Classic Costa Rica

Fly from the UK to San José, Costa Rica

Welcome to the buzzing heart of Costa Rica – San José! This lively capital, home to over a third of the country’s population, is a perfect blend of people, culture, and charm. You'll meet your guide and fellow adventurers at a welcome meeting tonight. Arrive early? Dive into history at the National Museum, housed in a canary-yellow fortress, or marvel at shimmering artefacts in the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum. Prefer something unique? The Jade Museum's treasures are equally dazzling. Either way, it’s a vibrant introduction to Costa Rica’s past and present.

Today’s journey takes you from city streets to untamed rainforest. Travel to the Caribbean lowlands before boarding a boat bound for Tortuguero – a labyrinth of canals, lagoons, and dense jungle. As you glide deeper into this remote wilderness, keep an eye out for monkeys swinging in the trees and turtles basking by the water. By evening, settle into your lodge surrounded by the sounds of nature – think lullabies courtesy of frogs, birds, and perhaps a distant jaguar purr.

Wake up to the chirping chatter of the rainforest. Today is yours to explore at leisure. Fancy an early start? Join a sunrise canoe trip through Tortuguero’s dreamy canals, keeping your eyes peeled for otters, manatees, and colourful birds. This park is a sanctuary for 13 endangered mammals and countless bird species. Visit during nesting season and you might even spot sea turtles laying their eggs. Or, wander the walking trails, relax at the lodge, and later join an optional night-time turtle patrol supporting local conservation efforts.

Say goodbye to the rainforest and head to the welcoming community of Santa Rosa de Pocosol. Brush up on your Spanish en route with a fun, informal lesson from your leader – perfect prep for your homestay experience! This afternoon, choose between a soap-making workshop or a hike to a hidden waterfall. Later, join your host family in their kitchen for a hands-on cooking lesson. Expect hearty local dishes, new culinary skills, and plenty of laughter shared over tonight’s homemade dinner.

Your day is as clear as the Rio Celeste itself. For thrill-seekers, tubing down the vibrant blue waters is a rare treat – the river is usually off-limits, but today, it’s all yours. Prefer to keep your feet dry? Opt for a leisurely safari float along the Tenorio River instead, where your guide will help spot crocodiles, howler monkeys and a rainbow of tropical birds. Whichever you choose, the surrounding jungle is sure to leave you wide-eyed.

Travel beneath the looming Arenal Volcano to La Fortuna – a picturesque town where relaxation meets adventure. Spend your afternoon as you like: perhaps hike to the cascading La Fortuna Waterfall for a refreshing dip, or wander the local markets for fresh fruit and souvenirs. As evening falls, gather with your travel companions to sample a local favourite – chifrijo, a hearty mix of pork, beans, salsa and crunchy tortilla chips.

La Fortuna offers a buffet of natural wonders. Take your pick from guided jungle walks, wildlife spotting tours or, for something a little different, stand-up paddle boarding across Lake Arenal with the volcano as your backdrop. For a slower pace, soak in one of the area’s many geothermal hot springs, surrounded by lush greenery. You might also fancy a boat tour through Cano Negro Reserve – perfect for animal lovers eager to glimpse monkeys, sloths and tropical birds in their natural habitat.

Hop aboard a boat across Lake Arenal, followed by a scenic drive into the misty highlands of Monteverde. Founded by Quakers in the 1950s, Monteverde is now an ecological haven, cloaked in cloud forest. Spend the afternoon wandering its enchanting trails with your leader, keeping your eyes peeled for elusive sloths, hummingbirds and – if you're lucky – the resplendent quetzal. For the adventurous, there’s the option to return after dark when the forest’s nocturnal creatures come to life.

This morning, journey to the laidback coastal town of Manuel Antonio, stopping in vibrant Quepos en route. Here, you’re in for a treat – join a local family for a traditional cooking class in their home. Once running one of Quepos' most popular restaurants, they’ll now share their cherished recipes and stories with you over lunch. Afterward, check into your accommodation and perhaps unwind at Espadilla Beach, where the sun dips spectacularly into the Pacific.

Get ready to lace up your hiking shoes for a leader-led nature walk through Manuel Antonio National Park. With sloths, armadillos, monkeys and a dazzling array of birds, there’s plenty to spot along the jungle trails. Later, relax on one of the pristine beaches or channel your inner explorer with a kayak tour through the mangroves – where monkeys, snakes, and crocs are known to drop by unannounced. Fancy something special? End your day with a sunset sail across the shimmering coast.

Your final full day in paradise is completely yours. Why not revisit the national park and continue your search for capuchin monkeys, or simply unwind on Manuel Antonio’s golden sands? The lush greenery offers shade, making it an ideal spot to kick back with a good book and a refreshing guaro sour in hand. However you spend it, this coastline has a way of making time stand still.

This morning, it’s time to swap the beach for the bustle of San José as you return via public bus. Once back in the capital, the afternoon is yours to explore at leisure – perhaps hunt down some last-minute souvenirs or revisit a favourite museum. Later, gather with your group for one final meal to toast the memories (and maybe plan your next Costa Rican adventure).

Your Costa Rican journey ends today, but the memories – and wildlife encounters – will stay with you. Feel free to depart anytime after check-out, or linger a little longer to soak up San José’s charm before heading home.

Fly from San José to the UK.