From Turtles to Toucans

Costa Rica, 15 Nights

Day 1 - London/San José
Depart London Heathrow with British Airways to Miami. Connect with American Airlines to San José. Two nights at the Xandari Resort & Spa, located amongst the coffee and fruit plantations of the Central Valley.

Day 2 - San José
Day to relax at the hotel. Visit the spa, swim in the pool or stroll through the botanic gardens to the hotel's orchid house. You may like to take a tour to the nearby La Paz waterfalls.

Day 3 - San José/Tortuguero
Begin with an early drive to Tortuguero's dock through banana plantations and the Braulio Carrillo National Park. Board a comfortable launch for the two-hour canal cruise to Tortuguero with a chance of seeing caiman and numerous bird species on the way. Two nights at Manatus Lodge.

Day 4 - Tortuguero
Enjoy an early morning group boat tour through the canals and a visit the local town. The National Park is a major nesting area for green sea turtles and protects over 300 additional species including endangered green macaws and jaguars. Rest of the day at leisure.

Day 5 - Tortuguero/Turrialba
After breakfast, fly back to San José followed by a drive to Turrialba, passing sugarcane and coffee plantations and spectacular views of the towering Turrialba volcano. Three nights at Casa Turire Hotel.

Day 6 - Turrialba
Visit the Guayabo Archaeological Monument, a mysterious 'lost city' veiled in the shadow of the Turrialba volcano. Ancient stone carvings, still functioning Pre-Columbian aqueducts and paved roads recede into the lush cloud forest, all hinting at Costa Rica's past civilisations.

Day 7 -Turrialba
Enjoy a guided walk to the Hacienda Experience, a unique 100 year-old family-owned farm nestled in the mountains. Learn about conventional and organic agriculture while touring sugar, coffee and macadamia plantations.

Day 8 - Turrialba/Osa Peninsula
After an early breakfast, drive to San José for your flight to Puerto Jimenez on the Osa Peninsula, offering a wealth of wildlife vistas within one of the most biologically intense places on earth. Transfer to the beautiful Lapa Rios Lodge hiding in the heart of pristine rainforest. Three nights at Lapa Rios.

Days 9 and 10 - Osa Peninsula
Two full days to enjoy, explore and understand the rainforest. Why not take a tour through the pristine tropical fjord, Golfo Dulce, one of only four on earth or even a night tour through the jungle to observe a host of nocturnal mammals and insects.

Day 11 - Osa Peninsula/Nicoya Peninsula
Take an early flight to Punta Islita, a pristine beach on the isolated Nicoya Peninsula.  Three nights at Punta Islita.

Days 12 and 13 - Nicoya Peninsula
Two full days to enjoy the hotel spa, walk spectacular trails or discover wild beaches.

Day 14 - Nicoya Peninsula/San José
Fly back to San José and overnight at Finca Rosa Blanca Country Inn.

Day 15 - San José/London
Transfer to the airport for your American Airlines flight to Miami. Connect with the British Airways overnight flight to London Heathrow. Arrive day 16.

At A&K all of our journeys are individually tailored to suit your needs and timescale. However, as a guide, a 15 day journey in Costa Rica will cost from £3,995 per person based on two adults sharing with flights from the UK and subject to availability.