With dense rainforest, hundreds of bird species and the Caribbean and Pacific oceans lapping its shores, Costa Rica is a real tropical paradise. Throw in some active volcanoes, superb scenery and beautiful beaches and you have the perfect cocktail for a superb all-year-round destination.
Costa Ricans’ are among the happiest nation in the world, living in a country with low crime rates and great infrastructure. Join them on this extraordinary 11-day tour hosted by Veloso, the UK's leading specialist in travel to Central and South America. They provide an unparalleled wealth of expert knowledge and first-hand experience, accumulated over years of exploration and adventure.
The Canopy Group Tour explores the highlights of Costa Rica in comfort, and with the companionship of a small group of like-minded travellers. Escorted from start to finish by a professional tour leader and with a maximum of 14 guests, this is the ideal way to discover a new world.
Itinerary
Day 1 - Travel to Costa Rica
Depart from Heathrow Airport to Madrid, for a connecting flight to San Jose, Costa Rica. Arriving in the evening, we are met by the tour leader. An introductory briefing and relaxed welcome dinner will follow. Day 2 - City Tour of San Jose
Uncover the essence of Costa Rica, travelling into the capital to explore the National Theatre, National Museum, districts and parks. In the afternoon, we visit the Poas Volcano National Park, rich in natural history and with a variety of trails in the forest. From there we journey to the La Paz Waterfall Gardens and the worlds largest butterfly observatory.
Day 3 - Travel to Sarapiqui
Transfer to Sarapiqui. You will be briefed on places of interest and have the option of joining a guided walk, on which there is no set itinerary.
Day 4 - Explore Braulio Carrillo National Park
Today we visit the tropical forests of the Braulio Carrillo National Park. This internationally renowned research centre is home to a spectacularly diverse array of flora and fauna and is a leading site for tropical ecosystem research.
Day 5 - Travel to Arenal
From Sarapiqui, travel to Arenal and transfer to your hotel. You will be briefed on places of interest and have the option of joining a guided walk, on which there is no set itinerary.
Day 6 - Excursion to Arenal Volcano
Spend the day visiting the Arenal Volcano, a mighty mountain of fire. At 5437 feet, it imposes over the pastured green hillsides. Hike through the rainforest to explore one of the country's best attractions, discovering the diverse flora and fauna along the journey to the famous lava wall where you walk on ancient lava rock and observe the massive boulders sent flying and tumbling down the volcanoes sides. Day 7 - Day at Leisure in Arenal
Spend the day at leisure, or accompany the tour leader to Arenal for a casual visit to places of interest.
Day 8 - Travel to Monteverde
Transfer to Monteverde. Your guide will conduct a short briefing into the surrounding area, answer any questions and give advice on places of interest. In the afternoon you have the flexibility of pursuing your own interests or joining an walk to visit various places of interest. Day 9 - Tour of Monteverde Cloud Forest
This morning we tour the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. It is dedicated to the conservation of the unique flora and fauna which exist in this intricate ecosystem. Covering over 10 square kilometres, the reserve serves as an important link in the growing network of protected areas in the country.
Day 10 - Travel to San Jose
Return to San Jose, and transfer to your hotel. Offering a final opportunity to explore, you can spend the day at leisure. Day 11 - Tour Ends in San Jose
Extend your trip or take an overnight return flight connecting at Madrid and arriving in London the next day.
Dates and Prices
Prices start from £2,497 per person. There are five departure dates available in 2016:
Wednesday 13 January
Wednesday 24 February
Wednesday 5 October
Wednesday 16 November
Wednesday 28 December