Classic Costa Rica

Surrounded by volcanoes and mountain ranges, bustling metropolis San Jose is the perfect place to start your Costa Rican adventure. Spend a leisurely day wandering historic neighbourhoods like Barrio Amón, perusing the heritage buildings that now house the country’s best art galleries, and indulging in an array of gastronomic delights on Calle 33, in hip Barrio Escalante.

4* Doubletree by Hilton Cariari San Jose Costa Rica

Wind your way through the Central Volcanic Mountain Range, with its rugged towering peaks and lush primeval forests adorned with waterfalls. Continue through banana plantations and deeper into the Costa Rican countryside until you reach Tortuguero National Park. Spend two days exploring the protected nature reserve; enjoy a morning jungle boat trip, hike up Cerro Tortuguero, visit Tortuguero village, and join your guide for a magical twilight rainforest walk. Of course keep your eyes peeled for the famous Jesus lizard – known for its ability to walk on water – and the elusive three-toed sloth.

3* Tortuguero Lodge

Bid farewall to Tortuguero and journey onto Arenal. Pass through local villages with dreamy mountain vistas and fertile agricultural lands – home to pineapples, oranges, sugar cane and yuccas, to name a few. In the hamlet of La Fortuna, clouds permitting, you’ll be greeted by the mighty Arenal volcano and its classic cone-shaped slopes. Discover the secrets of the rainforest with a leafy canopy walk through the Arenal Hanging Bridges at Místico Park. Wander the treetops enjoying volcano views whilst keeping your eyes peeled for colourful long-tailed motmots and snoozing sloths! Spend an afternoon hiking the many trails that surround the stratovolcano, and admire the awesome ancient lava flows that have shaped the area over centuries. Reward your tired muscles with a delightful soak in the mineral-rich thermal water of the Ecotermales Hot Springs… Pura vida!

4* Hotel La Mansion Inn Arenal

Head into the Central Highlands, to the Tilarán Mountain Range and the majestic cloud-covered mountaintop of Monteverde. Sitting at a lofty 1,600m, the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve is a protected network of lush green forests where you can literally touch the clouds. Experience the famed Costa Rican biodiversity first-hand: look out for the resplendent quetzal and sweet-sounding three-wattled bellbirds as you roam the forests, surrounded by tropical flora like strangler figs, orchids, vines and mosses. Visit the conservation area of Selvatura Park, cruise the peaceful treetop walkways, wander the beautiful butterfly gardens and fall in love with lounging sloths at the on-site sanctuary.

3* Cloud Forest Lodge

Depart the cloud forest and descend to the rugged Pacific Coast. A surfer’s haven and beach lovers’ paradise, with world-class waves and wide golden beaches, fringed with coconut groves. Enjoy a leisurely three-night stay at Bahia del Sol, try your hand at river rafting, chill on the beach under swaying palm trees and take time to relax after your adventures exploring the many natural wonders of Costa Rica!

3* Bahia Del Sol Beach Front Boutique Hotel