4. COSTA RICA & NICARAGUA From surfing in San Juan del Sur and Caribbean capers in Cahuita and Tortuguero, to
rainforest rafting at Pacuare Lodge and wildlife spotting in Monteverde or Arenal, this trip packs an experiential punch
Green iguana, Costa Rica
Forest Reserve exploring the extensive walking trails, zip-lines and canopy walks.
Nicaragua Head north to Nicaragua and the laid-back Pacific resort of San Juan del Sur. Various operators in town offer trips to local surf beaches. Next up, the lake island of Ometepe, a few
hours’ drive north. Nicaragua is known as the land of lakes and volcanoes, and the disarmingly pretty island of Ometepe, in the vast Lake Cocibolca, accessed by boat from San Jorge, is dominated by two of them.
ITINERAR Y
Rainforest rafting Stay overnight in San José, Costa Rica’s centrally located capital, before transferring east to the wonderful Pacuare Lodge for your first rainforest adventure, completing the journey with a rafting trip.
Caribbean capers Head southeast to Cahuita, an 80-mile drive. Cahuita’s white-sand palm-fringed beaches are truly idyllic and there’s excellent coral reef snorkelling to be had, while guided tours of the national park promise wildlife such as sloths and armadillos. From Cahuita, continue north up the coast to Tortuguero
National Park, taking a shuttle to Moin and completing the journey by boat rather than driving the whole route. Tortuguero is famed for its jungly waterways, ripe for wildlife spotting, with nearby beaches supporting nesting turtles.
Volcano vs cloud forest Head inland now for two nights around Arenal, staying near the town of La Fortuna. Big draws include hiking the national park with its perfectly shaped volcano, navigating the Arenal Hanging Bridges, and enjoying the local hot springs, with free geothermal soaks on offer in the local river. If it’s more wildlife you’re after, spend both nights in Monteverde Cloud
Colonial times Continuing north to reach Granada. This pretty colonial gem, founded in 1524, has a strong tourism infrastructure, backed by the drinking and dining strip of Calle de Calzada as well as activities such as chocolate- making workshops and cigar rolling. Leaving Granada, drive up to Masaya to
peer into the volcano’s crater en route to colonial León. León is considered the country’s intellectual centre — it’s awash with political murals, crumbling buildings and lively street stalls.
H OW T O D O I T
Travelsphere’s 16-day Costa Rica and Nicaragua tour starts from £2,649 including flights.
travelsphere.co.uk
Tortuguero National Park, Costa Rica
34 L ATIN AMERICA TRAVEL TRENDS
IMAGES: Getty
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76
