Costa Rica: Coast to Coast
9 Days Starting in San José, Costa Rica and ending in Guanacaste, Costa Rica
Visiting: San José, Guacalillo, Manuel Antonio National Park, La Fortuna, Arenal, Arenal Volcano National Park, Guanacaste, South America
Tour operator:
Tour code:
SC-2026
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable adventure with the "Costa Rica: Coast to Coast" tour, exploring the diverse landscapes and rich wildlife of Costa Rica. Begin your journey in San José, then cruise through tropical mangroves on the Tárcoles River in Guacalillo. Discover the wonders of Manuel Antonio National Park, and immerse yourself in the outdoor adventure hub of La Fortuna. Traverse the Arenal Hanging Bridges, relax in the curative pools at Eco Termales Hot Springs, and marvel at the Arenal Volcano. Conclude your trip with a scenic drive to the stunning Tamarindo Beach in Guanacaste, where you can unwind and soak in the beauty of Costa Rica's golden sands. Enjoy guided tours, local experiences, and luxurious accommodations throughout this eco-conscious adventure.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive In San José,Costa Rica
Location: San José
Accommodation Name: Doubletree Cariari
Welcome to San José!
Day 2: San José,Guacalillo,Manuel Antonio National Park Area
Location: San José, Guacalillo, Manuel Antonio National Park
Accommodation Name: Parador Resort & Spa
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
SAN JOSÉ–GUACALILLO–MANUEL ANTONIO NATIONAL PARK AREA Welcome to The Jungle! Take a morning drive to Guacalillo for a [LF] tropical mangrove cruise on Tárcoles River. Enjoy lunch before continuing south to the town of Quepos, home of Manuel Antonio National Park in the Central Pacific region of the country. Scenic drive to the Pacific shore to Manuel Antonio for a free evening. (B,L)LOCAL FAVORITE SMALL GROUP EXCLUSIVE Explore the Tárcoles River by boat, home to the largest colonies of crocodiles in the world, recorded as having between 80 and 240 individuals per mile of river. Travel along the mangrove, an extraordinary ecosystem featuring four different species of mangrove trees, providing an important nesting site for birds, including the beautiful scarlet macaw, and a shelter and nutrient spot for many fish and invertebrates. As the boat approaches the riverbanks, get a close-up look at wild crocodiles, each up to fifteen feet long. In addition to the scarlet macaw, the estuary also hosts over 250 different kinds of birds, including kingfishers, roseate spoonbills, great herons, anhingas, night herons, and much more!
Day 3: Manuel Antonio National Park Area
Location: Manuel Antonio National Park
Accommodation Name: Parador Resort & Spa
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
MANUEL ANTONIO NATIONAL PARK AREA Explore, Relax, Rediscover Visit Manuel Antonio National Park with your guide this morning, followed by lunch at a local restaurant. Return to the resort for a free afternoon and evening. (B,L)TOUR HIGHLIGHTSMALL GROUP EXCLUSIVE Join your small group for a guided walk in search of sloths, toucans, monkeys, and more in the natural sanctuary of Manuel Antonio National Park. Your guide will take you for a hike through the paths of this beautiful park where you will be able to see many species of birds and mammals, and at the end you will have chance to enjoy some time in one of the beaches into the park, all of them recognized into the most beautiful beaches in the world.
Day 4: Manuel Antonio National Park Area,La Fortuna,Arenal
Location: Manuel Antonio National Park, La Fortuna, Arenal
Accommodation Name: Volcano Lodge & Gardens
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
MANUEL ANTONIO NATIONAL PARK AREA–LA FORTUNA–ARENAL Tropical Treasures Depart the Costa Rican coast for the rainforests. Visit the outdoor adventure hub of La Fortuna for free time before continuing to Arenal. Free time this afternoon to experience the resort’s pool and hot spring-fed jacuzzi or consider a walk on a nearby nature trail. Dinner tonight is at a local restaurant. (B,D) TOUR HIGHLIGHT SMALL GROUP EXCLUSIVE ACCOMMODATION Immerse yourself in lush tropical gardens, the sound of crashing waterfalls, and striking views of Costa Rica’s famed Arenal Volcano from the luxury of Volcano Lodge. Feel as though you have been transported into the middle of a hidden rainforest jungle, while enjoying all 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 other small animals native to the area.
Day 5: Arenal. Arenal Hanging Bridge,Eco Termales Hot Springs
Location: Arenal
Accommodation Name: Volcano Lodge & Gardens
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
ARENAL. ARENAL HANGING BRIDGE–ECO TERMALES HOT SPRINGS Rainforest Canopies & Thermal Springs Morning at leisure. This afternoon, join a Naturalist Guide for a tour of the Arenal Hanging Bridges, which combines trails and suspension bridges through the canopy of rainforest, to search for flora and fauna. This evening, drive to nearby famous [LF] Eco Termales Hot Springs for a dip in the curative and relaxing pools before dinner at the hot springs. (B,D)LOCAL FAVORITEWONDERS OF NATURE Towering high above, Arenal Volcano is a perfect conical shape. It was once the most active volcano in Costa Rica with its lava flowing and gas consistently flowing from the crater amazing visitors of the area. In 2010, it entered a resting phase. But, because of the seismic activity of the area, you will find some of the best natural thermal hot springs.ENHANCED FREE TIMEEXPLORE MORE During your morning at leisure, consider an optional horseback ride or float trip, or simply relax while enjoying your resort’s amenities or walk along the shaded trails nearby. This and more options throughout your tour are available for purchase with MyGlobus. Get local maps and tips for free time on your GlobusGO mobile app.
Day 6: Arenal. Excursion To La Fortuna & Arenal Volcano National Park
Location: Arenal Volcano National Park, La Fortuna
Accommodation Name: Volcano Lodge & Gardens
Meals Included: Breakfast
ARENAL. EXCURSION TO LA FORTUNA & ARENAL VOLCANO NATIONAL PARK Lava Love On a guided visit to Arenal Volcano National Park, see lava trails and how nature has found a way to recover from past lava flows in this dramatic landscape. Next, a walking tour of the town of La Fortuna de San Carlos, offering spectacular views of the active Arenal Volcano. Return to the resort for a free evening. (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHTSMALL GROUP EXCLUSIVE Ever since the 1500s, locals considered Arenal to be a mountain. However, everything changed on the morning of July 29, 1968, when what appeared as a peaceful mountain suddenly erupted. The eruptions continued non-stop for several days, covering more than 15 square kilometers with lava, rocks, and ash, affecting crops, livestock, and properties across three towns. From that time until 2010, Arenal Volcano was quite active, often spewing out rocks, lava, ash, and smoke. Join your small group for an up-close view of this dramatic landscape on a guided visit to the park.
Day 7: Arenal,Guanacaste
Location: Arenal, Guanacaste
Accommodation Name: Tamarindo Diria Beach and Golf Resort
Meals Included: Breakfast
ARENAL–GUANACASTE Unplug & Recharge Bid farewells to the rainforest, as we depart for the beautiful beaches of Costa Rica. Start the journey with a scenic drive around Arenal Lake before descending the Tilaran Mountain range to reach the plains of Guanacaste’s countryside and finally to the golden sands of Tamarindo Beach. The evening is at leisure to relax or take in the sunset. (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHT SMALL GROUP EXCLUSIVE ACCOMMODATION The Tamarindo Diriá Beach & Golf Resort, your home for the next two nights, is surrounded by exotic, lush, beautiful tropical gardens and with direct access to the beach, a stunning sunset is only a stroll away. Soak in the beauty of Costa Rica than with a lazy evening on the beach. Ask your Tour Director for the best spots on the sand to stretch out for pure relaxation on the pristine shore.
Day 8: Guanacaste
Location: Guanacaste
Accommodation Name: Tamarindo Diria Beach and Golf Resort
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
GUANACASTE A Day at Leisure Full day at leisure to relax at the poolside, go explore the town on your own, take an optional adventure, or visit the beach and enjoy the sun and the waves. Tonight, join your Tour Director for a farewell dinner to celebrate your Costa Rican adventure with your fellow travels. (B,D) ENHANCED FREE TIMEEXPLORE MORE Exciting ways to spend your free time in Guanacaste include rainforest canopy tours, zipline, river rafting or floating down the Corobici River, horseback riding, and fishing. Snorkel in the Pacific Ocean, or just relax on the beach. This and more options throughout your tour are available for purchase with MyGlobus. Get local maps and tips for free time on your GlobusGO mobile app.
Day 9: Guanacaste
Location: Guanacaste
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your tour ends with breakfast this morning.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Stay at Doubletree Cariari in San Jose, Parador Resort & Spa in Manuel Antonio, Volcano Lodge & Gardens in Arenal, and Tamarindo Diria Beach and Golf Resort in Guanacaste.
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Meals
8 breakfasts, 2 lunches, and 3 dinners are included.
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Guided Tours
Guided visits to Manuel Antonio National Park, Arenal Hanging Bridges, Eco Termales Hot Springs, and Arenal Volcano National Park.
What's Not Included
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Optional Activities
Optional activities such as horseback riding, ziplining, river rafting, snorkeling, and other excursions are not included.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and should be purchased separately.
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Flights
International and domestic flights to and from Costa Rica are not included.
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Gratuities
Gratuities for guides, drivers, and hotel staff are not included.
Meals
8 breakfasts, 2 lunches, and 3 dinnersUNESCO Sites
Area de Conservaci?n GuanacasteAccommodation
San Jose: Doubletree Cariari, Manuel Antonio: Parador Resort & Spa, Arenal: Volcano Lodge & Gardens, Guanacaste: Tamarindo Diria Beach and Golf Resort.Mode of Transport
Take a morning drive to Guacalillo for a tropical mangrove cruise on Tárcoles River, followed by a scenic drive to Manuel Antonio. Continue to Arenal and Guanacaste with scenic drives around Arenal Lake and Tilaran Mountain range.Check out our Q&As
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What kind of wildlife can I expect to see during the tropical mangrove cruise on the Tárcoles River?
During the tropical mangrove cruise on the Tárcoles River, you can expect to see the largest colonies of crocodiles in the world, with each crocodile up to fifteen feet long. The estuary also hosts over 250 different kinds of birds, including scarlet macaws, kingfishers, roseate spoonbills, great herons, anhingas, and night herons.
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What activities are included during the visit to Manuel Antonio National Park?
During the visit to Manuel Antonio National Park, you will join a guided walk in search of sloths, toucans, monkeys, and other wildlife. You will also have the opportunity to hike through the park's paths and enjoy time at one of its beautiful beaches.
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What can I do during my free time in La Fortuna?
During your free time in La Fortuna, you can experience the resort’s pool and hot spring-fed jacuzzi, or consider a walk on a nearby nature trail. Optional activities such as horseback riding or a float trip are also available.
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What is special about the Arenal Hanging Bridges tour?
The Arenal Hanging Bridges tour combines trails and suspension bridges through the canopy of the rainforest, allowing you to search for flora and fauna with a Naturalist Guide. It offers a unique perspective of the rainforest from above.
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What can I expect during the visit to Arenal Volcano National Park?
During the visit to Arenal Volcano National Park, you will see lava trails and learn how nature has recovered from past lava flows. The tour also includes a walking tour of the town of La Fortuna de San Carlos, offering spectacular views of the active Arenal Volcano.
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What are the accommodation options during the tour?
The accommodation options during the tour include Doubletree Cariari in San Jose, Parador Resort & Spa in Manuel Antonio, Volcano Lodge & Gardens in Arenal, and Tamarindo Diria Beach and Golf Resort in Guanacaste.
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What meals are included in the tour package?
The tour package includes 8 breakfasts, 2 lunches, and 3 dinners.
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What optional activities are available during the tour?
Optional activities available during the tour include horseback riding, ziplining, river rafting, snorkeling, and other excursions. In Guanacaste, you can also consider rainforest canopy tours, floating down the Corobici River, fishing, and more.
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What is the farewell dinner like?
The farewell dinner is an opportunity to celebrate your Costa Rican adventure with your fellow travelers and the Tour Director. It is held on the last night of the tour in Guanacaste.
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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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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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