Natural Wonders of Costa Rica

Discover Costa Rica's Natural Wonders

We have put together an exceptional package to discover the formidable natural wonders of Costa Rica in 10 days.

You will be travelling from the North to the South of the country, through the enigmatic cloud forest, discovering its rich culture and unique wilderness. You will have the chance to admire the beautiful scenery and stunning birdlife, in one of the world’s best places for birdwatchers.

Some days are dedicated for you to admire the fauna and flora at your own pace. However, you do have optional activities. Ask our Travel Specialists for further information.

Highlights

• Travel from North to South of Costa Rica
• Discover the rich culture and history of the area
• Explore the enigmatic cloud forest
• Admire the beautiful scenery and exceptional birdlife known worldwide

Quick Itinerary

Days 1 - Arrive in San Jose

Day 2 - San Jose to Tenorio

Day 3 - Tenorio

Day 4 - Tenorio to Maquenque

Day 5 - Maquenque

Day 6 - Maquenque to Bajos del Toro

Day 7 - Bajos del Toro

Day 8 - Bajos del Toro to San Gerardo de Dota

Day 9 - San Gerardo de Dota

Day 10 - Transfer to San Jose Airport

From £1,799 per person

Add international flights to Costa Rica from the UK from £499 per person

Price based on departures in 2020 and 2021, 2 people sharing a room. See price tab for detailed information.

Truly Individual Holiday

Any element of this holiday can be tailormade to your requirements, including the places you want to see and the things that are important to you. Just contact one of our Travel Specialists today.

Day 1 - Arrive in San Jose

On arrival into San Jose, you will be greeted and transferred to Hotel Presidente.

Located in the mid-west of the Central Valley, San José is the capital and
largest city of Costa Rica. It can feel like any other big city due to its busy
traffic and concrete buildings, but it is worth exploring to discover the city’s
charms. Visitors should head to the historic neighbourhoods of Barrio Amón
and Barrio Escalante to experience the city’s gastronomy and beautiful
colonial architecture.

Day 2 -  San Jose to Tenorio

Today you will be transferred from Hotel Presidente to Tenorio Lodge. 

Tenorio National Park was formed in 1995 to help protect the Tenorio
Volcano. As well as the volcano, which is still active, the park also boasts a
variety of ecosystems from the Rio Celeste, an aqua-hued river with
waterfalls, to rainforest and cloud forest. It makes for some fantastic hiking
trails and wildlife spotting. Pumas, Jaguars, howler monkeys, toucans and
bear-necked umbrella birds is just a small selection of the different animal
and bird species that can be found in this wildlife paradise.

A 17-acre property located between the Tenorio and Miravalles volcanoes,
Tenorio Lodge is perfectly situated for days spent wildlife spotting, either in
the surrounding Heliconia gardens and natural ponds or in the Tenorio
Volcano National Park.

Day 3 - Tenorio

Start your morning hike through Tenorio National Park with a trek up 750
yards of steep steps to reach the famous waterfalls of Celeste River. The
fast-flowing stream runs through the hill before it falls 65 feet into a stunning
sky-blue pool.

Continue your walk upstream to find the natural hot springs, where numerous
bubbles rise from the depths of calm waters, a result of a chemical reaction
in the volcanic massif.

It is a moderate hike with some stunning scenes as a reward.

It is highly recommended you wear hiking shoes, comfortable clothes, a hat,
sunglasses and sunblock

Day 4 - Tenorio to Maquenque

You will be transferred from Tenorio Lodge to Maquenque eco-lodge.

Boca Tapada, best known as a bird-watching destination, is part of the
Maquenque Wildlife refuge, offering hope to the endangered greet green
macaws that nest in the area.

As well as the macaws there are over 400 other species of birds that have
been identified in the area and an array of mammals, amphibians and
reptiles. Keep your ears open for the howler monkeys and eyes open
Jaguars as you explore the surrounding rainforest.

Located within the Maquenque National Wildlife Reserve, and with 68 acres
of tropical rainforest to explore on your own or with a guide, Maquenque
Eco-Lodge is the perfect place for nature and wildlife enthusiast

Day 5 - Maquenque

From the hotel pier, board a boat and begin the trip downstream on the San
Carlos River with a naturalist guide. You may be able to spot wildlife such as
crocodiles, turtles, bats, herons, kingfishers and king vultures. Close to the
Nicaraguan border there will be a stop to visit the small town of Boca San
Carlos, where you will have the opportunity to visit the small village and
interact with its inhabitants.

It is recommended to bring comfortable clothing, insect repellent, sunscreen,
hat, camera and binoculars.

Day 6 - Maquenque to Bajos del Toro

You will be transferred from Maquenque Eco-lodge to Bosque de Paz Lodge

A reserve in the central highlands of Costa Rica, next to the Juan Castro
Blanco National Park, Poas Volcano National Park and Bosque de Paz Rain
/ Cloud Forest Biological Reserve, Bajos del Toro is still somewhat of an off
the beaten track paradise. Lush primary forest, volcanic mountain ranges,
highland grasslands and numerous waterfalls create a plethora of habitats
for a wide range of species.

Explore the various trails on foot or by horseback while discovering the flora
and fauna of the region, head to the waters for some rafting or take a zipline
tour to immerse yourself in the canopies.

Bosque de Paz, “Forest of Peace”, is appropriately named. A lush green
jungle paradise nestled amongst primary and secondary cloud forest and
streams of crystal-clear waters from the Rio Toro, it is a beautiful place to
come and unwind, destress and be at one with nature.

Day 7 - Bajos del Toro

Today you'll enjoy a half-day hike of Fatima Waterfall.

This trail is the longest in Bosques de Paz Biological Reserve, providing you
with approximately 5km for stunning natural habitats to explore. With
secondary and primary forests there is a great diversity of flora and fauna to
discover.

The altitude of the trail ranges from 1,500 to 1,900 metres above sea level,
with the Fatima Waterfall, named after the Virgin Fatima, at the top and
plunging 60 metres down.

Your guide will not only help you spot the different species that call this place
home, like the quetzal, collard redstart and the collard trogon, but they will
also, give you an insight into the history of the area. This tour will last approximately 3 hours.

Day 8 - Bajos del Toro to San Gerardo de Dota

You will be transferred from Bosque de Paz Lodge to Trogon Lodge.

Tucked along the Savegre River Valley, San Gerardo de Dota is a small
mountain village surrounded by lush green forested hills. This tropical cloud
forest environment is a pristine paradise for nature lovers, birdwatchers,
hikers and trout fishers alike. San Gerardo de Dota is home to the Los
Quetzales National Park which has one of the largest populations of quetzal
birds in Costa Rica as well as over 200 other bird species including tangers,
trogons and a dazzling array of hummingbirds.

Located in the Los Santos Forest Reserve, Trogon Lodge is surrounded by
unspoilt nature at an altitude of 2200 metres.

Day 9 - San Gerardo de Dota

Today enjoy a half-day walking tour to spot Quetzal's.

San Gerardo de Dota is home to a large population of one of the most
beautiful birds in the Americas, the resplendent quetzal. From the trogoniade
family and a sacred bird to the ancient indigenous cultures, quetzals have a
peaceful and tranquil living in this area and reside here all year round.
Join your guide for coffee before departing at 6am on a quest to find
quetzals. The male quetzal is the easiest to identify and spot with metallic
green plumage, crimson breast and bell and its incredible streamer-like
feathers. You will then return at 8am for breakfast.

We recommend you to take binoculars to help you spot these magnificent
birds.

Day 10 - Transfer to San Jose airport for your onward flight

You will be transferred from Trogon Lodge to the airport in San Jose for your onward flight.

Price from £1,799 per person

(2020-21 departures, based on 2 people sharing a room)

Add International Flights

International flights to Costa Rica from the UK start from £499 per person

Send an enquiry and your travel specialist can find you the best available options from your local airport

Includes:

• 9 nights’ accommodation as detailed

• International flights from the UK 

• Tours and transfers as per itinerary

Excludes:

• International flights if not added

• Meals not indicated in your itinerary

• Local departure taxes payable locally

• Where applicable locally payable car hire related charges

• Items of a personal nature such as laundry and drinks etc

• Tips for guides and drivers (discretionary)

• Camera or video fees at any sites

• Travel insurance