Family: Tortuguero, Arenal & beach relax

Family: Tortuguero, Arenal & beach relax

3 Views

This tour is no longer available, here are some similar tours:


Family: Tortuguero, Arenal & beach relax

13 Days Starting and ending in San Jose, Costa Rica

Visiting: San Jose, Tortuguero, Arenal, Tamarindo, United Kingdom

Tour operator:

Exoticca

Specialist Group:

Family/Kids

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

1 - 9

Physical rating:

Medium

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Safari Tours

Activities:

Walking

Tour Overview

Discover the contrasts of Costa Rica. Arrive in the picturesque capital, San Jose, where a local guide will show the amazing nature of La Paz Waterfall Gardens. From there, fly to Tortuguero to explore its canals and enjoy its rich biodiversity. Finish with an all-inclusive stay at a resort to relax as a family on the pristine beaches of Tamarindo.

Highlights

  • Arenal

  • San José

  • Tamarindo

  • Tortuguero

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Uk/Ireland - San Jose

Location: San Jose

Accommodation Name: Barceló San Jose

Arrive at your UK/Ireland departure airport to board a flight to San Jose*. Land in the capital of Costa Rica and transfer to your hotel. Overnight stay in San Jose.*If either your outbound or inbound flights depart in the early hours (before 4:00 a.m.) you must arrive at the airport the night before the indicated departure day.

Day 2 : San Jose

Location: San Jose

Accommodation Name: Barceló San Jose

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, enjoy a family excursion to the La Paz Waterfall Gardens. Upon arrival, walk along a beautiful trail that leads to the aviary, the largest butterfly observatory in the country, the hummingbird gallery, the serpentarium, and the frog, monkey and feline exhibits. Replenish your energy with a tasty lunch in the middle of the forest and then walk through this tropical rainforest following a paved path, with some steps, to visit the impressive waterfalls formed by the La Paz River. Return to the hotel and overnight in San Jose.

Day 3 : San Jose - Tortuguero

Location: Tortuguero

Accommodation Name: Laguna Lodge

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Breakfast at the hotel. In the morning, rise early to visit the Tortuguero Village, where you’ll be accommodated in a Full Board hotel!You’ll discover an incredible diversity of landscapes. This was once a site for hunting, fishing, and agriculture for various ethnic groups including the Miskitos, the Miskito-Zambo, and the Afro-Caribbean population. During the tour, visit the village school, the National Park, churches, stores, the community center that houses the local symphony, and the recycling plant, which is one of the most efficient in the country! Dinner and overnight stay in Tortuguero.

Day 4 : Tortuguero

Location: Tortuguero

Accommodation Name: Laguna Lodge

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Full Board. Breakfast at the hotel. Start the day with a 2-hour tour through the National Park's canals. Enjoy the lush biodiversity of plants and animals in this ecosystem, which is the most complex and dynamic in Central America. The tour includes lunch. You and your family will be accompanied by a naturalist guide and an experienced boatman, who will help you appreciate the park's many animal species. See monkeys, thousands of bird species, hundreds of reptiles and amphibians, such as iguanas, crocodiles, alligators, turtles... and, of course, a great variety of mammals. Dinner and overnight stay in Tortuguero.

Day 5 : Tortuguero - Arenal

Location: Arenal

Accommodation Name: Lomas del Volcán

Meals Included: Breakfast

Breakfast in the hotel. In the morning, head to Guápiles, one of the most popular cities in Costa Rica, a lush tropical landscape located within the country's banana growing region.In addition to jungle adventures, visitors can also try a trip to one of the nearby botanical gardens. From wild colorful orchids to other types of flowers and wildlife native to the region, travelers will be amazed by the number of plants they can witness in one setting!In the afternoon, head towards Arenal, where you can join an optional visit to the famous volcano the following day. Arrive, check-in at your hotel, and overnight stay in Arenal.

Day 6 : Arenal

Location: Arenal

Accommodation Name: Lomas del Volcán

Meals Included: Breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel. Set off for a half-day Floating Safari excursion in Arenal. Travel along the Peñas Blancas River with our expert English-speaking safari adventure guides.They will help you appreciate the incredible fauna and flora of the region, where you will see the diversity of animals such as sloths, monkeys, toucans, crocodiles, “Jesus Christ” lizards, turtles and even colorful tropical birds! Ready to visit the volcano? Now’s your chance with our optional hike*. Overnight stay in Arenal.*Hike to the Arenal Volcano: Enjoy a hiking experience through trails marked with the remains of previous lava flows of the impressive and majestic Arenal Volcano. The main attraction of La Fortuna is the Arenal Volcano with its nearly perfect cone shape and a height of 1633 meters. Along the hike you’ll discover the abundant flora and fauna that inhabit the rainforest under re-generation; your guide will tell you all about the Arenal Volcano’s history and activity. After the hike, you may choose two different options to experience the popular hot springs in the area to relax in the warm waters, heated by the volcano.

Day 7 : Arenal

Location: Arenal

Accommodation Name: Lomas del Volcán

Meals Included: Breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, you’ll go on a Sloth Observation Excursion. La Fortuna is a unique environment and the climate, food, and lack of predators make it a perfect home for sloths.Take a 2-hour tour through the Sloth Territory, a small family ecological project just 5 minutes from La Fortuna. The project features a 1-mile trail suitable for adults, families, and children of all ages. Pay attention to the two and three-toed sloths and also Guarumo trees, their favorite food! We also recommend our optional Monteverde Cloud Forest route.* Overnight stay in Arenal.*Monteverde Cloud Forest: Explore the rich cloud forests and extensive nature trails of Monteverde Cloud Forest. Observe wildlife ranging from jaguars to butterflies and quetzals as you traverse a number of different trails through 8 different ‘life-zones’ ranging from swamps to cloud forests.

Day 8 : Arenal - Tamarindo

Location: Tamarindo

Accommodation Name: Occidental Tamarindo

All-inclusive. In the morning, we head to Playa Langosta (Tamarindo) to enjoy this paradisiacal place at an all-inclusive resort. Arrive, check-in, and spend free time in an oasis of peace. Take advantage of the swimming pool to have a good time with your family, or spend time relaxing in the spa! Overnight stay in Tamarindo.

Day 9 : Tamarindo

Location: Tamarindo

Accommodation Name: Occidental Tamarindo

All-inclusive. Enjoy the incredible resort facilities, the wonderful natural surroundings, and the on-site restaurants full of exquisite dishes. If you wish, you can also participate in our optional boat safari in the Tamarindo Estuary*. Overnight stay in Tamarindo.*Optional Boat Safari Tamarindo Estuary: Discover the unique flora and fauna which inhabit the lush mangroves. Look out for noisy howler monkeys, crocodiles and iguanas, whilst appreciating the colorful bird life above. Slowly travel along the channels, so as not to disturb the wildlife, and admire the wonderful natural beauty of the reserve.

Day 10 : Tamarindo

Location: Tamarindo

Accommodation Name: Occidental Tamarindo

All-inclusive. Today is your last day to enjoy the wonderful white sandy beaches of Tamarindo. You have the entire day free to enjoy with your family in this incredible natural setting and all the activities offered in the resort. Overnight stay in Tamarindo.

Day 11 : Tamarindo - San Jose

Location: San Jose

Accommodation Name: Barceló San Jose

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer back to the capital, to spend your last night in San Jose. We suggest taking a stroll through this beautiful city, visiting the National Theatre of Costa Rica or enjoying a delicious dinner at a local restaurant. For a great overview of the city, we recommend an optional city tour of San Jose*. Overnight stay in San Jose.*Optional San Jose City Tour: Visit the most prominent sights of the city such as the National Theater, the Art Museum, the Metropolitan Cathedral and the charming Central Market, among other places. Traditional dinner included.

Day 12 : San Jose - Night On Board

Location: San Jose

Meals Included: Breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel.* At the indicated time, transfer to the airport to board your flight back to the UK/Ireland. Night on board.*Depending on the return flight schedule and the hotel breakfast service, you may not be able to enjoy the included breakfast on the last day.

Day 13 : Uk/Ireland

Location: United Kingdom

Arrive in the UK/Ireland and end your trip.

What's Included

  • Departures from main UK/Ireland airports.

  • International flights: UK/Ireland - San Jose - UK/Ireland.

  • 11 nights accommodation in Charm and Superior category hotels.

  • 9 Breakfasts, Full Board in Tortugero and All Inclusive in Tamarindo.

  • Transfers in air-conditioned vehicles.

  • Visits and entrance fees as indicated in the itinerary.

  • All air taxes and fuel surcharge.

  • Safari boat in Arenal.

  • All inclusive in Occidental Tamarindo.

  • ATOL Protection.

show more

What's Not Included

  • Optional activities

    Optional activities such as the hike to the Arenal Volcano, Monteverde Cloud Forest route, and San Jose City Tour are not included.

  • Personal expenses

    Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.

  • Travel insurance

    Travel insurance is not included and must be purchased separately.

  • Gratuities

    Gratuities for guides, drivers, and hotel staff are not included.

  • Visa fees

    Visa fees, if applicable, are not included.

Meals Included

9 Breakfasts, Full Board in Tortugero and All Inclusive in Tamarindo.

Check out our Q&As

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

    During the tour, you can expect to see a variety of wildlife including monkeys, birds, reptiles, mammals, sloths, toucans, crocodiles, iguanas, and turtles. The tour includes visits to places like Tortuguero National Park and the Peñas Blancas River, which are rich in biodiversity.

  • Are there any activities suitable for children on this tour?

    Yes, the tour includes several activities suitable for children, such as the Sloth Observation Excursion in La Fortuna, which features a trail that is accessible for all ages. The La Paz Waterfall Gardens also offer family-friendly exhibits like the butterfly observatory and hummingbird gallery.

  • What is included in the all-inclusive package at Occidental Tamarindo?

    The all-inclusive package at Occidental Tamarindo includes access to the resort's facilities, natural surroundings, and on-site restaurants offering a variety of dishes. Guests can enjoy the swimming pool, spa, and other amenities without additional charges.

  • Is there an English-speaking guide available during the excursions?

    Yes, an English-speaking guide will be available during the excursions to help you appreciate the local wildlife and provide insights into the areas you visit.

  • What optional activities are available during the tour?

    Optional activities during the tour include a hike to the Arenal Volcano, exploring the Monteverde Cloud Forest, and a city tour of San Jose. Additionally, there is an optional boat safari in the Tamarindo Estuary.

  • Where can I check the latest Travel Restrictions?

    It is the traveler's responsibility to verify and comply with the passport, visa, and travel requirements applicable to your itinerary. It is also the responsibility of the traveler to verify and comply with the health requirements, proof of testing, and vaccination applicable to your itinerary both at the destinations and for, if applicable, countries where you have a connecting flight. Requirements change quickly and you should check the updated guidance well in advance of departure as well as shortly before departure. You should check the requirements for your own specific circumstances with the corresponding government embassies and/or consulates as appropriate.

  • What recommendations should I follow before traveling?

    Passport validity: It is the traveler's responsibility to verify and comply with the passport, visa, and travel requirements applicable to your itinerary. You should check the requirements for your own specific circumstances with the corresponding embassies and/or consulates as appropriate. Requirements change so please check the up-to-date requirements in advance of your departure date. In many cases, countries now require that passports are valid for at least 6 months from the date of departure from their borders.

  • How can I upgrade my flight?

    If you would like to make an upgrade to your flight or ask for a quotation, please contact us with all the information. Our customer success agents will answer your request as soon as possible.

  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    Changes of flights and related services are not permitted after the booking is confirmed. If you wish to make any significant amendment affecting the flights, you will need to cancel it as per the terms & conditions applicable to your booking and make a new booking. If you require more information about your cancellations policy please go to the relevant Terms and Conditions for your booking (See Cancellation Policy section). If you would like to proceed with the cancellation or require assistance please contact us.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    The COVID-19 pandemic not only created an unparalleled impact on health and economy globally, but it has also changed fundamental behaviors with regards to traveling. In response to such changes, Exoticca provides extra peace of mind for all reservations made from 18th January, 2022 onwards by including Covid 19 Protection. Testing positive for COVID-19: If you or anyone else traveling with you on your booking cannot travel due to testing positive for COVID-19 you will be given the option to reschedule your trip or receive 100% of the trip value in Exoticca travel credit. **Proof of infection must be provided in the form of an official COVID-19 positive test result. For more information on the details of the Covid 19 Protection Policy, please go to the relevant Terms and Conditions for your booking (See Cancellation Policy section).

  • Travelling to the USA or Canada?

    Traveling to the United States: Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) ESTA stands for Electronic System for Travel Authorization. ESTA is an online application system, developed by the United States government to pre-screen travelers before authorizing them to board a plane or ship bound for the United States. Starting on the 12th of January 2009, any person entering the United States under the Visa Waiver Program must have an approved ESTA travel authorization. This includes travelers who travel to the United States to catch a connecting flight. An ESTA does not guarantee entry to the United States. U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials determine the admissibility of travelers upon arrival. For more information click here. If a traveler is found to have visited a country designated as a State Sponsor of Terrorism (09.11.2022, Countries: Cuba, North Korea, Iran, Syria), the traveler is no longer eligible to participate in the Visa Wavier Program and must apply for a visa to enter the United States. Traveling to Canada: Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) An Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is an entry requirement for citizens of visa-exempt countries traveling to Canada by air. This includes travelers who travel to Canada to catch a connecting flight. An eTA is linked electronically to the traveler's passport and is valid for a maximum of five years or until the passport expires, depending on which of these two scenarios occurs first. If you get a new passport, you need to get a new eTA. An eTA does not guarantee entry to Canada. When you arrive in Canada, a border services officer will ask to see your passport and other documents to determine whether you are admissible to enter Canada. For more information click here. Traveling to a Schengen member country (Europe): Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) The ETIAS travel authorization will be needed to enter a Schengen member country by air, land, or sea. From November 2023, visitors that do not need a visa to enter Europe will be able to register with ETIAS. ETIAS will become a mandatory entry requirement. The ETIAS for Europe will grant travelers authorization to visit the ETIAS countries that are all members that compose the Schengen zone. The ETIAS visa waiver has been designed for short-term stays of up to 90 days. For more information click here.

  • COVID-19 vaccination recommendations and other vaccines?

    It is the responsibility of the traveler to verify and comply with the health requirements, proof of testing, and vaccination applicable to your itinerary both at the destinations and for, if applicable, countries where you have a connecting flight. Requirements change quickly and you should check the updated guidance well in advance of departure as well as shortly before departure. Check with the migration and health authorities for the country of origin, destination, and stopover to learn more about vaccination requirements.

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Once your purchase is complete, you will receive confirmation by email and all your travel documents will be uploaded on to your booking and the Exoticca customer account (which you'll be provided details of). These will include: transport details, hotels, itinerary, important notes, and insurance policy (if applicable).

Reviews of this operator

Nigel Curtis (Google Reviewer)  

This is the first time...

26-Mar-2023

This is the first time that we have used Exoticca and we were not disappointed. The holiday was well planned and we felt looked after at every stage of our South American adventure. The guides were knowledgeable, cheerful and friendly. They were able to answer all our questions with ease and good humour. The hotels were of a high standard and offered excellent food and comfort. Our travel group was well matched and we always had plenty of room in the vehicles selected for each stage of our journey. We will no hesitation in booking with Exoticca again in the future.

Jane S  

South America with Exoticca

04-Jun-2023

Most of the time we were travelling as a couple although we kept bumping into others in a simialr situation. Wherever we went there was someone there to welcome us and take us to our hotel, tell us about arrangements for the next few days and to generally look after us. Guides always turned up as expected and were all of a very high standard. We never felt concerned about what was due to happen the next day - it always did! Tours were always of interest. Accommodation which was charm class was perfectly acceptable and if not in the centre of town, taxis were always easy to use and safe whether a white pick up van in the Galapagos or a tuk tuk in Peru. I had a slight accident while there and I have to say that Exoticca guides etc could not have been more helpful. I would not hesitate to recommend Exoticca to anyone thinking of using them. We had an amazing experience in Peru, Ecuador and the Galapagos.

https://uk.trustpilot.com/reviews/647e07eb706f837cb1f86880
Diana Gwynn  

Imperial Cities and Desert

20-May-2023

Really excellent way to see Morocco. Our first experience of Exoticca and we were impressed with all the arrangements and attention to detail. The local guides were excellent and our driver Ayoub the absolute best - helpful, kind, knowledgeable and funny. What an outstanding young man! We are definitely recommending Exoticca to our friends and are interested in exploring other countries with you. Many thanks!

https://uk.trustpilot.com/reviews/647ccf3f81ea8608ae6d5e06
sky unidentifiedstorm (Google Reviewer)  

I booked a two week...

21-Mar-2023

I booked a two week trip with Exoticca in February 2023 to Morocco and Egypt. I went solo, had a great time traveling and site seeing to planned excursions and some extra excursions as well. Stayed at several hotels from 5star to 3star standards. All where safe and comfortable. Bus tours where comfortable and I always felt safe wherever we went. Tour guides, bus operators and guards where friendly and respectful. All the sites we visited had me in awe. At one point we got stuck in the mountains due to snow and rain. The roads where cut off. We where set up in hotels for the night and the following day we where back on the road in once a road was cleared. My tickets to Cairo where reschedule and so was my excursions do to the delay. All was taken care with Exoticca I didn't have to do anything, which I greatly appreciated. Exoticca does hire tour agencies in the country you visit. I really like the agencies that where hired. There are usually one or two stops a day to go to a specific craft seller for certain goods, like rugs, paintings, ceramics etc. throughout the tours.

S A (Google Reviewer)  

Exoticca was a great experience....

11-Apr-2024

Exoticca was a great experience. Very well planned itinerary and our tour driver Leo was excellent. We were lucky to get good weather for the most parts and were given good guidance about local attractions. The hotels were well located and of a good quality. Overall a very pleasant experience. We will travel with Exoticca again.

Kimberly Penna (Google Reviewer)  

I very much enjoyed my...

10-Apr-2024

I very much enjoyed my trip to Portugal with Exoticca. I love that you're able to book the flight at the same time as the vacation booking because you won't get stuck with a bunch of layovers like other tour companies spring on you at the last minute. I felt like the trip was very organized and well-planned. I also like that I was back in my hotel room everyday prior to 6:00 p.m. so I had the whole night to myself to do whatever I wanted rather than being stuck on a bus for hours. I will definitely be booking with Exoticca again.

Yevgeniy (Google Reviewer)  

If you are planning a...

04-Jan-2025

If you are planning a trip to Morocco Book a trip with Abdelali Filali He will take care of you from Start to Finish and will accommodate you in every possible way,so you don't have to do it yourself. Trust me 100% this is the ONLY Tour Guide for Morocco. Must Try!!!

JB  

Saw most of what was on the itinerary…

04-Jun-2023

Saw most of what was on the itinerary… Saw most of what was on the itinerary but not the best guide (our Exoticca guide in Ecuador was great but ones since then less so). More free time would have been good ( we didn't even get the free time listed on the itinerary) especially at lunchtimes. Beautiful scenery ranging from the sand dunes to the snow capped mountains. Date of experien

https://uk.trustpilot.com/users/642ae4e995d55f0014af4543
Sue Linford (Google Reviewer)  

I travelled to Jordan in...

28-May-2023

I travelled to Jordan in May with a friend. Exoticca admin was very efficient and the Qatar airways flights were very good. A local representative was on hand to fast track us through the airport in Amman, arriving and departing. We booked 3* accommodation in Amman, Petra and Wadi Rum, which were all fine. The pre-arranged tours were run by a local company and the guides were extremely knowledgeable. Our only issue was with the coaches we had for our first four days which were not to the standard of others we had for the remaining time. Both Jordan and Beyond and Exoticca have acknowledged the points that we raised with them and have said this issue would be addressed so we hope that will be the case. That apart, we very much enjoyed the tour and the company of fellow travellers.

XQ Tong (Google Reviewer)  

The tour of 'Essence of...

12-Apr-2024

The tour of 'Essence of Patagonia & Cultural Capitals - Argentina & Chile' was a great experience and good value for the money. It gave us plenty of free time at most locations to explore on our own. The full day guided tours in Patagonia on both Argentina and Chile sides were great.

Book with Confidence

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    Exoticca allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform exoticca, 0 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Exoticca requires a minimum deposit of 60% 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 exoticca charges.

    At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.

    At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

Why book with tourhub?

Safe & Secure

Your money is held in a dedicated client account until you travel.

Visa logo Mastercard logo
apple pay icon google pay icon

100% Guaranteed Refunds if your trip is cancelled.


The safest way to make overseas, multi-currency payments.

Guaranteed Best Value

Industry leading discounts, we won't be beaten on price.


No cancellation or amendment fees from tourhub.

(Operator terms may apply)

Expert Knowledge

Reliable & unbiased advice from travel experts.


Direct contact with the tour operator via our messaging service.


Inspiration & advice from a community of 6000+ real travellers, influencers & content creators.

Trusted Service

Official partners & licensed agents of 1000+ tour operators worldwide.


Don't just take our word for it...

"Tourhub: Friendliness, Professionalism & Integrity I would happily give tourhub a 6* review if I could..."

Similar Tours

Travel Guru Features

Our Reviews