- Costa Rica Private Tours
- Natural Wonders of Costa Rica - Private Tour
Explore Costa Rica’s diverse natural wonders on this captivating journey from the capital, San José, to Tortuguero’s wildlife-rich canals and lush Monteverde. Encounter vibrant ecosystems home to sloths, turtles, and tropical birdlife, immerse yourself in the country’s rich local culture, and experience breathtaking landscapes, from the picturesque trails surrounding Poás Volcano to the spectacular La Fortuna Waterfall and world-renowned Monteverde cloud forest.
Dinner
Depart the UK on your flight to San Jose. On your arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel. This evening, join your group for a light dinner included at the hotel.
If you are arranging your own international flights, free airport transfers are available and included in the price. Transfers need to be booked with us at least two weeks before the tour starts and you will need to provide your inbound and outbound flight details.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Start your day early as today you will travel to Tortuguero National Park. Our journey will take us through Braulio Carrillo National Park, where we'll pass through a mountainous landscape blanketed in dense rainforest. We will stop for a traditional breakfast at a restaurant in Guápiles. From there, we'll continue to the port, traveling through expansive banana plantations and small local communities. Once at the port, we'll embark on a scenic 1.5-hour boat ride along the rivers and canals of Tortuguero, eventually arriving at our hotel.
After lunch, you’ll enjoy a short hike along the lodge’s trails. The rest of the afternoon is yours to relax and unwind at the hotel.
This evening, reunite with your group as you retrace your steps along the lodge’s trails on a guided night walk. This gives you the opportunity to discover the nocturnal wildlife that would otherwise go unnoticed during the day, particularly look out for bats, frogs and various other insects.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
The morning begins with a safari boat tour through the canals of Tortuguero National Park. This park is renowned for being home to seven species of turtles, a wide variety of crustaceans, and numerous freshwater fish species. In the afternoon, enjoy a guided visit to the local village of Tortuguero.
Why not join an optional excursion to witness sea turtles nesting (available from July to September and payable locally).
Breakfast & Lunch
Wake up to the sounds of birds chirping and howler monkeys calling as they begin their day. Start your journey back through the scenic canals of Tortuguero before boarding your ground transportation at the pier. Travel toward the Alajuela area, with a lunch stop along the way. Upon arrival, check in to your lodge, nestled in the lush foothills of Poás Volcano.
Breakfast & Lunch
Start the day with an exciting visit to Poás Volcano National Park*. Stroll along picturesque trails through the enchanting cloud forest, where the fresh mountain air adds to the experience. At the main viewpoint, be awe-struck by one of the world’s largest active craters, complete with a bubbling sulphuric lake and towering steam vents.* The visit to Poas Volcano will proceed if volcanic activity allows. If authorities close access, you will embark on an alternative hike or activity
Next, head to La Selva Biological Station, where you can explore its trails, immerse yourself in its rich biodiversity, and observe fascinating wildlife in this tropical haven. After lunch, continue your journey to your hotel in La Fortuna, a serene retreat set in the heart of Costa Rica’s northern lowlands.
Breakfast & Lunch
Today, begin by visiting La Fortuna Waterfall. Start at the main viewpoint before descending 500 steps to reach the base of the waterfall. Plunging 70 meters (230 feet) into a crystal-clear pool, this breathtaking cascade is surrounded by untouched jungle, creating a stunning natural display. In the event of heavy rainfall, swimming may be restricted by the authorities for safety reasons.
Next, head to Arenal Volcano National Park, where trails take you through landscapes shaped by ancient lava flows. Walk amidst vibrant vegetation, spot local wildlife, and enjoy views of the mighty Arenal Volcano towering above the park.
This evening an optional excursion to Eco Termales Hot Springs is available and payable locally. Eco Termales, the smallest of the Arenal hot springs, focuses on privacy and relaxation, allowing no more than 100 visitors at a time. Immerse yourself in four geothermal pools with varying temperatures, ranging from a cool 91º F (32º C) to a soothing 105º F (41º C). One of the pools features a refreshing cascading waterfall, where you can stand beneath and enjoy the natural flow. Volcanic silt paths wind through the complex, connecting the pools, changing rooms, and restaurant.
Breakfast
Set off for Monteverde, a stunning cloud forest reserve nestled atop the Tilarán Mountain Range. On the way, cross Lake Arenal, traveling through scenic countryside and charming traditional Costa Rican villages.
In the afternoon, enjoy an exciting adventure at Treetopia Park Skywalk, where you'll explore trails and suspension bridges that stretch up to 984 feet long. These bridges offer a unique, bird’s-eye view of the Monteverde Cloud Forest, giving you a chance to experience the forest canopy from above.
Later, visit the Monteverde Butterfly Garden, where you'll dive into the fascinating world of Costa Rica's insects and arachnids. Wander through three beautifully designed gardens, each brimming with colourful butterflies, and gain exclusive insight into their incredible life cycle.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
This morning, explore the Monteverde Biological Reserve, one of the most renowned cloud forests in the world. Immerse yourself in its remarkable ecosystem as you learn about the unique flora and fauna that call this place home.
In the afternoon, enjoy an authentic cultural experience with three fascinating tours at a local farm. Begin by delving into the rich history of coffee cultivation in Costa Rica and its global significance. Trace the journey from seed to cup and discover the art of coffee-making firsthand. Next, indulge in the delightful world of chocolate, exploring its origins and the process of turning cocoa into the final product. Take part in the chocolate-making process and savour this luxurious treat in its many forms. Finally, visit a traditional sugar mill, where you'll learn about sugar cane production and have the chance to manually extract fresh, sweet cane juice.
As your time in Costa Rica comes to a close, enjoy a farewell dinner with your group and reflect on the unforgettable moments you've experienced in this vibrant country.
Breakfast
After breakfast, head back to San José. En route, stop in the town of Sarchí, renowned as the heart of Costa Rican craftsmanship. This is the perfect place to witness the incredible skill of local artisans as they create the iconic traditional oxcarts. You'll also have the opportunity to purchase a unique souvenir to take home. With a bit of luck, you may even catch a glimpse of the largest oxcart in Latin America – an impressive two-story structure.
For those taking the extension, you will travel with your group to a set meeting place where you will say your goodbyes and continue separately to Manuel Antonio.
Breakfast
Transfer to San Jose Airport for your overnight flight back to the UK.
If you are arranging your own international flights, free airport transfers are available and included in the price. Transfers need to be booked with us at least two weeks before the tour starts and you will need to provide your inbound and outbound flight details.
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The order of events and sightseeing may vary according to local conditions or for operational purposes. The schedules of the domestic airlines in country are subject to frequent changes. For this reason, we have indicated approximate times only. Your local guide will inform you of any schedule changes as they are informed of them. The driving times listed are point to point and do not include the duration of excursions or stops en route. Some road construction and/or weather conditions may lengthen the driving times. Our intention is to adhere to the day-to-day itinerary as printed; however, order of events and sightseeing may vary according to local conditions.
Please be advised that disposable plastic items, such as bags and bottles, are not allowed within the premises of the national parks.
If booking more than 12 weeks before departure a deposit of £295.00pp will need to be paid at the time of booking with the full amount payable at 12 weeks prior to departure. The deposit applies to adults and children. If you are within 12 weeks of travel then the full balance of the holiday will be payable.
UK passport holders are not currently required to obtain a visa for Costa Rica before travel.
If you are travelling to Costa Rica via the USA:
All UK passport holders must have a biometric e-passport and your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date you are expected to arrive back in the UK. Important note: if you do not have a bio-metric e-passport, you will be refused entry into the USA.
You will need to obtain an ESTA visa. This must be applied for at least 7 days before you are due to land in the USA. An ESTA can be applied for directly on the website of the Department of Homeland Security. The application fee is payable via a Credit / Debit Card online. https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta
Alternatively, we work closely with The Travel Visa Company who will be who will be able to arrange the ESTA visa on your behalf. Please call them on 01270 250590 and quote 'Mercury Holidays'. When Calling the Travel Visa Company they will advise you of any changes to the fees or procedure, they will also advise you all of the information they will require to apply for the visa.
The US Government enforces a restriction on people who have travelled to Cuba since 2021. These travellers are no longer eligible to apply for the ESTA Visa Waiver programme and need to apply for a US visitor's visa (B1/B2) via their nearest US Embassy. This ban includes transit, where you’re flying on to another country. As some of our flights go via the USA, if you have visited Cuba since 2021 and your flight is with United Airlines, then you will need to apply for a US visitor visa.
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, including up to a 20% discount, which is given to all Mercury Holidays customers. To arrange your insurance with Holiday Extras, please visit https://www.mercuryholidays.co.uk/info/insurance for more details. 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.
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.
This tour is accessible to most people with an average level of fitness and normal mobility. It involves moderate days of walking on uneven foot paths and small hills and getting on and off coaches and boats. This tour is not suitable for anyone with walking difficulties.
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
As normal practice you may be asked for your credit card details on check-in at the hotel in order to cover any extras incurred during your stay. If you do not have a credit card, you may be asked for a cash deposit. MasterCard and Visa are widely accepted in hotels as well as American Express.
You will need to take money with you to cover any personal purchases such as souvenirs, laundry and extra drinks and snacks. Approximately £400-500 will be sufficient for the duration of the tour.
It is at your customary to tip both your driver and guide. We would recommend to tip approximately US$5.00 (£3) per person per day for the tour guide and US$3.00 (£2) per person per day for the driver. As tipping is at your discretion, please tip as and when you feel appropriate. Tips are accepted in any currency.
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.
Private Tour: If you have booked a private tour then you will be accompanied by a Driver Guide or a Driver and Local Guides. These will be available to you during all scheduled sightseeing. Private Tours can depart on any day of the week depending on flight and train schedules and the opening days of the attractions. They will follow the itinerary as described in the brochure unless you have been advised otherwise and you will still have all of the same meals, sightseeing and local excursions included.
Your accommodation is selected for convenience, location, comfort or character, and can range from hotels to lodges. Hotel accommodation is generally rated as local three to four-star standard, but please note there is no international classification system for hotels, and differences in facilities and quality do exist between the UK and Costa Rica. All group tours hotels have private bathroom facilities and air-conditioning, where needed. If you are staying in a lodge during your tour, plumbing and electricity supplies can vary and, in some cases, infrequent, with electricity only being accessible during certain times of the day. Rest assured that all accommodation used by Mercury Holidays is regularly inspected by our staff and partners to ensure that standards meet your needs.
Breakfast is always western style and served in the hotel each morning. Lunch and dinner (when included) will be taken in local restaurants or at the hotel. A variety of eateries are visited giving you the chance to experience a range of dishes and flavours.
Vegetarian and Vegan meals can be catered for. Please contact Customer Experience for questions about other dietary requirements or allergy information.
It is important to note that drinking the tap water, even in developed counties, may contain unfamiliar elements that can cause upset stomachs. In less developed countries water is not filtered in the same way as the UK. On your arrival into Costa Rica, you will be given a reusable bottle to carry with you throughout your tour, filtered water will be available throughout your tour for you to refill your bottle.
Please be advised that disposable plastic items, such as bags and bottles, are not allowed within the premises of the National Parks.
On your arrival in San José you will be met by a representative from our local agent, Best of Costa Rica, holding a sign displaying: “Mercury Holidays”. The Mercury Holidays/Best of Costa Rica representative will show you to your transfer vehicle. Your guide will be able to answer any queries.
If you need to contact your representative during your stay the details are:
Best of Costa Rica: Contact number: 00506 2290 1302 E-mail: ventas@bestcostaricadmc.com
Emergency contact information: Please find below the emergency contact details for Best of Costa Rica Contact details: 24 hour telephone: 00506 8936 1212 24 hour email address: info@bestcostaricadmc.com
