Current as of: May 4, 2024 - 16:08
Current as of: May 4, 2024 - 16:08
1 out of 7 - Leisurely
Costa Rican culture can be encapsulated by the saying pura vida, meaning pure life. Costa Ricans believe in living life to the full, as well as taking time to slow down and appreciate nature. Join us for a taste of the pura vida lifestyle on this tropical adventure, while staying at handpicked premium hotels. Discover the vast network of canals and wildlife-rich waterways of Tortuguero, hike along the flanks of Arenal volcano and swim in the therapeutic natural pools of Rio Perdido – the Lost River – an ancient indigenous gathering place with dramatic topography. We finish at Tamarindo on the Pacific coast, arguably the best beach in the country. Costa Rica will not disappoint, and our team of naturalist guides couldn’t be more excited to welcome you.
Highlights
This trip is graded Activity Level 1 (Leisurely). For more on our trip gradings, visit our Activity Level Guidelines page.
Most of the roads we travel on are good quality. However, the road that leads to the river on the way to and from Tortuguero has a poor surface and this can result in slow driving times, particularly following heavy rain. There are also some longer drives on the itinerary; when rest stops and meal breaks are taken into account, a 4-hour drive may take 6-7 hours in total.
There are some nature walks on the itinerary, which occasionally involve walking on rough paths. During times of heavy rain, trails can be muddy and slippery and extra care should be taken. Many of the areas visited on the trip are hot and humid and there is the chance of heavy rain year-round – this is why Costa Rica is so green.
Please note, the sea in the Tortuguero region has very strong rip currents and is not suitable for swimming from the beach.
Adult min age: 16
Min group size: 4
Max group size: 12
Pura Vida Costa Rica! Today is our arrival day and our local team are waiting to welcome you to Costa Rica. Most flights arrive in San Jose in the afternoon or early evening. Free transfers are available to all clients today. Our centrally located premium hotel is full of historic charm on the pedestrian boulevard Avenida Central, in the heart of San Jose.
Premium accommodation: Gran Hotel Costa Rica (four-star)
Pura vida Costa Rica! Today is our arrival day and our local team is waiting to welcome you. Most flights arrive in San Jose in the afternoon or early evening and there are free transfers to the hotel for all clients. Our centrally located premium hotel is full of historic charm with an excellent address on the pedestrian boulevard Avenida Central in the heart of San Jose.
Premium accommodation: Gran Hotel Costa Rica (four-star)
Our adventure begins early this morning, leaving San Jose behind as we travel to the wildly beautiful Tortuguero National Park in northeast Costa Rica. Accessible only by boat or light aircraft, the vast network of waterways, canals and swamps in Tortuguero is remarkably tranquil, unspoilt and devoid of noise pollution. Immerse yourself in enchanting sights and sounds as we set off on a small motorboat for the 1hr 30min journey to our lodge, which is nestled on a tranquil strip of land in the main lagoon. Discover the picturesque surroundings and Tortuguero village.
Tortuguero is probably most famous as a nesting site for the endangered green turtle, which can be seen arriving onto the beach to lay eggs from late July to October (as part of an optional excursion). Hawksbill, loggerhead and giant leatherback turtles also nest in this region, and during November to January, baby turtles hatch and make their way towards the ocean. Today’s travel time will be in the region of six hours including a breakfast stop.
Standard accommodation: Aninga Lodge (three-star)
After breakfast we board a small boat that enables us to discover the extraordinary flora and fauna of Tortuguero, passing serenely along the waterways of the national park by boat. Wildlife is usually at its most active in the early morning, and 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. We return to the lodge for a hearty breakfast by the river. This afternoon, we explore the scenic waterways on a second boat trip along a different canal or relax at the lodge and make the most of the wonderful facilities. Alternatively, immerse yourself in nature and follow a short walking trail through the lush forest.
Standard accommodation: Aninga Lodge (three-star)
We leave Tortuguero by taking a boat back to the main pier. Our transport will be at the pier waiting to drive us to the diverse region of Arenal, passing huge banana, pineapple and sugar cane plantations on the way. Today’s travelling time is around 5hr 30min including a lunch stop.
Arenal was the most active volcano in Costa Rica until 2010 when it entered a resting phase and stopped spitting ash, smoke and lava. However, there is still a lot of geothermal activity in the area, and our premium accommodation has hot springs to enjoy. Take a dip in the natural thermal pools, which are rich in mineral salts and ions, leaving your skin feeling soft and refreshed. Surrounded by tropical plants and waterfalls cascading over river rocks, you will feel as though you’re soaking in the rainforest.
Premium accommodation: Arenal Manoa (four-star)
Embark on a guided hike within the fascinating park of Arenal 1968, walking through secondary rainforest and passing lava fields formed by eruptions. Walking on the base and flanks of the volcano gives extraordinary views, and our expert leader explains the history and points out the remaining landmarks. Savour the views over Lake Arenal from the high vantage points on this walk and look out for the plentiful birdlife. This afternoon is free to join one of the optional activities in this region.
Premium accommodation: Arenal Manoa (four-star)
This morning, witness the immense La Fortuna Waterfall, a 215ft (65m) cascade plunging into an emerald pool. Waterfalls are abundant in Arenal, and their clear pools are perfect for a refreshing dip. We walk through verdant rainforest 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 minutes to 30 minutes and is within the capabilities of anyone with reasonable fitness. Reward your efforts with a dip in one of the natural pools punctuating the foliage to cool off. Alternatively, enjoy the beautiful views from the lookout point and wait for the group.
Afterwards, we cross into the Tilaran Mountain Range, a Unesco World Heritage site in the Central Highlands, to experience the Costa Rican cloud forest. The journey provides incredible views of the Gulf of Nicoya and the islands below as we ascend the hills towards Monteverde, a forest-cloaked region whose name means Green Mountain. The high altitude supports a complex ecosystem where plants thrive, particularly orchids, of which there are 400-plus 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.
Premium accommodation: Hotel & Spa Poco a Poco (four-star)
Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve is a favourite destination for birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts, where the geographic, topographic and climatic conditions have allowed for a surprising biodiversity to thrive. A walk through the reserve will reveal huge old-growth trees covered in moss, while the surrounding mist permeates the atmosphere. Explore this impressive reserve on foot and witness the four ecological life zones that harbour different ecosystems for hundreds of species – mammals, birds, butterflies, amphibians, reptiles, insects and arachnids. We can also see a variety of mosses, vines and trees typical of the cloud forest. The Monteverde Cloud Forest is also one of the few remaining habitats of the endangered resplendent quetzal.
In the afternoon, we visit Selvatura Park, an extraordinary ecological park with 850 acres (345ha) of protected land dedicated to nature and adventure. Explore the forested park during a much-adored experience in Costa Rica – the treetop walkway. The system of walkways above the treetops has been designed to let you experience the beauty of the cloud forest and observe the many inhabitants.
Premium accommodation: Hotel & Spa Poco a Poco (four-star)
This morning we travel towards our next destination, Rio Perdido (Lost River) in the Guanacaste province. Stood upon a raised rocky peninsula where two canyons converge, Rio Perdido Hotel & Thermal River has a vantage point overlooking the forest, canyon and river. Trees as tall as the canyon camouflage the river, which explains the name. This setting was once a gathering place for the Chorotega indigenous ethnic group, and many relics have been found here over the years.
The private 600-acre (243ha) reserve surrounding the hotel has incredibly diverse flora and fauna thanks to the unique setting next to a thermal river – tropical dry forest, rainforest and rugged terrain all surround the property, giving way to a vast diversity of species. Families of howler monkeys and white-faced capuchin monkeys are regularly seen.
This is an adventure seeker’s paradise, where you can try thrilling optional activities such as zip lining, white-water tubing (subject to local conditions), mountain biking and hiking.
Today’s travelling time is around three hours.
Premium accommodation: Rio Perdido Hotel & Thermal River (four-star)
Explore 20mi (32km) of private trails, connected to the Rio Perdido Hotel by a 200ft (61m) hanging bridge, and go in search of exotic wildlife including mammals, reptiles, insects, amphibians and birds. We’ll discover the network of trails during an included guided hike and learn more about the different habitats in this unique location.
Sink into one of the natural thermal mineral pools at the hotel and unwind with lush vegetation and the canyon walls as a backdrop. The eight registered springs give rise to pools of hot and cold mineralised water for prolonged relaxation and bathing. Alternatively, if you prefer to get the adrenalin flowing, try one of the optional activities from zip lining to white-water tubing (subject to local conditions) during our free afternoon.
Premium accommodation: Rio Perdido Hotel & Thermal River (four-star)
We wave goodbye to the magical Rio Perdido and travel to Tamarindo on the Nicoya Peninsula. Once a fishing village, Tamarindo was discovered by surfers in the late 1980s and has steadily grown a reputation as one of the best beach destinations in the country. Located in Guanacaste province, known for having good weather and predictable sunshine, Tamarindo has a great mix of facilities and retains an authentic, laid-back atmosphere.
The big draw here is the long expanse of beach, with a curved bay backed by palms, cafes and restaurants. Soak up the sunshine, beach life and heavenly coastal views – a real contrast to our adventure so far. The waves are strong and loved by surfers, with swimmers mostly staying to the shallow surf breaking on the shore. Our beachfront hotel couldn’t be better located, with palm trees framing what is, in our opinion, the best Pacific view in Costa Rica. In the evening, be sure to catch the deep-orange sunsets that cast a warm glow over Tamarindo.
Premium accommodation: Tamarindo Diria Beach Resort (four-star)
Make the most of leisure time today and enjoy the beachfront utopia of Tamarindo. There are plenty of excursions that can be organised locally: have a go at surfing, learn to stand-up paddleboard, book a massage at the hotel spa, or simply enjoy the beach and surroundings.
This evening we celebrate with sunset drinks on the beach – a toast to our wonderful adventure. There are some fantastic restaurants in Tamarindo, and we highly recommend the seafood here.
Premium accommodation: Tamarindo Diria Beach Resort (four-star)
Spend a few hours this morning enjoying Tamarindo beach or the hotel facilities for the last time, before we check out and transfer back to San Jose, a journey of approximately 5-6hrs.
Premium accommodation: Gran Hotel Costa Rica (four-star)
The trip comes to an end today after breakfast, and it’s time to bid Costa Rica and the rest of the group goodbye. Free transfers to San Jose airport are available to all clients today.
The trip comes to an end today after breakfast and it’s time to bid Costa Rica and the rest of the group goodbye. Free transfers to San Jose airport are available to all clients today.
Arrive London.
Unwind at the end of each day in our expertly curated, handpicked accommodation on this Premium Adventure. Each property has been chosen for its excellent location, comfort, style and unique characteristics.
Please note, on nights 2 and 3 in Tortuguero, we use standard accommodation, which is in a very comfortable and highly rated lodge in this area, which meets three-star standards.
Gran Hotel Costa Rica, San Jose, two nights (four-star)
Arenal Manoa, Arenal, two nights (four-star)
Hotel & Spa Poco a Poco, Monteverde, two nights (four-star)
Hotel Rio Perdido & Thermal River, Bagaces, two nights (four-star)
Tamarindo Diria Beach Resort, Tamarindo, two nights (four-star)
The accommodation shown has been booked and agreed in advance; however, we may need to make changes to a property of similar or higher standard after you have booked. We endeavour to inform you of any changes in advance which could, on rare occasions, be at late notice.
Single supplement from £ 1,375
All breakfasts, three lunches and seven dinners included.
Hotel breakfasts are normally buffet-style. Vegetarian and vegan options are limited but food is plentiful and tasty – please inform us before departure of any special dietary requests.
Costa Rican specialities include gallo pinto, a black bean and rice dish and a staple part of the local diet. Soups and stews are also common, and fresh fruit is abundant and will no doubt be one of the highlights of your time in the tropics.
We travel in a private, air-conditioned 16-seater Coaster minibus. Due to the type of vehicles we use, it’s common for luggage to be transported on the roof, covered by a tarpaulin. Boats are also used in Tortuguero. There is a shared transfer to Tortuguero on Day 2 of the itinerary in a larger coach.
Costa Rica is 10 degrees north of the equator and has a tropical climate. The average temperature range is 10C-13C (50F-55F) in the highlands, and 22C-26C (72F-79F) in the lowlands. There is a rainy season from May to November when there are daily downpours, though these are usually quite short and there is still plenty of sunshine. December to April is the driest time of the year but expect some rain.
Start hotel: Gran Hotel Costa Rica, Av. Central, El Carmen, San José
Phone: +506 2103 9000
Recommended arrival time: You can arrive at any time today. There will be a welcome briefing in the evening, but if you miss it the leader will update you separately
Airport: Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO)
The start hotel is approximately 25 minutes’ drive from the airport. Exodus provides free arrival transfers to the start hotel from the airport for all customers.
Exodus provides free departure transfers for all customers to Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) from the end hotel.
Please note, unless specified otherwise, the transfers will be to the start (or pre-tour) hotel and from the end (or post-tour) hotel and will be on the date on which the tour starts/ends; transfers to other hotels in the same city and/or on different dates may attract an extra charge. Transfers should be booked with your sales representative at least two weeks before the tour starts.
Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.
Location start: San Jose
Location end: San Jose
Water included: Single-use plastic bottles are banned in Costa Rican national parks and we are always looking to reduce the number of single-use plastics used on our trips. Therefore, we provide safe drinking water throughout this adventure. Please bright a reusable bottle to refill along the way.
When travelling to/from Tortuguero there is a luggage limit on the boats and you will be allowed one regular size suitcase/bag and one carry-on size bag. Technically there is also a weight limit of 25lb (11.3kg) but in practice this isn’t enforced.
Remember to check the expiration date of your passport if travelling internationally. Many countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after the date of your scheduled return.
Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Costa Rica; however, proof of onward travel may be required – we suggest you take a physical copy of your flight details in case officials ask to see them.
Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.
Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.
• Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/americas/costa-rica
• Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/costa-rica
• United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/costa-rica/entry-requirements
• USA: www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Costa-Rica.html
If you are travelling via the USA and are eligible to transit under the Visa Waiver Program, you are required to register in advance for an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization). There is a US$21 charge, which is only payable online. Please see our website www.exodus.co.uk/usvisa for further information.
Please note, not all nationalities have the same eligibility for travel to or transit via the USA, and you may not be covered by the visa waiver program. Regulations stipulate that any person who has travelled to Iran, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria or Yemen since March 2011, or have dual nationalities of these countries, may no longer qualify. In addition, if you have travelled to Cuba since 12 January 2021 you will not be eligible for the visa waiver program and should instead apply for a visa.
If you are in doubt of your eligibility, please check the visa requirements with your local US embassy.
There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for tetanus, hepatitis A, rabies and typhoid. The risk of malaria is slight, but you may wish to consult your doctor or travel clinic for further advice.
Many travellers will also require a yellow fever vaccination certificate if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission, Tanzania and Zambia.
Dengue and zika, both viral diseases spread by mosquitoes, are known risks in Costa Rica. There is currently no vaccine or prophylaxis available, so we strongly recommend you take the usual precautions to avoid mosquito bites.
Please check all requirements and travel vaccination recommendations with your doctor or travel clinic.
Costa Rica's time zone: America/Costa_Rica (UTC -06:00)
Costa Rica's electricity: Plug types A (two flat pins, US standard) and B (three pins, US standard) – 120V, 60Hz
Costa Rica's currency: Costa Rican colon (CRC); however, US dollars are widely accepted
ATMs are widely available in Costa Rica, particularly in the main tourist areas. A flat fee of up to US$$5-$7 and a small commission usually applies with debit card withdrawals. Mastercard and Visa are quite widely accepted in the bigger hotels, restaurants and tourist shops, though not in rural areas. Always check the handling fee when paying by credit card as it can be high. It is certainly much more convenient to carry as much of your money in cash as possible, so long as you are security conscious. We recommend that you bring some small denomination notes (US$1 and US$5 notes) since getting change is often a problem when paying for small items.
US dollars are widely accepted as payment in Costa Rica; however, change will likely be given in local currency and the exchange rate will fluctuate. We suggest taking some US dollars with you but then using ATMs to withdraw the rest of your money in local currency while you’re there.
You should allow extra to cover the cost of meals not included in the price of the holiday.
Optional excursions are available during this tour (bookable locally):
Tortuguero
La Fortuna/Arenal
Please note: Joining optional activities in Arenal may mean missing other included elements of the tour.
Monteverde
All prices are per person and some excursions require a minimum number of participants. Optional excursions can be paid for by cash, credit or debit card.
On this Premium Adventure, tipping for any local support staff is included, and will normally be taken care of via your tour leader (or in some cases through our local agent). So need no for any tipping kitty contributions, or to make your own tips during the trip.
Our ‘included tips’ will normally cover drivers, local specialist guides, certain hotel staff, and serving staff for included meals. Amounts will be in line with the local standard. Of course, if you wish to make a further tip for some extra special service you may do so.
We work hard to create trips that improve life for the people and places we visit, and look after the planet we explore. Find out more about our sustainable travel ethos and practice here, and find out about the work of the Exodus Travels Foundation here.
Some sustainable travel highlights of this trip include:
People
How this trip helps improve life for local communities.
Places
How this trip helps protect and conserve local landscapes and nature.
Planet
How we seek to keep the carbon footprint of this trip low.
Aninga Lodge: An ecolodge in the Tortuguero region committed to sustainable development and environmental awareness that will generate a positive impact on the community, the environment and customers. The hotel is constructed 5ft (1.5m) above the ground. Restaurant, bungalows and walking trails are built on stilts, protecting animal habitats and provides guests with a panoramic view of the tropical rainforest.
Rio Perdido Hotel: From the start, the commitment has been to keep the land’s topography as close as possible to its original state. The hotel elected for structures to be founded on existing geological formations and, where that was not possible, to be elevated by pylons. This style of raised architecture was ideal in conserving the natural hydrology of the terrain. The result is the ultimate respect for the natural environment. Rio Perdido focuses on sustainable transplanting. Because Rio Perdido is in the most sun-drenched area in the region, irrigation is vital for the younger transplants. To enhance this, the hotel uses mostly treated residual water plus circulated pool water.
Tips for sustainable travel on this trip
Optional activities and excursions
If you would like to join an optional activity or excursion outside those listed in the itinerary, your leader may be able to assist with selecting a provider. However, Exodus has not assessed the safety standards of activities or excursions that are not listed in the Trip Notes. All optional activities or excursions are undertaken at your own risk.
Water safety
This trip includes time by a lake, river or sea, where there may be opportunities to swim. You should always seek local advice before deciding whether to swim. Open-water or wild swim spots should be treated with extreme caution. Information on how to keep yourself safe while swimming is shown here.
Your safe participation
When booking this trip, you should be confident in your ability to participate in all activities described in these Trip Notes. If you have any doubt about your suitability, please call the Exodus office and ask to speak to one of the experts on this itinerary.
Although our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely take part in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, we authorise them to take necessary action which, in some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity.
By booking this trip you agree to our Booking Conditions which clearly state that our leaders have the authority to do this. In these rare instances we will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered alternative options where possible. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed and customers may be liable for additional costs incurred.
When you’re ready to book, go to our website for online bookings, book over the phone or you can complete a booking form (available online or on request by calling us). We accept all major credit and debit cards, or you can pay be cheque.
After booking
You will receive your booking confirmation letter and invoice, which includes extra information and guidance about your travel arrangements.
Full joining instructions, including local emergency numbers and details of how to reach the start point, will be sent to you approximately two to three weeks prior to departure. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier, please contact our office or your travel agent.
Trip Note validity
These Trip Notes are valid from the “Current as” date on page one. They will occasionally be updated after booking and before departure; if there are any updates that significantly impact the inclusions or itinerary, customers will be written to separately. They will also receive a link to the most up-to-date Trip Notes with their Final Joining Instructions before travelling.
The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. Where differences exist between the Trip Notes and our current brochure or website, the Trip Notes supersede the brochure and website. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes; to enjoy them you should be prepared to be flexible where necessary. Occasionally, it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. This may be for a variety of reasons – climatic, political, physical or other. In these circumstances we will make the best-possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.
Licensing
Exodus is fully licensed and bonded as a tour operator. We hold Air Traffic Organisers Licence (ATOL) number 2582, issued and bonded with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). We are also bonded to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and we are members of the Federation of Tour Operators (FTO) and ABTA – The Travel Association. This means you can book your Exodus holiday with confidence, as all money paid to us for your trip is fully protected.