Our Costa Rica holidays tick-off all the highlights of this ecologically rich wonderland. You’ll experience the steamy jungles of the 20,000-acre Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge and sail down the Frío River searching for sloths and monkeys swinging from the trees. Head into the fog-shrouded landscapes of a Costa Rican cloud forest to spot rare tropical birds, and be wowed by walks along the lava fields and trails of Arenal Volcano National Park. Equally impressive is Rincón de la Vieja National Park where smoking craters and fumaroles hint at the massive geothermal forces at work below the earth. You’ll even squeeze in time to relax on the paradise beaches of Guanacaste.
What's Included
- Full programme of guided walks led by local HF Holidays Leaders
- Comfortable accommodation
- Half-board (breakfast and evening meal plus 8 lunches)
- All sightseeing and entrance fees (as per itinerary)
- Air-conditioned transport
- Return flights from the UK including hold baggage and airport transfers
Trip Suitability
This holiday offers a mix of sightseeing and a choice of walks. Easier walks range from 0.5 to 3 miles (1 to 5km) on undulating terrain; harder walks are 4 -5 miles (8km) with up to 1,291m of descent.
Accommodation
Hotel Bougainvillea, San José - Costa Rica
Located just 10 minutes from downtown San José, the Hotel Bougainvillea is surrounded by large, beautiful tropical gardens – the ideal start to your holiday.
Trogon Lodge, San Gerardo de Dota
Nestled in the cloud forest, surrounded by mountains and impressive oak trees, Trogon Lodge is the perfect spot to soak up the beauty of this magical landscape. You’ll stay in comfortable rooms that are spread out amongst the gardens. (November 2023)
Mirador de Quetzales, San Gerardo de Dota
The family-run Mirador de Quetzales dedicates itself to ecological tourism. Each of the individual bungalows is relatively basic, making the views over the untouched cloud forest the star of the show. The cloud forest gets very chilly at night so it’s a good idea to bring some warm layers. (December 2023)
Paraiso del Quetzal Lodge, San Gerardo de Dota - Costa Rica
You’ll stay in individual cabins overlooking the surrounding mountains at the Paraíso Quetzal Lodge. There’s traditional Costa Rican cuisine to enjoy here, too, all cooked on a firewood stove at the onsite restaurant Los Colibríes.
Selva Verde (Lodge), Sarapiqui - Costa Rica
Selva Verde is an eco-lodge featuring 45 comfortable rooms built on platforms so you can truly appreciate the surroundings of the Sarapiquí River. There are two restaurants, a swimming pool, plus a suspension bridge over the river and several forest trails.
La Quinta de Sarapiqui Country Inn, Sarapiqui
La Quinta offers airy, spacious rooms in bungalows surrounded by tropical gardens. Complete with a swimming pool, a selection of self-guided short trails, and three lakes to explore, there’s plenty to keep you entertained. (November 2023)
Sarapiquis Rainforest Lodge, Sarapiqui
Built on the site of a 15th century pre-Columbian village, the Sarapiquis Rainforest Lodge has its own archaeological park with sweeping views from the restaurant terrace to the Sarapiqui River and rainforest below. (December 2023)
Magic Mountain Hotel, Arenal Volcano - Costa Rica
Magic Mountain Hotel is encircled by lush, tropical greenery and the magnificent La Fortuna de San Carlos. It boasts swimming pools, a restaurant, and spa facilities. Superior Rooms have a balcony to take in views over the impressive Arenal Volcano.
Arenal Paraiso Resort & Spa Hotel, Arenal Volcano
Every Superior Room features a large terrace with rocking chairs to take in the views of Arenal Volcano. Arenal Paraiso Resort has two onsite restaurants and 14 pools – 11 of which are mineral water pools springing from a natural underground river heated by geothermal energy. (November 2023)
Hotel Arenal Manoa, Arenal Volcano
Our Junior Suites come with private terraces set amongst the tropical gardens, lawns, and pools of the Hotel Arenal Manoa. The hotel also offers two hot spring pools and a hot tub. (December 2023)
Borinquen Mountain Resort & Spa, Rincón de la Vieja
Located in the foothills of the Rincon de la Vieja volcano in Guanacaste, Hotel Borinquen offers comfortable accommodation with a private deck or terrace. There’s also the chance to relax in one of the hot spring-fed pools surrounded by mountain views. (November 2023)
Hacienda Guachipelín (Lodge), Rincón de la Vieja
Located at the foot of the Rincón de la Vieja volcano, Hacienda Guachipelín offers the ideal setting to explore this fascinating region. Our Superior Rooms offer comfortable, down-to-earth accommodation set amongst the property’s ancient tempisque and cedro amargo trees. (December 2023)
Bahia del Sol Hotel, Guanacaste beach
Just a few steps from the tranquil waters of Potrero Bay is Hotel Bahía del Sol. It’s surrounded by artistic gardens, centuries-old trees, an exquisite beach, and spectacular sunsets. And with 35 comfortable and spacious rooms, it’s a relaxing end to our Costa Rica adventure. (December 2023)
Papagayo Golden Palms, Guanacaste
Set on a pristine stretch of sand along the Gulf of Papagayo, the boutique-style Papagayo Golden Palms tempts with an oceanfront pool, spa, open-air terraces, and beautifully-appointed guest rooms. (November 2023)
