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Costa Rica Holidays

Focus on isolated lodges, getting away from people and time for birdwatching in a variety of habitats

19 Night Itinerary from  £6,242

Trogon Tour

A tour designed for birdwatching enthusiasts, staying a specialist lodges with expert local guides to help you discover a wide array of species, particularly at Turialba private reserve.

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Tour Route

Travel Highlights

  • specialist itinerary designed for those with a keen interest in birdwatching 
  • Visit La Paz Waterfall Garden and its extensive collection of butterflies
  • Travel by boat and discover Toucans, Macaws and more in Tortuguero National Park
  • Observe a wide variety of birds at the Selva Verde Rainforest Reserve 
  • Observe Peregrin Falcons and Ospreys from a country retreat in the Gulf of Nicoya  
  • Go in search of the famous Quetzal in the cloud forest at San Gerardo de Dota
  • Spend 3 days exploring the coastal paradise of Corcovado National Park
  • Spend 3 days exploring Turrialba National Park region, with its large number of Hummingbirds

This itinerary can be tailored to your preferences by our specialist advisors, who can provide a guaranteed price based on your choice of route, duration, flights, hotels, transport and excursions.

Tour Itinerary

Mariposario 1 600X401

San Jose - 2 Nights

Day 1 - Travel to Costa Rica

Day 2 - La Pax Waterfall Gardens

  • Full Description
  • Accommodation

Tuesday, 19 March 2024

Travel to Costa Rica

Depart on a daytime flight to San Jose, arriving the same evening. You will be met by your guide and transferred to the Xnadari Resort, San Jose for a 2-night stay on a bed and breakfast basis.


Wednesday, 20 March 2024

La Paz Waterfall Gardens

Today we visit La Paz Waterfall Gardens, a private reserve set in 70 acres with five waterfalls, hiking trails and a wonderful Butterfly Garden. The park is also a refuge for wild birds that have been injured by illegal hunters. The park cares for them, eventually releasing them back into the wild.

 

Hotel Presidente

San Jose & Alajuela - First Hotel

The Presidente Hotel is located in the heart of San José in the pedestrian zone of Central Avenue, 2 blocks from the National Theatre and the Cultural Square. The hotel has over 100 comfortable and spacious rooms, which all include cable TV, air conditioning, safety box and en-suite bathroom. The hotel offers amenities such as a restaurant-bar, a casino, and a spa with beauty treatments.

4807 Hotel Presidente

Balmoral Hotel

San Jose & Alajuela - Tourist Hotel

The Balmoral Hotel is located on Avenida Central, San Jose’s most famous street and walking distance to the historic centre. It is easy to visit  the Iglesia de la Merced, the cathedral, the central and Morazán parks, as well as the impressive gold and jade museums.

The hotel’s rooms include double beds, complimentary coffee, safe, hair dryer, FREE Wi-Fi, desk, and private bathrooms with power showers and complimentary toiletries.

There is a bar, restaurant, café, pizzeria and even a wine shop. The award-winning El Patio del Balmoral restaurant serves a variety of authentic Costa Rican specialties and international dishes in a casual and relaxing setting. There is also an on site gym.

New Gallery 7

Grano de Oro

San Jose & Alajuela - First Hotel

Situated on a shady street just off Paseo Colon, San Jose's main street, the Hotel Grano de Oro is a welcome retreat in the heart of this bustling city. Converted from a tropical Victorian mansion, the hotel preserves the warmth and comfort of a private home, with its atrium terrace and corridors of sparkling fountains and lush tropical plants.

There is a rooftop deck ideal for sunbathing and also featuring a Jacuzzi. The hotel's restaurant is one of the best in San Jose and offers continental cuisine in an intimate and cordial atmosphere.

The rates include breakfast.

 

Grano de Oro Hotel

Buena Vista Hotel

San Jose & Alajuela - First Hotel

Buena Vista hotel is a Spanish colonial style resort located just outside San Jose, at the top of a mountain offering panoramic views of three volcanoes in the Central Valley - Poas, Barva and Irazu. It is a super place to stay when you arrive in Costa Rica.

The hotel has 30 air-conditioned and comfortable rooms. Deluxe standard rooms have private bathroom, TV and mini-bar.

Public facilities include the Quetzal Grille restaurant, of international and typical cuisine, a bar, an outdoor pool, gift shop, masseuse, free WiFi, and lush gardens ideal for walks.

Buenavista Hotel 01

Hotel Alta Las Palomas

San Jose & Alajuela - Luxury Hotel

Located on the outskirts of San Jose in Santa Ana, the 23 room Hotel Alta is an excellent base to explore the capital city and surrounding attractions, including the Poas Volcano.

Public areas include a swimming pool, excellent dining at the elegant La Luz Restaurant and bar or the more relaxed cafe de Verano.

There are 5 room types: deluxe queen, deluxe king, grand queen, grand king and a master suite. Each room is air-conditioned with private bathroom, balcony or terrace, TV, safe, hair dryer and iron/ironing board.

The rates are on a room and breakfast basis.

 

Room

Xandari Resort

San Jose & Alajuela - First Boutique

Xandari Resort and Spa is perfectly located for excursions to Poas Volcano, La Paz waterfall gardens, and Doka coffee plantation, and is only 30 minutes’ drive from San Jose International airport. Over 3km of scenic trails through coffee and fruit orchards lead into a lush natural tropical setting with a year-round river and five beautiful waterfalls.

The hotel consists of 24 comfortable and spacious villas, decorated in bright colours and adorned with original works of art. Set on top of a hill on a 40 acre coffee and fruit plantation, all the rooms are overlooking the Costa Rica's Central Valley, featuring private terrace. Each room has a bar kitchen and a private bathroom with toiletries. The resort has 3 swimming pools, with one overlooking the valley, as well as a spa offering a variety of treatments.

4808 Xandari Resort

Finca Rosa Blanca

San Jose & Alajuela - Luxury Resort

Finca Rosa Blanca Country Inn is situated above the beautiful Central Valley of Costa Rica, offering amazing views of volcanoes, cloud forests and coffee plantations and nestled amongst 10 acres amid hundreds of fruit trees and tropical flora. It offers luxurious rooms including mini bar, Jacuzzi bath and private verandas overlooking the Valley. Each room has its own decoration allowing its unique atmosphere.

The hotel provides lots of amenities such as games room, large swimming pool, TV and reading area and 2 large dinner tables for group dining. The restaurant offers a spectacular view of the coffee plantation and serves delicious local cuisine with fresh products.

4810 Finca Rosa Blanca
Canalestprtuguero 18

Tortuguero - 3 Nights

Day 3 - Transfer to Tortuguero National Park

Day 4 - Birdwatching in Tortuguero 

Day 5 - Birdwatching in Tortuguero 

  • Full Description
  • Accommodation

Thursday, 21 March 2024

Transfer to Tortuguero National Park

We set off early to drive to Tortuguero National Park, passing banana plantations and taking a scenic river journey to our lodge in the Tortuguero National Park, where we stay for 3-nights on a full board basis. In the afternoon we take an excursion to see the local town and visit the beach. Here, from July to October each year, it is possible to observe thousands of nesting leather-back Turtles - a most incredible sight of nature.  


Friday, 22 March 2024

Birdwatching in Tortuguero

In the morning, accompanied by our guide, we will explore Tortuguero National Park by boat, quietly  observing the abundance of bird species in this glorious jungle setting with lagoons, home to spider monkeys, macaws, three toed sloths, caiman, otters and many other species. Return to the lodge to relax.


Saturday, 23 March 2024

Birdwatching in Tortuguero

A further day to explore this unique waterbed national park by boat, or perhaps take a guided hike in the rainforest at dawn to hear and see the birds waking to a new day. 

Evergreen Lodge

Tortuguero Forest & Canals - Tourist Lodge

Located near the entrance to Tortuguero National Park, Evergreen Lodge offers a sustainable way to explore the rainforest from the Penitencia Canal that flows directly in front of the Lodge.

The lodge has 66 rooms and private bungalows constructed over pillars designed in a Caribbean style, with wooden and bamboo furniture. Each has comfortable beds, ceiling fans, security boxes and private bathrooms with warm water.

Public areas include a swimming pool and dining room. 

The lodge offers various excellent value packages that include guided excursions exploring Tortuguero National Park.

Evergreen Lodge has a commitment with the environment and sustainable development, due to this we have been working hard to obtain sustainability certifications by implementing different measures and programs such as but not limited to energy and water saving, recycling programs, and training programs in topics such as sustainability, and others. The objective is to use and treat the resources appropriately, as well as to contribute with the environment and the community.

Lodge walkway
Birdwatching at Selva Verde

Sarapiqui - 3 Nights

Day 6 - Travel to Sarapiqui 

Day 7 - Birdwatching and wildlife

Day 8 - Birdwatching

  • Full Description
  • Accommodation

Sunday, 24 March 2024

Travel to Sarapiqui

From Tortuguero we travel to Sarapiqui to the Selva Verde Lodge for a 3-night stay on a bed and breakfast basis. Built on stilts over the Río Sarapiquí, the Selva Verde Lodge stands on the edge of a large private reserve of tropical rainforest and home to some of the best birdwatching in Costa Rica.The abundant biodiversity, comfortable rainforest lodge, and exciting activities are ideal for adventure seekers, bird and wildlife watchers. The lodge can arrange a tailor-made programme for you depending on your interests.


Monday, 25 March 2024

Birdwatching and wildlife

Choose from a range of optional activities, including specially arranged birdwatching programmes depending on your preferences, guided walks in the Selva Verde rainforest reserve, early morning and night walks and birdwatching, a tour to discover the many species of frogs that frequent the area. Expect to observe keel-billed toucans, great green macaws, wood thrushes, grey-necked wood rails, sun bitterns and violet crowned Woodnymphs are just a few of the birds that inhabit the Selva Verde Rainforest Reserve. For decades, Selva Verde has been a birding hotspot - captivating beginner and expert alike.

 


Tuesday, 26 March 2024

More birdwatching opportunities

More opportunity today to discover this special region and learn about their conservation efforts to protect the natural world.

Selva Verde Lodge Reserve

Sarapiqui - First Lodge

Located in Sarapiqui county, Selva Verde is a rainforest reserve with 500 acres of tropical nature and a haven for nature enthusiasts from around the world. The abundant biodiversity, comfortable rainforest lodge, and exciting activities are ideal for adventure seekers, bird and wildlife watchers, and families. 

The lodge has forty well-appointed rooms, five secluded bungalows, and a Casona Suite for families or small groups. Selva Verde's Costa Rica eco lodge buildings are incorporated into the rainforest on elevated wooden platforms and walkways that blend in with the natural surroundings. The covered walkways allow guests to stroll and observe wildlife while staying dry during the rains.

Public facilities include a dining hall, restaurant, and bar astride the lovely Sarapiquí River with a spectacular views. There is also a delightful pool and a gift shop.

There is much to explore in the area, including specially arranged birdwatching packages, guided walks in the Selva Verde rainforest reserve, early morning and night walks and birdwatching, a tour to discover the many species of frogs that frequent the area, and latin dance classes.

The rates are on a bed and breakfast basis.

Selva Verde Lodge
A birdwatching paradise

La Ensenada - Gulf of Nicoya - 3 Nights

Day 9 - Travel to La Ensenada Lodge

Day 10 - Birdwatching and hiking

Day 11 - Boat excursion on the Bebedero River

  • Full Description
  • Accommodation

Wednesday, 27 March 2024

Travel to La Ensenada Lodge

Today we travel to the Pacific coast and check-into La Ensenada Lodge for a 3-night stay on a full board basis. La Ensenada is a working farm in a glorious coastal setting with over 800 acres of its own private estate. The focus here is conservation and re-wilding the landscape so wildlife and birds can thrive. So successful they have been the Costa Rican government has given them the status of 'National Wildlife Refuge'.


Thursday, 28 March 2024

Birdwatching and hiking

During your stay, you can participate in the daily activities of the farm and appreciate typical country life of Costa Rica. Birdwatching is one of the main activities and on a guided tour you can expect to see a huge variety on endemic species on an optional gilded hike.


Friday, 29 March 2024

Boat excursion on the Bebedero River

Today, opt for a tour by boat on the Bebedero River where you can observe many varieties of birds including crested caracara, common black hawk, peregrin falcon, osprey, laughing falcon, mangrove swallow and many others. You will also see monkeys, crocodiles, iguanas and raccoons.

La Ensenada Lodge

Nicoya Peninsula - Tourist Hacienda

La Ensenada Sanctuary is located in its own 800 acres estate, on the Pacific Coast, in the Gulf of Nicoya. It is an ideal place for birdwatchers, naturalists and nature lovers in general. The Tretti facility are committed to sustainability and have a major reforestation project and other work to protect this special area of Costa Rica. So much so, the lodge has been declared a ‘National Wildlife Refuge’. It is also a working farm with livestock and the production of salt and fruit. 

Accommodation is in comfortable bungalows facing the Gulf of Nicoya, with two beds, bathroom, and a spacious terrace where you can enjoy a relaxing sunset in a hammock. There is a dining room, lounge, lovely gardens and pool.

During your stay, you can participate in the daily activities of the farm and appreciate typical country life of Costa Rica. Other activities include guided hiking, several birdwatching tours, horse riding and a birdwatching boat tour on the Bebedero River.

The rates are on a full board basis.

A birdwatchers dream location
Bird 272

San Gerardo de Dota - 2 Nights

Day 12 - Transfer to San Gerado de Dota

Day 13 - Quetzal Quest

 

  • Full Description
  • Accommodation

Saturday, 30 March 2024

Transfer to San Gerado de Dota

Travel south today to San Gerado de Dota, A lush region of cloud forest and one of the best places to observe the Resplendent Quetzal - one of the most beautiful birds in Costa Rica. Check-in to Trogon Lodge for a 2-night stay on a bed and breakfast basis. The rest of the day is at leisure or you can enjoy one of several guided tours.


Sunday, 31 March 2024

Quetzal Quest

Trogon Lodge's signature tour. From the Trogoniade Family and sacred bird to the ancient indigenous cultures, Quetzals have a peaceful and tranquil living in the area and reside here year round. The climate and good amount of food (Aguacatillo tree) provide a great habitat for these birds. Join a local guide departing at 6am on this 2 hour walk, searching for the mythical Quetzal, while enjoy the natural scenery of the forest of San Gerardo de Dota

Later, join your guide to observe some of the 170 bird species have been identified in the area so far, including tanagers, black guans, flycatchers, hummingbirds, trogons, emerald toucanet and sparrows, among many others.

 

Trogon Lodge

San Gerardo de Dota - First Lodge

Trogon Lodge, named after a popular Costa Rican bird has 23 rustic and comfortable wooden cabins, all with heating, private bathroom, hot water, and a small shared terrace. The family style restaurant serves delicious home cooked meals, and there is also a bar with forest view and balcony, pool table and original duke box.

The lodge is set on the hillside near the bottom of the valley, and has special feeders to attract hummingbirds, private trails up the hillside in the forest, its own zip line circuit, several small trout ponds, all set among beautiful gardens and fruit trees. 

Excursions can also be arranged from the hotel to visit the best birdwatching spots in the area, at extra cost payable locally.

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IMG 20200103 WA0039

Corcovado National Park, Osa Peninsula - 3 Nights

Day 14 - Transfer to Luna Lodge 

Day 15 - Explore Corcovado National Park

Day 16 - Birdwatching tours 

 

  • Full Description
  • Accommodation

Monday, 01 April 2024

Transfer to Luna Lodge

Today we travel to Puerto Jimenez, the gateway to the lesser-visited Osa Peninsula and Corcovado National Park. Located on the coast, with stunning views and pristine rainforest, the Luna Lodge is a perfect base to explore the wildlife and birdlife that thrives here. We stay for 3-nights on a full board basis.


Tuesday, 02 April 2024

Explore Corcovado National Park

There is a reason people stay at Luna Lodge for their adventure into Corcovado National Park with guided tours into the park led by experienced naturalist guides. Often referred to as one of the best national parks in the world, Corcovado National Park was created in the mid-1970s and it was designed by the nature of its watershed. The park is home to almost 400 species of birds, 140 species of mammals, 116 species of amphibians and reptiles, over 500 species of trees, and more than 6,000 species of insects. And with 13 major ecosystems, the park protects endangered species such as jaguars, pumas, crocodiles, tapirs, poison dart frogs, and harpy eagles.


Wednesday, 03 April 2024

Birdwatching tours

Today you can opt for a choice of guided birdwatching tours. Rise and shine to the fresh early morning air to find hundreds of birds already awake. We have two different loop trails that are available. For keen birders and animal lovers, the tour will be a special treat. And in the afternoon, travel to the river valley and encounter colourful birds like the turquoise cotinga, scarlet macaw, red-crowned woodpecker, bright-rumped attila, fiery-billed aracari and many more species.

The lodge has compiled a comprehensive list of almost 300 birds in the area along with their sighting frequency. Avid birders can check off birds as they are seen during their visit.

Luna Lodge

Osa Peninsula & Corcovado - Tourist Lodge

Luna Lodge is situated within 60 acres of primary and secondary rainforest, on the pristine and captivating Osa Peninsula in Carate near Corcovado National Park. 

Corcovado is one of the largest parks in Costa Rica and protects one-third of the peninsula. Described as “…the most biologically intense place on Earth.” by National Geographic Magazine.

There are eight bungalows, three haciendas, and seven platform tents - all well-appointed with private bathrooms. All are beautifully situated in the rainforest and offer breathtaking views from their decks. The spacious colonial-style hacienda rooms have private baths and are designed to comfortably accommodate three with one double-bed and one single-bed.

The completely enclosed “nature-lover” tents have two single beds or one double bed, a private bathroom with hot water, electricity, and a balcony overlooking the rain forest.

The restaurant, “El Eclipse Total”, is open all day and features creative local and international cuisine. There is also a large deck and spa.

There are many activities at the lodge including guided treks in the rainforest, stargazing, swimming in nearby Carate Beach and yoga.

Bungalow 3
Hummingbird Hovering

Turrialba Volcano National Park - 3 Nights

Day 17 - Transfer to Turrialba Volcano National Park

Day 18 - Birdwatching tours 

Day 19 - Other activities to enjoy

 

  • Full Description
  • Accommodation

Thursday, 04 April 2024

Transfer to Turrialba Volcano National Park

Today, travel to Puerto Jimenez and fly to San Jose. From here, travel to Turrialba Volcano National Park and one of Costa Rica's most popular birdwatching lodges, Rancho Natualista where you stay for 3-nights on a full board basis. The lodge is located on the edge of the National Park.

The park itself is a mix of cloud and rain forest and apart from the volcano, is a haven for a vast number of bird species, including giant toads, agouti, toucans, howler monkeys, armadillos, various species of hummingbirds, tanagers, collared aracaris, chachalacas and even an occasional rufous motmot. At the base of Cerro Silencio you can observe foraging mixed flocks, and in the rivers you have a chance to see a sunbittern.


Friday, 05 April 2024

Birdwatching tours

Superb birdwatching today. Multiple species of hummingbirds, as well as many other birds, can be seen right from the balcony where you also have a great view of the distant smoking Turrialba volcano. Over 450 species of birds have been recorded in the private forest reserve and within the local area. You can hike and bird the trails on your own and excellent guides are also available. The weather is almost perfect year-round, not too hot and not too cold.

 


Saturday, 06 April 2024

Other activities to enjoy

In addition to birdwatching, you can enjoy a night walk in the forest, discover butterflies and moths, adventure activities, a coffee tour, cooking classes, a visit to a local pool, horseback riding, Spanish lessons and a painting class.

Rancho Naturalista

Turrialba Volcano Park - First Lodge

Located just 2 hours drive from San Jose, Rancho Naturalista is set in its own private reserve 3000 feet above sea level in the Northern end of the Talamanca mountain range in premontane rainforest.

Multiple species of hummingbirds, as well as many other birds, can be seen right from the balcony where you also have a great view of the distant smoking Turrialba volcano. It’s a wonderful getaway for birders, photographers, and naturalists. Over 450 species of birds have been recorded in the private forest reserve and within the local area. You can hike and bird the trails on your own and excellent guides are also available. The weather is almost perfect year-round, not too hot and not too cold.

The comfortable rooms have a private bathroom, with views of either the forest or the volcano. Public areas include a spacious lounge with balcony and viewing area. International and local cuisine, using only fresh local ingredients, is served family-style where guests share stories of their day. 

In addition to birdwatching, you can enjoy a night walk in the forest, discover butterflies and moths, adventure activities, a coffee tour, cooking classes, a visit to a local pool, horseback riding, Spanish lessons and a painting class.

The rates include all meals during your stay.

Rancho Naturalista
San Jose

Return to San Jose - 0 Nights

Day 20 - Fly back to the UK

Day 21 - Arrive in the UK

  • Full Description

Sunday, 07 April 2024

Fly back to the UK

Transfer to San Jose International Airport for your overnight flight back to the UK.


Monday, 08 April 2024

Arrive in the UK

Arrive in the UK in the morning.

Price Guidelines

Season Low Season High Season
Travel Dates 11 April to June & September to 15 December 16 December to 10 April & July, August
Room Arrangement Tourist First Deluxe Tourist First Deluxe
Multiple Travellers - Twin Room £6,242 £6,771 £8,214 £6,878 £7,418 £9,352

Prices are a guideline and per person. Please request a quote for Special Events, Christmas, New Year's Eve & Easter.


What's Included

  • 18 Days / 16 Nights
  • International flights (1 overnight)
  • Excursions with English-speaking guides
  • Accommodation and breakfast
  • Transfers to and from accommodation
  • Transport and meals as stated

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