International flights will be included for this Fam Trip - details will be provided soon. Upon arrival at Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO), you will be met by an ST Costa Rica representative and transferred to Hotel Presidente, located in the heart of downtown San José. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner with the group, providing an opportunity to get to know fellow participants and receive an overview of the upcoming and exciting journey ahead.

Overnight: Presidente Hotel

Included meals: Dinner

After breakfast at the hotel and short sight inspection we depart towards the Northern Plains region. Along the way, enjoy a scenic drive through rural landscapes and mountain scenery before stopping for lunch near the Blue Falls area, renowned for its spectacular waterfalls and lush surroundings.

After lunch, continue to Tocu Tent Camp and check in upon arrival. Nestled within a pristine natural environment, the camp offers a unique glamping experience that combines comfort with immersion in nature. After sunset, join a guided night walk to discover the fascinating nocturnal wildlife that inhabits the surrounding rainforest ecosystem.

Dinner will be served at the lodge.

Overnight: Tocu Tent Camp

Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Begin the day with breakfast surrounded by the sounds of nature before departing for an exploration of the Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge and Caño Los Patos area, one of Costa Rica’s most important wetlands.This experience offers excellent opportunities to observe a wide variety of wildlife and many other species that thrive within this unique ecosystem. Lunch will be served at doña Rosi House. 

Upon returning to the lodge, participate in a tree-planting activity as part of Tocu’s sustainability initiatives and commitment to conservation. Later in the afternoon, enjoy a cocktail-making class featuring local ingredients and flavours. Dinner will be at the lodge.

Overnight: Tocu Tent Camp

Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

After an early breakfast, depart at approximately 6:30 a.m. towards the iconic Arenal Volcano region.

Upon arrival in the Arenal area, enjoy a guided sloth watching tour, providing the opportunity to observe one of Costa Rica’s most beloved species in its natural habitat while learning about the local ecosystem from an expert naturalist guide. If time, you can enjoy the world-famous thermal hot springs located on the property.

Conclude the day with dinner at a local restaurant in the charming and lively town of La Fortuna.

Overnight: Tabacon Thermal Resort & Spa

Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Following breakfast, enjoy an exciting adventure experience at Arenal Mundo Aventura. Participants may experience the famous zipline circuit and additional activities such as horseback riding or a visit to La Fortuna Waterfall.

Following the morning adventure, continue to Nayara Resorts for a site inspection and hosted lunch.

Spend the afternoon at leisure, relaxing and enjoying the thermal facilities and amenities at Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa.

In the evening, dinner will be served in La Fortuna town, providing an opportunity to experience the local atmosphere and gastronomy.

Overnight: Tabacon Thermal Resort & Spa

Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

After breakfast, depart the Arenal region and continue towards the northern rainforest region surrounding Tenorio Volcano National Park.

Upon arrival at Rio Celeste Hideaway Hotel, enjoy a site inspection of the property, followed by check-in. 

Lunch will be served at a local restaurant. The afternoon features a tubing adventure through the area's refreshing rivers, offering a fun and scenic way to experience the surrounding tropical forest. (This experience is TBC before arrival, dependent on rainfall!)

Later in the day, prepare for one of Costa Rica's most unique wildlife experiences: the Tapir Valley Night Tour. Accompanied by expert naturalist guides, explore the private reserve in search of nocturnal wildlife, including the elusive Baird's Tapir, frogs, insects, reptiles and other species active after dark.

Dinner will be hosted by Rio Celeste Hideaway.

Overnight: Rio Celeste Hideaway

Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

After breakfast, depart towards the Nicoya Peninsula, one of Costa Rica’s renowned Blue Zones and home to some of the country’s most spectacular coastal landscapes. Upon arrival in Montezuma, enjoy a site inspection and hosted lunch at NYA Hotel.

Following lunch, continue north towards Santa Teresa, a bohemian beach destination known for its pristine coastline, laid-back atmosphere and world-class sunsets. Arrive at Nantipa – A Tico Beach Experience and check in, participate in a site inspection of the property, followed by sunset cocktails overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

Dinner will be enjoyed in a local restaurant at Santa Teresa.

Overnight: Nantipa - A Tico Beach Experience

Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Breakfast at the hotel. The morning begins with a beach clean-up initiative, providing an opportunity to support local sustainability efforts and contribute positively to the conservation of Santa Teresa's beautiful coastline.

The remainder of the morning and early afternoon is available to enjoy the destination at your own pace. Optional activities available locally include surfing lessons, beach hopping, spa treatments, massages or simply relaxing by the ocean.

Lunch will be at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, participate in a relaxing yoga session followed by a cocktail-making class, where local ingredients and tropical flavours take center stage. Dinner will be at a local restaurant.

Overnight: Nantipa - A Tico Beach Experience

Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Following an early breakfast, depart Santa Teresa and transfer to Paquera Ferry Terminal. Board the ferry across the Gulf of Nicoya, enjoying beautiful coastal views and a unique perspective of Costa Rica's Pacific coastline during the crossing.

Upon arrival on the mainland, continue towards the Central Highlands and the coffee-growing region of Naranjo.

Arrive at Chayote Lodge and check in.

Enjoy lunch participating in an immersive culinary and cultural experience combining a traditional Costa Rican cooking class with a coffee tour. Learn about the history, cultivation and preparation of one of the country's most iconic products while participating in hands-on local gastronomy.

Later, take part in a site inspection of Chayote Lodge and its facilities.

In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner surrounded by the spectacular mountain scenery of Costa Rica's Central Valley.

Overnight: Chayote Lodge

Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

After breakfast, enjoy a leisurely morning before departing towards Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) for your journey home. At the appropriate time, a private transfer for the group will be arranged to the airport for your onward international flight.

Pura Vida! 

We hope you have loved Costa Rica!!

Day 11. Sat 12 Sep. Chayote Lodge to Playa Cativo

For those choosing to extend their Costa Rica experience, take a private transfer from Chayote Lodge to the domestic terminal at Juan Santamaría International Airport for the flight to Golfito.

Upon arrival in Golfito, the Playa Cativo Lodge team will welcome you and arrange your boat transfer to this exclusive eco-luxury retreat, nestled between the rainforest and the tranquil waters of Golfo Dulce.

After check-in, enjoy a delicious lunch at the lodge. 

This afternoon you can explore the  self-guided hiking trails and may choose one complimentary guided activity on the property, such as the Alternative Energy Tour, Introduction to the Tropical Forest Tour or the Artisanal Fishing Tour. You can also relax on the hotel’s private beach and take a dip in the pool before enjoying a scrumptious dinner at the lodge.

Overnight: Playa Cativo

Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 12. Sun 12 Sep. Playa Cativo

Wake up surrounded by one of Costa Rica’s most pristine rainforest ecosystems. Today is yours to enjoy the exceptional natural surroundings of Playa Cativo Lodge. Take advantage of the property's hiking trails, relax by the beach or enjoy complimentary use of kayaks, stand-up paddleboards and snorkeling equipment within Cativo Bay.

Guests may also choose to book optional excursions (additional cost payable locally), including whale and dolphin watching, a nocturnal rainforest hike, a guided hike through Piedras Blancas National Park, an excursion to Corcovado National Park or a Río Esquinas kayak adventure.

Lunch and dinner will be served at the lodge.

Overnight: Playa Cativo

Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner Day 13. Mon 14 Sep. Playa Cativo to San Jose

After breakfast, transfer back to Golfito Domestic Airport for your scheduled flight to San José.

Upon arrival in San José, connect with your international departure flight.

This marks the end of your extended Costa Rica experience, taking with you unforgettable memories of the country's extraordinary biodiversity, landscapes and warm hospitality.

Pura Vida!

Extension cost : £454 GBP pp

Included:

• Private transportation between Chayote Lodge and domestic terminal at Juan Santamaria Airport

• Flight from San Jose to Golfito

• 2 Nights stay at Playa Cativo Lodge

  • Transportation from Golfito to Cativo

  • 3 meals per day (breakfast, lunch and dinner) with any drink included

  • Use of hiking trails for self-guided walks and your choice of one guided tour on the property (Alternative Energy Tour, Introduction to the Tropical Forest Tour or Artisanal Fishing Tour)

  • Use of kayaks, stand-up paddleboards and snorkeling equipment (for use within Cativo Bay)

  • Coffee and Tea during the stay

• Flight from Golfito to San Jose

Optional tours at Cativo: (pax could book the following tours and pay locally)

• Whale and Dolphin Watching

• Nocturnal Rainforest Hike

• Piedras Blancas National Park Hike

• Corcovado National Park

• Rio Esquinas Kayak Tour