Essential Costa Rica - Package with Guanacaste

Essential Costa Rica - Package with Guanacaste

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Essential Costa Rica - Package with Guanacaste

10 Days Starting and ending in San José

Visiting: San José, Pococí, San Carlos, Monteverde, Tamarindo

Tour operator:

Today Voyages

Tour code:

84075

Guide Type:

Partially Guided

Group size:

2 - 30

Physical rating:

Medium

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Adventure Tours

Activities:

Sightseeing, Walking

This tour is no longer available

Tour Overview

Uncover essential Costa Rica during this 10-day exotic adventure. Beginning and ending in the capital, San Jose, this tour offers you the chance to discover different aspects of this emblematic destination.  Visit the most predominant natural areas of Costa Rica, including Arenal Volcano National Park, and the cloud forest of Monteverde. Spend precious time in mesmerising Tamarindo, one of Costa Rica’s most famous beaches, indulging in the fun surf town atmosphere and getting closer to the inspiring local culture and adventurous spirit. TOUR HIGHLIGHTS:San Jose: Costa Rica’s vibrant capital city was founded in the mid-18th century, boasting great cultural and historical landmarks. Visit its museums, the European-inspired National Theatre, and stroll the charming alleys of its historic neighbourhoods.Tortuguero: This park is home to the nesting grounds of the green sea turtles, offering spectacular beaches and fantastic opportunities to spot wild animals and birds.Arenal: Admire one of the most beautiful volcanoes in the country and its mesmerising park, dotted with trails and rich in wildlife. Monteverde: Settled by American Quakers in the 1950s, this primary cloud forest is made out of six unique ‘life zones’, hosting many endangered species, as well as a variety of fascinating plants.Tamarindo: This busy beach resort is great for a night out, surfing, and exploring the bustling restaurant scene.

Highlights

  • San José: Start your journey in the bustling capital of Costa Rica.

  • Tortuguero National Park: Cruise through the canals and explore the vibrant wildlife, including over 350 species of birds.

  • Arenal Volcano National Park: Enjoy a guided hike with views of the now-dormant volcano and spot local wildlife like sloths and howler monkeys.

  • Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve: Discover the rich biodiversity of this world-famous reserve, home to a vast array of flora and fauna.

  • Tamarindo: Relax on the stunning beaches of this lively Pacific Coast town, known for its surfing opportunities.

  • Guanacaste: Explore the beautiful beachside destinations and enjoy the warm sun and vibrant local culture.

Itinerary

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Day 1 : Arrival San Jose

Location: San José

Accommodation Name: Sleep Inn

Upon arrival to bustling San Jose, our representative will meet and greet you and then direct you to your transport, which will drop you off at your hotel in San Jose for your night in Costa Rica.

Overnight in San Jose.

Day 2 : San Jose – Tortuguero (135Km – 4 Hrs By Road / 2 Hrs By Boat)

Location: Pococí

Accommodation Name: Pachira Lodge

Your day begins early with a morning departure, travelling by bus through the Braulio Carrillo National Park towards the Caribbean plains to enjoy the spectacular mountain scenery and quaint villages. Indulge in a tasty breakfast en route and continue through the jungle by boat, cruising the rivers and canals of Tortuguero National Park. Arrive at your eco-lodge and enjoy a tasty lunch. Board the boat again for a visit to Tortuguero village, where you will get to walk around town, stroll along the beach, and experience the locals’ way of living. During the turtle hatching season, we will look for the baby turtles trying to find their way down to the ocean. Nesting is from July to September and hatching from September to December. Enjoy the rest of the day relaxing at the hotel, surrounded by the beautiful tropical forest and wildlife. Lunch and Dinner included


Overnight in Tortuguero.

Day 3 : Tortuguero National Park

Location: Pococí

Accommodation Name: Pachira Lodge

Today you will have some free time to relax by the pool and experience the Tortuguero National Park on a three-hour trip. Observe over 350 protected species of birds, monkeys, crocodiles, and sloths, as well as lush vegetation. During the July to September season, you can join an optional late night turtle nesting tour, purchasable directly at the lodge. Lunch and dinner included.


Overnight in Tortuguero.

Day 4 : Tortuguero – Arenal (210Km – 5 Hrs By Road / 2 Hrs By Boat)

Location: San Carlos

Accommodation Name: Arenal Montechiari

Early in the morning depart by boat back to Guapiles. From there, take the ground transportation to the restaurant for lunch. After a tasty meal, you will be picked up in a shared transfer and taken to the Arenal area. Enjoy the day at leisure to explore on your own or participate in an exciting optional activity.
Termas de Tabacón Option: Live the Tabacón experience that has swimming pools and a river of hot springs that come from the veins of the majestic Arenal Volcano. Explore the wonders of the tropical forest surrounding this beautiful resort and enjoy mineral waters with different temperatures, surrounded by warm waterfalls and tropical gardens. The Tabacón hot springs are recognized throughout the world, and without a doubt, immersing yourself in them will make you feel relaxed and rejuvenated, due to the minerals present in the volcanic waters.Includes: transportation, bilingual guide, entrance, dinnerEcotermales Hot Springs Option: Escape to the natural paradise, with all the necessary amenities to make your experience a memorable experience, surrounded by the peace and serenity of the rainforest, and protected by the impressive Arenal Volcano, which heats and nourishes the waters of Ecothermal During your stay, you will enjoy the pleasure of feeling the natural energy coming from the veins of the Arenal Colossus; heats the fountains where thermal water pools are born, ranging from 37 ° C to 41 ° C (99 ° F to 106 ° F). That when combined with the pool and the cold water waterfall, they perform a relaxing massage throughout the body.Includes: transportation, bilingual guide, entrance, dinnerDeparture approx: 15:00 hrs | Duration approx: 6 hrs Overnight in Arenal.

Day 5 : Arenal Volcano National Park

Location: San Carlos

Accommodation Name: Arenal Montechiari

Today after breakfast, take a guided walking tour in Arenal Volcano National Park. During the tour, the guide will explain the periods of activity the once very active volcano experienced. Enjoy the verdant landscapes and the backdrop of the now-dormant volcano, as you keep a lookout for the wild animals living in this national park. You have the chance to spot sloths, howler monkeys, anteaters, and many others. 
Afterwards, return to the hotel with the afternoon at leisure to participate in an optional activity, either adventure or nature.Optional extras:Zipline Adventure: Costa Rica zip line tour is a genuine must in a vacation. You will have doses of fun and adrenaline filled adventure that you will remember forever. You will start the tour as you arrive at the base of the Ecoglide Arenal Park and your professional guide give you the instructions and some safety tips. The zipline tour consists of 13 cables of two wires traveling in parallel and 15 platforms, most of which are in the trees so that visitors can have more contact and closeness with nature, flora, and fauna of the rainforest. Within the tour, you will also discover the Tarzan Swing where you will swing from a platform into the forest feeling the adrenaline raising levels.Inclusions: Transportation, Bilingual Guide, Entrance Fee, Equipment  Departure aprox: 07: 40 hrs / 09:40 hrs / 11: 40 hrs / 13:40 hrs / 15:20 hrs | Duration aprox: 3 hrs.La Fortuna Waterfall: This tour begins by descending the 500-meter trail to the magnificent Waterfall, renowned for its 60 meter (197 feet) high falls and its crystal-clear waters. Along the trail, you will observe plants, trees, and animals, which inhabit the area. You can choose to swim in its refreshing waters, take amazing photographs, or simply relax and take in all the beauty of the La Fortuna Waterfall. When you visit the La Fortuna Waterfall you not only get to enjoy this marvellous natural wonder, you will be helping to Support the Development Association of the community 100% of the entrance fee goes towards social projects to benefit schools, nutritional centres, the orphanage, our roads and more.Inclusions: Transportation, Bilingual Guide, Entrance Fee Departure aprox: 08:00 hrs / 13:00 hrs | Duration aprox: 3 hrs. Overnight in Arenal.

Day 6 : Arenal – Monteverde (60Km – 2.5 Hrs By Road / 45 Min By Boat)

Location: Monteverde

Accommodation Name: Monteverde Country Lodge

Begin the day with an early breakfast at the hotel, followed by check-out and head towards Monteverde. Transfer down to Arenal Lake where you will board a boat that will take you across towards Monteverde. Once on the other side, a vehicle awaits to take you up to Monteverde. Admire the transition of the rainforest to the cloud forest where you will reach an altitude of 1,200 metres above sea level. Located in the Puntarenas province, Monteverde is a place of cloud forests and mist, coffee plantations, monkeys, and friendly locals. The town of Santa Elena is small and quaint, filled with inviting restaurants and folksy artisan shops, while the nearby rainforest hosts a remarkable amount of biodiversity. Enjoy the day at leisure to explore on your own. Enjoy the day at leisure to explore on your own or participate in an exciting optional activity like the Selvatura Treetop Walkway guided tour, what includes a 3-hour hike along a network of trails and suspension bridges in the cloud forest of Monteverde. Be on the lookout for birds, monkeys, sloths, insects, and interesting plants of all shapes and sizes. The Selvatura Treetop Walkway guided tour takes you through and above the rainforest. A series of eight suspension bridges, connected by trails for a total 3 km in length, provides a bird’s-eye view of the rainforest canopy! 
If adventure is not something you are interested in, join the interesting Don Juan Coffee Tour to understand Costa Rica´s coffee, chocolate and sugar cane production (with the emphasis on coffee!). The tour offers an interesting opportunity to learn about coffee and its production as well as to get close to the fascinating Costa Rican folklore
The optional tours are not included

Overnight in Monteverde.

Day 7 : Monteverde

Location: Monteverde

Accommodation Name: Monteverde Country Lodge

.After a nourishing breakfast at the hotel, enjoy a hike through the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. Founded in 1972, the Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve is world-famous for its outstanding biodiversity, conservation actions and contributions, as well as scientific research. The reserve is home to 2.5% of the world’s biodiversity, and it is one of the most important private reserves, not just in Costa Rica but the world. It hosts hundreds of species of mammals, birds, butterflies, amphibians, reptiles, insects and arachnids, as well as a large variety of flora, such as mosses, vines or the autochthonous trees of the cloud forest. You can enhance today´s experience by joining one of the memorable tours you missed yesterday. Whether you choose to explore the cloud forest during the Selvatura Treetop Walkway guided tour, or you prefer getting closer to the fascinating Costa Rican culture while on the Don Juan Coffee tour, your day will be unforgettable. Selvatura Treetop Walkaway and Don Juan Coffee tours are not included.

 

Overnight in Monteverde .

Day 8 : Monteverde – Pacific Coast (190Km – 4 Hrs)

Location: Tamarindo

Accommodation Name: Pasatiempo

This morning after breakfast, head towards a stunning beachside destination, in the mesmerising area of Guanacaste. On arrival, take the rest of the day to explore the surrounding, to stroll the beautifully arranged streets of Tamarindo, a lovely beach town in Guanacaste or to relax while enjoying hotel facilities.
Overnight in Pacific Coast.

Day 9 : Pacific Coast

Location: Tamarindo

Accommodation Name: Pasatiempo

Tamarindo is a lively destination where you can have some fun, to enjoy the warm sun, and relax on the spectacular beach. If you are feeling adventurous, jump on a board and try your hand at surfing Tamarindo's famous waves. Have the day at leisure to explore the area or relax at the hotel facilities.
Overnight in Pacific Coast.

Day 10 : Pacific Coast – Depart San Jose (260Km – 4.5 Hrs)

Location: San José

Begin your last day in spectacular Costa Rica with a delectable breakfast. Then, at the appropriate time, transfer to Juan Santamaria International Airport to catch your flight back home or on to your next destination. 

Breakfast included.

What's Included

  • Bilingual Guides

    Operated with Bilingual Spanish and English-speaking licensed local guides on a shared basis. Please note you will be accompanied by local guides for the activities only.

  • Accommodation

    9 nights' accommodation is included in the package.

  • Meals

    The package includes 9 breakfasts, 3 lunches on days 2, 3, and 4, and 2 dinners on days 2 and 3.

  • Transportation

    Air-conditioned transportation as indicated in the itinerary on a shared basis and private return transfer from/to the San Jose airport.

  • Tour Activities

    All monuments and visits as indicated: Guided visit to Tortuguero village plus guided boat tour through Tortuguero National Park canals and entrance fee to Tortuguero National Park, guided hike in Arenal Volcano National Park, guided hike in Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve.

  • Meet and Greet

    Meet and greet service on Day 1 is included.

  • Hotel Taxes

    Hotel taxes are included in the package.

  • Operated with Bilingual Spanish and English-speaking licensed local guides on a shared basis. Please note you will be accompanied by local guides for the activities only. There is no guarantee that you will be part of a group or part of the same group du

  • 9 nights' accommodation

  • 9 breakfasts

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What's Not Included

  • Personal Expenditures

    Expenditures of a personal nature, drinks, and meals if not stated explicitly in the programme are not included.

  • Airport Taxes

    Airport taxes are not included in the package.

  • Airport Porterage

    Airport porterage is not included.

  • Optional Tours

    Optional tours are not included in the package.

  • Flights and Visa Fees

    International and domestic flight tickets or visa fees and local taxes are not included.

  • Gratuities

    Gratuities for drivers and guides are not included.

  • Expenditures of a personal nature drinks and meals if not stated explicitly in the programme

  • Airport taxes

  • Airport porterage

  • Optional tours

  • International and domestic flight tickets or visa fees and local taxes

  • Gratuities for drivers and guides

Mode of Transport

Travel in air-conditioned transportation on a shared basis, with private return transfers from/to San Jose airport. Enjoy scenic journeys by road and boat, including a boat ride across Arenal Lake and through the canals of Tortuguero National Park.

Accommodation

Enjoy comfortable stays at various accommodations including Sleep Inn in San Jose, Pachira Lodge in Tortuguero, Arenal Montechiari in Arenal, Monteverde Country Lodge in Monteverde, and Pasatiempo on the Pacific Coast, each offering unique experiences amidst Costa Rica's stunning landscapes.

Check out our Q&As

  • What languages are the local guides fluent in during the tour?

    The local guides are bilingual, speaking both Spanish and English.

  • Will I have a guide with me during transportation?

    Tour guides do not accompany guests during transport. They are only present during the activities.

  • What kind of wildlife can I expect to see in Tortuguero National Park?

    In Tortuguero National Park, you can observe over 350 protected species of birds, monkeys, crocodiles, and sloths, as well as lush vegetation.

  • Are meals included during the tour?

    Yes, the tour includes 9 breakfasts, 3 lunches on days 2, 3, and 4, and 2 dinners on days 2 and 3.

  • What activities are available in Arenal Volcano National Park?

    In Arenal Volcano National Park, you can take a guided walking tour to learn about the volcano's history and spot wildlife such as sloths, howler monkeys, and anteaters.

  • What is the accommodation arrangement during the tour?

    The tour includes 9 nights' accommodation at various lodges and hotels, such as Sleep Inn in San Jose, Pachira Lodge in Tortuguero, Arenal Montechiari in Arenal, Monteverde Country Lodge in Monteverde, and Pasatiempo in the Pacific Coast.

  • Is there an opportunity to see turtle nesting in Tortuguero?

    Yes, during the turtle hatching season from September to December, you can look for baby turtles trying to find their way to the ocean. There is also an optional late-night turtle nesting tour available from July to September.

  • What is the transportation arrangement for the tour?

    The tour includes air-conditioned transportation as indicated in the itinerary on a shared basis, and a private return transfer from/to the San Jose airport.

  • How does Today Voyages work?

    We are an Online Travel Agency, specialized in Group Vacations and Private Vacations. We have been in business for over 30 years through our sister company Go West Tours and, throughout the years, have developed an extensive network of trusted professionals around the world and a structured methodology to screen our suppliers. Today Voyages offers a selection of tours that are designed, managed and operated by our network of trusted Tour Operators and DMCs. Our database is connected with our partners so that when you make a booking with us this will immediately be received and processed by the Tour Operator.

  • Where should I buy the flights to reach my destination?

    Today Voyages does not sell flights directly. None of our tours come with flights included. Why? Because we prefer to give full flexibility to our valued customers to select the airlines and the booking platform they prefer. As soon as your flight is booked and confirmed, we invite you to update your flight plan within your Today Voyages booking confirmation page by entering your flight number, departure and arrival times, as well as your Passport information (if needed). None of these fields are mandatory but we highly encourage you to provide as much information as possible. This will allow us to provide you with the excellent service you are looking for.

  • What is an additional excursion or tour optional?

    Certain tours might show a selection of additional excursions/optional activities that you may want to add to our standard itinerary. These services are priced separately and can be added to the cart before completing the booking. We believe these optional services to contribute to making your vacation unforgettable; however, you are in no way obliged to purchase them. All our tours are awesome with our without optional services!

  • What is the difference between Group Vacations and Private Vacations?

    If you purchase one of our Group vacation packages, you will be escorted by a professional tour guide and will be traveling with other like-minded travelers you may not know. The group size depends on the tour you select. If you purchase one of our Private vacation packages, you will be traveling only within your group of friends. You may or may not be escorted by a professional tour guide; this depends on the type of private tour you are interested in.

  • When and how will I receive the travel documents (vouchers)?

    If you book one of our Group or Private tours, you will receive your travel documents via email approximately 20 days prior to travel date. If you reserve one of our Vacation Rentals, you will hear back from the property manager via email a few days prior to checking-in. We recommend checking your emails on a regular basis as this is our most reliable method of communication. If you have questions or need additional support, you can always chat with us or email us directly.

  • What happens if a Group tour does not get confirmed?

    It is very simple... you will be offered an alternative departure date or be refunded the full amount you pre-paid. No questions asked!

  • What happens after I book?

    The majority of our tours are confirmed at the time of booking. This means that, after submitting the payment online, you will receive an order confirmation email; make sure to save this email and to note down your confirmation number for any future communication with us. Some tours may be sold on a 'on request' basis. This means that for these tours we reserve the right to check the availability of your spot(s) with the Tour Operator before confirming the tour to you. As soon as you submit the payment online for a 'on request' tour you will receive an email notification that confirms your order request. Within 72 hours, you will receive either a confirmation email or a denial email. Do not worry... we will do everything we can to confirm your tour!

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Book with Confidence

  • Free Date Changes

    Today Voyages allows you to make 1 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 65 days before the start of the tour.

  • Low Deposit

    Today Voyages requires a minimum deposit of 30% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 30 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of today voyages charges.

    Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 15 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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