Highlights of Costa Rica

Highlights of Costa Rica

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9 Days From

$2786

$1761

Highlights of Costa Rica

9 Days Starting and ending in San Jose

Visiting: San José, Tortuguero, Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui, Lake Arenal, Monteverde, Manuel Antonio

Tour operator:

Travel Talk Tours

Tour code:

CR1

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

13 - 35

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

18-39

Tour operated in:
English
From:
$2786
$1761 (USD) Operator discount: -$975 The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$50 -37%
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Tour Overview

Uncover the must-see sights of Costa Rica on this 9-day adventure through some of the Central America’s most impressive and untouched surroundings. Journey to the coastline where the rainforest meets the sea in Tortuguero. Explore Costa Rica’s most iconic Volcano in Arnel. And relax on the white-sand of Manuel Antonio’s palm-fringed beaches! Discover the best eco-traveler hot spots of Costa Rica, with a hint of culture and history along the way.

Highlights

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

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

  • Bathe in natural volcanic hot springs, explore rainforest canopies and take a dip in the famous La Fortuna waterfalls!

  • The coastal paradise of Manuel Antonio

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

Itinerary

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Day 1 : San José

Location: San José

Accommodation: Hotel

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

Meals Included: No Meals

Hola San José! Watch out 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 : Tortuguero

Location: Tortuguero

Accommodation: 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: 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 : Arenal, Sarapiquí

Location: Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui, Lake 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: Lake Arenal, 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: Monteverde, 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 : 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

    5 & 4 Star Hotels

  • Airport Transfer

    Arrival transfer from the airport to the hotel on Day 1.

    Departure shuttle to the airport on Day 9.

  • Meals

    8 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 2 Dinners

  • Transportation

    Private Air-Conditioned Vehicle

  • Tour Guiding

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

  • Airport Transfer(s)

    Arrival transfer on Day 1. Departure shuttle to the airport on Day 9.

  • Free Wi-Fi

    Complimentary hotel Wi-Fi access ( where available )

What's Not Included

  • Entrance Fees

    Sights and museums

  • Tipping and Gratuities

  • Travel Insurance

  • Items of a personel nature

  • Optional activities

Add Ons

Local Payment: £

Check out our Q&As

  • Are flights included in this tour?

    No

  • Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?

    Yes

  • Are children permitted to take part in the tour?

    No children under age of 18 are not allowed

  • Are all entrance fees included in the price?

    No

  • Are airport transfers included in this tour?

    Yes

  • Are all the relevant entry visa’s included in the price of the tour?

    No

  • 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!

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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!

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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.

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Dates & Availability

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Saturday - Sunday

May 11, 2024 - May 19, 2024
$2786 $1761 (USD)

Operator discount: -$975 (USD)

The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$50 (USD)

Instant Booking Available

Saturday - Sunday

Jul 06, 2024 - Jul 14, 2024
$2786 $1761 (USD)

Operator discount: -$975 (USD)

The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$50 (USD)

Instant Booking Available

Saturday - Sunday

Aug 03, 2024 - Aug 11, 2024
$2786 $1761 (USD)

Operator discount: -$975 (USD)

The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$50 (USD)

Instant Booking Available

Saturday - Sunday

Sep 28, 2024 - Oct 06, 2024
$2786 $1761 (USD)

Operator discount: -$975 (USD)

The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$50 (USD)

Instant Booking Available

Saturday - Sunday

Oct 26, 2024 - Nov 03, 2024
$2786 $1761 (USD)

Operator discount: -$975 (USD)

The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$50 (USD)

Instant Booking Available

Saturday - Sunday

Nov 23, 2024 - Dec 01, 2024
$2816 $1780 (USD)

Operator discount: -$986 (USD)

The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$50 (USD)

Instant Booking Available

Saturday - Sunday

Dec 07, 2024 - Dec 15, 2024
$2816 $1780 (USD)

Operator discount: -$986 (USD)

The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$50 (USD)

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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