Costa Rica: A World of Nature

From thrilling water journeys to ethereal jungle expeditions, discover what pura vida means to you when you explore the essence of Costa Rica. Encounter an emerald wonderland, where trees climb high and animals roam free. Immerse yourself in nature when you spend 2 nights at a remote resort in San Carlos and 3 nights in the region of Arenal National Park. Sample fresh cacao during a visit to a local plantation. Give back to preservation efforts at a sea turtle research station in Tortuguero National Park. Embark on a crocodile safari in the jungle and a bird-watching cruise in the rainforest. Stand suspended over the rainforest floor as you journey across a network of hanging bridges. Hike the lava fields of Arenal Volcano or soar over jungle canopies on a zip line. It’s time to experience a world of nature.

Your holiday package includes:

• Return flights to San Jose, Cota Rica
• 13 day Costa Rica: A World of Nature Tour
• Includes 12 nights accommodation
• 12 breakfasts, 4 lunches and 8 dinners
• 2 nights post tour accommodation in San Jose
• Return airport transfers

***Rate based on twin share for travel 6 to 22 November 2022***

***Alternative dates available, a surcharge may apply***

Day 1: San Jose, Costa Rica
Pura vida. In English, it translates to “the simple life.” But pura vida is so much more: it’s an attitude; a celebration of life in the moment. It’s time to experience what pura vida means to you. You’re on your way to explore a place that’s unlike anywhere else in the world, where pura vida is an unofficial motto and a way of life. Welcome to the emerald of Central America: Costa Rica.
Accommodation: Doubletree Cariari Hotel

Day 2: San Jose - Tortuguero National Park
Seemingly endless mountain horizons. Complex evergreen forests. These are the wonders of Tortuguero National Park. Travel by boat* to your hotel before heading further down the rivers and canals to the world’s first sea turtle research station. Next, a local will teach you all about his village and its previous history as a coconut plantation. Watch as he demonstrates how they use coconuts before trying your hand at making a local favorite: coconut candy. Later, have time to explore Tortuguero town with your Tour Manager. Get away from it all and relax at your lodge set in the middle of the jungle, your home for the next two nights. From the morning calls of the monkeys to the gentle chatter of the birds, listen to the active sounds of the rainforest around you.
Accommodation: Evergreen Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 3: Tortuguero National Park
Begin the day on an excursion to search for the elusive green macaw and other unique winged creatures that flock to Tortuguero. Embark on a nature cruise, getting a glimpse into the life of jaguars, manatees, ocelots, and more. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy your Tortuguero resort.
Accommodation: Evergreen Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 4: Tortuguero National Park - Sarapiquí - San Carlos
Take a boat back to the mainland and make your way towards Sarapiquí and Tirimbina Rainforest Center. Spend time at a cacao plantation and see the process of converting the seed from bean to bar, tasting for yourself why cacao is called “the food of the gods.” Later, arrive at your secluded nature resort, nestled on the edge of the San Carlos River. Stroll the butterfly and botanical gardens lined with fruit trees, including lemon, soursop, guava, mango and tangerine.
Accommodation: Tilajari Hotel Resort
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 5: San Carlos
Explore the beauty of your surroundings on a Peñas Blancas River Safari. Paddle and float down the river on a peaceful adventure, taking in the sights and sounds of the rainforest as your naturalist guide describes the intricacies of the wildlife around you. Visit the finca of a local family and try specialty snacks such as banana bread, gourmet Costa Rican coffee and more. End your day with a guided walk through a private, primary forest reserve for a look at the various flora and fauna.
Accommodation: Tilajari Hotel Resort
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Day 6: San Carlos - Hanging Bridges – Arenal
Today, suspended over the rainforest floor, relish a bird's-eye view of the jungle on a guided tour of Arenal’s famous hanging bridges. High above the jungle canopies, marvel at a cloud forest taking shape around you. Settle into your resort where you’ll be surrounded by striking views of Arenal’s famous volcano for the next 3 nights.
Accommodation: Arenal Springs Resort & Spa
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Day 7: Arenal
Today, it’s your choice! Since Costa Rica is the birthplace of zip lining, glide over the canopies on a mind-blowing rip through the jungle -OR- make your way across lava fields for an up-close-and-personal look at the volcano on a moderate hike along the trails formed by lava during the 1968 eruption. The afternoon is yours. Perhaps you’ll discover the town of La Fortuna or relax in the hotel’s naturally heated pools. Also consider an optional excursion to a family-owned finca with an included farm to table lunch.
Accommodation: Arenal Springs Resort & Spa
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Day 8: Arenal
In the shadow of Arenal Volcano, the day is yours to enjoy at leisure. Perhaps you will opt to immerse yourself in wildlife as you float along a river on the Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge cruise, or, if you’re feeling adventurous, opt for an exhilarating white water rafting experience.** Or simply hang back at the resort, choose a spa service, explore the grounds, and soak in one of Arenal’s famous hot springs.
Accommodation: Arenal Springs Resort & Spa
Meals: Breakfast

Day 9: Arenal Volcano - Coffee Plantation - Playa Herradura
This morning, wake up and smell the coffee at a local farm that produces some of Costa Rica’s well-known beans. Take a tour with local plantation workers and have a chance to discuss what life is like for these coffee farmers. In the afternoon, head to Playa Herradura and settle into your resort for the next 2 nights. As the day draws to a close, watch the sun set over the Pacific alongside birds in every color of the rainbow.
Accommodation: Los Suenos Marriott Costa Rica
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Day 10: Playa Herradura
Today is yours to spend as you please. Take advantage of your resorts many amenities and enjoy a quiet day by the pool or at the spa. If you’re looking for more adventure, there are ample opportunities in the surrounding area to fish, hike and enjoy nature.
Accommodation: Los Suenos Marriott Costa Rica
Meals: Breakfast

Day 11: Playa Herradura - Manuel Antonio National Park - Playa Herradura
Welcome to Manuel Antonio National Park, home to verdant rainforests and white sand beaches. In this natural wonderland, traverse the trails where the wild things are, or go for a swim in the turquoise waters as wildlife rummages in the canopies.
Accommodation: Los Suenos Marriott Costa Rica
Meals: Breakfast

Day 12: Playa Herradura - Tárcoles - San Jose
See wild crocodiles among the mangroves of Tárcoles’ Rio Grande. On this exhilarating jungle crocodile safari, you’ll boat beneath the towering jungle, looking along the river banks for a glimpse of these incredible creatures. Then say goodbye to the coast and hello to San Jose. Toast to the pura vida of Costa Rica tonight over a farewell dinner.
Accommodation: Doubletree Cariari Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 13: San Jose
Your tour comes to an end.

Prices listed are per person in Australian/New Zealand Dollars, based on twin occupancy, including all discounts unless otherwise stated. The offer is subject to availability at time of booking. Fares are capacity controlled and are subject to change at any time without notice. Prices/Offers are correct as at 15 July 2022 and can be withdrawn without notice. Hotels may charge resort fees not included in this package, payable direct upon check in. Hotel location and inclusions may vary depending on availability and alternative dates of travel. Visas are not included. Airfares are based on economy class flights from Sydney and are subject to the carriers’ flight schedules and conditions, please call us for prices from other cities. Payments made by credit card will incur a surcharge.