Costa Rica Encompassed

Our next journey takes us through the mountains of the cloud forest using a combination of minivans and boats. The first leg to Lake Arenal takes about one hour 30 minutes and the landscape is truly spectacular. Rolling hills eventually give way to the distant views of Arenal Volcano and we can stop for photos at some of the best lookouts. Stopping by the side of the road a last time, we walk down a dirt path to our boat on the shores of Lake Arenal. The scenery is truly stunning of the lake and we travel for approximately an hour slowly approaching Arenal Volcano. Once we reach the other side, where we board another minibus and travel for thirty minutes to La Fortuna.

The main attraction in La Fortuna is the nearby Arenal Volcano, which was constantly erupting between 1968 and 2010. Although not erupting anymore, the occasional puff of steam can be seen. After settling into our hotel you'll have time for a leisurely lunch and to explore the town. You can visit the luxuriant local hot springs for a relaxing dip.

There is also plenty of free time to partake in a variety of spectacular and exhilarating optional excursions while in La Fortuna; a visit to the some local waterfalls, caving, rappelling, white water rafting, canoeing, kayaking, horse-riding, trekking, biking, and wild-life spotting.

Optional Excursions

Paddle Boarding - US$62 • Canyoneering - from US$100 • Mountain Biking - US$134 • Arenal Volcano Walk - US$56 • Hot Springs - US$76 • Horse riding - US$76 • Hanging Bridges - US$73 • Zip Lining - US$92 • Night walk tour - US$46

Accommodation

3 night(s) in hotels at Hotel Fortuna or similar

Meals

3 Breakfast(s)

We travel by bus to the port of Moin near Limón, where a boat will be waiting to take us along inland jungle canals and into Tortuguero National Park, located on the Atlantic/Caribbean coast. We spend two nights in a remote jungle lodge, surrounded by wildlife and hiding in the dense vegetation, we are sure to spot a large variety of animals, possibly including monkeys, sloths, crocodiles, turtles, numerous different bird species, and the 'Jesus Lizard' so named because it can walk on water!

While in Tortuguero, with luck we will observe the Green sea turtles which, between July and October, arrive at the beaches to lay eggs in the sand. During the period seven to ten weeks after nesting the turtles hatch which, to witness, is one of life's most inspiring events. There is an interesting visitor's centre in the tiny village where you can watch videos and learn all about the turtles. During our excursions around Tortuguero we may also have the chance to see the tiny but brightly coloured poison arrow frogs.

Included Excursions

Entry to Tortuguero National Park

Optional Excursions

Night guided beach walk to spot turtles – US$25 (March-October) • Sunset beach walk to spot baby hatchlings – US$15 (May – December)

Accommodation

2 night(s) in hotels at All Rankin Lodge or similar

Meals

2 Breakfast(s)

We continue on to the small beachside town of Cahuita close to Cahuita National Park. Arriving at lunch time, there is plenty of time to explore one of the Caribbean coasts best national parks. Aside from one of the most beautiful beaches in Costa Rica, there is also walkways and trails going out to lookout points. Watch out for monkeys, sloths, lizards, frogs and tonnes of other wildlife. Cahuita is also home to the only coral reefs in the country. The only way to snorkel on the reef is on a guided tour so you can hire a guide locally to take you out onto the reef.

From Cahuita you have the option of taking a short bus journey down the coast to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca. This laid-back Caribbean village has some of the best surf in the country and you can hire a bike and cycle to secluded beaches for a spot of sunbathing. From Puerto Viejo you can also visit the Jaguar Centre, a place of rescue and rehabilitation of animals native to Costa Rica. The animals are all nursed back to full health and released back into the wild as soon as possible and depending on what animals they have, you can see sloths, monkeys, birdlife and crocodiles.. From Cahuita we return to San José.

Optional Excursions

Cahuita National Park – US$3 entry and US$20 for a guided walk • Snorkelling tour – From US$27

Accommodation

2 night(s) in hotels at Hotel Vaz or similar

Meals

2 Breakfast(s)

We then return to San Jose for a final night.

Accommodation

1 night(s) in hotels at Rosa del Paseo Hotel or similar

Meals

1 Breakfast(s)

Your adventure of a lifetime comes to an end today. If you have a late flight or have lengthened your stay by adding post tour accommodation you will have more time to explore the sights.

Meals

1 Breakfast(s)