Extension from £489pp
Tour + Extension from £4088pp
or call us on 0330 818 8907
Extend your stay in Costa Rica and spend some time relaxing on the white sandy shores or choose to take part in some of the various activities on offer in the local area including hiking, guided tours and canopy walks.
Situated close to the magical national park, Manuel Antonio is one of the most picturesque parts of the coastline in the country, affording stunning views and beautiful beaches.
Depart London on your scheduled direct flight to San Jose via Newark (USA), where you will be met and transferred to your hotel.
This morning, enjoy a sightseeing city tour of Costa Rica's vibrant capital city. Witness the city's main historical landmarks, starting in the eastern part of the city at Democracy Plaza and the National Museum then journeying through the city centre to the parks, museum and stadium to the west. After lunch, travel to Puerto Viejo, a laidback coastal city with a strong Afro-Caribbean influence and stunning stretches of beach.
Experience fantastic snorkelling and scenic nature walks as you take in Costa Rica's famed wildlife and nature reserves. Board a boat and travel to Cahuita National Park where you can snorkel along the 600-acre-long coral reef - a gloriously colourful haven for marine life. Snack on fresh tropical fruit as your boat returns to shore then take a leisurely guided hike through Cahuita's vivid rainforest, enjoying far-reaching ocean views and the chance to spot howler monkeys, sloths, armadillos, toucans and macaws. At the end of your picturesque hiking trail, feast on a Costa Rican-Caribbean lunch before returning to your hotel in Puerto Viejo.
After breakfast, transfer to the Sarapiqui tropical rainforest, crossing valleys and mountains dotted with picturesque villages before checking into your lodge nestled in the heart of the rainforest reserve.
Wake to the singing of birds and the relaxing sounds of the tropical rainforest and enjoy breakfast in your verdant surroundings. Make your way to the Sarapiqui River where you will float down the river in a raft, surrounded by incomparable jungle beauty. Enjoy two hours immersed in the lush tropical rainforest, floating along the Sarapiqui River which lies next to important reserves renowned for their biodiversity. Exotic amphibians, countless tropical birds, otters, fish, sloths, iguanas, and incredible flora will make this experience unforgettable. Disembark and journey to a nearby pineapple plantation where you'll travel into the fields on a specially designed coach pulled by a tractor. Learn about the growth of organic pineapples and other sustainable crops produced here, including yucca, lemon, guanabanas, and peppers. Enjoy delicious smoothies and slices of fresh, organic pineapple as you listen to Costa Rican folktales then return to your lodge.
Journey through lush plantations and cattle ranches, finally arriving at your hotel in La Fortuna. Marvel at the fantastic views of the mighty Arenal Volcano which forms a dramatic backdrop and enjoy the remainder of the day to explore this tranquil mountainous town
Hike through the cool undergrowth of La Fortuna, a scenic 40-minute walk that ends at the site of the thundering La Fortuna Waterfall. Witness the natural beauty of the cascading water as it emerges from the dense jungle, falling into the emerald pool at its base. Relax or swim in the refreshingly cool waters before lunch at a nearby restaurant. In the afternoon, follow the lava trails around the base of the Arenal Volcano, formed by the lava flow of the 1968 eruption. The hike provides extraordinary views of the Arenal Volcano and Monteverde mountains, and the chance to spot local flora and fauna and enjoy some birdwatching.
Travel to Monteverde, a small community located at the top of the Tilaran Mountain Range that boasts spectacularly diverse cloud forest reserves. On arrival, enjoy a free afternoon to explore the town or relax in your hotel.
A full day observing Monteverde's natural beauty starts with a tour along the treetop walkways of Sky Adventure Park, Sky adventure park gives the opportunity to enjoy the flora and fauna of the area; The sky walk combines trails and suspension bridges, with lengths of 984 feet and heights above the canopy of Monteverde cloud forest. In the afternoon, gain insight into Costa Rica's greatest agricultural produce. Learn more about the wonderful world of coffee before you participate in a chocolate-making session and taste the region's cacao beans. A sugarcane demonstration follows, allowing you to extract sugarcane juice the traditional way before enjoying a glass of fresh juice and pieces of cane.
Depart Monteverde and travel to Rincon de la Vieja, home to the majestic Rincon de la Vieja Volcano. Check into your hotel with the remainder of the day at leisure.
Set out on today's tour of the majestic Rincon de la Vieja National Park, dominated by two active volcanoes. Friendly ranch horses will carry you on a 45-minute to the Las Pailas entrance of the Rincon de la Vieja National Park. Meaning 'The Cauldrons' in Spanish, the Las Pailas area shows off the awesome power of the Rincon de la Vieja Volcano, and you'll witness steam and sulphur pouring out of the ground while nearby pools bubble with hot volcanic water. After this unique experience, ride to a nearby canyon then walk along a short trail to the base of the canyon where the picturesque Oropendola Waterfall plunges into a turquoise pool. After a relaxing swim and time at the waterfall, travel back to your hotel on horseback.
Journey to Manuel Antonio, home to lush tropical forest, powder-soft beaches, and colourful coral reefs, where the rest of the day is at leisure.
Visit the stunning Manuel Antonio National Park home to spectacular white-sand beaches, tropical lowland wet forest and coral reefs. The area is home to an astonishing variety of exotic wildlife that you can seek out on a guided rainforest walk from white-faced and squirrel monkeys to three toed sloths, iguana and toucans.
Today is at leisure for you to explore the beauty and unique atmosphere of Manuel Antonio.
Transfer to San Jose airport, stopping for lunch along the way. Board your overnight, return flight to the UK or continue on to your chosen extension. Please note: early flight departures will be given a box breakfast for the journey.
Today will be at leisure at your Manuel Antonio hotel for your extension. FOR 2023 DEPARTURES - Please note due to flight schedules, departures between April - October 2023 your Manuel Antonio beach stay will be 4 nights. 2024 departures will be 3 nights.
Relax in this beautiful setting at the end of your tour.
Transfer back to the airport for your flight home.
A 90 day tourist visa is granted on arrival in Costa Rica. You must have at least 6 months validity on your passport. Further to visa advice should be sought from the applicable tourist authority for other nationalities and for general queries. We strongly advise you to check with your destinations Tourist Board or Embassy for the most up-to-date guidelines regarding required passport validity. Costa Rica has a departure tax of approximately USD $29. This must be paid in cash at the airport before you depart.
We strongly recommend that you and all members of your party are suitably insured as soon as you book your holiday. It is a condition of booking that you must have suitable travel insurance. It is important that you purchase travel insurance that suitably covers your participation in whatever activities you may undertake at the time that you make your booking. To assist you with this, we have arranged travel insurance in partnership with Holiday Extras. To arrange your travel insurance with Holiday Extras, please call 0800 781 4237 and quote 'WK830' for preferential rates. Please ensure you provide us with the name of your insurer, policy number and their 24-hour emergency contact number as soon as possible. Mercury Holidays will not be liable for any costs incurred by you due to your failure to take out suitable travel insurance from the date of booking.
If booking more than 10 weeks before departure a deposit of £250pp will need to be paid at the time of booking with the full amount payable at 10 weeks prior to departure. The deposit applies to adults and children. If you are within 10 weeks of travel then the full balance of the holiday will be payable.
Each passenger is entitled to 23kg of hold luggage and hand luggage not exceeding (22 cm x 35 cm x 56 cm), in size. Weight restrictions will be finalized on E-ticket receipt. Should you wish to take additional luggage you will need to pay extra at check-in. Check-in should be at least 3 hours before departure.
We recommend that you consult your local GP for advice on vaccinations and travel health before your departure.
This tour is accessible to most people with an average level of fitness and normal mobility. It involves full days of sightseeing, often on foot and includes some climbing of stairs and getting on and off coaches and boats. This tour is not suitable for anyone with walking difficulties.
There is no minimum number of travellers for this extension however the main tour passenger numbers will apply for the main part of the tour. If in the unlikely event there are less than the required number of people booked on your main tour date then you may be asked to change to a different date. A full refund will be made available to you should this alternative not be suitable.
The main tour is a fully escorted tour, meaning that you will be met on arrival and will have a guide with you throughout the tour ensuring that you have first-hand knowledge at all times. Accommodation and transfers are included for the Manuel Antonio extension but there is NO guide so your time will be free.
Currency is Costa Rican colon. Prices in Costa Rica are frequently listed in US dollars, especially in hotels and restaurants, where you can expect to pay international prices. US dollars are widely accepted and some ATMs dispense dollars. Credit cards are also accepted as a form of payment. It is very important that you budget carefully and ensure you have the right form or currency before you arrive in the country.
You will need to take money with you to cover any personal purchases such as souvenirs, laundry and extra drinks and snacks. Approximately £300 will be sufficient for the durations of the tour, depending on how much of a bargain-hunter you are!
Depart UK | Arrive UK | Extension Price | Tour Price | Total Price | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
El Parador Hotel | |||||
20 Apr 2024 | 08 May 2024 | £559 | £4499 | £5058 | |
04 May 2024 | 22 May 2024 | £559 | £3699 | £4258 | |
07 Sep 2024 | 25 Sep 2024 | £559 | £3599 | £4158 | |
12 Oct 2024 | 29 Oct 2024 | £559 | £4099 | £4658 | |
23 Nov 2024 | 10 Dec 2024 | £559 | £4199 | £4758 | |
San Bada Hotel | |||||
20 Apr 2024 | 08 May 2024 | £489 | £4499 | £4988 | |
04 May 2024 | 22 May 2024 | £489 | £3699 | £4188 | |
07 Sep 2024 | 25 Sep 2024 | £489 | £3599 | £4088 | |
12 Oct 2024 | 29 Oct 2024 | £489 | £4099 | £4588 | |
23 Nov 2024 | 10 Dec 2024 | £499 | £4199 | £4698 |
Unfortunately, we do not have any places with no single supplements on this tour. However, if you are happy to share with another passenger of the same gender, then let us know at the time of booking and we will endeavour to find you a travelling partner. Alternatively, please ask about our single supplement prices in order to book your own twin room
If the group departure dates are not suitable for you and you would prefer a more personal and flexible experience then you can choose to book a private guide for your tour at a reasonable supplement.
Colon
21 °C / 33 °C
Please familiarise yourself with the climate charts below.
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IMPORTANT - Please note, due to flight schedules, from April to October this extension will be 4-nights long.
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