Wild Costa Rica and Ecuador
Experience amazing wildlife encounters with creatures in their natural habitat. This breathtaking luxury tour blends local knowledge with elegant accommodation. Take in the flora and fauna of Costa Rica and Ecuador’s Galapagos Islands. Dive into the wilderness and get up close and personal with the most introverted members of the animal kingdom.
Journey highlights
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Ride the rapids with a white-water rafting trip to Pacuare Lodge deep in the Costa Rican rainforest. With limited electricity, this lantern-lit tropical idyll offers the perfect combination of relaxation and adventure activities.
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Go scouting for turtles, sloths, monkeys, and frogs in Tortuguero National Park. Climb aboard a boat to cruise the canals and waterways and embark on day and night hikes with specialist naturalist guides.
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Embrace the culture of the charming Ecuadorian capital, Quito with a stroll around the UNESCO-listed Old Town. Sit in shady plazas, admire historic churches, visit traditional artisan shops, indulge in a chocolate tasting session, and stroll the cobbled streets.
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Immerse yourself in the bird, marine, wildlife and volcanic landscapes of the other-worldly Galapagos Islands on a fabulous cruise. Enjoy comfortable accommodation and the services of two naturalist guides.
- Wild itinerary:Our Wild Journeys focus on wildlife encounters in their natural habitat, with expert guides and premium accommodation
Our tailor made journeys include:
- Your dedicated Travel Consultant who will take care of arrangements
- Private international airport transfers in destination
- Your own private, English-speaking local guides
- Unique experiences, hand-picked by our Journeys team
- Entrance to must-see local sites
- Dedicated 24/7 team providing in-country support and guidance
- Complimentary access to My Scott Dunn – industry-leading travel app providing pre-departure information and in-journey support
When to visit
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Year round destination, although November to April are the best months for sunshine. The ‘Green’ season, from May to October, is a good time to visit: it’s sunny in the mornings with rain in the afternoons. The quietest period is April to early June. The rain can be particularly strong in September and October.
Rafting is possible all year round, though the river might be slightly colder during the green season.
Itinerary
Turrialba and Pacuare, Costa Rica
Today the adventure ramps up a notch, with a thrilling white water rafting journey along the Pacuare River to Pacuare Lodge, deep within the tropical rainforest. After an early hotel pick up, you will be transferred through the countryside to meet your guide at the setting off point. Following a safety session and introduction to white water rafting, you will climb aboard the inflatable raft for the 90-minute journey through glorious jungle scenery, across rushing rapids and past cascading waterfalls, as colourful parrots and toucans fly overhead.
One of our favourite lodges in Costa Rica, Pacuare Lodge offers a wonderful combination of adrenalin inducing activities and exotic relaxation. A luxury eco lodge, this unique jungle hideaway is set deep into the rainforest, along the riverbank. The palm thatched-roof, hardwood built main lodge, suites, and villas, have been constructed to blend harmoniously into the natural landscape.
Expect King-size canopy beds with mosquito nets, hardwood floors, veranda with hammock, indoor and outdoor showers with solar-heated water and limited electricity. Candles, lanterns and striking original art created by the local Cabécar tribe all add to the magical atmosphere. Some villas include their own spring-fed infinity pools, suspension bridge entrance, and riverside dining platform.
The staff at the lodge are welcoming and friendly, and there is a range of activities to enjoy. These include jungle hikes to nearby waterfalls, ziplining, birdwatching, visits to the local Cabécar community, horse riding, canopy tours, canyoning, and endless fun on the river. Back at the lodge, guests can enjoy the shared swimming pool, play board games in the lounge, or relax with a massage in the spa. Wi-Fi is available in some of the communal areas and batteries can be charged in reception.
Sustainable tourism is at the heart of Pacuare, and the lodge minimises its environmental impact with several initiatives including solar-powered water and its work with local Cabécar communities.
Accommodation: Pacuare Lodge ( 3 nights )
Tortuguero, Caribbean Coast, Costa Rica
On your final morning at Pacuare, you will return to San José for a flight to Costa Rica’s northeast Caribbean coast, for a three-night excursion to Tortuguero National Park. Meaning ‘Land of the Turtles,’ Tortuguero boasts an extensive network of lagoons and creeks, surrounded by rugged beaches and lush rainforest. It is celebrated for the green sea turtles that congregate there each year and with more than 300 resident and migratory species of bird, it is a haven for birders.
For the following three nights you will stay at Tortuga Lodge, a river lodge situated in 50 acres of private nature reserve bordering Tortuguero National Park. With just 29 simple, but spacious and tastefully decorated rooms, the lodge is small enough to ensure a warm and personal service. Tortuga also features a swimming pool surrounded by hammocks, extensive plantation-style gardens featuring palms and orchids, and a fabulous Caribbean restaurant.
The guiding and excursions on offer at Tortugua are excellent. The wildlife spotting treks through the forest, guided boat trips, and nocturnal expeditions, all offer a chance to see a variety of bird and wildlife in their natural habitat. From colourful toucans and macaws in the treetops, monkeys swinging through the branches, sloths hanging from the trees, caiman gliding across the waters and glistening poison-dart frogs hugging the tree trunks, it’s a fabulous wildlife display. Guests can also take a guided hike up to the Cerro Tortuguero for fabulous views over the Caribbean lowlands, pay a visit to Tortuguero Village to learn about its history and culture and enjoy a chocolate tasting experience.
The nearby beaches are important nesting sites for green sea turtles and one of the main attractions of Tortuguero between July and October, is to take a guided night-time walk along a moonlit beach in search of turtles and eggs.
Accommodation: Tortuga Lodge ( 3 nights )
Quito, Ecuador
On your final morning, you will be transferred back to San José for a flight to the Ecuadorian capital, Quito. This handsome colonial city has one of the largest and best-preserved Old Towns in South America and has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For the following two nights you will stay at the charming Casa Gangotena Hotel, a luxury boutique property housed in a beautifully restored 18th century mansion. Conveniently located in Old Town, the hotel is a wonderful base from which to explore the cultural delights of the city.
One of Quito’s major attractions is the Old Town, a picturesque maze of cobbled streets, pretty plazas, grand churches and convents, traditional artisan shops, chocolate tasting workshops, whitewashed buildings, and vibrant markets. Another highlight is the chance to get a bird’s eye view of Quito and the surrounding volcanoes, which can be achieved by riding the cable car El Teleférico (known locally as TelefériQo) up the slope of the dormant Volcán Pichincha, or by climbing up to the glorious La Virgen del Panecillo statue which overlooks the city.
For those with the time and energy, another landmark attraction is the Equatorial Monument. Around 45-minutes north of Quito and with a latitude of 0º, visitors can literally stand in the Middle of the World, with a foot in each hemisphere. The monument is also home to the Ethnographic Museum where you can learn more about the history, geography, and peoples of the region.
Accommodation: Casa Gangotena ( 2 nights )
Galapagos, Ecuador
This morning another superlative wildlife opportunity awaits, as you set off for the short flight to the Galapagos Islands. These magical islands offer a bird, marine and wildlife experience like no other and the other-worldly volcanic landscapes make a wonderful backdrop to one of the greatest wildlife shows on earth.
For the following five nights, you will live aboard the Infinity Galapagos Yacht. This luxurious boat sleeps up to 20 guests in contemporary cabins with ensuite bathrooms, air conditioning, ample storage space and private balconies providing sweeping views. There are plenty of stylish social areas to relax, including a lounge, restaurant and bar, al fresco dining opportunities, and a top deck furnished with loungers, hot tub, and barbeque area.
The boat has two naturalist guides, a cruise director and provides wetsuits, snorkelling equipment, and kayaks for the use of guests. The itinerary combines both land and sea excursions, allowing you to explore many of the different islands and to enjoy various wildlife encounters. Snorkel and swim with playful sea lions, penguins, dolphins, hammerhead sharks, huge manta rays and numerous colourful reef fish. Look overhead to spot the 13 species of endemic finches, blue-footed boobies, and waved albatross and explore the volcanic landscapes meeting the giant tortoises, prehistoric iguanas, and bright pink flamingos along the way.
With little human contact over thousands of years, the wildlife here has never learned to fear humans, making them notoriously tame. This allows visitors to get up close and personal to these incredible creatures. The volcanic landscapes are equally spectacular, and you will also enjoy the chance to trek smoking lava fields, see active volcanoes and crater lakes, as well as snorkel the lava tubes.
Accommodation: Infinity Galapagos Yacht ( 5 nights )
Guayaquil, Ecuador
At the end of your Galapagos adventure, you will be flown to Guayaquil on the Ecuadorian mainland, for your final night in South America. Staying in the elegant boutique Hotel del Parque, this is your last opportunity to enjoy the natural beauty, culture, and hospitality of this stunning part of the world. The hotel is housed in a former 19th century catholic hospice and has been beautifully restored, fusing original features with contemporary chic. Overlooking the Daule River and colourful botanic gardens, the property is within the Parque Historico and guests can access the nature trails and wildlife sanctuary even when closed to the public.
Finally, after a chance to reflect on all your incredible adventures and wildlife encounters, it is time to make the journey home.
Accommodation: Hotel del Parque ( 1 night )
Call us on 020 3930 4802 to start planning your holiday.
Price Guide: ( based on double occupancy and includes international flights)
| Departing |
Price from*
|
Deposit from * | Enquire |
|---|---|---|---|
| December 2024 | GBP £14,000 | GBP £2,100 | plan your trip |
| January 2025 | GBP £14,000 | GBP £2,100 | plan your trip |
| February 2025 | GBP £14,000 | GBP £2,100 | plan your trip |
| March 2025 | GBP £14,000 | GBP £2,100 | plan your trip |
| April 2025 | GBP £14,000 | GBP £2,100 | plan your trip |
| May 2025 | GBP £13,500 | GBP £2,000 | plan your trip |
| June 2025 | GBP £13,500 | GBP £2,000 | plan your trip |
| July 2025 | GBP £14,000 | GBP £2,100 | plan your trip |
| August 2025 | GBP £14,000 | GBP £2,100 | plan your trip |
| September 2025 | GBP £12,900 | GBP £1,900 | plan your trip |
| October 2025 | GBP £12,900 | GBP £1,900 | plan your trip |
| November 2025 | GBP £13,500 | GBP £2,000 | plan your trip |
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December 2024
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £14,000
Deposit from*GBP £2,100
-
January 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £14,000
Deposit from*GBP £2,100
-
February 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £14,000
Deposit from*GBP £2,100
-
March 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £14,000
Deposit from*GBP £2,100
-
April 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £14,000
Deposit from*GBP £2,100
-
May 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £13,500
Deposit from*GBP £2,000
-
June 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £13,500
Deposit from*GBP £2,000
-
July 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £14,000
Deposit from*GBP £2,100
-
August 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £14,000
Deposit from*GBP £2,100
-
September 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £12,900
Deposit from*GBP £1,900
-
October 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £12,900
Deposit from*GBP £1,900
-
November 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £13,500
Deposit from*GBP £2,000
- plan your trip