Essential Costa Rica - Package with Guanacaste

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43 Views

10 Days From

~~$1725~~

$1647

Essential Costa Rica - Package with Guanacaste

10 Days Starting and ending in San José Province, San José, Costa Rica

Visiting: San José, Tortuguero, Parque Nacional Tortuguero, Arenal Volcano, Parque Nacional Volcán Arenal, Monte Verde, Pacific Coast Surfing

Tour operator:

Destination Services Costa Rica

Tour code:

21441

Guide Type:

Partially Guided

Group size:

15 - 30

Physical rating:

Low, VERY_EASY

Age range:

10-99

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians

Tour operated in:

English , Spanish

From:

$1725

$1647 (USD) Exclusive Tourhub Members Discount: -$78

NB: Prices correct on 16-May-2024 but subject to change.

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.

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

Itinerary

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Day 1 : Arrival San Jose

Location: San José

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: No Meals

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: San José, Tortuguero

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner

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: Parque Nacional Tortuguero

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner

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: Tortuguero, Arenal Volcano

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Dinner

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 like the Sky Walk guided tour. The Sky Walk 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! We also recommend visiting the hot springs at night, when the sun sets. Enjoy a spectacular dinner included.

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, dinner

Ecotermales 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, dinner

Departure approx: 15:00 hrs | Duration approx: 6 hrs

Overnight in Arenal.

Day 5 : Arenal Volcano National Park

Location: Parque Nacional Volcán Arenal

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

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:

Sky Walk guided tour: The Sky Walk 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!

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: Arenal Volcano, Monte Verde

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

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: Monte Verde

Accommodation: Hotel, Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Breakfast

.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: Monte Verde

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

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: Pacific Coast Surfing

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

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: Pacific Coast Surfing, San José

Meals Included: Breakfast

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

TOUR GUIDE:

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 during the tour.

ACCOMMODATION:

9 nights' accommodation

ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS

Day 1 San Jose:

Standard Hotel Category = Sleep Inn or similar 3*

Superior Hotel Category = Park Inn or similar 4*

Deluxe Hotel Category = Hilton San Jose La Sabana or similar 5*

Day 2-3 Tortuguero:

Standard Hotel Category = Pachira Lodge or similar 3*

Superior Hotel Category = Evergreen Lodge or similar 4*

Deluxe Hotel Category = Aninga Lodge or similar 5*

Day 4-5 Arenal:

Standard Hotel Category = Arenal Montechiari hotel or similar 3*

Superior Hotel Category = Arenal Springs or similar 4*

Deluxe Hotel Category = Arenal Kioro or similar 5*

Day 6-7 Monteverde:

Standard Hotel Category = Monteverde Country Lodge or similar 3*

Superior Hotel Category = Poco a Poco or similar 4*

Deluxe Hotel Category = Fonda Vela Hotel or similar 4*

Day 8-9 Tamarindo:

Standard Hotel Category = Pasatiempo or similar 3*

Superior Hotel Category = Wyndham Tamarindo or similar 4*

Deluxe Hotel Category = Tamarindo Diriá or similar 5*

Package of 2 nights in Tamarindo:

Standard Hotel Category = Pasatiempo or similar 3*

Superior Hotel Category = Wyndham Tamarindo or similar 4*

Deluxe Hotel Category = Tamarindo Diriá or similar 5*

Post - night in San José:

Standard Hotel Category = Sleep Inn or similar 3*

Superior Hotel Category = Park Inn or similar 4*

Deluxe Hotel Category = Hilton San Jose La Sabana or similar 5*

MEALS:

9 breakfasts,
3 lunches on days 2, 3, 4
2 dinners on days 2, 3

TRANSPORT:

Air-conditioned transportation as indicated in the itinerary on a shared basis
Private return transfer from/to the San Jose airport
Tour guides do not accompany guests during transport

ENTRANCE FEES AND 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 Biological Reserve.

OTHER:

Meet and greet on Day 1
Hotel taxes

What's 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

Requirements

Comfortable and light clothing is the most suitable for travelling in Costa Rica. Visitors should not wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts or skimpy clothing when visiting temples, religious or official buildings. Sun protection, sunglasses, a hat and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay.

Please Note

No refund for unused services. Splitting of the package is not allowed
Recommended departure time from 15:00 hrs.
On day 10: drop off at San Jose International Airport around 12 pm. Please arrange your departure flight accordingly.
We reserve the right to change itineraries and activities due to weather conditions, technical problems, security reasons, or Corona restrictions.

Accommodation options

ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS

Day 1 San Jose:

Standard Hotel Category = Sleep Inn or similar 3*
Superior Hotel Category = Park Inn or similar 4*
Deluxe Hotel Category = Hilton San Jose La Sabana or similar 5*

Day 2-3 Tortuguero:

Standard Hotel Category = Pachira Lodge or similar 3*
Superior Hotel Category = Evergreen Lodge or similar 4*
Deluxe Hotel Category = Aninga Lodge or similar 5*

Day 4-5 Arenal:

Standard Hotel Category = Arenal Montechiari hotel or similar 3*
Superior Hotel Category = Arenal Springs or similar 4*
Deluxe Hotel Category = Arenal Kioro or similar 5*

Day 6-7 Monteverde:

Standard Hotel Category = Monteverde Country Lodge or similar 3*
Superior Hotel Category = Poco a Poco or similar 4*
Deluxe Hotel Category = Fonda Vela Hotel or similar 4*

Day 8-9 Tamarindo:

Standard Hotel Category = Pasatiempo or similar 3*
Superior Hotel Category = Wyndham Tamarindo or similar 4*
Deluxe Hotel Category = Tamarindo Diriá or similar 5*

Package of 2 nights in Tamarindo:

Standard Hotel Category = Pasatiempo or similar 3*
Superior Hotel Category = Wyndham Tamarindo or similar 4*
Deluxe Hotel Category = Tamarindo Diriá or similar 5*

Post - night in San José:

Standard Hotel Category = Sleep Inn or similar 3*
Superior Hotel Category = Park Inn or similar 4*
Deluxe Hotel Category = Hilton San Jose La Sabana or similar 5*

Accommodation options

ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS

Day 1 San Jose:

Standard Hotel Category = Sleep Inn or similar 3*
Superior Hotel Category = Park Inn or similar 4*
Deluxe Hotel Category = Hilton San Jose La Sabana or similar 5*

Day 2-3 Tortuguero:

Standard Hotel Category = Pachira Lodge or similar 3*
Superior Hotel Category = Evergreen Lodge or similar 4*
Deluxe Hotel Category = Aninga Lodge or similar 5*

Day 4-5 Arenal:

Standard Hotel Category = Arenal Montechiari hotel or similar 3*
Superior Hotel Category = Arenal Springs or similar 4*
Deluxe Hotel Category = Arenal Kioro or similar 5*

Day 6-7 Monteverde:

Standard Hotel Category = Monteverde Country Lodge or similar 3*
Superior Hotel Category = Poco a Poco or similar 4*
Deluxe Hotel Category = Fonda Vela Hotel or similar 4*

Day 8-9 Tamarindo:

Standard Hotel Category = Pasatiempo or similar 3*
Superior Hotel Category = Wyndham Tamarindo or similar 4*
Deluxe Hotel Category = Tamarindo Diriá or similar 5*

Package of 2 nights in Tamarindo:

Standard Hotel Category = Pasatiempo or similar 3*
Superior Hotel Category = Wyndham Tamarindo or similar 4*
Deluxe Hotel Category = Tamarindo Diriá or similar 5*

Post - night in San José:

Standard Hotel Category = Sleep Inn or similar 3*
Superior Hotel Category = Park Inn or similar 4*
Deluxe Hotel Category = Hilton San Jose La Sabana or similar 5*

Check out our Q&As

Are children permitted to take part in the tour?

Yes, 10 years old or above
Are airport transfers included in this tour?

Yes, Private return transfer from/to the San Jose airport
Are all entrance fees included in the price?

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 Biological Reserve.
Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?

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 during the tour.
Are flights included in this tour?

No, International and domestic flights are not included.

What do I need to bring?

Comfortable and light clothing is the most suitable for travelling in Costa Rica. Visitors should not wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts or skimpy clothing when visiting temples, religious or official buildings. Sun protection, sunglasses, a hat and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay.
Do you offer any travel insurance?

We do not offer Travel Insurance but would strongly recommend that you purchase a comprehensive Travel Insurance Policy prior to departure.
Are flights included in the tour?

No, they are not included
When are there specific hotel names confirmed?

Confirmed hotel names are informed latest 10 days prior to client´s arrival
What documents will I receive before I travel?

Booking confirmation with Itinerary and confirmation vouchers
What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

You can change it by logging into your profile and click on Bookings. Please check your cancellation policy.
Is there any option for solo traveller?

Yes of course. Please note that the default selection shows the price per person per double room. For solo travellers, you will have to select a single room when available.
What does the price include?

What is included is stated specifically on the product Description. Gratuities are at your discretion. Prices do not include (unless stated otherwise) - gratuities to the guide, driver or tour manager.
Are Visa fees included in the price?

No, visa fees are not included

Reviews of this operator

Brian

Exotic Costa Rica

12-Feb-2022

We were delayed a couple of times in getting to Costa Rica and our tour operator, Roy, was extremely accommodating of the changes. The trip was partially guided, so though lodging and transportation were covered there were a few days where I could have used help coordinating afternoon activities.

Peter Herbert

Essential Costa Rica - Package with Guanacaste

11-May-2022

A little aprehensive on 1st day with no tour leader... but ran better that clockwork, a few natural obstacles overcome. Good hotels, transport , drivers AND OUTSTANDING GUIDES.....A THEN THERE WAS THE WILDS OF COSTA RICA AND ITS PEOPLES ....

Jean Walsh

Exotic Costa Rica

17-Mar-2022

This trip was much anticipated and lived up to all of our expectations. We had a wonderful experience. If we had questions, Andres was immediately responsive. It was such a nice feeling to know we could reach him.

Susan Langton

Essential Costa Rica - Package with Manuel Antonio National Park

06-Jan-2022

Our trip was well organized, all of the service providers ( transfers, guides, accommodations) we friendly and professional, and each location was as promised. A bit more local information would have been useful in preparing for the trip, but nothing that wasn't able to be accommodated on the fly.

Marianne Brownell

Essential Costa Rica - Package with Manuel Antonio National Park

03-Oct-2022

Terrific experience!

Debra R

PURAVIDA CR

26-Jun-2023

Great staff taking care of us along the way! Hotel choices were unique and beautiful and accommodating.

Keith

Essential Costa Rica - Package with Guanacaste

08-Mar-2022

A good tour with 4 completely different ecosystems. A couple of long travel days.

Dates & Availability

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Jun
2024 Jul
2024 Aug
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2024 Oct
2024 Nov
2024 Dec
2024 Jan
2025 Feb
2025 Mar
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2025 May
2025

Instant Booking Available

Friday - Sunday

Jun 14, 2024 - Jun 23, 2024

~~$1725~~ $1647 (USD)