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

$ 5.475

Single Room Difference

$ 1.365

Date

17 - 31 October 2026

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 sleepy 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. Alternatively, join our special adventure Discover Costa Rica – Coastal Edition, which includes two days exploring the natural beauty of seaside Dominical.

Activity Areas

Birdwatching
Marine Wildlife
Mixed-Activity
Primates
Wildlife Bestsellers
Wildlife Holidays
Wildlife Rating Three

Region & Country & City

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

Included in the Price

All accommodation: 14 Comfort nights (8 hotel, 6 lodge)
- All breakfasts, eight lunches, seven dinners
- Immersive itinerary with all transport and listed activities
- Expert tour leader to enhance your adventure
- Arrival and departure transfers

Not Included In The Price

Request a single room if required, purchase travel insurance and arrange any visas and vaccinations. Check the Dates & Prices because some departures have a specialist birdwatching guide, and others take place during the green turtle nesting season (usually between July to October). Speak to your sales representative to add extra hotel nights before or after your holiday and extend your adventure.

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. 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.

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, 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.

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.

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 and we recommend visiting one of the excellent hot springs whilst in the area. In clear weather, there are great views of the volcano from our overnight base in the nearby town of La Fortuna. This afternoon, there’s time to relax after our journey or join an optional chocolate and coffee tour. Today’s travelling time is around 5hr 30min including a lunch stop.

Day 5 Hike through secondary rainforest • Visit La Fortuna waterfall

Enjoy a scenic walk through a protected area in the Arenal region this morning, following well-maintained trails that wind through lush secondary rainforest. Surrounded by vibrant vegetation, the experience immerses us in the rich biodiversity of the tropics, where birdsong and the sounds of nature accompany every step. Later, we visit La Fortuna, a 213ft (65m) waterfall 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, the rest of day is at leisure to enjoy optional activities such as a chocolate tour or relax at Ecotermales Hot Springs.

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, including a night walk to encounter nocturnal wildlife such as sloths, frogs, and the elusive kinkajou – a magical experience under the stars.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 here 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.

Day 13 Free day to explore 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. You may even wish to wake early to search for the quetzal! Your tour 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.

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. Tonight we have a farewell dinner at a local restaurant, a chance to toast the end of our adventure and look back on the highlights of the trip.

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

17 - 31 October 2026 $ 5.475

24 October - 07 November 2026 $ 6.185

29 October - 12 November 2026 $ 6.185

31 October - 14 November 2026 $ 6.185

03 - 17 November 2026 $ 6.270

05 - 19 November 2026 $ 6.270

07 - 21 November 2026 $ 5.850

10 - 24 November 2026 $ 6.270

12 - 26 November 2026 $ 5.850

14 - 28 November 2026 $ 6.270

17 November - 01 December 2026 $ 6.270

19 November - 03 December 2026 $ 5.775

21 November - 05 December 2026 $ 6.430

24 November - 08 December 2026 $ 6.270

26 November - 10 December 2026 $ 6.270

28 November - 12 December 2026 $ 6.000

03 - 17 December 2026 $ 6.270

05 - 19 December 2026 $ 6.430

15 - 29 December 2026 $ 6.075

17 - 31 December 2026 $ 6.595

19 December 2026 - 02 January 2027 $ 6.595

26 December 2026 - 09 January 2027 $ 7.080

02 - 16 January 2027 $ 6.350

05 - 19 January 2027 $ 6.350

07 - 21 January 2027 $ 6.350

09 - 23 January 2027 $ 6.350

12 - 26 January 2027 $ 6.350

14 - 28 January 2027 $ 6.350

16 - 30 January 2027 $ 6.350

19 January - 02 February 2027 $ 6.350

21 January - 04 February 2027 $ 6.350

23 January - 06 February 2027 $ 6.350

26 January - 09 February 2027 $ 6.350

28 January - 11 February 2027 $ 6.185

30 January - 13 February 2027 $ 6.350

02 - 16 February 2027 $ 6.185

04 - 18 February 2027 $ 6.350

06 - 20 February 2027 $ 6.350

09 - 23 February 2027 $ 6.510

11 - 25 February 2027 $ 6.185

13 - 27 February 2027 $ 6.350

16 February - 02 March 2027 $ 6.185

18 February - 04 March 2027 $ 6.350

20 February - 06 March 2027 $ 6.350

23 February - 09 March 2027 $ 6.350

25 February - 11 March 2027 $ 6.350

27 February - 13 March 2027 $ 6.350

02 - 16 March 2027 $ 6.350

04 - 18 March 2027 $ 6.350

06 - 20 March 2027 $ 6.350

09 - 23 March 2027 $ 6.350

11 - 25 March 2027 $ 6.185

13 - 27 March 2027 $ 6.350

16 - 30 March 2027 $ 6.185

20 March - 03 April 2027 $ 6.430

23 March - 06 April 2027 $ 6.430

25 March - 08 April 2027 $ 6.430

27 March - 10 April 2027 $ 6.430

03 - 17 April 2027 $ 6.430

08 - 22 April 2027 $ 6.430

10 - 24 April 2027 $ 6.430

15 - 29 April 2027 $ 6.185

17 April - 01 May 2027 $ 6.185

24 April - 08 May 2027 $ 6.185

29 April - 13 May 2027 $ 6.185

08 - 22 May 2027 $ 5.695

03 - 17 July 2027 $ 6.105

10 - 24 July 2027 $ 6.105

24 July - 07 August 2027 $ 6.105

31 July - 14 August 2027 $ 6.105

14 - 28 August 2027 $ 6.105

21 August - 04 September 2027 $ 6.105

04 - 18 September 2027 $ 5.695

25 September - 09 October 2027 $ 5.695

09 - 23 October 2027 $ 5.695

23 October - 06 November 2027 $ 5.695

28 October - 11 November 2027 $ 5.695

30 October - 13 November 2027 $ 5.695

02 - 16 November 2027 $ 6.350

06 - 20 November 2027 $ 6.350

09 - 23 November 2027 $ 6.350

11 - 25 November 2027 $ 6.350

13 - 27 November 2027 $ 6.350

16 - 30 November 2027 $ 6.350

18 November - 02 December 2027 $ 6.350

20 November - 04 December 2027 $ 6.350

23 November - 07 December 2027 $ 6.350

27 November - 11 December 2027 $ 6.350

30 November - 14 December 2027 $ 6.350

04 - 18 December 2027 $ 6.350

14 - 28 December 2027 $ 6.350

16 - 30 December 2027 $ 6.755

18 December 2027 - 01 January 2028 $ 6.755

28 December 2027 - 11 January 2028 $ 7.160

01 - 15 January 2028 $ 6.510

04 - 18 January 2028 $ 6.510

06 - 20 January 2028 $ 6.510

08 - 22 January 2028 $ 6.510

11 - 25 January 2028 $ 6.510

13 - 27 January 2028 $ 6.510

15 - 29 January 2028 $ 6.510

18 January - 01 February 2028 $ 6.510

20 January - 03 February 2028 $ 6.510

22 January - 05 February 2028 $ 6.510

25 January - 08 February 2028 $ 6.510

27 January - 10 February 2028 $ 6.510

29 January - 12 February 2028 $ 6.510

01 - 15 February 2028 $ 6.510

03 - 17 February 2028 $ 6.510

05 - 19 February 2028 $ 6.510

08 - 22 February 2028 $ 6.510

10 - 24 February 2028 $ 6.510

12 - 26 February 2028 $ 6.510

15 - 29 February 2028 $ 6.510

17 February - 02 March 2028 $ 6.510

19 February - 04 March 2028 $ 6.510

22 February - 07 March 2028 $ 6.510

24 February - 09 March 2028 $ 6.510

26 February - 11 March 2028 $ 6.510

29 February - 14 March 2028 $ 6.510

02 - 16 March 2028 $ 6.510

04 - 18 March 2028 $ 6.510

07 - 21 March 2028 $ 6.510

09 - 23 March 2028 $ 6.510

11 - 25 March 2028 $ 6.510

14 - 28 March 2028 $ 6.510

18 March - 01 April 2028 $ 6.835

21 March - 04 April 2028 $ 6.835

23 March - 06 April 2028 $ 6.835

25 March - 08 April 2028 $ 6.835

01 - 15 April 2028 $ 6.835

06 - 20 April 2028 $ 6.835

08 - 22 April 2028 $ 6.835

13 - 27 April 2028 $ 6.510

15 - 29 April 2028 $ 6.510

22 April - 06 May 2028 $ 6.510

27 April - 11 May 2028 $ 6.510

06 - 20 May 2028 $ 6.025

01 - 15 July 2028 $ 6.315

08 - 22 July 2028 $ 6.315

22 July - 05 August 2028 $ 6.315

29 July - 12 August 2028 $ 6.315

12 - 26 August 2028 $ 6.315

19 August - 02 September 2028 $ 6.315

02 - 16 September 2028 $ 6.025

23 September - 07 October 2028 $ 6.025

07 - 21 October 2028 $ 6.025

21 October - 04 November 2028 $ 6.025

26 October - 09 November 2028 $ 6.025

28 October - 11 November 2028 $ 6.025

31 October - 14 November 2028 $ 6.755

04 - 18 November 2028 $ 6.755

07 - 21 November 2028 $ 6.755

09 - 23 November 2028 $ 6.755

11 - 25 November 2028 $ 6.755

14 - 28 November 2028 $ 6.755

16 - 30 November 2028 $ 6.755

18 November - 02 December 2028 $ 6.755

21 November - 05 December 2028 $ 6.755

25 November - 09 December 2028 $ 6.755

28 November - 12 December 2028 $ 6.755

02 - 16 December 2028 $ 6.755

12 - 26 December 2028 $ 6.755

14 - 28 December 2028 $ 6.920

16 - 30 December 2028 $ 6.920

26 December 2028 - 09 January 2029 $ 7.405

30 December 2028 - 13 January 2029 $ 7.405

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