THE COSTA RICAN EXPERIENCE
SUGGESTED 18 DAY ROUTE
from £3,779pp
10.3157° N, 123.8854° E
Itinerary Highlights
Explore the vibrant streets of San José, visiting key sites like the National Theatre and the Gold Museum
Discover the unique biodiversity of Tortuguero National Park, famous for its turtle nesting beaches and jungle canals
Experience the thrill of Arenal with activities like hot springs, hiking, and zip-lining through the rainforest
Wander through the mystical Monteverde Cloud Forest, enjoying the rich flora and fauna, including bird watching
PRICE INCLUDES
SCHEDULED INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS
ALL ACCOMMODATION
SELECT ACTIVITIES INCLUDED
24-HOUR SUPPORT WHILE YOU TRAVEL
WHAT WILL YOU DO?
Day 1: Departure
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Today marks the beginning of your extraordinary adventure as you board your international outbound flight bound for Costa Rica. Get ready to embark on a captivating journey filled with natral wonders and unforgettable experiences. As you settle into your flight, anticipate the mesmerizing beaches, spectacular wildlife, and magical landscapes that await you in Costa Rica…
Day 2: Arrival in San José
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Upon arriving in San José, the capital of Costa Rica, check into your hotel and start acclimatizing to the vibrant energy of the city. Depending on time of arrival, spend the afternoon exploring the local neighborhood, perhaps enjoying a traditional Costa Rican dinner at a renowned restaurant like La Esquina de Buenos Aires, known for its lively atmosphere and delicious cuisine.
Day 3: San José
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Dedicate your second day to exploring San José’s cultural heart. Visit the National Theater for a glimpse of the city’s artistic soul, and the Gold Museum to discover pre-Columbian artifacts. Stroll through the Central Market for authentic local flavors and crafts. In the afternoon, a trip to a nearby coffee plantation, like Doka Estate, offers insights into Costa Rica’s famed coffee production.
Day 4: Tortuguero National Park
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Embark on a journey to Tortuguero National Park, a remote area known for its rich biodiversity. The trip involves a scenic drive followed by a boat ride through jungle canals. After settling into your lodge, take an evening walk along the beach or join a guided tour to learn about the local ecosystem.
Day 5: Tortuguero National Park
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Spend a full day in Tortuguero, exploring the park’s waterways with a local guide. Look for monkeys, tropical birds, and sloths. If it’s the turtle nesting season (July to October), a nighttime turtle-watching tour is a must.
Day 6: Arenal Volcano
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Travel to La Fortuna, home to the Arenal Volcano. After checking into your hotel, relax in the naturally heated waters of a hot spring resort like Baldi Hot Springs or Tabacon Thermal Resort, with views of the volcano.
Day 7: Arenal Volcano
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Adventure Explore Arenal Volcano National Park with a guided hike that offers stunning views of the volcano and surrounding nature. In the afternoon, consider a visit to the La Fortuna Waterfall or a zip-lining adventure through the rainforest canopy.
Day 8: Arenal Volcano
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Use this day for additional exploration or relaxation in the Arenal area. Options include a kayak trip on Lake Arenal, a visit to the Arenal Hanging Bridges, or a chocolate tour to learn about Costa Rican cacao production.
Day 9: Monteverde Cloud Forest
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Transfer Make your way to Monteverde, a haven for eco-tourists. The journey includes a picturesque drive and a short boat trip across Lake Arenal. Spend the evening at the Monteverde Butterfly Garden or the Hummingbird Gallery, experiencing the local wildlife.
Day 10: Monteverde Cloud Forest
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Spend a day in the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, known for its biodiversity. Walk through the forest on the hanging bridges, and if you’re feeling adventurous, try the zip-lining tours. The evening can be spent exploring the quaint town of Santa Elena.
Day 11: Manuel Antonio National Park
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Travel to the Pacific coast and Manuel Antonio National Park. Upon arrival, relax on one of the park’s beautiful beaches, such as Playa Espadilla, or take a leisurely stroll through the town, enjoying the laid-back atmosphere.
Day 12: Manuel Antonio National Park
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Dedicate this day to exploring Manuel Antonio National Park. Hike through the rainforest trails, spotting capuchin monkeys, sloths, and a variety of birds. Spend the afternoon snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters or relaxing on the beach.
Day 13: Manuel Antonio National Park
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Enjoy another day in the beauty of Manuel Antonio. You might take a guided mangrove kayak tour, explore nearby hidden beaches, or enjoy a catamaran cruise along the coastline.
Day 14: Guanacaste
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Head to the Guanacaste region, known for its stunning beaches. Check into your beachfront hotel and spend the rest of the day soaking up the sun, swimming, or exploring the local area.
Day 15: Guanacaste
Begin your full first day in Guanacaste by immersing yourself in the region’s renowned beach life. Spend the morning taking a surfing lesson at one of the famous surf spots, like Tamarindo Beach, where the waves cater to both beginners and advanced surfers. In the afternoon, relax on the sun-kissed sands or engage in a stand-up paddleboarding session.
Day 16: Guanacaste
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On your second day, venture out to explore Guanacaste’s natural landscapes. Consider a day trip to Rincon de la Vieja Volcano, where you can hike through unique volcanic terrain and unwind in soothing natural hot springs.
Day 17: San José
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Travel back to San José. This is your opportunity to catch any sights you might have missed initially, indulge in some last-minute shopping, or simply relax in your hotel and reflect on your journey.
Day 18: Departure from El Nido
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As your Costa Rican adventure concludes, your final day in San José offers a moment for reflection and last-minute exploration. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast, perhaps indulging in the local favorite, gallo pinto. If time allows, take a final stroll through the city, absorbing the lively atmosphere and gathering any last souvenirs. As you head to the airport, reminisce about the lush rainforests, diverse wildlife, and beautiful beaches that have made your trip unforgettable.
Create a bespoke travel experience – your itinerary can be uniquely tailored, fully customizable, and designed to reflect your preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it’s not necessary to choose an existing itinerary. With Travel Platino, you have the option to create a completely customised journey tailored to your specific interests and preferences, assisted by our experienced consultants. Alternatively, you can take one of our pre-designed itineraries and modify it to better suit your needs. This could mean adjusting the pace of your trip or focusing on particular themes like gastronomy or adventure activities. Our aim is to provide a personalised travel experience that perfectly matches your individual desires, offering you the freedom and flexibility to design your ideal trip.
Once we receive the specifics of the tailor-made experience you’re interested in, our specialist will work swiftly to provide you with an estimated pricing proposal. Typically, we aim to deliver this information within 24 hours. Our team prioritises efficiency and accuracy to ensure you get a timely response, allowing you to proceed with planning your personalised journey as soon as possible.
Your pricing proposal from Travel Platino will comprehensively cover the key components of your trip. This includes all flights, tours, activities, and accommodations. Depending on the specifics of your itinerary, the proposal may also include additional elements such as park entrance fees and some meals. It’s important to note that each itinerary is unique, so the inclusion of these extra items can vary. We tailor every proposal to match the specific details and preferences of your personalised travel plan, ensuring that you have a clear and detailed understanding of what your journey entails.
The minimum number of people required for a tailor-made trip with Travel Platino is just one. You can certainly embark on a personalised journey as an individual. However, it’s important to note that the itineraries listed on our website are typically priced based on two people sharing a room. If you’re traveling alone, we can adjust the itinerary and pricing to suit your individual needs, ensuring you enjoy a customised and fulfilling travel experience tailored specifically to you.
At Travel Platino, your safety is our top priority, especially on tailor-made trips. We ensure your well-being by partnering exclusively with reputable guides and tour operators who meet our stringent standards for safety and reliability. Our team members are experienced professionals who deeply understand the destinations and activities included in your journey.
Furthermore, our travel specialists dedicated to your destination are available 24/7 to assist with any concerns or emergencies that may arise during your trip. They are equipped to provide immediate support and guidance, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience. With these measures in place, you can travel with the confidence that you are in capable and caring hands throughout your journey.
We provide 24/7 support to ensure that you have a seamless and enjoyable travel experience. This means that no matter where you are or what time it is, our team is always available to assist you with any queries, concerns, or unexpected situations that may arise during your journey.
The process of creating your tailor-made trip with Travel Platino is both thorough and flexible. Here’s how it works:
Initial Contact: When you reach out to us, we’ll start by getting a clear understanding of your travel aspirations, preferences, and specific needs for the itinerary.
1. Proposal Within 24 Hours: Within 24 hours of our initial discussion, our team will craft and present you with a selection of itinerary options. These suggestions are based on the information you’ve provided and are designed to align closely with your travel goals.
2. Tweaking: After you receive our proposed itineraries, the door is open for further customisation. We understand that crafting the perfect trip is a process, and we’re committed to making any necessary adjustments to ensure your itinerary is exactly what you’re looking for.
3. Local Insights and Flexibility: Throughout this process, we offer you the opportunity to speak with our local ambassadors in the destinations you’re planning to visit. They provide valuable insights and on-the-ground knowledge, ensuring your trip is not only enjoyable but also deeply connected to the local culture and environment.
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