Costa Rica is a country that has placed eco-tourism and wildlife holidays at the heart of it’s economy. The result is that when you come and enjoy the range of wildlife on offer in this country you get to experience a real biodiversity hotspot.
Costa Rica wildlife tours.
This Costa Rica wildlife holiday will take you into thick jungle and into the cloud forests of volcanoes to see wild animals you may not see anywhere else. You’ll visit national parks and beaches where turtles lay their eggs during the breeding season.
The forests of Costa Rica contain countless species of birds and your forest walks will give you ample chance to experience the bird song and many other sounds and sights of the rainforest.
Some of the highlights of this Costa Rica tour includes the following.
Tortuguerio National Park.
Found in the north-east of Costa Rica the Tortuguerio NP contains internationally important wetlands and it contains an impressive 11 different habitat types from cloud forests to lagoons and beaches. This wide diversity of habitat means that the park is a real hotspot of diversity of wildlife. The park is thought to contain 400 different species of trees and you could discover many of the 370 species of birds that live here.
Arenal Volcano.
One of the more active volcanoes in Costa Rica. A day will be spent visiting the local area with it’s waterfall, hot springs and thick jungle vegetation.
Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve.
High in the mountains the humid wildlife reserve looks down over the beaches of the Caribbean. It was one of the first community managed reserves set up in Costa Rica and is rich in wildlife. Butterflies and birds are just some of the amazing creatures you will discover on this day tour.
Manuel Antonio N.P.
The lush green forests run all the way down to the golden beaches in this national park. Keep you eyes open and you could catch site of any of the 109 species of mammals that live in the national park. Depending on when you choose to go on this Costa Rica holiday you could see dolphins and migrating whales as they pass along the coast.
Piedras Blancas National Park.
This park has scenic views of rugged mountains and deep river valleys. The forests of the region hides 96 species of mammals and on your hikes into this reserve you should catch sight of a few including the ever popular sloth and monkeys.
Costa Rica wildlife holiday itinerary.
Day 1: Fly to San Jose.
Day 2: To Caribbean coast, boat to Tortuguero N.P.
Day 3: Boat tour through the water channels of Tortuguero.
Day 4: Inland to La Fortuna, near Arenal Volcano.
Day 5: Morning hike to La Fortuna Waterfall; afternoon visit volcano.
Day 6: Transfer to Tilaran Mountains, with breathtaking views of Gulf of Nicoya and islands below.
Day 7: Visit Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve, famous for its biodiversity.
Day 8: Along coast to Manuel Antonio.
Day 9: Morning guided visit to Manuel Antonio N.P.
Day 10: Drive to Golfito, stay at lodge in rainforest.
Day 11: To local school and hike through the Piedras Blancas N.P.
Day 12: To Savegre, in cloud forest, for quetzal spotting.
Day 13: Free day for optional activities including birdwatching and hiking.
Day 14: Walk to Copey, a tiny picturesque village nestled in the highlands of the Central Mountains; drive to San Jose.
Day 15: Depart San Jose.
Day 16: Arrive London.
Costa Rica wildlife holiday details:
Prices from: £2339 – £2699 (16 days) including UK flights
Availability: 2012: 4 Feb, 7 Mar, 10 Mar, 31 Mar, 21 Apr, 19 May, 14 Jul, 4 Aug, 8 Sep, 29 Sep, 20 Oct, 10 Nov, 1 Dec, 22 Dec
Get more details or book your wildlife holiday in Costa Rica here.
