Discover Costa Rica

Join eagle-eyed guides for a wildlife-watching trip through mountains, rainforest and the Caribbean and Pacific coasts

Discover Costa Rica

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Trip Fee

$ 5.100

Single Room Difference

$ 1.238

Date

06 - 20 December 2025

Trip Information

Experience the many wonders of Costa Rica, a country renowned for having proportionately more protected land than any other, making it ripe for wildlife tourism. The star attraction is the marvellous, often bizarre, animals that live here: from catatonic sloths and screaming howler monkeys to screeching toucans and nesting green turtles. Throw in visits to both the Caribbean and Pacific coastlines, plus the expert guidance of our highly rated tour leaders, and it’s easy to see why this adventure is among our most popular. One of Our Top Recommended Trips for 2026… Here’s Why If you’re a first timer to animal-watching adventures, what better place to start than one of our most popular wildlife-watching trips? This comprehensive tour spends time in many of Costa Rica's distinct ecosystems, allowing the widest opportunities to spot its incredible wildlife, including toucans, sloths and capuchin monkeys.

Activity Areas

Birdwatching
Marine Wildlife
Wildlife Bestsellers
Wildlife Holidays

Region & Country & City

Central America: Arenal Volcano, Costa Rica, Manuel Antonio, Monteverde, Tortuguero

Included in the Price


- All breakfasts, eight lunches, six dinners
- All accommodation
- All transport and listed activities
- Tour leader throughout
- Arrival and departure transfers

Not Included In The Price


- Travel insurance
- Single accommodation (available on request)
- Visas or vaccinations

Accommodation Information


- Accommodation: 14 Classic nights (8 hotel, 6 lodge)
- Travel by air-conditioned bus and boat
- Group normally 4 to 16, plus leader. Minimum age: 16
- Some departures with specialist birdwatching guide (see Dates & Prices)
- Green turtle nesting season: July to October
- See Discover Costa Rica - with Dominical for an alternative itinerary

Map

Itinerary

Day 1 Adventure begins in San José

Begin your adventure in San José, the culture-rich capital of Costa Rica. A complimentary transfer from the airport to the hotel is available. Check in and take it easy, there’s plenty of excitement on this trip, so today’s all about relaxing and easing ourselves into the adventure. Around 7.30pm, say hola to your tour leader and fellow travellers when we gather as a group for a short briefing and an optional dinner together (which is included for all in 2026). Our main briefing takes place tomorrow afternoon in Tortuguero due to the late arrival of some flights today. Want to explore San Jose further? Secure pre-tour hotel nights through your sales representative. Accommodation: Presidente Hotel or Rincón del Valle (or similar)

Day 2 To Tortuguero National Park

Our adventure begins early this morning, leaving San José as we travel to Tortuguero National Park in northeast Costa Rica. Accessible only by boat or light aircraft, Tortuguero has a vast network of waterways, canals and swamps that is remarkably tranquil, unspoiled and devoid of noise pollution. On reaching the pier, we board a small motorboat for the 1hr 15min journey to our lodge, which is nestled on a small strip of land between the Caribbean Sea and the main lagoon. This afternoon your tour leader will host the main welcome briefing when we gather as a group to get to know each other and learn more about the adventures ahead. We also visit Tortuguero village, where it’s possible to enter the Sea Turtle Museum (a donation is requested at the entrance). Tortuguero is probably most famous as a nesting site for the endangered green turtle, which arrives onto the beach to lay eggs from late July to October (witness it as part of an optional excursion, payable locally). Hawksbill, loggerhead and giant leatherback turtles also nest in this region. Today’s travel time is around six hours, including a stop for breakfast. Accommodation: Laguna Lodge (or similar)

Day 3 See the Tortuguero wildlife at their most active on a boat tour

A morning boat trip enables us to discover  the extraordinary flora and fauna of Tortuguero, passing serenely along the waterways. We’re joined by our tour leader and the keen-eyed boat captain, who knows this area inside out and has a well-honed skill for spotting the more hidden animals. Our early start means we see the wildlife at their most active; with the help of our expert guide, we are likely to encounter monkeys, caiman, iguanas, butterflies and many of the 300-plus bird species recorded here. Our lodge is a tranquil spot to relax this afternoon, perhaps take a dip in the pool or relax at the sandy beach. Alternatively, join a second boat trip or follow a short walking trail through the forest. Accommodation: Laguna Lodge (or similar)

Day 4 To La Fortuna, near Arenal Volcano

We leave Tortuguero by taking a small boat to the pier. Our bus is at the pier waiting to drive us to the Arenal region, passing huge banana, pineapple and sugarcane plantations on the way. Arenal was the most active volcano in Costa Rica until 2010, when it entered a resting phase, and can no longer be seen spitting ash, smoke or lava. However, there is still a lot of geothermal activity in the area and you may be able to visit one of the excellent hot springs this evening. In clear weather, there are great views of the volcano from our overnight base in the nearby town of La Fortuna. Today’s travelling time is around 5hr 30min including a lunch stop. Accommodation: Eco Arenal/Arenal Montechiari (or similar)

Day 5 See lava fields and Arenal Volcano on a scenic hike • Walk through rainforest to La Fortuna Waterfall

Take a short scenic hike within Arenal National Park this morning, walking through secondary rainforest and seeing some of the lava fields from past eruptions. The high vantage points on this walk allow great views overlooking Lake Arenal, and the birdlife is plentiful. Waterfalls are abundant in the region of Arenal and we visit La Fortuna, a 213ft (65m) cascade plunging into an emerald pool. A short trail through the rainforest brings us to a relatively steep set of steps that we must descend to reach the waterfall and then ascend to the exit – the hike/climb takes around 20-30 minutes and is within the capabilities of anyone with reasonable fitness. Reward your efforts with a cooling dip in one of the natural pools punctuating the foliage. Alternatively, you could visit the lookout point and wait for the group. After lunch,  the rest of day is at leisure to enjoy optional activities such as a chocolate tour or the exhilarating Ecoglide Zipline. Accommodation: Eco Arenal/Arenal Montechiari (or similar)

Day 6 To Monteverde in the Tilaran Mountains • Free time to relax or enjoy optional activities

From Arenal, we travel to the Tilaran mountain range in the central highlands for our first taste of a Costa Rican cloud forest. The journey provides breathtaking views of the Gulf of Nicoya and the islands below as we ascend the hills towards Monteverde, a forest-cloaked region whose name literally means Green Mountain. The high altitude supports a complex ecosystem where plants thrive, particularly orchids of which there are more than 400 varieties here. Today’s drive is around four hours — the last 25mi (40km) of road is gravel and can be bumpy, particularly following heavy rain. We should arrive in time for lunch, while the rest of the day is free to relax in our hotel or enjoy one of the many optional activities available in Monteverde. Accommodation: Montaña Monteverde/Monteverde Country Lodge (or similar)

Day 7 Guided hike through the misty clouds of Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve

This morning, we have a guided walk (around two hours) in Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve, one of the first community-managed reserves in Costa Rica and an area celebrated for its biodiversity. To this day, the reserve is managed by the Santa Elena High School with funds channelled into protecting the reserve and providing environmental education classes within the community. Thanks to its high elevation, Santa Elena is bathed in thick misty clouds, which support a huge range of flowers, ferns, mosses, vines and orchids. Birdlife thrives here with more 425 species recorded. Santa Elena is also one of the best places to spot noisy howler monkeys swinging through the trees. In the afternoon, it’s possible to join an optional coffee tour to learn about the importance of this crop to the socio-economic development of the country or join a canopy tour to get a different view of the forest. Accommodation: Montaña Monteverde/Monteverde Country Lodge (or similar)

Day 8 To Manuel Antonio

Our journey takes a southeasterly turn today as we follow the Pan-Am Highway along the coastline to Manuel Antonio, passing African oil palm and teak plantations on the way. Manuel Antonio National Park consists of a vast marine reserve as well as 1,700 acres (690ha) of mangrove swamp, primary and secondary rainforest. The forest vegetation stretches as far as the high-tide line and provides a stunning backdrop to the expansive sandy beaches, forested islands and dramatic rocky headlands. Our drive to Manuel Antonio takes around four hours (not including rest stops and lunch). We settle into our accommodation and, depending on our arrival time, can make use of the hotel facilities. Accommodation: Villabosque Hotel (or similar)

Day 9 Discover the monkeys and beaches of Manuel Antonio National Park

A guided tour of Manuel Antonio National Park this morning should enable us to have close wildlife encounters. White-faced capuchin monkeys play in the trees and are frequently sighted on the beaches, while noisy howler monkeys are usually heard moving through the trees and calling to each other before they are seen. The endangered titi monkey (squirrel monkey) are fewer in number but can sometimes be spotted in this area. Iguanas, agouti and two- and three-toed sloths are also commonly sighted in the national park. Manuel Antonio’s beaches rank among the most beautiful in the country and we have all afternoon to enjoy them or try one of the optional activities in this region. Please note: Manuel Antonio National Park is closed on Tuesdays. If your visit falls on a Tuesday, the timing of this activity will be adjusted so you visit the park on the previous day and today will be at leisure to enjoy the many optional excursions of the region. Accommodation: Villabosque Hotel (or similar)

Day 10 To Esquinas Lodge in Piedras Blancas • Search for the local wildlife

Travel four hours south towards Golfito, a relatively wild and undiscovered region. The dense jungle here has hardly been explored or researched. The next two nights are spent in the beautiful Esquinas Rainforest Lodge set in the heart of primary rainforest and bordered by the Piedras Blancas National Park and Golfito Nature Reserve. The lodge was originally financed by the government of Austria as a project combining forest research, development aid, and nature conservation. Most employees are local and profits are used to help with projects in the nearby village. This afternoon, we discover our peaceful surroundings and search for the abundant bird and insect life that resides here. Accommodation: Esquinas Rainforest Lodge (or similar)

Day 11 Hike rainforest trails in Esquinas Rainforest Nature Reserve

Hike through the rainforest this morning with our tour leader and experience all the sights and sounds of the jungle. During this activity, which lasts around two hours, we are likely to see snakes, frogs, birds and if we're lucky, monkeys and sloths too. This hike can be quite slippery after rainfall but is a real highlight and well worth the effort. This afternoon has been left free for optional activities — delve deeper into the forest on a network of trails departing directly from the lodge, or simply relax by the pool. Accommodation: Esquinas Rainforest Lodge (or similar)

Day 12 To Savegre Valley Cloud Forest • Search for the notoriously shy quetzal birds

Our journey takes a northwesterly turn through San Isidro and up and over the Cerro de la Muerte mountain range to our next destination, the Savegre Valley, around a 4hr 30min drive (not including stops) from Golfito. The cloud forest of Savegre is said to be one of the best places in Costa Rica to see the beautiful, colourful and notoriously shy resplendent quetzal and we have two nights here to discover the region. These endangered birds rely on the cloud forest for their habitat — the males are striking with a green crest, red breast and tail feathers that can reach a metre long. A good pair of binoculars will be helpful for quetzal spotting as these birds camouflage themselves well among the wet leaves of the forest. In the afternoon, we venture from our lodge into the cloud forest in search of these magnificent birds. Our destination depends on where their nesting and feeding spots have last been seen, though you should come prepared to tackle steep slopes. Accommodation: Savegre Hotel & Spa, Suria Lodge or Trogon Lodge (or similar)

Day 13 Free day to discover walking trails in the Savegre Valley

Today is free to relax and explore Savegre Valley. Bring your binoculars to spot some of the 170 bird species, trek through the tropical cloud forest or simply enjoy the incredible view from the lodge. Your leader will suggest walks for today, which will involve steep routes, so you can discover the tropical cloud forest and sub-Andean vegetation of the area. Accommodation: Savegre Hotel & Spa, Suria Lodge or Trogon Lodge (or similar)

Day 14 Experience the agricultural lifestyle of the Copey valley • Lunch with a local family • To San José

Visit the Copey valley this morning to step momentarily into the agricultural lives of those living in the highlands of the Central Mountain Range. We take a short walk through this picturesque area stopping for a typical lunch prepared for us by a local family, which is sure to be a memorable touch of Costa Rican hospitality. We visit the family’s property, where they grow flowers, medicinal plants, fruit and vegetables, and raise farm animals. A 2hr 30min journey takes us back to San José, where there may be time to explore the modern capital. Accommodation: Presidente Hotel or Rincón del Valle (or similar)

Day 15 Adventure ends in San José

Enjoy a final breakfast at the hotel before we start saying our goodbyes. If you aren't quite ready to leave, speak to your sales representative about extending your adventure - relax on the beach, treat yourself to some spa time, or discover more nature. To ensure total relaxation, you can stay for as many nights as you wish in a range of hotels, and we'll organise airport transfers in either direction for you.

Travel Dates

06 - 20 December 2025 $ 5.100

18 December 2025 - 01 January 2026 $ 5.325

20 December 2025 - 03 January 2026 $ 5.595

27 December 2025 - 10 January 2026 $ 5.475

03 - 17 January 2026 $ 5.700

06 - 20 January 2026 $ 5.250

08 - 22 January 2026 $ 5.400

10 - 24 January 2026 $ 5.400

13 - 27 January 2026 $ 5.400

15 - 29 January 2026 $ 5.400

17 - 31 January 2026 $ 5.400

20 January - 03 February 2026 $ 5.250

22 January - 05 February 2026 $ 5.250

24 January - 07 February 2026 $ 5.400

27 January - 10 February 2026 $ 5.400

29 January - 12 February 2026 $ 5.400

31 January - 14 February 2026 $ 5.400

03 - 17 February 2026 $ 5.400

05 - 19 February 2026 $ 5.400

07 - 21 February 2026 $ 5.400

10 - 24 February 2026 $ 5.400

12 - 26 February 2026 $ 5.400

14 - 28 February 2026 $ 5.400

17 February - 03 March 2026 $ 5.400

19 February - 05 March 2026 $ 5.400

21 February - 07 March 2026 $ 5.025

24 February - 10 March 2026 $ 5.400

26 February - 12 March 2026 $ 5.400

28 February - 14 March 2026 $ 5.400

03 - 17 March 2026 $ 5.400

05 - 19 March 2026 $ 5.400

07 - 21 March 2026 $ 5.400

10 - 24 March 2026 $ 5.400

12 - 26 March 2026 $ 5.700

14 - 28 March 2026 $ 5.700

19 March - 02 April 2026 $ 5.700

21 March - 04 April 2026 $ 5.400

26 March - 09 April 2026 $ 5.700

28 March - 11 April 2026 $ 5.700

02 - 16 April 2026 $ 5.700

04 - 18 April 2026 $ 5.700

09 - 23 April 2026 $ 5.700

11 - 25 April 2026 $ 5.700

16 - 30 April 2026 $ 5.700

18 April - 02 May 2026 $ 5.700

25 April - 09 May 2026 $ 5.700

02 - 16 May 2026 $ 5.550

09 - 23 May 2026 $ 5.550

16 - 30 May 2026 $ 5.550

27 June - 11 July 2026 $ 5.550

04 - 18 July 2026 $ 5.550

11 - 25 July 2026 $ 5.250

18 July - 01 August 2026 $ 5.550

25 July - 08 August 2026 $ 5.550

01 - 15 August 2026 $ 5.550

08 - 22 August 2026 $ 5.250

15 - 29 August 2026 $ 5.250

22 August - 05 September 2026 $ 5.550

05 - 19 September 2026 $ 5.550

19 September - 03 October 2026 $ 5.550

17 - 31 October 2026 $ 5.550

24 October - 07 November 2026 $ 5.550

29 October - 12 November 2026 $ 5.550

31 October - 14 November 2026 $ 5.550

03 - 17 November 2026 $ 5.850

05 - 19 November 2026 $ 5.850

07 - 21 November 2026 $ 5.850

10 - 24 November 2026 $ 5.850

12 - 26 November 2026 $ 5.850

14 - 28 November 2026 $ 5.850

17 November - 01 December 2026 $ 5.850

19 November - 03 December 2026 $ 5.850

21 November - 05 December 2026 $ 5.850

24 November - 08 December 2026 $ 5.850

26 November - 10 December 2026 $ 5.850

28 November - 12 December 2026 $ 5.850

03 - 17 December 2026 $ 5.550

05 - 19 December 2026 $ 5.550

15 - 29 December 2026 $ 5.850

17 - 31 December 2026 $ 5.850

19 December 2026 - 02 January 2027 $ 5.850

26 December 2026 - 09 January 2027 $ 6.000

02 - 16 January 2027 $ 6.000

05 - 19 January 2027 $ 6.000

07 - 21 January 2027 $ 6.000

09 - 23 January 2027 $ 6.000

12 - 26 January 2027 $ 6.000

14 - 28 January 2027 $ 6.000

16 - 30 January 2027 $ 6.000

19 January - 02 February 2027 $ 6.000

21 January - 04 February 2027 $ 6.000

23 January - 06 February 2027 $ 6.000

26 January - 09 February 2027 $ 6.000

28 January - 11 February 2027 $ 6.000

30 January - 13 February 2027 $ 6.000

02 - 16 February 2027 $ 6.000

04 - 18 February 2027 $ 6.000

06 - 20 February 2027 $ 6.000

09 - 23 February 2027 $ 6.000

11 - 25 February 2027 $ 6.000

13 - 27 February 2027 $ 6.000

16 February - 02 March 2027 $ 6.000

18 February - 04 March 2027 $ 6.000

20 February - 06 March 2027 $ 6.000

23 February - 09 March 2027 $ 6.000

25 February - 11 March 2027 $ 6.000

27 February - 13 March 2027 $ 6.000

02 - 16 March 2027 $ 6.000

04 - 18 March 2027 $ 6.000

06 - 20 March 2027 $ 6.000

09 - 23 March 2027 $ 6.000

11 - 25 March 2027 $ 6.000

13 - 27 March 2027 $ 6.000

16 - 30 March 2027 $ 6.000

20 March - 03 April 2027 $ 6.000

23 March - 06 April 2027 $ 6.000

25 March - 08 April 2027 $ 6.000

27 March - 10 April 2027 $ 6.600

03 - 17 April 2027 $ 6.600

08 - 22 April 2027 $ 6.000

10 - 24 April 2027 $ 6.000

15 - 29 April 2027 $ 6.000

17 April - 01 May 2027 $ 6.000

24 April - 08 May 2027 $ 6.000

29 April - 13 May 2027 $ 6.000

08 - 22 May 2027 $ 5.850

03 - 17 July 2027 $ 5.850

10 - 24 July 2027 $ 5.850

24 July - 07 August 2027 $ 5.850

31 July - 14 August 2027 $ 5.850

14 - 28 August 2027 $ 5.850

21 August - 04 September 2027 $ 5.850

04 - 18 September 2027 $ 5.850

25 September - 09 October 2027 $ 5.850

09 - 23 October 2027 $ 5.850

23 October - 06 November 2027 $ 5.850

28 October - 11 November 2027 $ 5.850

30 October - 13 November 2027 $ 5.850

02 - 16 November 2027 $ 6.000

06 - 20 November 2027 $ 6.000

09 - 23 November 2027 $ 6.000

11 - 25 November 2027 $ 6.000

13 - 27 November 2027 $ 6.000

16 - 30 November 2027 $ 6.000

18 November - 02 December 2027 $ 6.000

20 November - 04 December 2027 $ 6.000

23 November - 07 December 2027 $ 6.000

27 November - 11 December 2027 $ 6.000

30 November - 14 December 2027 $ 6.000

04 - 18 December 2027 $ 6.000

14 - 28 December 2027 $ 6.000

16 - 30 December 2027 $ 6.450

18 December 2027 - 01 January 2028 $ 6.450

28 December 2027 - 11 January 2028 $ 6.900

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