This holiday is a wonderful introduction to Costa Rica coast to coast, showcasing its varied habitats and rich animal and bird life. As the name suggests you’ll travel across the country, from the Caribbean to the Pacific, journeying by road and water, and passing through villages where you witness scenes of daily life.
Highlights include snorkelling at the country’s largest coral reef with over 35 species of coral and 500 species of fish, cruising through the canals of Tortuguero as you watch animals and birds on the banks and touring the hanging bridges of Arenal as you walk high above the forest floor. From beach to rainforest to volcano, the scenery never fails to impress. As to the wildlife, it’s abundant. Brightly-coloured frogs and geckos, screaming monkeys, stealthy caimans, darting iguanas, dangling sloths and brilliant macaws are just for starters. You’ll soon realise why Costa Rica has a reputation as a nature lover’s paradise.
We’ve selected some of our favourite hotels and lodges. All offer warm hospitality, en-suite accommodation, tasty food, swimming pools and gardens and each is more than just a place to stay and will add an extra element to your holiday. And there’s ample time to relax: on the beaches of both coasts, soaking in natural thermal springs, indulging in spa pampering treatments, and sipping a chilled drink overlooking the Central Valley and glittering lights of San Jose.
Costa Rica Coast to Coast Adventure Itinerary
Day 1:
Your flight arrives at Juan Santamaria International Airport in San Jose where a representative meets you and hands over your document pack. You’ll be shown to a car for the short drive to Studio Hotel for the start of your holiday. No activities have been planned for today, so you can simply relax after your flight, enjoying panoramic views over the Central Valley and city of San Jose. Refresh yourself with a swim in the pool, and when you’re feeling peckish head to the restaurant for a bite to eat.
Day 2:
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before setting off on the eastbound drive to the Caribbean coast. In total the journey will take around 4 hours, with stops en-route do you can stretch your legs and enjoy refreshments. Your destination is Namuwoki Lodge in Playa Chiquita. Set in its own tract of rainforest within walking distance of the Caribbean Ocean. You have the afternoon free to explore the hotel and environs. The restaurant serves tasty Caribbean and international cuisine should you wish to dine here tonight.
Day 3:
Cahuita National Park awaits! You have a boat trip to Punta Cahuita at which point you can don snorkelling gear to see the largest coral reefs in Southern Central America. This is followed by a guided hike in the rainforest which is home to many reptiles, frogs, monkeys, sloths and insects, as well as several species of birds including herons and toucans. On your return to the hotel you can relax by the pool, on the beach or explore the rainforest in search of more wildlife.
Summery
- San Jose 1 night
- South Caribbean coast 2 nights
- Tortuguero 2 nights
- Arenal 2 nights
- Papagayo Gulf 3 nights
- San Jose 1 night
