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Beaches and Nature with Tambor


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Beaches and Nature with Tambor

 Costa Rica

16 days from £3395 pp  including flight

This comprehensive 16-day tour takes you to some of the most exotic and picturesque areas of the stunning country of Costa Rica.

At a Glance

  • Tamarindo
  • Samara
  • Tambor Beach
  • San Jose
  • Tortuguero
  • Sarapiqui
  • Arenal
  • Monteverde
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This comprehensive 16-day tour takes you to some of the most exotic and picturesque areas of the stunning country of Costa Rica. Relax on the sunny shores of Tambor as well as throughout the tour and enjoy the freedom to choose optional excursions in the different destinations. From soft sandy beaches to fascinating cloud forests and vibrant volcanoes, this memorable tour will allow you to discover the real Costa Rica while experiencing its incredible wildlife and interesting culture.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

Tamarindo: This busy beach resort is great for a night out, surfing, and exploring the eclectic dining scene.

Samara: A relaxed beach town great for soaking up the sun and enjoying the breezy atmosphere.

Tambor Beach: Framed by a charming horseshoe-shaped bay, this secluded beach boasts beautiful, volcanic sands and an abundance of tranquillity. 

San Jose: Costa Rica’s vibrant capital city was founded in the mid-18th century, boasting great cultural and historical landmarks. Visit its museums, the European-inspired National Theatre, and stroll the charming alleys of its historic neighbourhoods.

Tortuguero: This park is home to the nesting grounds of the green sea turtles, offering spectacular beaches and fantastic opportunities to spot wild animals and birds.

Sarapiqui: Neighbouring the Braulio Carrillo National Park, a great area for animal spotting, this magnificent region is known for its kayaking and white-water rafting.

Arenal: Admire one of the most beautiful volcanoes in the country and its mesmerising park, dotted with trails and rich in wildlife. 

Monteverde: Settled by American Quakers in the 1950s, this primary cloud forest is made up of six unique ‘life zones’ and is home to many endangered species and an enormous variety of plant life. 

Short Itinerary

Day 1 : DEPART LONDON HEATHROW/GATWICK
Day 2 : ARRIVAL LIBERIA – TAMARINDO (85km – 1.5 hrs)
Day 3 : TAMARINDO – SAMARA (110km – 2 hrs)
Day 4 : SAMARA
Day 5 : SAMARA – TAMBOR (155km – 4 hrs)
Day 6 : TAMBOR BEACH
Day 7 : TAMBOR – SAN JOSE (155km – 3 hrs by road / 1 hr by ferry)
Day 8 : SAN JOSE – TORTUGUERO (135km – 4 hrs by road / 2 hrs by boat)
Day 9 : TORTUGUERO NATIONAL PARK
Day 10 : TORTUGUERO – SARAPIQUI (85km – 3 hrs by road / 2 hrs by boat)
Day 11 : SARAPIQUI
Day 12 : SARAPIQUI – ARENAL (130km – 2.5 hrs)
Day 13 : ARENAL
Day 14 : ARENAL – MONTEVERDE (60km – 2.5 hrs by road / 45 min by boat)
Day 15 : MONTEVERDE
Day 16 : MONTEVERDE – DEPART LIBERIA (130km – 3 hrs)

Tour Ends

 1 : DEPART LONDON HEATHROW/GATWICK
Make your own arrangements to reach the airport.
 Day 2 : ARRIVAL LIBERIA – TAMARINDO (85km – 1.5 hrs)

Your Costa Rican adventure begins on arrival to Daniel Oduber Quiros International Airport in Liberia, located in the northwestern part of the country. Here, a Lumle representative awaits to greet you before you depart to the region of Tamarindo Beach for your first night in Costa Rica. Tamarindo is fantastic for having fun and the perfect starting point for your holiday.

Overnight in Tamarindo.
 Day 3 : TAMARINDO – SAMARA (110km – 2 hrs)

After a mouthwatering breakfast, check out of the hotel to catch your shared transfer to Samara. Samara is a magnificent beach, perfect for soaking up the sun in an unpretentious, laid-back atmosphere. The idyllic resort village is shaped by its half-moon bay and features a long white sandy beach shaded by picturesque palm trees. Relax with the rest of the day at leisure.

Overnight in Samara.
 Day 4 : SAMARA

Indulge in a delicious breakfast at the hotel. Then, have fun in the sun on an ocean safari that includes a boat tour and snorkelling. Enjoy this adventure as you admire the most exotic coastal landscape and search for amazing local marine life, like dolphins, whales or sea turtles. Back on land, return to your hotel with the remainder of the day free to enjoy the beautiful area and hotel facilities.

Overnight in Samara.
 Day 5 : SAMARA – TAMBOR (155km – 4 hrs)

After breakfast, hop on the shared transfer from Samara to Tambor Beach. Paradisiacal Tambor is nestled in the valley of a large, calm horseshoe-shaped bay that goes by the name of Bahia Ballena, which translates to ‘Whale Bay’. The secluded location and expansive beach make this sleepy fishing village a popular getaway destination. Tambor is a true tropical paradise on earth! Enjoy the rest of day at leisure to relax at the hotel, stroll along the beach or explore the region on your own.

Overnight in Tambor.
 Day 6 : TAMBOR BEACH

Have a delicious breakfast and savour the day at leisure to relax at your hotel or on the magnificent beach, take part in one of the numerous activities offered in the region or explore the picturesque surrounding areas on your own.

Overnight in Tambor.
 Day 7 : TAMBOR – SAN JOSE (155km – 3 hrs by road / 1 hr by ferry)

After breakfast, you will be picked up for a shared transfer to San Jose, reaching the capital city in the early afternoon. Check in to your hotel and have the rest of day at leisure to explore this fascinating city on your own. Explore the beautifully arranged streets of San Jose, stop at the landmarks that capture your interest, and browse the hip cafes and restaurants spread throughout the city. 

Overnight in San Jose.
 Day 8 : SAN JOSE – TORTUGUERO (135km – 4 hrs by road / 2 hrs by boat)

Your day begins early with a morning departure at around 06:00, travelling by bus through the Braulio Carrillo National Park towards the Caribbean plains to enjoy the spectacular mountain scenery and quaint villages. Indulge in a tasty Breakfast en route and continue through the jungle by boat and cruise the rivers and canals of Tortuguero National Park. Arrive and check in at your eco-lodge, followed by lunch at the lodge. Board the boat again for a visit to Tortuguero village, where you will get to walk around town, experience the locals’ way of living, and stroll along the beach. During the turtle hatching season, we will look for the baby turtles trying to find their way down to the ocean. Nesting is from July to September and hatching from September to December. Enjoy the rest of the day relaxing at the hotel, surrounded by the beautiful tropical forest and wildlife.

Overnight in Tortuguero.
 Day 9 : TORTUGUERO NATIONAL PARK

Today you will have some free time to relax by the pool and experience the Tortuguero National Park on a three-hour trip, where you can observe over 350 protected species of birds, monkeys, crocodiles, and sloths, as well as lush vegetation. During the July to September season, you can join an optional late night turtle nesting tour, purchasable directly at the lodge.

Overnight in Tortuguero.
 Day 10 : TORTUGUERO – SARAPIQUI (85km – 3 hrs by road / 2 hrs by boat)

After a tasty breakfast, transfer to Guapiles where we will have a stop for a delightful lunch. Afterwards, you will be picked up in a shared transfer towards the area of Sarapiqui, just north of San Jose. Hidden in the foothills of the impressive Braulio Carrillo National Park and set alongside mountain streams, exuberant rainforest, and pasturelands this is a delightful sight for sore eyes. Encounter the mysteries of the rainforest while enjoying a comfortable stay in the beautifully designed rooms of the lodge you will call home for the next two nights.

Overnight in Sarapiqui.
 
 Day 11 : SARAPIQUI

Indulge in a rich  breakfast and then join a floating safari tour on the River Sarapiqui, where you can appreciate the beauty and the diversity of the flora and fauna hidden in the majestic rainforest. Return to the hotel and have the rest of the day at leisure to enjoy the picturesque surrounding area or take part in an optional tour. Today you can choose between rafting at Sarapiquí River, an interesting chocolate tour, or an exciting Canopy experience. Rafting at the Sarapiquí River offers you the perfect combination of adventure and nature. This section is filled with class II-III rapids and clear, refreshing water that swerves its way through the tropical rainforest of Sarapiquí, making it a true paradise! Rapids with names like “Roller Coaster”, “Superman”, and “Air Force” will thrill you while the incredible surroundings filled with flora and fauna will leave you breathless. If you don´t feel adventurous today, you can enjoy an interesting Chocolate tour. This 2.5-hour experience will open the secrets and wonders of one of mankind’s favourite foods: chocolate. The tour will be led by a trained guide across the suspension bridge and a sector of the Tirimbina forest to a former cacao-growing plot. During the hike, the natural and cultural history of the cacao tree will be explained. The cacao plot, which is not in commercial use, was formerly cultivated in an ancient way – mixed with other forest trees. It was used for research purposes several decades ago and is currently used for environmental education, showing the traditional processes.  If chocolate is not something you want to learn about, get closer to nature during an exciting  Canopy Tour. While from the ground you get visual access to a part of the forest, on the canopy tour you can discover a different perspective. Fill your eyes with nature and your body with adrenaline whole exploring Sarapiqui, one of the most diverse areas in Costa Rica. The zip line adventure is one of the best ways to discover and admire the green world of the treetops. The optional activities mentioned are not included.

Overnight in Sarapiqui.
 Day 12 : SARAPIQUI – ARENAL (130km – 2.5 hrs)

Breakfast at the hotel. Then drive from Sarapiqui to Arenal, an emblematic destination for adventure lovers, known for hosting one of the most active volcanoes in Costa Rica. Enjoy the remainder of the afternoon at leisure to explore the surroundings on your own or join an optional activity. You can choose between a Canopy Tour in Arenal Ecoglide, a Kayaking experience, an ATV tour or a relaxing session at the stunning Tabacon Hot Springs. 

A great choice is the Canopy Tour in Arenal Ecoglide Park, known for having two separate cables, one you glide on and one for major safety precautions. The canopy consists of 15 cables and 18 platforms. These are divided into three sections found mostly in the trees, designed to provide you with greater contact with nature. One of the major attractions is the Tarzan Swing, the part of the tour that guarantees you will have the greatest adventure. All your worries will disappear as you fly through the trees like Tarzan! 

If this is not your cup of tea, you can always choose to spend your afternoon kayaking. After a short drive, arrive at Arenal Lake, where your guides will give you the equipment, consisting of a life jacket and a paddle, and introduce you to paddling. You will learn basic paddle strokes, safety, and rules of the water. Once on the water, our guides will lead you along the shoreline for an incredible view of the volcano. On your journey, you may observe different species of birds like the Great Blue Heron, Kingfisher, Flycatcher, Anhinga and may also possibly hear the Howler Monkey. The optional activities mentioned are not included.

Overnight in Arenal.
 Day 13 : ARENAL

Today after breakfast, take a guided walking tour in Arenal Volcano National Park. During the tour, the guide will explain the periods of activity the once very active volcano experienced.  Enjoy the verdant landscapes and the backdrop of the now-dormant volcano, as you keep a lookout for animals that live in this national park.  You have the chance to spot sloths, howler monkeys, anteaters, and many others. Afterwards, return to the hotel and spend the afternoon relaxing, exploring the surroundings on your own, or participating in an optional activity. 

You can again choose between Canopy Tour in Arenal Ecoglide, a Kayaking experience, an ATV tour or the relaxing session at the stunning Tabacon Hot Springs, depending on the choice you made yesterday, of course. 

If you are a nature lover and an adrenaline seeker, the ATV tour is a great choice. The Quads Adventure ATV tour not only gives you the opportunity for adventure and fun but also includes nature and unique views of the majestic Arenal Volcano. The trail you will traverse goes through pastureland at the base of the volcano from which you will have numerous opportunities to view the imposing mountain. You will then continue passing through Tropical Humid Forest and observe the area’s flora and fauna before arriving at the lookout point. There, enjoy one of the best views of the volcano and some of its most recent flows! And if you prefer to unwind and recharge your batteries, spend the afternoon at the Tabacon Hot Springs. Take time to relax your mind and body as you enjoy these therapeutic volcanic hot water springs, surrounded by natural beauty, the rainforest, and the volcano. The magnificent infrastructure of pools, mesmerising waterfalls and the inviting wet bars will make your visit memorable! The optional activities mentioned are not included.

Overnight in Arenal.
 Day 14 : ARENAL – MONTEVERDE (60km – 2.5 hrs by road / 45 min by boat)

After breakfast, depart to Monteverde, skirting Arenal Lake. Arrive in Rio Chiquito to then transfer to your hotel. Located in the Puntarenas province, Monteverde is a place of cloud forests and mist, coffee plantations, monkeys, and friendly locals. The town of Santa Elena is small and quaint, filled with tasty restaurants and folksy artisan shops, while the nearby rainforest hosts a remarkable amount of biodiversity. Enjoy the day at leisure to explore on your own or enjoy our optional activities, like the Sky Walk or the Selvatura Treetop Walkway guided tours. The first choice includes a 3-hour hike along a network of trails and suspension bridges in the cloud forest of Monteverde. Be on the lookout for birds, monkeys, sloths, insects, and interesting plants of all shapes and sizes. The Selvatura Treetop Walkway guided tour takes you through and above the rainforest. A series of eight suspension bridges, connected by trails for a total 3 km in length, provides a bird’s-eye view of the rainforest canopy! 

If adventure is not something you are interested in, join the Don Juan Coffee Tour to understand Costa Rica´s coffee, chocolate and sugar cane production (with the emphasis on coffee!). The tour offers an interesting opportunity to learn about coffee and its production as well as to get close to the fascinating Costa Rican folklore. The optional activities mentioned are not included.

Overnight in Monteverde.
 Day 15 : MONTEVERDE

After a nourishing breakfast at the hotel, enjoy a hike through the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. Founded in 1972, the Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve is world-famous for its outstanding biodiversity, conservation actions and contributions, as well as scientific research. The reserve is home to 2.5% of the world’s biodiversity, and it is one of the most important private reserves, not just in Costa Rica but the world. It hosts hundreds of species of mammals, birds, butterflies, amphibians, reptiles, insects and arachnids, as well as a large variety of flora, such as mosses, vines or the autochthonous trees of the cloud forest. Afterwards, enjoy the afternoon at leisure to relax or participate in an optional activity. You can enhance today´s experience by joining one of the memorable tours you missed yesterday. Whether you choose to explore the cloud forest during the Sky Walk or the Selvatura Treetop Walkway guided tours, or you prefer getting closer to the fascinating Costa Rican culture while on the Don Juan Coffee tour, your day will be unforgettable. Entrance to Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve and the optional tours are not included.

Overnight in Monteverde.
 Day 16 : MONTEVERDE – DEPART LIBERIA (130km – 3 hrs)

After breakfast, depart Monteverde in a private transfer to the Liberia International Airport to catch your flight back home or continue your trip with an extension to the beach.

Breakfast included.

What's included

  • FLIGHTS : Return economy flights from London Heathrow / Gatwick
  • TOUR GUIDE : Operated with Bilingual Spanish and English-speaking licensed local guides on a shared basis. Please note you will be accompanied by local guides for the activities only. There is no guarantee that you will be part of a group, or part of the same group during the tour.
  • ACCOMMODATION : 14 nights' accommodation
  • MEALS : 14 breakfasts, 3 lunches on days 8, 9, 10; 2 dinners on days 8, 9
  • TRANSPORT : Air-conditioned transportation as indicated in the itinerary on a shared basis; Private return transfer from/to the airport; Tour guides do not accompany guests during transport
  • ENTRANCE FEES AND ACTIVITIES : All monuments and visits as indicated: Ocean safari (boat trip and snorkeling), Guided hike in Tortuguero Village, Guided boat tour through the canals of Tortuguero, Safari float on Sarapiqui River, Hiking Arenal Volcano National Park, Visit to Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve

What's not included

  • Checked in baggage
  • Expenditures of a personal nature, drinks and meals if not stated explicitly in the programme
  • Airport taxes 
  • Airport porterage
  • Optional tours
  • International and domestic flight tickets or visa fees and local taxes
  • Gratuities for drivers and guides
  • Tortuguero National Park entrance fee

ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS

Day 2 Tamarindo : Pasatiempo
Day 3-4 Samara : Samara Inn
Day 4-6 Tambor : Tango Mar
Day 7 San Jose : Holiday Inn Express Forum
Day 8-9 Tortuguero : Pachira Lodge
Day 10-11 Sarapiquí : El Bambú
Day 12-13 Arenal : Arenal Montechiari
Day 14-15 Monteverde : Monteverde Country Lodge

Please note

  • No refund for unused services. Splitting of package is not allowed
  • Local conditions prevalent at the time of travel may result in modifications to tour contents without prior notice
  • Recommended arrival time to: before 14:00 hrs.
  • Recommended departure flight: after 15:00 hrs. 

What do I need to bring?

Comfortable and light clothing is the most suitable for travelling in Costa Rica. Visitors should not wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts or skimpy clothing when visiting temples, religious or official buildings. Sun protection, sunglasses, a hat and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay.

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If you wish to travel on any other date than dates above or have any other queries please call our office at 0203 006 2722 or email to sales@lumle.com

This tour itinerary is an example. It’s designed to inspire you and provide you with thoughtfully curated ideas. You can choose to do this exact itinerary or completely or partially tailor it. All holidays are 100% bespoke. E-mail to sales@lumle.com

AVAILABILITY OPTIONS

OPENED: This date is available and open for bookings.
LIMITED: There are very limited number of available places on this departure. Immediate booking.
GUARANTEED: We have reached minimum numbers and this trip is guaranteed to depart.
CLOSED: This date is currently unavailable. Please contact us, if you are interested in travelling on this date.

Your Program Duration = 16 Days
All the Prices are in GBP (£) Per Person.

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Travel Info

    • Flight time 15 hours (via Toronto; Atlanta; New York; Miami, Paris; Zurich)
    • Timezone UTC -6
    • Recommended airlines Virgin Airways, United Airlines, Lufthansa, British Airways, American Airlines, Iberia, Air France, Air Canada, Aeromexico and KLM
    • Best season Mid December to April is dry season considered the ideal times to visit Costa Rica

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