Costa Rica
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With dense rainforest, hundreds of colourful bird species and the Caribbean and Pacific Ocean lapping on its shores, tiny Costa Rica is a tropical paradise - offering the ideal opportunity for exploration and relaxation.Costa Rica Highlights:
San Jose
San Jose is the modern capital city of Costa Rica, and will probably be your initial introduction to the country. San Jose is located in the central region at an altitude of 1150 metres. Visit the many markets, the grand Opera House or marvel at the treasures on display at the Gold Museum. Go rafting on the lively Reventazon River, walk amongst the active volcanoes or fly through the jungle canopy on the aerial tram at the Braulio Carrillio National Park.
Arenal National Park
The centre piece of the national park is the magnificent Volcano Arenal. Arenal erupts on an almost daily basis, its yellow and red magna spewing high up into the sky. It is perhaps best viewed from the comfort of one of any number of hot springs that feed off the natural sulphuric waters of the volcano. The pools at Tabacon are the most developed, relax amongst the tropical vegetation and let the therapeutic waters sooth away any aches and pains.
Monteverde
A visit to Monteverde will provide you with a close up encounter with the cloud forest – enormous vine and creeper clad trees shoot up towards the light, while over 400 species of bird can be seen darting in and out of the forest canopy. Walking from bridge to bridge on the aerial skyway is one of the best ways to explore and study the eco-system at close quarters.
Tortuguero National Park
Tortuguero is one of the world's most important turtle breeding grounds. Turtles can be found here throughout the year; however the summer months of July and August see the greatest activity. Tens of thousands of baby Green Turtles hatch on the beach and propel themselves en masse down towards the sea. Turtle viewing occurs at night-time and on raised platforms so as not to trouble the newly born.
Tamarindo and the Pacific Coastline
Travel to the west coast of Costa Rica and find mile after mile of golden sandy beaches, tropical shoreline and luxurious hotels, perfect for relaxation. Tamarindo is the centre of tourist activity, but still a small town without high rise hotels, offering a feeling of space and tranquillity.
Corcovado National Park
Located in the south-west of the country, Corcovado National Park represents Central America’s premier stretch of coastal primary rainforest. Home to numerous mammals including the elusive jaguar, there are hundreds of different tree species and nearly 400 different birds. Ten miles off the coast, Cano Island is an incredibly diverse marine reserve; the water is exceptionally clear creating great opportunities for diving and snorkelling.
Costa Rica Suggested Itinerary
San Jose, Tortuguero, Arenal, Monteverde and the Pacific Coast
- Day 1 - Depart UK, arrival in San Jose for 2 nights
- Day 2 - Visit Braulio Carrillio National Park, explore the rainforest and ride the aerial tram
- Day 3 – Tortuguero National Park, for 2 nights
- Day 4 - Exploring Tortruguero National Park
- Day 5 - Arenal National Park, for 2 nights
- Day 6 - Visit the thermal baths, explore Arenal National Park
- Day 7 - Monteverde, for 2 nights
- Day 8 - Visit the canopy walkway
- Day 9 - Pacific Coast for 2 nights
- Day 10 – 11 – Free days to enjoy the coast
- Day 12 – Return to San Jose, depart Costa Rica
- Day 13 – Arrive back in the UK
Weather
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | 28 | 29 | 30 | 30 | 29 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 28 |
| Rainfall (inches) | 0 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 11 | 11 | 7 | 11 | 15 | 13 | 5 | 1 |
