Six thrilling Costa Rica trips with Times Holidays - The Times

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Few destinations rival the sheer biodiversity found across Costa Rica. Sloths cling to cecropia trees, howler monkeys swing through the canopy and vividly coloured frogs hide among the bromeliads. It is a playground for nature enthusiasts.

Planning a route through the diverse terrain can be complex, requiring careful logistical orchestration. These expert-led itineraries handle the complicated geography, allowing you to focus entirely on the abundant wildlife and striking volcanic landscapes awaiting your arrival.

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Costa Rica’s avian life is spectacular. This route prioritises crucial migratory corridors and protected reserves, granting access to environments where hundreds of bird species congregate daily.

Early starts are part of the deal, but the reward is exceptional. Standing quietly in the dewy dawn air while macaws fly overhead provides a profound connection to a fiercely protected landscape.

Duration and price: 11 days from £2,995pp* Date: November 26, 2026 Flights: From UK airports Highlights: Specialised birdwatching; treetop canopy walk across suspension bridges at Selvatura; scenic boat crossing across the mirror-like waters of Lake Arenal; safari boat tour through the pristine Caño Negro wetland sanctuary; protected reserves Why book with Times Holidays? Times+ members save £100 per booking**. Redeem your unique code here

For those who prefer their wilderness exploration accompanied by refined comforts, this routing selects the country’s most exceptional boutique properties. Expect infinity pools overlooking vast rainforests and guides who know precisely where the elusive quetzal hides.

The accommodation is spectacular, featuring four- and five-star properties like Lapa Rios Eco-Lodge in the Osa peninsula, which blends seamlessly into the environment without sacrificing indulgence. Evening meals are gastronomic events, showcasing local produce before you fall asleep to a chorus of tree frogs.

Duration and price: 13 days from £7,795pp* Dates: May and June 2027 Flights: From UK airportsHighlights: Four- and five-star accommodation throughout; thermal pools with views of the Arenal volcano; private guided tours; quetzal spotting in Bajos del Toro cloud forests; coffee plantation tour Why book with Times Holidays? Times+ members save £100 per booking**. Redeem your unique code here

Drawn to the untamed beauty of Central America, guests on this carefully paced expedition will experience a masterclass in biodiversity. The journey ventures deep into five distinct national parks, and takes in the vibrant capital of San José alongside the misty canopies of Monteverde.

Navigate the winding waterways of Tortuguero searching for sea turtles, tread the volcanic foothills of Arenal and embark on twilight walks. Blending thrilling wildlife encounters featuring sloths and scarlet macaws with expert guidance, this is a rewarding plunge into a vibrant ecosystem.

Duration and price: 16 days from £5,845pp* Date: December 5, 2026 Flights: From London Heathrow Highlights: Tortuguero turtle tracking; Arenal volcanic foothills; twilight rainforest walks; hiking in Corcovado National Park; birdwatching in San Gerardo de Dota Why book with Times Holidays? Times+ members save £100 per booking**. Redeem your unique code here

Rated among the happiest nations on earth, Costa Rica attributes its true wealth to fertile volcanic soils and extraordinary biodiversity. With a quarter of the country protected, expect thrilling encounters with three-toed sloths, vibrant tree frogs, spectacular birdlife such as the resplendent quetzal, and if you’re very lucky, a jaguar.

Traverse multiple national parks, collecting unforgettable experiences along the way. Drift down the Rio Frio on a wildlife safari and walk above the canopy on Arenal’s hanging bridges. Adventurers can zipline across Rincon de la Vieja before retreating to Guanacaste for relaxation on the Pacific coast.

Duration and price: 13 days from £4,499pp* Date: September 20, 2027 Flights: From London Heathrow Highlights: Pacific beaches; Arenal volcano and cloud forest; visit the remote Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge, renowned for its incredible birdlife Why book with Times Holidays? Times+ members save £100 per booking**. Redeem your unique code here

If you only have one opportunity to visit, this comprehensive circuit ensures no major landmark is overlooked. The itinerary connects the majestic cone of Arenal volcano with the mysterious, mist-shrouded Monteverde cloud forest.

Crucial travel logistics are entirely managed, easing the transitions between humid lowlands and breezy highlands. Observe thermal springs, spot sleeping sloths and explore protected national parks with minimal friction. 

Duration and price: 12 days from £3,419pp* Date: November 21, 2026Flights: From London Heathrow Highlights: Guided visit to Mi Cafecito community coffee plantation; boat tours through Tortuguero National Park; Arenal volcano views; Monteverde cloud forest; thermal hot springs Why book with Times Holidays? Times+ members save £100 per booking**. Redeem your unique code here

Carefully designed to balance wildlife education with pure excitement, this child-friendly itinerary keeps younger travellers engaged without leaving them exhausted. It cleverly bypasses the stress of long travel days, ensuring a perfectly paced introduction to the jungle.

Instead of looking at screens, your family will be gliding on a gentle boat ride towards Monteverde and hiking the volcanic trails of Arenal. Afterwards, you can swap the rainforest canopy for the coast and relax on white sandy beaches on the central Pacific coast, just south of Quepos.

Duration and price: Ten days from £1,650 per adult, £1,320 per child* Dates: June to August and December 2027 and January, March, April and December 2028 Flights: Available on request Highlights: Ziplining in Arenal; walk hanging bridges; Pacific beach relaxation; spot elusive sloths; agricultural tour and cooking class in Santa Rosa de Pocosol Why book with Times Holidays? Times+ members save £100 per booking**. Redeem your unique code here

Book these packages and more with Times Holidays today. 

*All prices are per person based on specified departure dates for two people sharing unless otherwise stated, subject to change and availability and correct at time of publication **£100 off Times+ offer applicable to each Times Holidays booking made by December 31, 2026 with a minimum spend of £2,000 when quoting your unique Times+ code. Visit thetimes.com/timesplus for full terms and conditions

While the published lead-in prices are based on featured departure dates, flexible travel dates can be arranged on request. Please contact our travel consultants to tailor your trip.

Yes, for packages without flights included, Times Holidays’ travel consultants can easily assist with booking ATOL-protected flights to co-ordinate seamlessly with your land arrangements.

Times+ subscribers are eligible for an exclusive discount of £100 per booking of £2,000 or more. To claim this offer, subscribers simply need to log into their Times+ account to generate a unique discount code, which can then be quoted to our travel consultants over the phone or entered directly during the online booking enquiry process prior to confirming payment.

If you have any concerns regarding the mobility suitability of these packages or any other packages available through Times Holidays, we’d strongly recommend that you contact our travel consultants for guidance.

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