Highlights of Costa Rica (4 Star Hotels)

Highlights of Costa Rica (4 Star Hotels)

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9 Days From

$2816

$1639

Highlights of Costa Rica (4 Star Hotels)

9 Days Starting and ending in San Jose, Costa Rica

Visiting: San José, Tortuguero, Arenal, Monteverde, Manuel Antonio

Tour operator:

Travel Talk Tours

Tour code:

CR1

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

25 - 30

Physical rating:

Easy

Age range:

0-0

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians

Tour operated in:

English

Interests:

Cultural

From: $2816 $1639 Operator discount: -$1126 Tourhub's Big Adventure Sale: -$51 -42%

NB: Prices correct on 31-Oct-2024 but subject to change.

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Tour Overview

Embark on an unforgettable journey through Costa Rica with the "Highlights of Costa Rica" tour, perfect for nature enthusiasts seeking adventure off the beaten path. This tour offers a unique blend of cultural experiences and natural wonders, starting in the vibrant city of San José. Explore the lush rainforests and canals of Tortuguero, meet local families, and witness the diverse wildlife. Relax in the volcanic hot springs of Arenal and marvel at the stunning La Fortuna waterfalls. Discover the rare Cloud Forest in Monteverde and unwind on the pristine beaches of Manuel Antonio. With optional activities like a night walk in the Cloud Forest and a zipline adventure, you can tailor your experience to your liking. Enjoy comfortable stays in 4-star hotels, delicious meals, and the expertise of local guides, ensuring a seamless and enriching travel experience.

Highlights

  • Perfect for nature lovers eager to head off the well-travelled path.

  • Meet local village families in Tortuguero and explore historic neighborhoods in San Jose.

  • Bathe in natural volcanic hot springs and explore rainforest canopies.

  • Take a dip in the famous La Fortuna waterfalls.

  • Discover the coastal paradise of Manuel Antonio.

  • Shape your adventure with optional activities including a night walk through the famous Cloud Forest.

  • Explore the pristine Tortuguero National Park with its canals, beaches, and jungles.

  • Visit the scenic region of Monteverde's Cloud Forest.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : San José

Location: San José

Accommodation: Hotel

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

Hola San José! Watch out for the Travel Talk sign at the airport for your transfer to hotel. Explore San José 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 José, Tortuguero

Location: Tortuguero

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.

Day 3 : Tortuguero

Location: Tortuguero

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, Arenal

Location: Arenal

Accommodation: Hotel

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

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Today we'll farewell Tortuguero for Arenal! Stop in the small town of Sarapiquí Valley along the way to embrace that fresh Costa Rican air along the riverbanks. Keep an eye out for adventure seekers rafting through the river rapids! Then grab a window seatback 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’ll stay in the small town of La Fortuna de San Carlos with incredible views of the volcano above. This afternoon, enjoy leisure time to relax in the famed hot springs of Arenal or explore the surrounding rainforests before night falls.

Day 5 : Arenal, Monteverde

Location: Monteverde

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Poco a Poco Hotel – 4 Star

Meals Included: Breakfast

Wake up and get set to embrace adventure at its best in Arenal today! Explore the rainforest canopies from above on the hanging bridges of Arenal and keep an eye out for sleepy sloths high in the trees. Then follow your guide on a hike to the charming La Fortuna waterfall to familiarise yourself with this wonderful region. 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 a 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 of species come to life after dark.

Day 6 : Monteverde, Manuel Antonio

Location: Manuel Antonio

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Shana Hotel – 4 Star

Meals Included: Breakfast

Make the best of Monteverde before we make our way to the Pristine beaches and dazzling coral reefs of Manuel Antonio. 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! Travel towards Costa Rica’s Central Pacific Coast to the small oceanside village of Manuel Antonio. Famous for its national park and treasured biodiversity, this place is any beach lover or eco-travellers dream come true! Picture white sandy beaches fringed with dense jungle and tropical palm trees. Enjoy free time here in the afternoon to relax by the turquoise beaches or poolside at our ocean-front hotel.

Day 7 : Manuel Antonio

Location: Manuel Antonio

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Shana Hotel – 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 8 : Manuel Antonio, San José

Location: 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 9 : 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

    Stay in 4 Star Hotels throughout the tour.

  • Meals

    Enjoy 8 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 2 dinners during the tour.

  • Transportation

    Travel in a private air-conditioned vehicle with shared transfers from San Jose to Tortuguero and shared boat transfers in Tortuguero.

  • Airport Transfer(s)

    Arrival transfer on Day 1 and departure shuttle to the airport on Day 9 are included.

  • Tour Guiding

    Benefit from the services of experienced Travel Talk local guides licensed by the Ministry of Tourism.

  • Free Wi-Fi

    Complimentary hotel Wi-Fi access is available where possible.

What's Not Included

  • Entrance Fees

    Entrance fees to sights and museums are not included.

  • Items of a personal nature

    Personal expenses are not covered.

  • Tipping and Gratuities

    Tips and gratuities are not included.

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance is not provided.

  • Optional activities

    Optional activities are not included in the tour price.

Add Ons

Local Payment: £

Mode of Transport

Travel in style with private air-conditioned vehicles, shared transfers from San José to Tortuguero, and shared boat transfers in Tortuguero. Arrival and departure airport transfers are included, ensuring a seamless travel experience.

Accommodation

Experience comfort and luxury with stays at 4-star hotels such as the Radisson Hotel, Doubletree by Hilton Cariari, Crowne Plaza San José La Sabana, Pachira Lodge, Montaña de Fuego Mountain Resort & Spa, Poco a Poco Hotel, and Shana Hotel. Enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi access where available.

Check out our Q&As

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

    In Tortuguero National Park, you can expect to see a variety of wildlife including caiman, tropical birds, monkeys, sloths, and emerald green basilisk lizards. You might also spot freshwater turtles basking on the banks of the canals.

  • What activities are included in the visit to Arenal?

    During the visit to Arenal, you will explore the rainforest canopies from above on the hanging bridges and take a hike to the charming La Fortuna waterfall. You will also have leisure time to relax in the famed hot springs of Arenal or explore the surrounding rainforests.

  • What is special about the Monteverde Cloud Forest?

    The Monteverde Cloud Forest is special because it is one of the rare forests that cover only 1% of the world. These forests thrive only in tropical mountainous environments where the atmospheric conditions allow for consistent cloud coverage. At night, the region comes to life with nocturnal species.

  • What can I do in Manuel Antonio National Park?

    In Manuel Antonio National Park, you can explore a wide variety of flora and fauna with a knowledgeable nature guide. You can hike and stay alert for reptiles, birds, and sloths. There is also a stop at the world-famous Tres Beach (Third Beach) and optional activities like the Isla Damas Mangrove Tour.

  • What cultural experiences are included in the tour?

    The tour includes cultural experiences such as meeting local village families in Tortuguero, exploring historic neighborhoods in San José, and visiting Costa Rica's most famous crafts center, Sarchí, where artisans produce colorful 'carreta'.

  • 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
Jes Snowden (Google Reviewer)  

The Best of Turkey by...

10-Sep-2024

The Best of Turkey by Land was fantastic! If it’s a “tour” of Turkey you’re seeking, this one is the pick of them all. We travelled to the most spectacular locations, and experienced breathtaking moments and views, in every stop! Our tour guide Mustafa was very knowledgeable and talked us through the history of the land. He was friendly and very patient, considering the hours he puts into his tours. Mus was able to swap the days activities for some days to ensure we were given the best opportunity for photo’s and leas tourists in other locations. Our bus drivers did an amazing job getting us to all locations safely! Thank you Ahmet & Ali, you are superstars… Highlights for us were Gallipoli, Ephesus, Pamukkale, Fethyie and hot air ballooning in Cappadocia. The group consisted of all ages, which worked out to be a good mix. The weather varied between 25 - 36 degrees throughout the trip, so be sure to pack the sunscreen and portable fan. Hotels varied, each one having it’s own idiosyncrasies, but overall very good. Some of the days were extremely long but we got through them.. I’d recommend this tour to anyone that wants a taste of the beautiful land that Turkey is ☺️

Courtney Godden (Google Reviewer)  

First time doing a tour...

28-Jul-2024

First time doing a tour overseas, wow what an amazing experience. Smaller tour group which was awesome, great hotel choices, professional transportation services and saw the best of Turkey in 12 days. Our tour guide Aykut's hospitality was second to none, he went above and beyond for every member of the group. His knowledge of his country's history and culture was outstanding and explained in a memorable way for a lasting memory. Aykut's has extensive experience as a tour guide and it shows in every way, many special tips from living/growing up in Turkey. Aykut's planning meant everything ran smoothly making our only job to turn up with your belongings and enjoy your experience. Thank you again Aykut for going the extra mile, making sure places had gluten free options for me and for all the funny jokes ☺️

elle mcdowell (Google Reviewer)  

We had an amazing time...

10-Jul-2024

We had an amazing time on our 12 day tour of Turkey! Our guide Yild was attentive, always was there to help us make the most of our trip and great fun! Would definitely recommend this tour to others!!

Stephani Ferrari Dalto (Google Reviewer)  

I’m about to finish my...

18-Oct-2024

I’m about to finish my Essential Turkey trip with Travel Talk (October 12th- for 10 days) and had an amazing experience! Our guide Mustafa was fantastic. He took care of every little detail and made sure everyone in our group (42 people, a great mix of ages) was happy and well looked after. I traveled with my mom, and this trip was the perfect way to get a quick, but comprehensive, view of what Turkey has to offer. This was my second time with Travel Talk, and I would definitely choose them again for future adventures!

Samantha Treadwell (Google Reviewer)  

Such an UNREAL EXPERIENCE! I...

13-Aug-2024

Such an UNREAL EXPERIENCE! I cannot recommend the best of Turkey by Gulet for 12 day tour enough. On this tour we were able to see all parts of turkey from the coast line to the major cities and immerse ourselves in the culture and history! Mustafa is the best tour guide who priorities experiences, learning and safety of all tour participants (he also doubles as a comedian so ensures many laughs are had). From sailing on the Mediterranean Sea, experiencing the best food and culture in Istanbul, to paragliding over Pamukkale springs, and finally ticking off the bucket list moment of hot air ballooning over Cappadocia, this has been a trip not to forget. I cannot recommend this tour enough and would encourage anyone going to turkey to book this trip with Travel Talk!

Steph Burnettt (Google Reviewer)  

Thank you Mustafa & Travel...

06-Oct-2024

Thank you Mustafa & Travel Talk for an extraordinary 10 day trip of Turkey. A beautiful country indeed. We had a great time visiting all the sites. Mustafa’s sense of humour and abundance of knowledge made it all the more enjoyable. Definitely recommend this tour.

Victoria McCullough (Google Reviewer)  

I did the travel talk...

26-Aug-2024

I did the travel talk turkey tour with mus. He's an awesome guide full of local knowledge. There had been wild fires at Gallipoli so rearranged our itinerary to allow us a chance to visit which we did! I spent 3 days on the gulet and was a great way to relax. Would highly recommend the tour as a way to visit turkey and would do it again.

Leigh Anaru (Google Reviewer)  

Just finished the 10 day...

30-Apr-2024

Just finished the 10 day ANZAC tour in Türkiye. Wow what an experience! The tour although busy was jam packed with amazing experiences made all the more richer by our highly knowledgable and very funny guide Aykut. The bus was full of 44 Aussies and Kiwis which would've been no easy feat to control. Aykut and our drivers Naci and Sevki were kind and patient making our long drives enjoyable. Gallipoli was a bucket list of mine, and what a beautiful humbling experience it was, especially the following day tour of the cemeteries. Other than that highlight, the early morning hot air balloon and all the other sites the Kapadokya offers was pretty special too. I will be using Travel Talk again. 5 stars!

Bec Wood (Google Reviewer)  

We did the 11 Day...

26-Apr-2024

We did the 11 Day Anzac Tour of Turkey. It. Was. Phenomenal. My husband and I absolutely love Turkey and were excited to explore the country. Highlights were definitely the Hot Air Balloons in Cappadocia and the privilege of attending the Dawn Service at Anzac Cove. A bucket list item ticked off. This was my second Travel Talk in 2024 and I would absolutely do another one in the future. The tour was organised and our guide, Mustafa, was fantastic.

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1 Select your preferred date

Saturday - Sunday

Nov 23, 2024 - Dec 01, 2024
$2816 $1639

Operator discount: -$1126

Tourhub's Big Adventure Sale: -$51

Saturday - Sunday

Dec 07, 2024 - Dec 15, 2024
$2816 $1639

Operator discount: -$1126

Tourhub's Big Adventure Sale: -$51

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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