Wildlife in Costa Rica

Experience The Incredible Wildlife Of Costa Rica

One of the most ecologically diverse places on earth, Costa Rica has a vast array of ecosystems, including tropical rainforest, cloud forest, canals, beaches, lakes and mountains.  These habitats are home to an incredible variety of wildlife, including monkeys, sloths, tapirs and coati, not to mention hundreds of species of colourful birds and butterflies. This 13-day itinerary includes some of the best wildlife-spotting destinations in the country to where the fauna is most abundant. 

Highlights

• Opportunities to spot the elusive resplendent quetzal
• Gain a unique perspective of the rainforest from suspended walkways in Arenal
• Spot monkeys and sloths in the Manuel Antonio National Park
• Visit one of the most biologically diverse regions in the world, the Osa Peninsula

Quick Itinerary

Day 1 - San Jose

Days 2 - 4 - Arenal

Days 5 & 6 - Manuel Antonio

Days 7 & 8 - San Gerardo de Dota

Days 9 - 11 - Osa Peninsula

Day 12 - Depart San Jose

Day 13 - Arrive back in the UK

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 - San Jose

On arrival, you will be greeted and transferred to your hotel in the heart of downtown San Jose.

Days 2 - 4 - Arenal

Journey to Arenal where you will see the tall and imposing Arenal Volcano, and stay at the Arenal Manoa hotel. The area surrounding the volcano is home to a huge diversity of wildlife. 

The next day, visit the Canyo Negro Wildlife Rescue centre, the perfect spot to observe the wildlife and majestic landscapes from a different perspective. 

An extra day is included to explore the area at your own pace. Perhaps visit the Arenal Lake, take a day trip to the wetlands of Caño Negro, or simply relax in some of the area’s natural volcanic hot springs.

Meals: B

Days 5 & 6 - Manuel Antonio

Travel to Manuel Antonio on the central Pacific coast, famous for its national park, comprising of lush rainforest, small lagoons and pristine white sand beaches. It has over a hundred species of mammals, like the white-faced, howler, squirrel and spider monkeys, two-toed sloths, coatis and anteaters. Visit the national park, accompanied by a local guide who will expertly spot wildlife in the rainforest foliage and allow you to get a closer look through their binoculars.

Meals: B

Days 7 & 8 - San Gerardo de Dota

Transfer to San Gerardo de Dota – a small mountain village surrounded by lush cloud-forested hills. The region is a little paradise for nature lovers and birdwatchers, as it is home to the Quetzales National Park. This national park is the natural habitat of hundreds of bird species, such as tanagers, trogons and hummingbirds, and has one of the largest populations of the resplendent Quetzal in Costa Rica. Take a guided walk through the park with an expert guide who will point out some of the many species of flora and fauna.

Meals: B

Days 9 - 11 - Osa Peninsula

Transfer back to San Jose, where you will take an overland transfer from San Gerardo to El Remanso (whale watching optional), in the Osa Peninsula. Transfer to your eco-lodge in the heart of the rainforest.

Located in southwestern Costa Rica, the Osa Peninsula is nestled between the Pacific Ocean to the west and the Golfo Dulce to the east.  This wild region is one of Costa Rica’s most remote destinations and was declared ‘one of the most biologically intense places on earth’ by National Geographic. Its pristine rainforests and the rugged natural beauty shelters Costa Rica’s largest remaining population of jaguars and tapirs and a wide range of other species can be observed here, including seasonal whale watching.

Enjoy time at leisure or follow self-guided nature trails from your lodge to spot resident wildlife. Extra tours such as hiking, kayaking and horse riding are included as part of your package.

Meals: B, L, D

Day 12 - Depart San Jose

This morning you will take the short flight back to San Jose to connect with your onward international flight.

Meals: B

Day 13 - Arrive back in the UK

Today you will land back in the UK from Costa Rica

Price from £4,599 per person

(Valid for 2024 departures, based on 2 people sharing a room)

Includes:

• International flights

• 11 nights’ accommodation as detailed

• 11 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 3 dinners

• Return domestic flight from San Jose to Puerto Jimenez

• Half-day tour to Mistico hanging bridges in Arenal

• Half-day visits to the Manuel Antonio and Quetzales National Parks

• Transfers as per itinerary

Excludes:

• Meals not indicated in your itinerary

• 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

• Travel insurance