We would also recommend experiencing this trip as a self-drive for ultimate flexibility, allowing you to explore at your own pace. Please refer to the price example provided above for this option.
Day 1 – Arrival in San Jose
When you walk into the arrivals hall at San José airport a representative from our local office will greet you and transfer you to your hotel. You’ll be staying in a modern hotel in the centre of San Jose. Bustling markets, shopping districts, numerous museums and galleries are within easy reach.
Day 2 – Meet & greet, city walk & departure
This morning, you’ll be picked up and taken to our local office, where you’ll be greeted with a steaming cup of Costa Rican coffee. One of our local team members will talk you through your Costa Rica trip and give you some great tips to help make the most out of your time in Costa Rica. San Jose may not be the most beautiful of cities, but there’s still fun to be had!
As some of the areas of interest are not too easy to find, we’ll map out a 2-hour walk for you around the city, with an English-speaking guide. You’ll be able to ask them any questions you might have. You’ll stop by museums, the park and the central market. Here you can learn all about typical food, tropical fruits and perhaps enjoy a delicious ice cream or a coffee. The tour will end at around lunchtime time giving you the rest of the day free.
Day 3 – Through the jungle to Tortuguero
From San Jose you’ll be picked up by coach for the journey to Tortuguero through spectacular landscapes. After about 3 hours you’ll stop off near Guapiles where you’ll have breakfast. From here you’ll continue on to the Pavona docks where you’ll switch to a boat for the final 90 minutes of your journey into the rainforest. Keep your eyes peeled for playful monkeys, fluttering butterflies and colourful toucans along the way.
At the lodge you’ll go ashore and be welcomed with an arrival drink. Your home for the next couple of nights is a wooden cabin, with your own shower, toilet and fan, set in an enticing tropical garden. This afternoon you’ll have time to settle in and relax by the pool. At the end of the afternoon you’ll start your first activity. If you’re lucky to be here during the right season (Feb to April and July to October for the different species), you will probably want to see the turtles laying their eggs.
Day 4 – Exploring the waterways
You won’t need to set an alarm clock this morning as the howl of the monkeys will definitely be enough to wake you. Bright and early, you’ll leave the rest of the group and embark on a specially organised canoe adventure, with up to 6 people in the boat. As you paddle through the narrow river channels, you’ll need to keep your wits about you and occasionally duck under the branches heading your way.
In the afternoon you’ll head off on another boat excursion. As you cruise down the river you can feel the calm in the air, interrupted only by a sudden rustling of branches or twittering of birds in the trees. Your Costa Rica guide may seem to have eyes in the back of his head as he notices a lizard or kingfisher sitting motionless on a branch.
Day 5 – Arrival in La Fortuna
As you arrive into the small town of La Fortuna you will see the mighty volcano looming in the background. This bustling tourist town attracts a lot of visitors in search of a glimpse of the peak. It’s often cloudy, but you may find that the clouds disperse for a brief period, giving you a chance to capture a glimpse of the summit. There’s lots of bars and restaurants to choose from during your stay to help you recharge from all the hiking!
Day 6 – Hiking & hot springs
Today you’ll be collected from your hotel with a small group and guide. You will hike through lush landscapes, learning about the history and wildlife, with the ever-present volcano as your back-drop. After marvelling at the view over Arenal Lake you’ll be transferred to the hot springs where you can relax and unwind in the mineral baths, followed by a tasty buffet dinner.
Day 7 – Arrival in Monteverde
You’ll spend the next few nights in a rustic lodge with a homely feel and a beautiful garden within walking distance of the town centre. Once you’ve settled in, you can take advantage of some of the local activities available, such as visiting the frog pond to see many different species and learn all about them from a local expert. Alternatively check out one of the restaurants and bars in this bustling town.
Day 8 – Tree top walk with guide
With its high humidity and altitude, Monteverde is full of lush vegetation. You’ll join your guide and a small group of other travellers to experience the cloud forest for yourself. You’ll take a 3km walk along many sturdy bridges and walkways at different heights. As most animals here are nocturnal, and rather shy, the tour will be geared towards a botanical experience, focusing on the diverse variety of plants.
Day 9 – Arrival in Rincon de la Vieja
Today you’ll arrive at a charming hacienda situated at the top of a hill. The guesthouse offers simple accommodation and is full of character – it is run by a friendly Belgian family who have decorated each of the six rooms with its own unique colour and style. As the sun sets, you’ll hear an orchestra of frogs and geckos, as well as the resident pet parrot.
Day 10 – Rincon de la Vieja National Park guided tour
Today, you’ll head to the park entrance where you’ll follow the trails with your guide. The route around the bubbling pools is relatively easy with sections accessible for wheelchair users, while the hike to the waterfall is tougher and unpaved. Your trip to the park ends at around 12 pm, giving you the rest of the day free.
Day 11 – Discover Ometepe Island
Next, you’ll be transferred from Rincon roughly 2 hours north to the border with Nicaragua. If you’re driving you can drop off your hire car here. Once in Nicaragua, you’ll head to Ometepe Island. From the border it will take about 45 minutes to the ferry port, where you’ll hop on the ferry to the island. The crossing usually takes about an hour and once there you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel. This usually takes between 30 to 40 minutes.
The afternoon is free, so spend some time enjoying the view from your villa. We think the best restaurant on the island is at the lodge so you can eat here this evening.
Day 12 – Free time on Ometepe Island
Start the day with a leisurely breakfast outside in the sun then do what you like! Maybe rent a bicycle and explore Ometepe Island on two wheels. Make sure you stop at the ‘Ojo de Agua’; a natural water source right in the middle of the countryside where you can bathe. Alternatively, head down to the beach and spend the day relaxing in a hammock in the sunshine
Day 13 – Glory days of Granada
After your time on Ometepe Island you’ll travel by ferry and will be transferred north to Granada, which takes roughly 2 hours. The oldest city in the New World, Granada is striking with its colourful colonial buildings and diverse culture. Upon arrival, you’ll be transferred directly to your hotel in Granada, a journey of about an hour. You’ll stay in a comfortable hotel with its own swimming pool.
Day 14 – Granada city tour
After breakfast you’ll be picked up by your English speaking guide for a walk through the city. Together you’ll discover the best spots in Granada. In the central square, there’s often live music in the evening, especially on Friday night when the terraces are full and the atmosphere is exuberant.
Day 15 – Visit the mighty Volcano
Next you’ll travel by private transfer or hire car north to Managua, a journey of about an hour. Managua may not be the prettiest of cities, but it’s worth stopping a while to appreciate the fading colonial buildings and take in the impressive site of Masaya Volcano. Along the way try to catch a glimpse of the green Parakeets and bats before peering into the crater mouth.
Day 16 – Departure from Nicaragua
Sadly, it’s time for your adventure in Costa Rica and Nicaragua to come to an end. You’ll be transferred by private car to the airport in Managua for your international flight home.
Accommodation
For this itinerary we offer the following options
Travel by Hire Car
For a little extra freedom, you can choose to travel by hire car. Aside from the occasional pothole on the rural roads, driving in Costa Rica is pretty easy and stress-free, and we think it’s a really lovely and adventurous way to explore the country. You’ll have a modern SUV car complete with GPS and insurance cover, so you’re all good to go!