Gardens of Costa Rica
8th Feb 2026
Key Highlights
- The imposing volcano of Arenal
- Exploring the cloud forest at Monteverde
- Spotting subtropical wildlife in the Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge
- CATIE Botanical Gardens home to a wide variety of tropical plants from around the world
Summary
The term biodiversity may have been coined with Costa Rica in mind, such is the range of different species within its pristine, tropical forests. Throw in some spectacular scenery and resplendently laid-back citizens, and you have all the makings of a life-affirming holiday experience.
Visit a broad range of gardens both public and private, such as the Else Kientzler Botanical Gardens with its world-class collection of plants. At the Monteverde Cloud Reserve we will see some of the 100 mammals, 400 bird species and more than 2,500 varieties of plants that thrive here, including, if we are lucky, the famously elusive resplendent quetzal.
What's included
- Accommodation
- Meals - as per the itinerary
- London pre-flight Executive lounge access
- Comfortable coach travel throughout
- All visits as outlined in the itinerary
- Services of a professional tour manager & local guides
Meet your tour manager
Julia Corden
Julia has been leading tours for Brightwater Holidays for over 25 years. To all corners of the world from Tropical rain forests to High alpine Meadows. Julia was trained in Horticulture at RHS Gardens, Wisley and at the Royal Botanic Gardens Edinburgh and has a wealth of knowledge on all types of plants, animals and birds. Julia is now a Horticultural Consultant and Botanical/ Garden Tour Guide.
Day by Day Itinerary
Enjoy access to the airport Executive lounge before we fly from London to San José, the capital city of Costa Rica. Upon arrival in San José, we will be met by our coach and local guide and transferred to our accommodation, the Bougainvillea Hotel in Santo Domingo de Heredia, a few miles to the north of San José. The hotel is set within 10 acres of lush tropical garden and has a secluded outdoor swimming pool and sauna.
Meals includedIn-flight, Dinner
Departure Routes
| Location | Pickup Time | Dropoff Time |
|---|---|---|
| London Airport | 00:00 | |
| San Jose Airport | 00:00 |
** Please note that all timings are approximate and subject to change. Final timings and pick-up points will be confirmed with your joining instructions approximately 10 days prior to departure. **
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