Costa Rica Wildlife & Nature Spectacular: An Unforgettable Adventure
£3297 per person on bed and breakfast basis
Prepare to immerse yourself in a journey that celebrates the raw beauty of nature. From volcanic peaks cloaked in clouds to pristine beaches echoing with the calls of tropical birds, this expedition promises wonder and discovery at every turn—all designed with your comfort and accessibility as priorities. Let each moment unfold as a symphony of colors, sounds, and sensations, leaving your heart forever touched by Costa Rica’s magic.
Day 1: Arrival in San José — The Gateway to Paradise
As your plane descends into Costa Rica’s lively capital, you’re greeted by a landscape bursting with lush greenery and volcanic majesty.
Your comfortable, wheelchair-accessible hotel offers a peaceful retreat in the city, where you can relax after your journey.
Allow the gentle tropical breeze and vibrant surroundings to awaken your senses and prepare you for the adventures ahead.
Days 2-7: Into the Heart of the Rainforest — Sarapiquí & Surroundings
Travel through scenic landscapes to the emerald-green haven of Sarapiquí, renowned as a biodiversity hotspot.
Your luxurious bungalow nestled beside the Río Sarapiquí offers panoramic views of the rainforest canopy—an idyllic sanctuary where nature’s symphony begins each morning.
There are raised wooden ramps and walkways to give you easy access to your rooms, including a large veranda for you to watch the incredible wildlife from.
Arenal Volcano & La Fortuna — A Natural Wonder – Volcano view included only
Standing majestically in the landscape, Arenal Volcano’s perfect cone is often shrouded in swirling clouds, a silent giant watching over the fertile land below. From accessible viewpoints, you can sense its immense power and enduring presence. Nearby waterfalls cascade over moss-covered rocks, their rhythmic roar soothing and invigorating.
Visualize:
- A volcano erupting softly with glowing lava (may be silent by May but awe-inspiring in presence).
- A rainbow arching over the volcano beneath a blue sky.
Wildlife you’ll encounter:
- Bright toucans with giant, rainbow-colored beaks, soaring through the rainforest.
- Curious howler and capuchin monkeys swinging playfully in the treetops.
- Green iguanas sunning themselves on warm rocks, their scales shimmering in the sunlight.
La Paz Waterfalls & Gardens — Cascades of Color and Joy
Next, journey to the famous La Paz Waterfalls & Gardens. Accessible trails wind through lush gardens filled with hummingbirds darting from flower to flower, their iridescent feathers shimmering in the sunlight. Witness the dramatic waterfalls plunging into clear blue pools, creating a mist that filters sunlight into rainbows.
Visualize:
- A hummingbird hovering mid-air with its wings a blur of motion.
- Water cascading over layers of rocks, splashing into crystalline pools.
Wildlife you’ll see:
- Jewels of the rainforest: bright green, red, and yellow frogs hiding in mossy nooks.
- Butterflies with wings like stained glass fluttering among orchids.
- Occasionally, a colorful toucan landing nearby to join the chorus.
La Selva Biological Station — An Intimate Encounter with the Rainforest
Venturing deeper into the rainforest via accessible platforms, you’re immersed in the ecosystem that sustains Costa Rica’s incredible biodiversity. The air hums with life—chirping insects, croaking frogs, and distant bird calls. The canopy is alive with activity; toucans with their massive, colorful beaks sit quietly while squirrel monkeys leap energetically across branches.
Visualize:
- A toucan perched with a vividly colored beak against a leafy background.
- A sleepy sloth hanging lazily, dreaming in the canopy.
- Spider monkeys performing acrobatic flips above your viewpoint.
Wildlife to watch for:
- Towering toucans and toucanets.
- Swaying sloths moving slowly yet deliberately.
- Playful monkeys tumbling and chattering.
Evening Excursions: Papas Place — Nocturnal Marvels
As dusk falls, the rainforest transforms into a symphony of sounds. Frogs emerge, their tiny, brightly colored bodies sometimes glowing faintly under the moonlight. Their calls—from deep croaks to rhythmic chirps—fill the humid night. You may glimpse tiny dart frogs or see their shimmering reflections in nearby ponds.
Visualize:
- Macro shots of tiny, jewel-like frogs with vibrant hues.
- Glass frogs with their transparent skin! You can see their internal organs and their heart beating
Day 8: Transfer to the Caribbean Coast — Welcome to the Tropical Paradise
After days immersed in the rainforest, you’ll travel through lush landscapes to arrive at your luxurious beachfront resort along Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast.
Here, the gentle surf and swaying palms create a haven of peace.
Your room overlooks the ocean—perfect for relaxing, listening to the lullaby of waves, and absorbing the tropical atmosphere.
Days 9-13: Exploring the Coastal Ecosystem & Wildlife Encounters
Cahuita National Park — A Living Aquarium and Forest – Included
Accessible walkways wind through coastal rainforest and across coral reefs. As you stroll, listen to the chorus of howler and capuchin monkeys, their calls echoing through the treetops. Bright toucans and vivid parrots—a riot of color—soar overhead. Along the shoreline, sea turtles glide gracefully in shallow waters, and schools of colorful fish drift among vibrant corals.
- Brilliant Macaws:
Towering scarlet and blue macaws with powerful beaks are the jewels of the canopy. Their raucous calls fill the air as they soar in pairs or flocks, brightening the sky with their vivid plumage.
- Strawberry Dart Frog:
Small but dazzling, these tiny amphibians display striking red bodies and their characteristic “Blue Jeans” they are known for. They often hide among moss and leaves, their vibrant colors warning predators of their toxicity. Their delicate, almost jewel-like appearance invites close admiration—if only they weren’t so quick to hide! Their diminutive size does not stop their calls from being heard hundreds of metres away
Jaguar Rescue Centre — Compassionate Care & Wildlife Rehabilitation
Meet incredible animals rescued and cared for with love and expertise. Observe parrots with golden-yellow feathers, sloths slowly hanging from branches, and ocelots prowling their enclosures—all with gentle eyes that tell stories of resilience and hope.
Ara Manzanillo — Macaw Conservation Project – Included
Among lush tropical gardens, the delicate wings of butterflies such as the blue morpho flutter among flowering plants. Their iridescence often appears to shimmer with every movement. You may also spot hummingbirds darting between blossoms, their tiny bodies beating their wings rapidly. But the truly inspiring story of this hilltop paradise, is how they have halted the near extinction of the Great Green Macaw in this region. Their work has seen numbers soar over recent years, and you can witness these stunning birds as they come home to roost and feast on Sweet Almonds
Day 14: Returning to San José — A Heart Full of Memories
Return to San José for one final night. Over breakfast, reflect on the vibrant colors, intoxicating sounds, and extraordinary wildlife you’ve experienced. Carry with you unforgettable images of gentle giants, brightly colored birds, tiny frogs, and secretive vipers—each story a thread in your tapestry of adventure.
Whats Included?
- 14 Nights accommodation based on a Bed and Breakfast basis. All rooms are wheelchair friendly and will have walk in showers. Anyone who requires a shower chair, please let me know and I can facilitate this.
- All accessible transport in Country
- Entry to National Parks
- Guiding services provided by Stuart
- Drinking Water
- What’s Not Included
- International Flights
- Any meals other than Breakfast
- Entry to attractions not specified as included
Scheduled to run, early May 2027
Prices are £3297 per person
Early Bird Special £2797 per person
Places are STRICTLY limited so do not delay, secure your place today