17 Day Itinerary
£9,400pp
Embark on an adventure across Costa Rica and Nicaragua, starting with wildlife rich jungle lodges in Tortugeuro and venturing into thrilling activities like rafting and volcano hikes, all complemented by luxurious relaxation at Morgan’s Rock ecolodge.
Welcome to Costa Rica! Today you’ll arrive in San Jose most likely in the afternoon or evening, and be transferred to your hotel in the city centre. Time to rest up and get ready for your adventure, starting tomorrow!
Today you will be picked up early for a private transfer to La Pavona dock, before embarking on a half an hour boat journey to Tortuga Lodge. Tortuguero is a series of canals on the northern Caribbean coast, located amongst lush tropical rainforest, where wildlife is abundant!
Over the course of your two days here, you will have the opportunity to fall asleep to the sound of the jungle, while staying safe inside your beautiful cabin, and take part in a number of wildlife related activities. You will have the chance to spot sloths, monkeys, iguanas, caiman as well as vast numbers of tropical birds. You’ll take part in excursions both by boat and on foot and you’ll be shown around by experienced nature guides. When you get a bit hot (it does get humid here!) you’ll be able to take a refreshing dip in the pool and sip on a delicious cocktail, or get a spa treatment!
Today, you will take a shared boat service back to La Pavona dock, followed by a private transfer to Arenal, arriving at your hotel, Amor Arenal, in the mid-afternoon. Note, there is also an option for short 8-12 seater flights between some destinations, so do ask if this is of interest to you.
This area is renowned for its beautiful Arenal volcano, which you will have the chance to hike up during your stay here! This arid and volcanic area is also home to some of Costa Rica’s best hot springs, as well as some top-notch adrenaline-filled activities, such as zip-lining, water rappelling, white water rafting and kayaking. There are also excellent birdwatching opportunities and wildlife tours on offer.
During your two full days here, we’ve suggested a hike around Arenal Volcano and La Fortuna waterfall as well as river rafting on Rio Balsa, however, there are plenty of options on offer depending on your interests.
Early this morning, you’ll have a private transfer north to the border with Nicaragua. Once you’ve arrived at Las Tablillas border, a local guide will be waiting for you and will assist you through immigration and the border crossing. You will then take a land transfer for 20 minutes to Santa Fe bridge, followed by a 2 hour private motorboat journey through Rio San Juan’s waters, arriving at Guacimo Ecolodge – your home for the next 2 nights.
Rio San Juan is a 192 km long river that flows east of Lake Nicaragua towards the Caribbean. It is home to freshwater bull sharks and a wide variety of marine life with a great diversity of species. In the evening, you will be able to take a night boat experience on the river, looking for a number of different species, including alligators!
The next morning, after breakfast, you’ll take a private boat to the entrance of the Bartola River to start walking the Bartola trail within the Indio MaÃz reserve. The Indio MaÃz Biological Reserve is considered one of the best preserved natural reserves in Nicaragua. It covers 3,180 km² and is home to a vast variety of jungle animals. It is inhabited by hundreds of species of birds, including toucans, macaws, hummingbirds and parrots. In the afternoon, you will visit the town and the Fortress of the Immaculate Conception, built in 1672 to protect colonial Nicaragua from attacks by foreign enemies.
Today you will head off for San Carlos port by private boat again, followed by a land transfer for 4 hours until you arrive at our colonial jewel, the colourful town of Granada.
During your full day in this picturesque town, you’ll be able to enjoy a relaxing boat ride on Lake Nicaragua passing by islands formed 20,000 years ago when the impressive Mombacho volcano erupted. After soaking up the beautiful views, it’s time to explore Granada itself. Named after the city of Granada in Spain, this city has plenty of colonial churches, narrow streets and large homes with beautiful indoor patios, tiled roofs and colonial colours. You will start your experience with a walking tour of the surrounding area, visiting La Merced church, the San Francisco convent as well as the Granada Cathedral.
You will then continue to the edge of the Catarina viewpoint, offering an amazing view of the Apoyo Volcanic Lagoon, the Mombacho volcano, Granada and Lake Nicaragua. The trip continues to San Juan de Oriente, part of the White Towns – renowned for its various artisan workshops, where there is an active and diverse production of attractive pieces of clay and ceramics. You will end your day with an exciting night visit to Masaya Volcano National Park, where you will have the opportunity to see inside the crater mouth of the volcano, observing the red and glowing lava – an experience you will never forget!
After breakfast, you’ll be driven to the port of San Jorge to take the public ferry to Moyogalpa, one of the main ports on Ometepe Island.
Upon arrival, you’ll have the chance to visit the most iconic sites of the island, such as: El Ceibo Museum, Laguna Charco Verde, butterfly farm & Ojo of Water, a pool of volcanic origin. Ometepe is a lush tropical island on Lake Nicaragua that is home to twin volcanoes, Concepción and Maderas.
During your full day on the island, you will have time to explore at leisure, taking a quiet walk on Santo Domingo beach, or you can book optional activities on the island such as a visit to Maderas Volcano or kayaking on the Istián River.
Today you’ll take a ferry back to the San Jorge port and then continue by private transfer to Morgan’s Rock Ecolodge.
During your two full days here, you’ll have plenty of time to relax and enjoy the beach, or if you prefer, you can book experiences that the hotel offers, such as horse riding, monkey and sloth spotting, guided jungle hikes, mangrove kayaking, guided birdwatching, amongst many more activities.
Day Itinerary
£9,400pp
8 Day Itinerary
Guide Price: £3,500pp
Explore the colourful city of Granada and learn about their traditional lifestyles visiting the different local communities on a journey that combines tradition, adventure, and comfort.
9 Day Itinerary
Guide Price: £6,800pp
Embark on a secluded wildlife adventure in Costa Rica’s lush rainforest. Discover the stunning natural wonders, including the mighty Pacuare River, the majestic Arenal Volcano, and explore the treetop canopies using hanging bridges.
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