Experience nature’s wonders and wildlife in Costa Rica and Nicaragua
Our Costa Rica to Nicaragua Explorer holiday takes you on an unforgettable journey through two of Central America’s most captivating countries. Discover a world of misty cloud forests, emerald jungles, and volcanic landscapes alive with wildlife. Begin in Monteverde, where hanging bridges weave through the cloud forest canopy and hummingbirds dart between orchids. The cool mountain air and rich biodiversity make it a paradise for nature lovers.
Continue to Tenorio National Park, where rainforest trails lead to the striking Río Celeste Waterfall, its vivid turquoise hue glimmering beneath the trees. Listen to the sounds of the jungle and spot monkeys, toucans, and sloths as you explore this lush, tropical haven. Then, cross the border into Nicaragua for a true wilderness experience in the Indio Maíz Biosphere Reserve. Here, guided walks and river safaris reveal the incredible diversity of this untouched ecosystem, from exotic birds to secretive jungle mammals.
Your adventure concludes in the colourful colonial city of Granada, where elegant architecture and cobbled streets tell stories of centuries past. Explore nearby volcanoes Mombacho and Masaya, and end your journey unwinding beside the tranquil Apoyo Lagoon. Blending adventure, culture, and natural wonder, this itinerary captures the very essence of Central America’s wild beauty.
Visit Costa Rica and Nicaragua
Accommodation detailed in itinerary
See details in itinerary below
12 breakfasts
What you'll experience
- Visit a wildlife rehabilitation centre in Costa Rica’s Central Valley: Meet the country’s remarkable rescue residents and learn about vital conservation efforts that protect Costa Rica’s diverse species and fragile habitats.
- Hike through lush jungle to the mesmerising Río Celeste Waterfall: Follow forest trails to where the river turns a brilliant shade of blue, created by a unique natural phenomenon, and feel the spray from one of Costa Rica’s most enchanting sights.
- Seek out wildlife in Nicaragua’s Indio Maíz Biosphere Reserve: Explore one of Central America’s most untouched rainforests, searching for monkeys, tropical birds, and colourful frogs on guided walks and boat trips through pristine jungle waterways.
- Stand before the volcanoes of Mombacho and Masaya: Admire the lush cloud forests surrounding dormant Mombacho, then witness the power of nature at Masaya, where you can peer into the active crater and see molten lava glowing below.
- Discover the charm of Granada: Wander the cobbled streets of this colourful colonial city, where pastel façades, lively plazas, and historic churches reflect Nicaragua’s vibrant spirit and rich cultural heritage.
What's included
- International flights
- 12 nights’ accommodation
- 12 Meals – 12 breakfast
- Transfers and domestic flights as per itinerary
- Excursions and activities as per itinerary
Prices from £4599
Excludes:
- Local departure taxes payable locally
- Items of a personal nature such as laundry and drinks etc
- Tips for guides and drivers (discretionary)
- Camera or video fees at any sites
Quick Itinerary
Quick Itinerary
Day 1 UK – Central Valley
On arrival in San Jose, you will be greeted and transferred to your hotel in the green highlands of the Central Valley for the night.
Days 2-3 Monteverde
En route to Monteverde, visit the Toucan Rescue Ranch. Here you’ll learn all about the important work the project carries out, to care, rehabilitate and release injured and confiscated animals. You may see toucans, sloths, owls and porcupines. This is the perfect start to your trip, as you’ll also learn how to spot these animals in the wild. You continue to Monteverde Cloud Forest, renowned for its biodiversity and home to countless wildlife species including hummingbirds and the resplendent quetzal. The following day you have a guided walk along trails and suspension bridges within the cloud forest to discover some of the unique flora and fauna found here.
Days 4-5 Tenorio
Tenorio National Park was created to protect the active Tenorio Volcano, from development in the area. The park boasts a variety of ecosystems including rainforest and cloud forest, but the highlight for many is the Rio Celeste waterfall, where the fast-flowing waters drop 65 feet into a stunning sky-blue pool. Embark on a hike through the park, a haven for birdlife, where you may see bear-necked umbrella birds, toucans, toucanets or motmots among the 400+ species recorded here, and discover the varied flora, from towering palm trees and ferns to colourful bromeliads and delicate orchids.
Days 6-8 Rio San Juan
Departing from Tenorio, you transfer north to the border with Nicaragua, where you continue by road to San Carlos, and transfer by boat, along the Rio San Juan. Flowing from Lake Nicaragua to the Caribbean Sea, the river cuts through the jungle, passing small villages along the way, and into Indio Maiz Biosphere Reserve. The following two days are spent exploring the reserve on foot and by boat to discover some of the native wildlife found here, including howler and spider monkeys, sloths, manatees, macaws, caiman and wild boar.
Days 9-10 Granada
Journey by river and road to Granada, a UNESCO World Heritage site. On day 10 you have a morning visit to Mombacho Volcano. Taking a 4x4 up through the cloud forest, you’ll then hike along the crater trail, through varying landscapes and home howler and white-faced monkeys. Once at the top, enjoy fantastic views of Granada, Lake Nicaragua and Masaya Volcano. Back in the city enjoy a tour of the highlights of Granada, including San Francisco Convent and La Merced church, with its fantastic views over the city, lake and surrounding volcanoes.
Days 11-12 Apoyo Lagoon
Your final destination is Apoyo Lagoon, a huge crater lake believed to have been formed around 20,000 years ago. Your days here are free to explore the area at your leisure, take a dip in the nearby lagoon, or relax at your hotel.
Shortly before sunset on day 12 take a tour to Masaya Volcano, to see the bright green Chocoyo parakeets who have adapted to the sulphuric fumes of the volcano and now roost in the soft earth within the crater. You’ll end at a viewpoint where you can look into the crater itself to see bubbling lava, then you’ll understand why the Spanish named it the ‘Mouth of Hell’.
Days 13-14 Managua - UK
On day 13 you will be transferred to Managua airport for your onward flight and will land back in the UK on day 11.
Alternatively, end your holiday to Nicaragua on the pristine beaches of the Corn Islands on the Caribbean side of the country.
What Makes a Latin Routes Holiday Truly Unforgettable?
Every journey we plan is truly individual – created just for you, by our expert team. Whether you’re dreaming of wildlife, culture, food or landscapes, 5* luxury or off-grid adventure, we’ll design a Latin American holiday that’s truly unforgettable for all the right reasons.
We’re recognised by both the industry and our clients for our outstanding personalised service.
We design every trip around you: your interests, your must-sees, your perfect holiday.
Every recommendation is shaped by real experience, true passion and specialist care.
Consistently rated ‘Excellent’ by our clients for our expert planning and personalised attention.
Speak to a dedicated Nicaragua Travel Specialist today
All our Nicaragua itineraries can be tailored to your unique requirements. Enquire about our Costa Rica to Nicaragua Explorer holiday and let us plan your perfect Latin American adventure.
What Our Clients Say About Us
