perfect escape. Stroll along palm-lined beaches, catch a surfing lesson, or simply relax at a stylish boutique hotel overlooking the ocean. A Tamarindo beach extension is the ideal way to relax and recharge before heading home.

What’s included?

• Accommodation: 3 nights at Wyndham Tamarindo, Tamarindo
• Meals: Daily breakfast included
• Transfers: Private transfers from your tour hotel to Tamarindo, and onward to the airport

This beach extension can be added during the online booking process and follows directly after your main Costa Rica tour. If the featured hotel is unavailable, a similar property will be offered.

3. Nosara Beach Stay – Laid-Back Paradise on the Pacific Coast

For a more tranquil finish to your Costa Rican journey, head to Nosara — a hidden gem known for its yoga retreats, eco-friendly spirit, and unspoiled beaches. Relax in boutique comfort, stroll through charming streets, and watch spectacular sunsets over the Pacific. A Nosara beach extension offers a peaceful, soul-soothing experience, perfect for travellers seeking serenity and natural beauty before heading home.

What’s included?

• Accommodation: 3 nights at Tierra Magnifica Boutique Hotel
• Meals: Daily breakfast included
• Transfers: Private transfers from your tour hotel to Nosara, and onward to the airport

This beach extension can be added during the online booking process and connects seamlessly with your main itinerary. If the listed hotel is unavailable, a similar hotel will be offered.

4. Corcovado National Park Adventure – A Wild Finale to Your Costa Rica Trip

For those seeking an unforgettable wildlife experience, head to the remote Osa Peninsula to explore the spectacular Corcovado National Park. Often called one of the most biodiverse places on Earth, Corcovado is home to tapirs, monkeys, scarlet macaws, and even elusive jaguars. Trek through dense rainforest, cross pristine rivers, and listen to the symphony of the jungle. A Corcovado extension in Costa Rica offers a once-in-a-lifetime encounter with nature at its most raw and beautiful.

What’s included?

• Accommodation: 3 nights at Botanika Osa Peninsula, Curio Collection by Hilton
• Meals: Daily breakfast
• Transfers: Domestic flight to Puerto Jiménez and transfer to the hotel.
• Excursions: Guided hikes and wildlife tours in Corcovado National Park

This thrilling extension can be added during the online booking process and perfectly complements your main Costa Rican adventure. In the rare event the featured lodge is unavailable, we will offer a comparable eco-lodge of similar quality.

5. Panama City Extension – Discover the Panama Canal and Casco Viejo

Enhance your adventure with a short hop over to vibrant Panama City! Visit the world-famous Panama Canal, stroll the colourful colonial streets of Casco Viejo, and experience the blend of old-world charm and modern innovation. A Panama City extension offers a fascinating cultural twist to round off your Costa Rica journey — ideal for travellers who want a touch of urban excitement before flying home.

What’s included?

• Accommodation: 3 nights at Central Hotel Panama (Historic luxury, TripAdvisor rated 4.5/5)
• Meals: Daily breakfast included
• Transfers: Private airport transfers in Panama City
• Flights: One-way economy class flight from San José, Costa Rica, to Panama City

This stopover can be added during the online booking process and will be arranged at the end of your Costa Rica itinerary. Your international flight home will be adjusted accordingly. If the featured hotel is unavailable, a similar hotel will be offered.

Please note important information

Entry requirements : British / American / Canadian nationals do not need a visa to enter Costa Rica for stays less than 90 days. Valid passport is required with at least six months validity.

Currency : Costa Rican Colón (CRC; symbol ₡) = 100 céntimos. Notes are in denominations of ₡50,000, 20,000, 10,000, 5,000, 2,000 and 1,000. Coins are in denominations of ₡500, 100, 50, 25, 20, 10 and 5. US dollars are also widely accepted.

Language : Spanish is widely spoken in the country.

Health: You should consult your doctor or travel clinic at least four to six weeks prior to travel — they’ll have access to the most up-to-date requirements for your destination. They’ll also be able to advise on what’s appropriate for you personally, taking into account your medical history and any pre-existing conditions. This is important as some vaccinations aren’t recommended for everyone.

Card : Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa credit cards are all accepted; American Express slightly less so. Many banks will only process MasterCard for cash credits. Cash may be the only form of payment.

ATMs are common throughout the cities and small towns. They will usually accept foreign cards but in some regions only Visa cards are accepted. Occasionally, paying with credit cards may not be possible for technical reasons. Bringing a good supply of US dollars in cash is advised, as many things such as personal expenses or meals at restaurants, can be paid for with US dollars.

Climate And Weather : In the Central Valley, where the main centres of population are located, the average temperature is 22°C (72°F) and the region enjoys a spring-like climate year round. In the coastal areas, the temperature is much hotter and humid, while the Pacific Northwest can be extremely hot and dry. The rainy season starts in May and finishes in November, although there are distinct regional variations. June and July are the wettest months, particularly on the Caribbean side, but the season can run from May until December. The ‘warm’ dry season is December to May, though temperature differences between summer and winter are slight. March is the height of the dry season, and the humidity is lower at this time, making this a popular time for visitors.

Clothing And Dress Recommendations : 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.

Internet Availability : There are internet cafes throughout the country, and most tourist hotels also provide facilities such as Wi-Fi. Internet speed may be rather slow but this should improve as the government aims to improve infrastructure to allow for faster broadband connections.

Electricity And Plug Standards : Electric sockets in the Republic of Costa Rica are Type B (NEMA 5-15) and/or Type A (NEMA 1-15). If your appliance’s plug doesn’t match the shape of these sockets, you will need a travel plug adapter in order to plug in. Travel plug adapters simply change the shape of your appliance’s plug to match whatever type of socket you need to plug into. If it’s crucial to be able to plug in no matter what, bring an adapter for all three types. Electrical sockets supply electricity at 120 volts AC / 60 Hz frequency. If you’re plugging in an appliance that was built for 220-240 volt electrical input, or an appliance that is compatible with multiple voltages, then an adapter is all you need. If your appliance isn’t compatible with 120 volts, a voltage converter will be necessary.

Flights : Your round-trip flight is included in your holiday package. The flight will have 1 stopover and 1-5 hours layover. We will contact you with flight details before issuing the flight ticket. If your flight transits through the USA or Canada, an ESTA (for the USA) or an eTA (for Canada) is mandatory before traveling. More information can be found at the below link.

ESTA:https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta/

eTA:https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada/eta.html

Airport : Your holiday package includes the return flight from the airport outlined in the itinerary. However, you can fly from a choice of various local airports at extra costs. The easily overlooked details can have a major effect on your holiday. One of the ways we aim to plan your holiday as carefree as possible is to offer flights from local airports. With a more extensive selection of departures, set off on your holiday at a time that suits you best. Find out where you can fly from during stage 4 of the online booking process.

Travel, Transport And Getting Around : Costa Ricans drive on the right side of the road. Stretches of the Pan-American Highway leading to and from the major cities tend to be okay, but the rest is a mix of dust, gravel, potholes and mountainous roads. While on road travel, it is highly unlikely that the vehicle will be equipped with Wi-Fi or bathroom facilities, though comfort stops will be made for longer journeys. We recommend buying a new SIM card at the airport or placing an e-SIM before travel to guarantee an internet connection.

Transportation : Transportation is based on air-condition tourist vehicle. Transfers are assisted without English speaking guide.

Sightseeing : Sightseeing is assisted by local English speaking guide.

Food, Drink And Cuisine Advice : Costa Rica is a not a major foodie destination, but what it lacks in sophistication it makes up for in choice. The Caribbean coast tends to be more influenced by the island nations. Jamaican-style jerk chicken is a staple; rice and beans (gallo pinto) are ubiquitous, but more likely to be prepared with coconut milk; and curry spices feature heavily as ingredients, creating dishes with a very distinct flavour from their counterparts on the Pacific coast. The Costa Rican diet is fairly healthy with low use of dairy or high-fat dishes. Fresh fruits and vegetables make up a high proportion of meals, while pork, chicken and beef are the most popular.

Check-in : 15:00 hours (Early check-in is subject to availability and incur extra costs).

Check-out : Until 12:00 hours (Late check-out is subject to availability and incurs extra costs).

Room occupancy : Maximum 2 adults.

Triple Room : The third bed will be a rollaway bed.

Offer : Offer is based on Twin share so 2 people must book to complete the offer. So valid with 2 full paying adults.

Group : In Costa Rica you will travel in a group of minimum 02 and maximum 20 people.

Hotels : Your accommodation at the hotels is as indicated. If the hotels mentioned in the itinerary are unavailable you will stay in hotels of a similar, or a higher standard. The rating and category of the hotels are not standardized across the world. Therefore, the criteria may differ depending on the destination country’s standards. During the booking process you’ll have option to upgrade to superior and deluxe category hotels at additional cost. If Carrillo Beach is unavailable, an alternative beach will be offered.

Wheelchair access : The hotels and tours are not suitable for wheelchair users. If you have reduced mobility, require the use of a wheelchair, or would prefer this tour to be a private tour for you, you must contact us by email at sales@lumle.com or by telephone at 0203 006 2722 before booking to ensure that your needs can be met. We try our best to assist but please note each trip are unique operation in different parts of the world and it may always not be possible to cater to specific needs.

Mobile number : Please be sure to fill in your mobile number when booking. This is so that the driver can get in touch with you.

Flight Times : Please note that flights may be subject to change, delay, or postponement by the provider and that flight times are provisional. We search for the best times for you and will do our utmost to provide you with the flights detailed above. However, please note that flight times are subject to availability and may be amended.

E-Ticket : Please remember to print your e-ticket to confirm the times of your flights and to complete online check-in using the airline’s website, or directly at the check-in desk at the airport.

Personal Information : Please ensure that your details are filled in identically to the data on your passport. If this information does not match, you cannot travel to and from your destination. Amendment to this information if entered incorrectly will result in additional charges. If married, please fill in your surname as it appears on your passport.

Tour Itinerary : Please note that in exceptional circumstances viz adverse weather conditions, for safety reasons or for any other reasons deemed appropriate, the itinerary and/or excursions included in the program may be subject to change or cancelled without any notice for reasons outside of the control of Lumle Holidays.

Vaccination : If you are travelling to Cambodia & Vietnam, you may need to be vaccinated. For the most up-to-date health advice, you should visit your local doctor/GP or visit www.gov.uk (for UK); www.usa.gov (for USA); www.canada.ca/en.html (for Canada)

Tipping : Tipping in Costa Rica ultimately depends on your discretion, yet it is typical for servers or service providers to expect it. In these cases, please bear in mind that, the typical tipping standard is around $6/person/day for guides, and half of that for drivers and servers.

Optional activities/sightseeing : Sightseeing as per the itinerary is supported by the local English-speaking guide. Please note that, the optional activities/sightseeing are not exclusive to Lumle customers and groups will be mixed with customers from other travel companies.

Attractions and Sites : Some of the attractions included in programs such as National Parks, private reserves, museums, could be closed certain days of the week for maintenance. When necessary, and if the availability of the itinerary allows us to program the excursion it will be for some other day trip excursion. If the itinerary does not allow modify the tour, our reservations department would inform you about possible substitutes options and if applicable any rates difference.

Climate : Costa Rica being a tropical country, it presents weather conditions which vary from one area to another, so it is important to consider that various attractions (flora and fauna) as mentioned in the program are subject to climatic conditions of each site.

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