• 1x night Hilton Hotel Cariari San José, bed & breakfast
• 3x nights' Arenal Kioro Hotel, bed & breakfast
• 3x nights' Tocû Tented Camp, bed & breakfast
• 3x nights' Bosque del Mar Hotel, bed & breakfast
• 7x Lunches
• 9x Dinners
• All transportation as outlined in the itinerary
• Services of an ECT Tour Manager and a local guide throughout
• Private charter flight to San José
• Guided tour of San José
• Exploration of Arenal Volcano National Park with time to relax in the hot springs
• Campesino ‘Farm to Table’ Lunch experience
• Night-time tour of Ecocentro Danaus
• Natural history walk through Caño Negro, a national park famed for its biodiversity
• A cultural experience meeting the indigenous Maleku people 
• Visit to the Tapir Valley Reserve and rainforest wildlife tour
• Sunset sailing cruise onboard a modern catamaran, with BBQ and drinks 

Day One

11:10 – depart London Heathrow on British Airways flight BA0233 for Juan Santamaría International Airport

16:40 – arrive Juan Santamaría International Airport

18:00 – transfer by private coach to your hotel, Hilton Hotel Cariari San José, check-in and time to unwind

Evening – we reconvene for a Welcome Dinner

Day Two

Breakfast at hotel (available from 07:00) and check out

Morning - head out into historic capital city of San José for a guided tour. This tour includes a visit to the National Theatre, known as  ‘The Jewel of San Jose’ and a great example of Costa Rican architecture and design. From here we visit the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum, with a chance to explore the country’s rich pre-Spanish cultural heritage. We end the tour at the Central Market, an iconic site imbued with history, traditions and local flavours - perfect for experiencing daily life in San José. 

Lunch at a local restaurant

Afternoon – depart San José by private transport for La Fortuna and the Arenal Kioro Hotel. Nestled in the shadow of the impressive Arenal Volcano and surrounded by lush jungle, this is our base for the next three nights. After check-in, you will have time to settle in - why not relax in the private thermal springs located in the concealed gardens of the hotel?

Evening -  dinner at the hotel

Day Three

Breakfast at hotel (from 07:00)

Morning - set out from the hotel and begin a relaxed, guided trail walk of the Arenal Volcano surroundings. With panoramic views of the volcano, we will walk at a leisurely pace across historic lava fields and through biodiverse-rich jungle. If we’re lucky, we might catch a glimpse of monkeys, sloths or a toucan or two!

Afternoon – after lunch we head out for our Mistico Hanging Bridges Experience where we will be able to look down on the incredible natural flora and fauna. We will be accompanied by a knowledgeable local guide who will point out the many hidden natural wonders of this special place. Keep your camera ready. 

Late afternoon - return to the hotel for an opportunity to relax 

Evening – dinner at the hotel

Day Four

Breakfast at hotel (from 07:00)

Morning - we depart for our Campesino Farm Experience and ‘Farm to Table’ lunch. This is a chance to enjoy an authentic taste of Costa Rican cuisine surrounded by the scenic beauty of Arenal. All the food is prepared on-site using fresh, locally sourced ingredients. 

Afternoon – we return to the hotel for a free afternoon. You might like to explore at your own pace, or simply relax and enjoy the hotel’s spa facilities.

Evening –  we embark on a nighttime visit to the Ecocentro Danaus private wildlife reserve. Under the glow of red-light, this is a memorable opportunity to experience the rainforest's transformation after dark and to see a variety of nocturnal animals in their natural habit up close. Listen to the sounds of the night and look out for red-eyed tree frogs, blue-jeans dart frogs, sloths, caimans, bats and insects.

Day Five

Breakfast at hotel (from 07:00) and check out

Today we head north through the Alajuela province towards the Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge and our unique accommodation at the Tocû Tented Camp. We will stop en route to visit a traditional trapiche mill for lunch. (A trapiche is an ingenious wooden mill used to extract juice from sugarcane.) Nestled in the heart of the Cano Negro national park, a stay at Tocû presents the opportunity to see up close one of Costa Rica’s most pristine environments.

Dinner at the hotel

Day Six

Breakfast at the hotel  (from 06:30) 

Today we venture out for a full day exploring the stunning sights of the Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge, beginning with a leisurely trek through the wetlands of this incredible national park in the company of an experienced naturalist guide. 

After lunch, we take a boat trip down the lush Rio Frio in search of further wildlife from incredible native bird species to the prehistoric-looking caiman.

Return to the hotel for dinner 

Day Seven

Breakfast at the hotel (from 06:30) 

Morning - a fantastic and engaging culinary experience featuring Costa Rican cooking under instruction from local chefs. A mixologist will make us some refreshing cocktails too.

Afternoon, after lunch, we venture to the Maleku Cultural Centre to join members of the local indigenous Maleku community for a presentation on their heritage, tradition and language. We will be treated to a performance of traditional dress and dance before returning to the hotel for dinner.

Day Eight

Breakfast at the hotel (from 06:30) and check out  

Morning - we depart the Alajuela province and head for the scenic seaside town of Playa Hermosa, with its  sandy beaches and outstanding marine fauna. Playa Hermosa is set in Costa Rica’s most sparsely populated region, Guanacaste and our journey there takes us to the Tapir Valley Reserve and Rainforest Wildlife Tour in Bijagüa. This strikingly beautiful region is home to the azure river, Rio Celeste (the vibrant colour is caused by volcanic minerals). Our visit to the reserve is an opportunity to see native species such as the endangered Baird's Tapir, as well as birds like the Keel-Billed Toucan.

From here we continue the journey to Playa Hermosa, Guanacaste, for beach time and relaxation at the well-appointed Bosque del Mar Hotel.

Evening - dinner at the hotel

Day Nine 

Breakfast at the hotel (from 07:00)

Morning - free for a lie in and relaxation

Afternoon – we will embark on a sunset catamaran cruise along the beautiful Pacific coastline, stopping for swimming, snorkelling and local marine life spotting. The cruise includes an open bar and dinner surrounded by the ‘Peaceful Sea’ (Mar Pacífico).

Day Ten

Breakfast at the hotel (from 07:00)

Today is free day to explore, relax, or enjoy one of the hotels many activities.

Evening – we reconvene for a Farewell Dinner

Day 11

Breakfast at the hotel (from 07:00)

Morning – free time to relax and perhaps enjoy one lasts swim

Afternoon – check out and depart for Guanacaste Airport for a private charter flight back to the Costa Rican capital city, San José

18:55 – depart Juan Santamaría International Airport for London Heathrow on British Airways flight BA0232

Day 12 

11:05 – arrive London Heathrow

Tour ends

Hilton Hotel Cariari San José - 1x night

This relaxed hotel is close to the airport, making it the perfect base for your first night in Costa Rica. The comfortable bedrooms off free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, coffeemakers and 24/7 room service. Other facilities include a hot tub, sauna and a 24-hour gym – perfect to help restore body and mind after your flight. Dining options include a casual cafe, two bars and an open-air international restaurant. 

Arenal Kioro Suites & Spa, La Fortuna - 3x nights

Tucked into the shadow of the Arenal Volcano, this luxury all-suite hotel blends seamlessly into it the lush, tranquil natural environment. The generously designed suites are furnished with local features such as tile flooring and wicker furniture.

Dining options range from relaxed pool-side lunches with views of the Arenal volcano to memorable dinners of local and international a la carte delicacies at Heliconias, via exotic cocktails by the hot springs at Bar El Higueron. Sports fans should head for the Sports Bar with its three screens.  

Inspired by the beauty and healing traditions of the Costa Rica rainforest, Neiden Spa offers a range of pampering treatments and salon services.

Tocû Tented Camp, Hacienda Caño Negro Natural Park - 3x nights

This unique hotel not only offers exceptional accommodation but also allows guests to explore one of Costa Rica’s most pristine environments. Every corner of Tocû Tent Camp is carefully designed to reflect its owner, Hamilton Leisure’s, commitment to sustainability and excellence. 

The luxury tents are all designed and built in Costa Rica by local artisans and feature a private front terrace where you can enjoy lush tropical gardens. Inside, a luxurious king-size bed awaits you, along with a queen-size nest bed for added flexibility. The interior design, inspired by the surrounding nature, includes an elegant sofa, handcrafted lamps and a bathroom with double sinks, all framed by wooden details and organic textiles that reflect the country’s rich artisanal tradition. In the back, a private garden hosts a stylish outdoor tub, a rainforest shower, and a cosy nest hammock, creating a true paradise of privacy and luxury where comfort perfectly blends with nature.

The Kura Wetlands Restaurant is a true celebration of Costa Rican cuisine, with a focus on fresh, local ingredients all carefully selected to highlight the authentic flavours of the region. The dining experience is enhanced by panoramic views of the wetlands.

Bosque del Mar Hotel, Playa Hermosa, Guanacaste – 3x nights

Just steps from the pristine and peaceful Hermosa beach, this luxurious eco-boutique hotel is the perfect place to revitalize mind, body and soul. Bosque del Mar was designed with nature in mind and the jungle-style gardens are home to lizards, frogs, iguanas, howler monkeys and flocks of birds (a particular highlight in the early morning or late afternoon).

Each earth-toned, air-conditioned suite has a terrace with either garden or sea views, along with a flat-screen TV, free Wi-Fi, minibar, coffee maker and a hairdryer. The modern Niromi restaurant serves both international and Costa Rican cuisine in an elegant marble dining room with wonderful beach views. The stylish Nya lounge bar offers drinks, snacks and music. Other facilities include a hot tub, a spa offering massage treatments and an outdoor pool. 
 

Outbound flight

Day One

11:10 - depart London Heathrow Terminal 5 on British Airways flight BA0223

16:40 - arrive at Juan Santamaría International Airport

Inbound flight

Day Eleven

18:55 - depart Juan Santamaría International Airport on British Airways flight BA0232

Day Twelve

11:05 - arrive at London Heathrow Terminal 5