we know...

Costa Rica covers for only 0.01% of the world’s landmass but the saying ‘good things come in small packages’ was practically invented for this wonderful country. This small country has a range of micro climates ranging from its 762 miles of pristine coast line to rain forest, cloud forest, dry forest, mountain ranges, wetlands and other aquatic habitats. We have designed this itinerary to include as many of this countries wonderful natural landscapes as possible. Another huge attraction to Costa Rica is the incredible variety of wildlife and over 13,000 plant species can be found here.

A recent study by the New Economics Foundation announced Costa Rica as the happiest country in the world. From our experience with this fascinating country it is completely accurate, the study determined the locals have the highest level of life satisfaction in the world and when we asked our friends in Costa Rica if they agreed they simply replied “Look around you, who wouldn’t be happy here!”... Very wise indeed!

day 1 - arrival and transfer

You will be met at San Jose Airport to complete the short transfer to your hotel. En route you will be briefed about the following day’s activities and in the evening you are free to relax.

day 2 - welcome to san josé and coffee tour

This morning you will be picked up from the hotel for a sightseeing tour of San José before a visit to a coffee estate to learn more about this fascinating industry. Costa Rica produces 2.8 million bags of coffee annually and you will be able to witness the process from bean to cup. This evening a welcome meal will be served in a famous local restaurant serving traditional Costa Rican cuisine. The view point from the restaurant over the city is unbeatable.

day 3 - rainforest boat trip and tortuguero – ‘where the jungle meets the sea’

It is an early start this morning for a 3 hour boat journey to the Tortuguero National Park. Along the route you will be able to see a range of different flora and fauna. This afternoon there will be a visit to a local conservation centre to learn about this wonderful environment and the local traditions and culture before some free time to explore or relax around the swimming pool.
This area is an extremely important location for green turtle nesting and during the nesting season (July to September) it is possible to book a night tour directly with the lodge (payable locally) to observe this fascinating natural occurrence.

day 4 - rainforest exploration day

This morning your adventure starts with a kayak tour through the Tortuguero Canals. Your guide will then lead you on a rainforest hike and then a boat trip at twilight. Using these three different methods of travel allows you to experience the rainforest from different perspectives and you will encounter different species of wildlife and plants in their natural environment. Many of the animals in the forest become much more active at twilight so the boat trip is planned for this time to maximise your chances of seeing as many animals as possible.

day 5 - tortuguero to sarapiquí

This morning you will leave your lodge and travel inland to Sarapiquí. You will stop for lunch en route at a local restaurant and will arrive at the lodge at around 3pm. The afternoon will be free to relax before dinner is served this evening.

day 6 - adrenaline day!

Today includes some really exciting activities in some truly beautiful surroundings. The activities which can be included are white water rafting, horse riding and mountain biking and we cannot recommend the treetop canopy tour highly enough! This is a fantastic activity and provides a whole new perspective on the forest below. The ride ends with a spectacular 900ft zip wire line across the Sarapiqui River. Today is always a highlight of the trip for our families and is topped off by spending the night in the unique tented accommodation.

day 7 - volcano walk

Today you will transfer to the impressive Arenal Volcano for a guided hike. You will be able to check into your luxury hotel and relax for a few hours before meeting your guide to set out on this fascinating walk. The degree of activity from the volcano varies but at its most active there can be magnificent displays of flowing red hot lava and incandescent rocks flying through the air. The land around the volcano has lush, tropical vegetation which you will explore during the walk.

day 8 - rainforest canyoning

After a morning free to relax, your guide will meet you at the hotel for a 30 minute drive into the rugged mountainous terrain near the volcano. Then you will take 4x4 vehicles across some bumpy back roads to get to the start point for the canyoning adventure. This location allows for some of the most exciting canyoning we have encountered anywhere. After full tuition you will complete a series of six waterfalls ranging in size from 150 - 200 foot descent.

day 9 - volunteering and cultural day

This morning you will visit Eco Centre Danaus which is a biological reserve specialising in educating the local community and visitors about conservation. After a short presentation the group will choose a tree sapling to take with you for later.
Your next visit is to a traditional country estate in the rural surroundings of the Arenal Volcano. Here you will learn to cook a traditional Costa Rican dish. From here you will travel to a local school to meet some of the native children and join their replanting project with the tree you chose earlier in the day.

day 10 - arenal to guanacaste and laspumas rescue centre

From central Costa Rica you will travel back to the Pacific Coast for a few more days relaxing on the pristine beaches.

En route you will visit Las Pumas Rescue Centre which is a fantastic centre focused on protecting animals whose habitats have been destroyed by deforestation. This is a great way to learn more about some of the native wildlife in this area and the positive steps being taken to protect it. The animals here are in wonderful condition and it is an incredible experience to get so close to these majestic creatures. The drive will last approximately four hours and you will arrive in the late afternoon with free time to relax on the beach.

day 11 and 12 - lie back, relax & enjoy

We have left these last two days free to relax and enjoy this beautiful area. If you want to arrange additional activities (bookable and payable locally) please ask your local guide. Alternatively, simply enjoy the hotel swimming pool and the post-card perfect beaches in this area. This area is also popular for scuba diving and it is possible to arrange this at the hotel (payable locally).

day 13 - adios costa rica!

This morning you will be transferred back to Liberia Airport to meet your flight home. Alternatively we can arrange an extension in Costa Rica if you wish. Please contact us for more information.

Would you like this holiday tailor made especially for your friends and family?

If you have a group of at least 4 people then please contact one of our travel experts to discuss the options of a private or tailor made programme.

This activity holiday is designed to showcase the best of Costa Rica's activities and landscapes whilst positively benefiting the local communities which we visit.

Our Costa Rican partner was the first tour operator in Costa Rica to win the Certificate of Sustainable Tourism. They put a great deal of emphasis on using hotels and suppliers with well implemented policies regarding sustainability and the environment.

Throughout this holiday we use smaller, family run accommodation and local activity providers. These establishments provide vital employment in rural areas of Costa Rica where young people may otherwise be forced into urban areas to find work.

Throughout the trip we encourage our clients to eat in local restaurants and purchase goods from local suppliers thus stimulating the economy of the areas we visit. We also encourage the learning of some basic Spanish to allow for a better cultural exchange.

This holiday also incorporates a visit to the Caribbean Conservation Corporation where clients will learn about the plight of the endangered Sea Turtles that nest along the Caribbean coast.

We also include a day of volunteering at an Eco Centre in Arenal where guests will aid with the reforestation projects and interact with the local community. We hope that you will return from this thrilling holiday with a true sense of having experienced the real Costa Rica.

We always ensure that all litter is removed from any of our activity sites, we strongly encourage group transfers to reduce traffic volumes and we make our clients aware of their obligation to the environment.

We always offset our air travel emissions and would encourage you to do the same.