Natural Wonders of Costa Rica
Natural Wonders of Costa Rica
Natural Wonders of Costa Rica
9 Days Starting and ending in San José, Costa Rica
Visiting: San José, Tortuguero National Park, Arenal, Monteverde
Tour operator:
Tour code:
SR-2025
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Vegans, Meat
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the "Natural Wonders of Costa Rica," where you'll explore the diverse landscapes and rich wildlife of this Central American gem. Cruise along the Tortuguero Canals, spotting freshwater turtles, caimans, and monkeys, and tour a local pineapple farm in Sarapiqui. Discover the majestic Arenal Volcano National Park and the charming town of La Fortuna. Walk among the treetops on the Sky Walk Hanging Bridges in Monteverde Cloud Forest and visit the Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve, home to a myriad of butterflies and birds. Experience local culture in Sarchi Village, renowned for its handcrafts and iconic oxcarts. Enjoy comfortable accommodations and guided tours, with all transportation and most meals included, ensuring a seamless and enriching adventure.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive In San José,Costa Rica
Location: San José
Accommodation Name: Cariari Hotel San Jose
Upon arrival, you will be met by your tour director!
Day 2: San José,Tortuguero National Park
Location: Tortuguero National Park
Accommodation Name: Evergreen Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
SAN JOSÉ–TORTUGUERO NATIONAL PARK Shell Games Journey east to the Caribbean shore and Tortuguero National Park. On the way, pass by several banana plantations and see one of Costa Rica’s main exports being harvested. Later, board a motor launch for your cruise along the Tortuguero Canals, waterways crisscrossing a national park dedicated to the protection of endangered turtles. The trained eyes of your guide and boatman help you spot freshwater turtles, caimans, herons, toucans, egrets, and monkeys. An afternoon at leisure lets you explore your jungle lodge until you meet for an informative slideshow presentation on the area. (B,L,D)TOUR HIGHLIGHTWONDERS OF NATURE Tortuguero National Park was once a volcanic archipelago until sediments from the nearby mountains filled in the valleys forming a network of marshy islands and turtle nesting beaches that make this region so famous. With its 11 different habitats, this lush, protected area is rich with wildlife and biodiversity.
Day 3: Tortuguero National Park Tour & Canal Cruise
Location: Tortuguero National Park
Accommodation Name: Evergreen Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
TORTUGUERO NATIONAL PARK TOUR & CANAL CRUISE Natural BeautiesA local Naturalist accompanies you on a leisurely boat ride along remote, unspoiled sections of the park’s waterways, explaining the bountiful flora and fauna. Enjoy a fascinating stroll through an accessible portion of the nearby rainforest. During the peak nesting season (mid-July to mid-October) you may be lucky enough to observe an endangered green turtle laying her eggs under the starlight on an optional tour. Later this afternoon, meet a local Naturalist for an informative presentation on the ecology of the area. (B,L,D)TOUR HIGHLIGHTCONSERVATION MATTERS Tortuguero’s turtles that come to nest in the national park named for them are easily considered one of the main attractions of the park. Green Sea Turtles, leatherback, and Hawksbill turtles can all be found nesting on the beaches here. During your time here, learn about the conservation efforts that have been in place since 1955 to help protect these endangered species.
Day 4: Tortuguero,Sarapiqui,Arenal
Location: Arenal
Accommodation Name: Volcano Lodge & Gardens
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
TORTUGUERO–SARAPIQUI–ARENAL Fruitful ExperiencesA morning boat transfer begins your journey to the Sarapiqui area. Tour a [LF] pineapple farm, owned by a local family, and learn about the history, cultivation, and industry of pineapples and other indigenous crops. Continue to your hotel in the lush town of Arenal, located in the shadow of Arenal Volcano. After settling in, experience the magic of the resort before dinner at your hotel (B,L,D)TOUR HIGHLIGHT ACCOMMODATION SPOTLIGHT Lush tropical gardens, the sound of crashing waterfalls, and striking views of Costa Rica’s famed Arenal Volcano from Volcano Lodge will leave you feeling as though you have been transported into the middle of a hidden rainforest jungle but, with all of the comforts and amenities of a well-tended retreat. Experience the magic of the resort’s pool and hot spring-fed jacuzzi or consider a walk in the nearby nature trail in search of 300- to 400-year-old trees, frogs, monkeys, birds, and possibly small animals native to the area.
Day 5: Arenal. Excursion To La Fortuna & Arenal Volcano National Park
Location: Arenal
Accommodation Name: Volcano Lodge & Gardens
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 6: Arenal,Monteverde
Location: Monteverde
Accommodation Name: El Establo Mountain Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
ARENAL–MONTEVERDE Heads in the CloudsAfter breakfast, continue to Monteverde, where you will enjoy two days in the cloud forest. This afternoon, take a guided tour on the Sky Walk Hanging Bridges, which combines trails and suspension bridges through the canopy of Monteverde Cloud Forest, to search for flora and fauna. (B,L)TOUR HIGHLIGHTPICTURE PERFECT Explore the cloud forest from the Sky Walk Hanging Bridges for a bird’s eye view high above the jungle floor. This Naturalist-guided tour introduces you to the flora and fauna of the Costa Rican cloud forest. Consisting of 6 bridges with some bridges spanning over 700 feet long and over 150 feet high, this is truly a unique way to admire the forest canopy.
Day 7: Monteverde - Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve
Location: Monteverde
Accommodation Name: El Establo Mountain Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
MONTEVERDE SANTA ELENA CLOUD FOREST RESERVE Butterfly KissesThis morning, visit Santa Elena Cloud Forest for a guided walking tour. Over 600 species of butterflies and 400 species of birds have been recorded inside this private reserve, along with 100 reptile and 120 mammal species that hide within the dense vegetation. Later, visit a family-owned [LF] Ecological Sanctuary, where you will explore the trails through the forest filled with endemic wildlife and beautiful scenery. After the walk, enjoy a cooking class focusing on permaculture, conservation, and local traditions. Tonight, your Tour Director hosts a farewell dinner, toasting an unforgettable discovery of Costa Rica. (B,L,D)LOCAL FAVORITELOCAL TASTES Treat yourself to a visit to a leisurely stroll through a family owned Ecological Sanctuary, and take a cooking class to learn how to prepare authentic Costa Rican food sustainably, like hand-made tortillas, picadillos, and gallo pinto. Dine on your creations for a homemade lunch!
Day 8: Monteverde,Sarchi,Grecia,San José
Location: San José
Accommodation Name: Cariari Hotel San Jose
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
MONTEVERDE–SARCHI–GRECIA–SAN JOSÉ Costa Rican CraftsmanshipEn route to San José, visit Sarchi Village, known as the center of Costa Rican handcrafts and where you will see the artists in their workshops making the famous oxcarts. Next stop is Grecia Village to see the metal church that was imported from Belgium to Puerto Limon in 1897. The church was transported by oxcarts to its present-day location but sat in the plaza for 10 years before being reconstructed. (B,L) TOUR HIGHLIGHTCULTURAL GEMS 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.
Day 9: San José
Location: San José
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Stay at Cariari Hotel San Jose, Evergreen Lodge in Tortuguero, Volcano Lodge & Gardens in Arenal, and El Establo Mountain Lodge in Monteverde.
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Meals
Breakfast daily, 6 lunches, and 5 dinners are included.
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Guided Tours
Guided tours in Tortuguero National Park, Sarapiqui, Arenal Volcano National Park, Monteverde Cloud Forest, and Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve.
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Local Experiences
Tour a local pineapple farm in Sarapiqui and visit the family-owned Ecological Sanctuary in Monteverde.
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Transportation
All transportation during the tour, including boat transfers and motor launch cruises.
What's Not Included
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International Flights
International flights to and from Costa Rica are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and must be purchased separately.
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Optional Activities
Optional activities such as observing an endangered green turtle laying her eggs are not included.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and beverages are not included.
Meals
Breakfast daily, 6 lunches, 5 dinners
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.
Accommodation
San Jose: Cariari Hotel San Jose, Tortuguero: Evergreen Lodge, Arenal: Volcano Lodge & Gardens, Monteverde: El Establo Mountain Lodge.
Notes
Maximum elevation on tour is 9,000 ft.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of wildlife can I expect to see in Tortuguero National Park?
In Tortuguero National Park, you can expect to see freshwater turtles, caimans, herons, toucans, egrets, and monkeys. During the peak nesting season from mid-July to mid-October, you may also have the opportunity to observe an endangered green turtle laying her eggs.
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What activities are included in the Monteverde Cloud Forest visit?
In Monteverde Cloud Forest, you will take a guided tour on the Sky Walk Hanging Bridges, which combines trails and suspension bridges through the canopy. You will also visit the Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve for a guided walking tour and explore the family-owned Ecological Sanctuary, where you can walk through coffee and banana plantations filled with endemic wildlife.
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What can I expect during the visit to the pineapple farm in Sarapiqui?
During the visit to the pineapple farm in Sarapiqui, you will tour a local pineapple farm owned by a local family. You will learn about the history, cultivation, and industry of pineapples and other indigenous crops.
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What is the accommodation like during the tour?
The accommodation during the tour includes stays at Cariari Hotel San Jose in San Jose, Evergreen Lodge in Tortuguero, Volcano Lodge & Gardens in Arenal, and El Establo Mountain Lodge in Monteverde.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
Yes, meals are included in the tour package. You will receive breakfast daily, 6 lunches, and 5 dinners.
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What kind of transportation is provided during the tour?
All transportation during the tour is provided, including boat transfers and motor launch cruises.
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What is the significance of Sarchi Village in the tour?
Sarchi Village is known as the center of Costa Rican handcrafts. During the visit, you will see artists in their workshops making the famous oxcarts.
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Is travel insurance included in the tour package?
No, travel insurance is not included in the tour package and must be purchased separately.
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What optional activities are available during the tour?
Optional activities such as observing an endangered green turtle laying her eggs are available but not included in the tour package.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
For over 90 years.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest Covid-19 policies
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.