Costa Rica & Manuel Antonio Beach Break

On landing at Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO), we meet you and assist with the transfer to your hotel. On arrival, we provide a concise orientation, share key details about the programme, and ensure everything is in place for a smooth start to your journey.

Meet at hotel reception for the journey to the North Caribbean (3 hours by land and 1hr30 by boat), a region famed for its canals and wildlife. Created in 1970 to safeguard endangered sea turtles, Tortuguero National Park blends rainforest, freshwater and marine habitats – a magnet for nature lovers.

En route, pause in Guápiles for a traditional local breakfast at a private restaurant before continuing to the pier to board the boat for Tortuguero – a scenic glide into the heart of the rainforest.

On arrival at the lodge, check in and enjoy lunch. In the afternoon you take a guided walk to Tortuguero village, a small community set between the sea and tranquil canals, with footpaths instead of roads. Wander its colourful lanes, meet friendly residents and soak up the easy Caribbean rhythm.

At first light you set out by boat through Tortuguero’s canals for a sunrise wildlife cruise in the national park – entrance included. As the forest stirs, watch for monkeys, sloths, caimans and toucans while your naturalist guide interprets the sights.

Return to the lodge for breakfast before you join a guided walk on the lodge’s private trails, with chances to spot monkeys, sloths, frogs and striking tropical plants. Lunch is at the lodge. The rest of the day is at leisure – you can relax by the pool, wander the grounds or simply listen to the rainforest.

After breakfast, check out and travel by boat and overland to Guápiles for a tasty local lunch at a restaurant. The onward journey is on a shared basis. You continue with your tour guide to Arenal (2 hours), home to the impressive Arenal Volcano. On arrival in Arenal, you check in and take time to unwind, enjoying the hotel facilities and the surrounding scenery.

Set off on a guided walk through the rainforest, crossing a series of hanging bridges with sweeping views of the canopy. It is a serene yet thrilling way to observe flora and fauna from an elevated perspective.

In the evening, unwind in a tranquil retreat of thermal pools fed by volcanic waters, each with different temperatures, surrounded by luxuriant gardens. After your soak, enjoy a delicious dinner featuring fresh local ingredients in a cosy open–air restaurant – a perfect end to the evening.

After breakfast, set off for Monteverde, famed for its ethereal cloud forest. The route combines a scenic boat crossing of Lake Arenal – about 1 hour 30 minutes with views of Arenal Volcano – and a drive along rural mountain roads with glimpses of the Gulf of Nicoya. It is a comfortable, picturesque link between two iconic regions. On arrival, you check in and relax, enjoying the hotel facilities and the natural surroundings. Dinner is included.

Delve into the story of local coffee, following the journey from planting and harvest to drying, roasting and brewing. Stroll the plantation, see time–honoured methods in action and learn about coffee’s cultural and economic importance. You finish with a guided tasting paired with local snacks and fresh seasonal fruit. After the tour, the remainder of the day is free – you can explore at your own pace or simply unwind.

Depart at about 08:00 on a shared shuttle to the Manuel Antonio area on the central Pacific coast. This charming oceanside village is known for lush tropical surroundings, pristine beaches and rich biodiversity. On arrival, you check in and enjoy leisure time – relax by the pool, explore the town or stroll along the breathtaking beaches.

Your day is free for an immersive encounter with the country’s natural beauty. You might roam broad golden beaches and try world–class surf to the north, or head south where vibrant rainforest meets the sea for close wildlife moments with monkeys and sloths. From chasing glowing Pacific sunsets to hiking coastal trails, it is the ideal setting to slow down and explore at your own pace.

Another free day to savour the coast. You can return to favourite beaches, book a surf session or choose a gentle walk in the forest for chances to see monkeys and sloths. Seek out a new sunset viewpoint, linger over seaside meals or simply relax by the pool – the choice is yours.

After breakfast and check out, we collect you from the hotel for a shared transfer to SJO Airport. This makes for a smooth finish to your journey, with ample time for check–in and departure formalities. Transfers operate at about 08.00 and 13.00 – the journey takes around 4 hours.