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Arenal Volcano rising above the Costa Rican rainforest at dusk

RAINFOREST · VOLCANO · WILDLIFE

Costa Rica Nature Lovers

Arenal & Tortuguero, volcano, rainforest and the Caribbean "Little Amazon"

Your trip

Your 7 days in Costa Rica

A gentle, wildlife-rich introduction to Costa Rica, pairing two of the country's most loved regions with a private naturalist guide throughout. Begin beneath the perfect cone of the Arenal Volcano, rainforest trails, canopy hanging bridges and natural hot springs, then cross to the Caribbean coast and the jungle waterways of Tortuguero, often called Costa Rica's "Little Amazon".

We arrange it as a fully tailor-made holiday: return flights from the UK, hand-picked eco-lodges, private transfers and an expert guide who knows where the sloths, toucans and tree frogs hide. Flexible on dates and length, and ATOL protected from the moment you book.

At a glance

  • 7 days6 nights
  • Private tripJust your own party
  • Easy to ModerateActivity level
  • Flights includedATOL protected
  • Flexible datesYou choose when you go
  • Costa RicaOur destination guide
Guided boat safari along the rainforest canals of Tortuguero National Park, Costa Rica

WHAT YOU'LL DO

Holiday Highlights

  • Arenal's rainforest trails

    Arenal Volcano, rainforest trails, the 28-metre observation tower and sweeping views of the iconic cone

  • Hot springs and hanging bridges

    Hanging bridges & hot springs, a canopy walk eye-level with toucans, then an evening soak in natural thermal pools

  • Tortuguero's waterways

    Tortuguero canals, silent boat safaris through a labyrinth of jungle waterways teeming with monkeys, caimans and birdlife

  • Turtle nesting season

    Green sea turtles (seasonal), Tortuguero is the Caribbean's most important green-turtle nesting site (July–October)

  • Lunch with a local family

    Farm-to-table Costa Rica, an organic-farm lunch with a local family and a sloth-filled ecological garden on the way back

  • Night walks

    Private naturalist guide, throughout, with night walks to find the rainforest's nocturnal creatures

  • Flights from the UK

    ATOL protected & flight-inclusive, return UK flights and full financial protection (licence 10898)

Day by day

Your itinerary

  1. Day 1Fly from the UK · Arrive San José

    Fly from the UK to San José (typically via Madrid or a US gateway). On arrival, your private driver meets you and transfers you to a comfortable hotel near the airport in Alajuela. Settle in and meet your guide for a relaxed briefing about the days ahead.

  2. Day 2Arenal Volcano, wildlife & a farm lunch

    After breakfast, travel north to the La Fortuna / Arenal area, your base for two nights. En route, visit the Danaus Biological Reserve to spot reptiles, birds and mammals, then enjoy a farm-to-table lunch at a family-run organic farm. After settling into your lodge, join your guide on a night walk to find frogs, owls and the rainforest's nocturnal life.

  3. Day 3Hanging bridges & hot springs

    A guided morning walk at the Arenal Observatory Lodge, trails, an observation tower and frequent sightings of hummingbirds, monkeys and butterflies. After lunch, explore the Arenal hanging bridges, a canopy trail with suspension bridges bringing you eye-level with the treetops. In the evening, unwind in natural thermal hot springs surrounded by tropical gardens.

  4. Day 4Across to Tortuguero, the "Little Amazon"

    A scenic land-and-boat journey to the Caribbean coast and Tortuguero National Park. Board your boat and cruise lush waterways to your jungle lodge for lunch. In the afternoon, visit the colourful village of Tortuguero to discover its Afro-Caribbean culture and conservation story.

  5. Day 5Tortuguero National Park by boat

    Glide silently through Tortuguero's canals on early-morning and afternoon boat safaris, some of the best wildlife watching in Costa Rica, with monkeys, sloths, caimans, river otters and hundreds of bird species. Between excursions, relax at your lodge to the sounds of the jungle.

  6. Day 6Pierella Ecological Garden · San José

    Journey back towards San José with a special stop at the Pierella Ecological Garden, butterfly gardens, resident sloths and well-stocked bird feeders, with a traditional Costa Rican lunch. Continue to your San José hotel; the evening is free to explore the city or enjoy a final Costa Rican dinner.

  7. Day 7Fly home

    After breakfast, transfer to San José International Airport for your flight back to the UK, arriving home the following day with a head full of pura vida.

Hiker crossing a hanging bridge through the rainforest canopy near Arenal, Costa Rica

Your price covers

What's included

  • Flights

    Return international flights from the UK to San José

    We can also book other airlines, including flights with one stop, to suit your dates and preferences.

  • Accommodation

    6 nights' accommodation in eco-lodges and boutique hotels (B&B; full board in Tortuguero)

  • Transport

    All private land and boat transfers

  • Guides and tours

    • A private English-speaking naturalist guide throughout
    • Guided excursions: Danaus Reserve, Arenal Observatory Lodge, hanging bridges, hot springs, Tortuguero canal safaris and Pierella Ecological Garden

  • Meals

    Organic-farm lunch, traditional lunch at Pierella and all meals in Tortuguero

  • Entry fees

    National park entrance fees as per the itinerary

  • ATOL protection

    24/7 in-destination support and ATOL financial protection (licence 10898)

Not included: Travel insurance (required; check your policy covers the activities on this trip) · Meals not specified in the itinerary, and drinks · Optional excursions and gratuities for guides and drivers · Personal expenses and single-room supplements

Where you stay

Your accommodation

A blend of comfortable eco-lodges and boutique hotels chosen to keep you close to the wildlife, all on a bed & breakfast basis (full board in remote Tortuguero, where lodges include meals).

Alajuela (1 night)

A relaxed garden hotel near the airport, the perfect soft landing after your flight.

Arenal / La Fortuna (2 nights)

A rainforest lodge with volcano views, gardens alive with birdlife and easy access to the hot springs and hanging bridges.

Tortuguero (2 nights, full board)

A characterful jungle lodge on the canals, with guided boat excursions on the doorstep and meals included.

San José (1 night)

A comfortable city hotel for your final night before flying home.

Your next step

Dates and price

Tailor-Made Holiday
Guide price from£4,599
per personATOL protected (10898)
Flights Included
Private holiday
Flexible dates
7 days / 6 nights (suggested)
Fully customisable

No commitment, we reply within one working day

Call us

Before you book

Frequently Asked Questions

The drier months of December to April are the most reliable, but the green season (May–November) is lush, quieter and excellent for wildlife. For nesting green turtles in Tortuguero, aim for July to October. We tailor dates to what matters most to you.

Yes, return flights from the UK to San José are included, usually via Madrid or a US gateway. We can quote regional UK departures and upgraded cabins on request.

No. UK passport holders do not need a visa for tourist stays of up to 180 days; the officer on arrival decides how long. Your passport should be valid for the duration of your stay.

Easy to moderate. There are gentle rainforest walks on uneven trails and boat excursions, but nothing strenuous, it suits couples, families and first-time visitors to Costa Rica.

Absolutely, it's fully tailor-made. Popular additions include Manuel Antonio's beaches and national park, Monteverde's cloud forest, or a few nights on the Pacific coast. Tell us what you'd like and we'll design it around you.

Wildlife here is seasonal, our guide to Costa Rica's wildlife seasons covers turtle nesting, whale migration and the greenest months.

Plan your Costa Rica Nature Lovers holiday

Speak to one of our Latin America specialists for a tailored quote and your preferred dates. Flights, lodges, transfers and guides all arranged, ATOL protected from the moment you book.

Enquire About This Holiday
We reply within one working day

Real reviews

What our customers say

“
They organised excellent accommodation and transfers from airport to destination and between destinations which was seamless and gave us peace of mind for our trip. We stayed in the nicest casa particular in Havana right on the outskirts of the major hustle of the old town but within walking distance to every site and lots of lovely restaurants. Our hotel in Varadero had 5 a la carte restaurants which were delicious and wonderful beaches! Would definitely go back to Cuba and use TravelFab again.

Annabelle

“
Excellent service. Fabien responded to all our queries promptly and efficiently and was always willing to spend time talking to us. The itinerary was well-considered and well-organised with an adequate amount of time in each location. Locations were varied and interesting. The service provided by the B&B owners was good to outstanding. The organisation of the coach services for transfers from one destination to another was super with comfortable journeys in clean, air-conditioned coaches. Thanks, TravelFab!

David

“
I was very impressed with Fabian's dedication, patience and professionalism in organising a group of 8 young persons (over 60's) to get to Cuba. The whole experience has been a very positive one. Despite having to relocate to another hotel at the last minute, that change over went very smoothly. Our accommodations were excellent. We will definitely book with TravelFab again. Thank you!

Yvette T

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Tailor-made · ATOL 10898

Want to customise this trip?

Every Travelfab holiday is tailor-made, extend a leg, swap a hotel, combine with another country. Tell us the shape you want and a specialist will redesign it around you.

Customise this trip with a specialist
Guide price£4,599pp
ATOL protected