Costa Rica Adventure with Tortuguero and Guanacaste Extensions
Costa Rica Adventure with Tortuguero and Guanacaste Extensions
Costa Rica Adventure with Tortuguero and Guanacaste Extensions
12 Days Starting in San Jose, Costa Rica and ending in Liberia, Costa Rica
Visiting: San José, Tortuguero, Monteverde, Arenal, Guanacaste Province, Guanacaste
Tour operator:
Tour code:
VRIGTZN20
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on a thrilling Costa Rica Adventure with Tortuguero and Guanacaste Extensions, where you'll explore the vibrant landscapes and rich biodiversity of this Central American gem. Begin your journey in San José, the cultural heart of Costa Rica, before venturing into the lush canals of Tortuguero, home to the Western Hemisphere's largest rookery for Green Turtles. Experience the misty allure of Monteverde's Cloud Forest and the geothermal wonders of Arenal Volcano National Park. Traverse the Arenal Hanging Bridges for a unique 'sky walk' and unwind in natural hot springs. Conclude your adventure on the sun-kissed beaches of Guanacaste, where you can relax or partake in optional excursions like a sunset cruise or zip-lining. With guided tours, local specialists, and a variety of accommodations, this tour offers an unforgettable blend of nature, culture, and relaxation.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive San José
Location: San José
Accommodation: Crowne Plaza San José Corobicí
Accommodation Name: Crowne Plaza San José Corobicí
Let the Pura Vida way of life take over as you arrive in Costa Rica's cultural capital, San Jose. Arriving today, settle into your hotel and then head out to explore. Trendy Barrio Amon offers a wonderful glimpse into the history of the city with vast colonial mansions converted into art galleries, whilst Barrio Escalante is the gastronomic epicenter and the best place to grab dinner. Please note that you will not meet your Travel Director until day 4.
Day 2: San José – Tortuguero
Location: Tortuguero
Accommodation: Pachira Lodge
Accommodation Name: Pachira Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Meet a local guide for your journey to Tortuguero today. Traveling to Guapiles this morning, you'll hop on board a boat bound for Tortuguero. A place only accessible by air or water, float through miles of protected canals and listen for the sounds of birdsong as you venture into the Parque National Tortuguero. After settling in, meet up with a Local Specialist for a wander around the bustling little village, learning about its Afro-Caribbean roots and why it lives up to the meaning of its name, 'turtle catcher'. Wildlife aficionados, the fact that you've just arrived at the Western Hemisphere's largest rookery for Green Turtles is a piece of knowledge probably not lost on you, and you'll be learning more about the green, leatherback and hawksbill turtles who nest in the park on a visit to the Green Turtle Research Station later today.
Day 3: Tortuguero Sightseeing And Free Time
Location: Tortuguero
Accommodation: Pachira Lodge
Accommodation Name: Pachira Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
You'll be up bright and early today to enjoy this beautiful region at its very best. You'll cruise the canals of the national park, keeping a keen eye out for jaguars, macaws, tapirs and over 300 different species of birds, whilst also enjoying the sensation of the park waking up for another day. This afternoon, join a Local Specialist for a guided jungle hike to discover the rare and beautiful flora and fauna of the region, as well as the conservation efforts currently being implemented to protect the region's delicate bio-diversity. Tonight, it's then the main event. Operating seasonally, opt to join a trip to watch a beautiful sea turtle laying her eggs on the beach. A real once in a lifetime experience, and a very special moment.
Day 4: Tortuguero – San Jose
Location: San José
Accommodation Name: Crowne Plaza San José Corobicí
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Waking to the sounds of the jungle, you'll travel back to San Jose today. En route you'll pass through Braulio Carrillo National Park, one of Costa Rica's most extensive national parks that covers a staggering 44,099 hectares and is home to seven diverse types of habitat. Arriving back into the capital, you'll meet up with your Travel Director and continue your Costa Rica Adventure.
Day 5: San José – Monteverde
Location: Monteverde
Accommodation: El Establo Mountain Hotel
Accommodation Name: El Establo Mountain
Meals Included: Breakfast
Tick off San José’s iconic sights with a quick sightseeing tour before traveling towards the creative little town of Sarchí. Seen as the cradle of Costa Rican artisanship, this is the place to buy intricate arts, crafts and souvenirs including the hand-painted and bright colored oxcart, the national symbol of Costa Rica. The journey continues through the Tilaran Mountain range listening for the collective “oohs” and “aahs” as you enter the mysterious and misty Cloud Forest.
Day 6: Monteverde Sightseeing And Free Time
Location: Monteverde
Accommodation: El Establo Mountain Hotel
Accommodation Name: El Establo Mountain
Meals Included: Breakfast
Step into another world on your Costa Rica value tour in the Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve. Learn about the thousands of plant and animal species that thrive in this area, many of which only exist right here, from your Travel Director. Keep your ears open for the sounds of hummingbirds, howler monkeys, sloths, toucans, and if you’re really lucky, the Quetzal bird. Leaving the forest on a nature high, you’ll have time to relax this afternoon, or choose from a selection of Choice Experiences, like the ‘El Trapiche’ tour, where you’ll get to visit sugarcane, banana, orange and coffee plantations.
Day 7: Monteverde – Arenal
Location: Arenal
Accommodation: Tilajari Hotel Resort and Conference Center
Accommodation Name: Arenal Montechiari
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Bubbling hot springs and geothermal activity, wildlife and of course the sleeping giant, Arenal Volcano, Arenal Volcano National Park is one of the jewels in Costa Rica’s crown. Boasting outdoor pools, a butterfly garden, botanical gardens and tame iguanas roaming the grounds.
Day 8: Arenal Full Day Sightseeing
Location: Arenal
Accommodation: Tilajari Hotel Resort and Conference Center
Accommodation Name: Arenal Montechiari
Meals Included: Breakfast
Best way to explore Arenal’s private reserve? On a guided hike, of course! Be astounded by leftover lava rocks and boulders and plunge through the forest for views of the volcano and Arenal Lake. Next up: Reach all new heights at Arenal Hanging Bridges Park. Join a Local Specialist for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience on a ‘sky walk’ through the jungle canopy. Keep your eyes peeled on the suspension bridges while spotting birdlife. To round off the day of your Costa Rica value tour, let your worries drift away over a dip at local hot springs before heading back to your resort.
Day 9: Arenal Sightseeing And Free Time
Location: Arenal
Accommodation: Tilajari Hotel Resort and Conference Center
Accommodation Name: Arenal Montechiari
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
If a tranquil river float and wildlife search sounds like you, you won’t want to miss this morning’s safari float down the Peñas Blancas River. Paired up with a Local Guide, you’ll love spotting monkeys, sloths, iguanas, caimans and tropical birds. Visit a local family, and learn how connected the people of Costa Rica are to their natural environment.
Day 10: Arenal – Guanacaste (2 Nights)
Location: Guanacaste Province
Accommodation: Wyndham Tamarindo
Accommodation Name: Wyndham Tamarindo
Meals Included: Breakfast
From tropical rainforests to golden beaches, it will be a complete change of scenery today as you travel towards the 'golden coast' in the northwest of Costa Rica, arriving into the province of Guanacaste. A region loved for its glorious beaches, biodiverse parklands and fun surf, there's no better place to spend a couple of days than on the sun drenched shores of Playa Tamarindo.
Day 11: Guanacaste Free Time
Location: Guanacaste
Accommodation: Wyndham Tamarindo
Accommodation Name: Wyndham Tamarindo
Meals Included: Breakfast
With an entirely free day, how you explore is completely up to you. Keep it low key with a book and a cold beer at your resort, or choose to join one of our choice experiences. Choose to explore Palo Verde National Park with an optional boat tour inside the park. Get a close view of the amazing habitat, where hundreds of species of birds, animals and trees coexist. If you would rather be by the coast, join our Sunset Cruise optional and discover exquisite beaches of white sand and blue-green waters. This tour is ideal for swimming in the calm waters, or for snorkeling amongst the coral. Our last optional, the Mega Combo, is for those who are looking for something more active. Enjoy Zip Lines, hiking and a ride along Costa Rica's longest water slide. Natural hot springs and volcanic mud bath in the middle of a beautiful forest will take you a new level of peace and relaxation to complete the picture. However you choose to explore today, make sure you spend this evening surrounded by new friends, toasting to a final Costa Rican sunset.
Day 12: Depart Guanacaste
Location: Guanacaste
Meals Included: Breakfast
Perhaps you will catch the sunrise and enjoy a final dip in the sea before your trip comes to an end after breakfast. Depart at leisure to the airport and then onto to your respective corner of the world, we wish you a safe journey and look forward to seeing you again some time soon!
What's Included
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Meals
The tour includes 11 breakfasts, 4 dinners, and 3 lunches.
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Accommodation
Accommodation is provided at various hotels including Crowne Plaza San José Corobicí, Pachira Lodge, El Establo Mountain Hotel, Tilajari Hotel Resort and Conference Center, and Wyndham Tamarindo.
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Guided Tours
Guided tours and local specialists are included for various activities such as hiking, wildlife spotting, and exploring local crafts.
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Transportation
Transportation between locations including boat rides and coach transfers is included.
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Entrance Fees
Entrance fees to national parks and reserves such as Tortuguero National Park, Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve, and Arenal Volcano National Park are included.
What's Not Included
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and must be purchased separately.
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Optional Experiences
Optional experiences such as the 'El Trapiche' tour, Palo Verde National Park boat tour, Sunset Cruise, and Mega Combo activities are not included.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
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International Flights
International flights to and from Costa Rica are not included.
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Gratuities
Gratuities for guides, drivers, and hotel staff are not included.
Dining Summary
11 Breakfast (B)4 Lunch (L)4 Dinner (D)
Essentials
Enjoy an orientation tour in the capital city of Costa Rica and explore Sarchi, the arts and crafts capital, famed for its intricately painted oxcartsHike with your Travel Director who offers insights into the region's unique bird and wildlife ecosystemsEnjoy trails and suspension bridges, hike along lava trails through Mirador 1968, a private reserve, located adjacent to Volcano Arenal National Park and take a scenic float trip safari with your Local SpecialistEnjoy beautiful beaches and sunFloat through miles of protected canals as you venture into the Parque Nacional de Tortuguero
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of transportation is used during the tour?
The tour includes travel by coach, boat, and a safari float trip, with scenic drives through national parks and mountain ranges, and a boat journey to Tortuguero.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
Yes, the tour includes 11 breakfasts, 4 dinners, and 3 lunches.
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What types of accommodations are provided during the tour?
Accommodations are provided at various hotels including Crowne Plaza San José Corobicí, Pachira Lodge, El Establo Mountain Hotel, Tilajari Hotel Resort and Conference Center, and Wyndham Tamarindo.
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Are entrance fees to attractions included in the tour?
Yes, entrance fees to national parks and reserves such as Tortuguero National Park, Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve, and Arenal Volcano National Park are included.
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Is travel insurance included in the tour package?
No, travel insurance is not included and must be purchased separately.
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What optional experiences are available during the tour?
Optional experiences include the 'El Trapiche' tour, Palo Verde National Park boat tour, Sunset Cruise, and Mega Combo activities, which are not included in the tour package.
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What wildlife might I see during the tour?
During the tour, you may see jaguars, macaws, tapirs, over 300 different species of birds, monkeys, sloths, iguanas, caimans, and tropical birds.
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What unique experiences does the tour offer in Arenal?
In Arenal, the tour offers a guided hike through a private reserve with views of the volcano and Arenal Lake, a 'sky walk' through the jungle canopy at Arenal Hanging Bridges Park, and a visit to local hot springs.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
The beauty and joy of taking a guided vacation with Costsaver is that you get to meet, travel and make friends with people from all over the world.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Costsaver is part of The Travel Corporation, which has been in business for over 100 years.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Costsaver is proud to be a founding partner of the TreadRight Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation started in 2008. To date the charity has donated over US$2 million to assist underprivileged communities and support sustainable tourism initiatives around the globe.
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Low Deposit
Costsaver requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of costsaver charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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