The Tico Trail

Costa Rica, 11 Nights

Day 1 - London/San José
Depart London Heathrow with the British Airways flight to Miami. Connect with the American Airlines flight to San José. Two nights at the Finca Rosa Blanca Country Inn, a boutique hotel overlooking the beautiful Central Valley with stunning views of the volcanoes, magical cloud forests and large coffee plantations.

Day 2 - San José
Today enjoy a relaxed tour to visit Poás Volcano National Park. Enjoy the view of Poás volcano's turquoise crater lake from special viewing platforms. After a restaurant lunch continue to the award-winning Doka Coffee Plantation, where you can follow the production process from farm to cup, before returning to Finca Rosa Blanca.

Day 3 - San José/Arenal
After breakfast, depart by road to Arenal volcano, the youngest and most active volcano in Costa Rica (three hours excluding stops). En route visit Else Kientzler Botanical Gardens, home to over 2,000 plants from around the world. Afterwards stop at a local restaurant for lunch. The rest of the afternoon will be free to enjoy the area or the hotel's private hot springs. Guests at Kioro are often entertained with a spectacular night firework display from the volcano. Overnight at Arenal Kioro Hotel.

Day 4 - Arenal/Punta Coyote
Midday transfer to Arenal airstrip for the flight to Islita, via San Jose. Arrival transfer to your hotel on the beautiful and unexplored Gulf of Nicoya in Guanacaste Province, a landscape of lush green hills, miles of untouched beaches and world-class rolling surf. Stay three nights at the exclusive Casa Caletas Hotel, located on the Rio Jabillo and its mangrove estuary.

Days 5 and 6 - Punta Coyote
Two days to enjoy the sun and relax on the beach or beside the pool. Activities available in the area include treks in the nearby national parks, surf lessons, horse riding, fishing and kayaking.

Day 7 - Punta Coyote/Osa Peninsula
Morning short hop flight from Islita to San José. Connect with a flight to Puerto Jimenez on the Osa Peninsula, one of the most biologically intense places on earth. Three nights at beautiful Lapa Rios jungle lodge hiding in the heart of pristine rainforest and overlooking the meeting of the Golfo Dulce and the wild Pacific Ocean.

Days 8 and 9 - Osa Peninsula
Two full days to enjoy guided tours from the lodge. Tours include the Wild Waterfall Trek, a night walking tour and the Osa Trail, to name a few. Horse riding is also possible. Experience the rich flora and fauna of this wonderful environment making it a naturalist's paradise. Even from your balcony you can enjoy the stunning wildlife and views of the area.

Day 10 - Osa Peninsula/San José
Return to Puerto Jimenez for your short flight to San José for your last night at Xandari Resort & Spa, located amongst 40 acres of fruit and coffee plantations but only a short distance from the airport.

Day 11 - 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 12.

At A&K all of our journeys are individually tailored to suit your needs and timescale. However, as a guide, an 11 day journey in Costa Rica will cost from £3,395 per person based on two adults sharing with flights from the UK and subject to availability.