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What to expect

Magical Rainforests

Hike in the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve

Exotic Beaches

Stroll the stunning sands of Tamarindo

Diverse Wildlife

Spot monkeys, iguanas, sloths & many incredible species

About the trip

Costa Rica is a nature lover’s paradise, and a geological wonder with an overwhelming range of scenery. Home to active volcanoes, magical rainforests, beautiful beaches and an amazing array of wildlife, from inquisitive monkeys to sleepy sloths, a holiday to Costa Rica is a truly unforgettable experience.

Find out about Costa Rica’s entry requirements here.

Activity Level:

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What's Included

  • Return flights & transfers
  • Airport Taxes & Charges
  • Twin / double room for sole use
  • Solos Board: Breakfast daily, 4 lunches & 6 dinners
  • Welcome Drink & Information Meeting
  • Visit to Poas Volcano National Park
  • Entrance to La Paz Waterfalls Gardens
  • Visit of Tortuguero Village & the Green Turtle Information Centre
  • Morning boat tour of Tortuguero National Park
  • Walking tour of Arenal Hanging bridges
  • Guided visit of Arenal Volcano National Park
  • Costa Rican family Trapiche tour
  • Hike in the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
  • Accompanying Solos Tour Leader
  • Fully financially protected

Itinerary

  • London - San Jose
  • Volcanos & Waterfalls
  • Tortuguero
  • Tortuguero National Park
  • On to Arenal
  • Arenal Hanging Bridges & Volcano National Park
  • Over to Monteverde
  • Monteverde Cloud Forest
  • Off to the beach!
  • Relax & Unwind
  • San Jose - London
  • Insurance – see here

What you'll be doing

DAY 1

London - San Jose

Arrive into the vibrant capital of San Jose. Relax for the rest of the afternoon before a welcome drink and dinner.

  • Dinner Included
DAY 2

Volcanoes & Waterfalls

Making our way out of the city, we head towards the active Poas Volcano. The volcano rises to 2,708 metres above sea level and we will witness large amounts of gas and water vapour that emit from the different fumaroles located in the inner cone of the crater. At the La Paz Waterfall Gardens, we can explore some of the trails and take in the famous waterfalls. The private reserve also contains a Butterfly Garden and Hummingbird Garden with many beautiful species. The park is even a refuge for birds and wild cats who are now cared for by the centre.

Comfortable walking shoes (preferably with a thick tread for hiking the trails and hundreds of stairs), shorts or comfortable trousers and a lightweight jacket or raincoat.

Please note: The Park ranges in altitude from 5,200 feet to 4,200 feet so it can get chilly when the clouds roll in.

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DAY 3

Tortuguero Village Visit

After an early morning start, we head to the docks and transfer by boat to Tortuguero. Following lunch, we visit Tortuguero Village.

Please note: Luggage is limited to 25 pounds (12 kg) per person.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
DAY 4

Explore Tortuguero National Park's wildlife & freshwater lagoons

Having had its boundaries extended three times, Tortuguero National Park is internationally recognised for its protection of the largest green turtle nesting beach in the Western Hemisphere. A place like no other, we glide along by small boats through a network of canals and freshwater lagoons, watched perhaps by curious monkeys, bright toucans, ancient iguanas, sedentary sloths and maybe even the glinting eye of a crocodile.

Please note: The order and logistics of the itinerary may change depending on weather conditions.

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DAY 5

On to Arenal

After breakfast, we take the boat back to the port before transferring to Arenal.

  • Breakfast & Lunch Included
DAY 6

Visit the Arenal Hanging Bridges & Volcano National Park

This is a perfect opportunity to discover a tropical rainforest. Our walk takes in 15 bridges, 6 of which are hanging bridges all built with amazing views of the forest, and with the shape of the trees allowing us to observe many species more closely. The park has more than 700 species of flora and 350 species of fauna. Look out for the bell bird, the emerald tucancito, whilst keeping your eyes peeled for the elusive jaguar and tapirs.

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DAY 7

Learn about traditional farming in Monteverde

We transfer to Monteverde today with a Trapiche Tour in the afternoon. This is a Costa Rican family project that offers visitors the opportunity to learn about traditional farming in the country, such as sugar cane, coffee, bananas, oranges, ‘arracacha’ (a local vegetable) and macadamia. We will have the opportunity to ride in an oxcart and learn how to grow cacao to make chocolate. We can make our own ‘sobado, a fudge-like candy and to try the ‘picadillo de arracache’ (a traditional dish) with a delicious cup of coffee.

  • Breakfast & Dinner Included
DAY 8

Hike through the Monteverde Cloud Forest

Today we hike through the famous Cloud Forest. One of the most famous conservation areas in Central America, it is tropical rainforest but because of its altitude (1,400 meters), it’s called a Cloud Forest. The cloud forest receives an incredible four meters of rain every year, and is home to rare and unusual wildlife.

  • Breakfast Included
DAY 9

Off to the beach

Today we will transfer to Tamarindo where we will spend two nights on the beach.

Located in Guanacaste, Costa Rica, Tamarindo is a truly exotic paradise! Tamarindo Beach is a white sand bay beach, and part of Las Baulas National Park.

Surrounded by exotic tropical gardens, our hotel offers outstanding international cuisine with six different restaurants and five bars. You can enjoy the four swimming pools and the outdoor jacuzzi.

  • Breakfast & Dinner Included
DAY 10

Relax & Unwind

Today, we have a full day at leisure to chill out on the beach or take a dip in one of the swimming pools at our resort.

  • Breakfast Included
DAY 11

San Jose - London

We say a final farewell as we head back to San Jose for our overnight flight home.

  • Breakfast Included

Accommodation

Costa Rica

We stay in comfortable hotels throughout as detailed below (or similar);

  • Four-star Hotel Presidente – San Jose
  • Four-star Mawamba Lodge – Tortuguero
  • Three-star Arenal Manoa Hotel – Arenal
  • Four-star Hotel Poco a Poco – Monteverde
  • Four-star Tamarindo Diria Beach Resort – Tamarindo

Frequently Asked Questions

Average Temperatures

Month(s) Highest temperature Lowest temperature
January 26 °C 17 °C
February - May 29 °C 18 °C
June - August 28 °C 18 °C
October - December 25 °C 18 °C

Our Reviews

“I’m sure you will enjoy it, I have been on three solos holidays to date and the people I’ve met have been great.”

“I’ve been travelling with Solos for nearly 20 years, on and off. The reason is for exactly what you want – you meet like minded people… and have loads of fun!”

“I’ve been on loads of trips with Solos over the years and can honestly say you will not regret booking your 1st one!”

“The feeling you have once you go away on your own is worth all the nerves before! I was so very anxious the first time but now having done it 4 times, I love it!”

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