- See iconic Costa Rican animals in the wildlife hotspots most miss
- Search for cute sloths in their natural habitat around La Fortuna
- Go birding and enjoy a coffee masterclass in the Esquipulas Rainforest
- Stay among the animals in a rainforest lodge in the Osa Peninsula
- Immerse yourself in the remote mountain village of San Gerardo de Rivas
- Relax in Premium accommodation, often in the heart of the wilderness
Wild Costa Rica – Premium Adventure
Offer
:
USD 8700
Save 20% on all 2026 Trips. Book by October 27 and quote LEADTHEWAY26USD at time of booking online or over the phone. Learn more.
11 Days
Excluding Flights From
11 Days
from
Wildlife
Activity Level
Easy & Moderate
See our Activity Level Guidelines to check if this holiday is right for you.
Comfort Level
Premium
Wildlife watch in remote Costa Rica, where the only crowds you’ll see have feathers, fur and scales
The greatest wildlife-watching destinations in Costa Rica? They’re the ones you haven’t heard about… yet. So, journey through untouched rainforests, jungle hillsides and concealed coastlines to search for sloths, monkeys and more with the help of our expert guides. The highlights are plentiful. Go deep into the Osa Peninsula, one of the most biologically intense places on Earth, immerse yourself in a remote mountain community, and stay in handpicked Premium accommodation each night – because going remote doesn’t mean giving up the luxuries!
Highlights
Key Information
- Travel by air-conditioned bus and boat
- 10 Premium nights (hotel and lodges)
- Countries visited: Costa Rica
What's Included
- All breakfasts, four lunches, seven dinners
- All accommodation
- All transport and listed activities
- Expert tour leader, chosen for their experience and great customer feedback
- Arrival and departure transfers
- Tips for local staff and driver
What's Not Included
- Travel insurance
- Single accommodation (available on request)
- Visas or vaccinations
- Tip for the tour leader
Start
Finish
Availability
Land Only Trip Price
Optional Single Supplement
Saturday Saturday
10 Jan 2026 10 Jan 2026
Tuesday Wednesday
20 Jan 2026 21 Jan 2026
Availability Guaranteed (Limited) Only 2 spaces left!
Land Only Trip Price USD 9000
Optional Single Supplement +USD 5348
Availability
This departure is guaranteed to go ahead but there are only 2 spaces left. Do not delay your booking!
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
21 Feb 2026 21 Feb 2026
Tuesday Wednesday
03 Mar 2026 04 Mar 2026
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price USD 9000 Book with USD 2250 deposit Book with USD 500 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +USD 5348
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
21 Mar 2026 21 Mar 2026
Tuesday Wednesday
31 Mar 2026 01 Apr 2026
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price USD 9000 Book with USD 2250 deposit Book with USD 500 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +USD 5348
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
18 Apr 2026 18 Apr 2026
Tuesday Wednesday
28 Apr 2026 29 Apr 2026
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price USD 9000 Book with USD 2250 deposit Book with USD 500 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +USD 5348
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
09 May 2026 09 May 2026
Tuesday Wednesday
19 May 2026 20 May 2026
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price USD 8850 Book with USD 2212 deposit Book with USD 500 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +USD 4853
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
06 Jun 2026 06 Jun 2026
Tuesday Wednesday
16 Jun 2026 17 Jun 2026
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price USD 8850 Book with USD 2212 deposit Book with USD 500 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +USD 4853
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
20 Jun 2026 20 Jun 2026
Tuesday Wednesday
30 Jun 2026 01 Jul 2026
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price USD 8850 Book with USD 2212 deposit Book with USD 500 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +USD 4853
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
04 Jul 2026 04 Jul 2026
Tuesday Wednesday
14 Jul 2026 15 Jul 2026
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price USD 8700 Book with USD 2175 deposit Book with USD 500 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +USD 4920
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
07 Nov 2026 07 Nov 2026
Tuesday Wednesday
17 Nov 2026 18 Nov 2026
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price USD 8850 Book with USD 2212 deposit Book with USD 500 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +USD 4965
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
21 Nov 2026 21 Nov 2026
Tuesday Wednesday
01 Dec 2026 02 Dec 2026
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price USD 8850 Book with USD 2212 deposit Book with USD 500 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +USD 4965
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
05 Dec 2026 05 Dec 2026
Tuesday Wednesday
15 Dec 2026 16 Dec 2026
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price USD 9000 Book with USD 2250 deposit Book with USD 500 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +USD 5348
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
09 Jan 2027 09 Jan 2027
Tuesday Wednesday
19 Jan 2027 20 Jan 2027
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price USD 9750 Book with USD 2437 deposit Book with USD 500 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +USD 5618
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
23 Jan 2027 23 Jan 2027
Tuesday Wednesday
02 Feb 2027 03 Feb 2027
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price USD 9750 Book with USD 2437 deposit Book with USD 500 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +USD 5618
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
06 Feb 2027 06 Feb 2027
Tuesday Wednesday
16 Feb 2027 17 Feb 2027
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price USD 9750 Book with USD 2437 deposit Book with USD 500 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +USD 5618
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
20 Feb 2027 20 Feb 2027
Tuesday Wednesday
02 Mar 2027 03 Mar 2027
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price USD 9750 Book with USD 2437 deposit Book with USD 500 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +USD 5618
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
06 Mar 2027 06 Mar 2027
Tuesday Wednesday
16 Mar 2027 17 Mar 2027
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price USD 9750 Book with USD 2437 deposit Book with USD 500 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +USD 5618
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
20 Mar 2027 20 Mar 2027
Tuesday Wednesday
30 Mar 2027 31 Mar 2027
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price USD 9750 Book with USD 2437 deposit Book with USD 500 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +USD 5618
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
17 Apr 2027 17 Apr 2027
Tuesday Wednesday
27 Apr 2027 28 Apr 2027
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price USD 9750 Book with USD 2437 deposit Book with USD 500 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +USD 5618
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
08 May 2027 08 May 2027
Tuesday Wednesday
18 May 2027 19 May 2027
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price USD 9150 Book with USD 2287 deposit Book with USD 500 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +USD 5093
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
05 Jun 2027 05 Jun 2027
Tuesday Wednesday
15 Jun 2027 16 Jun 2027
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price USD 9150 Book with USD 2287 deposit Book with USD 500 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +USD 5093
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
19 Jun 2027 19 Jun 2027
Tuesday Wednesday
29 Jun 2027 30 Jun 2027
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price USD 9150 Book with USD 2287 deposit Book with USD 500 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +USD 5093
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
03 Jul 2027 03 Jul 2027
Tuesday Wednesday
13 Jul 2027 14 Jul 2027
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price USD 9300 Book with USD 2325 deposit Book with USD 500 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +USD 5168
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
23 Oct 2027 23 Oct 2027
Tuesday Wednesday
02 Nov 2027 03 Nov 2027
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price USD 9150 Book with USD 2287 deposit Book with USD 500 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +USD 5093
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
06 Nov 2027 06 Nov 2027
Tuesday Wednesday
16 Nov 2027 17 Nov 2027
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price USD 9300 Book with USD 2325 deposit Book with USD 500 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +USD 5213
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
20 Nov 2027 20 Nov 2027
Tuesday Wednesday
30 Nov 2027 01 Dec 2027
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price USD 9300 Book with USD 2325 deposit Book with USD 500 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +USD 5213
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
04 Dec 2027 04 Dec 2027
Tuesday Wednesday
14 Dec 2027 15 Dec 2027
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price USD 9750 Book with USD 2437 deposit Book with USD 500 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +USD 5618
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip Notes
Itinerary
San José San José province
Adventure begins in historic San José
Begin in San José, the mountain-wrapped capital of Costa Rica, meeting our representative at the airport for a transfer (45 minutes) to the hotel.
Around 7.30pm, say hola to your tour leader and fellow travellers during a short briefing. Your tour leader then ensures a big welcome with a group dinner at the hotel’s award-winning restaurant. Our main briefing takes place tomorrow morning due to the late arrival of some flights today.
Want to explore San José further? Secure pre-tour hotel nights through your sales representative.
Accommodation: Hotel Grano de Oro (or similar)
Tree planting at La Tigra Rainforest Reserve • Arrive in La Fortuna
This morning 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.
Today we transfer (four hours’ drive) to La Fortuna de San Carlos, a popular town watched over by the imposing giant cone of Arenal volcano.
En route, we stop at La Tigra Rainforest Reserve to get in touch (and give back!) to nature on a special tree-planting experience. Exploring the rainforest, we learn about its vital contribution to the local communities, while also digging into the earth and planting our own native trees as part of the reserve’s restoration project. We also tour the lodge garden, where the team grow vegetables and greens, before tucking into a delicious lunch made with the produce from that very same garden.
Arriving in La Fortuna, we have the rest of the day to relax and enjoy the hotel facilities. Perhaps a dip in the hot spring pools?
Accommodation: Arenal Kioro Hotel (or similar)
Search for wild sloths • Enjoy an immersive Costa Rican cooking experience
The La Fortuna area is a natural haven for sloths, with plenty of wilderness, an absence of predators, and sustenance-providing guarumo trees. Join the tour leader for a guided exploration around a section of that local wilderness, in which we admire the flora and watch wild sloths in their natural habitat. Returning to the hotel, we have the rest of the afternoon to enjoy the hot springs more.
When the sun goes down, we head to a local family project for an immersive cookery experience. Start with an exploration of their garden, where we collect vegetables and aromatic spices for the kitchen. Then, under the expert guidance of a chef, we learn the art and techniques behind Costa Rican cuisine, learning how to cook a traditional dish and tortillas over a wood fire. Dinner will be delicious.
Accommodation: Arenal Kioro Hotel (or similar)
To coastal Quepos
We’re off to Quepos on the Central Pacific coast after breakfast. Popular with sun-seekers, it’s the perfect place to unwind following a busy couple of days.
After the 4hr 45min journey, take the opportunity to relax. There’s plenty of facilities at the hotel to enjoy, including an adults-only pool and sunset terraces.
Accommodation: Si Como No (or similar)
Birding in Esquipulas Rainforest • Coffee-tasting masterclass
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the lush landscapes of Esquipulas Rainforest Private Reserve today, a birder’s paradise with more than 200 bird species, including king vultures and hummingbirds. Accompanied by an expert guide, explore winding trails where every step reveals the beauty of Costa Rica’s rich biodiversity.
After our hike (2hr to 2hr 30min), indulge in a coffee-tasting masterclass. We sip exceptional organic coffee, learning how to identify key qualities such as acidity, aroma and subtle tastes. More than just a tasting, this experience digs into how growers are looking to produce coffee in a sustainable way that’s better for nature.
Accommodation: Si Como No (or similar)
To our remote lodge in the wildlife-rich Osa Peninsula
Bid farewell to Quepos, as we set off for the Osa Peninsula, one of the greatest wildlife-watching destinations in the Americas − National Geographic even called it ‘one of the most biologically intense places on Earth’.
Our journey includes a two-hour transfer to Sierpe Dock, where we catch a boat for a one-hour cruise to Drake Bay, on the north side of the peninsula. We then head into the jungle-covered hills overlooking the bay, where we spend the next two nights experiencing a truly wild landscape, still largely untouched by development.
Accommodation: Aguila de Osa Rainforest Lodge (or similar)
Explore the ‘Amazon of Costa Rica’ • Swim at San Pedrillo waterfall
Journey deep into Corcovado National Park today, starting with a 30-minute boat ride along the west coast of the Osa. After a wet landing at the ranger station, enjoy a brief talk from one of the resident rangers about Corcovado and the vital conservation work taking place here.
Then, set off on a hike, while our local guide points out many of the diverse species along the trail. You may see white-faced, spider and howler monkeys, white-lipped peccaries (wild pigs), scarlet macaws, coati, and countless species of birds and insects. The trails are clearly marked and easy to navigate, ascending and descending through the primary and secondary rainforest.
Late morning, we hike to the beautiful San Pedrillo waterfall, spotting more flora and fauna en route. Upon arrival, relax or take a refreshing swim in the natural pool. After, we return to the ranger station to catch the boat back to the hotel; on the way, if we’re lucky, we may spot humpback whales or dolphins breaching and spinning.
Accommodation: Aguila de Osa Rainforest Lodge (or similar)
To the remote mountain village of San Gerardo de Rivas
We leave our lodge after breakfast and return to Sierpe Dock by boat (one hour), before transferring (2hr 30min) to San Gerardo de Rivas, a small village in the untouched Chirripó Pacífico valley.
Here, we can enjoy the peace and quiet of a traditional Costa Rican community in the scenic mountains.
Accommodation: Hotel Rio Chirripó (or similar)
Hike the wild Finca Talari estate • Enjoy dinner at the beautiful home of Doña Leila
Go deep into the wilderness today, exploring the natural private reserve, Finca Talari. Hiking 3mi (5km) along the trails, we look for monkeys, agoutis, the resplendent quetzal and, the most famous bird in the area, the motmot, with the help of our expert guide, while also visiting the Talari River. Those brave enough can take a dip in the frigid river waters!
Later, we visit the beautiful wooden home of Doña Leila, which was built in 1950 and has a lovely garden. Here, Doña Leila tells her story about how she inherited the property, before enjoying a homecooked dinner prepared by our welcoming host.
Accommodation: Hotel Rio Chirripó (or similar)
To a boutique hotel outside San José city
Depart San Gerardo de Rivas after breakfast and drive (3hr 45min) to Escazú, in the San José Province, where we stay in a boutique hotel on a lush hilltop overlooking the Sun Valley of Santa Ana.
This evening, we enjoy a memorable farewell dinner at the hotel restaurant, tucking into farm-to-table Costa Rican cuisine.
Accommodation: Hotel Alta las Palomas (or similar)
Finish the adventure
The trip ends today after breakfast and there’s a free 45-minute transfer for you to the airport. If you’d like to extend your adventure, speak to your sales representative about booking additional hotel nights.
Premium hotels and lodge
For this Premium adventure in Costa Rica, we mostly picked accommodation that highlights the natural beauty of the wilderness, while also offering plenty of comfort and luxuries.
San José: Hotel Grano de Oro (night 1)
Named one of the top hotels in Central America by Condé Nast Traveler, the Grano de Oro is an excellent place to begin our adventure. Taking over a tropical Victorian residence, it’s home to an haute cuisine restaurant serving French Mediterranean dishes, which we enjoy on our first night.
La Fortuna: Arenal Kioro Hotel (nights 2-3)
Nestled in Arenal Volcano National Park, this all-suite resort captures the full natural beauty of La Fortuna. Within the extensive grounds are two streams and flourishing gardens, plus seven thermal spring pools, a gym and game room, and a spa.
Quepos: Si Como No (nights 4-5)
Enjoy the serene beauty of the tropical jungle at Si Como No, a resort and wildlife refuge in Quepos on the Central Pacific coast. The 54 rooms sit amid lush vegetation, with views over the Pacific Ocean. During downtime, head to the adults-only pool and pick up a cocktail at the poolside bar.
Corcovado: Aguila de Osa Rainforest Lodge (nights 6-7)
Overlooking the serene Drake Bay, Aguila de Osa provides comfort and beauty in one of the most remote regions of Costa Rica. When it’s time to relax, head to the Great Room bar, where you can enjoy local cocktails while gazing over the jungle and sea.
San Gerardo de Rivas: Hotel Rio Chirripó (nights 8-9)
Well off the tourist track, Rio Chirripó has just 11 rooms in a small mountain village. Enjoy views of the Chirripó Valley and primary forest from your room, while the restaurant serves traditional dishes made from fresh produce.
Escazú: Hotel Alta las Palomas (night 10)
End the adventure at the Alta, part of the exclusive Small Luxury Hotels of the World collection. This luxury boutique sits in the lush hillsides near San José with views over the Sun Valley of Santa Ana. Enjoy the landscaped gardens and peaceful pool area, before dining at La Luz, a farm-to-table restaurant that combines Costa Rican flavours with a Mediterranean influence.
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Wild Costa Rica – Premium Adventure
11 Days
Excluding Flights From
11 Days
from