Costa Rica's Pura Vida Escape

Costa Rica's Pura Vida Escape

109 Views
7 Days From

$1346

$957

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Embark on the "Costa Rica's Pura Vida Escape" and immerse yourself in the vibrant culture and stunning natural beauty of Costa Rica. Begin your journey in the bustling capital, San José, before venturing to the misty Monteverde Cloud Forest, home to diverse wildlife like sloths and jaguars. Discover the artisan town of Sarchí, famous for its colorful oxcarts, and explore the breathtaking Arenal Volcano National Park. Enjoy guided tours, hike through lush landscapes, and relax in thermal hot springs. With transportation and accommodations at top-notch hotels included, this small-group tour offers personalized experiences and optional adventures like the Arenal Hanging Bridges. Whether you're hiking through the Mirador 1968 or enjoying leisure time at an eco-resort, this tour promises an unforgettable exploration of Costa Rica's rich biodiversity and vibrant culture. ...more ...less

Highlights

  • Explore the vibrant city of San José, the capital of Costa Rica.

  • Discover the Monteverde Cloud Forest, home to a diverse range of wildlife including sloths, jaguars, and the resplendent quetzal.

  • Visit the artisan town of Sarchí, known for its traditional crafts and colorful oxcarts.

  • Experience the natural beauty and biodiversity of Arenal Volcano National Park.

  • Hike through the Mirador 1968, a private reserve near Arenal Volcano, and learn about the area's volcanic history.

  • Relax in the thermal hot springs near Arenal, surrounded by lush tropical landscapes.

  • Enjoy optional adventures such as the Arenal Hanging Bridges or a float trip on the river.

Places You'll See

Delta Hotels by Marriott San Jose Aurola

Delta Hotels by Marriott San Jose Aurola

El Establo Mountain Lodge

El Establo Mountain Lodge

Tilajari Resort Hotel

Tilajari Resort Hotel

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Arrive In San José,Costa Rica

The Costa Rica National Theater in San Jose
Beautiful aerial view of Costa Ricas San Jose city
Aerial View of San Jose, Costa Rica
San Jose, Costa Rica

Location: San José

Accommodation Name: Delta Hotels by Marriott San Jose Aurola

Meet your Tour Director at your hotel.

Day 2: San Jose,Monteverde Cloud Forest

Location: San Jose, Sarchí, Monteverde Cloud Forest

Accommodation Name: El Establo Mountain Lodge

Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast, visit the main attractions of San Jose with a guide. Then, journey to Monteverde, situated on the Continental Divide under misty cloud coverage in one of the world’s most bio-diverse areas. On route, stop in the quaint town of Sarchí, known as the cradle of Costa Rican artisans. Continue the journey, ascending to the Tilaran mountain range towards Monteverde Cloud Forest where the weather and vegetation begin to change. Free time this evening.

Day 3: Monteverde

Small Waterfall in a Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve in Costa Rica
the Monteverde jungle and in the background a girl taking photos of the imposing vegetation of Monteverde.
Monteverde, Costa Rica
Suspension bridge with backpacker in tropical rainforest

Location: Monteverde

Accommodation Name: El Establo Mountain Lodge

Meals Included: Breakfast

This morning, take a Naturalist guided walking tour of Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve, home to forest fauna such as sloths, jaguars, ocelots, monkeys, coatis, and numerous species of birds. With almost 100% humidity throughout the year, the cloud forest experiences almost 12 feet of rain per year. Free time this afternoon and evening.

Day 4: Monteverde,Arenal

Location: La Fortuna, Arenal Volcano National Park

Accommodation Name: Tilajari Resort Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today, we travel to the outdoor adventure mecca of La Fortuna and Arenal Volcano National Park. Enjoy free time in La Fortuna before continuing to Arenal for a 3-night stay at an eco-resort. Enjoy free time this afternoon to enjoy the resort’s pool and jacuzzi or consider a walk around the riverbank or surrounding gardens.

Day 5: Arenal

Sunset view of Arenal Volcano and tropical rainforest
Amazing view at the Arenal Volcano
Volcano Arenal in Costa Rica

Location: Mirador 1968, Arenal Volcano National Park, Arenal

Accommodation Name: Tilajari Resort Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Rise and shine with an early hike through the Mirador 1968, a private reserve located next to Arenal Volcano National Park. Here, your Tour Director will show you the evidence of the volcanic activity in the area and how it affected everything, even the smallest ecosystem in this beautiful forest. Then travel to the town of Arenal where you may wish to have a traditional lunch at a local restaurant or enjoy a short walk around town. Return to the resort where the remainder of the day is at leisure to relax or join an optional excursion adventure.

Day 6: Arenal

Amazing view at the Arenal Volcano
Sunset view of Arenal Volcano and tropical rainforest
Volcano Arenal in Costa Rica

Location: Arenal

Accommodation Name: Tilajari Resort Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today is free for you to customize your day with a variety of optional excursions or simply choose to enjoy the resort.

Day 7: Arenal,San José

Sunset view of Arenal Volcano and tropical rainforest
Amazing view at the Arenal Volcano
Aerial View of San Jose, Costa Rica
The Costa Rica National Theater in San Jose
Volcano Arenal in Costa Rica
San Jose, Costa Rica
Beautiful aerial view of Costa Ricas San Jose city

Location: Arenal, San José

Meals Included: Breakfast

Your tour ends with breakfast and a transfer back to the San Jose Airport. Please schedule homebound flights after 2pm.

What's Included

  • Guided Tours

    Enjoy guided tours of San Jose and Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve.

  • Transportation

    The tour includes transportation from San José to Monteverde, then to Arenal, and back to San José, with stops at key attractions along the way.

  • Small Group Discoveries

    Experience a Small-Group Discovery with an average of just 20 guests per departure, ensuring extra space and personalized experiences.

What's Not Included

  • Optional Excursions

    Optional excursions such as horseback rides, float trips, and visits to hot springs are not included and can be purchased separately.

  • Personal Expenses

    Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and tips are not covered.

  • Flights

    International and domestic flights to and from Costa Rica are not included.

Mode of Transport

The tour provides transportation from San José to Monteverde, then to Arenal, and back to San José, with stops at key attractions along the way, ensuring a seamless travel experience.

Accommodation

Stay at the Delta Hotels by Marriott San Jose Aurola in San Jose, El Establo Mountain Lodge in Monteverde, and Tilajari Resort Hotel in Arenal, offering comfort and convenience throughout your journey in Costa Rica.

Meals

Breakfast daily

Small Group

Globus offers Small-Group Discoveries on all South America tour dates. A Small-Group Discovery is limited to an average of just 20 guests per departure. There’s always room to roam with extra space between you and other travelers—while still getting up close and personal to the experiences you’ve been dreaming of. Small-Group Discoveries include all the features of a traditional Globus escorted tour, complete with expert Tour Director, Driver, and Local Guides who ensure that your health and safety is our top priority. A Small-Group Discovery trip is the perfectly sized tour—without the crowds. ...more ...less

Check out our Q&As

  • What kind of wildlife can I expect to see in the Monteverde Cloud Forest?

    In the Monteverde Cloud Forest, you can expect to see a diverse range of wildlife including sloths, jaguars, ocelots, monkeys, coatis, and numerous species of birds.

  • What is the climate like in the Monteverde Cloud Forest?

    The Monteverde Cloud Forest experiences almost 100% humidity throughout the year and receives nearly 12 feet of rain annually.

  • What activities are available at Arenal Volcano National Park?

    At Arenal Volcano National Park, you can enjoy hiking through the Mirador 1968, a private reserve, and learn about the area's volcanic history. There are also optional excursions such as the Arenal Hanging Bridges or a float trip on the river.

  • What is included in the guided tours during the trip?

    The guided tours include visits to San Jose and the Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve.

  • What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?

    The tour includes stays at the Delta Hotels by Marriott San Jose Aurola in San Jose, El Establo Mountain Lodge in Monteverde, and Tilajari Resort Hotel in Arenal.

  • Are there any optional excursions available during the tour?

    Yes, there are optional excursions available such as horseback rides, float trips, and visits to hot springs, which can be purchased separately.

  • What is the group size for this tour?

    The tour is a Small-Group Discovery with an average of just 20 guests per departure, ensuring extra space and personalized experiences.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    For over 90 years.

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest Covid-19 policies

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Travel documents, including any air tickets, itineraries, and other information, are available approximately two to three weeks prior to departure provided full payment has been received.

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    The Globus Lighthouse Project - an illuminating initiative where we can all come together to tread lightly and give generously for the globe's greater good. Globus, along with sister companies Avalon Waterways and Cosmos, invite our travellers and partners to help us in supporting causes that provide for a more sustainable planet and a brighter tomorrow.

Reviews of this operator

Lisset  

Great Value for your Money

19-Dec-2022

This is my second time travelling with Globus, would have been my third if not for COVID. The way they plan everything is super organized, the tour managers are very caring and knowledgeable. We always enjoy all the site visits planned for each trip. They start by picking you up from the airport and from then on everything is taken care of up until the last day of your trip, even dropping you off at the airport not matter the time of day or night. The hotels at every city are always great and centrally located so you can walk around during your free time or plan your own visits to different sites. ...more ...less

Joan Cupp (Google Reviewer)  

My go-to escorted travel Co My...

01-Mar-2024

My go-to escorted travel Co My 4th trip with Globus and the did not disappoint. The sales deals they offer make it affordable for me to travel. All of the guides are well versed in the history of the area you travel in.

David R  

What a wonderful trip, thanks Globus

10-Jan-2023

Globus is my favorite travel agency. I tried others, but always come back to Globus. It is a 100% stress free one-stop shop. Easy booking with flight, hotel, transportation and travel insurance all in one place. Great customer service at reasonable prices. Lots of information prepared for the trip to handle travel logistics. I planned and booked my trip within 24 hours. Highly recommended to everyon ...more ...less

Alexander Wright  

Great guide, accommodations, and tours.

28-Dec-2022

We had a fantastic guide, with a great mix of free time and guided tours.

CTRTeach 11  

Globus exceeded my expectations!

20-Dec-2022

This is my first Globus tour. I was pleasantly surprised with the depth and quality. The hotels were top notch, and the cruise on the Nile exceeded my expectations. The cabins were roomy and comfortable, and the food was very good.

Nancy Arias  

The experience was amazing!!

30-Dec-2022

The trip was amazing. Our tour guide was so kind and very knowledgeable. I needed to attend a very important meeting via zoom. She was very understanding and accommodating to my needs and made it happen. I was very grateful! Our driver was by far the best driver I’ve ever encountered! I was beyond impressed with our guide, driver and trip!! I will definitely be back for another adventure!! ...more ...less

Irish Beth Maddock (Google Reviewer)  

Did the Globus Highlands and...

30-Sep-2023

Did the Globus Highlands and Islands Scottish Tour with Ian and Allister. What a trip!! With his sharp wit, immense knowledge and fun humour, Ian absolutely brought Scotland to vivid life with his many tales, informative quips and total, utter passion for history. Was spellbound. Am so VERY thankful I had the opportunity to be on Ian's last bus tour before retiring with Globus. In addition, to being so hard working and helpful, with Allister our driver, I cannot tell you how safe and secure I felt in his capable driving hands. He had some very awkward traffic and interesting roads to navigate with our large bus, (especially on the islands and up north) but he handled it all expertly and without a hitch. So much so, I was able to relax and enjoy the journey. All in all, with our tour, you could tell both these kind men cared very much for those of us who needed the extra help and advice. Made my bucket list trip to Scotland so memorable and wonderful. Thank you Ian and Allister! Globus is truly fortunate to have you both. ...more ...less

Patty Walker (Google Reviewer)  

Specifically, Cosmos Tour of Ireland...

11-Aug-2024

Specifically, Cosmos Tour of Ireland and Scotland. August 2024. Let me begin with the positive , the Tour guide was knowledgable, personable and educated! He also was extremely professional and took a genuine interest in providing the highest quality of service to the client. The bus was clean and comfortable and well maintained. The driver was highly experienced and provided excellent transportation. The excursions were acceptable and enjoyable. The Variety of age groups on the trip made for wonderful traveling companions. But unfortunately, that is where the positive ends. The Leonardo hotels that are part of the chain and experience for this specific tour are below quality. We spent a night in a room with a leak in the ceiling. That was known before we checked in and continued to leak while we were there. Another Leonardo hotel, we could not get out of our room. Due to the carpet being ripped up and blocking the door. Most of these hotels I would have walked away from, had I been on my own individual trip. The customer service is missing, customer safety is also missing in these hotels. There is lack of concern to assist customers to their rooms even when it is there responsibility to change the room, there isn't assistance offered. Never have I experienced where you had to absolutely be your own advocate. Because there is no customer concern or care. Quality of food provided is also below standards. It is frowned upon if you request something and often denied. We even had a situation where another individual was placed in the same room we were in and it was considered a "oh well too bad for you." Again, we had to transport our own luggage and bags to a new room. Only after we were our own advocates. We said this stranger and ourselves are not going to stay in the same room. Finally, we received a good room, a room that would be found acceptable in every day normal travel, and we had to change again. Because there was a missing part in a Radiator and this was known to the hotel but yet they still booked us into a room. The radiator would not turn off and the room was steaming hot. So once again, we had to transfer all of our luggage and personal items and trudged down stairwell and elevators to once again change rooms. This is so sad for a bucket list, once in a lifetime, save your money and go on your anniversary trip. The rooms are old and out, dated with stains and tears in carpets and materials. Some of the missing items are a safety concern. Buyer beware! The communication for traveling in other countries is not to the level of customer service and satisfaction that we are used to, we did not expect this level of unacceptable accommodations, much like staying in a hostile. It is the Globus/Cosmos Travel companies responsibility to make sure their accommodations for housing is up to the level of expectations of their customers. The accommodations provided are a reflection of Globus/Cosmos business model and integrity in the global travel industry. This is not everything we experienced, but just a few examples. At this time, their brand appears to be old, outdated, without concern or care for the safety of their clients or their health and welfare as applied to accomodations.Customer service, is their lost art. Choose carefully for travel service. And I would not recommend Globus or Cosmos. ...more ...less

Suneetha Raja (Google Reviewer)  

I have done Newfoundland &...

06-Jul-2024

I have done Newfoundland & Labrador with Iceberg Festival tour with Globus in June 2024. It was absolute rubbish for the price I paid towards the tour. Terrible hotels, horrible meals, barely any sightseeing that is worth while the visit, most importantly, the Iceberg festival never happened. Globus sold this specific tour departure date as the only way to attend this supposed Iceberg Festival. I felt cheated after paying 3527£ for a 13 day tour considering the only reason I picked this departure date was because I wanted to attend this Iceberg festival. I could have used my time and money in a better way doing a different tour with another company. A Canadian company who did the exact same tour is doing it for £2400. I have been travelling with Globus and Cosmos tours since 2008. However, this company tours have been terrible after the covid shutdowns. They are charging more than the premium companies and not providing the equivalent service on par with the prices. Safe to say that I won't be recommending Globus and Cosmos tours to anyone. Try other tour companies that are on the market. ...more ...less

Lynda Bailey (Google Reviewer)  

I really enjoyed my Cosmos...

11-Jun-2024

I really enjoyed my Cosmos tour to Italy last September. However I was totally disappointed by two major things which completely changed the atmosphere of the holiday for me. One was the 'last minute' rearrangement of one of our hotels which then put us well outside of Florence on a trading estate for two nights instead of walking distance from the city walls. That completely blocked any plans or ideas of enjoying Florence in the evening. My biggest disappointment was the terrible travel arrangements and associated advice about travelling through Heathrow Cosmos put in place for me and for which they refused to be accountable despite the fact that they had made the ticket booking on my behalf and I had asked them for appropriate check in advice at all key points before I travelled. As a result I was put on standby when I should never have been (even the BA departure staff were shocked at this) and separated from my luggage which travelled on a later flight. I spent over 6 hrs of my first day in Rome in the airport waiting for my luggage and subsequent transfer to my hotel, without any assistance from Cosmos or BA airside staff. When I complained after my holiday, Cosmos would not take any responsibility at all for the fact that I lost the first day of my holiday and approx. 50% of the time I was due to spend in Rome, preferring to blame BA who in turn were uncontactable about my complaint. Very poor customer service indeed. ...more ...less

1 Select your preferred date

Saturday - Friday

May 03, 2025 - May 09, 2025
$1424 $1035 (USD)

Operator discount: -$389 (USD)

Saturday - Friday

May 24, 2025 - May 30, 2025
$1346 $957 (USD)

Operator discount: -$389 (USD)

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Globus requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP 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 globus 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.

Costa Rica's Pura Vida Escape

7 Days Starting and ending in San José, Costa Rica

Visiting: San José, San Jose, Sarchí, Monteverde Cloud Forest, Monteverde, La Fortuna, Arenal Volcano National Park, Mirador 1968, Arenal Volcano National Park, Arenal ...more ...less

Tour operator:

Globus

Tour code:

K5-2025

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

0 - 20

Physical rating:

Medium

Trip Styles:

Small Group

Activities:

Hiking, Walking

From: $1346 $957 (USD) Operator discount: -$389 -29%

NB: Prices correct on 18-Mar-2025 but subject to change.

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