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Jungle Nights & Colonial Sights – Nicaragua & Costa Rica
Costa Rica & Nicaragua 16-Day Holiday Itinerary
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Prices from £2,188 pp
All prices exclude international flights at the start/end of your trip. Let us book flights for you.
16 days / 15 nights (flexible)
Daily
San Jose - Tortuguero - La Fortuna - Monteverde - Rincon de la Vieja - Ometepe - Granada - Managua
Overview
Costa Rica and Nicaragua complement each other perfectly. Begin in the cosmopolitan city of San Jose before heading off to turtle beach for a boat trip along the river and through the jungle. Journey to the country’s most famous Volcano, walk among the tree tops of a cloud forest and witness the bubbling thermal pools of Rincon de la Vieja. Next, it’s time for something entirely different as you cross the border and see the colonial charm of Nicaragua’s crowning glory: Granada. Experience the country’s old world charm and local culture on the secluded volcanic island of Ometepe and marvel at the mighty volcano in Managua.
What's included
- Accommodation – price based on 2 people sharing
- Breakfast
- Transport by shuttle bus and transfer or car hire
- Excursions as described
- If travelling by Car Hire – full insurance included
Our ready-made itineraries 1. Add your favourite itinerary to your travel plan 2. Send it our way 3.Our travel specialists will get planning and send you a quote
Location map
Your day-by-day itinerary
We know the way to San José
After a long flight you’ll be pleased to see a representative from our local office waiting to whisk you away to your modern hotel. The next morning you’ll visit the office of our local partner where you’ll be greeted with a Costa Rican coffee. We’ll organise a two hour walk for you around the city with an English speaking guide to discover the secret sights of the city.
Onward transfers
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.
Through the Jungle to Tortuguero
The amazing landscape of Tortuguero is not accessible by road. Instead you’ll find rivers meandering through the pristine rainforest to the famous nesting ground of countless turtles. You’ll spend a couple of nights in a jungle lodge, with all of your food and boat trips included. Fill your senses with the sounds of the rainforest, listen to howler monkeys in the distance, smell the tropical hibiscus or spot tiny red frogs in the grass.
Onward transfers
Next, you’ll travel back by boat through the network of river canals to the mainland and by bus to Guapiles, where you’ll stop for a bite to eat. From here you’ll either board the shuttle bus or pick up your hire car for the journey to La Fortuna. Your driving time today is between 2 to 3 hours.
Lava Flows of Arenal Volcano
As you head towards La Fortuna, at the foot of Arenal volcano, you’ll notice the landscape becoming more mountainous and the winding road becoming more pot-holed. The mighty volcano and beautiful countryside is one of the most iconic images of Costa Rica. We’ll arrange for you to stay in a comfortable wooden cabin hotel, just outside the popular tourist town. During your stay, you will take a hike through the lush landscape, with the volcano as a beautiful back-drop before being transferred to the hot springs where you can unwind.
Onward transfers
Next, you’ll jump in your hire car or hop aboard the shuttle bus for the roughly 4 hour journey up to Monteverde. Either way, you’ll be travelling along a pretty bumpy road!
Into the Cloud Forests of Monteverde
Feel the magic of the dense cloud forest of Monteverde. Take a guided canopy walk through the forest where ferns, mosses and orchids bloom amongst the hanging tree branches and beautiful birds dart through the trees. Due to the humid climate the forest gives off a fairytale-like atmosphere, especially in often-present mist. You’ll stay in a comfortable Swiss-style chalet, set amongst wooded surroundings.
Onward transfers
After breakfast you’ll check out of your hotel in Monteverde and make your way by hire car or shuttle bus to the less visited area of Rincon de la Vieja. Your driving time today is roughly 4.5 hours.
Giant Trees & Bubbling Springs
In Rincon de la Vieja National Park, the main attraction is the geothermal activity. During your stay you’ll journey with your guide into the park. Along with over three-hundred species of bird, spectacular butterflies and four recorded species of big cats, Rincon de la Vieja is also home to bubbling mud pools.
Onward transfers
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.
Discover Ometepe Island
Ometepe Island lies in the second largest freshwater lake in Latin America. There’s nothing planned for you during your stay so you can decide how to spend your time. Relax on the beach, try some hiking up one of the volcanoes, or jump on a bike and discover the island. You’ll stay in the centre of Ometepe between the two volcanoes. From your hammock, you can enjoy the sounds of wind, water and birds.
Onward transfers
After your time on Ometepe Island you’ll travel by ferry and will be transferred north to Granada, which takes roughly 2 hours.
Glory Days of Granada
The oldest city in the New World, Granada is striking with it’s colourful colonial buildings and diverse culture. Upon arrival in Managua you’ll be transferred directly to your hotel in Granada, a journey of about an hour. You’ll stay in a comfortable colonial-style hotel with its own swimming pool and go on a walk with a local guide through the city.
Onward transfers
Next you’ll travel by private transfer or hire car north to Managua, a journey of about an hour.
The Mighty Volcano
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.
Onward transfers
Sadly, it’s time for your adventure in Costa Rica and Nicaragua to come to and end. You’ll be transferred by private car to the airport in Managua for your international flight home.
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