Costa Rica Escape

Costa Rica Escape

158 Views
7 Days From

$1149

Costa Rica Escape

7 Days Starting and ending in San José, Costa Rica

Visiting: San José, Arenal, Monteverde, South America

Tour operator:

Globus

Tour code:

K3-2024

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Medium

Tour operated in:

English
From: $1149

NB: Prices correct on 05-Oct-2024 but subject to change.

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

Tour Overview

Embark on the "Costa Rica Escape" tour and immerse yourself in the natural wonders and vibrant culture of Costa Rica. Begin your journey in San José, where you'll meet your Tour Director and explore the historic National Theater and Metropolitan Cathedral. Travel to Arenal, home to the majestic Arenal Volcano, lush rainforests, and abundant wildlife. Experience the breathtaking Arenal Hanging Bridges and the scenic drive to Monteverde's cloud forest, teeming with diverse flora and fauna. Visit the artisan village of Sarchi to witness traditional craftsmanship before returning to San José. Enjoy comfortable accommodations and daily breakfasts throughout this unforgettable adventure.

Highlights

  • Visit to La Fortuna Village in the shadow of Arenal Volcano

  • Explore the jungle canopy atop Arenal Hanging Bridges

  • Discover the cloud forest of Monteverde

  • Guided walking tour of Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve

  • Visit Sarchi Village, the hub of Costa Rican craftsmanship

  • Guided city orientation of downtown San José including the National Theater and Metropolitan Cathedral

Places You'll See

Park Inn Radisson

Magic Mountain Hotel

Monteverde Country Lodge

Park Inn Radisson

Magic Mountain Hotel

Monteverde Country Lodge

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Arrive In San José,Costa Rica

Location: San José

Accommodation Name: Park Inn Radisson

Meet your Tour Director at your hotel.
ARRIVE IN SAN JOSÉ, COSTA RICA Welcome to San José!
Meet your Tour Director at your hotel.

SAN-JOSE-WELCOME.jpg

Day 2: San José,Arenal

Location: Arenal

Accommodation Name: Magic Mountain Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast


SAN JOSÉ–ARENAL Lava Love
Depart on a scenic drive past banana groves and pineapple and sugar cane fields en route to Arenal. Visit to La Fortuna Village in the shadow of mighty Arenal Volcano (currently dormant but known for consistent lava flows before 2010). Arenal is home to cascading waterfalls, thriving rainforests, abundant wildlife, and a wealth of outdoor activities with nearby nature trails and 400-year-old trees. Watch for frogs, monkeys, birds, and native wildlife. (B)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
WONDERS OF NATURE For 42 years, Arenal Volcano was Costa Rica’s most active volcano until 2010 when entered a passive phase. This area is one of the most bio-diverse areas in the world and is home to more than 850 species of birds and other wildlife. Time here can be spent hiking the trails around the volcano or relaxing in the many thermal hot springs.


ARENAL-VOLCANO.jpg

Day 3: Arenal

Location: Arenal

Accommodation Name: Magic Mountain Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast


ARENAL Bird’s Eye View
Today, take a guided excursion with your Naturalist to Arenal Hanging Bridges. Explore the jungle canopy atop 15 bridges suspended in the treetops to see various species of plants, birds, butterflies, monkeys, sloths, and other local wildlife. On a clear day, get a 360-degree view of the tropical rainforest and stunning views of Arenal Volcano. Free time the remainder of the day. (B)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
PICTURE PERFECT Explore the rainforest from a bird’s-eye perspective high above the jungle floor from the Arenal Hanging Bridges. This Naturalist-guided tour introduces you to the flora and fauna of the Costa Rican rainforest. With some bridges spanning over 700 feet long and 200 feet high, this is truly a unique way to admire the forest canopy.


ARENAL-HANGING-BRIDGE.jpg

Day 4: Arenal,Monteverde

Location: Monteverde

Accommodation Name: Monteverde Country Lodge

Meals Included: Breakfast


ARENAL–MONTEVERDE Heads in the Clouds
This morning, depart Arenal on scenic drive to Monteverde for the next two nights. Arrive in the cloud forest of Monteverde, situated on the continental divide under misty cloud coverage in one of the world’s most bio-diverse areas. Enjoy an afternoon and evening at leisure. (B)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
WILD & WONDERFUL Explore Monteverde Cloud Forest, home to over 3,000 species of plants, 400 species of birds, 60 species of bats, 1,200 species of amphibians, and 700 species of butterflies in one of the last remaining natural habitats of all six Costa Rica wildcat species—ocelots, jaguars, jaguarundi, pumas, oncillas, and marguays. Perhaps you’ll catch a glimpse of one of Costa Rica’s most beautiful birds, the resplendent quetzal.


MONTEVERDE-QUETZAL.jpg

Day 5: Monteverde

Location: Monteverde

Accommodation Name: Monteverde Country Lodge

Meals Included: Breakfast


MONTEVERDE Creatures of the Cloud Forest
This morning, take a Naturalist guided walking tour of Santa Elena Cloud Forest 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. (B)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
PARADISE FOUND This unique, high-elevation ecosystem of Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve is constantly enveloped in moisture-rich clouds formed from the warm winds from the Atlantic Ocean as they sweep over the Continental Divide, creating one of the most bio-diverse and rich ecosystems in the world. Prolific in many animal and plant species, this is a nature lover’s paradise.


MONTEVERDE-SLOTH.jpg

Day 6: Monteverde,Sarchi,San José

Location: San José

Accommodation Name: Park Inn Radisson

Meals Included: Breakfast


MONTEVERDE–SARCHI–SAN JOSÉ Artistry & Drama
En route to San José, visit Sarchi Village, the hub of Costa Rican craftsmanship, and see the artists in their workshops making their famous ox carts. Upon arrival in San José, a guided city orientation introduces downtown San José includes the historic National Theater and the Metropolitan Cathedral. (B)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
CULTURE & TRADITION Visit the local village of Sarchi and see firsthand how the traditional ox carts are hand-painted. Once used to transport coffee and sugarcane, these are now pieces of art with intricate designs.


SARCHI-OX-CART.jpg

Day 7: San José

Location: San José

Meals Included: Breakfast

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
SAN JOSÉ Adios y Gracias, San José!
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)

SAN-JOSE-MARKET.jpg

What's Included

  • Accommodation

    Stay at Park Inn Radisson in San Jose, Magic Mountain Hotel in Arenal, and Monteverde Country Lodge in Monteverde.

  • Meals

    Breakfast is provided daily.

  • Guided Tours

    Guided excursions with a Naturalist to Arenal Hanging Bridges and Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve.

  • Transportation

    Scenic drives between destinations including San José, Arenal, Monteverde, and Sarchi.

  • Small Group Discovery

    Limited to an average of just 20 guests per departure, ensuring extra space and personalized experiences.

  • City Orientation

    Guided city orientation in San José including the historic National Theater and the Metropolitan Cathedral.

  • Visit to Sarchi Village

    Visit to Sarchi Village to see artists making their famous ox carts.

What's Not Included

  • Flights

    International and domestic flights are not included.

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance is not included and is recommended.

  • Personal Expenses

    Personal expenses such as souvenirs, laundry, and tips are not included.

  • Optional Activities

    Optional activities and excursions not mentioned in the itinerary are not included.

  • Meals Not Mentioned

    Meals other than breakfast are not included unless specified.

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.

Meals

Breakfast daily

Accommodation

San Jose: Park Inn Radisson, Arenal: Magic Mountain Hotel, Monteverde: Monteverde Country Lodge

Notes

Maximum elevation on tour is 9,000 ft.

Check out our Q&As

  • What kind of wildlife can I expect to see during the tour?

    During the tour, you can expect to see a variety of wildlife including frogs, monkeys, birds, sloths, jaguars, ocelots, coatis, and numerous species of butterflies. The Arenal area is home to over 850 species of birds and other wildlife, while Monteverde Cloud Forest is home to over 3,000 species of plants, 400 species of birds, and 60 species of bats.

  • What activities are included in the Arenal area?

    In the Arenal area, you will visit La Fortuna Village, explore nature trails, and take a guided excursion to the Arenal Hanging Bridges. You will have the opportunity to see various species of plants, birds, butterflies, monkeys, sloths, and other local wildlife. There is also free time to relax in the thermal hot springs or hike the trails around the volcano.

  • What can I expect during the visit to Monteverde?

    In Monteverde, you will enjoy a scenic drive to the cloud forest, which is one of the world's most bio-diverse areas. You will take a Naturalist guided walking tour of Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve, where you can see forest fauna such as sloths, jaguars, ocelots, monkeys, and numerous species of birds. The cloud forest experiences almost 12 feet of rain per year, creating a rich ecosystem.

  • What is special about the visit to Sarchi Village?

    In Sarchi Village, you will visit the hub of Costa Rican craftsmanship and see artists in their workshops making their famous ox carts. These traditional ox carts, once used to transport coffee and sugarcane, are now pieces of art with intricate designs.

  • What is the maximum elevation reached during the tour?

    The maximum elevation reached during the tour is 9,000 feet.

  • What is included in the Small-Group Discovery option?

    The Small-Group Discovery option is limited to an average of just 20 guests per departure. It includes all the features of a traditional Globus escorted tour, complete with an expert Tour Director, Driver, and Local Guides. This option ensures extra space between travelers while still providing up-close and personal 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.

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

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!!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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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.

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