Costa Rica Adventure with Tortuguero Extension
Costa Rica Adventure with Tortuguero Extension
Costa Rica Adventure with Tortuguero Extension
10 Days Starting and ending in San Jose, Costa Rica
Visiting: San José, Tortuguero, Monteverde, Arenal
Tour operator:
Tour code:
VRITAN26
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on a captivating journey through Costa Rica with the Costa Rica Adventure with Tortuguero Extension tour. Begin in the vibrant capital, San José, exploring its cultural and gastronomic delights. Venture into the lush landscapes of Tortuguero, accessible only by air or water, where you'll discover the rich biodiversity of the national park and the nesting grounds of green turtles. Experience the mystical Monteverde Cloud Forest, home to unique flora and fauna, and the iconic Arenal Volcano, where you can hike through lava trails and enjoy the serene hot springs. This tour offers a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation, with opportunities to engage in sustainable travel practices and support local communities. From the bustling streets of San José to the tranquil beauty of Arenal, this tour promises an unforgettable exploration of Costa Rica's natural wonders.
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 – Depart San José
Location: San José
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your Costa Rica value tour comes to an end this morning. Transfer back to San José International Airport, arriving at approximately 11:00 AM.
What's Included
-
Dining Summary
The tour includes 9 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 4 dinners.
-
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.
-
Accommodation
Accommodation is provided at Crowne Plaza San José Corobicí, Pachira Lodge, El Establo Mountain, and Arenal Montechiari.
-
Guided Tours
Guided tours and local specialists are included for various activities such as jungle hikes, canal cruises, and visits to the Arenal Hanging Bridges Park.
-
Transportation
Transportation is provided for all included activities and transfers between locations.
What's Not Included
-
Travel Director Meeting
You will not meet your Travel Director until day 4 of the tour.
-
Optional Experiences
Optional experiences such as the 'El Trapiche' tour are not included and may incur additional costs.
-
Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
-
International Flights
International flights to and from Costa Rica are not included in the tour package.
Mode of Transport
Travel through Costa Rica with ease, starting in San José and journeying to Tortuguero by boat, then continuing to Monteverde and Arenal by road, ensuring a seamless and scenic exploration of the country's diverse landscapes.
Accommodation
Experience comfort and relaxation at Crowne Plaza San José Corobicí, Pachira Lodge, El Establo Mountain, and Arenal Montechiari, offering a blend of modern amenities and natural beauty throughout your Costa Rica adventure.
Dining Summary
- 9 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
-
What unique experience does the Arenal Hanging Bridges Park offer?
The Arenal Hanging Bridges Park offers a 'sky walk' through the jungle canopy, which is a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. This experience not only allows you to enjoy the beauty of the region but also supports sustainability efforts in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
-
What wildlife can be expected during the Tortuguero sightseeing?
During the Tortuguero sightseeing, you can expect to see a variety of wildlife including jaguars, macaws, tapirs, and over 300 different species of birds. Additionally, you may have the opportunity to witness sea turtles nesting on the beach.
-
What activities are included in the Monteverde Cloud Forest visit?
In the Monteverde Cloud Forest, you will learn about the thousands of plant and animal species that thrive in the area. You will also have the opportunity to hear the sounds of hummingbirds, howler monkeys, sloths, toucans, and possibly see the Quetzal bird.
-
What can participants expect during the safari float on the Peñas Blancas River?
During the safari float on the Peñas Blancas River, participants can expect to spot monkeys, sloths, iguanas, caimans, and tropical birds. The experience is guided by a Local Guide who will also introduce you to a local family to learn about their connection to the natural environment.
-
What is the significance of Tortuguero in terms of turtle conservation?
Tortuguero is significant for turtle conservation as it is the Western Hemisphere's largest rookery for Green Turtles. Visitors can learn about the green, leatherback, and hawksbill turtles that nest in the park, and visit the Green Turtle Research Station to understand more about conservation efforts.
-
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.
-
How long has the tour company been trading?
Costsaver is part of The Travel Corporation, which has been in business for over 100 years.
-
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.
Reviews of this operator
1 Select your preferred date
Wednesday - Friday
Jan 14, 2026 - Jan 23, 2026Wednesday - Friday
Jan 28, 2026 - Feb 06, 2026Wednesday - Friday
Feb 11, 2026 - Feb 20, 2026Wednesday - Friday
Feb 25, 2026 - Mar 06, 2026Wednesday - Friday
Mar 11, 2026 - Mar 20, 2026Wednesday - Friday
Mar 25, 2026 - Apr 03, 2026Wednesday - Friday
Apr 08, 2026 - Apr 17, 2026Wednesday - Friday
Apr 22, 2026 - May 01, 2026Wednesday - Friday
Apr 29, 2026 - May 08, 2026Wednesday - Friday
May 13, 2026 - May 22, 2026Wednesday - Friday
May 20, 2026 - May 29, 2026Wednesday - Friday
Jun 03, 2026 - Jun 12, 2026Wednesday - Friday
Jun 10, 2026 - Jun 19, 2026Wednesday - Friday
Jun 24, 2026 - Jul 03, 2026Wednesday - Friday
Jul 08, 2026 - Jul 17, 2026Wednesday - Friday
Jul 22, 2026 - Jul 31, 2026Wednesday - Friday
Aug 05, 2026 - Aug 14, 2026Wednesday - Friday
Aug 19, 2026 - Aug 28, 2026Wednesday - Friday
Sep 02, 2026 - Sep 11, 2026Wednesday - Friday
Sep 16, 2026 - Sep 25, 2026Wednesday - Friday
Sep 30, 2026 - Oct 09, 2026Wednesday - Friday
Oct 14, 2026 - Oct 23, 2026Wednesday - Friday
Nov 04, 2026 - Nov 13, 2026Wednesday - Friday
Nov 11, 2026 - Nov 20, 2026Wednesday - Friday
Dec 09, 2026 - Dec 18, 2026Book with Confidence
-
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.
-
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.
-
Terms and Conditions