Costa Rica is a nature lover's paradise with an overwhelming breadth of scenery and wildlife. There are active volcanoes that belch lava and clouds of sulphur, lush rainforest that teems with birdlife, remote cloud forest that offers unrivalled wildlife spotting opportunities and perfect white tropical beaches. We take in the best of the country's National Parks and get up close to a wide range of animals and birds.

Itinerary:

Day 1, SAN JOSE Arrive and transfer to hotel. Day 2, SAN JOSE Today we head out to the smoking Poas Volcano, in the heart of the lush tropical rainforest. In the afternoon we return to San Jose. (B) Day 3, SAN JOSE - TORTUGUERO NP Travel by bus and boat into the Tortuguero National Park, home to howler monkeys, brightly coloured parrots and a wide variety of other wildlife. This is where green and leatherback turtles come to lay their eggs once a year (June-September). We spend two nights in a lodge in the rainforest. (BLD) Day 4, TORTUGUERO NP We spend a full day exploring the jungle waterways of the park by boat. (BLD) Day 5, TORTUGUERO NP - CAHUITA We leave the rainforest behind and head by boat and bus to Cahuita National Park on the Caribbean coast. Cahuita's main attractions are its white sandy beaches, miles of coconut groves, tranquil seas and coral reefs. (B) Day 6, CAHUITA A full free day. You can explore the National Park where white-faced monkeys and sloth are very common, go snorkelling on the impressive reef, or simply relax on the beach. In the evening we can visit Cahuita village where there are lots of little restaurants and bars. (B) Day 7, CAHUITA - FORTUNA Leaving the Caribbean coast behind, we head through mountains and typical small villages to Fortuna, a small town nestled at the base of Arenal Volcano. (B) Day 8, ARENAL VOLCANO Arenal Volcano is highly active and its cone-shaped peak constantly emits explosions of sulphurous gases, streams of red-hot lava and loud rumbles. We have a full free day. You can explore around the lower slopes of the volcano or soak in one of the hot springs nearby. (B) Day 9, FORTUNA - MONTEVERDE CLOUD FOREST Head south to the Cloud Forest Reserve of Monteverde, a beautiful park that teems with flora and fauna. Monteverde has gained international renown as one of the most outstanding wildlife sanctuaries in the tropics. (B) Day 10, MONTEVERDE CLOUD FOREST A full free day. You can explore the reserve, following trails that wind through the most spectacular sections or trying the spectacular canopy walks. There is abundant wildlife and if you are lucky you might see the beautiful quetzal as well as a variety of monkeys, wild cats and reptiles. (B) Day 11, MONTEVERDE CLOUD FOREST - MANUEL ANTONIO NP Drive to Manuel Antonio National Park, where we spend two nights. This park features some of Costa Rica's finest beaches, with long stretches of beautiful white sand backed by lush jungle. (B) Day 12, MANUEL ANTONIO A full free day to relax on the beach or follow hiking trails through the tropical forest. (B) Day 13, MANUEL ANTONIO - SAN JOSE After a relaxing morning we travel back to San Jose. (B) Day 14, SAN JOSE Tour ends. (B)

Group Size: Max 15
Activities: Hiking in National Parks, optional snorkelling, boat excursions
Accommodation: 13 nights tourist class hotels and lodges
Transport: Bus, boat
Airport Transfer: To hotel day 1
Fully Escorted: By Imaginative Traveller tour leader, services of guides in Tortuguero NP
Meals: As per itinerary. B-Breakfast, L-Lunch, D-Dinner. Allow US$10-15 per day on days when meals aren't included.
Entrance Fees: Included for Tortuguero NP. Allow US$40 for visiting other National Parks
Trip Reference: LTRA08