Costa Rica

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With dense rainforest, hundreds of colourful bird species and the Caribbean and Pacific Ocean lapping on its shores, tiny Costa Rica is a tropical paradise - offering the ideal opportunity for exploration and relaxation.Costa Rica Highlights:

San Jose

San Jose is the modern capital city of Costa Rica, and will probably be your initial introduction to the country. San Jose is located in the central region at an altitude of 1150 metres. Visit the many markets, the grand Opera House or marvel at the treasures on display at the Gold Museum. Go rafting on the lively Reventazon River, walk amongst the active volcanoes or fly through the jungle canopy on the aerial tram at the Braulio Carrillio National Park.

Finca Rosa Blanca - Half an hour outside of San José, the Finca Rosa Blanca is a small boutique hotel surrounded by 10 acres of tropical gardens. The nine rooms are all highly individual, the master suite has an amazing 360° view of the grounds.

Xandari Resort and Spa - Near San José in the Central Valley, Xandari has 19 spacious villas set around a 20 acre coffee and fruit plantation. Each villa has a private terrace, a walled-in sun terrace, bar area and all are furnished with original artwork. There are walking trails through the grounds. Birdlife is plentiful; there is a lovely river and five waterfalls. Treatments are available at the palm thatched Spa Village.

Arenal National Park

The centre piece of the national park is the magnificent Volcano Arenal. Arenal erupts on an almost daily basis, its yellow and red magna spewing high up into the sky. It is perhaps best viewed from the comfort of one of any number of hot springs that feed off the natural sulphuric waters of the volcano. The pools at Tabacon are the most developed, relax amongst the tropical vegetation and let the therapeutic waters sooth away any aches and pains.

Observatory Lodge - Built on a ridge two kilometres from the volcano, the lodge was originally a private observatory. The property has 37 rooms, the best of which is the Smithsonian which has huge windows offering fantastic views of the volcano.

Monteverde

A visit to Monteverde will provide you with a close up encounter with the cloud forest – enormous vine and creeper clad trees shoot up towards the light, while over 400 species of bird can be seen darting in and out of the forest canopy. Walking from bridge to bridge on the aerial skyway is one of the best ways to explore and study the eco-system at close quarters.

Heliconia - Set amongst attractive gardens, the Heliconia is a chalet style property with a relaxed atmosphere. The rooms are spacious and light, there are comfortable chairs outside to relax and take in the great views.

Tortuguero National Park

Is one of the world's most important turtle breeding grounds. Turtles can be found here throughout the year; however the summer months of July and August see the greatest activity. Tens of thousands of baby Green Turtles hatch on the beach and propel themselves en masse down towards the sea. Turtle viewing occurs at night-time and on raised platforms so as not to trouble the newly born.

Mwamba Lodge - The lodge has 36 rooms all with private facilities and fans. There is a good size pool surrounded by tropical gardens, there are hammocks to lie on, trails to explore and a delightful Caribbean beach to relax on.

Tamarindo and the Pacific Coastline

Travel to the west coast of Costa Rica and find mile after mile of golden sandy beaches, tropical shoreline and luxurious hotels, perfect for relaxation. Tamarindo is the centre of tourist activity, but still a small town without high rise hotels, offering a feeling of space and tranquillity.

El Jardin Del Eden - A small luxury hotel, there are five villas with a total of 20 rooms and two fully equipped apartments. Only three minutes away from the sea, all rooms have magnificent views of the Tamarindo Bay and the Pacific Ocean. There is a beautiful pool and a renowned seafood restaurant.

Villa Caletas - Perched on a cliff top and surrounded by rainforest, the Villa Caletas has wonderful views out over the Pacific. Based around a Victorian style mansion, the property also has a number of individual villas dotted around the grounds. The hotel has a wonderful infinity pool, below which is a 150 seater Roman amphitheatre.

Corcovado National Park

Located in the south-west of the country, Corcovado National Park represents Central America’s premier stretch of coastal primary rainforest. Home to numerous mammals including the elusive jaguar, there are hundreds of different tree species and nearly 400 different birds. Ten miles off the coast, Cano Island is an incredibly diverse marine reserve; the water is exceptionally clear creating great opportunities for diving and snorkelling.

Lapa Rios - A beautiful lodge, Lapa Rios is set in a 1,000 acre private reserve on the Osa Peninsula. The property has 16 light and spacious thatched bungalows; outside there is a decked area with hammocks and chairs. Excursions can be made to the Corcovado National Park.

Braulio Carrillio National Park

Travel east from San José and before long you find yourself surrounded by dense, verdant primary rainforest. Brightly coloured plants cling to the sides of the road, while vines hang from above. Established in 1978, the 44,000 hectare Braulio Carrillio National Park aims to protect this wonderful habitat and allows the visitor the opportunity to immerse themselves in this unique environment. Huge trees soar upwards towards the light, whilst on the forest floor miniature frogs jump amongst the twigs. Walking trails take you close up to the flora and fauna, but the best way to experience the rainforest is by the aerial tram that provides you with a bird’s eye view of the jungle.

Rincon de la Vieja National Park

Travel west and within a short period of time the scenery changes. Gone are the lush tropical forests, colourful frogs and bromeliads and instead you find a far drier, more arid landscape, a region in contrast to much of the rest of the country. The 14,000 hectare Rincón de la Vieja National Park, takes its name from the active volcano that looms large over you. Reduced canopy cover and lower tourist numbers, makes wildlife spotting easier, there are over 300 bird species and a variety of mammals including the jaguar and armadillo. On the forest floor there are many hot springs and bubbling fumaroles.

Costa Rica Beach Extension

Explore the rugged and beautiful coastline of Costa Rica including the coastal rainforest and relaxing quiet beaches ranging from volcanic black to tropical white sands.

Cala Luna, Tamarindo Beach - Small deluxe hotel, set on the beach at Cala Luna and surrounded by peaceful tropical gardens.

El Parador, Manuel Antonio Beach – Located close to Manuel Antonio National Park, this boutique spa resort is set on a Pacific bluff surrounded by tropical rainforest.

Costa Rica Suggested Itinerary

San Jose, Tortuguero, Arenal, Monteverde and the Pacific Coast

Day 1 - Depart UK, arrival in San Jose for 2 nights
Day 2 - Visit Braulio Carrillio National Park, explore the rainforest and ride the aerial tram
Day 3 – Tortuguero National Park, for 2 nights
Day 4 - Exploring Tortruguero National Park
Day 5 - Arenal National Park, for 2 nights
Day 6 - Visit the thermal baths, explore Arenal National Park
Day 7 - Monteverde, for 2 nights
Day 8 - Visit the canopy walkway
Day 9 - Pacific Coast for 2 nights
Day 10–11 – Free days to enjoy the coast
Day 12 – Return to San Jose, depart Costa Rica
Day 13 – Arrive back in the UK

San José, Osa Peninsula, Tamarindo

Day 1: – Depart UK, arrival in San José for 2-nights.
Day 2: – Excursion to Braulio Carrillo National Park.
Day 3: – Fly to Osa Peninsula for 3-nights.
Days 4–5: – Excursions to Corcovado and Cano Island.
Day 6: – Fly to San José, transfer to Tamarindo for 4-nights.
Days 7–9: – Free days to relax or explore around Tamarindo.
Day 10: – Return to San José, depart Costa Rica.
Day 11: – Arrive home.
Day 9: – Pacific coast for 3-nights.
Days 10–11: – Free days at the coast.
Day 12: – Return to San José, depart Costa Rica.
Day 13: – Arrive home.

Central American Explorer:

San José, Corcovado, Arenal, Monteverde, Antigua, Tikal, Mountain Pine Ridge, San Pedro

Day 1: – Depart UK, arrival in San José for 1-night.
Day 2: – Fly to Corcovado for 3-nights.
Days 3–4: – Guided days exploring Corcovado.
Day 5: – Fly to San José, Arenal National Park for 2-nights.
Day 6: – Visit the thermal baths.
Day 7: – Monteverde for 2-nights.
Day 8: – Visit the canopy walkway.
Day 9: – Return to San José for 1-night.
Day 10: – Fly to Guatemala City, transfer to Antigua for 3-nights.
Day 11: – City tour of Antigua.
Day 12: – Excursion to Chichicastenango and Lake Atitlán.
Day 13: – Transfer to Guatemala City, fly to Flores. Lake Petén Itzá for 1-night.
Day 14: – Visit Tikal, transfer to Mountain Pine Ridge (Belize) for 3-nights.
Days 15–16: – Guided activities to Mayan ruins and waterfalls.
Day 17: – Transfer to Belize City, fly to San Pedro for 3-nights.
Day 18–19: – Free days to relax at San Pedro.
Day 20: – Fly to Belize City, depart Belize.
Day 21: – Arrive home.

Weather

Average temperatures and rainfall for Costa Rica (San Jose)
	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Temp (°C)	28	29	30	30	29	28	28	28	27	27	27	28
Rainfall (inches)	0	0	1	3	11	11	7	11	15	13	5	1

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