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ABTA and ATOL Protected
Escorted Tours

Captivating Costa Rica


Route:
  • UK
  • Alajuela Province
  • Tortuguero
  • La Fortuna
  • Monteverde
  • Punta Leona
  • UK
Tour Pace:

11 DAYS from £2799pp

Tour Highlights
  • Search for wildlife as you meander down the rivers and canals of the enchanting Tortuguero National Park
  • Nature trail to the majestic La Fortuna Waterfall with a refreshing swim
  • Explore the Monteverde Cloud Forest at Sky Adventure Park
  • Marvel at fantastic views of the mighty Arenal Volcano
  • Visit the stunning Manuel Antonio National Park home to spectacular white-sand beaches, tropical lowland wet forest, and coral reefs
  • Spot wildlife in the wetlands of Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge

or call us on 0330 818 8907

Captivating Costa Rica

Explore some of the highlights of this incredibly beautiful country on our classic journey, which incorporates the very best that Costa Rica has to offer.

Tour Itinerary

1
UK to Alajuela Province

Depart London on your scheduled flight to San Jose. On arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Enjoy a welcome dinner tonight with your group.

  • Dinner
2
Alajuela Province to Tortuguero

This morning you will leave Alajuela and start your journey to the mystical town of Tortuguero on the Caribbean coast. We schedule breakfast before leaving the hotel for your first taste of the traditional gallo pinto (black beans and rice), then a quick stop in Guapiles. Continuing your journey to the port you will travel through small villages and banana plantations. A gentle boat ride through the jungle canals will follow to arrive at your lodge in Tortuguero. Following lunch, travel by boat through the maze of canals within the national park, for the best chance to spot the wildlife of the rainforest. Tortuguero literally means 'region of turtles' and it is no surprise that it is home to seven species of turtles as well as being the most important nesting site for the green sea turtle. The area also contains a great diversity of crustaceans and many species of freshwater fish.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
3
Tortuguero

Following an early breakfast, start your day with a fascinating hike through the rainforest nature trails at your lodge, home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. Enjoy lunch at your lodge and then a visit to Tortuguero town. With no cars or streets, the town is sandwiched between a Caribbean beach on one side and waterways on the other. Spend some time exploring this charming town where you may even be lucky enough to spot some turtles nesting on the beach if you are travelling between July and October. The rest of the afternoon will be free to relax with dinner at your lodge.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
4
Tortuguero to La Fortuna

Travel back through the Tortuguero canals to reach the pier where your ground transportation will meet you. Travel by bus to La Fortuna with a stop for a traditional Costa Rican lunch.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
5
La Fortuna

Explore a private path around the base of the volcano and ascend to a lookout point to experience a fantastic view of the Arenal Volcano including the remains of the last volcanic eruption in 1968. Once you have completed the hike, you will visit the La Fortuna Village with free time for shopping and lunch.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
6
La Fortuna

Today you will visit Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge. One of the most important wetland areas in the world and a region of huge biological importance due to the immense variety of flora and fauna in the area. The refuge is home to several endangered species including cougars, jaguars and tapirs, and whilst these elusive animals are very difficult to see there are several species of monkeys and a phenomenal variety of birdlife that are much easier to find. Later, enjoy the afternoon at leisure to visit the hot springs or relax and take in the views.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
7
La Fortuna to Monteverde

Monteverde is a world above the coastal towns at high altitude (1440m above sea level) allowing it to receive the steady supply of clouds and the life-giving moisture they contain. On the journey, take in the beautiful landscape of Lake Arenal and pass through some typical country villages, before visiting the Arenal Vida Campesina Cultural Experience. During the tour of the organic farm, we will enjoy the cultural activity of grinding sugar cane in the trapiche troja with a tasting of three different derivatives: sugar cane juice, guaro (national liquor), and peeled cane. Folkloric dances will be performed accompanied by music and colorful typical Costa Rican costumes. You will also be able to taste the fruits in the harvest of the farm and receive a tortilla class, where you will have to demonstrate your skills to knead and prepare the tortilla with the palms of your hands. In the end, you will be delighted with a delicious typical organic lunch prepared over wood and buffet style. Later, arrive at your hotel where you will be taken for an introduction to the town of Santa Elena, famous for one of South America's most resplendent birds, the Quetzal.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
8
Monteverde

Today's tour takes you high above the clouds to the Monteverde Cloud Forest. Here, clouds hover above the canopy of the forest before condensing on leaves creating a specialized ecosystem and habitat found nowhere else on earth. With the help of your guide, you will be able to spot some of nature's most splendid creations, from colourful butterflies, to low-lying lizards and fearless primates; this forest is said to be home to over 3,000 known species. The morning will be spent in Sky Adventure Park. The skywalk combines trails and suspension bridges, with lengths of 984 feet and heights above the canopy of Monteverde cloud forest. Lunch today will be at a family-run kitchen at an ecological sanctuary. Your food will be prepared in front of you whilst you learn about the traditional recipes and dishes along with the opportunity to join in, perhaps becoming an expert in tortilla making by the end of the meal! The afternoon will continue at ground level as a gentle hike will allow you to closely examine some of the 500 species of orchids growing amongst the 3,000 varieties of plants on the moist forest floor.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
9
Monteverde to Manuel Antonio

Depart to Manuel Antonio. Make a stop en route at the Tarcoles River Bridge to see the giant crocodiles sunning themselves on the river backs below. .

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
10
Manuel Antonio

Visit the stunning Manuel Antonio National Park home to spectacular white-sand beaches, tropical lowland wet forest and coral reefs. The area is home to an astonishing variety of exotic wildlife that you can seek out on a guided rainforest walk from white-faced and squirrel monkeys to three toed sloths, iguana and toucans.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
11
Manuel Antonio to the UK or extension

Transfer to San Jose for your overnight, return flight back to the UK, or continue on to your chosen extension.

  • Breakfast

Important Information

Visas

UK passport holders are not currently required to obtain a visa for Costa Rica prior to travel. You must also pay a departure tax of USD $29 when leaving the country. This must be paid before you check-in at San Jose airport and must be paid in USD cash. Further visa advice should be sought from the applicable tourist authority for other nationalities and for general queries. We strongly advise you to check with your destinations' Tourist Board or Embassy for the most up to date guidelines regarding required passport validity.

Insurance

We strongly recommend that you and all members of your party are suitably insured as soon as you book your holiday. It is a condition of booking that you must have suitable travel insurance. It is important that you purchase travel insurance that suitably covers your participation in whatever activities you may undertake at the time that you make your booking. To assist you with this, we have arranged travel insurance in partnership with Holiday Extras. To arrange your travel insurance with Holiday Extras, please call 0800 781 4237 and quote 'WK830' for preferential rates. Please ensure you provide us with the name of your insurer, policy number and their 24-hour emergency contact number as soon as possible. Mercury Holidays will not be liable for any costs incurred by you due to your failure to take out suitable travel insurance from the date of booking.

Payment

If booking more than 10 weeks before departure a deposit of £250pp will need to be paid at the time of booking with the full amount payable at 10 weeks prior to departure. The deposit applies to adults and children. If you are within 10 weeks of travel then the full balance of the holiday will be payable.

Flight Information

Size and weight restrictions will be finalised on your final documentation. Should you wish to take additional luggage you will need to pay extra at check-in. Check-in should be at least 3 hours before departure.
Please note that final flight details will be confirmed on your final documentation which will be sent to you approximately 10 days before departure. A printed E-ticket is no longer required at check-in, all you need to do is present your passport to the staff at the desk and your boarding pass will be given to you.

Health and Vaccinations

It is your responsibility to check any health and vaccination requirements applicable to your booked arrangements. We can only provide general information about this. Health and hygiene facilities and disease risks vary from country to country. You should take health advice about your own needs as early as possible and in good time before your departure. Sources of information include; www.fco.gov.uk, http://travelhealthpro.org.uk/, www.hpa.org.uk, your General Practitioner or a specialist clinic.

Physical Accessibility

This tour is accessible to most people with an average level of fitness and normal mobility. It involves full days of sightseeing, often on foot and includes some climbing of stairs and getting on and off coaches and boats. This tour is not suitable for anyone with walking difficulties.

Tour Guide

This is a fully escorted tour, meaning that you will be met on arrival and will have a guide with you throughout the tour ensuring that you have first-hand knowledge at all times.

Currency Information

Currency is Costa Rican colon. Prices in Costa Rica are frequently listed in US dollars, especially in hotels and restaurants, where you can expect to pay international prices. US dollars are widely accepted and some ATMs dispense dollars. Credit cards are also accepted as a form of payment. It is very important that you budget carefully and ensure you have the right form or currency before you arrive in the country.

Personal Expenses

You will need to take money with you to cover any personal purchases such as souvenirs, laundry and extra drinks and snacks. Approximately £300 will be sufficient for the duration of the tour, depending on how much of a bargain-hunter you are!

Tour Dates & Prices

Depart UKArrive UKPrice
2024 Dates
24 Apr 202404 May 2024SOLD OUT
01 May 202411 May 2024SOLD OUT
11 Sep 202421 Sep 2024£2899.00
02 Oct 202412 Oct 2024£3399.00
02 Nov 202412 Nov 2024£3299.00
16 Nov 202426 Nov 2024£3399.00

Included in the Price

  • Local English-speaking Guides
  • Scheduled Flights from the UK.
  • All internal travel including air-conditioned/heated transportation.
  • Accommodation, meals as specified and entry fees to all sights.
  • All airport taxes and security charges.

Additional Expenses

  • Visas
  • Insurance
  • Tips
  • Any meals not specified in your itinerary
Travelling alone?

Unfortunately, we do not have any places with no single supplements on this tour. However, if you are happy to share with another passenger of the same gender, then let us know at the time of booking and we will endeavour to find you a travelling partner. Alternatively, please ask about our single supplement prices in order to book your own twin room

Private Tours:

If the group departure dates are not suitable for you and you would prefer a more personal and flexible experience then you can choose to book a private guide for your tour at a reasonable supplement.

Important

Please note the hotels given are a guidelines only and may change. If the hotels detailed are not available, alternatives will be used of a similar standard. Please refer to your final documentation for confirmation of your hotels. You will receive this between 7-10 days before departure.

What to expect

Fact File
Currency

Colon

Min/Max temperature

21 °C / 33 °C

When to go

Please familiarise yourself with the climate charts below.

San Jose

Tortuguero

La Fortuna

Monteverde

What to pack
  • Sunscreen
  • Insect repellent
  • Sun Hat
  • Waterproof lightweight jacket
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Flip flops or sandals
  • Camera
  • A plug adaptor
Customer Rating:
10/10
Ann Herbert
19th Apr 2020

Despite the problems with due to Covid-19, our holiday was excellent, due in main to our guide and I am sure the people behind the scenes.

  • Overall Satisfaction
  • Value for money
Customer Rating:
10/10
N Kerr
9th Mar 2020

The guide was the best 11 out of 10.

  • Overall Satisfaction
  • Value for money
Customer Rating:
8.8/10
Jeremy Rudkins
28th Sep 2019

Hotels were all excellent

  • Overall Satisfaction
  • Value for money
Customer Rating:
7.5/10
Bryan Davis
19th Jan 2019

No comments

  • Overall Satisfaction
  • Value for money
Customer Rating:
10/10
Janice Bewley
7th Dec 2018

No comments

  • Overall Satisfaction
  • Value for money
Customer Rating:
10/10
Wendy Hemple
4th Dec 2018

All hotels excellent loved Poas lodge .

  • Overall Satisfaction
  • Value for money
Customer Rating:
10/10
Jan Hughes
27th Nov 2018

Hotels were all of a good standard, with Poas Volcano Lodge being outstanding. We wished we could have stayed more than one night there as it was fabulous!
Our guide (Jose Herrera) was excellent - informative and engaging. He gave just the right amount of information during the long drives and was clear with all the arrangements - times to meet etc. Vehicle was comfortable.

  • Overall Satisfaction
  • Value for money
Customer Rating:
10/10
Judith Elsey-warren
22nd Mar 2018

All the hotels were of an excellent standard.
My favourites were The Pachira Lodge Tortuguera,The Poas Volcano Lodge and El Parador Manuel Antonio.
However the Country inns and Suites in San Jose also gets a special mention.
Las Lagos Arenal was good the evening meal was not so good.
El Establo was good we were lucky to have rooms high up overlooking the rain forest and there was a lovely pool.

  • Overall Satisfaction
  • Value for money
Customer Rating:
10/10
Irene O’brien
20th Mar 2018

All the hotels were good, would expect nothing less on a Mercury Holiday. The highlight of the holiday, as far as hotels go, was Poas Volcano Lodge. It was 5 star luxury, with our room being more of a suite. The dinner and breakfast were superb and to find a hot-water bottle in your bed on a chilly evening was absolute heaven! It was such a shame we were only there for one night, we left feeling there was so much more to explore.

  • Overall Satisfaction
  • Value for money
Customer Rating:
10/10
Adrian Corney
19th Feb 2018

The hotels chosen by Mercury were excellent. All different but comfortable and interesting and not too large or corporate. The rooms were spacious and pretty well equipped (including fridges and drink making) and well located in rural areas for wildlife spotting. Poas Volcano lodge was exceptional.
The food at both the hotels and restaurants on the tour was very good and of a high standard. Lunches could in fact have been smaller.

  • Overall Satisfaction
  • Value for money
Tour Map
Captivating Costa Rica Route Map
Tour Dossiers
Extensions
  • Costa Rica
    Volcano Mini Tour

    4 nights from £539pp

    View
  • Costa Rica
    Manuel Antonio Beach Stay

    4 nights from £569pp

    View
Here to help
  • Call our experts 0330 818 8907

Hotels & Accommodation

Extensions

Volcano Mini Tour
Tour Route
  • UK
  • Alajuela Province
  • Tortuguero
  • La Fortuna
  • Monteverde
  • Punta Leona
  • Volcano Mini Tour
  • UK

Extend your stunning Costa Rican experience with this Volcano Mini Tour and marvel at some of the most incredible natural creations in the world. From Poas Volcano National Park and Grecia, to the to the Irazu Volcano and the Valley of Orosi; this is a once in a lifetime opportunity to discover natural beauty at its most impressive.

4 nights
from £539pp
View Tour + Extension
View Tour + Extension
Manuel Antonio Beach Stay
Tour Route
  • UK
  • Alajuela Province
  • Tortuguero
  • La Fortuna
  • Monteverde
  • Punta Leona
  • Manuel Antonio
  • UK

Extend your stay in Costa Rica and spend some time relaxing on the white sandy shores or choose to take part in some of the various activities on offer in the local area including hiking, guided tours and canopy walks.

4 nights
from £569pp
View Tour + Extension
View Tour + Extension