Costa Rica Encompassed - 14 days
Costa Rica Encompassed - 14 days
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Tour Overview
Embark on a 14-day adventure through Costa Rica with the "Costa Rica Encompassed" tour. Begin your journey in the vibrant capital of San Jose, exploring its cultural landmarks. Venture to the lush Tortuguero National Park, known as Costa Rica's "little Amazon," for wildlife spotting and boat tours. Hike the trails of Arenal Volcano National Park and enjoy scenic views of Lake Arenal. Discover the biodiversity of Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve on a guided hike. Conclude your trip in the stunning Manuel Antonio National Park, where you can relax on pristine beaches and explore the tropical rainforest. Enjoy comfortable accommodations and seamless transfers throughout your journey. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1-2: San Jose
Location: San Jose
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
At San Jose international airport you will be met by our tour director, transferred to your hotel and given information about your tour. The rest of the day is free to explore San Jose or just to relax in the hotel.
Spend the next morning at leisure and in the afternoon enjoy a guided tour of the capital, taking in the highlights of the city and learning all about life in Costa Rica. Visit the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum, the Metropolitan Cathedral and the beautiful National Theatre lobby, known as 'The jewel of San Jose'. Shop for handicrafts at the bustling Central Market and souvenirs an Art Gallery. As you drive around the city, you will also see important building such as The Costa Rica University, The Old Train Station, The National Liquor Factory, The National Supreme Election Bureau, the Asamblea Legislativa (equivalent to The Congress) and The Metallic Building.
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Day 3-4: Tortuguero
Location: Tortuguero
Accommodation Name: Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
San Jose - Tortuguero. After breakfast travel to Tortuguero on Costa Rica's beautiful Caribbean coast. During the journey you will cross the majestic Braulio Carrillo National Park and enjoy amazing rainforest views until you reach the Caribbean. Tortuguero is only accessible by air or by water. Drive to La Pavona dock where a boat will be waiting to take you through the amazing canals to your lodge in Tortuguero.
After lunch at the lodge, take a guided nature walk along the trails around the property, looking out for wildlife and learning more about the environment that surrounds the lodge. Return to the lodge for dinner and an evening at leisure.
The next morning, enjoy a guided tour of Tortuguero town. It's a 5 minute boat ride from the lodge to town, where a small community of 1300 people live surrounded by water. On the tour, learn about the lifestyle of the inhabitants of Tortuguero, take a stroll down the main road and shops for souvenirs made by the local artisans.
In the afternoon explore Tortuguero National Park on a two-hour guided boat tour along the canals. Known as the Costa Rican “Little Amazon”, Tortuguero is a real paradise for nature lovers, with incredible wildlife including 186 species of birds, three of the four species of monkeys in Costa Rica, crocodiles, caimans, toucans, sloths and much more!
Note: Tortuguero is well known for attracting hordes of sea turtles which come to nest on the beaches. Turtle season typically occurs from July through to October and this is the best time to hopefully spot turtle hatchlings emerge from their nest and scamper across the beach and into the ocean! If you visit during the turtle season, there are turtle nesting tours in the evening, which can be booked locally.
Day 5: La Fortuna
Location: La Fortuna
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Tortuguero - La Fortuna. After breakfast it's time to bid farewell to Tortuguero and travel on to La Fortuna in Costa Rica’s fertile northern lowlands. Travel by boat to La Pavona dock, from there the hotel transportation will take you to Guapiles city to enjoy lunch. After lunch, continue to La Fortuna, home of the majestic Arenal Volcano. On a clear day, the majestic Arenal Volcano can be seen looming over this picturesque little town.
Day 6-7: Arenal Volcano National Park
Location: Arenal Volcano National Park
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Explore Arenal Volcano National Park on day 6. Begin the tour by heading to the El Silencio Private Reserve, to get as close to the base of the Arenal volcano as possible by vehicle. Then enjoy a scenic walk for 1km along a volcanic stone path to reach the best volcano view point. Learn all about this remarkable volcano and also enjoy wonderful views of the Green Lagoon and Lake Arenal. The walk back will take you through lush rainforest located along the edge of the Arenal Volcano. With a little luck you'll spot some of the wide variety of plants and animals that inhabit the rainforest, such as toucans, turkeys, orioles, peccaries, snakes, and monkeys. At the end of the morning tour enjoy a delicious snack of tropical fruit before returning to your hotel.
The afternoon and day 7 are free to enjoy some of the many activities that are available to book in the Arenal area. From waterfalls, hot springs and hanging bridges, to coffee tours, ziplining and wildlife safaris!
Day 8-9: Monteverde Cloud Forest
Location: Monteverde
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Arenal - Monteverde. After breakfast on day 6 transfer to Arenal Lake and take a scenic boat ride across the lake, enjoying panoramic views of the Arenal Volcano, Chato Hill, Arenal Lake and the Tilaran mountain range en route. When you reach the other side, another vehicle will be waiting to take you to your hotel in Monteverde.
The following day discover the natural wonders of Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve on a two-hour guided walk. Walk along the reserve trails with your guide and learn all about one the most researched and protected private reserves in the world. This spectacular reserve cannot fail to impress with its beauty and incredible biodiversity. Wind-sculpted elfin woodlands give way to rainforests where tall trees, festooned with orchids, bromeliads, ferns and vines, rise high into the sky. Also look out for wonderful birdlife, including the Resplendent Quetzal, Emerald Toucanet, Costa Rican Warbler and Black Faced Solitaire. After the walk return back to your hotel to enjoy leisure the rest of the day.
Day 10-11: Manuel Antonio Village
Location: Manuel Antonio
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Monteverde - Manuel Antonio. On day 10 transfer to beautiful Manuel Antonio, one of the country's most popular national parks, located on Costa's Rica tropical Pacific Coast. Offering the ideal blend of beach and rainforest, it's the perfect place to relax for a few days at the end of your holiday. Spend the rest of the day at leisure, enjoying your exquisite new surroundings.
The following morning explore the tropical rainforest on a 2.5 hour nature walk. Your naturalist guide will point out many of the different species living in the park, such as sloths, Capuchin, Howler, and Squirrel monkeys. You will also be able to see several types of reptiles resting in the tropical rainforest and birds overhead. Spend the afternoon at leisure.
Day 12-13: Manuel Antonio Village
Location: Manuel Antonio
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
The next two days are free for you to enjoy some of the activities available in the area or simply relax on the beach or by the pool! You can following hiking trails through the beautiful coastal jungles, looking out for the abundance of wildlife that resides there. Perhaps go kayaking in the Isla Damas Mangroves, or learn to surf.
Day 14: San Jose
Location: San Jose
Meals Included: Breakfast
Manuel Antonio - San Jose. Today a private transfer takes you to San Jose airport for your flight home. Please consider a late departure flight, as the transfer time is approx. 3.5 hours.
What's Included
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Accommodation
11 nights in 4-star hotels and 2 nights in a 3-star lodge in Tortuguero.
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Meals
Breakfast daily, 3 lunches, and 2 dinners.
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Transfers
Private airport arrival and departure transfer.
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Transportation
Tourist shuttle transfers: San Jose - Tortuguero - La Fortuna - Monteverde - Manuel Antonio (shared transportation with other travelers).
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San Jose City Tour
Half-day San Jose city tour (shared excursion with other travelers).
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Tortuguero Excursions
Tortuguero nature walk, visit to Tortuguero town, and boat tour of Tortuguero National Park (shared excursions with other travelers).
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Arenal Volcano National Park Tour
Arenal Volcano National Park tour (shared excursion with other travelers).
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Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve Walk
Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve nature walk (shared excursion with other travelers).
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Manuel Antonio National Park Walk
Manuel Antonio National Park nature walk (shared excursion with other travelers).
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Guides
Services of English-speaking guides for all included excursions.
What's Not Included
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International Flights and Visas
International flights and visas are not included.
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Tipping
Tipping is an entirely personal gesture and is not included.
Mode of Transport
Travel in comfort with private airport transfers and shared tourist shuttle transfers between San Jose, Tortuguero, La Fortuna, Monteverde, and Manuel Antonio, ensuring a seamless journey.
Accommodation
Enjoy 11 nights in 4-star hotels and 2 nights in a 3-star lodge in Tortuguero, providing a comfortable and relaxing stay throughout your Costa Rican adventure.
Age Policy
Not recommended for under 5yrs
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 a wide variety of wildlife including 186 species of birds, three of the four species of monkeys in Costa Rica, crocodiles, caimans, toucans, and sloths. During turtle season, which typically occurs from July through October, you may also spot sea turtles nesting on the beaches. ...more ...less
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What activities are available in the Arenal area during the free days?
During the free days in the Arenal area, you can enjoy a variety of activities such as visiting waterfalls, soaking in hot springs, walking on hanging bridges, taking coffee tours, ziplining, and going on wildlife safaris.
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What can I expect during the guided tour of San Jose?
During the guided tour of San Jose, you will visit the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum, the Metropolitan Cathedral, and the National Theatre lobby. You will also shop for handicrafts at the Central Market and souvenirs at an Art Gallery. Additionally, you will see important buildings such as The Costa Rica University, The Old Train Station, The National Liquor Factory, The National Supreme Election Bureau, the Asamblea Legislativa, and The Metallic Building. ...more ...less
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What is the best time to visit Tortuguero for turtle nesting?
The best time to visit Tortuguero for turtle nesting is from July through October. During this period, you may have the opportunity to see turtle hatchlings emerge from their nests and make their way to the ocean.
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What kind of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes 11 nights in 4-star hotels and 2 nights in a 3-star lodge in Tortuguero, ensuring a comfortable and relaxing stay throughout your Costa Rican adventure.
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What kind of meals are included in the tour package?
The tour package includes breakfast daily, 3 lunches, and 2 dinners.
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What can I do during the free days in Manuel Antonio?
During the free days in Manuel Antonio, you can enjoy activities such as hiking trails through coastal jungles, kayaking in the Isla Damas Mangroves, learning to surf, or simply relaxing on the beach or by the pool.
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What is included in the transportation for the tour?
The tour includes private airport arrival and departure transfers, as well as shared tourist shuttle transfers between San Jose, Tortuguero, La Fortuna, Monteverde, and Manuel Antonio.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Ensuring our footprint is light and that the benefits of travelling reach the local communities you visit is paramount to us. We’re proud to say that when travelling with us, the large majority of your holiday funds remain within the countries you visit, supporting local economies at a grass roots level.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1998
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
With English-speaking tours, it's not a huge surprise that most on our travellers are from English-speaking countries or have English as their second language. Our group tours cater for everyone from 18 years old to 70+
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
Reviews of this operator
Book with Confidence
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
On The Go Tours allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform on the go tours, 60 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
On The Go Tours requires a minimum deposit of 500 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of on the go tours charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
Costa Rica Encompassed - 14 days
14 Days Starting and ending in San Jose, Costa Rica
Visiting: San Jose, Tortuguero, La Fortuna, Arenal Volcano National Park, Monteverde, Manuel Antonio ...more ...less
Tour operator:
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Age range:
5-