Costa Rica Itineraries
Classic Costa Rica
from verdant jungle and rainforest bursting with wildlife, to beautiful beaches along unspoilt coastline
A 13 day trip through the diverse ecosystems of mainland Costa Rica, from jungle-fringed coastlines and towering volcanos to misty cloud forests and exotic beaches.
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Itinerary summary
San José and the Central Valley
Days 1-2: Arrive in San José and spend two nights in the capital. Excursions can be organised locally, including trips into the Central Valley and surrounding countryside, coffee plantation tours, and visits to La Paz Waterfall Gardens.
The Osa Peninsula: wildlife and jungle
Days 3-5: Take a morning flight in a light aircraft, for a scenic birds-eye-view of forested hills and palm-studded coastline. Half of the Osa Peninsula is covered by the Corcovado National Park, one of the most biologically intense places on earth. On arrival, transfer by road or boat to a remote lodge and stay three nights, spending your free time exploring the nature trails and mangroves, or enjoying activities such as snorkelling, kayaking and surfing.
Arenal Volcano
Days 6-7: Fly back to San José and transfer overland to Arenal, site of one of the countrys' most impressive volcanos. One morning, enjoy a guided hike along one of the trails close to the volcano. The Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge, considered to be one of the regions richest spots for bird watching is nearby, excurisons to which can be organised locally.
Monteverde: cloud forest
Days 8-9: Cross Lake Arenal for a two night stay in the cooler climates of the Monteverde cloud forest, surrounded by over 400 species of birds (including the elusive quetzal). On a guided tour, explore the flora and fauna of the cloud forest as you cross a network of canopy bridges, suspended above the treetops.
Nicoya Peninsula
Days 10-12: Continue overland to the Pacific coast for three final nights relaxing on the beach.
Day 13: Fly back to San José for onward connections.
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Accommodation options
In the following section you will see our suggested options for possible accommodation.
The estimated flight cost included in this itinerary (assuming international flights from the UK plus any internal flights that are necessary) is £1,680 per person.
Standard - £4,770
A good mix of affordable hotels in prime locations.
Arenal Observatory Lodge
- a rustic lodge which makes up for its relatively simple rooms with fantastic views of Arenal volcano, directly opposite.
Bougainvillea
- a lovely hotel on the edge of San José, with vast gardens and views across the city.
El Mangroove
- a chic beach-front hotel overlooking Papagayo Bay.
El Remanso Lodge
- a rustic lodge with incredibly friendly staff, a genuine nature experience.
Trapp Family Lodge
- a family run hotel within walking distance of the Monteverde Reserve.
Price and validity notes
We have tried to give you as accurate an idea of prices as possible, including meals where appropriate (but not when there are good local options so you don't pay for a meal that you might not want), accommodation, transfers, and any tours we have included.
All prices are per person based on two people sharing a room and are intended as a guide (local high or low seasons can cause some variation). All prices were correct when published but may vary with exchange rate fluctuations, fuel surcharges, or changes in the general economic situation.