Best of Costa Rica

Best of Costa Rica

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Best of Costa Rica

12 Days Starting and ending in San Jose

Visiting: San José, Tortuguero, Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui, Sarapiqui River, Arenal Volcano, Monteverde, Rincón de la Vieja Volcano, Manuel Antonio

Tour operator:

Travel Talk Tours

Tour code:

CR2

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

25 - 30

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

18-39

Tour operated in:
English
Activities:

Hiking

This tour is no longer available

Tour Overview

From beautiful turquoise coastline fringed in rainforests to small villages teeming with culture and scenic surroundings, you’ll never be run out of things to do in Costa Rica. Get set to go through Costa Rica’s most beautiful rainforests. Chase flowing waterfalls and bathe in the natural hot springs of nearby volcanoes. Swim amongst the dazzling coral reefs on the idyllic coastline and embrace the colourful history of small villages caught in time. Uncover the real and authentic beauty of Costa Rica.

Highlights

  • Arenal Volcano is still laced with lava flows. Hot springs dot the foot of the volcano, on the thermal Tabacon River

  • Sarapiqui River (Rio Sarapiquí) has been named a national monument and is one of the country’s top destinations

  • Tortuguero is a village in Limon Province, on Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast

  • Hiking is the name of the game at Rincon de la Vieja. That lead past a variety of sights, including waterfalls, volcanic craters, mud cauldrons

  • Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio: a small national park, well known for its beautiful beaches and hiking trails

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : San Jose

Location: San José

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Park Inn San Jose by Radisson Hotel – 5 Star

Meals Included: No Meals

Hola San Jose! Watch out for the Travel Talk sign at the airport for your transfer to hotel. Explore San Jose at your own pace before an informal meeting with your tour group in the hotel lobby at 7.00pm. After the meeting, join an optional group dinner at a local restaurant to get to know your new travel mates.

Day 2 : San Jose, Tortuguero

Location: San José, Tortuguero

Accommodation: Lodge

Accommodation Name: Pachira Lodge - 4 Star

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today we’ll head towards the North Caribbean Coast where jungle meets the sea in Tortuguero! Hop on board a small boat and journey through the jigsaw of canals towards our secluded lodge in the rainforest surrounding Tortuguero. After lunch, join your guide for a visit to the tiny village of Tortuguero. Accessible only by air or water and not by car, this little village embraces strong Afro-Caribbean roots with a population of only 500 people. Take a walking tour with your guide to meet the local families and learn about their way of life in this small but bustling village. If you’re lucky, you may even spot a few freshwater turtles basking on the banks of the canals.





Included Activities



Tortuguero Walking Tour

Day 3 : Tortuguero

Location: Tortuguero

Accommodation: Lodge

Accommodation Name: Pachira Lodge - 4 Star

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Wakey, wakey – the canals, beaches and jungles of the pristine Tortuguero National Park await you! Start the morning with a hike through the trails of the lodge. Then we take a guided boat trip to explore the eco-paradise and keep a look out for the wonderful range of wildlife that resides here including caiman, tropical birds, monkeys, sloths and the emerald green basilisk Lizards. Then, enjoy some downtime back at the Lodge in the afternoon to relax by the pool, beach or park up in a hammock.











Day 4 : Tortuguero, Sarapiqui

Location: Tortuguero, Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui

Accommodation: Lodge

Accommodation Name: Ara Ambigua Lodge

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Travel by boat and private coach to Sarapiqui. Stop in Guapiles for an included lunch with your new travel mates in the lush agricultural village. Spend the afternoon wandering through the unique town of Sarapiqui with your guide and learn about the local businesses here. Take a stroll through the nature reserves, national parks, and along the banks of River Sarapiqui. Keep an eye out for adventure seekers rafting through the river rapids! Spend the evening taking it easy at our beautiful lodge accommodation





Included Activities

Sarapiqui Walking Tour

Day 5 : Sarapiqui, Arenal

Location: Sarapiqui River, Arenal Volcano

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Montana de Fuego Mountain Resort & Spa – 4 Star

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Grab a window seat on board the private coach and keep your eyes peeled for our first glimpse of one of the most stunning volcanoes in Costa Rica, Arenal! We will stay in the small town of La Fortuna de San Carlos with incredible views of the volcano above.This afternoon, explore the rainforest canopies from above on the hanging bridges of Arenal and keep an eye out for sleepy sloths high in the trees. Follow your guide on a hike to the charming La Fortuna waterfall to familiarise yourself with this wonderful region. Cap the day off with leisure time to relax in the famed hot springs of Arenal.

Day 6 : Arenal, Monteverde

Location: Arenal Volcano, Monteverde

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Poco a Poco – 4 Star

Meals Included: Breakfast

Wake up and get set to embrace adventure at its best in Arenal today! Wear your walking shoes as we embark on a volcano trek following the Arenal 1968 Volcano Trail, soaking in fascinating views of the volcano. Later in the day, travel to the scenic region of Monteverde’s Cloud Forest. These rare forests cover only 1% of the world and thrive only in tropical mountainous environments where the atmospheric conditions allow for consistent cloud coverage. And at night, this region truly comes to life! Tonight, join an optional night walk through the Cloud Forest to see the nocturnal world in all its wonder.

Day 7 : Monteverde, Rincon De La Vieja

Location: Monteverde, Rincón de la Vieja Volcano

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Hacienda Guachipelin Volcano Ranch

Meals Included: Breakfast

Make the best of Monteverde before we make our way to the marvellous Rincón de la Vieja. Start your adventure with an optional Selvature zipline adventure to have an arial view of the tropical jungle. Enjoy some personal leisure time or one of the optional activities available, the Curi Cancha Biological Reserve, Butterflies Garden, or Coffee Tour! Known as one of Costa Rica’s most beautiful and ecologically diverse destinations, our next stop Rincón de la Vieja is home to two volcanoes, over 32 rivers and streams, breath-taking waterfalls and plenty of wildlife! Away from the crowds of travellers, this place feels refreshingly uncrowded and remote. So, throw on your swimsuit and take advantage of the mineral-rich hot springs of Rio Negro (Black River), heating naturally from the surrounding volcanoes. Bliss!









Day 8 : Rincon De La Vieja

Location: Rincón de la Vieja Volcano

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Hacienda Guachipelin Volcano Ranch

Meals Included: Breakfast

Prepare for a day of adrenaline and amazement as we tube-raft on the Black River and hike to waterfalls surrounded by lush rainforests of Rincon De La Vieja. Kick off the day with a tubing adventure as you race your travel mates allow class 2 and 3 rapids and kick back in the quiet natural hot springs of the Black River. We recommend packing some river shoes or sneakers for this activity. After drying up and catching your breath, follow your guide on a hike to Las Pailas and Oropendola Waterfall to soak in incredible views of unspoiled nature

Day 9 : Rincon De La Vieja, Manuel Antonio

Location: Rincón de la Vieja Volcano, Manuel Antonio

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Shana – 4 Star

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today we’ll swap the rainforest for pristine pacific coast as we head towards Manuel Antonio. Famous for its national parks, treasured biodiversity, white-sand beaches and dazzling coral reef – this place is any eco-travellers dream come true. Enjoy free time here in the afternoon to relax by the turquoise beaches or poolside at our ocean-front hotel.





Day 10 : Manuel Antonio

Location: Manuel Antonio

Accommodation: Hotel, Shana – 4 Star

Meals Included: Breakfast

Get set to explore Manuel Antonio National Park and its wide variety of flora and fauna with a knowledgeable nature guide. While you’re hiking, stay alert for reptiles, birds and sleepy sloths. Enjoy a stop at the world-famous Tres Beach (Third Beach). The afternoon is yours to enjoy this tropical paradise. You can soak in the spectacular nature from ashore or join the optional Isla Damas Mangrove Tour to witness the wildlife up close.

Day 11 : Manuel Antonio, San José

Location: Manuel Antonio, San José

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Park Inn San Jose by Radisson Hotel – 5 Star

Meals Included: Breakfast

Say goodbye to Costa Rica’s coastal paradise as we return to San José. On the way, stop at Costa Rica’s most famous crafts centre – Sarchí – where artisans produce the colourful ‘carreta’. You’ll know you’ve arrived when you spot ornately painted oxcarts transporting coffee and fruit. Then, welcome back to San José! Explore the historic neighbourhoods and colonial mansions on a guided walking tour through the city.

Day 12 : San José

Location: San José

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today we saw our goodbyes! Enjoy a final breakfast together before hotel check-out at 11.00am. Roam through San Jose one last time before your included airport transfer to Juan Santamaria International Airport.

What's Included

  • Accommodation

    5 & 4 Star Hotels | Lodge

  • Meals

    11 Breakfasts | 3 Lunches | 2 Dinners

  • Transportation

    Private Air-Conditioned Vehicle

  • Guide

    Services of experienced Travel Talk local guides licenced by the Ministry of Tourism

  • Airport Transfers at Destination

    Arrival transfer from the airport to the hotel on Day 1. Departure shuttle to the airport on Day 12.

  • Fully Guided

What's Not Included

  • Country Entry Visas

  • Travel insurance

  • Items of a personal nature

  • Tips & gestures

  • Visa fees

Add Ons

Local Payment: £

Check out our Q&As

  • Are all entrance fees included in the price?

    yes

  • Are children permitted to take part in the tour?

    Not below 18

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    There are always single travellers on our tours. If you don't mind being roomed with another single traveller of the same gender, then you do not need to pay a single supplement, however, this excludes all of our North American tours where the sharing option for a solo traveller is not available, and the single supplement must be applied if you are travelling alone. The single supplement is for travellers who would like to stay in a private room for the duration of the tour. PLEASE NOTE: The single private option is not always available, especially for sailing tours and camping.

  • Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

    Our tours are suitable for any traveller above 18 years old. The majority of Travel Talkers are from the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, USA, Canada or Europe, however we always have travellers from all over the world. What brings them together is a passion for travel, discovering authentic cultures and experiencing unique adventures with like-minded travellers.

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    At Travel Talk, we believe that travel is a force for good and show our support through various initiatives and charity organizations, as well as keeping the principals of responsible and sustainable travel at the core of our ethos. These values are engrained in our business culture and the design of our trips just the same. Together with our guests, we strive to make a positive impact on local p

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Over 20 years

Reviews of this Operator

Jessie Mae Sia  

My travel talk experience was great and memorable

24-Feb-2021

My travel talk experience was awesome and fantastic. Me and my husband was on their Morocco and Turkey tours in 2019, they operated their tours in a culturally fun manner and the tour guides were very nice and very approachable. It exceeded our expection, we love to come back with them in our future travel. Thank you travel talk you made our 2019 as one of our memorable year!

Trustpilot
Scarlett Lily  

One of the best holidays I’ve had

25-Feb-2021

We went on a tour of the Balkans and it was above our expectations. Bojan was the best tour leader gave us so much information about the places we were visiting but also a great laugh! The tour ran so smoothly and was the perfect way to see the area in a little amount of time. It was one of the best holidays I have been on, I loved every minute of it and I can’t wait to book another tour with travel talk. They are great value for money!

Trustpilot
James Wilkins (Google Reviewer)  

Just completed the exotic Morocco...

29-Oct-2023

Just completed the exotic Morocco tour with our excellent guide Abdul! He was one of the best tour guides I have met, he brought so much energy and knowledge on the tour and could not imagine doing the tour without him. The tour itself was so diverse, seeing so many different landscapes. It has been one of the best trips I have done. Would highly recommend!

Caroline Barrett (Google Reviewer)  

My partner and I thoroughly...

25-Dec-2023

My partner and I thoroughly enjoyed our 9 Day Essential Turkey tour with Mustafa as our guide. His attentiveness to the group's needs was amazing, going above and beyond to ensure an stress-free experience. Mustafa provided valuable local insights, guiding us on the best areas to visit and helping us find good local deals. Overall, we found the tour to be excellent value for money, and we were particularly impressed with traveltalks accommodation choices—clean, spacious, and offering great meal options. Additionally, the inclusion of two drivers for our safety during long journeys added an extra layer of reassurance to our memorable trip. Thank you to Mustafa!

Tegan Bull (Google Reviewer)  

Unforgettable Turkey Essentials: A Journey...

25-Dec-2023

Unforgettable Turkey Essentials: A Journey with Travel Talk I recently had the pleasure of embarking on the Turkey Essentials tour with Travel Talk, and let me tell you, it was an adventure like no other! From the bustling streets of Istanbul to the ancient wonders of Ephesus, this tour was a perfect blend of culture, history, and pure fun. Travel Talk ensured that every aspect of our trip was well-planned. The accommodations were comfortable, the transportation was smooth, and the itinerary was perfectly curated to showcase the best of Turkey's rich history and vibrant culture. If you're looking for an incredible adventure in Turkey, I wholeheartedly recommend Travel Talk. Their attention to detail, knowledgeable guides (Mustafa), ensure a seamless and unforgettable journey. Whether you're a history buff, a culture enthusiast, or simply seeking a thrilling travel experience, Travel Talk has got you covered. Thank you, Travel Talk for an extraordinary tour that surpassed all expectations. I'll cherish the memories and stories from this adventure for a lifetime.

Diane Horsman  

Fantastic tour, personable experiences

19-Oct-2021

My first tour with Traveltalk to Jordan was fantastic. Everything was very well planned, the itinerary was timed to perfection and jam packed with amazing experiences. The tour guide Issa went above and beyond to make everyone happy and have the best experience possible, taking us to local restaurants and telling us the best things to eat. Our bus broke down on the way to the Dead Sea and he dealt with it really quickly, and a replacement bus arrived in less than an hour. He treated us all like his friend rather than just a job which make the tour even more special. The hotels were fab and had everything that we needed, all I great locations to local attractions. I booked another tour but had to cancel due to Covid and Traveltalk have placed my deposit aside ready to use on the next trip. I can’t wait to book again with them.

Trustpilot
Eric Gunther (Google Reviewer)  

We did the 12 day...

12-Sep-2023

We did the 12 day Turkey tour with the Gullet option, and loved it! The price was super reasonable, Travel Talk was always extremely responsive whenever I reached out. Most importantly, we visited an amazing array of impressive historical sites, saw the profound and varied natural beauty of Turkey and enjoyed incredible experiences like hot air ballooning and paragliding. Mustafa was the best tour guide we have ever had. His knowledge and organizational skills were top notch, he helped with everything (even with arranging laundry services) and was hilarious as well. The food was tasty, the hotels were good and the boat trip was fun and relaxing with beautiful scenery and a lot of swimming. The cabins on the boat weren’t air conditioned and were pretty hot at night, so some people slept on deck where there were plenty of places with cushions where you could stretch out and get a good nights rest. I highly recommend this tour!!

Hazel Kuzu (Google Reviewer)  

The 9-day Turkey Essentials tour...

03-Dec-2023

The 9-day Turkey Essentials tour with Travel Talk Tours exceeded our expectations! The well-crafted itinerary showcased Turkey's best, complemented by excellent hotel choices. Mustafa, our guide, added depth with his rich knowledge, engaging storytelling and brilliant sense of humour. The seamless experience, from transportation, meals, accommodations, sightseeing and optional activities made this tour unforgettable. Highly recommended for those seeking a perfect blend of culture and comfort in Turkey.

Tronix4eva (Google Reviewer)  

Wow. 9 Day Essential Turkey...

21-Oct-2023

Wow. 9 Day Essential Turkey Tour with Mustafa from Travel Talk Tours. Absolutely exceeded all expectations. I am in love with Turkey! The sights, the places, the hotels, the food, the bus and the antics of our amazing guide was seriously fantastic. This was an unforgettable experience and I am so glad I stumbled across Travel Talk and chose them. Mustafa you made me laugh and made us all feel so safe and welcome.. best guide I've ever had. ❤️

BEN LAWN  

Mustafa is the key to a fantastic Essential Turkey tour

06-Dec-2021

My partner and I did the Essential Turkey tour in November/December 2021. We had a fantastic time, and can both only recommend Travel Talk and this tour. Mustafa Kurt, our incredible guide, is really who sets this tour apart from any competition. He conducts the majority of Travel Talk's Essential Turkey, so you may get lucky if you book. Mustafa is an extremely qualified tour guide, with an extraordinary tourism CV, who wholly commits to ensuring that those on his tour have the very best Turkey experience possible. The man goes well above and beyond, without even thinking twice. He is a natural leader, whilst also being a friend. He was hilarious to have around us, bringing all the laughs and very much aiding in bringing the group together. His knowledge of Turkey is second to none, and he never lets this or his jokes get stale. The minibus that we used was better than expected - modern and comfy. We also had two drivers, adding to safety and ability to cover the long distances required. The hotels on the tour do vary, but are generally good. Travel Talk were responsive during booking, and flexible when it came to us having to delay due to Covid.

Trustpilot

Book with Confidence

  • Free Date Changes

    Travel Talk Tours allows you to make 2 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 61 days before the start of the tour.

  • Low Deposit

    Travel Talk Tours requires a minimum deposit of 100 GBP per person 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 travel talk tours charges.

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

    At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 70% of booking price.

    At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 85% of booking price.

    At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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