Cox and Kings Natural Splendours of Costa Rica

• International flights (and domestic flights if applicable)
• UK departure and overseas airport taxes
• 3- & 4-star accommodation
• Selected Meals: 9 breakfasts, 5 lunches and 2 dinners
• Local Transfers in an air-conditioned vehicle
• Fully escorted by an English-speaking guide throughout
• Entrance fees unless otherwise stated

• View the Arenal volcano from your hotel
• Cross Lake Arenal by boat & cruise the canals of Tortuguero
• Caño Negro boat trip & explore the hanging bridges at Monteverde
• Small group size – maximum 18 people

Day 1: Fly to San José

Fly from London (regional connections available) to San José with British Airways. Transfer to the Crowne Plaza Corobici Hotel for 2 nights.
(No meals)

Day 2: San José

In the morning, visit Poas or Irazu volcano and see its impressive crater and surroundings. Afternoon at leisure.
(Breakfast)

Day 3: Tortuguero

Shared overland transfer to Caño Blanco on the Caribbean coast. Cruise through the canals and backwaters that lead to Tortuguero, looking for birdlife, monkeys, sloths and other wildlife.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 4: Tortuguero

Full day of shared local excursions in Tortuguero. From July to September, an option is available to observe turtles nesting on the beach.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 5: Arenal

Return to Caño Blanco by boat and drive to Arenal, visiting La Selva Biological Station en route. Learn about the scientific and conservation work of the researchers and take a short walk in the protected rainforest surroundings. Stay 2 nights at Arenal Paraiso hotel, with views of the Arenal volcano.
(Breakfast and lunch)

Day 6: Caño Negro

Full-day tour to Caño Negro, an important wetland habitat for a range of bird species.
(Breakfast and lunch)

Day 7: Monteverde

Shared boat across Lake Arenal, taking in the spectacular views of the lake and its surroundings. Continue to Monteverde for 2 nights at the Fonda Vela Hotel. Afternoon visit to the Selvatura Butterfly Garden & Walkways and explore the treetop canopy from its hanging bridges.
(Breakfast)

Day 8: Monteverde

Morning tour of the Monteverde cloud forest, a habitat for rare flora and fauna, such as the colourful quetzal bird. Afternoon visit to a typical family-run farm to learn about coffee and sugar cane production.
(Breakfast and Lunch)

Day 9: San José via Sarchí

Return to San José via the town of Sarchí, home to traditional handicrafts and colourfully painted ox carts.
(Breakfast)

Day 10-11: Fly to London via the US

Transfer to the airport for a flight to London with British Airways.
(Breakfast)(no lunch)

The Arenal Paraiso and Spa

The Arenal Paraiso has comfortable bungalow style rooms which offer spectacular views of the majestic Arenal Volcano, as well as a private bath, air conditioning, refrigerator, cable television and a private terrace. There is a host of services and activities, including a restaurant, swimming pool, jacuzzi, laundry service, gift shop, and nature trails.

Crowne Plaza Corobici Hotel, San Jose (Costa Rica)

The Crowne Plaza Corobici Hotel is located 25 minutes from the international airport, next to San Jose’s largest metropolitan park and close to downtown. Guestrooms are spacious and equipped with modern amenities. The main onsite restaurant serves both local and international dishes, with a second restaurant specialising in Japanese cuisine.

Fonda Vela, Monteverde

The alpine-style Fonda Vela is set in 35 hectares of gardens and forested grounds and within walking distance of the entrance to the Monteverde cloud forest reserve. The property features 40 rooms with large windows, a restaurant decorated with the work of artists, and a bar.

Mawamba Lodge, Tortuguero

Mawamba is a 15 acre beachfront lodge offering views of the canals. It is the ideal hideaway for nature lovers. Two family style restaurants serve international and local cuisine and the pool-bar is surrounded by beautiful gardens where you can enjoy exotic tropical cocktails. The lodge facilities include, swimming pool, relaxation areas with hammocks and rocking chairs, nature trails and beach access

Corcovado – 5 days, 3 nights

Corcovado National Park is a lowland primary rainforest described by National Geographic as ‘the most biologically intense place on Earth’. Explore the trails to spot a plethora of exotic creatures including monkeys, toucans, scarlet macaws and other species. A reasonable level of fitness is required.

Day 10 – Fly to Palmar Sur.
Fly to Palmar Sur. Transfer by road to Sierpe and take a boat to Casa Corcovado Lodge for 3 nights.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Days 11-12 – Corcovado
Enjoy two days of local shared excursions, including a tour of the national park, a boat trip and rainforest walks.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Days 13-14 – Fly to London via San Jose
Transfer by boat and aeroplane to San José. Optional transfer to Xandari Hotel for lunch (please enquire for supplements) before boarding your overnight flight to London with British Airways.
(Breakfast)
(No meals)

Manuel Antonio –  6 days, 4 nights

The smallest of Costa Rica’s national parks, Manuel Antonio is also one of the most visited due to the remarkable diversity of its wildlife. Its rainforest extends right down to the beautiful beaches where it is possible to see a surprising concentration of animals, including monkeys, sloths and armadillos.

Day 9 – To Manuel Antonio
Leave the main group in Sarchi and drive to Manuel Antonio. Stay 4 nights at El Parador.
(Breakfast)

Days 10-12 – Manuel Antonio
Spend three days at leisure or taking part in optional excursions.
(Breakfast)

Day 13 – Fly to London
Transfer to San Jose and fly to London
(Breakfast)

Day 14 – Arrive in London
(No meals)

Panama – 5 days, 3 nights

Travel along the Panama Canal, one of the extraordinary wonders of modern engineering, and see how boats transit through the locks. Explore the colonial heritage of Panama City or go birdwatching in the tropical rainforest.

Day 9 – Fly to Panama City
Return to San Jose and fly to Panama City. Transfer to the Best Western Plus Panama Zen for 3 nights.
(Breakfast)

Day 10 – Panama Canal
Spend half a day on the Panama Canal.
(Breakfast and lunch)

Day 11 – Panama City
Half a day tour of colonial Panama. Optional visit to the Milaflores canal locks or to Soberania National Park.
(Breakfast)

Day 12: Fly to London
Fly to London, via either Miami or Madrid.
(Breakfast)

Day 13 – Arrive in London
Arrive in London
(No meals)

San Gerardo de Dota – 3 days, 2 nights

San Gerardo de Dota, located south of San José in the narrow Savegre river valley, is a birdwatcher’s and hiker’s paradise. The cloud forest is home to more than 150 bird species, including hummingbirds, quetzales and woodpeckers.

Day 1 – Fly to San Jose – San Gerardo de Dota
Fly to San Jose and transfer by road to San Gerardo de Dota. Stay 2 nights at Trogon Lodge.
(No meals)

Day 2 – San Gerardo
Take an early morning birdwatching tour, perfect for spotting quetzals. The rest of the day is at leisure.
(Breakfast)

Day 3 – San Jose
Transfer to San Jose and join the main tour

Tamarindo – 6 days, 4 nights

Tamarindo is situated in Guanacaste on the Pacific coast, with an abundance of sandy beaches. Take boat trips through the mangroves and excursions to see leatherbacks, the largest of the sea turtle species, at Playa Grande (November – March).

Day 9 – Tamarindo
Drive from Monteverde to Tamarindo. Stay 3 nights at the Wyndham Tamarindo.
(Breakfast)

Days 10-11 – Tamarindo
Spend the next two days at leisure or taking part in optional excursions.
(Breakfast)

Day 12 – San Jose
Transfer to San Jose by road and stay overnight at the Crowne Plaza Corobici Hotel.
(Breakfast)

Day 13 – Fly to London
Fly to London
(No meals)

Day 14 – Arrive in London

Please note, prices listed are guide prices only and are based on 2 people sharing and don’t include any additional supplements. Holiday prices are fluid and dynamic and may be changed at a moment’s notice, prior to booking, at which point they are confirmed. Please call the team free on 0800 707 6229 for more departure dates available and a quote.