- Costa Rica Private Tours
- Coast to Coast in Costa Rica - Private Tour
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Coast to Coast in Costa Rica - Private Tour
18 Day Private Tour
Costa Rica, Latin America
37 Meals Included
15 Excursions
Intermediate Pace
Embark on a mesmerising journey through Costa Rica's natural wonders. Don't miss the chance to cruise through Tortuguero's river and canals, spot unique wildlife and colourful underwater reefs in Puerto Viejo, explore the diverse flora and fauna of Monteverde, and marvel at the smoldering volcanoes and cascading waterfalls of La Fortuna.
Highlights
- Embark on city tour of Costa Rica's capital, San Jose
- Snorkel past coral reefs teeming with fish in Cahuita National Park
- Spot exotic wildlife on a leisurely safari float down Sarapiqui River
- Marvel at the cascading waters of La Fortuna Waterfall
- Witness the smouldering peak of Costa Rica's mighty Arenal Volcano
- Journey through the river and canals of Tortuguero
- Wander the towering treetop walkways of Treetopia Adventure Park
- Enjoy a scenic hike to Oropendola Waterfall
- Explore Rincon de la Vieja National Park on horseback
Map Key
Train
Coach
Boat
Airplane
Walking
1
Itinerary
Day 1
UK to San Jose
Dinner
Depart on your scheduled flight to San Jose, where you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Enjoy a light welcome dinner this evening.
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.
Day 2
San Jose to Puerto Viejo de Limon
Breakfast & Dinner
This morning, enjoy a sightseeing city tour of Costa Rica's vibrant capital city. Witness the city's main historical landmarks, starting in the eastern part of the city at Democracy Plaza and the National Museum then journeying through the city centre to the parks, museum and stadium to the west. This afternoon, travel to Puerto Viejo, a laidback coastal city with a strong Afro-Caribbean influence and stunning stretches of beach.
Day 3
Puerto Viejo de Limon
Breakfast & Dinner
Experience fantastic snorkelling and scenic nature walks as you take in Costa Rica's famed wildlife and nature reserves. Board a boat and travel to Cahuita National Park where you can snorkel along the 600-acre-long coral reef - a gloriously colourful haven for marine life. Snack on fresh tropical fruit as your boat returns to shore then take a leisurely guided hike through Cahuita's vivid rainforest, enjoying far-reaching ocean views and the chance to spot howler monkeys, sloths, armadillos, toucans and macaws.
Please note that this excursion will only take place if weather conditions permit. If not, an alternative option will be provided.
Day 4
Puerto Viejo de Limon to Tortuguero
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Transfer to Tortuguero National Park. Stopping in the town of Guápiles for a typical breakfast. We will continue to the port through vast banana plantations and small communities. We will embark on a 1.5- hour journey through the river and canals of Tortuguero before arriving at our hotel. After lunch, we will visit the town of Tortuguero, rest of the day free to relax at the hotel.
Day 5
Tortuguero
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After breakfast, you will hike the hotels private trails through the rainforest. Following lunch, you have free time to stroll and enjoy the surroundings of the hotel. This afternoon you will enjoy a boat tour through the narrow canals of the park. The Tortuguero National Park is famous for being the habitat for seven species of turtles, a great diversity of crustaceans, and many species of freshwater fish. We highly recommend an optional excursion on a night tour to watch sea turtles nesting (July through September) – payable locally.
Day 6
Tortuguero to Sarapiqui
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Travel back through the Tortuguero canals to reach the pier where your ground transportation will meet you. Travel by bus to Sarapiqui on arrival check into your lodge nestled in the heart of the rainforest reserve.
Day 7
Sarapiqui
Breakfast & Dinner
Wake to the singing of birds and the relaxing sounds of the tropical rainforest and enjoy breakfast in your verdant surroundings. Make your way to the Sarapiqui River where you will float and paddle down the river in a raft, surrounded by incomparable jungle beauty. Immerse yourself in the lush tropical rainforest, floating along the Sarapiqui River which lies next to important reserves renowned for their biodiversity. Exotic amphibians, countless tropical birds, otters, fish, sloths, iguanas, and incredible flora will make this experience unforgettable. Disembark and journey to a nearby pineapple plantation where you'll travel into the fields on a specially designed coach pulled by a tractor. Learn about the growth of organic pineapples and other sustainable crops produced here, including yucca, lemon, guanabanas, and peppers. Enjoy delicious smoothies and slices of fresh, organic pineapple as you listen to Costa Rican folktales then return to your lodge.
Day 8
Sarapiqui
Breakfast & Dinner
Today will be at leisure. Take in the surrounding beauty of Sarapiqui.
Day 9
Sarapiqui to La Fortuna
Breakfast & Dinner
Journey through lush plantations and cattle ranches, finally arriving at your hotel. Skirting the banks of the San Carlos River there is an escape to the still tranquil beauty of Costa Rica’s northern lowlands.
Day 10
La Fortuna
Breakfast & Dinner
Experience the breathtaking natural beauty of Río Fortuna Waterfall. Enjoy spectacular views of the lush tropical environment, rich with diverse flora and fauna. Upon reaching your destination, embark on a 40-minute trek through the rainforest to reach the waterfall, where you can relax or take a refreshing swim. In the event of heavy rainfall, swimming may be restricted by the authorities for safety reasons.
This afternoon enjoy some free time to explore La Fortuna Village, followed by the trails of the Arenal Volcano National Park, with great sights and with an opportunity to witness the remaining of the last volcano eruptions.
Day 11
La Fortuna to Monteverde
Breakfast & Dinner
Your next destination is the Monteverde cloud forest, a small community located at the top of the Tilarán Mountain Range and an important ecotourism destination in Costa Rica; the main attraction is the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. During the journey, you will see beautiful landscapes, and pass through some typical country villages.
Day 12
Monteverde
Breakfast & Dinner
Monteverde is globally recognized for its cloud forest that extends on both sides of the Continental Divide. Currently, there are two reserves in the area: the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve and the Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve. After breakfast you will discover the secrets of the amazing cloud forest when walking through the tree top walkways of Treetopía Adventure Park. In the afternoon a Coffee, Sugar Cane and Chocolate Tour.
Day 13
Monteverde to Rincon de la Vieja
Breakfast & Dinner
Today we will travel from the cloud forest to the northern Pacific region and the Rincón de la Vieja Volcano. This region features a warm climate, tropical dry forest, vast savannas, beautiful ranches, and the Rincón de la Vieja Volcano with its exotic bubbling clay pools, fumaroles and natural hot springs.
Day 14
Rincon de la Vieja
Breakfast & Dinner
Set out on today's tour of the majestic Rincon de la Vieja National Park, dominated by two active volcanoes. Friendly ranch horses will carry you on a 45-minute to the Las Pailas entrance of the Rincon de la Vieja National Park. Meaning 'The Cauldrons' in Spanish, the Las Pailas area shows off the awesome power of the Rincon de la Vieja Volcano, and you'll witness steam and sulphur pouring out of the ground while nearby pools bubble with hot volcanic water. After this unique experience, ride to a nearby canyon then walk along a short trail to the base of the canyon where the picturesque Oropendola Waterfall plunges into a turquoise pool. Close the day watching a beautiful sunset. The duration of activities will depend on weather conditions and participants' physical abilities.
Day 15
Rincon de la Vieja to Manuel Antonio
Breakfast & Dinner
After breakfast your journey will take you to the warm Central Pacific Coast to Manuel Antonio Hotel which is your next destination. The lush landscape along the Central Pacific Coast features rice and palm plantations.
Day 16
Manuel Antonio
Breakfast & Dinner
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. The beaches in Manuel Antonio are highly coveted as some of the best that Costa Rica has to offer.
Day 17
Manuel Antonio
Breakfast & Dinner
Today is yours to enjoy the beauty and tranquillity of the beach, palm trees and stunning views.
Day 18
Manuel Antonio to UK
Breakfast
Transfer to San Jose airport. Board your overnight, return flight to the UK or continue on to your chosen extension.
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.
What's Included
Hand-picked Accommodation
37 Meals
15 Excursions
Expert Local Guides
All entrance fees
Overseas Transfers and Transport (as per itinerary)
ABTA & ATOL Protection
Your private tour of Costa Rica is just a phone call away
Call our Travel Specialists today on 1800 804 006
Opening Times
Mon - Fri: 9.00am - 8.00pm, Saturday: 9.00am - 7.30pm, Sunday: 9.00am - 7.30pm, Bank Holidays: 10.00am - 5.00pm
Your Next Adventure Awaits! We've been arranging award-winning, expertly crafted hoildays and tours since 1980. We're also ABTA protected and ATOL bonded for your total peace of mind. Call us today to book your next unforgettable holiday!
Accommodation
The hotels listed below are provided for guidance only and final confirmation of your accommodation will be sent to you approximately 21 days before you travel
Crowne Plaza San Jose Corobici
1 nights
San Jose, Costa Rica
Manzanillo Caribbean Resort
2 nights
Manzanillo, Costa Rica
Extend Your Tour
Important Information
The order of events and Sightseeing may vary according to local conditions or for operational purposes. River journeys, snorkelling and boat trips can be affected by the weather and the tidal flow of rivers. There are some times when there it is necessary to alter the itinerary. On occasions road construction and / or weather conditions may lengthen the driving times. Our intention is to adhere to the day to day itinerary as printed, but at times this can vary.
If booking more than 12 weeks before departure a deposit of €342.20pp 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, www.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 paths and small hills and getting on and off coaches. This tour is not suitable for anyone with walking difficulties.
The currency in Costa Rica is the Costa Rica Colon, known as CRC. 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 £500-£600 per person will be sufficient for the duration of the tour.
Tipping
It is customary to tip both your driver and guide. We would recommend to tip approximately $3 per person per day for the driver and $5 per person per day for the Tour Guide. You may give the tips to the guide and driver personally at the end of the tour for your convenience. 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 for the duration of your trip, 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 business hotels to leisure hotels. 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 airconditioning, 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 Best of Costa Rica during your stay the details are:
Best of Costa Rica: Robledal, Uruca, San José. Ave 29A Contact number: 00506 2290 1302 E-mail: mercuryholidays@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 Email address: mercuryholidays@bestcostaricadmc.com
- Sunscreen, insect repellent and hat
- Waterproof, lightweight jacket
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Lightweight clothing (jeans are not recommended)
- Sweater
- Swimwear
- Camera and charger
- Small day pack for hikes/treks
- Lightweight/travel towel
- A plug adaptor - the electricity supply is 120 volts and 2 or 3 flat pin plugs
- Binoculars
- Personal first aid kit containing travel pills, rehydration powder, plasters, stomach settlers, antiseptic creams, aspirin etc
