Costa Rica - Nature's Showcase
A holiday for the discerning
lover of nature and good walks. Its geography ensures that Costa Rica hosts an amazing array of eco-systems and micro-climates with a wealth of
captivating flora and fauna and brimful of natural
beauty.
- An abundance of tropical cloud forests,
mountains and volcanoes
- 850 species of birds
- Magnificently varied national parks
Detailed information
| 2009 Tour
Itinerary |
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Days 1-2: Arrival in San José (2 nights)
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Our hotel offers panoramic views of the city, central valley and nearby volcanoes. Our walks take in the Poas National Park with steaming craters, emerald green pools and a hummingbird observation area.
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Days 3-5: Transfer to Arenal (3nights), for volcano walks, a canopy walk and a riverboat ride through the Cano Negro Wildlife Reserve, packed with exotic creatures such as howler monkeys, caymans, turtles, sloths, butterflies and colourful birds.
Days 6-8:
Travelling south we head for San Gerardo de Dota (3 nights), a small community in the
Talamanca mountains, where our comfortable, rustic lodge, at 7,200ft, is one of the finest spots in the
country to see the resplendent quetzal, dusky nightjar, scintillant hummingbird (Costa Rica’s smallest
species), streaked-breasted treehunter and a host of other striking birds. Miles of trails offer options for all
grades of walking from short rambles near the lodge to a challenging full day hike to the top of Cerro de
la Muerte at over 11,000ft.
Days 9-10:
We move on to sample the sun and sand of one of Costa Rica’s finest beaches at
Manuel Antonio (2 nights). With the beach on the doorstep and the National Park only ten minutes away,
we have the opportunity to explore, sunbathe, swim and walk in this delightful corner of Costa Rica.
Day 11:
A leisurely return to San José (1 night), and time to visit the Gold Museum, with its display of
pre-Columbian pottery, jade and gold. There will be time for some last minute sightseeing with a visit to
the Plaza de la Democracia or the Teatro Nacional, a fine example of Spanish new world architecture.
Day 12: Time for some last minute shopping before the return flight home.
Day 13: Arrive UK.
You may want to stay longer in Costa Rica and visit
the Corcovado National Park on the Pacific Coast,
staying for three nights in the excellent Casa
Corcovado for £559 per person, £85 single room.
Please ask for details.
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| About
the walks |
|
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Guided Walks:
A mixture of sightseeing and a choice of walks. Easier walks range from 3-6 miles with up to 600ft of ascent; harder walks are from 6-12 miles with up to 2,000ft of ascent. Some paths are narrow and muddy. Options are offered each day. |
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| Dates
and prices |
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| 10 February 2009 (11nts) |
£2,699 |
£1,835 |
| 17 November 2009 (11nts) |
£2,699 |
£1,835 |
Single room supplement: £350
# Land itineraries finish on day 12. Independent travellers who book the no flight option can join the HF Holidays' airport transfers for £20 per person return.
Airport Parking: To book secure airport parking throughout the UK visit Purple Parking or Holiday Extras to book on-line.
Airport Hotels: To book airport hotels throughout the UK visit Holiday Extras to book on-line.
Airport Lounges: To book airport lounges visit Holiday Extras to book on-line.
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| Temperatures |
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The November holidays runs in the transitional season; as such it offers ideal conditions of lower rainfall, green landscapes, and is much less crowded than in the dry season which starts in December. Febraury is dryer and hotter. Costa Rica is a tropical country and as such is warm all the year round. Changes in temperature occur largely as a result of change sin altitude.
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| Accommodation |
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Our hotels are four-star quality with air-conditioning and swimming pools. Our hotel Manuel Antonio is situated on the beach. In San Gerado de Dota we stay in a more rustic mountain lodge, with heated rooms, hot running water and en-suite facilities as well as a lovely location.
Where you'll stay
San José - 2 nights
Arenal - 3 nights
San Gerardo de Dota - 3 nights
Manuel Antonio - 2 nights
San José - 1 night
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| Flight information |
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Latest HF Holidays Flight Information - updated 03.11.2008 (provisional)
Departure on 10 February 2009
Continental Airlines
Gatwick - San Jose via Newark
Out 10:30 (Tues) - 21:28 (Tues)
San Jose - Gatwick via Newark
Return 07:45 (Sat) - 07:00 (Sun)
Departure on 17 November 2009
Continental Airlines
Gatwick - San Jose via Newark
Out 11:30 (Tues) - 21:20 (Tues)
San Jose - Gatwick via Newark
Return 09:00 (Sat) - 06:35 (Sun)
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| What
the holiday includes |
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All prices in £'s per person and include:
- 11 nights' accommodation in double/twin-bedded,
en-suite rooms.
- Full Board from dinner on day one to breakfast on the
day of departure.
- Services of an experienced tour conductor and a local guide.
- Walks, sightseeing, entrance fees and travel by
air-conditioned coach.
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