Our Team 
Our Tour Experts 
Heroes and Heroines Wildlife of Twilight
Scout for sloths, howler monkeys and a myriad of birdlife during canal trips and twilight tours.
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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.
Journey through Costa Rica & Nicaragua
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.
Key Highlights of this Itinerary
1
2Rafting to Lodges
Embark on an exhilarating private rafting adventure to a secluded rainforest lodge retreat.
3Beach Retreat
Relax on the beaches of San Juan del Sur, where lush jungle meets turquoise waters.
4Colonial Granada
Amble the streets of colonial Granada, interacting with locals and sampling road-side fruits.
Why we like it
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
More details
Boat Safari & Turtle Nesting
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.
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.
Climb an Active Volcano
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.
4x4 Wildlife Safaris & Private Beach Retreats
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.
Let’s chat
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 £3,600 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. A curiosity of the world and of you, and your passions. 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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