Classic Costa Rica

There's something for everyone in this two-week Classic Costa Rica holiday: captivating wildlife, photogenic scenery, a wide choice of activities and ample chill time on the coast. This trip appeals to adults and children alike, is perfect for couples and also for groups of friends. In short, it's a true classic!

Costa Rica is famous for its plentiful and varied plant and animal life and is widely regarded as one of the most bio-diverse countries on the planet. You get to see why on this holiday. Cruise on the canals and waterways of Tortuguero by the Caribbean coast, home to caiman, otters, crocodiles, turtles, herons and kingfishers, get up close and personal with birds and monkeys in the rainforest from hanging bridges, and explore the misty, other-worldly cloud forest with its orchids, giant ferns, hummingbirds, butterflies and frogs. In each location there's an expert naturalist guide whose knowledge is invaluable in building your understanding and appreciation of all you see.

There is plenty of scope for adventure. Thrill-seekers who crave some pulse-racing action such as mountain biking, zip-lining through the forest, abseiling down a waterfall or white water rafting will be in their element. Those who prefer something more sedate can ride a gondola to the top of Arenal and back again, go for nature walks, visit butterfly and hummingbird gardens and explore on horseback. On the coast, there's time for swimming, snorkelling, diving and sailing. We've included plenty of free time, too, so if you feel like relaxing by the pool or enjoying a spa treatment, that's perfectly possible, too.

Good quality, rather than luxury, hotels and lodges, and shared transfers make this holiday excellent value for money, and for the beach stay you can choose between Bosque del Mar on Playa Hermosa and Hotel Capitan Suizo in Tamarindo, both on the north Pacific coast, and Si Como No in Manuel Antonio, to round off this lovely holiday.