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
Visiting: San José, Tortuguero, Monteverde, Arenal, Guanacaste Province, Guanacaste
Tour operator:
Tour code:
VRIGTAN20
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on a captivating 12-day journey through Costa Rica, starting in the vibrant capital of San José. Discover the lush landscapes of Tortuguero, where you'll explore protected canals and learn about the region's rich Afro-Caribbean heritage. Experience the enchanting Monteverde Cloud Forest, home to unique flora and fauna, before heading to the iconic Arenal Volcano National Park. Here, enjoy a guided hike and a thrilling 'sky walk' at the Arenal Hanging Bridges Park, supporting sustainable tourism. Relax in the hot springs and take a tranquil safari float on the Peñas Blancas River. Conclude your adventure on the sun-kissed beaches of Guanacaste, with opportunities for snorkeling, zip-lining, and exploring the stunning Palo Verde National Park. This tour offers a perfect blend of nature, culture, and relaxation, ensuring an unforgettable Costa Rican experience.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive San José
Location: San José
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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 Province
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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Accommodation
Stay at Crowne Plaza San José Corobicí, Pachira Lodge, El Establo Mountain, Arenal Montechiari, and Wyndham Tamarindo during the tour.
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Meals
Enjoy 11 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 4 dinners included in the tour.
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Guided Tours
Join guided tours with local specialists in Tortuguero, Monteverde, and Arenal.
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Transportation
Travel by boat to Tortuguero and enjoy scenic drives through Costa Rica.
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Activities
Participate in activities such as hiking, wildlife spotting, and visiting the Green Turtle Research Station.
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Make Travel Matter Experience
Visit Arenal Hanging Bridges Park, supporting sustainability and United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
What's Not Included
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Travel Director Meeting
You will not meet your Travel Director until day 4 of the tour.
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Optional Activities
Optional activities such as the Palo Verde National Park boat tour, Sunset Cruise, and Mega Combo 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 in the tour package.
Mode of Transport
Travel through Costa Rica by boat and road, exploring diverse landscapes from San José to Tortuguero, Monteverde, Arenal, and Guanacaste, with scenic journeys through national parks and along picturesque coastlines.
Accommodation
Experience comfort and relaxation at Crowne Plaza San José Corobicí, Pachira Lodge, El Establo Mountain, Arenal Montechiari, and Wyndham Tamarindo, offering a blend of modern amenities and natural beauty throughout your Costa Rica adventure.
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 oxcarts
- Hike with your Travel Director who offers insights into the region's unique bird and wildlife ecosystems
- Enjoy 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 Specialist
Check out our Q&As
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What unique experience does the Arenal Hanging Bridges Park offer?
The Arenal Hanging Bridges Park offers a 'sky walk' through the jungle canopy, where you can trek across some of the 15 hanging bridges. This experience supports sustainability and directly contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
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What wildlife can be expected during the Tortuguero sightseeing?
During the Tortuguero sightseeing, you can expect to see jaguars, macaws, tapirs, and over 300 different species of birds. You may also have the opportunity to witness a sea turtle laying her eggs on the beach, depending on the season.
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What activities are available in Monteverde?
In Monteverde, you can explore the Cloud Forest Biological Reserve, listen for hummingbirds, howler monkeys, sloths, and toucans, and possibly spot the Quetzal bird. You can also choose from various experiences like the 'El Trapiche' tour, which includes visits to sugarcane, banana, orange, and coffee plantations.
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What can you do during the free day in Guanacaste?
During the free day in Guanacaste, you can relax at your resort, explore Palo Verde National Park with an optional boat tour, join a Sunset Cruise to discover beaches, or participate in the Mega Combo for activities like zip-lining, hiking, and enjoying natural hot springs and a volcanic mud bath.
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What is the significance of Tortuguero National Park?
Tortuguero National Park is significant as it is the Western Hemisphere's largest rookery for Green Turtles. It is a protected area accessible only by air or water, known for its rich biodiversity and conservation efforts.
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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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