Private Journeys
Costa Rica Wildlife Discovery
15 days
from £3,660pp

Essentials
Transport
3 flights by light aircraft; 4 scenic road and road and boat journeys.
Accommodation
This trip combines a small, friendly mid-range hotel in San José with well-equipped rooms with private bathroom with comfortable, eco-friendly but not luxurious wildlife and beach lodges well located for wildlife observation.
Meals
Breakfast daily, full board days 2, 3; 8-10,11-13.
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 clients on their return. On this particular trip we use specialist naturalist guides where necessary.
Summary Of Nights
15 days, 14 nights: San José 1; Tortuguero 3; Arenal 3; Bajos del Toro 3; Osa Peninsula 3; San Jose 1.
Currency
The unit of currency in Costa Rica is the colón.
How To Take It
Cash machines are available in San José: 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 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 cash is widely accepted for payments.
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 itinerary, 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.
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 found on our Travel Insurance page.
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 visitors, including families with older children with an interest in wildlife.
Bear in mind it is a relatively active trip. On the whole the trails are good and clear. All activities are closely monitored by qualified guides.
Climate
The trip covers climates ranging from tropical lowland to more temperate zones in the highlands. Those travelling between May and October journeys should encounter high temperatures (around 35°C) and high humidity in the lowlands. The ‘official’ rainy (green) season is May to October.
December to April visitors will still encounter high temperatures in lowland areas, but cool evenings around Arenal and San José with temperatures falling to around 5°C. Rainfall and humidity will be lower at this time.
Clothing And Special Equipment
Bring plenty of light cotton clothing and good, comfortable walking shoes. A waterproof jacket is also necessary. We suggest that you plan to ‘layer’ your clothing; it is easier and more efficient to put on a couple of light layers than one thick jumper (it can be cool in the interior), and sensible to have long sleeves for areas where mosquitos may be lurking. Protection against the sun (sunblock, sun hat) and mosquito repellant are essential and you should bring swimwear. A daypack is useful for carrying sunblock, guidebook, water and any extra layers.
Don’t forget your binoculars, long lens camera and field guide.
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.
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.
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
- Guided boat excursion in Tortuguero National Park
- Guided excursion to the Ecotermales hot springs at Arenal
- Birdwatching with naturalist guide
- Whale and dolphin watching, Corcovado National Park
- Guided hiking in Corcovado National Park
What's not included in the price
- Tips and gratuities
- Flights to and from the UK
- Meals other than specified
- Airport taxes, when not included in the ticket
- Optional excursions (Private guided turtle nesting or hatching (in season: Jul-Nov) and Bosque de Paz private reserve)
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
- Guided boat excursion in Tortuguero National Park
- Guided excursion to the Ecotermales hot springs at Arenal
- Birdwatching with naturalist guide
- Whale and dolphin watching, Corcovado National Park
- Guided hiking in Corcovado National Park
What's not included in the price
- Tips and gratuities
- Flights to and from the UK
- Meals other than specified
- Airport taxes, when not included in the ticket
- Optional excursions (Private guided turtle nesting or hatching (in season: Jul-Nov) and Bosque de Paz private reserve)
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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