Wildlife of Twilight
Scout for sloths, howler monkeys and a myriad of birdlife during canal trips and twilight tours.
Combining the prolific wildlife and outdoor pursuits of Costa Rica‘s Carribean coast with the colonial architecture and volcanic islands of Nicaragua‘s Pacific coast, this customisable trip is suited to intrepid travellers who seek a balance of exhilarating explorations with time spent unwinding on private beaches.
Scout for sloths, howler monkeys and a myriad of birdlife during canal trips and twilight tours.
Embark on an exhilarating private rafting adventure to a secluded rainforest lodge retreat.
Relax on the beaches of San Juan del Sur, where lush jungle meets turquoise waters.
Amble the streets of colonial Granada, interacting with locals and sampling road-side fruits.
Two of Central America’s most charming and welcoming nations, both Costa Rica and Nicaragua boast remarkable cloud forests, expert guides full of anecdotes about the neighbouring nations and countless opportunities for active exploration. Encompassing an organic coffee bean tour, private rafting to a jungle hideaway, a stay on an iconic volcanic island and time spent on a private mile-long sandy beach, this journey packages up the main highlights of each destination. The inclusion of a stopover in the oldest city in Latin America to wander its narrow streets in search of traditional Nicaraguan cuisine and the opportunity to zip-line through high forest canopies towards a treehouse picnic destination are just some of the additions that make this trip truly extraordinary – and what’s more, we can customise the route and add any number of unique experiences.
Day 1
San Jose
Day 2
San Jose - Tortuguero
Day 3
Tortuguero
Day 4
Tortuguero - Rio Pacuare
Days 5-6
Rio Pacuare
Day 7
Rio Pacuare - San Jose - Managua - Granada
Day 8
Granada
Day 9
Granada - San Jorge - Ometepe Island
Day 10
Ometepe Island
Day 11
Ometepe Island - San Jorge - San Juan del Sur
Days 12-13
San Juan del Sur
Day 14
San Juan del Sur - Managua - San Jose
Day 1
San Jose
Day 2
San Jose - Tortuguero
Day 3
Tortuguero
Scout for sloths, howler monkeys and a myriad of birdlife during canal trips and twilight tours.
Day 4
Tortuguero - Rio Pacuare
Days 5-6
Rio Pacuare
Embark on an exhilarating private rafting adventure to a remote rainforest lodge for a secluded retreat.
Day 7
Rio Pacuare - San Jose - Managua - Granada
Day 8
Granada
Amble the streets of colonial Leon and Granada, interacting with friendly locals and sampling road-side fruits.
Day 9
Granada - San Jorge - Ometepe Island
Day 10
Ometepe Island
Day 11
Ometepe Island - San Jorge - San Juan del Sur
Days 12-13
San Juan del Sur
Relax on the beaches of San Juan del Sur, where lush jungle meets turquoise waters, perhaps taking a yoga class.
Day 14
San Juan del Sur - Managua - San Jose
Travel north to the Caribbean Coast and the canals of Tortuguero National Park, where dense rainforest, swamps and waterways allow for superb wildlife viewing opportunities. Take to the water in a boat that navigates the tributaries where chattering monkeys and flitting birds live their lives overhead, and watch out for the Jesus Christ lizards that are renowned for their ability to run on the surface of water. In one of the finest places in the world to watch Atlantic green sea turtle’s nesting, we can arrange expertly guided excursions to secluded spots on the Caribbean Coast where, under moonlight, it is possible to watch as turtles come ashore to lay eggs.
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.
Board a ferry to Ometepe Island in Lake Nicaragua, dominated by the twin volcanic peaks that make up the quintessential Nicaraguan postcard landscape. With its laid-back island vibe and the acclaimed Punta Jesus Maria sunset, this is a place for relaxing, partaking in a spot of kite-surfing or renting a scooter to ride along the coastline. Rise early to hike up the conical slopes of active Concepcion Volcano, traversing dense forests and passing chattering monkeys before taking in far-reaching views from its barren summit. Perhaps paddle in a natural volcanic waterhole, seek out a coconut smoothie, hike to a cascading waterfall or locate the stone carvings and petroglyphs of its pre-Colombian past.
Unwind on the beaches of San Juan del Sur where lush jungles meet blue waters. Admired for its tumbling Pacific surf and golden sand dunes, this former fishing hamlet has undergone something of a renaissance. Having managed to retain its easy-going charm, San Juan del Sur is chocked with local markets, stalls serving Nicaraguan dishes in palm leaves and colourful buildings. Staying in an eco-lodge set within 4,000 acres of jungle, spend time both on its private beach and cooling off in a villa plunge pool while monkeys scamper across the balcony. From this lush base, embark on 4×4 wildlife safaris, horseback rides, snorkelling excursions and surfing lessons, and perhaps even watch turtle nesting and hatching in season.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?