Worldwide 2024-25

Experiences in
Costa Rica
Turtle watching on the beach
Costa Rica is home to six species of turtles
including leatherbacks, the largest sea
turtles. During the nesting season, watch
adults laying eggs and baby turtles making
their way to the sea. There are sites both
on the Caribbean side (Tortuguero) and
the Pacific coast (Tamarindo and Ostional)
offering good possibilities of a sighting.
Squirrel monkeys, Manuel Antonio
Manuel Antonio National
Park & surrounds
Jungle-clad beaches • Superb wildlife viewing
The small, superlative national park of Manuel
Antonio has lush rainforest fringed by beautiful
beaches and rocky headlands. Its wildlife
includes white-faced capuchins, howler and
squirrel monkeys, toucans, sloths and agoutis.
Hotels on the forested cliffs enjoy panoramic
ocean views and easy access to the beaches,
and are perfect for combining exploration and
relaxation. To the north, the Carara National
Park is home to crocodiles, monkeys and
scarlet macaws.
Caño Negro wetlands
Tamarindo & the
Nicoya Peninsula
Unspoilt beaches • Nesting turtles
The Nicoya Peninsula offers some of Costa
Rica’s finest beaches and one of the largest
remaining areas of dry forest in Central
America. The somewhat developed beach town
of Tamarindo retains a laid-back atmosphere
and here it is possible to relax, explore the
mangroves by boat or take an excursion to see
nesting leatherback turtles. The southern part
of Nicoya is more remote and has secluded
hideaways such as Punta Islita, perched on a
hillside above a private beach.
Arenal & the North
Tamarindo
Active volcanoes • Hot springs • Caño Negro
boat trip & birdlife
The impressive cone-shaped Arenal Volcano,
until recently one of the region’s most active,
is surrounded by beautiful scenery. The
majority of the hotels here are set in lush
tropical gardens and provide excellent views.
Attractions nearby include hot springs, canopy
walkways in the treetops and boat trips along
the Río Frío and the Caño Negro wetlands for
superb birdwatching. To the north-west are
the turquoise waters of Rio Celeste, and the
geothermal springs and boiling mud pools of
Rincón de la Vieja National Park.
Birdwatching
More than 850 bird species, many of which
are endemic, live in Costa Rica’s varied
habitats. Besides the cloud forests, the
Osa peninsula and Caño Negro, waterfowl
also thrive in the fresh and saltwater
lagoons of the Palo Verde wetlands. The
Sarapiquí rainforest around La Selva
Biological Station contains more than
half of the country's bird species, while
the small, forested farming community
of San Gerardo is home to trogons,
hummingbirds, and striking quetzals.
Natural hot springs
The natural thermal springs at the foot of
the Arenal Volcano and Rincón de la Vieja
National Park offer superb opportunities
for a soak in soothing, mineral-rich natural
pools of varying sizes and temperatures.
The steaming hot springs are usually
surrounded by lush vegetation, creating
a truly idyllic place to unwind.
Remote Osa Peninsula
This magnificent peninsula is covered in
dense primary rainforest, and is home
to Corcovado National Park, described
by National Geographic as "the most
biologically intense place on Earth".
Stay in a rustic luxury lodge and spot
a range of exotic creatures including
monkeys, sloths, ocelots, anteaters,
toucans, scarlet macaws and more.
Offshore, palm-fringed Caño Island is
home to beautiful sandy beaches and
excellent snorkelling opportunities.
Suggested itinerary
Costa Rica Adventure
12 days & 10 nights
Guided from £3,095 (incl. flights)
Self-drive from £2,495 (incl. flights)
Category • Standard
Take a self-drive or guided tour to explore
the small natural paradise of Costa Rica.
Discover tropical beaches, misty cloud
forests and a wealth of wildlife with a
partner or the whole family.
Days 1 & 2: Fly to San José
Fly from London to San José with British
Airways. Stay for 2 nights. Visit the impressive
Poas or Irazú volcanoes. (N) (B)
Days 3 & 4: Arenal
Drive to Arenal for a 2-night stay. For a bird’seye
view of the rainforest, Arenal Volcano and
lake, visit the Sky Adventure Park. Relax at
Tabacon’s natural hot springs and pools. (B)
Days 5 & 6: Monteverde
Drive to Monteverde for 2 nights. Explore
the cloud forest reserve; spot wildlife from
hanging canopy walkways and visit butterfly
and hummingbird gardens. (B)
Days 7-10: Manuel Antonio or Nicoya
Continue to Manuel Antonio for a 4-night
stay. Relax on the Pacific coast, visit the
national park or take an optional boat tour
in search of dolphins. Alternatively, continue
to the Nicoya Peninsula and upgrade to the
luxurious Punta Islita. (B)
Days 11 & 12: San José • Fly home
Transfer to San José for an overnight direct
flight to London with British Airways. (B) (N)
Tailor-made travel
Contact our experts
020 3627 3097
CoxandKings.co.uk/make-an-enquiry
For more information or to book, contact us on 020 3627 3097 or speak to your travel agent
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