Inspiration for your own tailor-made trip
Costa Rica – Nicaragua – Monteverde Cloud Forest – Tenorio – San Juan Del Sur – Isletas – Granada
100% customisable for you
Your 17-day Costa Rica adventure begins today with an indirect flight to the country’s capital, San Jose, via the US. When you land, you'll be privately transferred to your charming hotel in Alajuela, a 40-minute drive north. Spend one night here, (hopefully) shaking off some jet lag and resting up to prepare for the excitements of tomorrow...
Today, the adventure really begins. Pick up your rental car and drive the 80-mile route to Monteverde, home to the Monteverde Cloud Forest. While the route has no significant landmarks, the winding mountain roads and lush vegetation are a spectacular sight in their own right.
When you arrive this afternoon, settle into your luxurious lodge and enjoy a delicious dinner, fuelling up to explore your wonderfully wild surroundings tomorrow.
The Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve is nirvana for nature lovers with an exciting array of wildlife and plant species from jaguars and ocelots to orchids and ferns. Embellished by miles and miles of trails, walkways and hanging bridges, it boasts excellent opportunities for bird watching, hiking and tropical adventures. So today, why not do a bit of everything?
Kick off your day with a private tour of the reserve. Founded in 1972, it’s famed for its biodiversity, conservation efforts and scientific research – it was even chosen as one of the Seven Wonders of Costa Rica in 2007. Accompanied by an expert guide, you’ll hike along well-marked trails, encountering glistening waterfalls, roaring rivers and panoramic observation areas. If you’re lucky, you might even spot the elusive Quetzal, one of the most beautiful birds in the world with gorgeous green and red plumage.
Once you’ve hiked to your heart’s content, embrace your inner thrill seeker as you zoom down a 1,000ft-long zipwire at 37 miles per hour. There are seven ziplines to choose from, with the longest being 2,460ft and the highest being 656ft, meaning you can gain a new perspective over your surroundings on each one.
Another day, another forest. Trade Monteverde Biological Reserve for the Tenorio Volcano region today, allowing a little over two hours for the 62-mile drive between the two. Wind through more incredible landscapes and listen to some tunes to get into the road trip spirit (psst...we have our own playlists if you fancy switching it up).
When you arrive at your lodge hop out, stretch your legs and settle in for a relaxing evening. If you want to do a little bit of late-in-the-day exploration, head to the nearby village of Bijagua for dinner.
On any Costa Rica trip, Tenorio Volcano National Park is not to be missed. Here, you can walk along one of the country's most beautiful trails between cloud forest, waterfalls and natural hot springs; peer into the azure waters of the famous Rio Celeste (which, according to local legend, is where God washed his paintbrush after painting the sky); or go for a boat trip in the neighbouring Cano Negro Reserve, a refuge where you can spot beautiful birds, reptiles and monkeys with the help of a guide. And for truly unbeatable views? Climb to the top of the Tenorio Volcano.
If ziplining in Monteverde Cloud Forest left you wanting more, then today’s activity in Tenorio Volcano National Park is sure to deliver. Accompanied by a private guide, make your way to the banks of Rio Celese for a tubing adventure. While riding a large inflatable buoy downriver, you’ll have the chance to experience both the thrill of the rapids and the tropical beauty of your surroundings. If you’re eagle-eyed (or prone to multitasking), you might even be able to spot some birds on your way down.
Today, say goodbye to Costa Rica and head north towards Nicaragua and the southern town of San Juan del Sur, about three-and-a-half hours away. Your base for the next four nights is a coastal hotel overlooking the Pacific. Surfing is the name of the game here, but if that's not your thing, you can spend your time enjoying long walks along the beach, lounging by the pool, indulging in a massage or joining a yoga class.
While you're here, you can either take a surfing lesson or simply hone your skills on the various waves, which are suitable for beginner, intermediate and advanced surfers. Feeling peckish? Tuck into some ceviche or a wood-fired pizza at your hotel's restaurant. When sunset falls, don't miss a chance to walk along the beaches of San Juan del Sur, taking in the spectacular colours of the sky.
Hasta luego, salt water. Hello, fresh water. Today, head east to the tranquil shores of Lake Nicaragua, also known as Cocibolca. From here, head to the Isletas archipelago, where your days will be filled with cocktails by the pool, massages at the spa, and snacking on freshly picked tropical fruit.
Here, you'll get to experience life in the heart of the Isletas, a chain of 365 volcanic islets believed to have been formed by an eruption of the Mombacho volcano. The locals here are mainly fishing families, and nature has been given free rein to paint the landscape with every shade of green it can rustle up. After breakfasting to the sound of lapping waves, explore the neighbouring islets by kayak, enjoy a picnic in an intimate corner with views of the lake and take a sunset stroll along the shore.
Throughout your stay, keep your eyes peeled and your camera poised to capture the many magical moments unfolding around you – whether it's the hesitant gait of an aquatic bird or the masterful net-throwing of a local fisherman.
This morning, bid a fond farewell to the sandy shores of the Isletas archipelago as you board the ferry back to the mainland. Your next destination is Granada, which (conveniently) is just a few minutes' drive away from the port.
After returning your rental car and tying off the road trip portion of your trip, head to your charming city-centre hotel to unpack, settle in and start thinking about where to eat tonight – make sure to message your clued-up Concierge for their expert recommendations.
Stunning and storied, vibrant and peaceful, this UNESCO World Heritage-listed city is home to some incredible colonial architecture and holds the coveted title of being the oldest city on the continent. The past is certainly palpable in Granada, thanks to the markers of Spanish occupation (hence the name) and the presence of the artists who have taken up residence here over the centuries.
During your final days in Nicaragua, we'll arrange for you to take a guided tour of 'La Gran Sultana' so you can soak up the highlights: the Xalteva and La Merced churches, the San Francisco Convent Museum, the cathedral, the market and the central park – which is wildly different from its American namesake. A little outside of the centre, the station and the Fort de la Polvora are also well worth a visit.
For a final hit of nature, make sure to check out the 2,083ft tall Mayasa volcano – Nicaragua’s most active volcano. At its summit, within a 984ft-deep crater, visitors can witness the mesmerising sights of its glowing lava. All around, Volcano National Park – not to be confused with Tenorio Volcano National Park – boasts a diverse medley of wildlife, including coyotes, iguanas and monkeys.
Round off your stay by visiting the town of Mayasa, renowned for its vibrant market where local artisans showcase their crafts. Searching for a meaningful souvenir? This is the place to do it, and just in the nick of time, too.
Sadly, it’s time for your Latin American adventure to come to an end. After one last breakfast under the Nicaraguan sun, you’ll be privately transferred to Managua airport for your return flight to the UK via the US. It’s an overnight flight, so slip on an eye mask and drift off to dreams of tropical trails and turquoise waters, as you prepare to touchdown in the UK the following morning.
Everything in this itinerary is entirely customisable, down to the smallest details. Here are some more suggestions of what could be included
Each of our trips is entirely tailor-made with originality, quality and cultural immersion in mind. Our team of destination specialists will craft itineraries based on your tastes, using their first-hand knowledge and the help of our in-country team of Concierges and guides. All trips are accompanied by a wide range of additional services, including a 24-hour helpline, the Original Travel app, fast-track airport services and much more.
ENQUIRE NOW
Each of our trips is entirely tailor-made with originality, quality and cultural immersion in mind. Our team of destination specialists will craft itineraries based on your tastes, using their first-hand knowledge and the help of our in-country team of Concierges and guides. All trips are accompanied by a wide range of additional services, including a 24-hour helpline, the Original Travel app, fast-track airport services and much more.
ENQUIRE NOW
Our team of destination experts will get to know you and your unique requirements for your holiday
We work with you to build an ultra-personalised holiday itinerary with your choice of accommodation, experiences and activities
All of our holidays include little extras designed to make a big difference to your trip, from fast-tracking you through airport check-in and security to our network of local Concierges
