Essential Costa Rica

A free transfer takes you to our hotel in San José, the busy capital of Costa Rica. Check in and take it easy, there is plenty of excitement on this trip, so today is all about easing into the adventure. To help, there is a welcome briefing at the hotel in the evening (aim to arrive at the hotel by 5pm), in which we gather as a group for the first time and meet our guide. If you miss today’s welcome briefing, the tour leader will give you all relevant information on the morning of Day 2.

Accommodation: Auténtico Hotel or Rincon del Valle (or similar)

We drive towards Arenal, which was the most active volcano in Costa Rica until it entered a resting phase in 2010. There is still lots of geothermal activity in the region, plus natural hot springs, waterfalls and the largest lake in the country, Lake Arenal.

Today, we visit La Fortuna Waterfall, a 215ft (65m) jungle cascade plunging into an emerald pool. A short rainforest trail brings us to steep steps that we must descend to reach the waterfall and then ascend to the exit; this takes around 20 to 30 minutes and will be rewarded with a swim in the pool. You can visit the lookout point to wait for the group if you prefer. There will also be plenty of time to spot forest-dwelling animals along the way too; keep an eye out for colourful toucans in the trees.

Accommodation: Eco Arenal (or similar)

We have free time today to explore the wonders around Arenal, one of the top adventure and nature destinations in the world. Options include hiking the base and flanks of the volcano, crashing down the Balsa River on a white-water rafting adventure, and relaxing in the Ecotermales hot springs. Your leader can provide suggestions on what to do and help you book.

Accommodation: Eco Arenal (or similar)

We travel to Monteverde, a forest-cloaked region in the Tilaran Mountains. To get there, we take a 30-minute fast-boat ride across Lake Arenal, where we can admire the volcano from a different perspective. Our journey continues by shared land transfer as we climb into the hills towards Monteverde, whose name literally means Green Mountain. Finally, we meet our private bus for the last leg. The high altitude in this Central Highlands region supports a complex ecosystem where plants thrive, particularly orchids of which there are some 400-plus varieties here. Our journey takes about 3hr 30min in total, including the lake crossing.

Around 6pm, we head into the cloud forest, where the eyes of the diverse wildlife that lives here shine through the dark. We may see sloths, armadillos, porcupines, possums and coatis and will undoubtedly hear a cacophony of insects and amphibians.

Accommodation: Montaña Monteverde or Heliconia (or similar)

Today is free for you to choose from the many activities on offer in Monteverde. You may want to brave the hanging bridges of Selvatura Park, a 1.9mi (3km) trail of treetop walkways that provide a unique perspective of the cloud forest and its many inhabitants, followed by a peaceful moment in the Butterfly Garden, where more than 30 butterfly species flap around a flower-filled dome.

Alternatively, if you’re feeling adventurous, you may want to whizz through the treetops on a zip line adventure. Other options include a nature walk in the Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve or a chocolate and coffee tour.

Accommodation: Montaña Monteverde or Heliconia (or similar)

Our journey takes a southeasterly turn today as we follow the Pan-Am Highway along the coastline to Manuel Antonio, passing African oil palm and teak plantations on the way. Here lies Manuel Antonio National Park, a vast marine reserve and 1,700-acre (690ha) region of mangrove swamp, primary and secondary rainforest. The forest vegetation stretches as far as the high-tide line and provides a picture-perfect backdrop to the expansive sandy beaches, forested islands and dramatic rocky headlands. Our drive to Manuel Antonio takes around four hours.

Accommodation: Hotel Villabosque or Tabulia Tree Hotel (or similar)

Today, we have a guided tour of the national park, which should bring close wildlife encounters. Here, white-faced capuchin monkeys play in the trees and are frequently sighted on the beaches, while noisy howler monkeys are usually heard before they are seen. Endangered titi monkeys (squirrel monkeys) are fewer in number but can also sometimes be spotted here. Iguanas, agouti (a tropical rodent) and two- and three-toed sloths are also commonly sighted in the national park.

The rest of the day is free to relax at the beach or select an optional activity. There are various activities available, including a boat tour of Isla Damas, on which you explore the mangroves while an experienced guide points out the local wildlife, including anteaters, kingfishers and monkeys.

Alternatively, get your heart pumping and zoom through the rainforest on a zip line or enjoy a cultural cooking experience where you stop a farmers market to pick up ingredients with your guide before heading into the kitchen to create classic Costa Rican cuisine, including corn tortillas and ceviche.

Accommodation: Hotel Villabosque or Tabulia Tree Hotel (or similar)

A journey of four to five hours takes us back to San José, where we have time to explore the modern capital. (This journey can take longer with the stops en route.)

Accommodation: Auténtico Hotel or Rincon del Valle (or similar)

The trip comes to an end today after breakfast, and it’s time to bid Costa Rica and the rest of the group goodbye. Free transfers to San José Airport are available to all clients today, please make sure to book in advance. Alternatively, speak to your sales representative to join our post-trip extension to the palm tree-lined beaches of Tamarindo.

The group flight usually arrives back into London today in the mid-afternoon.