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Tour Overview
Uncover Costa Rica during this twelve-day amazing adventure. Beginning and ending in the capital, San Jose, this tour offers you the chance to discover different aspects of this emblematic destination. Spend precious time visiting the Tortuguero canals. Learn how Costa Rica’s unique climate and diverse landscapes provide perfect growing conditions for gourmet coffee beans. Enjoy the sweetest rainforest experience, discovering the ancient secrets of chocolate: from its discovery and use, in tropical America, to the processing of the product we know and enjoy today. Hike on the Arenal Volcano, with astonishing views, ear-catching information, unbelievable stories and the chance to meet the local wildlife, will remain your favourite memories of Costa Rica after this experience. ...more ...less
Highlights
Tortuguero: Tortuguero, is one of Costa Rica's most popular ecotourism destinations
This destination is your "must stop" while in Costa Rica
Discover its Network of canals, lagoons and dense rainforests
Arenal: This region is considered by many to be one of the most spectacular ones in the country
La Fortuna area is recognized worldwide for being one of the most prominent wellness tourism destinations in the world
Monteverde: A true nature lovers paradise with a marvellous diversity of wildlife and plant life
Monteverde Cloud Forest is a unique area to observe exotic highland bird species or to explore the cloud forest canopy
Manuel Antonio: This picturesque national park is the smallest one in Costa Rica but it is full of wild animals, lush vegetation, and beautiful beaches
Itinerary
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Welcome to Costa Rica! Our representative will greet you at the airport; assist you with your luggage and private transfer to the hotel in San Jose.
Overnight in San Jose.
Day 2
:
San Jose
Location: San José
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Wake up to breakfast at the hotel and then join our Classic Coffee Tour. The expert will guide you through the lifecycle of gourmet coffee. Begin in the nursery and follow the beans starting with their growing cycle through careful collection and selection of the finest beans. Next, the aromas of the roaster will enchant you where you will discover how different roasting techniques affect the beans and the brew. We will reveal our roasting and packing secrets that enable them to deliver the best coffee from the Costa Rican plantation to your cup. Learn how experts “break the cup” by using techniques to taste or “cup” coffee to identify and grade the characteristics that qualify a gourmet coffee. Finally, surrounded by an outdoor tropical paradise and while listening to traditional music, you will have an option of savoring a buffet lunch featuring local ingredients at Don Prospero Restaurant (not included).
Overnight in San Jose.
Day 3
:
San Jose – Tortuguero (120Km – 3Hrs)
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
At the agreed time in the morning, transportation will pick you up at the hotel to transfer you to your next destination, Tortuguero, one of the most famous conservation areas in Costa Rica, located in the north Caribbean. Breakfast included en-route. Arrive at the dock to board a boat that will take you to the lodge in Tortuguero. Around midday, have a delicious lunch at the lodge. During the afternoon, discover its network of canals, lagoons and dense rainforests through a boat tour guided by an expert naturalist guide. Abundant wildlife inhabits Tortuguero, including 57 species of amphibians, 111 species of reptiles, and 60 species of mammals. In the evening, savour dinner at the lodge.
Overnight in Tortuguero.
Day 4
:
Tortuguero
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Meet your guide for a mid-morning walk along the trails and discover the tropical rain forest of Tortuguero. In the afternoon, visit the enchanting village of Tortuguero; the town a small population of around 500, no cars, and is located on a relatively narrow spit of land between the beach and a canal. Take a closer encounter with the Caribbean culture; discover its people and lifestyle walking through this colourful town.
Overnight in Tortuguero.
Day 5
:
Tortuguero – Arenal (220Km – 4Hrs)
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Breakfast included at the hotel and then proceed to checkout. Afterwards, be ready to continue your trip. Shared transfer by boat and land from Tortuguero to the Restaurant located in Guapiles, where you will enjoy the lunch (included). Then, a transfer will take you to your next destination, La Fortuna, home of the colossus Arenal Volcano and a place that gives to its visitors amazing views and a big range of attractions and beautiful nature. Afternoon at leisure to enjoy hotel facilities and relax.
Overnight in Arenal.
Day 6
:
Arenal (1-3Km Hike - 2Hrs)
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Breakfast included at the hotel. Today enjoy the most extraordinary view of the Arenal Volcano on a hike along the base and flanks of this giant on the Arenal 1968 park. During the hike, the expert guide will explain to you all about the volcano: its activity periods, a little bit of history related to it and will show you some landmarks that have left over the years (approximately 2 hours of walking, medium difficulty. It varies and depends on the trails that are hiked, it could be 1 to 3 kilometres). Afterwards, enjoy the sweetest rainforest experience, discovering the ancient secrets of chocolate: from its discovery and use, in tropical America, to the processing of the product we know and enjoy today. Considered as "a gift of the Gods", the cacao tree was very important to the ancient culture, it was not only used as a ceremonial drink but its seeds were also used as currency because of its economic value, in many regions of Mesoamerica, including Costa Rica. In this “hands-on” program, you will have the opportunity to learn interesting aspects of cocoa and chocolate, from its origin and history, participating in all the production process, from the harvesting of the fruit, drying and grinding of the seed, also the developing of the traditional drink of our ancestors, and of course, enjoying high-quality organic chocolate.
Overnight in Arenal.
Day 7
:
Arenal – Monteverde (100Km – 2.5Hrs)
Location: Monteverde
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Breakfast at the hotel and then proceed to checkout. At the agreed time, continue to your next destination: the magical Monteverde cloud forest. This service, half tour – half-shared transfer is a scenic and fast way to go from La Fortuna to the Monteverde area. You will board into a very comfortable and safe pontoon boat for a 30 to 40 minutes (approx.) ride to Rio Chiquito, a little town on the other side of the lake. Once at Rio Chiquito, we will leave the boat and take a short break to stretch the legs, after, another 1.5hr bus ride to get to the hotels in the Monteverde area (during the rainy season this transfer could take longer) Duration approx. of 3.5 hours (Land and boat).The rest of the afternoon at leisure.
Overnight in Monteverde.
Day 8
:
Monteverde
Location: Monteverde
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast spend your morning at Selvatura Park. Here you will experience closer the mysteries of the cloud forest by enjoying a great combination of suspension bridges and platforms that offers you an opportunity to explore the forest from the top in a safe and easy manner. Afternoon free at leisure.
Overnight in Monteverde.
Day 9
:
Monteverde – Manuel Antonio (190Km – 4Hrs)
Location: Quepos
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Breakfast included at the hotel & Check Out. At the agreed time, transfer to the beach area of Manuel Antonio in the Central Pacific Coast. Rest of the day free to enjoy the hotel facilities.
Overnight in Manuel Antonio.
Day 10
:
Manuel Antonio
Location: Quepos
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Breakfast included at the hotel. Enjoy your free time to relax in this fantastic region.
Overnight in Manuel Antonio.
Day 11
:
Manuel Antonio
Location: Quepos
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Breakfast included at the hotel. Enjoy your free time to relax in this fantastic region.
Overnight in Manuel Antonio.
Day 12
:
Manuel Antonio – Departure San Jose (170Km – 3.5Hrs)
Location: San José
Meals Included: Breakfast
At the appropriate time, departure private transfer from your hotel to Juan Santamaria International Airport to take your flight back home.
What's Included
TOUR GUIDE:
Operated with English- and Spanish-speaking local guides during the scheduled activities (Day 2-4, 6, 8). Please note you will be accompanied by local guides for the activities only. There is no guarantee that you will be part of a group, or part of the same group during the tour.
ACCOMMODATION:
11 night’s accommodation
ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS
Day 1, 2 San Jose
Standard Hotel Category = Radisson San Jose Hotel or similar 3*
Day 3, 4 Tortuguero
Standard Category = Turtle Beach Lodge or similar (Lodge Standard)
Day 5, 6 Arenal
Standard Hotel Category = Arenal Paraiso Hotel or similar 3*
Day 7, 8 Monteverde
Standard Hotel Category = Country Lodge Hotel or similar 3*
Day 9, 10, 11 Manuel Antonio
Standard Hotel Category = Plaza Yara Hotel or similar 3*
MEALS:
11 Breakfasts
3 Lunches (Day 3-5)
2 Dinners (Day 2, 3)
TRANSPORT:
Arrival private transfer from Juan Santamaria International Airport (Day 1)
Shared transportation between areas including Land and Boat ride to Tortuguero and Lake Crossing Arenal-Monteverde
Departure private transfer from Juan Santamaria International Airport (Day 12)
ENTRANCE FEES & ACTIVITIES:
All entrance fees and activities mentioned in the itinerary: Classic Coffee Tour (Day 2); Tortuguero Canals boat guided tour (Day 3); Day 4 Hiking Tour & Tortuguero village visit (Day 4); Arenal Volcano trail 1968 hike, Rainforest Chocolate Experience tour (Day 6); Monteverde Hanging Bridges (Day 8)
OTHER:
Meet & Greet
Hotel taxes
What's Not Included
Visa fees
Domestic flights
International flights
Drinks during meals (unless specified otherwise)
Optional tours (if any)
Any visit not mentioned in the program
Porterage and gratuities
Expenditures of a personal nature, drinks and meals or items not stated explicitly in the program
Any alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, mineral water, camera/video camera fee (if any)
Travel Insurance or any loss or extra cost arising due to unforeseen circumstances such as flight delays, accidents, etc.
Requirements
Comfortable and light clothing is the most suitable for travelling in Costa Rica. Sun protection, sunglasses, bathing suit, hiking or tennis shoes, a hat and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay.
Please Note
It is advisable to arrive no later than 20:00 in San Jose since pick-up day 2 is early in the morning around 05:30
Due to the scheduled private transfer to the airport, a set time for departure is not recommended. The transfer will be adjusted to the time of the flight. Otherwise recommended not to leave before noon
We reserve the right to change itineraries and activities due to weather conditions, technical problems or security reasons
Children can be added to the booking when sharing a room with at least 2 adults, if not they must be added to the booking with the adult rate. Maximum 2 children per room
Early check-in, late check-out, connecting or adjoining rooms in the hotel are subject to availability and not guaranteed
In many hotels in Costa Rica, the triple rooms are double rooms with an additional bed or sofa bed. Their comfort conditions are lower than the international standards of the triple room
No refund for unused services. Splitting of the package is not allowed
Please note a single room is available to book upon request.
Accommodation options
ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS
Day 1, 2 San Jose
Standard Hotel Category = Radisson San Jose Hotel or similar 3*
Day 3, 4 Tortuguero
Standard Hotel Category = Pachira Lodge or similar 3*
Day 5, 6 Arenal
Standard Hotel Category = Arenal Paraiso Hotel or similar 3*
Day 7, 8 Monteverde
Standard Hotel Category = Country Lodge Hotel or similar 3*
Day 9, 10, 11 Manuel Antonio
Standard Hotel Category = Plaza Yara Hotel or similar 3*
Accommodation options
ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS
Day 1, 2 San Jose
Standard Hotel Category = Radisson San Jose Hotel or similar 3*
Day 3, 4 Tortuguero
SStandard Category = Turtle Beach Lodge or similar (Lodge Standard)
Day 5, 6 Arenal
Standard Hotel Category = Arenal Paraiso Hotel or similar 3*
Day 7, 8 Monteverde
Standard Hotel Category = Country Lodge Hotel or similar 3*
Day 9, 10, 11 Manuel Antonio
Standard Hotel Category = Plaza Yara Hotel or similar 3*
Check out our Q&As
Will I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?
Yes, we will inform you about the confirmed hotel's list with a personalized welcome letter sent to your own email address
Is a Meet & Greet Service provided by a company representative included in the tour?
Yes, Meet and greet on Day 1
What is the fitness level required to do this tour?
Low
Is there a supplement for solo travellers?
If a solo traveler is allowed for the tour, a single room with a specific rate will be available for you to book. If single room should not show available, solo traveler booking is on request
Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
Yes, 10 years old or above
Are flights included in this tour?
No, not international nor domestic flights to/from Costa Rica are not included
Are airport transfers included in this tour?
Yes, shared arrival & departure transfer from/to San Jose airport to/from the hotel
Do you offer any travel insurance?
We do not offer Travel Insurance but would strongly recommend that you purchase a comprehensive Travel Insurance Policy prior to departure.
Are flights included in the tour?
No, they are not included
When are there specific hotel names confirmed?
Confirmed hotel names are informed latest 10 days prior to client´s arrival
What documents will I receive before I travel?
Booking confirmation with Itinerary and confirmation vouchers
What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
You can change it by logging into your profile and click on Bookings. Please check your cancellation policy.
Is there any option for solo traveller?
Yes of course. Please note that the default selection shows the price per person per double room. For solo travellers, you will have to select a single room when available.
What does the price include?
What is included is stated specifically on the product Description. Gratuities are at your discretion. Prices do not include (unless stated otherwise) - gratuities to the guide, driver or tour manager.
Are Visa fees included in the price?
No, visa fees are not included
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Reviews of this operator
Brian
Exotic Costa Rica
12-Feb-2022
We were delayed a couple of times in getting to Costa Rica and our tour operator, Roy, was extremely accommodating of the changes. The trip was partially guided, so though lodging and transportation were covered there were a few days where I could have used help coordinating afternoon activities.
...more ...less
Peter Herbert
Essential Costa Rica - Package with Guanacaste
11-May-2022
A little aprehensive on 1st day with no tour leader... but ran better that clockwork, a few natural obstacles overcome. Good hotels, transport , drivers AND OUTSTANDING GUIDES.....A THEN THERE WAS THE WILDS OF COSTA RICA AND ITS PEOPLES ....
Jean Walsh
Exotic Costa Rica
17-Mar-2022
This trip was much anticipated and lived up to all of our expectations. We had a wonderful experience. If we had questions, Andres was immediately responsive. It was such a nice feeling to know we could reach him.
Susan Langton
Essential Costa Rica - Package with Manuel Antonio National Park
06-Jan-2022
Our trip was well organized, all of the service providers ( transfers, guides, accommodations) we friendly and professional, and each location was as promised. A bit more local information would have been useful in preparing for the trip, but nothing that wasn't able to be accommodated on the fly.
...more ...less
Marianne Brownell
Essential Costa Rica - Package with Manuel Antonio National Park
03-Oct-2022
Terrific experience!
Debra R
PURAVIDA CR
26-Jun-2023
Great staff taking care of us along the way! Hotel choices were unique and beautiful and accommodating.
Keith
Essential Costa Rica - Package with Guanacaste
08-Mar-2022
A good tour with 4 completely different ecosystems. A couple of long travel days.
Destination Services Costa Rica requires a minimum deposit of
20%
or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of destination services costa rica charges.
At 21 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 15 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Learn how experts “break the cup” by using techniques to taste or “cup” coffee to identify and grade the characteristics that qualify a gourmet coffee. Finally, surrounded by an outdoor tropical paradise and while listening to traditional music, you will have an option of savoring a buffet lunch featuring local ingredients at Don Prospero Restaurant (not included). </p><br/><p></p><br/><p><strong>Overnight in San Jose. </strong></p><br/>","lat":"9.928069","lng":"-84.090725"},{"title":"Day 3: SAN JOSE – TORTUGUERO (120km – 3hrs)","name":"","description":"<p>At the agreed time in the morning, transportation will pick you up at the hotel to transfer you to your next destination, Tortuguero, one of the most famous conservation areas in Costa Rica, located in the north Caribbean. Breakfast included en-route. Arrive at the dock to board a boat that will take you to the lodge in Tortuguero. Around midday, have a delicious lunch at the lodge. During the afternoon, discover its network of canals, lagoons and dense rainforests through a boat tour guided by an expert naturalist guide. Abundant wildlife inhabits Tortuguero, including 57 species of amphibians, 111 species of reptiles, and 60 species of mammals. In the evening, savour dinner at the lodge. </p><br/><p></p><br/><p><strong>Overnight in Tortuguero. </strong></p><br/>","lat":"10.542484","lng":"-83.502355"},{"title":"Day 4: TORTUGUERO","name":"","description":"<p>Meet your guide for a mid-morning walk along the trails and discover the tropical rain forest of Tortuguero. In the afternoon, visit the enchanting village of Tortuguero; the town a small population of around 500, no cars, and is located on a relatively narrow spit of land between the beach and a canal. Take a closer encounter with the Caribbean culture; discover its people and lifestyle walking through this colourful town.</p><br/><p><strong>Overnight in Tortuguero. </strong></p><br/>","lat":"10.542484","lng":"-83.502355"},{"title":"Day 5: TORTUGUERO – ARENAL (220km – 4hrs)","name":"","description":"<p>Breakfast included at the hotel and then proceed to checkout. Afterwards, be ready to continue your trip. Shared transfer by boat and land from Tortuguero to the Restaurant located in Guapiles, where you will enjoy the lunch (included). Then, a transfer will take you to your next destination, La Fortuna, home of the colossus Arenal Volcano and a place that gives to its visitors amazing views and a big range of attractions and beautiful nature. Afternoon at leisure to enjoy hotel facilities and relax. </p><br/><p></p><br/><p><strong>Overnight in Arenal. </strong></p><br/>","lat":"10.462626","lng":"-84.703179"},{"title":"Day 6: ARENAL (1-3km hike - 2hrs) ","name":"","description":"<p>Breakfast included at the hotel. Today enjoy the most extraordinary view of the Arenal Volcano on a hike along the base and flanks of this giant on the Arenal 1968 park. During the hike, the expert guide will explain to you all about the volcano: its activity periods, a little bit of history related to it and will show you some landmarks that have left over the years (approximately 2 hours of walking, medium difficulty. It varies and depends on the trails that are hiked, it could be 1 to 3 kilometres). Afterwards, enjoy the sweetest rainforest experience, discovering the ancient secrets of chocolate: from its discovery and use, in tropical America, to the processing of the product we know and enjoy today. Considered as \"a gift of the Gods\", the cacao tree was very important to the ancient culture, it was not only used as a ceremonial drink but its seeds were also used as currency because of its economic value, in many regions of Mesoamerica, including Costa Rica. In this “hands-on” program, you will have the opportunity to learn interesting aspects of cocoa and chocolate, from its origin and history, participating in all the production process, from the harvesting of the fruit, drying and grinding of the seed, also the developing of the traditional drink of our ancestors, and of course, enjoying high-quality organic chocolate.</p><br/><p></p><br/><p><strong>Overnight in Arenal. </strong></p><br/>","lat":"10.462626","lng":"-84.703179"},{"title":"Day 7: ARENAL – MONTEVERDE (100km – 2.5hrs)","name":"Monteverde","description":"<p>Breakfast at the hotel and then proceed to checkout. At the agreed time, continue to your next destination: the magical Monteverde cloud forest. This service, half tour – half-shared transfer is a scenic and fast way to go from La Fortuna to the Monteverde area. You will board into a very comfortable and safe pontoon boat for a 30 to 40 minutes (approx.) ride to Rio Chiquito, a little town on the other side of the lake. Once at Rio Chiquito, we will leave the boat and take a short break to stretch the legs, after, another 1.5hr bus ride to get to the hotels in the Monteverde area (during the rainy season this transfer could take longer) Duration approx. of 3.5 hours (Land and boat).The rest of the afternoon at leisure.</p><br/><p></p><br/><p><strong>Overnight in Monteverde. </strong></p><br/>","lat":"10.274968","lng":"-84.82551"},{"title":"Day 8: MONTEVERDE","name":"Monteverde","description":"<p>After breakfast spend your morning at Selvatura Park. Here you will experience closer the mysteries of the cloud forest by enjoying a great combination of suspension bridges and platforms that offers you an opportunity to explore the forest from the top in a safe and easy manner. Afternoon free at leisure.</p><br/><p></p><br/><p><strong>Overnight in Monteverde. </strong></p><br/>","lat":"10.274968","lng":"-84.82551"},{"title":"Day 9: MONTEVERDE – MANUEL ANTONIO (190km – 4hrs)","name":"Quepos","description":"<p>Breakfast included at the hotel & Check Out. At the agreed time, transfer to the beach area of Manuel Antonio in the Central Pacific Coast. Rest of the day free to enjoy the hotel facilities. </p><br/><p><strong>Overnight in Manuel Antonio.</strong></p><br/>","lat":"9.409262","lng":"-84.155385"},{"title":"Day 10: MANUEL ANTONIO","name":"Quepos","description":"<p>Breakfast included at the hotel. Enjoy your free time to relax in this fantastic region. </p><br/><p></p><br/><p><strong>Overnight in Manuel Antonio.</strong></p><br/><p></p><br/>","lat":"9.409262","lng":"-84.155385"},{"title":"Day 11: MANUEL ANTONIO","name":"Quepos","description":"<p>Breakfast included at the hotel. Enjoy your free time to relax in this fantastic region. </p><br/><p></p><br/><p><strong>Overnight in Manuel Antonio.</strong></p><br/><p></p><br/>","lat":"9.409262","lng":"-84.155385"},{"title":"Day 12: MANUEL ANTONIO – DEPARTURE SAN JOSE (170km – 3.5hrs)","name":"San José","description":"<p>At the appropriate time, departure private transfer from your hotel to Juan Santamaria International Airport to take your flight back home. </p><br/>","lat":"9.928069","lng":"-84.090725"}]
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