Pura Vida Costa Rica - Premium Adventure

Pura vida Costa Rica! Today is our arrival day and our local team is waiting to welcome you. Most flights arrive in San Jose in the afternoon or early evening and there are free transfers to the hotel for all clients. Our centrally located premium hotel is full of historic charm with an excellent address on the pedestrian boulevard Avenida Central in the heart of San Jose. Stay: Gran Hotel Costa Rica (four-star).

Our adventure begins early this morning, leaving San Jose behind as we travel to the wildly beautiful Tortuguero National Park in northeast Costa Rica. Accessible only by boat or light aircraft, the vast network of waterways, canals and swamps in Tortuguero is remarkably tranquil, unspoilt and devoid of noise pollution. Immerse yourself in enchanting sights and sounds as we set off on a small motorboat for the 1hr 30min journey to our lodge, which is nestled on a tranquil strip of land in the main lagoon. Please note the transfer from San José to Tortuguero is not private for Exodus clients.

Discover the picturesque surroundings and Tortuguero village. Tortuguero is probably most famous as a nesting site for the endangered green turtle, which can be seen arriving onto the beach to lay eggs from late July to October (as part of an optional excursion). Hawksbill, loggerhead and giant leatherback turtles also nest in this region, and during November to January, baby turtles hatch and make their way towards the ocean. Today's travel time will be in the region of six hours including a breakfast stop. Stay: Aninga Lodge (three-star) (B/L/D).

We rise early this morning to discover the extraordinary flora and fauna of Tortuguero, passing serenely along the waterways of the national park by boat. Wildlife is usually at its most active in the early morning, and with the help of our expert guide we are likely to encounter monkeys, caiman, iguanas, butterflies and many of the 300-plus bird species recorded here. We return to the lodge for a hearty breakfast by the river.

This afternoon, we explore the scenic waterways on a second boat trip along a different canal or relax at the lodge and make the most of the wonderful facilities. Alternatively, immerse yourself in nature and follow a short walking trail through the lush forest. Standard accommodation: Aninga Lodge (three-star) (B/L/D).

We leave Tortuguero by taking a boat back to the main pier. Our transport will be at the pier waiting to drive us to the diverse region of Arenal, passing huge banana, pineapple and sugar cane plantations on the way. Today's travelling time is around 5hr 30min including a lunch stop. Arenal was the most active volcano in Costa Rica until 2010 when it entered a resting phase and stopped spitting ash, smoke and lava.

However, there is still a lot of geothermal activity in the area, and our premium accommodation has hot springs to enjoy. Take a dip in the natural thermal pools, which are rich in mineral salts and ions, leaving your skin feeling soft and refreshed. Surrounded by tropical plants and waterfalls cascading over river rocks, you will feel as though you're soaking in the rainforest. Stay: Arenal Springs Resort and Spa (four-star) (B/L).

Embark on a guided hike within the fascinating park of Arenal 1968, walking through secondary rainforest and passing lava fields formed by eruptions. Walking on the base and flanks of the volcano gives extraordinary views, and our expert leader explains the history and points out the remaining landmarks. Savour the views over Lake Arenal from the high vantage points on this walk and look out for the plentiful birdlife.

This afternoon is free to join one of the optional activities in this region. Stay: Arenal Springs Resort and Spa (four-star) (B/D).

This morning, witness the immense La Fortuna Waterfall, a 215ft (65m) cascade plunging into an emerald pool. Waterfalls are abundant in Arenal, and their clear pools are perfect for a refreshing dip.

We walk through verdant rainforest to a relatively steep set of steps that we must descend to reach the waterfall and then ascend to the exit – the hike/climb takes around 20 minutes to 30 minutes and is within the capabilities of anyone with reasonable fitness. Reward your efforts with a dip in one of the natural pools punctuating the foliage to cool off. Alternatively, enjoy the beautiful views from the lookout point and wait for the group.

Afterwards, we cross into the Tilaran Mountain Range, a Unesco World Heritage site in the Central Highlands, to experience the Costa Rican cloud forest. The journey provides incredible views of the Gulf of Nicoya and the islands below as we ascend the hills towards Monteverde, a forest-cloaked region whose name means Green Mountain.

The high altitude supports a complex ecosystem where plants thrive, particularly orchids, of which there are 400-plus varieties here. Today's drive is around four hours — the last 25mi (40km) of road is gravel and can be bumpy, particularly following heavy rain. Stay: Hotel & Spa Poco a Poco (four-star) (B/D).

Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve is a favourite destination for birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts, where the geographic, topographic and climatic conditions have allowed for a surprising biodiversity to thrive. A walk through the reserve will reveal huge old-growth trees covered in moss, while the surrounding mist permeates the atmosphere. Explore this impressive reserve on foot and witness the four ecological life zones that harbour different ecosystems for hundreds of species – mammals, birds, butterflies, amphibians, reptiles, insects and arachnids.

We can also see a variety of mosses, vines and trees typical of the cloud forest. One of the trails leads to a lookout right at the top of the continental divide where, on clear days, you can see both Costa Rican coasts: the Caribbean and the Pacific. The Monteverde Cloud Forest is also one of the few remaining habitats of the endangered resplendent quetzal. In the afternoon, we visit Selvatura Park, an extraordinary ecological park with 850 acres (345ha) of protected land dedicated to nature and adventure.

Explore the forested park during a much-adored experience in Costa Rica – the treetop walkway. The system of walkways above the treetops has been designed to let you experience the beauty of the cloud forest and observe the many inhabitants. Stay: Hotel & Spa Poco a Poco (four-star) (B/D).

This morning we travel towards our next destination, Rio Perdido (Lost River) in the Guanacaste province. Stood upon a raised rocky peninsula where two canyons converge, Rio Perdido Hotel & Thermal River has a vantage point overlooking the forest, canyon and river. Trees as tall as the canyon camouflage the river, which explains the name. This setting was once a gathering place for the Chorotega indigenous ethnic group, and many relics have been found here over the years.

The private 600-acre (243ha) reserve surrounding the hotel has incredibly diverse flora and fauna thanks to the unique setting next to a thermal river – tropical dry forest, rainforest and rugged terrain all surround the property, giving way to a vast diversity of species. Families of howler monkeys and white-faced capuchin monkeys are regularly seen.

This is an adventure seeker's paradise, where you can try thrilling optional activities such as zip lining, white-water tubing (subject to local conditions), mountain biking and hiking. Today's travelling time is around three hours. Stay: Rio Perdido Hotel & Thermal River (four-star) (B/D).

Explore 20mi (32km) of private trails, connected to the Rio Perdido Hotel by a 200ft (61m) hanging bridge, and go in search of exotic wildlife including mammals, reptiles, insects, amphibians and birds. We’ll discover the network of trails during an included guided hike and learn more about the different habitats in this unique location.

Sink into one of the natural thermal mineral pools at the hotel and unwind with lush vegetation and the canyon walls as a backdrop. The eight registered springs give rise to pools of hot and cold mineralised water for prolonged relaxation and bathing. Alternatively, if you prefer to get the adrenalin flowing, try one of the optional activities from zip lining to white-water tubing (subject to local conditions) during our free afternoon. Stay: Rio Perdido Hotel & Thermal River (four-star) (B/D).

We wave goodbye to the magical Rio Perdido and travel to Tamarindo on the Nicoya Peninsula. Once a fishing village, Tamarindo was discovered by surfers in the late 1980s and has steadily grown a reputation as one of the best beach destinations in the country. Located in Guanacaste province, known for having good weather and predictable sunshine, Tamarindo has a great mix of facilities and retains an authentic, laid-back atmosphere. The big draw here is the long expanse of beach, with a curved bay backed by palms, cafes and restaurants.

Soak up the sunshine, beach life and heavenly coastal views – a real contrast to our adventure so far. The waves are strong and loved by surfers, with swimmers mostly staying to the shallow surf breaking on the shore. Our beachfront hotel couldn't be better located, with palm trees framing what is, in our opinion, the best Pacific view in Costa Rica. In the evening, be sure to catch the deep-orange sunsets that cast a warm glow over Tamarindo. Stay: Tamarindo Diria Beach Resort (four-star) (B).

Make the most of leisure time today and enjoy the beachfront utopia of Tamarindo. There are plenty of excursions that can be organised locally: have a go at surfing, learn to stand-up paddleboard, book a massage at the hotel spa, or simply enjoy the beach and surroundings.

This evening we celebrate with sunset drinks on the beach – a toast to our wonderful adventure. There are some fantastic restaurants in Tamarindo, and we highly recommend the seafood here. Stay: Tamarindo Diria Beach Resort (four-star) (B).

Spend a few hours this morning enjoying Tamarindo beach or the hotel facilities for the last time, before we check out and transfer back to San Jose, a journey of approximately 4hr 30min. Stay: Gran Hotel Costa Rica (four-star) (B).

The trip comes to an end today after breakfast and it's time to bid Costa Rica and the rest of the group goodbye. Free transfers to San Jose airport are available to all clients today (B).