DESTINATIONS COSTA RICA | ESCORTED TOURS


go for an optional swimming excursion at La Fortuna Waterfall. Instead, I remain on the peaceful hotel terrace. While there, I suddenly see prehistoric-looking iguanas crawling into view, before soaking up the sun on the grassy banks. It’s a special moment. Continuing west to the shore


of Lake Arenal, the view of the Arenal Volcano is exceptional. This 1,633-metre-high cone is one of Costa Rica’s five active volcanoes, though the lava flows ceased in 2010. Surrounded by


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Just You’s 12-day Real Costa Rica tour, accompanied by a Just You holiday director and specialist local tour guide, takes in Puerto Viejo de Limon, Tortuguero National Park and Muelle de San Carlos. Prices start from £5,049 from January to November and include return flights from Gatwick to San José, transfers, 10 nights in three or four-star hotels and jungle lodges, a welcome drink and select meals. justyou.co.uk


hot springs, it’s the perfect place in which to enjoy a thermal bath. Before our return flight we end on another highlight, taking the humid trail through Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park. The suspended walkways over the rainforest canopy swing disconcertingly as we cross, but it’s an otherworldly experience that brings together adventure, nature and wildlife. Trees soar skywards searching for light, while leafcutter ants march past clutching snippets of vegetation for their nests. Yes, this is true pura vida.


TW


TOP: Arenal is one of five active volcanoes in Costa Rica BOTTOM: the country is home to exotic wildlife, including iguanas PICTURES: Beverley Watts


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8 JANUARY 2026


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