2 weeks in Nicaragua and Costa Rica
Itinerary
Days 1-3 – We know the way to San José
After a long flight you’ll be pleased to see a representative from our local office waiting to whisk you away to your modern hotel. The next morning you’ll visit the office of our local partner where you’ll be greeted with a Costa Rican coffee. We’ll organise a two hour walk for you around the city with an English speaking guide to discover the secret sights of the city.
Days 3-5 – Through the jungle to Tortuguero
From San Jose you’ll be picked up by coach for the journey to Tortuguero through spectacular landscapes. After about 3 hours you’ll stop off near Guapiles where you’ll have breakfast. From here you’ll continue on to the Pavona docks where you’ll switch to a boat for the final 90 minutes of your journey into the rainforest. Keep your eyes peeled for playful monkeys, fluttering butterflies and colourful toucans along the way.
The amazing landscape of Tortuguero is not accessible by road. Instead you’ll find rivers meandering through the pristine rainforest to the famous nesting ground of countless turtles. You’ll spend a couple of nights in a jungle lodge, with all of your food and boat trips included. Fill your senses with the sounds of the rainforest, listen to howler monkeys in the distance, smell the tropical hibiscus or spot tiny red frogs in the grass.
Days 5-7 – Lava flows of Arenal volcano
Next, you’ll travel back by boat through the network of river canals to the mainland and by bus to Guapiles, where you’ll stop for a bite to eat. From here you’ll either board the shuttle bus or pick up your hire car for the journey to La Fortuna. Your driving time today is between 2 to 3 hours.
As you head towards La Fortuna, at the foot of Arenal volcano, you’ll notice the landscape becoming more mountainous and the winding road becoming more pot-holed. The mighty volcano and beautiful countryside is one of the most iconic images of Costa Rica. We’ll arrange for you to stay in a comfortable wooden cabin hotel, just outside the popular tourist town. During your stay, you will take a hike through the lush landscape, with the volcano as a beautiful back-drop before being transferred to the hot springs where you can unwind.
Days 7-9 – Into the cloud forests of Monteverde
Next, we’ll arrange for a jeep and boat transfer to take you from your hotel in La Fortuna to your hotel in Monteverde, which should take about 3 hours. If you’re driving you’ll take a bumpy road and perhaps along the way stop off at a cafe. Driving time is usually about 4 hours. Feel the magic of the dense cloud forest of Monteverde. Take a guided canopy walk through the forest where ferns, mosses and orchids bloom amongst the hanging tree branches and beautiful birds dart through the trees. Due to the humid climate the forest gives off a fairytale-like atmosphere, especially in often-present mist. You’ll stay in a comfortable Swiss-style chalet, set amongst wooded surroundings.
Days 9-11 – Giant trees & bubbling springs
After breakfast you’ll check out of your hotel in Monteverde and make your way by hire car or shuttle bus to the less visited area of Rincon de la Vieja. Your driving time today is roughly 4.5 hours. In Rincon de la Vieja National Park, the main attraction is the geothermal activity. During your stay you’ll journey with your guide into the park. Along with over three-hundred species of bird, spectacular butterflies and four recorded species of big cats, Rincon de la Vieja is also home to bubbling mud pools.
Days 11-13 – Discover Ometepe Island
Next, you’ll be transferred from Rincon roughly 2 hours north to the border with Nicaragua. If you’re driving you can drop off your hire car here. Once in Nicaragua, you’ll head to Ometepe Island. From the border it will take about 45 minutes to the ferry port, where you’ll hop on the ferry to the island. The crossing usually takes about an hour and once there you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel. This usually takes between 30 to 40 minutes.
Ometepe Island lies in the second largest freshwater lake in Latin America. There’s nothing planned for you during your stay so you can decide how to spend your time. Relax on the beach, try some hiking up one of the volcanoes, or jump on a bike and discover the island. You’ll stay in the centre of Ometepe between the two volcanoes. From your hammock, you can enjoy the sounds of wind, water and birds.
Days 13-15 – Glory days of Granada
After your time on Ometepe Island you’ll travel by ferry and will be transferred north to Granada, which takes roughly 2 hours. The oldest city in the New World, Granada is striking with its colourful colonial buildings and diverse culture. Upon arrival, you’ll be transferred directly to your hotel in Granada, a journey of about an hour. You’ll stay in a comfortable colonial-style hotel with its own swimming pool and go on a walk with a local guide through the city.
Days 15-16 – The mighty Volcano
Next you’ll travel by private transfer or hire car north to Managua, a journey of about an hour. Managua may not be the prettiest of cities, but it’s worth stopping a while to appreciate the fading colonial buildings and take in the impressive site of Masaya Volcano. Along the way try to catch a glimpse of the green Parakeets and bats before peering into the crater mouth.
Sadly, it’s time for your adventure in Costa Rica and Nicaragua to come to an end. You’ll be transferred by private car to the airport in Managua for your international flight home.
Accommodation
For this itinerary we offer the following options
Travel by Hire Car
For a little extra freedom, you can choose to travel by hire car. Aside from the occasional pothole on the rural roads, driving in Costa Rica is pretty easy and stress-free, and we think it’s a really lovely and adventurous way to explore the country. You’ll have a modern SUV car complete with GPS and insurance cover, so you’re all good to go!
