Overview
Itinerary
Well hello there, and welcome to Costa Rica. Today we'll go from one extreme to the next, with a locally guided tour of the Poás Volcano National Park – which includes a chance to see the summit – followed by a walking tour in San José: Costa Rica's magnificent capital city. First things first though, it's time to meet your Contiki crew… (D) Stay: Auténtico Hotel (or similar)
We'll rise bright and early this morning to make our way to Puerto Viejo (with a sweet lil stop-off along the way…). We'll head to Turrialba (also known for its volcano, and actually named after the ‘white smoke' said volcano used to emit), we'll bask in the area's sprawling natural beauty, and then visit the Guayabo National Monument for a healthy dose of ancient architecture.
This evening, we'll arrive at the Caribbean coastal town of Puerto Viejo – known for its surf-savvy beaches, rainforests, wetlands and jaguar conservation efforts. You're free to explore with your Contiki crew, and your Trip Manager will give you a brief orientation tour to help you on your way. (B) Stay: Villas Del Caribe (or similar)
Today we'll spend the whole day exploring Puerto Viejo – and boy does this town deserve it. We'll go hiking in Cahuita National Park (one of the most famous national parks in Costa Rica, where you might just see sloths IRL) and check out some of the best beaches in Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica and indeed the world too. (B)
Wakey wakey. It's Day 4. We have another full day in Puerto Viejo today, and some truly epic optional activities await. With river kayaking, surf lessons and a visit to a sloth sanctuary on today's menu, there's something for just about everyone. Also, we won't be offended if you choose to spend today doing your own thing, or just kicking back on the coast (those white sand beaches are pretty moreish, after all). (B)
All aboard! Today we'll take a boat trip through canals and rivers to reach Tortuguero – another of the unmissable national parks in Costa Rica. Does it get more picturesque than this? We don't think so. Once we set foot back on dry land, we'll have a turtle-y awesome afternoon/evening waiting for us. That's right, we'll visit a sea turtle conservancy on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience… followed by the unique opportunity to go turtle-spotting at night!
Wondering what else to do tonight in Tortuguero? Fear not – your Trip Manager will give you a brief orientation tour, pointing out all the unmissable viewpoints and food spots. (B/L/D) Stay: Pachira Lodge Special Stay
Sure, Tortuguero is known for its sea turtles, but there's way more wildlife to spot here – and that's exactly what we'll do today. We'll take a boat trip along the winding canals, keeping our eyes peeled for monkeys, birds and more animals, not forgetting spectacular views.
Tonight, after checking out one of the world's more beautiful national parks, you'll have another free night to explore. (B/L/D) Stay: Pachira Lodge
Tortuguero, you've been tantalising. We're all better and more well-rounded people now, but sadly it's time to make our way back to where the adventure began… And that… is… that. We've spent one week in Costa Rica. You're back in San José, where you're free to explore for a while longer or make your way back to the airport. Whichever path you're choosing, we're pretty sure this won't be the last time you'll be seeing your new Contiki crew. (B/L)
Well hello there, and welcome to Costa Rica. Today we'll go from one extreme to the next, with a locally guided tour of the Poás Volcano National Park – which includes a chance to see the summit – followed by a walking tour in San José: Costa Rica's magnificent capital city. First things first though, it's time to meet your Contiki crew… (D) Stay: Auténtico Hotel (or similar)
We'll rise bright and early this morning to make our way to Puerto Viejo (with a sweet lil stop-off along the way…). We'll head to Turrialba (also known for its volcano, and actually named after the ‘white smoke' said volcano used to emit), we'll bask in the area's sprawling natural beauty, and then visit the Guayabo National Monument for a healthy dose of ancient architecture.
This evening, we'll arrive at the Caribbean coastal town of Puerto Viejo – known for its surf-savvy beaches, rainforests, wetlands and jaguar conservation efforts. You're free to explore with your Contiki crew, and your Trip Manager will give you a brief orientation tour to help you on your way. (B) Stay: Villas Del Caribe (or similar)
Today we'll spend the whole day exploring Puerto Viejo – and boy does this town deserve it. We'll go hiking in Cahuita National Park (one of the most famous national parks in Costa Rica, where you might just see sloths IRL) and check out some of the best beaches in Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica and indeed the world too. (B)
Wakey wakey. It's Day 4. We have another full day in Puerto Viejo today, and some truly epic optional activities await. With river kayaking, surf lessons and a visit to a sloth sanctuary on today's menu, there's something for just about everyone. Also, we won't be offended if you choose to spend today doing your own thing, or just kicking back on the coast (those white sand beaches are pretty moreish, after all). (B)
All aboard! Today we'll take a boat trip through canals and rivers to reach Tortuguero – another of the unmissable national parks in Costa Rica. Does it get more picturesque than this? We don't think so. Once we set foot back on dry land, we'll have a turtle-y awesome afternoon/evening waiting for us. That's right, we'll visit a sea turtle conservancy on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience… followed by the unique opportunity to go turtle-spotting at night!
Wondering what else to do tonight in Tortuguero? Fear not – your Trip Manager will give you a brief orientation tour, pointing out all the unmissable viewpoints and food spots. (B/L/D) Stay: Pachira Lodge Special Stay
Sure, Tortuguero is known for its sea turtles, but there's way more wildlife to spot here – and that's exactly what we'll do today. We'll take a boat trip along the winding canals, keeping our eyes peeled for monkeys, birds and more animals, not forgetting spectacular views.
Tonight, after checking out one of the world's more beautiful national parks, you'll have another free night to explore. (B/L/D) Stay: Pachira Lodge
Tortuguero, you've been tantalising. We're all better and more well-rounded people now, but sadly it's time to make our way back to where the adventure began… And that… is… that. We've spent one week in Costa Rica. You're back in San José, where you're free to explore for a while longer or make your way back to the airport. Whichever path you're choosing, we're pretty sure this won't be the last time you'll be seeing your new Contiki crew. (B/L)
Trip Inclusions
- Visit Poás Volcano - Trust us when we say, this one’s really ‘summit’. Home to waterfalls, a coffee farm and a miasmic active volcano too – we’ll explore this momentous national park with a local guide on hand to impart all their knowledge.
- Explore San José on Foot - We’ll check out the Costa Rican capital with a local guide on hand to point out the prettiest parks and most awe-inspiring architecture (both of which we’ll see in abundance).
- Visit The Guayabo National Monument - With archaeological structures dating back as far as 1000 BC, this is a perfect combination of human creativity and the beauty of Mother Nature. No trip to Costa Rica would be complete without it.
- Explore Puerto Viejo on Foot - Before you embark on your free night in Puerto Viejo, your Trip Manager will give you a quick orientation tour to show you where the best bucket list spots are.
- Take a Hike in Cahuita National Park - Of all the Costa Rica national parks, this might be the most diverse – home to coral reefs, ancient shipwrecks and tropical forests (where you might just see a sloth or two…). Basically, there’s no adventure quite like a Cahuita adventure.
- See Playa Blanca - Basically, when you close your eyes and picture the beach of your dreams, these are what you’re picturing (you just don’t know it yet). Today you’ll experience Playa Blanca, Punta Uva and Manazanillo in all their perfect palm-tree-lined glory. It’s a Caribbean paradise and then some.
- Find Your Feet in Tortuguero Village - Your Trip Manager will give you a quick orientation tour to show you where the best bucket list spots are. Oh, and don’t panic, they’ll also recommend their favorite eateries too.
- Visit the Sea Turtle Conservancy MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience - On this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, you’ll meet the good folks who work tirelessly to protect and rehabilitate the sea turtles of Costa Rica. Oh, and you’ll also see the turtles for yourself…
- Spot Turtles at Night - With an expert guide on hand to impart all their knowledge, we’ll head out to witness turtles in their natural habitat. You may even see babies hatching too!
- Explore the Tortuguero Canals by Boat - These winding canals are home to all sorts of wildlife, including herons, kingfishers, poison dart frogs and a few types of monkey too – so keep your eyes peeled (and your camera at the ready too).
- Walk Along the Pachira Lodge Wilderness Trail - Even just the words ‘wilderness trail’ give us goosebumps, as we get psyched up to see the Costa Rican wildlife and landscapes.
- 6 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 3 Dinners
- 5 nights in Hotels, 1 night in Special Stay
- Expert Trip Manager, Trip Driver
- Itinerary and inclusions are subject to change
- Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included
- Visit Poás Volcano - Trust us when we say, this one’s really ‘summit’. Home to waterfalls, a coffee farm and a miasmic active volcano too – we’ll explore this momentous national park with a local guide on hand to impart all their knowledge.
- Explore San José on Foot - We’ll check out the Costa Rican capital with a local guide on hand to point out the prettiest parks and most awe-inspiring architecture (both of which we’ll see in abundance).
- Visit The Guayabo National Monument - With archaeological structures dating back as far as 1000 BC, this is a perfect combination of human creativity and the beauty of Mother Nature. No trip to Costa Rica would be complete without it.
- Explore Puerto Viejo on Foot - Before you embark on your free night in Puerto Viejo, your Trip Manager will give you a quick orientation tour to show you where the best bucket list spots are.
- Take a Hike in Cahuita National Park - Of all the Costa Rica national parks, this might be the most diverse – home to coral reefs, ancient shipwrecks and tropical forests (where you might just see a sloth or two…). Basically, there’s no adventure quite like a Cahuita adventure.
- See Playa Blanca - Basically, when you close your eyes and picture the beach of your dreams, these are what you’re picturing (you just don’t know it yet). Today you’ll experience Playa Blanca, Punta Uva and Manazanillo in all their perfect palm-tree-lined glory. It’s a Caribbean paradise and then some.
- Find Your Feet in Tortuguero Village - Your Trip Manager will give you a quick orientation tour to show you where the best bucket list spots are. Oh, and don’t panic, they’ll also recommend their favorite eateries too.
- Visit the Sea Turtle Conservancy MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience - On this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, you’ll meet the good folks who work tirelessly to protect and rehabilitate the sea turtles of Costa Rica. Oh, and you’ll also see the turtles for yourself…
- Spot Turtles at Night - With an expert guide on hand to impart all their knowledge, we’ll head out to witness turtles in their natural habitat. You may even see babies hatching too!
- Explore the Tortuguero Canals by Boat - These winding canals are home to all sorts of wildlife, including herons, kingfishers, poison dart frogs and a few types of monkey too – so keep your eyes peeled (and your camera at the ready too).
- Walk Along the Pachira Lodge Wilderness Trail - Even just the words ‘wilderness trail’ give us goosebumps, as we get psyched up to see the Costa Rican wildlife and landscapes.
- 6 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 3 Dinners
- 5 nights in Hotels, 1 night in Special Stay
- Expert Trip Manager, Trip Driver
- Itinerary and inclusions are subject to change
- Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included
Brochure
Contiki Worldwide (2024-25)
Availability
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you enquire. Additional savings may apply. We guarantee the lowest price in Australia. T&C’s apply.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Contiki. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Contiki. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
