Cartagena and Costa Rica

Arrive in Cartagena, Colombia

You will be met on arrival in Cartagena, Colombia's captivating Caribbean port city and privately transferred to the historic quarter where you stay for the next 4 nights at a charactefully restored mansion.

All day Cartagena city tour

Today enjoy a full day exploring Cartagena with a local guide. Begin by visiting two of Cartagena's most visible sights Convento de La Popa, dating back to 1606 and perched high on a hilltop with fabulous panoramic views over the city. Then head to the imposing San Felipe de Barajas fort, one of Cartagena's classic landmarks and the most extensive military complex constructed by the Spanish in the Americas, built in the 16th century to protect Cartagena from pirate attacks and foreign invasions. Then head down to the delightful Old City to visit the Iglesia de San Pedro Claver and Las Bóvedas, a series of 47 archways set adjacent to the city wall which acted as an ammunition storage in the 17th century and prison in the 18th century and now house rather touristy and overpriced souvenir shops selling local arts and crafts. After lunch continue on to visit other keys sites in the Old City including Bolivar Park, the Inquisition Palace and Santo Domingo church, before heading beyond the Old City to the low-rise, alternative/arty Getsemani neighbourhood, learning about the history and culture of this vibrant part of Cartagena through its expressive colourful street art centered on and around its central sqaure, Plaza de la Trinidad. At night the square is a lively spot frequented by locals and tourists alike where you can find street food vendors and live music and dance performances.

Explore Cartagena through the eyes of Gabriel Garcia Marquez

Nobel-prize winning author and Colombian literary giant Gabriel García Márquez had a profound connection with Cartagena and the city's history and culture significantly influenced his literary work. He lived in Cartagena as a penniless student and was said to have completed his education as a writer in Cartagena. This tour is a great choice for those familiar with the much loved author's works who wish to immerse themselves in the rich narratives and flavours that define Cartagena and celebrate the legacy of one of Latin America's greatest writers. You will spend 3 to 4 hours visiting thirteen Cartagena locations cherised by 'Gabo' as he is known affectionately to Colombians. At nine of the locations you will be able to savour traditional Caribbean flavours that feature in his literarature whilst listening to captivating stories about his life and creative journey.

Free day in Cartagena today to explore independently or enjoy a guided excursion such as a visit to the Afro-Caribbean fishing village of La Boquilla or San Basilico de Palenque, founded by slaves escaping from Cartagena in the 16th century and the first free African town in the Americas, recognised by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Fly to San Jose, Costa Rica

Take a short direct flight to San Jose Costa Rica today. Costa Rica is a jewel of a country, a peaceful well organised nation often called the 'Switzerland of Latin America'. Within a small area it has abundant wildlife, wonderful scenery, fine beaches and much more. On arrival in San Jose you will be transferred to a comfortable hotel either downtown or in the greater San Jose area where you stay for the night.

Tortuguero flooded forest

Early this morning you are transferred to Guapiles where you have breakfast, then onwards to the dock where you board a motorboat for the journey to your lodge in the flooded forest at Tortuguero for a 2 night stay at a waterside lodge. After lunch you are taken to visit Tortuguero village and the local beach, where your guide will explain the history and habitat of the area

Full day based at Tortuguero, including a guided walk through your lodge grounds and an afternoon tour by boat through the narrow river channels of the flooded forest for wildlife viewing. Here you have the possibility to see a variety of wildlife such as green iguanas, kingfishers, white-faced capuchin monkeys and black river turtles. There may also be a chance of seeing the rarer species such as the great green macaw and boat billed herons.

Arenal volcano region

This morning you will travel to the Arenal volcano area where you stay for 3 nights at a hotel with views of the volcano. Home to Costa Rica's conically shaped Arenal volcano in the lowland rainforest, Arenal is a popular tourist location with a huge range of hotels, amenities, and activities on offer. Here most hotels are located on a road that runs from the small town of La Fortuna around the base of the Arenal volcano to Arenal Lake. This is an excellent location for wildlife viewing (sloths, monkeys, tree frogs, toucans), wellness (hot springs complexes and spas) and activities such as nature walks, wildlife boat tours, canopy bridge walks, horse riding)

Hanging bridges and rainforest night walk

Early this morning you will be taken to the hanging bridges for a birdwatching tour. The hanging bridges are, a system of trails and suspended walkways through the forest. Over 350 species of bird have been spotted here including rufous motmot, trogons, euphonia, toucans, guans, hummingbirds and migratory species. You might also spot animals such as howler monkeys and sloth, and there are some beautiful views over the forest canopy and out onto the valley below. After the tour you will be taken back to your hotel where you have some free time to relax or for additional excursions available locally e.g walks in the volcano reserve, visit to a local hotspring complex In the late afternoon you will be taken on a guided walk in the only natural frog sanctuary in La Fortuna, connecting the tropical areas of the Arenal area with the Burio river where at least 28 species of frogs have made its ponds their home. There are also chances to see other nocturnal creatures such as bats, porcupines and snakes.

a.m free p.m hotsprings

Much of the day free in Arenal to relax and enjoy your lodge facilities for optional excursions available locally at additional cost e.g sloth searching tour, guided or independent walks in the Arenal National Park ot 1968 reserve, mountain biking, visit to La Fortuna waterfall, canopy ziplines or white water rafting In the late afternoon catch a taxi to the Ecotermales hot-springs where you can relax in the volcanic thermal mineral pools whilst listening to the rumblings of the volcano in the distance, including dinner.

Pacific coast beach

Today you will be transferred to the north Pacific coast where you stay for the next 4 nights at your choice of beach destination within proximity to Liberia airport. From yellow-sand surf beaches to calm water bays there is something to suit all preferences and budgets. The north Pacific typically experiences the driest weather in Costa Rica so is a particularly good choice for beach time during the rainy season months, however if you would prefer to end at a central or south Pacific beach destination such as Manuel Antonio or Uvita, and/or plan to fly home from San Jose then we can revise the itinerary to have you transferred to San Jose airport on your departure, or spend a night in the San Jose area priort to flying home.

Free to relax at the beach of your choice

Free to relax at the beach of your choice

Free to relax at the beach of your choice

Depart Costa Rica to the UK

Today you will be transferred to Liberia airport to catch an afternoon or evening onwards flight to the UK