Colours of Costa Rica

Colours of Costa Rica

30 Views
14 Days From

$5598

Colours of Costa Rica

14 Days Starting and ending in San José, Costa Rica

Visiting: San José, San Jose, Tortuguero, Arenal, Arenal Volcano, Río Peñas Blancas, Monteverde, Manuel Antonio, Manuel Antonio National Park

Tour operator:

Wendy Wu

Tour code:

1143

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

0 - 18

Physical rating:

Level1

Age range:

12-99

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians, Meat

Tour operated in:

English
From: $5598

NB: Prices correct on 01-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

Embark on the "Colours of Costa Rica" tour and immerse yourself in the vibrant culture and stunning natural beauty of this Central American gem. Begin your adventure in San José, exploring its bustling streets and rich history. Journey through the lush Braulio Carrillo National Park to the wildlife haven of Tortuguero, where boat tours reveal exotic creatures. Marvel at the majestic Arenal Volcano, enjoy a serene inflatable boat trip on Río Peñas Blancas, and experience the nocturnal wonders of Monteverde's cloud forest. Conclude your trip in the breathtaking Manuel Antonio National Park, home to pristine beaches and diverse wildlife. This tour offers a perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and cultural immersion.

Highlights

  • Exploring the main streets, theatres, museums, and downtown neighborhoods of San José.

  • Traveling through Braulio Carrillo National Park and visiting Tortuguero Village.

  • Boat tour on the canals of Tortuguero National Park to spot wildlife.

  • Visiting Arenal Volcano and enjoying panoramic views at Arenal 1968 Park.

  • Inflatable boat trip through Río Peñas Blancas to spot diverse wildlife.

  • Night forest walk in Monteverde to experience nocturnal species.

  • Walking on the Hanging Bridges in Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve.

  • Exploring Manuel Antonio National Park with its exotic wildlife and beautiful beaches.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Fly To San José

Location: San José

Meals Included: Dinner

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.

Day 2: San Jose

Location: San Jose

Meals Included: Lunch

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.

Day 3: Travel To Tortuguero Village

Location: Tortuguero

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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.

Day 4: Explore Tortuguero

Location: Tortuguero

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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.

Day 5: Travel To Arenal

Location: Arenal

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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.

Day 6: Arenal Volcano

Location: Arenal Volcano

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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.

Day 7: Rio Penas Blancas

Location: Río Peñas Blancas

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Enjoy a trip in an inflatable boat through the scenic Río Peñas Blancas as you try to spot a wide variety of trees, birds, monkeys and other wildlife. Your afternoon is at leisure before heading into town to enjoy an evening experiencing amongst the locals.

Day 8: Travel To Monteverde

Location: Monteverde

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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.

Day 9: Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve

Location: Monteverde

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

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.

Day 10: Travel To Manuel Antonio

Location: Manuel Antonio

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

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.

Day 11: Manuel Antonio National Park

Location: Manuel Antonio National Park

Meals Included: Breakfast

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.

Day 12: Manuel Antonio

Location: Manuel Antonio

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

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.

Day 13-14: Fly San Jose To Uk

Location: San Jose

Meals Included: Breakfast

This morning after breakfast you will transfer to the Juan Santamaria International Airport in San Jose for your flight home, arriving the next day.

What's Included

  • Accommodation

    Throughout the tour, you will stay in comfortable hotels, providing a relaxing retreat after each day's adventures.

  • Transportation

    Transportation includes airport transfers, travel through national parks, and boat rides, ensuring a seamless and scenic journey across Costa Rica.

  • Meals

    Meals are included throughout the tour, with breakfast, lunch, and dinner provided on various days.

  • Welcome Dinner

    Enjoy a welcome dinner on the first night in San José.

  • Local Experiences

    Visits to local artisans, farmers, and markets are included to provide an authentic cultural experience.

  • Guided Tours

    Guided tours of national parks, towns, and other attractions are included.

  • National Park Fees

    Entrance fees to national parks and reserves are included.

What's Not Included

  • International Flights

    International flights to and from Costa Rica are not included.

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance is not included and is recommended for all travelers.

  • Personal Expenses

    Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and beverages are not included.

  • Optional Activities

    Optional activities and excursions not mentioned in the itinerary are not included.

  • Gratuities

    Gratuities for guides, drivers, and hotel staff are not included.

Mode of Transport

Transportation includes airport transfers, travel through national parks, and boat rides, ensuring a seamless and scenic journey across Costa Rica.

Experiences

Explore the Forest Canopy

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 Cloudforest

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.


Tortuguero National Park Cruise

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.


Check out our Q&As

  • What type of transportation is included in the tour?

    Transportation includes airport transfers, travel through national parks, and boat rides, ensuring a seamless and scenic journey across Costa Rica.

  • What kind of accommodation can I expect during the tour?

    Throughout the tour, you will stay in comfortable hotels, providing a relaxing retreat after each day's adventures.

  • What activities are planned for the first day in San José?

    On the first day, 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. In the evening, you will enjoy a welcome dinner.

  • What will we do in San José on the second day?

    On the second day, you will explore the main streets, theatres, museums, and downtown neighborhoods of San José. You will also visit the town of Escazu, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, learn about traditional 'mascaradas' from a local artisan, and visit a sugar cane mill.

  • What can I expect during the visit to Tortuguero Village?

    You will travel through Braulio Carrillo National Park, cross rural agriculture towns, and embark on a boat to reach Tortuguero. In the afternoon, you will meet a local elder to learn about the town's transformation from a lumberjack town to a wildlife protection area.

  • What wildlife might I see during the boat tour in Tortuguero National Park?

    During the boat tour, you can expect to see small reptiles like the Jesus Christ Lizard, multiple species of migratory and stationary birds, and possibly the elusive jaguar.

  • What is planned for the visit to Arenal Volcano?

    You will visit Eco Centro Danaus, an important wildlife protection project, and Arenal 1968 Park for panoramic views of Arenal Volcano and Arenal Lake. The day will end with a visit to the hot springs.

  • What activities are included in the visit to Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve?

    You will take a walk on the Hanging Bridges to see the flora and fauna of the tropical forests. In the afternoon, you can choose to stay in the park or relax at the hotel. A local host will also share the history of the Quaker foundations of Monteverde.

  • What can I expect during the visit to Manuel Antonio National Park?

    You will explore the park's natural beauty, which includes exotic wildlife such as monkeys, sloths, birds, reptiles, and butterflies. A picturesque walk will take you to one of the world's most beautiful beaches, featuring lush rainforest, white sandy beaches, and crystalline blue waters.

  • What culinary experience is included in Manuel Antonio?

    You will visit the local farmers' market in Quepos to pick out ingredients for dinner. You will then go to a private ranch in Londres to choose the finishing flavors, colors, and textures for your meal, which will be prepared with the guidance of expert local cooks.

  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    If, after our confirmation invoice has been issued, you wish to change your travel arrangements in any way, we will endeavour to make these changes, but it may not always be possible. Any changes to confirmed bookings need to be sent to us in writing via your travel agent. Please refer to our booking conditions for further information and fees.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Customers booking to travel solo can choose our ‘Happy to Share’ option, which may enable them to share a twin room with other solo customers of the same gender who also request Happy to Share, thus avoiding the need to pay single room supplements. Note that ‘Happy to Share’ requests can be received when you make your booking with us but will not be confirmed until your final payment due date.

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Your Final Travel Documents are usually sent to you 2-3 weeks prior to your departure. Your travel pack will include your tour itinerary, hotel details, flight e-tickets and a travel guide. If you have booked with a travel agent, your tickets will be dispatched to your travel agent unless we have been otherwise informed.

  • Will I be travelling with passengers from other countries?

    Our passengers generally enjoy the mixture of British, Australian and American clients on tour. Occasionally we are joined by English-speaking passengers from other countries.

  • What is 'Happy to Share'?

    Customers booking to travel solo can choose our ‘Happy to Share’ option, which may enable them to share a twin room with other solo customers of the same gender who also request Happy to Share, thus avoiding the need to pay single room supplements. Note that ‘Happy to Share’ requests can be received when you make your booking with us but will not be confirmed until your final payment due date. If a share partner is found, the Single Supplement will be removed from your booking. If a share partner is not found, the Single Supplement will remain and is payable with your final balance in line with our normal booking conditions. Either way, our Operations Team will contact you around 75 days before departure to let you know whether a share partner has been found or not. We regret that Happy to Share requests cannot be accepted within 75 days of departure. Wendy Wu Tours reserves the right to change or withdraw this arrangement at any time.

  • Do you allow children on your tours?

    We allow children 12 years and over on our group tours. We recommend that families with children of any age take advantage of our private or tailormade tours. This will give you more flexibility while on tour.

Reviews of this operator

Feefo Rated Customer  

Colours of Costa Rica

26-Mar-2020

This was our first tour with you and from start to finish we were guided by Isaac who made sure everything went smoothly. He was laid back - but on the ball - always available and very informative.

Excellent
Feefo Rated Customer  

Ultimate South America

21-Mar-2020

We were hoping this tour would be the holiday of a lifetime and it certainly was. Our guide, Corina, was fantastic and evry country we visited had something special. FANTASTIC

Excellent
William  

Japan Uncovered

12-Nov-2022

A superb trip which ticked all our boxes and covered all the main experiences you would wish for on a trip to Japan! We were looked after by excellent local guides. All of our accommodation was very good. With all meals included we got the chance to experience the local cuisine

Alastair  

Christmas in Vietnam

06-Jan-2023

Vietnam at Christmas, Excellent Experience From start to finish Vietnam at Christmas was amazing, The tour group, Local Guide Loc, we must have been blessed as the weather was excellent only one day of rain. Tour Group 11/10 Guide 11/10 Hotels 8/10 Food 8/10 Itineary10/10 Faboulous experience on Christmas in Vietnam

Feefo Rated Customer  

Highlights of Sri Lanka

24-Mar-2020

Great Country. Good range of different things to do and places to see - temples to beaches to wildlife. Hotels ranged from adequate to excellent. Food quality and variety was better than we expected A really good tour guide and our fellow travellers were excellent company. Would recommend despite the impact of Corona Virus cutting out a few later trips but that was beyond anyone's ability to control..

Excellent

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Operator discount: -$580

Including UK Flights

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Mar 13, 2025 - Mar 26, 2025
$8809 $8229

Operator discount: -$580

Including UK Flights

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Operator discount: -$580

Including UK Flights

Thursday - Wednesday

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$7326

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Nov 06, 2025 - Nov 19, 2025
$8809 $8229

Operator discount: -$580

Including UK Flights

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Thursday - Wednesday

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$7081 $6501

Operator discount: -$580

Including UK Flights

Thursday - Wednesday

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$7326

Thursday - Wednesday

Nov 20, 2025 - Dec 03, 2025
$8809 $8229

Operator discount: -$580

Including UK Flights

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$5598

Thursday - Wednesday

Dec 04, 2025 - Dec 17, 2025
$7081 $6501

Operator discount: -$580

Including UK Flights

Thursday - Wednesday

Dec 04, 2025 - Dec 17, 2025
$7326

Thursday - Wednesday

Dec 04, 2025 - Dec 17, 2025
$8809 $8229

Operator discount: -$580

Including UK Flights

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$6436

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$7597 $7017

Operator discount: -$580

Including UK Flights

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$9196 $8616

Operator discount: -$580

Including UK Flights

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$6436

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$7597 $7017

Operator discount: -$580

Including UK Flights

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Feb 12, 2026 - Feb 25, 2026
$8036

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Feb 12, 2026 - Feb 25, 2026
$9196 $8616

Operator discount: -$580

Including UK Flights

Thursday - Wednesday

Mar 12, 2026 - Mar 25, 2026
$6436

Thursday - Wednesday

Mar 12, 2026 - Mar 25, 2026
$7597 $7017

Operator discount: -$580

Including UK Flights

Thursday - Wednesday

Mar 12, 2026 - Mar 25, 2026
$8036

Thursday - Wednesday

Mar 12, 2026 - Mar 25, 2026
$9196 $8616

Operator discount: -$580

Including UK Flights

Thursday - Wednesday

Nov 05, 2026 - Nov 18, 2026
$6436

Thursday - Wednesday

Nov 05, 2026 - Nov 18, 2026
$7597 $7017

Operator discount: -$580

Including UK Flights

Thursday - Wednesday

Nov 05, 2026 - Nov 18, 2026
$8036

Thursday - Wednesday

Nov 05, 2026 - Nov 18, 2026
$9196 $8616

Operator discount: -$580

Including UK Flights

Thursday - Wednesday

Nov 19, 2026 - Dec 02, 2026
$6436

Thursday - Wednesday

Nov 19, 2026 - Dec 02, 2026
$7597 $7017

Operator discount: -$580

Including UK Flights

Thursday - Wednesday

Nov 19, 2026 - Dec 02, 2026
$8036

Thursday - Wednesday

Nov 19, 2026 - Dec 02, 2026
$9196 $8616

Operator discount: -$580

Including UK Flights

Thursday - Wednesday

Dec 03, 2026 - Dec 16, 2026
$6436

Thursday - Wednesday

Dec 03, 2026 - Dec 16, 2026
$7597 $7017

Operator discount: -$580

Including UK Flights

Thursday - Wednesday

Dec 03, 2026 - Dec 16, 2026
$8036

Thursday - Wednesday

Dec 03, 2026 - Dec 16, 2026
$9196 $8616

Operator discount: -$580

Including UK Flights

Prices last published on 31-Oct-2024

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Wendy Wu requires a minimum deposit of 350 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 75 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of wendy wu charges.

    Up to 75 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.

    At 41 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.

    At 27 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.

    At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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