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Discover Costa Rica - with Dominical

Overview
Highlights (Bullets)
- Enjoy unrivalled wildlife viewing – howler monkeys, caimans and sloths
- Visit the beaches and waterways of Tortuguero, an important nesting site for green turtles
- Discover verdant rainforest, lush mangroves, lava fields and serene cloud forests
- Learn from naturalist guides who share their love of Costa Rica with you
- Relax on idyllic Pacific coast beaches
- Stay in comfortable eco-minded lodges and hotels
Short Description
Costa Rica is renowned for having proportionately more protected land than any other country, making it ripe for wildlife tourism. What is less known is the marvellous, often bizarre, variety of animals from catatonic sloths, screaming howler monkeys, screeching toucans and nesting green turtles. Throw in the Caribbean and Pacific coastlines and it is easy to see why so many return. This itinerary differs from Discover Costa Rica, spending two nights at Dominical instead of Piedras Blancas. This option is a great alternative as this area has much to offer: beautiful beaches with great sunset views, waterfalls and natural swimming holes, and the chance to explore nearby Marino Ballena National Park.Experience the rainforest, mountains and coast of this tropical paradise
Theme
Nature & WildlifeDestinations
Costa RicaAttractions & Cities Visited
MonteverdeActivities & Interests
Wildlife viewingAge Requirement
16-99Itinerary
Day 1 Start San José
A free transfer takes you to our hotel in San José, the busy capital of Costa Rica. Check in and take it easy, there’s plenty of excitement on this trip, so today’s all about relaxing and easing ourselves into the adventure. To help, there is a welcome briefing at the hotel in the evening, in which we gather as a group for the first time and meet our guide. Accommodation: Presidente Hotel (or similar)
Day 2 To Tortuguero National Park
Our adventure begins early this morning, leaving San José as we travel to the northeast of Costa Rica to Tortuguero National Park. Accessible only by boat or light aircraft, Tortuguero has a vast network of waterways, canals and swamps that is remarkably tranquil, unspoilt and devoid of noise pollution. On reaching the pier, we board a small motorboat for the 1hr 15min journey to our lodge, which is nestled on a small strip of land between the Caribbean Sea and the main lagoon. Our afternoon is spent in Tortuguero village, where it’s possible to visit the Sea Turtle Museum (a donation will be requested at the entrance). Tortuguero is probably most famous as a nesting site for the endangered green turtle, which arrives onto the beach to lay eggs from late July to October (witness it as part of an optional excursion). Hawksbill, loggerhead and giant leatherback turtles also nest in this region. During November to January, baby turtles hatch and make their way towards the ocean. Today’s travel time will be in the region of six hours including a break for breakfast. Accommodation: Laguna Lodge (or similar)
Day 3 Boat tour around Tortuguero waterways
An early morning boat trip enables us to discover the extraordinary flora and fauna of Tortuguero, passing serenely along the waterways. At this time of day, wildlife is usually at its most active, and with the help of our expert guide we are likely to encounter monkeys, caimans, iguanas, butterflies and many of the 300-plus bird species recorded here. We return to the lodge for a hearty riverside breakfast. The lodge is a tranquil spot to relax this afternoon if you want to take time out to enjoy the facilities, or you can join a second boat trip or follow a short walking trail through the forest. Accommodation: Laguna Lodge (or similar)
Day 4 To La Fortuna, near Arenal Volcano
We leave Tortuguero the same way we arrived by taking a small boat to the pier. Our bus will be at the pier waiting to drive us to the Arenal region, passing huge banana, pineapple and sugarcane plantations on the way. Arenal was the most active volcano in Costa Rica until fairly recently when it entered a resting phase, and can no longer be seen spitting ash, smoke or lava. However, there is still a lot of geothermal activity in the area and you have the opportunity to visit one of the excellent hot springs this evening. In clear weather, there are great views of the volcano from our overnight base in the nearby town of La Fortuna. Today’s travelling time is around 5hr 30min including a lunch stop. Accommodation: Arenal Montechiari or Arenal Paraiso (or similar)
Day 5 La Fortuna Waterfall hike; visit Arenal Volcano
Waterfalls are abundant in the Arenal region and this morning we visit La Fortuna, a 213ft (65m) cascade plunging into an emerald pool. A short trail through the rainforest brings us to a relatively steep set of steps that we must descend to reach the waterfall and then ascend to the exit – the hike/climb takes around 20-30 minutes and is within the capabilities of anyone with reasonable fitness. Reward your efforts with a cooling dip in one of the natural pools punctuating the foliage. Alternatively, you could visit the lookout point and wait for the group. After lunch, we take a short scenic hike within Arenal National Park, walking through secondary rainforest and passing some of the lava fields from past eruptions. The high vantage points on this walk allow great views overlooking Lake Arenal, and the birdlife is plentiful. Accommodation: Arenal Montechiari or Arenal Paraiso (or similar)
Day 6 To Monteverde in the Tilaran Mountains
From Arenal, we travel to the Tilaran Mountain Range in the central highlands for our first taste of a Costa Rican cloud forest. The journey provides breathtaking views of the Gulf of Nicoya and the islands below as we ascend the hills towards Monteverde, a forest-cloaked region whose name literally means Green Mountain. The high altitude supports a complex ecosystem where plants thrive, particularly orchids of which there are more than 400 varieties here. Today’s drive is around four hours — the last 25mi (40km) of road is gravel and can be bumpy, particularly following heavy rain. Accommodation: Montaña Monteverde or Monteverde Country Lodge (or similar)
Day 7 Visit Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve
This morning, we have a guided walk in Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve, one of the first community-managed reserves in Costa Rica and an area celebrated for its biodiversity. To this day, the reserve is managed by the Santa Elena High School with funds channelled into protecting the reserve and providing environmental education classes within the community. Thanks to its high elevation, Santa Elena is bathed in thick misty clouds, which support a huge range of flowers, ferns, mosses, vines and orchids. Birdlife thrives in the cloud forest with more 425 species recorded here. Santa Elena is also one of the best places to spot noisy howler monkeys swinging through the trees. In the afternoon, it’s possible to join an optional coffee tour to learn about the importance of this crop to the socio-economic development of the country, or join a canopy tour to get a different view of the forest. Accommodation: Montaña Monteverde or Monteverde Country Lodge (or similar)
Day 8 To Manuel Antonio
Our journey takes a southeasterly turn today as we follow the Pan-Am Highway along the coastline to Manuel Antonio, passing African oil palm and teak plantations on the way. Manuel Antonio National Park consists of a vast marine reserve as well as 1,700 acres (690ha) of mangrove swamp, primary and secondary rainforest. The forest vegetation stretches as far as the high-tide line and provides a stunning backdrop to the expansive sandy beaches, forested islands and dramatic rocky headlands. Our drive to Manuel Antonio takes around four hours. We spend the next two nights here, normally in a hotel close to the beach and the entrance of the national park. Depending on our arrival time, we should be able to enjoy various optional activities this afternoon or make use of the hotel facilities. Accommodation: Villa Bosque Hotel or Espadilla Hotel (or similar)
Day 9 Discover Manuel Antonio National Park
A guided tour of Manuel Antonio National Park this morning should enable us to have close wildlife encounters. White-faced capuchin monkeys play in the trees and are frequently sighted on the beaches, while noisy howler monkeys are usually heard moving through the trees and calling to each other before they are seen. The endangered titi monkey (squirrel monkey) is fewer in number but can sometimes be spotted in this area. Iguanas, agouti and two- and three-toed sloths are also commonly sighted in the national park. Manuel Antonio’s beaches rank among the most beautiful in the country and we have all afternoon to enjoy them or try one of the optional activities in this region. Please note, Manuel Antonio National Park is closed on Tuesdays. If your visit falls on a Tuesday, the timing of this activity will be adjusted so you visit the park on the previous day, and today will be at leisure to enjoy the many optional excursions of the region. Accommodation: Villa Bosque Hotel or Espadilla Hotel (or similar)
Day 10 To Dominical beach
We transfer south to visit the enchanting Dominical beach, a favourite destination for surfing, stunning sunsets, incredible wildlife and green landscapes. After settling into our hotel, we visit one of the beautiful waterfalls in this area, and enjoy a refreshing bath in pure, refreshing waters surrounded by pristine nature. Accommodation (2023): Villas Rio Mar (or similar) Accommodation (2024): Cuna del Angel, Cristal Ballena (or similar)
Day 11 Marino Ballena National Park
We spend the morning at Marino Ballena National Park, where we enjoy a walk through this natural conservation area. Along our route, we have the chance of seeing howler monkeys, white-faced monkeys, sloths, bats, raccoons, birds (including scarlet macaws) and other wildlife. Plants and trees, including the wonderful mangrove tree, are also part of the trail. Also here is Tombolo (known locally as the Whale’s Tail), a well-known natural barrier reef that looks just like a whale’s tail when viewed from above. In the afternoon, we return to the hotel where there is time to enjoy the facilities, visit the beach or join an optional activity such as a whale and dolphin tour. Accommodation (2023): Villas Rio Mar (or similar) Accommodation (2024): Cuna del Angel, Cristal Ballena (or similar)
Day 12 To Savegre Cloud Forest
Our journey takes a northwesterly turn through San Isidro and up and over the Cerro de la Muerte mountain range to our next destination, the Savegre Valley. The cloud forest of Savegre is said to be one of the best places in Costa Rica to see the beautiful, colourful and notoriously shy resplendent quetzal and we have two nights here to discover the region. These endangered birds rely on the cloud forest for their habitat — the males are particularly striking with a green crest, red breast and tail feathers that can reach a metre long. A good pair of binoculars will be helpful for quetzal spotting as these birds camouflage themselves well among the wet leaves of the forest. In the afternoon, we take a short walk from our lodge into the cloud forest. Accommodation: Savegre Hotel, Nature Reserve & Spa or Trogon Lodge (or similar)
Day 13 Free day to discover walking trails in Savegre
Today is free to relax and explore Savegre Valley. Bring your binoculars to spot some of the 170 bird species, trek through the tropical cloud forest or simply enjoy the incredible view from the lodge. Your leader will suggest walks for today so you can discover the tropical cloud forest and sub-Andean vegetation of the area. Accommodation: Savegre Hotel, Nature Reserve & Spa or Trogon Lodge (or similar)
Day 14 Visit the village of Copey; to San José
Visit the Copey valley this morning to step momentarily into the agricultural lives of those living in the highlands of the Central Mountain Range. We take a short walk through this picturesque area stopping for snacks prepared for us with a local family, which is sure to be a memorable touch of Costa Rican hospitality. A 2hr 30min journey takes us back to San José, where there is time to explore the modern capital. Accommodation: Presidente Hotel (or similar)
Day 15 End San José
A final breakfast at the hotel is your chance to say goodbye to the group, swap numbers, and perhaps start planning your next adventure. For those joining our post-trip extension to Tamarindo Beach, the wait won’t be long. No matter what your future plans are, though, there’s a free transfer to San José airport for onward flights.
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Details
Group Size
Small Group - 24 max
Maximum Number of People in Group: 10
Accommodations
We spend 14 nights spent in hotels and ecolodges, most with swimming pools. Accommodation has been chosen for its location: typically wooden lodges set in tropical gardens or ecolodges in the heart of the rainforest. We aim to use family-run establishments as much as possible. Our list of preferred hotels is below: In San José, we normally use the comfortable, modern Presidente Hotel, which has been chosen with easy access to downtown areas of the city. In Tortuguero, Laguna Lodge combines several wooden lodges surrounded by beautifully kept gardens where wildlife often roams freely (look out for sloths and monkeys here) – please note there are ceiling fans but no air conditioning. Arenal Montechiari Hotel is within a 10-minute walk of La Fortuna town. Each chalet bungalow is set within tropical gardens where hummingbirds gather, and there are wonderful views of Arenal Volcano. We also use Arenal Paraiso and Arenal Manoa on some departures, both of which are further from town but have great facilities including hot springs and volcano views. In the cloud forest, we usually use the Montaña Monteverde or the Monteverde Country Lodge. In Manuel Antonio, we usually stay at Villa Bosque Hotel due to its close proximity to the entrance of the national park, which enables easier access to and from the park. Sometimes we stay at the neighbouring Espadilla Hotel In Dominical, we stay at the Villas Rio Mar (2023) or Cuna del Angel/Cristal Ballena (2024). Our final accommodation is Savegre Hotel, located in an ideal position within the Savegre Valley; this lodge has plant-filled gardens, multiple walking trails and cosy wooden lodges. Please note, one or several of the named properties might be substituted for similar alternatives to secure hotel availability. Please discuss with your sales representative if you require more details regarding your specific departure date. Optional single supplement available, please see Dates & Prices.
Age Notes :
Min. Age: 16
Max Age: 99
Additional Information
- Travel by air-conditioned bus and boat
- 14 nights in comfortable hotels and ecolodges
- Some departures with specialist birdwatching guide
- Green turtle nesting season: July to October
Trip ID#:
exodus-WUCB
What's excluded
- Travel insurance
- Single accommodation (available on request)
- Visas or vaccinations
Meals Included
All breakfasts, eight lunches and six dinners included. Hotel breakfasts are normally buffet style, and lunches and dinners at Tortuguero and Esquinas Rainforest Lodge are also buffet style. Vegetarians are well catered for but please inform us before departure of any special dietary requests. Costa Rican specialities include gallo pinto, a black bean and rice dish and a staple part of the local diet. Soups and stews are also common, and fresh fruit is abundant and will no doubt be one of the highlights of your time here.We respect your privacy and take great care to protect your information. By clicking «Send my questions» you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. An account will be created for you to track your submission and a temporary password will be emailed to you.
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