Pura vida, it means “simple life” or “pure life,” in Costa Rica, it is more than just a saying—it is a way of life. Costa Ricans (Ticos) use this term to say hello, goodbye, everything's great, and everything's cool. Bascially, be grateful for everything you have in life.

Example 10 day Itinerary - approx £3,800pp

Day 1 - San Jose

Costa Rica's capital is a cosmopolitan city full of vibrant markets and buzzing nightlife spots. A visit to San Jose gives you a window into the beating heart of Costa Rica. It is home to the Gold Museum, one of the best places to see prime examples of pre-Columbian gold work, which is a must for the culture and art enthusiast.

Pacuare Jungle Lodge

Tucked away in the heart of Costa Rica's most pristine rainforest environment, Pacuare Lodge is a nature lover's paradise, and is perfect for those looking for an authentic jungle eco-adventure with no compromise on five-star trimmings. 

Day 2

Today you will be met at your hotel and taken by shared vehicle to the meeting point for Pacuare Lodge, where you will meet your rafting guide. 

After basic safety training on the riverbank, you'll start a 1.5 hour white water rafting adventure down a stretch of one of the most scenic rivers in the world, past lush foliage and through exciting class III and IV rapids. You'll arrive at the Pacuare Lodge just in time for a delicious, farm-to-table lunch with a view of the river and rainforest. An overland transfer option in a 4x4 vehicle is also available.

Day 3 

With your free time at the lodge, you can choose from a range of exciting adventure activities,  from hiking or canyoning in the tropical rainforest to white water rafting through the rugged canyons of the Pacuare River. The Talamanca mountains are host to the Cabecar, the largest indigenous group in Costa Rica, and one that retains many of its traditional customs and beliefs. During your stay you can choose to join a physically challenging hike to visit a local Cabecar family.

Pacuare Lodge has built a unique platform 20 metres up in the rainforest canopy, known as 'The Nest', accessed only by zipline, where guests can pre-book an extra special lunch or breakfast - perfect for celebrating a special occasion.

Day 4

Your transfer to your next destination is down the river on the rapids!

After  2 hours, you will reach the river take-out, where you will be reunited with your luggage and can change into dry clothes to continue your onward journey.

Tortuguero

Meaning 'land of the turtles', Tortuguero is one of the most important nesting sites in the western hemisphere for the endangered green turtle. To get to Tortuguero's pristine wildlife park, we recommend a magical boat trip down the Caribbean coast canals, passing sloths, monkeys and magnificently-coloured flowers on the way.

Manatus Hotel

The welcoming committee may well include sloths, monkeys, and caiman as you arrive at Manatus Hotel by boat. Sitting between two Caribbean coast canals, within Costa Rica's pristine Tortuguero National Park, this is the most comfortable base to encounter this beautiful region's famous turtles and other incredible wildlife. 

Day 5

Explore the canals and wildlife of Tortuguero National Park by boat or visit the colourful town of Tortuguero and immerse yourself in the daily life of the locals. Alternatively, you could take a guided tour of the turtle museum and find out more about the creatures that gave Tortuguero its name. Green turtle nesting season is July to October.

Arenal

The impressive Arenal Volcano looms over the northern highlands of Costa Rica, and is the ideal spot for adventurous types. Backed by phenomenal scenery, the region offers hiking, mountain biking, white water rafting and windsurfing on Lake Arenal - and you can even abseil down the forest waterfalls. After this, the best way to relax is by sinking into one of the natural volcanic springs. The Arenal area is also well-known for its diverse wildlife, including two different sloth species: the two-toed sloth and the three-toed sloth.

Amor Arenal Hotel

Amor Arenal is the perfect, secluded rainforest escape at the foothills of the Arenal Volcano. At a higher elevation than many hotels in the area, it benefits from a cooling breeze and a more comfortable climate.

Day 6

This afternoon you will be met at your hotel for a 20-minute drive to Arenal Park to ride the Sky Tram. You will meet your local naturalist guide, who will escort you on this journey, sharing their expert knowledge of native plant and animal species. The Sky Tram is a 20-minute aerial tram tour that starts from the forest floor and reaches a wide observation deck at the highest point of the Arenal Reserve. Enjoy amazing views from above the forest canopy, including Arenal Volcano and Arenal Lake. During the scenic journey on the aerial tram, you will take short stops as your guide describes the surrounding flora and fauna.

From here you will begin an adventure full of adrenaline above the treetops, via a system of ziplines that allows you to observe the rainforest landscape from a different perspective. You will ride 7 cables that go up to 200m (656ft) in height and 750m (2460ft) in length, and you will be taken to impressive heights, speeds of up to 70km/h (43.5mph), and panoramic views, because you will be able to admire the surrounding mountains from a unique viewpoint.

Day 7

This afternoon, you will be picked up from your hotel for a 2.5-hour private guided hike through the private reserve on the slopes of the Arenal Volcano. As your tour guide explains about volcanology and the formation of this great volcano, take a look around at the magnificent, solidified lava flows from past volcanic eruptions and admire the area's colourful flora and fauna. From the lookout points, you can take in the fantastic views of the lake and volcano and even have a chance to observe different species of birds, such as toucans, parrots, oropendolas and tanagers. Please be aware that the trail will be a bit challenging due to the uneven terrain and the sharp profiles of the lava rocks. This tour will last approximately 4 hours. Afterwards, you will return to your hotel.

Lake Arenal - Monteverde

This morning you will be met at your hotel and taken by private vehicle to the dock at Lake Arenal, where you will take a boat to your hotel in Monteverde.

Monteverde Cloud Forest

The Monteverde Cloud Forest and its panoramic views will stun even the most seasoned traveller. Trekking into the mists of the forest and over its famous treetop suspension bridges, you will encounter a magnificent ecosystem which is host to over 400 species of birds and an unbelievable variety of wildlife. For a real thrill, swing over the rainforest canopy on one of the world's longest ziplines.

Senda Monteverde Hotel

Senda Monteverde Hotel has a stunning setting high in the hills, overlooking the Pacific Ocean and the cloud forest. Just a stone's throw from the famous Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, this upscale boutique hotel provides a casual and contemporary lodging experience in beautiful, lush surroundings.

Day 8

Fly, hike and swing your way through the Monteverde Cloud Forest on an adrenalin-filled tour of Sevatura Park. You will be met at your hotel and taken to the lush park where your tour will begin with an exciting 15-cable zipline course, allowing you to soar above the treetops at rapid speed and take in the breathtaking views from above. Next, take a turn on the giant Tarzan swing, then slow down to observe the unique plant and animal life of the rainforest ecosystem in finer detail as you cross a series o
bridges.

Day 9

Early this evening you will be collected from your hotel and taken by private vehicle to the Santa Marias Finca Agroturistica, a protected area of secondary rainforest that is part of a long-standing regeneration project and provides one of this region's best opportunities to spot local wildlife.

Venturing into the rainforest just after the sun has set allows you to spot nocturnal species beginning their daily activities. This evening will offer a wonderful opportunity to encounter animals that you would not normally see during the day. The most common animals spotted here include sloths, coatis, agoutis, porcupines, gray fox, tarantulas, frogs, various insects and many sleeping birds. At the end of the tour you will be dropped off at your hotel.

An option would be to conclude this adventure with a few nights relaxation in a luxury beach hotel before returning home.