Luxury Costa Rica

Day 1. Depart London

Depart London for San Jose. On arrival late in the evening, you will be met and transferred to the Hotel Xandari for a 1-night stay.

Set on a high hilltop only 20 minutes from San Jose, Xandari commands wonderful views of the surrounding coffee farms and the Central Valley below. The villas are huge private affairs with high-curved ceilings, stainedglass windows, and fine handmade furniture.

Day 2. Braulio Carrillo National Park [B]

After a morning at leisure, you will be driven to Braulio Carrillo National Park for a ride on the Aerial Tram. From here you will be able to view the rainforest below where over 340 species of bird have been recorded, together with Howler, and White-faced Monkeys, Tapir, Jaguar, Puma, Ocelot and Paca. Spend the night at a nearby Rainforest Lodge.

Days 3 & 4. Tortuguero [B, L, D]

Transfer by road and boat, exploring the canals and lagoons on the way to Tortuguero National Park. In this vast area of untouched tropical rainforest there will be plenty of time for jungle walks and boat trips, and between July and September, night walks to view Atlantic Green Turtles which come ashore to nest. You spend two nights at luxurious Mawamba Lodge.

Days 5 & 6. Arenal [B,L (Day 5 only)]

This morning you return to Guapiles for lunch, and head off to Arenal National Park and the world's most active volcano. After dark the opportunity to watch volcanic activity may include explosions and flowing lava! Spend two nights in a Smithsonian Wing Room at Arenal Lodge, from where you have magnificent views of Arenal Volcano on a clear night. During your stay you may wish to visit Tabacon Hot Springs, Venado Caves and Negro Wildlife Centre.

Days 7 & 8. Monteverde [B]

Continue to the protected Monteverde Cloud Forest today, a reserve of some 4,500 hectares. The Resplendent Quetzal, sacred bird of the Mayans, considered by many to be the most beautiful bird in the world, is regularly seen between January and July, together with Emerald Toucanet and both White-faced, and Howler Monkeys. You spend two nights at the Fonda Vela Hotel.

Days 9 to 11. Corcovado National Park [B, L, D]

Early this morning you will be transferred to the airport for your afternoon flight to Puerto Jimenez. You will be met on arrival and transferred to Casa Corcovado Jungle Lodge for a 3-night stay.

Casa Corcovado Jungle Lodge offers the closest accommodations to Corcovado National Park and provides the ideal base for your in-depth rainforest experience. Corcovado National Park is tropical wet forest at its best. With numerous habitats, 500 species of tree, 104 species of mammal, 367 species of bird, 117 species of amphibian and reptile, and 40 species of freshwater fish, this area is a naturalist's paradise! The park is home to Tapir and crocodile (both frequently seen at Corcovado Lagoon), Ocelot, Puma, Giant Anteater and Harpy Eagle. Other protected species are Howler, Spider, Squirrel, and White-faced Capuchin Monkeys, Great Tinamou, Silky Anteater, Poison Dart Frog, Glass Frog (with transparent skin), caiman, Bushmaster Snake, and Leatherback, Olive Ridley and Green Turtles that nest at Llorona beach. Also along this stretch of coastline, Humpback, and Sperm Whales can be seen between December and January, with Pilot Whales present throughout the year.

Your days are free for you to do as you wish. Guided tours to both the park and Cano Island are included. There is a a beautiful tropical beach perfect for swimming or snorkelling. Scuba-diving and fishing trips can be also arranged, or enjoy a kayak excursion to San Josecito.

Days 12 to 14. Jaco [B]

For a brief sojourn of utter luxury, your next port of call is Villa Caletas on the Pacific coast, where you will be based for three nights.

The tropical setting receives constant, cooling breezes from the Pacific and the spectacular 360-degree panoramic view offers an unsurpassed vista of the Nicoya Peninsula, gulf islands, the crescent beaches of Jaco, Herradura and Punta Leona as well as the mountains. The accommodation consists of 28 rooms, all with ensuite facilities. Public areas include a couple of restaurants, a swimming pool and even an amphitheatre where concerts are often held.

Day 15. Homeward [B]

After a morning at leisure transfer to the airport for your homeward flight.

Day 16. Arrive home