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 Holiday
Our classic Costa Rica holiday is an adventure incorporating the jewels of this dual-coastlined country – from zip-lining over jungle canopies to exploring monkey-inhabited national parks. This suggestion is perfect for first-time visitors but can be tailored by one of our experts.
Key Highlights of this Itinerary
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Jungle Hideaways
Experience vast jungles and exotic coastlines, staying in unique hand-picked properties.
3
Tropical wildlife
Encounter Costa Rica’s wealth of jungle wildlife, including frogs, monkeys and hundreds of bird species.
4
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. 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 (Grano de Oro)
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Day 3
San Jose - Tortuguero (Tortuga Lodge)
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Day 4
Tortuguero (Tortuga Lodge)
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Day 5
Tortuguero - Rio Pacuare (Pacuare Lodge)
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Days 6-7
Rio Pacuare (Pacuare Lodge)
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Day 8
Rio Pacuare - Arenal (Arenal Observatory Lodge)
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Day 9 -10
Arenal (Arenal Observatory Lodge)
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Day 11
Arenal - Montezuma (Ylang Ylang)
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Days 12-14
Montezuma (Ylang Ylang)
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Day 15
San Jose
Days 1-2
San Jose (Grano de Oro)
On arrival, you’re met and transferred to your hotel. The following day, either relax or take a full-day tour to Poas Volcano, the Doka Coffee Plantation and La Paz Waterfall Gardens.
Day 3
San Jose - Tortuguero (Tortuga Lodge)
Drive and then transfer by boat Tortuguero National Park, a wetland reserve that lies on the country’s Caribbean coast. Stay at Tortuga Lodge, where iguanas roam the garden and howler monkeys hide in the trees above.
Day 4
Tortuguero (Tortuga Lodge)
Explore the wetlands on a small group basis from the lodge. Take a boat trip through the lagoons and a network of rivers and canals that cut through this rainforest. Home to over half of the bird and reptile species found in Costa Rica, Tortuguero is also one of the world’s major nesting sites for Atlantic green turtles.
Day 5
Tortuguero - Rio Pacuare (Pacuare Lodge)
Travel by boat and road back inland, heading towards Rio Pacuare, found in a valley of the Talamanca Mountain range. Here, jump into a raft and traverse whitewater to Pacuare Lodge, a jungle hideaway within a private reserve.
Days 6-7
Rio Pacuare (Pacuare Lodge)
Choose from the activities on offer at Pacuare. These range from 4×4 adventures, trekking and whitewater rafting to nature tours, visits to indigenous communities and culinary experiences.
Day 8
Rio Pacuare - Arenal (Arenal Observatory Lodge)
Leave Pacuare by raft then road, heading north towards the volcanoes of northern Costa Rica. Stay at the Arenal Observatory Lodge, which lies just three kilometres away from the most famous of these volcanoes, Mount Arenal.
Day 9 -10
Arenal (Arenal Observatory Lodge)
With spectacular views of the volcano, this area is a hotspot for adventure. Start the first day with a zipline canopy tour, continue into the jungle in search of sloths and finish with a nighttime rainforest walk. On your second day, hike Mount Arenal for incredible views of the landscape below.
Day 11
Arenal - Montezuma (Ylang Ylang)
Travel down the Nicoya Peninsula, which juts out into the Pacific Ocean. Stay at Ylang Ylang Beach Resort, which is located on a stunning stretch of coastline.
Days 12-14
Montezuma (Ylang Ylang)
Swim and snorkel in the Pacific Ocean during a stay in Montezuma.
Day 15
San Jose
Travel back to San Jose and fly home.
More details
Meet the Marine Life
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 crabs, starfish and angelfish, or perhaps snorkel in one of the most biologically intense places on Earth with views to colourful brain coral reefs.
Fearless travellers 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. In some of the country’s most rugged terrains, whizz through the canopy along zip lines with views to Arenal Volcano, cross long suspension walkway bridges and journey on horseback to thundering waterfalls.
Bursting with single-track trails, Costa Rica is a mecca for mountain biking; you can embark on a full day ride far off the beaten track with our expert guides to discover the real Costa Rica. Along the way, visit a fruit farm or take a bean-to-bar chocolate-making lesson.
Jungle Creatures
What Costa Rica lacks in large, iconic species, it more than makes up for in its diversity of smaller creatures. The forests are filled with fluttering birds, ranging from tiny dancing hummingbirds to striking emerald toucans. More than 600 species are endemic to this small country, with another 200 migratory species passing through.
The jungle canopy hides troupes of howler monkeys, as well as sloths. And at night, an entirely different cast of nocturnal creatures appears, featuring large numbers of amphibians, including the brilliantly coloured strawberry poison-dart frog.
Raft to a Rainforest Hideaway
With its multitude of rambling mountain-sourced rivers, Costa Rica offers exhilarating world-class white water rafting, and Pacuare Lodge 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.
Meet our experts
A passion for travel runs right through every one of our experts - meaning they're always ready with first-hand insight about their specialist countries.
John Faithfull
Costa Rica is simply the best spot in Central America for nature lovers, and is always John’s top recommendation for those wishing to hike, swim, zip, raft, ride or float through outstanding scenery and rich biodiversity.
Talk with our experts
- 1 800 571 2985
Paul Bird
It wasn’t part of the script, career plans were quite different but after four global trips visiting such exciting destinations, travel became a passion that eventually led to me entering the industry. The more I have travelled the greater the desire has been to see and do more.
Talk with our experts
- 1 800 571 2985
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 $7,219 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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