Escorted Tours 2023-2024

Day 7: La Fortuna B/L/D Enjoy a scenic 40-minute hike through the cool undergrowth of La Fortuna, ending at the site of the thundering La Fortuna Waterfall. Witness the natural beauty of the cascading water as it emerges from the dense jungle, falling into the emerald pool at its base. Relax or swim in the cool waters before lunch. In the afternoon, follow the lava trails around the base of the Arenal Volcano, formed by the lava flow of the 1968 eruption. The hike provides extraordinary views of the Arenal Volcano and Monteverde mountains, and the chance to spot flora and fauna and enjoy some birdwatching. Day 8: La Fortuna to Monteverde B/L/D Travel to Monteverde, a small community located at the top of the Tilaran Mountain Range that boasts spectacularly diverse cloud forest reserves. On arrival, enjoy an afternoon at leisure. Day 9: Monteverde B/L/D A full-day observing Monteverde’s natural beauty starts with a tour along the towering treetop walkways and suspension bridges of the Sky Adventure Park. In the afternoon, gain insight into Costa Rica’s greatest agricultural produce. Learn more about the wonderful world of coffee before a chocolate-making session and taste the region’s cacao beans. A sugarcane demonstration follows, allowing you to extract sugarcane juice the traditional way before enjoying a glass of fresh juice and pieces of cane. Day 10: Monteverde to Rincon de la Vieja B/L/D Travel to Rincon de la Vieja, home to a majestic volcano, and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. Day 11: Rincon de la Vieja B/L/D Set out on today’s tour of Rincon de la Vieja National Park, dominated by two active volcanoes. Friendly ranch horses will carry you on a 45-minute journey to the Las Pailas entrance of the Rincon de la Vieja National Park. Meaning ‘The Cauldrons’ in Spanish, the Las Pailas area shows off the awesome power of the Rincon de la Vieja Volcano, and you’ll witness steam and sulphur pouring out of the ground while nearby pools bubble with hot volcanic water. Ride to a nearby canyon then walk along a short trail to the base of the canyon where Oropendola Waterfall plunges into a turquoise pool. After a relaxing swim and time at the waterfall, travel back to your hotel on horseback. Day 12: Rincon de la Vieja to Punta Leona B/L/D Journey to Punta Leona, a protected nature reserve located on the gorgeous Central Pacific coast of Costa Rica, where the rest of the day is at leisure. Day 13: Punta Leona B/L/D Discover the extraordinary variety of Punta Leona’s flora and fauna on a morning hike through the reserve. Don’t forget your binoculars - over 330 species of birds are resident in the area. Next, immerse yourself in the butterfly gardens where you’ll learn about their particular way of living in this ecosystem before viewing the vivid array of butterflies housed in this sanctuary. Day 14: Punta Leona to San José B/L/D Enjoy the morning at leisure in Punta Leona. After lunch, travel to San José for your overnight night before, your early flight the following morning or continue to your chosen extension. Day 15: San José to the UK B Transfer to the airport for your early return flight. San José Squirrel Monkey Butterfly gardens, Punta Leona La Fortuna Meal plan: All meals daily Accommodation: San José, 4 H Crowne Plaza Corobici Puerto Viejo de Limon, 4 H Namuwoki Lodge Sarapiquí, 3 H Selva Verde Lodge La Fortuna, 4 H Arenal Manoa Monteverde, 4 H El Establo Rincon de la Vieja, 3 H Hacienda Guachipelin Punta Leona, 3 H Punta Leona Beach Hotel Flights: London Gatwick to Costa Rica with United Airlines Tour pace: Intermediate Departures & from prices 22 Apr 23 £4,299 17 Feb 24 £4,749 6 May 23 £3,799 9 Mar 24 £4,749 3 Jun 23 £3,999 20 Apr 24 £4,449 15 Jul 23 £4,699 4 May 24 £3,899 9 Sep 23 £3,899 1 Jun 24 £3,999 21 Oct 23 £3,999 13 Jul 24 £4,799 25 Nov 23 £4,099 7 Sep 24 £4,199 6 Jan 24 £4,749 19 Oct 24 £4,299 13 Jan 24 £5,099 23 Nov 24 £4,349 3 Feb 24 £4,949 • A single supplement starts from just £929 • Tipping paid locally $45 Extend your tour Manuel Antonio beach stay*, 3 nights, B&B 4 H from £559 or 5 H from £619 . 4 nights, B&B 4 H from £649 or 5 H from £759 Punta Leona beach stay*, 3 H B&B, 3 nights from £399 or 4 nights from £429 Tortuguero Mini Tour*, 4 nights from £609 or 5 nights from £689 *4 night extensions valid for selected departures only Private Tour Upgrade Upgrade to a private tour to include your own guide and transport, plus your choice of departure date from £1,289 South America 97 Hundreds more escorted tours are available on our website www.mercuryholidays.co.uk