Colours of Costa Rica

Moderate

Group Tour

Flexible

Flight Inclusive

Costa Rica is a natural wonderland, filled with bountiful nature and incredible wildlife. Explore rainforest and cloudforest, keeping your eyes peeled for monkeys, sloths and colourful birds that call it home.

What's Included

18 Day Colours of Costa Rica Tour Itinerary

Our Colours of Costa Rica itinerary has been intricately designed for those who wish to see iconic sites and magnificent treasures. You'll travel with the assurance that all your arrangements are taken care of, with international flights, accommodation and all the touring listed below. You will be accompanied by our industry-leading National Escorts whose unparalleled knowledge and talent will turn your tour into an unforgettable experience.

DAY 1-2: FLY TO SAN JOSÉ

Fly to Costa Rica's vibrant, charming capital San José, arriving the same day due to crossing the International Date Line en route. You will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel.

DAY 3: POÁS VOLCANO NATIONAL PARK

This morning, head out of the city to explore Poás Volcano National Park. Located just an hour and a half from San José, the area is home to the 2,700 metre Poás Volcano. Wander the well-kept trails that encircle Poás' two craters, passing through luxuriant cloud forest and admiring the steaming blue pool that has settled in one of the enormous depressions. Return to Santa Ana via the La Paz Waterfall Gardens, a 70-acre natural paradise. Two miles of trails wend their way through native flora in forests, gardens and five waterfalls – keep your eye out for a multitude of fascinating wildlife. (B,L)

DAY 4: TRAVEL TO TORTUGUERO VILLAGE

Transfer to San José Dock and take a boat to Tortuguero. Only accessible by boat or plane, Tortuguero exudes a relaxed Afro-Caribbean vibe and is famous for Green Turtles that nest here - Tortuguero even means 'turtle catcher'. Spend the afternoon in the village, with the jungle and waterways on one side and on the other, blissful Caribbean beach. (B,L,D)

DAY 5: EXPLORE TORTUGUERO

The Tortuguero area is full of biological diversity, with habitats including rainforest, swamp and lagoon. The beaches are a nesting ground for Green Turtles, whilst the rivers are home to caimans, crocodiles and manatees and the forest boasts jaguars, sloths, monkeys and 375 species of birds. Exploring it will be a real adventure! This morning walk the trails around your hotel and in the afternoon take a boat trip on the area's waterways. (B,L,D)

DAY 6: TRAVEL TO SARAPIQUI

Depart Tortuguero by boat. After lunch at a local restaurant, journey to Sarapiqui at the heart of Costa Rica's northern lowlands, nestled amongst lush rainforest. Check in to your rainforest lodge accommodation and settle in. (B,L)

DAY 7: CHOCOLATE TOUR

Embark on a tour dedicated to chocolate at La Tirimbina. Crossing the suspension bridge, visit a former cacao-tree plantation where you'll learn about the history of the tree and its lucrative fruit. Watch the chocolate-making process firsthand and have a taste of the final product. The chocolate is produced by the Asociacion de Mujeres Amazilia del Caribe, a group of local women who are working to improve their lives through social enterprise and to rescue the native cacao tree. Transfer by road to the Arenal area, named after the magnificent Arenal Volcano. (B,D)

DAY 8: MISTICO PARK HANGING BRIDGES

In the shadow of Arenal, the Mistico Park gives a whole new perspective of the rainforest with a series of suspension bridges at canopy level. As you walk through the trees, you'll be able to spot all sorts of wildlife, birds, flowers and vegetation. Spend the day walking the easy trails and taking in your beautiful natural surroundings. (B,L)

DAY 9: MONTEVERDE BY LAKE

Depart Arenal and voyage across Arenal Lake to the little town of Rio Chiquito. This lake is Costa Rica's largest, especially since it tripled in size with the construction of the Arenal Dam in 1979. The views of Arenal volcano as you cruise will be fantastic. Transfer the rest of the way to Monteverde by road and enjoy an afternoon tour of the Don Juan coffee estate. Here you’ll learn all about the coffee making process, from harvest to processing and the humble coffee bean itself. (B,L,D)

DAY 10: MONTEVERDE CLOUD FOREST RESERVE

Explore the hanging bridges of the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve with a guide. This reserve covers 26,000 acres of virgin forest which a huge amount of Costa Rica's native flora and fauna call home. The Cloud Forest is a highland rainforest, characterised by the clouds and fogs that settle in the lush canopy – the humidity here hovers at around 100%! The reserve shelters jaguars, pumas and over 450 species of bird, including the quetzal. (B,L,D)

DAY 11: TRAVEL TO MANUEL ANTONIO

Travel down from Monteverde to the lush lowlands and dazzling white sands of the Pacific coast. Here, set amongst verdant nature is the oceanside village of Manuel Antonio where you will spend the next three nights. (B,L)

DAY 12: MANUEL ANTONIO NATIONAL PARK

Enjoy a guided tour of Manuel Antonio National Park, Costa Rica's most protected area. There is a huge range of breathtaking flora and fauna here – as you stroll the park's trails, keep an eye out for white-faced Capuchin monkeys, raccoons and a range of beautiful bird species. There'll also be time to have a dip in the warm Pacific waters. (B,L)

DAY 13: DAY AT LEISURE

Enjoy a day at leisure in Manuel Antonio. (B,D)

DAY 14: CARARA NATIONAL PARK

Depart Manuel Antonio and begin the journey back to San José, stopping en route at the Carara National Park. Enjoy the diverse nature of a transitional forest, a mix of dry tropical reserve and humid jungle created by changes in topography. It is home to many mammals and plant and tree species as well as the rare Scarlet Macaw. Arrive in San José. (B,L)

DAY 15: RAINFOREST AERIAL TRAM

Today you will glide gently through the rainforest canopy aboard the Rainforest Aerial Tram, located in a private reserve. The tram travels at a leisurely 2 kilometres an hour, covering 2.6 kilometres, giving you the chance to examine the many layers of the rainforest canopy and the flora and fauna that call it home. (B,D)

DAYS 16-18: FLY SAN JOSÉ TO AUSTRALIA

This morning after breakfast you will be transferred to the airport for your flight back to Australia, arriving home in 2 days due to crossing the International Date Line once again. (B)

Dates & Prices

All of our tour departures include international flights and taxes in the price. Our tour prices are from prices based on per person, twin share and are subject to the availability of specific economy class fare levels. If the dates we have available for this tour don't suit your needs, or you are not sure travelling as part of a group is for you, maybe a Private Tour would be more ideal.

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Additional Price Information

Above prices include airline fuel surcharge and taxes, correct as at 12 March 2018 and subject to change.

Customary tipping of approximately US$180 (AU$243) is paid locally in South America.

Single Hotel Room Option from $2,600

Land Only (San José to San José) 15 days from $5,860 per person twin share

Deposit for South & Central America tours are $800 per person

Standard itinerary departs SYD, MEL, BNE, ADL. Other cities available, contact us for details

Depending on airline schedules, extra nights pre- or post-tour accommodation or stopovers may be required at additional cost.