Our Team
Our Tour Experts
Heroes and Heroines
Pristine Beaches
Swim and snorkel in the Pacific Ocean during a stay in Montezuma or Santa Teresa.
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![Amy Waters snow biking]()
Our Team
Steppes Travel is made by the people who work here. Incredible holidays are made possible because of their vast travel experience and the great enthusiasm they bring to their work.
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![William Dalrymple]()
Our Tour Experts
We carefully select our experts based on their knowledge, companionship and influence, ensuring that you can travel with the most knowledgeable leaders in the field.
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![Liz Bonnin]()
Heroes and Heroines
The people who lead the way when it comes to those things which matter to us: exploration, the environment, women’s empowerment and education.
Highlights of Costa Rica
Our classic adventures through Costa Rica incorporate the jewels of this dual-coastlined country – from tracking bottlenose dolphins and zip-lining over jungle canopies to exploring monkey-inhabited national parks and white water rafting.
With its wonderful mix of prolific wildlife and outdoor pursuits, we can curate a fully-tailored trip bursting with extraordinary experiences for solo travellers, honeymooners and families alike.
Key Highlights of this Itinerary
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Jungle Hideaways
Experience vast jungles and exotic coastlines, staying in unique hand-picked properties.
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Turtles & Whales
Observe turtles nesting on the beaches and take whale watching trips to view humpbacks.
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Rafting & Zip-Lining
Whizz through the jungle canopy along zip lines and embark on white water rafting river safaris.
Why we like it
Suited to both outdoor enthusiasts and those who endeavour to dip their toes in both the aquamarine waters of the Caribbean Sea and North Pacific Ocean, Costa Rica is a tropical playground that is coveted world over. In a place where rainforest hikes happen in the shadow of the imposing Arenal Volcano, jaguars prowl the beaches in search of turtle eggs and nutrient-dense thermal springs abound, we can tailor a bespoke trip that suits all activity levels and interests. As the country is somewhat modest in size, it is possible to visit a number of exotic locations either in the company of an expert private guide or while travelling independently. Plus, when it comes to accommodation, we know the most thrilling family-friendly jungle hideaways, the most romantic infinity pool cabins, and everything in between.
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Days 1-2
San Jose
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Day 3
San Jose - Tortuguero
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Day 4
Tortuguero
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Day 5
Tortuguero - Rio Pacuare
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Days 6-7
Rio Pacuare
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Day 8
Rio Pacuare - Arenal
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Day 9
Arenal
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Days 10-13
Montezuma or Santa Teresa or Osa Peninsula
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Day 14
San Jose
Days 1-2
San Jose
Day 3
San Jose - Tortuguero
Day 4
Tortuguero
Experience vast jungles and exotic coastlines, staying in unique properties hand-picked for you.
Day 5
Tortuguero - Rio Pacuare
Days 6-7
Rio Pacuare
Whizz through the jungle canopy along zip lines and embark on white water rafting river safaris.
Day 8
Rio Pacuare - Arenal
Day 9
Arenal
Whizz through the jungle canopy along zip lines with views to Arenal Volcano.
Days 10-13
Montezuma or Santa Teresa or Osa Peninsula
Swim and snorkel in the Pacific Ocean during a stay in Montezuma, Santa Teresa or the Osa Peninsula.
Day 14
San Jose
More details
Play in the Sea: Snorkelling & Paddle-Board Yoga
From the black volcanic sand of the Osa Peninsula to the coral reefs of Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica is an opportune place to explore dramatic ocean ecosystems. Take to shallow coastal waters to paddle above crab, starfish and angel fish, or perhaps snorkel in one of the most biologically intense places on Earth with views to colourful brain coral reefs. Perhaps try a spot of meditative yoga atop a paddle-board in one of the tranquil protected bays or experience the majesty of the ocean during a surfing lesson. Fearless travellers with the relevant qualifications might consider diving with hammerhead and bull sharks, while others might prefer to simply lounge on the pristine sand with a good book as monkeys chatter in the flanking forests.
Biking & Canopy Walkways
It is difficult not to be jungle-centric when exploring Costa Rica, but this country is no one-trick pony. Embark on exploratory excursions, keeping a watchful eye out for endemic wildlife that includes slow-moving sloths, tree frogs and glasswing butterflies. In some of the country’s most rugged terrains, whizz through the jungle canopy along zip lines with views to Arenal Volcano, cross long suspension walkway bridges and journey on horseback to thundering waterfalls. Perhaps travel to find the endangered green macaw, visit a fruit farm or take a bean-to-bar chocolate-making lesson. Bursting with single-track trails, Costa Rica is a mecca for mountain biking- perhaps embark on a full day ride far off the beaten track with our expert guides to discover the real Costa Rica.
Turtle Nesting & Whale Migration
In one of the finest places in the world to watch Atlantic green sea turtle’s nesting and observe the annual humpback whale migration, we can arrange Costa Rican journeys that coincide with both of these wonderful wildlife spectacles. In the company of expert naturalist guides, venture out to secluded spots on the Caribbean Coast under moonlight to watch as turtles come ashore to lay eggs – and perhaps unearth stalking jaguar prints in the process. Then move cross-country to the Pacific Coast where the annual migration of humpback whales is in full swing in the rich waters of the Golfo Dulce. As they nurse their young before continuing their journey, it is possible to snorkel in the warm waters alongside spotted, bottlenose and spinner dolphins.
Raft to a Jungle Hideaway
With its multitude of rambling mountain-sourced rivers, Costa Rica offers exhilarating world-class white water rafting, and one of the country’s most esteemed lodges is accessible by one of these thrilling rafting expeditions. Traverse grade III and IV rapids through outstanding scenery of deep-sided gorges and dense riverside jungles to reach the lodge, stopping for a picnic lunch on a pebbly riverside beach. The solar and water-powered property, which offers 4×4 tours, rugged rainforest treks and visits to nearby indigenous communities, carefully balances the understated luxury of spring-fed swimming pools with eco-friendly jungle living.
Start planning your trip
A note on price
Prices will vary depending on the time of year you are travelling. Prices do not include international flights. Please ask one of our Travel Experts for an accurate quote. Flights purchased through Steppes Travel departing from the UK are ATOL protected.
This Itinerary
Price
From £4,450 Per person
When to travel
Costa Rica in January
January to April generally has the lowest rainfall throughout the year, though showers can still be expected in such a tropical climate. One of the most popular times of year to visit, with fantastic opportunities to view wildlife, explore the jungle, and relax on white sandy beaches. The ideal time to visit the Pacific Coast.
Costa Rica in February
January to April generally has the lowest rainfall throughout the year, though showers can still be expected in such a tropical climate. One of the most popular times of year to visit, with fantastic opportunities to view wildlife, explore the jungle, and relax on white sandy beaches. The ideal time to visit the Pacific Coast.
Costa Rica in March
January to April generally has the lowest rainfall throughout the year, though showers can still be expected in such a tropical climate. One of the most popular times of year to visit, with fantastic opportunities to view wildlife, explore the jungle, and relax on white sandy beaches. The ideal time to visit the Pacific Coast.
Costa Rica in April
January to April generally has the lowest rainfall throughout the year, though showers can still be expected in such a tropical climate. One of the most popular times of year to visit, with fantastic opportunities to view wildlife, explore the jungle, and relax on white sandy beaches. The ideal time to visit the Pacific Coast.
Costa Rica in May
May and June mark the beginning of the ‘green season’. Rainfall increases a little, but with that means fewer visitors and quieter national parks. The flora and fauna return to its lushest state and makes for beautiful photography opportunities.
Costa Rica in June
May and June mark the beginning of the ‘green season’. Rainfall increases a little, but with that means fewer visitors and quieter national parks. The flora and fauna return to its lushest state and makes for beautiful photography opportunities.
Costa Rica in July
July and August is green season, but there is a brief little summer or ‘veranillo’, which breaks up the rain in July. A great time to enjoy water sports in the country, although sun-seekers can still enjoy the beaches on the far northern Pacific coast.
Costa Rica in August
July and August is green season, but there is a brief little summer or ‘veranillo’, which breaks up the rain in July. A great time to enjoy water sports in the country, although sun-seekers can still enjoy the beaches on the far northern Pacific coast.
Costa Rica in September
While travel is not recommended on the Pacific side in September and October, as it is the peak of the wet season, it is the ideal time to visit the Caribbean coast.
Costa Rica in October
While travel is not recommended on the Pacific side in September and October, as it is the peak of the wet season, it is the ideal time to visit the Caribbean coast.
Costa Rica in November
November and December see the country start to dry up, although the exact timing of the end of the green season varies. By Christmas and New Year, it is getting busy again so it is worth booking accommodation in advance.
Costa Rica in December
November and December see the country start to dry up, although the exact timing of the end of the green season varies. By Christmas and New Year, it is getting busy again so it is worth booking accommodation in advance.
Holiday Inspiration
Our experts have created and curated these tailor-made holiday ideas to get you started. Take the time to search through them and find something that is the spark for your unique adventure.
Why Choose Steppes?
Our knowledge and expertise set us apart. So too our curiosity. It is this that drives us to create a journey that is really bespoke to you, all the while ensuring we travel and operate sustainably.
Are you ready to discover extraordinary once again?
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