Costa Rica
Find your Sanctuary!
Journey Latin America
Based in London, Journey Latin America started out in 1980 as a two-man, one-telephone operation which swiftly grew to a company of over 60 employees, all sharing their founders passion and ethos of sustainable and responsible tourism. Now, more than 40 years on, we still live and breathe Latin America and are the UK’s foremost and best-established specialists in travel to the region. From Mexico to the furthest tip of Patagonia (and even beyond to Antarctica) we offer the most extensive and innovative range of holidays from tailor-made escapes to escorted group tours. Every one of our staff have lived, worked or travelled extensively throughout Latin America and as you’ll quickly discover, have an unrivalled knowledge of the region, and a passion for sharing it.
Why Journey Latin America
We are the UK’s No.1 specialist in travel to Latin America. When you travel with us, you gain access to over 40 years of experience and expertise, as well as a friendly team of travel experts who all have extensive first-hand knowledge of Costa Rica and a passion for sharing it.
97% of clients rated their experience with us as Excellent or Good. We are fully bonded and registered with ATOL, ABTA and AITO, meaning that all of our holidays include full financial protection. Plus whilst you are away you will also have access to a 24/7 emergency UK helpline.
We are an award-winning tour operator and strive to operate responsibly in everything we do, by creating authentic, sustainable holidays which have a positive impact on the people, places and wildlife that we promote.
Our Pura Vida Pledge
Providing authentic experiences, promoting responsible travel and developing worldwide relationships are all part of our vision for sustainable tourism. We at Journey Latin America love the continent that we send our travellers to and have always endeavoured to protect its incredible places and operate responsibly in everything we do. Over the years we have supported many charitable initiatives and currently work with the LATA Foundation who have projects throughout Latin America. We also strive to use eco-friendly accommodation, support local wildlife initiatives and employ local guides to ensure that benefits from tourism filter down to local communities.
Journey Latin America's top tips for Costa Rica
Rincon de la Vieja National Park is a little bit off the beaten track and completely unlike the rest of the country. If you’re looking for a break from the rainforest and want to see colourful volcanic landscapes and bubbling mud pools, this is the place for you.
Kathryn Rhodes
Visit Rio Tarcoles for the crocodiles. You’ll take a boat trip down the river to see these enormous creatures which grow up to four metres long. Used to seeing much smaller caimans in most of Latin America, the size of these reptiles is really impressive (and a little scary!).
Hannah Waterhouse
For Costa Rica, naturalist guides are such an important part of your holiday. You’ll be amazed at what they can spot amongst the thick foliage, what you’ll learn and the unique experiences they will open up to you. And don’t be shy to ask them questions!
Evie Oswald
Travel with Journey Latin America
Self Drive Costa Rica: Coast to Coast Adventures
With a comprehensive road network, Costa Rica is ideal for independent exploration by car. With time to stop and explore your destination at your leisure, this action-packed holiday visits off-the-beaten-track national parks with a backdrop of volcanoes, mangroves and jungle. Begin your adventure among the mangrove forests of the wildlife-filled Tortuguero reserve. Discover the mysterious bird-filled cloud forest with its misty landscape of ferns and orchids, scramble over hanging bridges suspended over waterfalls and forest in the shadow of Arenal volcano and end your visit relaxing on a Pacific beach.
Explore and Relax in Costa Rica: Volcanoes to the Beach
Stay in gorgeous countryside properties and eco-lodges whilst enjoying guided excursions of Costa Rica’s volcanic landscapes and bird-filled cloud forest before relaxing at a top Pacific beach resort. Begin your adventure with a couple of days exploring the beautiful landscapes in the shadow of the picture-perfect Arenal Volcano. Move on to discover the rich bird and animal life in the Monteverde cloud forest, before travelling to the Pacific coast to stay at a beach resort on the Nicoya Peninsula for a few days’ rest and relaxation.
Costa Rica Wildlife Discovery
On this wildlife-focused holiday you explore the Caribbean jungle channels and mangrove forests of the Tortuguero reserve; bathe in naturally heated thermal springs in the shadow of the picture-perfect Arenal volcano, and cruise through wetlands sheltering thousands of migrating birds. Head on to explore the little-visited but bird-prolific Bosque de Paz cloud forest reserve. Finally, move on to the Pacific coast and another wildlife experience at a jungle lodge on the remote Osa Peninsula where you will also have the chance to spot whales and dolphins.
Tanagar: Flora and Fauna of Costa Rica
This guided small group tour combines Costa Rica’s natural highlights with a few up and coming destinations. Accompanied by local guides, you’ll visit the national park at Tortuguero where you will enjoy a boat trip through the wildlife-rich mangroves. From here you will head to the Monteverde cloud forest, a haven for birdlife and onwards to explore tropical Sarapiqui and the turquoise pools and sparkling waterfalls of Rio Celeste where you will stay at an eco-lodge. Finally spend time at Carara, a coastal reserve famed for its scarlet macaws and the huge crocodiles which lurk in the mangroves.
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