Day 1: To San Jose
Fly to San Jose with United Airlines via the US. Transfer to the Ramada Plaza Herradura for 2 nights. (N)

Day 2: San Jose
Morning tour of the Doka estate's coffee plantations on the slopes of the Poas volcano. After lunch, take a short panoramic tour of the city centre. (B, L)

Day 3: To Tortuguero
Take a shared overland transfer to Caño Blanco on the Caribbean coast. Cruise through the canals and backwaters that lead to Tortuguero, looking for birdlife, monkeys, sloths and other wildlife en route. Stay at Mawamba Lodge for 2 nights. (B, L, D)

Day 4: Tortuguero
A full-day of shared local excursions in Tortuguero. From July to September, an option is available to observe turtles nesting on the beach. (B, L, D)

Day 5: To Sarapiqu & Arenal
Return to Caño Blanco by boat and drive to Arenal visiting La Selva Biological Station en route. Learn about the scientific and conservation work of the researchers and take a short walk in the protected rainforest surroundings. Stay 2 nights at the Mountain Paradise Hotel, which has tropical gardens and views of the Arenal volcano. (B, L)

Day 6: Arenal
Full-day tour to Caño Negro, an important wetland habitat for a range of bird species. Optional evening visit to the hot springs. (B, L)

Day 7: To Monteverde
Take a shared boat across Lake Arenal, taking in the spectacular views of the lake and its surroundings. Continue through the green mountains to Monteverde for 2 nights at the Monteverde Country Lodge. Afternoon visit to the Selvatura Butterfly Garden & Walkways and explore the treetop canopy from its hanging bridges. (B)

Day 8: Monteverde
Morning tour of the Monteverde cloud forest, a habitat for rare flora and fauna, such as the quetzal. Afternoon at leisure or take one of the optional excursions on offer, including the Santa Elena Reserve. (B)

Day 9: To San Jose
Return to San Jose via the town of Sarchi, home to traditional handicrafts and colourfully painted ox carts. Stay overnight at the Wyndham San Jose Herradura Hotel. (B)

Day 10: To London
Transfer to the airport for a flight to the US and on to London with United Airlines. (B)

Day 11: London
Morning arrival. (N)

Meal Basis: (B) = Breakfast, (L) = Lunch, (D) = Dinner, (N) = No Meals

Wyndham San Jose Herradura Hotel, San Jose
The Wyndham San Jose Herradura Hotel (formerly Ramada Plaza Herradura) is 15 minutes' drive from the centre of San Jose and only 8km from the international airport. The hotel offers 229 well-appointed rooms, tropical gardens and a range of facilities, including freeform pools, a sauna and massage centre and three restaurants.

Mawamba Lodge, Tortuguero
Mawamba is a 15 acre beachfront lodge offering views of the canals. It is the ideal hideaway for nature lovers. Two family style restaurants serve international and local cuisine and the pool-bar is surrounded by beautiful gardens where you can enjoy exotic tropical cocktails. The lodge facilities include, swimming pool, relaxation areas with hammocks and rocking chairs, nature trails, beach access and a conference room, where lectures on Tortuguero natural history and videos are presented daily.

Mountain Paradise Hotel, Arenal
Located a few minutes from the town of La Fortuna, the Mountain Paradise Hotel is perched on a hilltop overlooking the Arenal Volcano. The 40 bungalow rooms are set amongst extensive gardens and offer comfort, modern conveniences, rainforest showers and private porches. The semi-open restaurant serves regional and international cuisine and boasts uninterrupted views of the volcano.

Monteverde Country Lodge, Monteverde
Located just 10 minutes from the Monteverde Reserve, the Monteverde Country Lodge is a cosy rustic-style property decorated in natural woods and featuring simple yet comfortable rooms with modern conveniences. Facilities include a restaurant, laundry service and free wireless internet access.