Real Costa Rica

Tour Itinerary

• Day 1 • UK - San José

  Today, you fly to San José, the capital of Costa Rica. Get to know your travelling companions over dinner this evening.

• Day 2 • San José - Puerto Viejo de Limon

  Our adventure begins as we travel to Puerto Viejo de Limon, a beach resort on the Caribbean coast. A popular spot for surfers, it boasts crystal-clear waters and stunning sandy beaches. This afternoon we will visit Cahuita National Park, which was created to preserve the coral reef along its shores. Sea turtles nest in the protected marine area and the reef is home to many different species of coral and fish. On land, brightly coloured birds including green ibises, keel-billed toucans and herons live in the forest, and you might spot mammals such as monkeys and pacas roaming amongst the tropical plants.

• Day 3 • Puerto Viejo de Limon

  There's a fascinating day in store, as we learn about the indigenous Bribri people of Costa Rica and get an insight into their culture and traditions. We travel to the Bribri Reserve, the biggest indigenous community in the country, where we will begin our visit to Watsi. We will visit a family where five generations live together under the same roof, and learn about their home and lifestyle. You will also discover how the Bribri people use medicinal plants and produce chocolate. You'll even have an opportunity to grind your own before enjoying a taste of the finished product. You'll then join the family for a delicious home-cooked meal of local chicken with vegetables, served on plantain leaves with no cutlery needed. After lunch you will visit one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the area, the Rio Dos Aguas Waterfall.

• Day 4 • Tortuguero National Park

  We've an early start today as we set off for Tortuguero National Park. We'll stop at a restaurant for breakfast, and as there are no roads into Tortuguero, the final part of our journey will be by boat. We'll arrive at our hotel in time for lunch, and will visit Tortuguero Village to find out about the local community this afternoon. We'll also visit the Caribbean Conservation Center to discover more about the sea turtles that nest on the nearby beaches.

• Day 5 • Tortuguero National Park

  We'll explore Tortuguero National Park on two guided boat tours today. This beautiful region is one of Costa Rica's most important ecological sites and a renowned nesting site for sea turtles. Behind a beach-fringed coastline, a network of freshwater channels cuts through the dense jungle and is home to a variety of other wildlife, including monkeys, river otters, crocodiles, caimans and many species of bird. Keep your eyes peeled for sightings as you cruise the waterways, canals and swamps, and explore some of the trails on foot. Your guide is on hand to answer questions about the history and wildlife of the park and will do their best to help you spot as many different species as possible.

• Day 6 • Tortuguero - Muelle de San Carlos

  After breakfast we leave Tortuguero by boat and then drive to the village of Muelle de San Carlos. We'll stop at a restaurant for lunch on the way, and then visit 'Mi Cafecito Coffee Tour' in the afternoon. During our tour of this community coffee plantation, we will gain an insight into the lives of Costa Rica's coffee producers. There will also be an opportunity to sample the coffee and purchase some to take home as a souvenir. When we arrive in Muelle de San Carlos you could join us on an optional morning tour where you can observe bird species in their natural habitat, explore the trails of the reserve where your experienced guide will explain all about the species such as the Chocu aco and the Boat Billed Heron. The rest of the evening will be free for you to relax and enjoy the facilities at the hotel or perhaps enjoy a drink with your travelling companions.

• Day 7 • Muelle de San Carlos

  If you want to discover Costa Rica's rainforest canopy, we've lined up a fantastic optional excursion for today. If you prefer to admire the rainforest at a slow pace, a visit to the Hanging Bridges of Arenal is a must. Explore the rainforest on a walking trail which crosses no less than 15 bridges, six of which are hanging in the rainforest canopy, offering a spectacular view of the scenery below. It’s an incredible experience, with highlights including 98-metre-long Tyra Bridge and Waterfall Bridge which is suspended 60 metres in the air. Keep your eyes peeled as you walk - more than 250 species of bird live in this rainforest reserve along with a vast array of reptiles, mammals and insects. In the early evening, pack your swimwear for a visit to a thermal bath complex in the jungle. Afterwards, enjoy a dinner.

• Day 8 • Muelle de San Carlos - Guanacaste

  After breakfast we will transfer you to the Guanacaste region which is your base for the next 3 nights, exploring more of Costa Rica's incredible highlights, from dense rainforests to stunning beaches.

• Days 9 • Guanacaste

  Today has been left for you to spend at leisure in the local area.

• Day 10 • Guanacaste

  Another free day today for you to relax on Playa Carrillo, the famous local beach. This evening enjoy a farewell dinner in a local restaurant in the centre of Puerto Carrillo serving traditional Costa Rican dishes.

• Day 11 • Guanacaste - UK

  Today you will be transferred to the airport for your return flight to the UK.

• Day 12 • Guanacaste

  You will arrive in the UK today.