Private Journeys
Active Costa Rica and Nicaragua: Rivers and volcanoes
16 days
from £3,629pp

Essentials
Transport
7 road journeys, longest up to 6hrs. 2 boat journeys
Accommodation
This trip uses modest medium class accommodation in convenient and often delightful locations.
Meals
Breakfast daily, lunch days 5, 6, full board days 3, 7 and 8
Guides
We carefully select our local partners, some of whom we have worked with for over 25 years. Their English-speaking guides understand the expectations of our clients very well, and are consistently singled out for praise by the latter on their return.
Summary Of Nights
16 days, 15 nights: San José 2; Pacuare 1; Arenal 3; Rio San Juan 2; Granada 2; Ometepe 3; Nicaragua Pacific coast 2 .
Currency
The unit of currency in Costa Rica is the colón. In Nicaragua it is the córdoba.
How To Take It
Cash machines are available in San José and Managua airport, and in Granada: taking a debit or credit card with a PIN number is the most convenient way of withdrawing money while on your trip and in many shops and restaurants you can also pay by card. However, since cards can get lost, damaged, withheld or blocked, you should not rely exclusively on a card to access funds.
We recommend that additionally you take a reasonable quantity of US dollars cash (no more than is covered by your insurance), which you can exchange into local currency in San José and Granada at the beginning of your trip, and possibly some travellers’ cheques, though these are increasingly falling out of use. (American Express cheques are the most widely accepted). Dollar bills should be in good condition, soiled or torn bills may be refused. You can exchange sterling but the rate may be unfavourable and there are fewer outlets providing this service. US dollars are accepted as payment in many places.
Daily Spend
It is very difficult to give a guideline for essential expenses but a budget of around US$40 per day should cover the cost of meals not included in the holiday price, drinks and the odd souvenir. Eat at the best restaurants and you will pay considerably more.
Tipping
Tips are expected and local guides often rely on their tip as a significant proportion of their income. We recommend approximately $10 per person for a half day and $20 for a full day for guides and half that for drivers.
Most service industry workers will expect a tip of some kind and so it is useful to have spare change for hotel porters, taxi drivers and the like. It is common to leave 10 – 12% in restaurants.
Insurance
Travel insurance is essential. Details of our recommended policy can be foundon our Travel Insurance page.
Visas
Holders of a full British passport do not require a visa, although passports must be valid for at least 6 months after the trip begins. Anyone with a different nationality should enquire with us or check with the relevant consulate.
If flying to the US, or via the US you will need to fill in your online ESTA application.
Airport Taxes
If you have purchased your flights through Journey Latin America, the international departure tax is usually included in the ticket.
Journey Grade
Generally this holiday is suitable for all able, reasonably fit people who are used to an active lifestyle. If you have a disability please contact us.
Climate
This itinerary takes you to tropical climes where the sun is strong and temperatures high – often over 30°C. Those travelling between May and October journeys should encounter higher temperatures (around 35°C) and high humidity. It is a bit cooler at higher altitudes. The ‘official’ rainy season is May to October.
Clothing And Special Equipment
Bring plenty of light cotton clothing and good, comfortable walking shoes or boots. A waterproof jacket is also necessary. We suggest that you plan to ‘layer’ your clothing; it is more efficient and flexible to put on a couple of light layers than one thick jumper, and sensible to have long sleeves for areas where mosquitos may be . Sports sandals are a good informal option for evenings. Protection against the sun (sunblock, sun hat) and mosquito repellent are essential and you should bring swimwear. A daypack is useful for carrying around sunblock, guidebook, water and any extra layers. A breathable cycling top with pockets will be useful when rafting as well as biking. A sports strap for sunglasses and small dry back are also recommended.
Please get in touch with the office before departure if you have any doubts. Good equipment is very important and hard to come by in Central America.
Vaccinations
Preventative vaccinations are recommended against the following; typhoid; polio; tetanus; hepatitis A. For specific requirements you must consult your GP.
You can also find helpful information on the Masta Travel Health website.
Country info
When's the best time to visit Costa Rica?
Despite its small size, Costa Rica has a number of distinct microclimates. The Caribbean coast is humid all year round with the driest months being Sep-Oct; wildlife lovers, however, might prefer to visit this region from Jul-Aug to watch nesting turtles. The rest of the country experiences a dry season from Dec-Apr, when there is plenty of sun and temperatures are high, and a rainy season from May-Nov. However, this is not a hard-and-fast rule for all regions: for example, the rainy season starts a month earlier in the south Pacific, while the northern areas, including the Guanacaste coast, are not as affected by the seasons and are generally much drier. The highlands and cloud forests have warm temperatures during the day but the high altitude means evenings are much cooler.
For more detailed information visit our When To Go section.
What's the official language of Costa Rica?
Spanish.
What's the national currency of Costa Rica?
Colón. Notes can be withdrawn from the many ATMs using a UK credit or debit card. There’s at least one in most main towns. You may have to authorise your bank first, and withdrawals may be limited to amounts lower than in the UK. US dollars cash can be exchanged in banks too. US dollars themselves are widely accepted.
What's the time difference between Costa Rica and UK?
GMT -5 hours.
What places combine well with Costa Rica?
A visit to neighbouring Nicaragua or Panama. There are land crossings to both, as well as international flights.
How do I get to Costa Rica?
There is a direct flight from London Gatwick to San José (11 hrs) as well as non-direct flights via US and European hubs.
What are the cultural and sport events in Costa Rica?
International Arts Festival: San José, March. Music, dance, film art exhibitions.
Monteverde Music Festival: Monteverde, Jan - Feb.
What's included in the price
- Services of our team of experts in our London office
- Services of Journey Latin America local representatives and guides
- All land and air transport within Latin America
- Accommodation as specified
- Meals as specified
- Excursions as specified, including entrance fees
Included Excursions
- San José: rainforest aerial tram zip-line
- Pacuare : river rafting
- Arenal : Cerro Chato hike and La Fortuna Falls
- Arenal: mountain biking
- Rio San Juan: jungle expeditions
- Ometepe Island: biking tour
- Ometepe Island: hiking expedition to Maderas volcano
What's not included in the price
- Tips and gratuities
- International flights from the UK
- Meals other than specified
- Airport taxes, when not included in the ticket
- Optional excursions
What's included in the price
- Services of our team of experts in our London office
- Services of Journey Latin America local representatives and guides
- All land and air transport within Latin America
- Accommodation as specified
- Meals as specified
- Excursions as specified, including entrance fees
Included Excursions
- San José: rainforest aerial tram zip-line
- Pacuare : river rafting
- Arenal : Cerro Chato hike and La Fortuna Falls
- Arenal: mountain biking
- Rio San Juan: jungle expeditions
- Ometepe Island: biking tour
- Ometepe Island: hiking expedition to Maderas volcano
What's not included in the price
- Tips and gratuities
- International flights from the UK
- Meals other than specified
- Airport taxes, when not included in the ticket
- Optional excursions
Inspired by this trip
Our exciting range of articles on Latin America explore everything from iconic destinations and lesser-known cultural gems to delicious traditional recipes. You’ll also find exclusive travel tips, first-hand client reviews and the chance to get your personal questions answered by our travel experts.
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Your edit for Latin American inspiration
Our exciting range of articles on Latin America explore everything from iconic destinations and lesser-known cultural gems to delicious traditional recipes. You’ll also find exclusive travel tips, first-hand client reviews and the chance to get your personal questions answered by our travel experts.
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