Costa Rica Discovery
Overview
This is a classic bucket-list trip, where you can tick off all the best parts of Costa Rica in a short space of time. After a night in the bustling capital city we get the boat to Tortuguero, a labyrinth of winding canals, dense jungle and beaches. The rest of the trip involves learning how to make chocolate in the rainforest, hiking through Arenal Volcano National Park, relaxing in hot springs, learning about traditional Costa Rican culture, walking the treetop hanging bridges at Monteverde, exploring rugged rainforest, white-sand beaches and coral reefs at Manuel Antonio, amongst many other activities.
WHY COSTA RICA?
From zip-lining over the cloud forest at Monteverde to white-water rafting with a view of Arenal Volcano and seeing sloths and monkeys in the tropical rainforest at Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica packs a lot of excitement into a tiny space. It's a real adventurer's paradise and a truly diverse green country which also boasts both a Pacific and Caribbean coastline, some of the most varied fauna on the planet, delicious cuisine and excellent hospitality. The 'ticos' are proud of their homeland, welcoming guests with a smile into their laidback lifestyle known as 'pura vida'.
The tour operator for this flight inclusive holiday is Spice UK Ltd (ATOL 9046). This holiday is protected by the Civil Aviation Authority under the ATOL scheme in the event of failure of the tour operator. Spice UK Ltd holiday terms and conditions apply, as supplied with the full holiday information pack. Your money is protected via our trust account in compliance with EC travel regulations.
Your holiday includes
Flights, transfers, 10 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 5 evening meals. Accommodation as indicated in the itinerary, Private English speaking guide throughout the trip (unless indicated differently in the day by day program), Private air conditioned coach, Tours and meals as per itinerary, Hotel taxes, Spice co-ordinatorYour holiday extras
Insurance available through Spice UK if required. Single supp. £650. Tips & Gratuities - A £40 tip kitty will be collected with the final balance. Meals and tours not specified in the day by day program and personal extras
Location & Itinerary
Day 1. Arrive San José and transfer to hotel
Upon arrival in San José, transfer to the hotel. Located in the downtown district, the hotel has excellent views of the city and is near the main attractions. It boasts a range of facilities including a swimming pool, restaurants, jacuzzi and gym.
Hotel Aurola Holiday Inn or similar
Day 2. Shared transfer to Tortuguero. Walking tour of Tortuguero village
Early pick up from your hotel. Admire the biodiversity of an astonishing protected area in Costa Rica as the bus drives through Braulio Carrillo National Park.Stop on route to have a delicious typical breakfast. Along the road, you can observe many different kinds of products grown in this area such as pineapples and bananas. Board a comfortable boat upon arrival to Caño Blanco pier and let this extraordinary exotic paradise enchant you, as you travel through the Tortuguero canals. Enjoy a refreshing cocktail and a delicious lunch as you arrive to the lodge. After lunch, enjoy a walking tour to the picturesque village. On one side is jungle bursting with wildlife and other the other is a pristine Caribbean beach. Stay in a lodge located only five minutes away from the entrance to Tortuguero National Park. It has a restaurant, bar, pool, beautiful gardens and hammocks to enjoy the river and jungle views.
Pachira Lodge or similar
Meals included: breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 3. In Tortuguero. Canal boat tour, wildlife walk and visit to National Park.
Before breakfast, enjoy a morning boat tour on the Tortuguero canals. This tour is a nice introduction to the National Park's rich rainforest and wildlife. Early morning hours are a great opportunity to witness the awakening of the forest. After breakfast, there is a guided walking tour through the trails. After lunch visit Tortuguero National Park, exploring the canals in small, open boats to spot wildlife including sloths, monkeys and caiman. - Dinner included.
Pachira Lodge or similar
Meals included: breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 4. Shared boat transfer from Tortuguero and private road transfer to Arenal area.
It is time to leave Tortuguero behind, as we make our way back to the mainland via a shared boat and ground transfer to Arenal where you will settle into your new hotel.
Magic Mountain Hotel or similar
Meals included: breakfast and lunch
Day 5. Arenal Volcano National Park
A gentle two and a half hour hike follows one of the trails along the base of the 'Mountain of Fire', taking you through the forest over recent lava flows, offering spectacular views of the volcano. In the evening there is an optional visit to Ecotermales hot springs, geared towards relaxation there are four picturesque pools varying in temperature from 32 to 40 degrees Celsius. One even has a cascading waterfall. You will enjoy a delicious meal at the restaurant here, which used to be the Hidalgo's family home.
Magic Mountain Hotel or similar
Meals included: breakfast
Day 6. Transfer from Arenal to Monteverde. Afternoon at leisure in the reserve.
Today you will be driven from Arenal to Monteverde, one of the most famous conservation areas in Central America. It is a tropical rainforest but because of its altitude (1400 metres), it's called a Cloud Forest, which is characterised by nearly 100% humidity throughout the year. Here in Monteverde, warm north-easterly trade winds, filled with moisture, blow in from the Atlantic. As the winds sweep up to the Continental Divide, they cool and condense to form clouds, bathing the forest in a constant soft mist. The cloud forest receives an incredible four metres of rain every year! It is home to rare and unusual wildlife, such as jaguars and pumas, and over 450 species of birds including the world's largest population of quetzal birds.
El Establo Hotel or similar
Meals included: breakfast and dinner
Day 7. Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve (Optional visit to Selvatura Hanging Bridges, Hummingbird Garden & Butterfly Garden)
Today you can spend the day at leisure in Monteverde or go on an optional excursion including the canopy tour or hanging bridges and gardens. Comprising over 850 acres of protected land and stunning virgin cloud forest, Selvatura Park is one of Costa Rica's main attractions. For the adventurers, the canopy tour is an eco Adventure Theme Park with one of the longest cables in the country and the only one immersed in virgin forest. The tour is made up of 15 cables and 18 viewing platforms traversing over two miles of forests and combining the thrill of the zip line with a unique perspective of the tree top canopy. There's also a Tarzan Swing which launches you right into the forest for the ultimate adrenaline buzz. After an initial introduction to the safety equipment, you'll be fitted with the highest quality harnesses by professional guides before beginning your flight through the forest.
Alternatively, the Hanging Bridges excursion involves a couple of hours visiting Selvatura's Treetop Walkways, a 1.9 mile trail that crosses through the cloud forest. Visitors can walk across eight different bridges which range in height and length. Its the longest and strongest bridge system in Costa Rica, and is suitable for everyone.
Afterwards, you'll visit the Selvatura Park Hummingbird Garden, where you can observe more than 14 different species of hummingbirds including a few that are not commonly seen in other areas of Monteverde. The relaxing waterfalls and beautiful floral arrangements provide a perfect setting for natural photography lovers, and makes for the perfect picnic location.
El Establo Hotel or similar
Meals included: breakfast and dinner
Day 8. Transfer from Monteverde to Manuel Antonio area
Today you will head south to the central Pacific coast for a change of scenery. Here where you will be perched high above the Pacific coastline on twelve acres of tropical rainforest once inhabited by the Quepoa Indians. You'll stay in a secluded luxury beach hotel just minutes from Manuel Antonio National Park as well as the neighbouring fishing village of Quepos. The hotel has two infinity swimming pools, swim up bar, tennis court, fitness centre, mini-golf and nature trails. You can spend the day relaxing on the beach and exploring the local area.
El Faro Hotel or similar
Meals included: breakfast and dinner
Day 9 Manuel Antonio National Park visit
After breakfast you'll explore Manuel Antonio National Park. The park is teaming with wildlife and you can observe an extensive variety of flora and fauna at close range, including three different species of monkey, sloths, raccoons, lizards and birds. The white sand, palm tree-lined beaches within the park are spectacular and you will have time to take a dip in the warm turquoise waters of the Pacific. Be sure to ring water, a camera, sunscreen, bug spray, and your binoculars while you hike in the park.
El Faro Hotel or similar
Meals included: breakfast
Day 10. Transfer Manuel Antonio to San Jose
After a morning relaxing we transfer back to San Jose.
Hotel Aurola Holiday Inn or similar
Meals included: breakfast
Day 11/12 Depart San Jose
Sadly it's time to say end your adventure, as you are transferred back to the airport for your flights home,
Meals included: breakfast
Travel & Stay
Accommodation will be reserved for you on a twin share basis in hotels unless you have already requested a single room at a supplementary cost. You will stay at a mixture of hotels and eco-friendly lodges, all well located and with excellent facilities including swimming pool, jacuzzi, gym, entertainment and a selection of restaurants/bars.
Provisional Flight information
Gatwick flight is direct
16/11/19 London Gatwick to San Jose Dep: 0805 Arr: 1340
26/11/19 San Jose to London Gatwick Dep: 2055 Arr: 1310(+1)
Manchester flight is indirect with one stop
16/11/19 Manchester to San Jose Dep: 0845 Arr: 1830
26/11/19 San Jose to Manchester Dep: 2205 Arr: 1635(+1)
Edinburgh flight is indirect with one stop
16/11/19 Edinburgh to San Jose Dep: 0610 Arr: 1830
26/11/19 San Jose to Edinburgh Dep: 2205 Arr: 2205(+1)
Availability & Pricing
| Flights | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Edinburgh | £2499.00 | Sold Out |
| London Gatwick | £2499.00 | Sold Out |
| Manchester | £2499.00 | Sold Out |
| Accommodation | Price | |
| Place in a twin share room | £0.00 | Sold Out |
| Place in a twin share room (male only) | £0.00 | Sold Out |
| Single occupancy room | £550.00 | Sold Out |
Not enough spaces left for you? Click here to join the waitlist
Host & Everything Else
It is of course impossible to predict exact weather conditions, and you should be prepared for inclement weather including rain and storms, due to seasonal variations and localised weather conditions. The dry season is between December and April, although it does not rain continuously during the rainy season, and can be very pleasant. There is little variation in temperature throughout the year, with any change mainly depending on altitude. In most of the country it is pleasantly warm year round, but be prepared for cooler conditions high up in the mountains. For more information we recommend visiting www.worldweather.org.
Please find below a non-exhaustive list of what to bring on your trip. Please note that the weight limit on most airlines is 20 kilos, although several long haul airlines offer up to 30kg.
- Copies of passport
- Sunscreen and insect repellent
- Shirts: cotton or light synthetic, long- and short-sleeved
- Dry fit clothing: cotton or light synthetic trousers and shorts. Bring at least 2 sets of clothes that dry quickly (jeans not recommended)
- Footwear: waterproof, light-weight hiking boots, river sandals (Teva-type sandals), tennis shoes/running shoes. If you do not bring hiking boots, make sure you bring TWO pairs of tennis shoes
- If you are going to observe the turtle nesting at any of the nesting areas in the country, bring dark trousers and shirt, and closed-toe shoes
- Socks: bring extra pairs in case feet get wet
- Rain gear: rain poncho and/or umbrella (a poncho is highly recommended by the 2018 travelers)
- Hat(s) with visor for rain and sun protection
- Flashlight with spare batteries and bulb
- Camera and extra batteries, charger and plenty of memory
- Zip-lock plastic bags for personal belongings protection in case of rain
- Re-usable bottle for water
- Extra prescription glasses and medication (if applicable)
- Small day pack for hikes
- Sweater or light jacket
- Sunglasses
- Swimwear
Health
Make sure you visit your local health centre at least 2 months before departure, to be advised on any vaccinations needed. Your doctor will also have access to the most up to date information on vaccinations and medical precautions for the country you are about to visit. Recommended vaccinations are: TB, Typhoid, Polio, Tetanus and Hepatitis A. Please consult your travel clinic for the latest advice on Malaria. We recommend bringing a personal first-aid kit containing the following: high factor sun cream, lip salve, moisturiser, plasters, antiseptic cream, insect repellent, cold/flu tablets, throat lozenges, electrolyte powder, aspirin or equivalent, muscle rub, nail scissors, 100mm elastic bandage, knee/ankle supports if needed, and wet wipes. For more information we recommend visiting fitfortravel.scot.nhs.uk
Passport and visas
Please allow plenty of time to renew your passport if it has less than 6 months validity. British nationals do not need a visa for Costa Rica, however if you are travelling via the United States, you will need to apply online for an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorisation). Travellers can read full details and apply online at https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov and should do so well in advance of travel. It is your own responsibility to obtain your own visas and check all visa requirements for the countries you are travelling to, so we strongly suggest checking the latest situation before booking as well as before travelling. Visa costs are not included in the trip price. Please ensure you allow sufficient time to apply for visas. For more information we recommend visiting https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/costarica/entry-requirements.
Money
The Costa Rican currency is the Costa Rican Colon (CRC), although US dollars are widely accepted and have come to be regarded as the country's second currency. We recommend that you change money before your departure or at the airport. Please refer to www.xe.com/ for up to date rates.
Electricity
We recommend you check if you require an adaptor for your electrical items at:
Steve Dell, Spice East & West Midlands Coordinator
This trip includes 10 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 5 dinners. Costa Rican food is wholesome and flavourful although not too spicy. The most popular dish is 'gallo pinto' which is black beans, served with just about every meal including breakfast. Main meals will generally involve meat or fish with vegetables, salad or fried plantains, and fresh tropical fruit is plentiful.
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