Holiday's for the over 35's
14 days "See Dates & Prices" (Per Person Two Sharing)
Costa Rica
3
18 to 35s Holidays
Tour Includes : San Jose||Tortuguero||Sarapiqui||Arenal (La Fortuna)||Playa Tamarindo||Monteverde||Manuel Antonio
This tiny country is a haven for discovery, so get ready to go in-depth on this 14 day trip. From jungles & rainforests, to volcanoes, beaches, cool coffee plantations & even cooler locals, it’s the perfect way to uncover amazing Costa Rica.
Accommodation
Food
Staff
Day 1
Arrive San José
Meet up with your Trip Manage & fellow Contiki travellers before heading out to explore. Experience daily Costa Rican life at the Plaza & sample local delicacies at the Mercado Central (Central Market).
Day 2
San José to Tortuguero
Say farewell to the big city vibe as we get an early start and depart San José for Tortuguero National Park. We’ll make our way there through Braulio Carrillo National Park, where you’ll check out the beautiful views & native vegetation found here.
Tortuguero is one of Costa Rica's most popular eco-tourism destinations & is famous the world over. The canals and rivers are known as a place for studying the rainforest, freshwater and marine biology, especially its sea turtles. The park and small village of Tortuguero itself can only be accessed by boat or small aircraft, so we’ll head there by boat – perfect for a different angle on this stunning region & a cool way to get your local fix. This place will leave you impressed, with little lodges & hotels, friendly locals & is known as one of the world's major nesting sites for the Atlantic green turtle & if you’re here during July through October then you might even see them.
We’ll make a stop for breakfast before continuing on past banana plantations to the dock where we’ll board the boat to the lodge. As we make our way through the Tortuguero canals keep your eyes peeled for wildlife along the way. We’ll arrive around early afternoon, where lunch will be served, then after a short stop in the village to check out the local vibe, we’ll head back to the lodge for a chilled afternoon working on your tan by the pool and getting to know your travel mates.
Day 3
Tortuguero
In one of the eco-tourism hotspots, pass by plantations and travel through a lush tropical rainforest, meander on the rivers and canals which offer breathtaking views of the Costa Rican forest and mangrove swamps.
Finally, visit the stunning coastline and prepare for a once in a lifetime moment as you watch the the turtles nest or give birth!
Day 4
Tortuguero to Sarapiqui
Next up our overnight Eco Camp in Sarapiqui - it's perfect for those who love to relax! You'll discover the rainforest & learn about one of mankind's favourite treats on our chocolate tour in the Tirimbina reserve before a BBQ feast this evening.
Day 5
Sarapiqui to Arenal/La Fortuna
This morning, its all go! We leave it up to you, with choices a canopy tour (zipline) for birds-eye views over the rainforest or rapelling (abseiling) for that adrenalin fix, whatever you’re into is included! With your adrenalin fix had, it’s back on land before heading to Costa Rica’s famed Arenal Volcano after lunch.
Arenal’s perfectly symmetrical shape will impress, and being home to loads of outdoor activities makes it an easy place to check things off your “must-do in Costa Rica” list. The area is also known for its spa & mud pool treatments, so if you’re feeling up for it then it’s the ideal place to treat yourself & relax.
Day 6
Arenal/La Foruna to Playa Tamarindo
Today we head to the pacific coast to spend a couple of days in Playa Tamarindo, known for its great surfing beaches & party feel.
Day 7
Arenal/La Fortuna
This morning get into the adventure that Costa Rica is known for, adventure and nature! Maybe visit La Fortuna waterfall or try canyoneering/rappelling through a rain forest canyon. This afternoon relax by the pool or head into town for a bit of shopping.
Later on this afternoon experience the traditional Costa Rican “Tico” way of life. Our visit to Rio Fortuna La Casona will start by introducing us to the students of a local school where they will perform their local folk dances. You’ll love meeting the local students & watching them perform live. Even better is that we are giving back too, with our visit proceeds go towards supporting the school.
A place full of history, culture and traditions this country estate allows us a peek into the way life used to be here. We’ll see how sugar cane was processed and after we’ll head to a local farm where we will tour the plantation and meet the owner.
Later, we’ll head back to La Casona for a delicious home-cooked dinner, done the old fashion way on a wood stove. It’s your chance to get hands on as you learn how to make traditional Costa Rican coffee & delicious fresh made tortillas. Learning from the locals is a great way to get that authentic angle & pick up some new skills in the kitchen. We think indulging in the results is the perfect way to end the lesson too. Yum!
You’ll love this unique meal & you’ll love the way it’s served, dished up in the traditional way on a banana leaf. No meal would be complete without some fresh coffee, famous homemade coffee liquor, with entertainment from our hosts Milton & Eli. It’s the perfect end to the day.
Day 8
Playa Tamarindo
Get into the laid back vibe of this beach town, try your hand at surfing, snorkelling or diving. This afternoon join us on an optional catamaran cruise.
Day 9
Playa Tamarindo to Monteverde
Today it’s on to Monteverde, Costa Rica’s most popular reserve. It’s one of the most outstanding wildlife sanctuaries in the tropics, filled with cloud forests, coffee plantations, monkeys, mist & friendly locals. This afternoon we hike into the Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve.
Day 10
Monteverde
It's an early start this morning as we visit Selvatura Park to walk the hanging bridges, visit the butterfly Sanctuary and for the thrill seekers opt in for ziplining. This afternoon learn the A-Z about Costa Rica's famous coffee.
Day 11
Monteverde to Manuel Antonio
It’s all sun & good times this morning, we’re off to the beautiful beaches of the Costa Rican Central Pacific coast! We’ll make a stop in Jaco then Quepos before arriving at Manuel Antonio, a haven for those who love to relax.
Day 12
Manuel Antonio
This morning is all about doing your own thing. Hit the beach with your iPad & a book, head out to explore the town or just sit with a drink & work on your tan. This afternoon opt in for a horse ride through the jungle & the Tacori waterfalls.
Day 13
Manuel Antonio
It’s time to get active & walk with our expert guide through the exotic, bio-diverse tropical rainforest of Manuel Antonio National Park. This afternoon join us on an optional catamaran cruise. Set sail on our awesome boat trip to spot many dolphins, whales, sea turtles & birds. Don’t forget your swimming gear for swim stops & snorkelling.
Day 14
Manuel Antonio to San José
This morning you can relax in paradise or for the adventure lovers get your final fix with a kayak excursion before we head back to San José where your tour ends on arrival. Pura Vida!
Platinum Travel are delighted to be working with Contiki Holidays. Contiki specialise in group travel holidays for the 18 to 35's and have being doing so for over 50 years. You get to share your passion for adventure, good times and creating memories with a group of 18-35 year old's from around the world.
There are over 270 trips around the world, with plenty of departure dates to choose from to create a holiday that’s perfect for you, from budget to accommodation style.
Contiki are about you exploring the world with like-minded people, which is why they only run trips for 18-35 year olds. You can expect to join a group of 18-35 awesome people from all around the world on our Europe, Australia, North America and New Zealand trips, and in Asia and Latin America it's all about small group adventures with up to 25 travellers. Don't worry if you are travelling alone, half of our travellers set off alone, meaning you'll have plenty of opportunities to make new friends.
The trips include everything you need to have the best travel experience of your life. Contiki take care of all the logistics like booking hotels, finding the best places for dinner and getting you from place to another. The Tour Managers, Drivers and Local Guides know as much about the destinations you visit as the locals themselves.
You'll get VIP access to the world's icons, as you skip to the front of the mile-long line at the Eiffel Tower and Colosseum. One thing's for sure – it's amazing value you won't find anywhere else.
The 5 Top Reasons to travel with Platinum Travel and Contiki
Not all of our featured holidays and tours include flights, if in doubt please contact us.
As a full service travel agent we have access to negotiated wholesale rates with airlines worldwide and these rates are not generally on the internet.
We have expert knowledge of all airlines on all routes so we will constantly compare airlines with each other to get the best offer.
We are familiar with the myriad of confusing check-in, baggage, seat and priority boarding charges and we know how to exploit these to your advantage.
Many of our airline fares are refundable whereas internet fares are generally non-refundable.
Platinum Travel are a fully licensed and bonded travel agent so you have a lot more protection with us than with the internet (airlines are not bonded).
For more information Please call now on 01 853 5000, email info@platinumtravel.ieor click button below and complete the enquiry form - we will be delighted to help you, its all part of the Platinum Service!
Early booking and other discounts are sometimes available, please ask at time of enquiry
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