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Real Costa Rica

From £4,699
Duration 12 Days
Departures from: Nov 2024 - Nov 2025
Book now
From £4,699
Duration 12 Days
Departures from: Nov 2024 - Nov 2025

Tour Overview

If you want to discover the real Costa Rica, this is the tour for you. There's so much packed in to this nine-day adventure, from a visit to an indigenous community, to guided boat tours through the jungle. You'll enjoy a stay on the stunning Caribbean coast, discover the flora and fauna of national parks and take a tour of a coffee plantation. For the thrill seeker, there's even an option to take in breathtaking views of the rainforest as you soar across an exhilarating zip line.

  • classic touring holiday Classic Touring
  • active holiday Walking
  • meals included tour All Breakfasts
  • flight choices Flight Choices
  • max group size Max Group Size 20

Your Holiday Includes

  • Just You Holiday Director as your host & specialist Local Guide
  • Return flights from London
  • Use of an airport lounge in the UK
  • 10 nights in 4-star hotels & jungle lodges plus 1 night in flight
  • A guaranteed twin or double room of your own
  • 21 meals: 10 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 7 dinners including a welcome drink
  • Overseas transfers, other transportation & porterage

Included Holiday Highlights

  • Visit Cahuita National Park
  • Visit an indigenous Bribri community to learn about their culture & traditions
  • Enjoy a traditional Bribri lunch and learn how chocolate is made
  • Visit Tortuguero Village & the Caribbean Conservation Center
  • Enjoy two guided boat tours through Tortuguero National Park
  • Experience the Mi Cafecito Coffee Tour
  • Local Flavours - Sample traditional dishes and eat like a local in the home of a Bribri family

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.

Meals included: D

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.

Meals included: B

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.

Meals included: B,L,D

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.

Meals included: B,L,D

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.

Meals included: B,L,D

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, 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.

Meals included: B,L

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. Meals included: B,D

Day 8 Muelle de San Carlos - Arenal

After breakfast we will transfer you to La Fortuna which is your base for the next 3 nights, exploring more of Costa Rica's incredible highlights, from dense rainforests to soaring volcanoes.

Meals included: B,D

Day 9 Arenal

Today has been left for you to spend at leisure in the local area. You could join us on an optional morning bird watching tour where you will 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.

Meals included: B

Day 10 Arenal

After breakfast why not join us on an optional excursion to La Fortuna Waterfall, a short hike through tropical forests to the base of the waterfalls natural pools.
This evening enjoy a farewell dinner in a local restaurant in the centre of La Fortuna serving traditional Costa Rican dishes. Meals included: B,D

Day 11 Arenal - UK

Today you will be transferred to the airport for your return flight to the UK. Meals included: B

Day 12 Arrive UK

You will arrive in the UK today.

Additional Information

Please note: This tour requires a good degree of physical fitness and is not suitable for anyone with limited mobility. You will be required to board boats and walk in a variety of terrain. Most walks take place on paths and tracks, but some will be slightly more strenuous and may involve moderate slopes, tracks, hills and foot bridges, which may be rough underfoot at times. Sturdy shoes are essential. Please note hotels are subject to change due to availability. Your Final Holiday Information around 2 - 3 weeks before departure will detail your confirmed hotels.

Accommodation (as specified or similar)

Hotel Crowne Plaza Corobici

Ideally located just 15 minutes away from the Juan Santa María International Airport and 5 minutes from San José Downtown, a few meters from the National Stadium and next to La Sabana Park. Crowne Plaza Corobici Hotel features 213 rooms. Our spacious and comfortable guest rooms are equipped with complimentary WIFI, feature 37' flat screen cable TV and high fidelity sound system. Enjoy the convenience of an MP3 alarm clock a mini bar a coffee maker with coffee service in the room and a safety deposit box with wide storage capacity.

Ideally located just 15 minutes away from the Juan Santa María International Airport and 5 minutes from San José Downtown, a few meters from the National Stadium and next to La Sabana Park. Crowne Plaza Corobici Hotel features 213 rooms. Our spacious and comfortable guest rooms are equipped with complimentary WIFI, feature 37' flat screen cable TV and high fidelity sound system. Enjoy the convenience of an MP3 alarm clock a mini bar a coffee maker with coffee service in the room and a safety deposit box with wide storage capacity.

Hotel Terrazas del Caribe

Pachira Lodge

The lodge is positioned extremely close to the extraordinary Tortuguero National Park. The National Park is famed for the huge variety of biodiversity, as depicted by the 11 differing habitats, including rainforests, mangrove forests, swamps, beaches and lagoons.

The lodge is positioned extremely close to the extraordinary Tortuguero National Park. The National Park is famed for the huge variety of biodiversity, as depicted by the 11 differing habitats, including rainforests, mangrove forests, swamps, beaches and lagoons.

Tilajari Hotel Resort

The 3-star Tilajari Resort in Muelle de San Carlos is perfectly located amid wonderful scenery near the San Carlos River. Hotel facilities include a restaurant, bar/lounge, three outdoor swimming pools and a fitness centre. Bedrooms have private facilities, air-conditioning, safe, TV and hairdryer.

The 3-star Tilajari Resort in Muelle de San Carlos is perfectly located amid wonderful scenery near the San Carlos River. Hotel facilities include a restaurant, bar/lounge, three outdoor swimming pools and a fitness centre. Bedrooms have private facilities, air-conditioning, safe, TV and hairdryer.

Hotel Mountain Paradise

The Hotel Mountain Paradise enjoys an enviable location in the tropical rainforest, with some of the best views of the imposing Arenal Volcano. Hotel facilities include a restaurant serving international cuisine, spa and an outdoor pool. Bedrooms are airy and spacious, with private facilities, plus a balcony/patio area. Rooms are furnished in the traditional Colonial style, with many rooms affording views of the mountains or pool.

The Hotel Mountain Paradise enjoys an enviable location in the tropical rainforest, with some of the best views of the imposing Arenal Volcano. Hotel facilities include a restaurant serving international cuisine, spa and an outdoor pool. Bedrooms are airy and spacious, with private facilities, plus a balcony/patio area. Rooms are furnished in the traditional Colonial style, with many rooms affording views of the mountains or pool.

Optional Excursions

Experience even more of your destination by adding one or more optional excursions to your holiday before you set off. Take a look below at the extra trips you can enjoy on this tour.

Costa Rica - Arenal - Bird Watching

Costa Rica - Arenal - Bird Watching

Observe bird species in their natural habitat and explore the trails of the reserve where your experienced guide will explain all about the species such as the Chocuaco and the Boat billed Heron.
Observe bird species in their natural habitat and explore the trails of the reserve where your experienced guide will explain all about the species such as the Chocuaco and the Boa...

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Costa Rica - Arenal - Waterfall Hike La Fortuna

Costa Rica - Arenal - Waterfall Hike La Fortuna

Travel to the base of the La Fortuna waterfall, approximately 500 steps will take you from a wonderful tropical forest to the natural pools of crystalline water. Here you can go swimming in these cool waters along the river banks. While relaxing here, you can enjoy your surroundings with tropical jungle full of wildlife.
Travel to the base of the La Fortuna waterfall, approximately 500 steps will take you from a wonderful tropical forest to the natural pools of crystalline water. Here you can go sw...

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  1. Just You Cares

    When you book this tour, you're helping to support the local community with a visit to the 'Mi Cafecito Coffee Tour'. This Fairtrade coffee farm was created after the devastating earthquake of 2009, which massively affected Costa Rica's producers. As well as learning about the coffee-growing process, you'll also get to taste what is considered to be one of the world's best brews.

Further Information

Average group size of our tours

Our holiday group sizes do vary from tour to tour - but we have an average group size of 26. Big or small, there’ll be plenty of opportunities to socialise with your fellow travellers. So, whether you fancy making friends at mealtimes or feel like being friendly by the pool, you’re guaranteed a great time whatever size your group is.

Deposit information

When you book a holiday, you will be asked to pay a deposit, this will be made clear at the time of booking. In most cases we will charge the following deposit amount;

  • UK Holidays - £150 per person
  • European Holidays - £200 Per person
  • Worldwide Holidays - £250 or 10% whichever is the greater

On some holidays we may charge a slightly higher deposit, to cover any costs we have to pay immediately to secure your booking with our suppliers. This will be made clear at the time of booking.

If you choose a tour that is within 84 days of departure you will need to pay the full balance when you book.

Our cancellation policy

If you decide to cancel your confirmed booking you must notify us (or your travel agent) in writing, as soon as possible. Since we incur costs in cancelling your arrangements, you will have to pay the applicable cancellation charges up to the maximum shown below.

  • More than 75 days before departure - Loss of deposit only
  • 43 - 74 days - 50% of tour price
  • 29 - 42 days - 75% of tour price
  • 15 - 28 days - 90% of tour price
  • Day of Departure - 14 days - 100% of tour price

Our full cancellation policy can be found in our booking terms and conditions, section 8.

How do I find out Entry and Health Requirements for my holiday?

We have partnered with Sherpa, an on-line self service tool that allows you to search up-to-date information regarding travel entry requirements for all countries and also allows you to apply for eVisas or eTAs via their on-line portal. Just click on this link to find out more – Travel requirement & Visa Service.

You can also refer to the Foreign Travel Advice section on the gov.uk website: Foreign travel advice - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk). Click on your destination and then click on 'Entry Requirements'. For Health Requirements, the Department of Health also offers travellers health advice on www.travelhealthpro.org.uk, click on country information to locate your destination.

It is important to remember that passport, visa and health requirements can change before departure; therefore, we recommend you regularly familiarise yourself with the latest requirements before you travel. If you cannot travel because you have not complied with any passport/entry/immigration requirements, we are unable to accept any responsibility.

For some destinations, it is not always discernable that a visa is required for entry at the border.  For example, for some customers, to travel to the United States, an ESTA may be required. For Canada, an ETA and to India, an e-visa may be needed. Please do check your requirements to avoid any unnecessary cost and delays.