Wild Costa Rica

Day 1 - UK - San Jose

Our nationwide shared chauffeur service collects you from home for your flight to San Jose.

Day 2 - San Jose

Explore San José on a guided tour that moves through both residential neighbourhoods and the city’s commercial heart. Along the way, visit Plaza de la Democracia (Democracy Square) and the National Park, and see the central market, cathedral, Supreme Court of Justice and the University of Costa Rica. Entrance is included to both the National Opera House Theatre and the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum. The afternoon is free to continue exploring at your own pace.

Day 3 - Tortuguero

Drive through banana plantations to the Tortuguero Canals and board a boat, scanning the riverbanks for sea turtles, crocodiles and other wildlife as you glide along these waterways. Arrive at the lodge for lunch, then take a short boat ride to Tortuguero village. A guided walk through the village offers insight into rural life, followed by a visit to the Turtle Preservation Centre. Exhibits highlight conservation work protecting green, hawksbill and leatherback sea turtles, which nest on the nearby beach. Turtle nesting season usually runs from July to October, with hatchlings emerging from September to December, so sightings are possible at the right time of year.

Day 4 - Tortuguero National Park

This morning, cruise through the canals of Tortuguero National Park, surrounded by dense rainforest in every shade of green. Keep watch for monkeys, toucans, green macaws and caimans along the water’s edge. The afternoon is free to relax or join a guided walk along the beach or through the surrounding botanical gardens and forest trails. Alternatively, unwind by the hotel pool.

Day 5 - Sarapiqui

After breakfast, travel by boat and coach to Sarapiquí, stopping for lunch along the way. Later, set out on a 4km guided night walk at La Tirimbina Biological Reserve, just a short walk from the lodge. As darkness falls, the rainforest fills with the sounds of nocturnal birds, insects and frogs. With guidance from a local expert, search for sloths, porcupines and other night-active wildlife.

Day 6 - Sarapiqui

Today is free to explore at your own pace. You may choose to learn more about indigenous cultures at the ecolodge, follow a nature trail through the forest, or join an optional excursion to La Tirimbina Biological Reserve to discover dozens of native bat species.

Day 7 - Arenal

Travel to Arenal National Park and walk along the base of the active volcano, with views of lava flows from recent decades. In the afternoon, visit nearby hot springs, where mineral-rich waters, heated naturally by volcanic activity, offer a chance to relax before a traditional Costa Rican dinner.

Day 8 - Monteverde

Cross Lake Arenal by boat and enjoy wide views of Arenal Volcano rising above the water. At Rancho Heliconia, learn about Costa Rican culture, sample home-grown coffee and share a traditional homemade lunch before planting a native tree as part of a local reforestation effort. Later, in Monteverde, join a guided night walk in the Curi-Cancha Cloud Forest Reserve, watching for armadillos, coatis, two-toed sloths and a wealth of birdlife.

Day 9 - Monteverde

Walk through Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, exploring its distinctive ecosystems and endemic species. Afterwards, visit Monteverde Butterfly Gardens to observe a colourful variety of butterflies. The afternoon offers the option to join an excursion high in the forest canopy.

Day 10 - Monteverde - Tarcoles

This morning, visit the Monteverde Orchid Garden, home to more than 450 orchid species. Travel to Tárcoles for a crocodile safari along the river, keeping an eye out for birds, iguanas and basilisks as well. After a late lunch, settle in for a two-night stay in the area.

Day 11 - Carara National Park

Explore Carara National Park, home to more than 400 bird species, including scarlet macaws and collared aracaris. The afternoon is free to relax, perhaps on a nearby Pacific Coast beach.

Day 12 - Manuel Antonio National Park - Dominical

Continue to Manuel Antonio National Park. On a leisurely guided hike, look for sloths and monkeys in the trees, anteaters foraging below, and a variety of birds overhead. Please note: daily visitor numbers to Manuel Antonio National Park are limited, and entry cannot be guaranteed. We start early to maximise our chances; if entry is not possible, we will arrange a comparable alternative excursion.

Day 13 - Corcovado National Park

Rise early for a speedboat journey along the Pacific Coast to Corcovado National Park. During a morning hike, explore dense rainforest and search for howler, spider and white-faced monkeys among the ancient trees. After a short boat transfer, stop for lunch before returning by speedboat along the coast to the hotel.

Day 14 - San Gerardo de Dota

Drive into the highlands towards San Gerardo de Dota, a favourite destination for birdwatchers hoping to spot the resplendent quetzal. As the landscape changes from lowland rainforest to misty cloud forest, pause for a guided walk to observe local flora and fauna. In the afternoon, join a birdwatching excursion before continuing to the lodge.

Day 15 - San Jose - In flight

This morning offers a final chance to search for the quetzal on the scenic trails around Mirador de Quetzales and to visit the hummingbird garden. Return to San José airport for your flight back to the UK. Upon arrival, your vehicle will be waiting for the journey home.