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One of the planet’s most biodiverse destinations and a poster child for eco-tourism, Costa Rica is a colourful, peaceful and bountiful country. From the tropical beaches to lush rainforest, you will explore this natural paradise, spending time in breath-taking national parks, viewing volcanoes and meeting the friendly local people. Round off your journey with a relaxing beach stay in Tamarindo, where golden sands, warm Pacific waters and a laid-back atmosphere provide the perfect setting to unwind and soak up the sunshine.
Our Colours of Costa Rica & Tamarindo Beach tour will see you exploring the most iconic sites, delving into deep-rooted culture and dining on delicious cuisine.
Explore the rainforest in the shadow of Arenal Volcano
Trail the elusive quetzal in Monteverde Cloudforest Reserve
Spot colourful birdlife from coast to coast
Immerse yourself in a tropical coastal paradise of golden sands, warm Pacific waters and vibrant sunsets
Our Colours of Costa Rica Tour has been thoughtfully designed and thoroughly researched to bring you a range of once-in-a-lifetime experiences, many of which are entirely exclusive to us.
Venture across the exhilarating Arenal Hanging Bridges, draped through the lush canopy at the foot of Arenal Volcano, for a bird's eye view of the rainforest and a glimpse of the forest canopy wildlife.
Explore Costa Rica's most magical natural sight, the cloudforest of Monteverde, a biological reserve dedicated to protecting a unique ecosystem that is home to an astounding 50% of Costa Rica's flora and fauna.
Embark on a cruise through the resplendent waterways of Tortuguero National Park, passing between the marshy islands that provide shelter for a diverse range of wildlife, including sea turtles, otters and monkeys.
This adventure is ideal for travellers who want to experience the incredible natural beauty, wildlife and vibrant culture of Costa Rica, before unwinding on the golden sands of Tamarindo Beach. We have designed this tour to make the most of your time, showcasing the country’s key highlights, lush landscapes and unique experiences. This tour is also ideal for those looking to combine adventure and relaxation in one unforgettable holiday.
Fly to San José, Costa Rica’s capital, where you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture. Tonight, you will enjoy a welcome dinner.
This morning, get to know San Jose by exploring the main streets, theatres, museums and downtown neighbourhoods. After this, head to the outskirts of the city, to the town of Escazu where vestiges of the colonial lifestyle still can be found on every corner. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, visit a local artisan to learn about the traditional “mascaradas” and finish your visit at a sugar cane mill.
Today you will travel through Braulio Carrillo National Park crossing through rural agriculture towns of banana and cocoa plantations, before you embark on a boat to cross to the beautiful jungle area of Tortuguero. This afternoon receive a visit from the local elder, learning how the town turned from a lumberjack town into one of the most important wildlife protection areas in the country.
Start the morning with a boat tour on the canals of the Tortuguero National Park, where you can expect to see anything from small reptiles such as the Jesus Christ Lizard, multiple species of migratory and stationary birds, or if you are lucky, the king of the Costa Rican jungles: the elusive jaguar. Stop at the town of Tortuguero to explore and learn about their way of living.
Leaving the Caribbean behind, your exploration continues crossing mountains, rivers and different kinds of forests, as you continue to one of the landmarks of Costa Rica, the Arenal Volcano. You will stop at the town of Sarapiqui to visit with a local farmer, tasting the delicacy of fresh cut Heart of Palm.
This morning you visit Eco Centro Danaus, one of the most important projects for wildlife protection and preservation in the area. In the afternoon visit the Arenal 1968 Park, for a walk that offers spectacular panoramic views of Arenal Volcano and Arenal Lake. You will end the day with a stop at the hot springs to relax and enjoy the peaceful and beautiful scenery.
Board an inflatable boat and paddle or float peacefully through the scenic landscapes of Río Peñas Blancas. A naturalist guide will be on hand to point out a wide variety of trees, birds, monkeys and other wildlife. Go on to visit a cacao farm, where you will learn about the chocolate-making process before delighting in some tasting. The remainder of your day is at leisure before dinner at a local restaurant in town.
Today you leave the imposing Arenal Volcano and its’ rain forest behind as you move to the cloud forest area of Monteverde. In the late afternoon experience a forest walk at night, learning about the various species that rule at nightfall, to the symphony of frogs and insects.
This morning take a memorable walk on the Hanging Bridges where you get to see the flora and fauna at every level of these magical tropical forests. The afternoon is yours to decide if you want to stay in the park or relax at the hotel, before a local host shares the history of the Quaker foundations of Monteverde with you.
After breakfast head to the last destination of this trip, the area of Manuel Antonio. Completing the forest cycle of the country this area hosts not only a large variety of flora and fauna in a relatively small area of land, but also a significant patch of protected sea. After amazing views of the Nicoya Gulf you will arrive at your hotel where you spend the rest of the day at leisure.
Wake up to explore the pristine natural beauty of this National Park filled with exotic wildlife such as monkeys, sloths, birds, reptiles and butterflies. A picturesque walk takes you to one of the beaches named the most beautiful in the world. Experience the lush rainforest, white sandy beaches below, and crystalline blue waters.
Morning at leisure to relax before exploring the local flavors of the area this afternoon with a stop at the local farmers’ market in Quepos, to pick out ingredients for dinner. Continue to a private ranch in Londres to choose the finishing flavours, colours and textures for your meal, before the preparation guided by the expert local cooks.
Bid farewell to the rest of your group and journey from Manuel Antonio to Tamarindo, travelling through ever-changing landscapes of lush rainforest, rural villages and Pacific coastline. Arrive in this laidback beach town, known for its golden sands, clear turquoise waters, and lush green surroundings. The next few days will be on a private basis with no escorted touring included.
Enjoy time at leisure in Tamarindo, where days unfold at your own pace. Relax on the wide sandy beach, ideal for swimming, easy walks and soaking up the sunshine, or explore the town’s inviting cafés, shops and local markets. Those wishing to venture further might discover nearby beaches such as Playa Conchal, visit nature reserves rich in birdlife, monkeys and other wildlife, or take a scenic boat trip along the coast.
This morning after breakfast you will transfer to the Juan Santamaria International Airport in San Jose for your flight home, arriving the next day.
Our tours feature hand-picked properties selected for their comfort, modern amenities and convenient location for sightseeing. We occasionally include a stay in a guesthouse or lodge where we feel the character of the property will enhance your tour, or to allow access to a more unique and memorable location. Here is a taster of the type of hotels you will be staying in on your tour.
Places Visited: UK - San Jose (2N) - Tortuguero (2N) - Arenal (3N) - Monteverde (2N) - Manuel Antonio (3N) - Tamarindo (4N) - UK
Set just steps from the beach, these Sunset Ocean View Rooms offer a relaxed coastal retreat with sweeping views over the Pacific Ocean and tropical gardens. Unwind on your private balcony or terrace as the sun dips below the horizon, or relax indoors in a bright, comfortable space designed for laid-back beachfront living.
Room size: Approx. 45 m²
Bed type: King or Two Queen Beds
View: Ocean and garden views
Bathroom: Private ensuite bathroom
Extras: Private balcony or terrace with seating
Bringing the vibrant flavours of Mexico to Tamarindo, Ay Caramba! serves tacos, fajitas and traditional favourites in a colourful and lively setting, ideal for families and groups.
Cuisine: Mexican – à la carte
Location: Boulevard Diria
Opening Hours: 17:00 – 22:00 (Closed Mondays)
Seating: Indoor & outdoor seating
Extras: Family-friendly dining
A refined dining venue offering fresh seafood and fusion cuisine, El Pelícano delivers an elevated culinary experience in a chic and welcoming setting. Enjoy expertly prepared dishes and an interactive teppanyaki option for a memorable evening.
Cuisine: Seafood & International – à la carte
Location: Boulevard Diria
Opening Hours: 17:00 – 22:00
Seating: Indoor & terrace seating
Extras: Teppanyaki experience, reservation recommended
Serving comforting Italian favourites, Nari offers a relaxed dining experience with handcrafted pastas, wood-fired pizzas and classic dishes made from fresh ingredients. Perfect for casual lunches or laid-back dinners.
Cuisine: Italian – à la carte
Location: Boulevard Diria
Opening Hours: 11:00 – 23:00
Seating: Indoor & outdoor seating
Extras: Casual dining
Overlooking Tamarindo Beach, Brisa Mar serves a variety of international dishes in a relaxed, open-air setting. Enjoy fresh seafood, grilled favourites and cocktails as you take in ocean views and the sound of the waves.
Cuisine: International – à la carte
Location: Beachfront
Opening Hours: 07:00 – 23:00
Seating: Outdoor & beachfront seating
Extras: Ocean views
If your tour departs in less than 30 days, please call our travel experts to book. Read our Price Match Promise
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