The Natural World

COSTA RICA

Costa Rica, a tiny country that forms the land bridge between North and South America, is almost too good to be true. It has more species of birds than the continental United States and Canada combined, unmatched flora that includes over 3,000 species of wild orchid alone, world-class rapid rivers, unparalleled sport fishing on two coasts and a world-famous national park system.

In 1503 Columbus landed in what is now Puerto Limon, on his fourth voyage to the New World. he named the area Costa Rica, the 'Rich Coast'; some say because of the beauty he found there, others because of rumours of gold. Costa Rica was colonised by those relatively few Spanish immigrants who valued natural beauty and their liberty above riches and, since the rugged mountainous land was not suitable for large plantations, Costa Rica developed into a country of independent family farmers. Even now, these form the backbone of the country and this, more than anything else, explains the fact that from the time of its independence (1821) Costa Rica has been the most stable democratic country in Latin America.

Costa Rica Explorer

A popular 10-day wildlife tour featuring Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve and Butterfly Garden, Arenal Volcano and the remote Tortuguero National Park, with boat trips through the rain forest.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive San Jose.
Day 2: Poas Volcano National Park. To Monteverde.
Day 3: Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve and Butterfly Garden.
Day 4: Arenal Volcano. View volcanic activity.
Day 5: Tour of National Park to lava flows or river trip in rainforest.
Day 6: To Tortuguero.
Days 7-8: Caribbean Conservation Corporation Museum.
Additional boat trips at extra cost.
Day 9: Fly to San Jose. Optional tours available at extra cost, including white water rafting. Farewell dinner.
Day 10: Transfer for onward or return flight.

Tour Price

'A' Season £1,280.00; 'B' Season £1,210.00; 'C' Season £1,140.00. Includes accommodation, tours, some meals, transport and guide.

Corcovado Lodge Tent Camp

An absolutely unique experience. Located right on the beach on the southern border of Corcovado National Park, this is the only lodge in the area that provides such comfortable accommodation. While by no means easy or probable, here the visitor will have the best chance in Costa Rica to see the large mammals – jaguar, tapir, ocelot and peccaries – which have come to symbolise the tropical rainforest.

Tour Price

2 nights at Corcovado, 6 meals, half-day tree canopy platform trip with guide, round trip flights, airport transfers and park fees from £499.00 per person. Add £215.00 per person for private nature guide.

7 night Flexi-Drive Program

This unique package will allow you to custom design your own itinerary. When you arrive in Costa Rica, spend your first night in San Jose (pre-booked) and you will be supplied with hotel ‘vouchers’ for the next 6 nights plus road maps and a rental 4 x 4 jeep. Custom designing your own itinerary gives you total flexibility to explore this amazing country at your own pace, in your own style. There are the price categories to choose from ranging from budget style accommodation to deluxe.

Basic Itinerary

DAY 1 - Transfer from airport to hotel of your choice in San Jose (prebooked)
DAY 2 - Briefing at hotel, discussion of best route and choice of hotels and delivery of 4 x 4 vehicle. Now you are off to explore Costa Rica on your own! Overnight at hotel of your choice.
DAY 3 – 7 - Drive through Costa Rica and experience its natural wonders and beautiful landscape.
DAY 8 - Drive to international airport to drop off vehicle and fly home.*
*Itineraries can be tailored to any length of duration

Costing

From £315 per person based on twin share. Price includes:-
- 1 night pre-booked in San Jose hotel of your choice
- 6 nights lodging in budget hotels by voucher system
- arrival transfer
- 7 days 4 x 4 Toyota RAV hire including unlimited mileage, CDW insurance and local taxes
- Maps and hotel manual with full contact information
- Briefing at arrival hotel
To upgrade to standard accommodation add £40 per person; for deluxe accommodation add £112 per person.

Flight prices from £433 - please ask for details