Guided group walking
14 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 1
Leisurely
Operated by
Exodus Travels
Costa Rica is renowned for having proportionately more protected land than any other country, making it ripe for wildlife tourism. What is less known is the marvellous, often bizarre, variety of animals from catatonic sloths, screaming howler monkeys, screeching toucans and nesting green turtles. Throw in the Caribbean and Pacific coastlines and it is easy to see why so many return. This trip includes a few of our Citizen Science Departures. These special departures offer you the opportunity to be involved in the collection of freshwater samples during the trip. The environmental DNA information derived from this sample will contribute directly to the eBioAtlas; the world’s largest repository of flora and fauna species data, contributing to the conservation and restoration of biodiversity both locally and globally. To book onto one of these special departures, see the Dates & Prices tab. For more information on these departures and the eBioAtlas, click here.
Welcome to San José, the culture-rich capital of Costa Rica. Aim to arrive at the hotel by 5pm so that you can meet your fellow travellers and tour leader, who will give you a warm welcome to Costa Rica. If you miss today’s welcome briefing, the tour leader will give you all relevant information on the morning of Day 2. A free transfer is available to take you to our hotel in San José. Read the Joining Instructions in the Trip Notes for more information on booking your seat. Accommodation: Presidente Hotel (or similar)
You stay at Presidente Hotel.
Located on Central Avenue Pedestrian Boulevard in San Jose’s vibrant core, the Presidente Hotel offers you the chance to experience the neighbourhood like a local. Many of the city’s best museums and galleries, as well as public parks, shops, restaurants and bars are within easy walking distance. There is a warm and friendly welcome to this family-owned hotel and the well-appointed rooms and suites feature comfy beds, Wi-Fi, and great showers. The hotel offers a daily buffet breakfast as well as a chance to relax on the rooftop at Azotea Calle 7, the fabulous bar/restaurant.
If this hotel is not available, an alternative of a similar level will be used.
Our adventure begins early this morning, leaving San José behind as we travel to the northeast of Costa Rica to Tortuguero National Park. Accessible only by boat or light aircraft, Tortuguero has a vast network of waterways, canals and swamps that is remarkably tranquil, unspoilt and devoid of noise pollution. On reaching the pier, we board a small motorboat for the journey to our lodge (up to 1hr 30min) , which is a short distance from the main lagoon. Please note the transfer from San José to Tortuguero is not private for Exodus clients. Our afternoon is spent in Tortuguero village, where it’s possible to visit the Sea Turtle Museum (a donation will be requested at the entrance). Tortuguero is probably most famous as a nesting site for the endangered green turtle, which arrives onto the beach to lay eggs from late July to October (witness it as part of an optional excursion). Hawksbill, loggerhead and giant leatherback turtles also nest in this region. During November to January, baby turtles hatch and make their way towards the ocean. Today's travel time will be in the region of six hours including a break for breakfast. Accommodation: Laguna Lodge (or similar)
You stay at Laguna Lodge.
Laguna Lodge is an eco-lodge, located in the Tortuguero National Park on the northern Caribbean coast of Costa Rica. The lodge is located on a narrow strip of land, 600ft wide, with the Caribbean Sea on one side and Tortuguero Lagoon on the other. The lodge’s 15 acres of land is full of trees and exotic plants and the gardens are the natural habitat for a great number of birds and butterflies. The 106 rooms, reception, restaurant, bar and swimming pools are distributed amidst six acres of wonderful gardens with amazing views of the lagoon and with direct access to the beach.
If this hotel is not available, an alternative, Pachira Lodge, or a property of a similar level will be used.
A morning boat trip enables us to discover the extraordinary flora and fauna of Tortuguero, passing serenely along the waterways. At this time of day, wildlife is usually at its most active, and with the help of our expert guide we are likely to encounter monkeys, caiman, iguanas, butterflies and many of the 300-plus bird species recorded here. The lodge is a tranquil spot to relax this afternoon if you want to take some time out to enjoy the facilities, or you can join a second boat trip or follow a short walking trail through the forest. Accommodation: Laguna Lodge (or similar)
We leave Tortuguero the same way we arrived by taking a small boat to the pier. Our bus will be at the pier waiting to drive us to the region of Arenal, passing huge banana, pineapple and sugar cane plantations on the way. Arenal was the most active volcano in Costa Rica until fairly recently when it entered a resting phase, and can no longer be seen spitting ash, smoke or lava. However, there is still a lot of geothermal activity in the area and you'll have the opportunity to visit one of the excellent hot springs this evening. In clear weather, there are great views of the volcano from our overnight base in the nearby town of La Fortuna. Today's travelling time is around 5hr 30min including a lunch stop. Accommodation: Arenal Montechiari or Eco Arenal (or similar)
You stay at Arenal Montechiari.
The Arenal Montechiari Hotel is surrounded by lush gardens and has a spectacular view of the Arenal Volcano, one of the most active volcanoes in the world. Located just 400m from the Central Park and very close to the beautiful town La Fortuna, local amenities such as supermarket, banks and restaurants are within walking distance. The hotel was born as a small Restaurant called El Sesteo, offering delicious food to locals and tourists alike. The restaurant’s customers encouraged the owners to add rooms for them to stay in. Construction began on three rooms to satisfy this request and over the years the hotel has grown and now offers 21 cabins, built using indigenous woods, and all with their own terrace. There is a free-form swimming pool and complimentary Wi-Fi is available in public areas.
If this hotel is not available, an alternative, the San Bosco Hotel, or a property of a similar level will be used.
This morning we take a short scenic hike within Arenal National Park, walking through secondary rainforest and seeing some of the lava fields from past eruptions. The high vantage points on this walk allow great views overlooking Lake Arenal, and the birdlife is plentiful. Waterfalls are abundant in the region of Arenal and we visit La Fortuna, a 213ft (65m) cascade plunging into an emerald pool. A short trail through the rainforest brings us to a relatively steep set of steps that we must descend to reach the waterfall and then ascend to the exit – the hike/climb takes around 20-30 minutes and is within the capabilities of anyone with reasonable fitness. Reward your efforts with a cooling dip in one of the natural pools punctuating the foliage. Alternatively, you could visit the lookout point and wait for the group. After lunch, the rest of day is at leisure to enjoy optional activities such as a chocolate tour or the exhilarating Ecoglide Zipline. Accommodation: Arenal Montechiari or Eco Arenal (or similar)
From Arenal we travel to the Tilaran Mountain Range in the central highlands for our first taste of a Costa Rican cloud forest. The journey provides breathtaking views of the Gulf of Nicoya and the islands below as we ascend the hills towards Monteverde, a forest-cloaked region whose name literally means Green Mountain. The high altitude supports a complex ecosystem where plants thrive, particularly orchids of which there are more than 400 varieties here. Today's drive is around four hours — the last 25mi (40km) of road is gravel and can be bumpy, particularly following heavy rain. Accommodation: Monteverde Country Lodge or Montaña Monteverde (or similar)
You stay at Cloud Forest Lodge.
The Cloud Forest Lodge is a mountain eco-lodge - an environmentally and nature-friendly property that has minimal, or no harm to local ecosystems or the environment. The property itself sits within 72 acres of natural cloud forest offering guests the chance to interact and view the beauty and wonders of Monteverde nature. The nearby Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, lies at 4500m above sea level and is home to over 3000 species of animals and plants.
Accommodation is in spacious and comfortable, bungalow-style, bedrooms that are simple and somewhat rustic to provide a real mountain lodge experience - after spending a short time here, you realise that modern luxury amenities such as TV, air conditioners and heaters are not required (although free Wi-Fi and a shared TV lounge is provided)! All rooms have a front porch for quiet relaxation and direct views over the gardens. The restaurant is a great place to experience the natural environment of the lodge and offers a variety of delightful Costarian-style dishes. The restaurant produces their own bread, a unique homemade granola and a delicious natural fruit jelly and guests can enjoy their favourite cocktail at the bar with magical views of the forest and amazing sunsets.
If this hotel is not available, an alternative of a similar level will be used.
This morning we have a guided walk in Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve, one of the first community-managed reserves in Costa Rica and an area celebrated for its biodiversity. To this day, the reserve is managed by the Santa Elena High School with funds channelled into protecting the reserve and providing environmental education classes within the community. Thanks to its high elevation, Santa Elena is bathed in thick misty clouds, which support a huge range of flowers, ferns, mosses, vines and orchids. Birdlife thrives in the cloud forest with more 425 species recorded here. Santa Elena is also one of the best places to spot noisy howler monkeys swinging through the trees. In the afternoon it's possible to join an optional coffee tour to learn about the importance of this crop to the socio-economic development of the country or join a canopy tour to get a different view of the forest. Accommodation: Monteverde Country Lodge or Montaña Monteverde (or similar)
Our journey takes a southeasterly turn today as we follow the Pan-Am Highway along the coastline to Manuel Antonio, passing African oil palm and teak plantations on the way. Manuel Antonio National Park consists of a vast marine reserve as well as 1,700 acres (690ha) of mangrove swamp, primary and secondary rainforest. The forest vegetation stretches as far as the high-tide line and provides a stunning backdrop to the expansive sandy beaches, forested islands and dramatic rocky headlands. Our drive to Manuel Antonio takes around four hours (not including rest stops and lunch).We settle into our accommodation and, depending on our arrival time, can make use of the hotel’s facilities. Accommodation: Villa Bosque Hotel or San Bada Hotel (or similar)
You stay at Villa Bosque Hotel.
Just a 2 minute walk from the beach, the Villabosque Hotel has 20 comfortable bedrooms, a swimming pool with panoramic views of the surrounding rainforest, a bar, lounge area, a restaurant, terrace and gardens. The rooms come with air-conditioning, an LCD Cable TV, hot water, laundry service and safe. There is complimentary Wi-Fi in public areas only. The restaurant specialises in seafood, Latin American and grill/BBQ cuisine.
If this hotel is not available, an alternative of a similar level will be used.
A guided tour of Manuel Antonio National Park this morning should enable us to have close wildlife encounters. White-faced capuchin monkeys play in the trees and are frequently sighted on the beaches, while noisy howler monkeys are usually heard moving through the trees and calling to each other before they are seen. The endangered titi monkey (squirrel monkey) are fewer in number but can sometimes be spotted in this area. Iguanas, agouti and two- and three-toed sloths are also commonly sighted in the national park. Manuel Antonio's beaches rank among the most beautiful in the country and we have all afternoon to enjoy them or try one of the optional activities in this region. Please note that Manuel Antonio National Park is closed on Tuesdays. If your visit falls on a Tuesday, the timing of this activity will be adjusted so that you visit the park on the previous (or following) day and today will be at leisure to enjoy the many optional excursions of the region. Accommodation: Villa Bosque Hotel or San Bada Hotel (or similar)
Travel four hours south towards Golfito, a relatively wild and undiscovered region. The dense jungle here has hardly been explored or researched. The next two nights are spent in the beautiful Esquinas Rainforest Lodge set in the heart of primary rainforest and bordered by the Piedras Blancas National Park and Golfito Nature Reserve. The lodge was originally financed by the government of Austria as a project combining forest research, development aid, and nature conservation. Most employees are local and profits are used to help with projects in the nearby village. This afternoon we discover our peaceful surroundings and search for the abundant bird and insect life that resides here. Accommodation: Esquinas Rainforest Lodge (or similar)
You stay at Esquinas Rainforest Lodge.
The Esquinas Rainforest Lodge is surrounded by untouched jungle wilderness in the remote Piedras Blancas National Park. The 14 rooms offer simple but comfortable accommodation and have a private bathroom with shower and ceiling fan. They are decorated with colourful materials woven by the Guaymi and Boruca Indians. The covered porch in front of each room is the perfect place for bird and nature watching (bird species include hummingbirds, parrots, toucans and ciurassows, whilst it is also common to see coatis, raccoons, caimans, agoutis and monkeys).
The restaurant offers modern Costa Rican gastronomy as well as more typical recipes handed down from generation to generation. The menu uses organically grown vegetables and fruits from the lodge’s own garden as well as local products such as freshly caught fish from the Golfo Dulce. In many recipes, typical products are used that guests may well have rarely (or never) tasted before. The lodge also offers a bar and a spring-fed pool and has been certified as 100% carbon-neutral and awarded a Certificate of Sustainable Tourism from the Costa Rican Tourism Board.
If this hotel is not available, an alternative of a similar level will be used.
Hike through the rainforest this morning with your guide and experience all the sights and sounds of the jungle. During this activity we are likely to see snakes, monkeys and maybe sloths. This hike can be quite slippery after rainfall but is a real highlight and well worth the effort. This afternoon has been left free for optional activities — delve deeper into the forest on a network of trails departing directly from the lodge, or simply relax by the pool. In the evening you can join a night walk around the Esquinas trails in search of nocturnal species (optional, payable locally). Accommodation: Esquinas Rainforest Lodge (or similar)
Our journey takes a northwesterly turn through San Isidro and up and over the Cerro de la Muerte mountain range to our next destination, the Savegre Valley, around a 4hr 30min drive from Golfito (not including stops). The cloud forest of Savegre is said to be one of the best places in Costa Rica to see the beautiful, colourful and notoriously shy resplendent quetzal and we have two nights here to discover the region. These endangered birds rely on the cloud forest for their habitat — the males in particular are striking with a green crest, red breast and tail feathers that can reach a metre long. A good pair of binoculars will be helpful for quetzal spotting as these birds camouflage themselves well among the wet leaves of the forest. In the afternoon, we take a short walk from our lodge into the cloud forest. Accommodation: Savegre Hotel & Spa or Trogon Lodge (or similar)
You stay at Savegre Hotel - Natural Reserve & Spa.
Another property with minimal environmental impact, the Hotel Savegre - Natural Reserve & Spa holds a firm belief that guests can really help to maintain the property’s eco-friendly credentials, by the way they act during their stay. Turning off lights, using as little drinking water as needed and not leaving the marked trails during walks are just a few examples.
The property has comfortable, wooden-clad, cabin rooms with good amenities, all of which are surrounded by the fabulous gardens. There is a restaurant, a bar and lounge, a gift shop, a spa area as well as complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the property. Las Bromelias Restaurant offers a balance of fine international cuisine with the best of Costa Rican tradition and offers either a buffet or a la carte dining experience depending on the number of guests.
If this hotel is not available, an alternative, the Trogon Lodge, or a property of a similar level will be used.
Today is free to relax and explore Savegre Valley. Bring your binoculars to spot some of the 170 bird species, trek through the tropical cloud forest or simply enjoy the incredible view from the lodge. Your leader will suggest walks for today so you can discover the tropical cloud forest and sub-Andean vegetation of the area. Accommodation: Savegre Hotel & Spa or Trogon Lodge (or similar)
Visit the Copey valley this morning to step momentarily into the agricultural lives of those living in the highlands of the Central Mountain Range. We take a short walk through this picturesque area, stopping for a typical lunch prepared for us by a local family - sure to give a memorable touch of Costa Rican hospitality. A 2hr 30min journey takes us back to San José, where there is time to explore the modern capital. Accommodation: Presidente Hotel (or similar)
You stay at Presidente Hotel.
Located on Central Avenue Pedestrian Boulevard in San Jose’s vibrant core, the Presidente Hotel offers you the chance to experience the neighbourhood like a local. Many of the city’s best museums and galleries, as well as public parks, shops, restaurants and bars are within easy walking distance. There is a warm and friendly welcome to this family-owned hotel and the well-appointed rooms and suites feature comfy beds, Wi-Fi, and great showers. The hotel offers a daily buffet breakfast as well as a chance to relax on the rooftop at Azotea Calle 7, the fabulous bar/restaurant.
If this hotel is not available, an alternative of a similar level will be used.
A final breakfast at the hotel is your chance to say goodbye to the group and perhaps start planning your next adventure. For those joining our post-trip extension to Tamarindo Beach, the wait won’t be long. No matter what your future plans are, though, there’s a free transfer to San José airport for onward flights.
You stay at Eating and Drinking.
Eating and Drinking,
All breakfasts, 8 lunches and 6 dinners included.
Hotel breakfasts are normally buffet style, and lunches and dinners at Tortuguero and Esquinas Rainforest Lodge are also buffet style. Vegetarians are well catered for but please inform us before departure of any special dietary requests.
Costa Rican specialities include 'Gallo Pinto', a black bean and rice dish considered to be a staple part of the local diet. Soups and stews are also common, and fresh fruit is abundant and will no doubt be one of the highlights of your time in the tropics.
These tour only prices are based on two people sharing. Single supplement from NZ$1397.
These flight inclusive prices are based on two people sharing. Single supplement from NZ$1397.
Our aim is to provide holidays that are unbeatable for choice and flexibility. We've listed our most popular travel options below, however you aren't limited to these - we can tailor-make virtually any holiday to suit.
To find out more about the travel options available call our sales team on 0044 1606 720199 or email sales@headwater.com
Guided group walking
14 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 1
Leisurely
Operated by
Exodus Travels