Essential Costa Rica - Package with Guanacaste

Essential Costa Rica - Package with Guanacaste

10 Days Starting and ending in San José, Costa Rica

Visiting: San Jose, Braulio Carrillo National Park, Tortuguero National Park, Tortuguero Village, Tortuguero, Guapiles, Arenal, Arenal Volcano, Arenal Volcano National Park, La Fortuna Waterfall, Arenal Lake, Monteverde, Santa Elena, Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, Guanacaste, Tamarindo

Tour code:

21441

Guide Type:

Partially Guided

Group size:

15 - 30

Physical rating:

VERY_EASY

Age range:

10-99

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians

Tour operated in:

English , Spanish

Activities:

Sightseeing, Surfing, Walking

From: $1811 (USD)

NB: Prices correct on 31-Mar-2025 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Embark on the "Essential Costa Rica - Package with Guanacaste" tour and explore the vibrant landscapes and rich biodiversity of Costa Rica. Begin your journey in San Jose, the lively capital, where you can wander through historic neighborhoods and visit cultural landmarks. Venture to Tortuguero National Park, home to green sea turtles and a plethora of wildlife, before heading to the majestic Arenal Volcano, where you can enjoy guided hikes and optional hot springs experiences. Discover the unique cloud forests of Monteverde, a haven for endangered species and fascinating flora. Conclude your adventure in the bustling beach town of Tamarindo, perfect for surfing and enjoying the local restaurant scene. With bilingual guides, comfortable accommodations, and a mix of included meals and activities, this tour offers an unforgettable experience in the heart of nature.

Highlights

  • San Jose: Explore Costa Rica’s vibrant capital city with its cultural and historical landmarks, including the European-inspired National Theatre.

  • Tortuguero: Discover the nesting grounds of green sea turtles and enjoy spectacular beaches and wildlife spotting opportunities.

  • Arenal: Admire the stunning Arenal Volcano and explore its park, rich in trails and wildlife.

  • Monteverde: Experience the unique cloud forest, home to many endangered species and fascinating plant life.

  • Tamarindo: Enjoy the lively beach resort known for its surfing, nightlife, and bustling restaurant scene.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : ARRIVAL SAN JOSE

Location: San Jose

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Sleep Inn or similar

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 Jose, Braulio Carrillo National Park, Tortuguero National Park, Tortuguero Village

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Turtle Beach Lodge or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, 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: Tortuguero National Park

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Turtle Beach Lodge or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, 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, Guapiles, Arenal, Arenal Volcano

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Hotel Faro Arenal or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

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, 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: Arenal Volcano National Park, La Fortuna Waterfall

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Hotel Faro Arenal or similar

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:

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 Lake, Monteverde, Santa Elena

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Monteverde Country Lodge or similar

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: Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, Monteverde

Accommodation: Hotel, Hotel

Accommodation Name: Monteverde Country Lodge or similar

Meals Included: 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: Monteverde, Guanacaste, Tamarindo

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Arco Iris Tamarindo or similar

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: Tamarindo

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Arco Iris Tamarindo or similar

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: San Jose

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 for activities only.

  • Transport

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

  • Entrance Fees and Activities

    Includes guided visit to Tortuguero village, guided boat tour through Tortuguero National Park canals, entrance fee to Tortuguero National Park, guided hike in Arenal Volcano National Park, and guided hike in Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve.

  • Other

    Meet and greet on Day 1 and hotel taxes.

What's Not Included

  • Personal Expenditures

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

  • Airport Taxes

    Airport taxes are not included.

  • Airport Porterage

    Airport porterage is not included.

  • Optional Tours

    Optional tours are not included.

  • 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.

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 Category = Turtle Beach Lodge or similar (Lodge Standard)
  • Superior Category = Laguna Lodge or similar (Lodge Standard)
  • Deluxe Category = Pachira/ Evergreen/Aninga Lodge or similar (Lodge Standard)

Day 4-5 Arenal:

  • Standard Hotel Category = Hotel Faro Arenal 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 = Arco Iris Tamarindo or similar 3*
  • Superior Hotel Category = Wyndham Tamarindo or similar 4* 
  • Deluxe Hotel Category = Tamarindo Diriá or similar 5* 

OPTIONAL EXTRA:

Package of 2 nights in Tamarindo:

  • Standard Hotel Category = Arco Iris Tamarindo 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*

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 to Monteverde.

Accommodation

Enjoy 9 nights of accommodation with options ranging from standard 3-star hotels like Sleep Inn to deluxe 5-star hotels such as Hilton San Jose La Sabana. Experience stays in eco-lodges in Tortuguero and comfortable hotels in Arenal, Monteverde, and Tamarindo.

Check out our Q&As

  • What languages are the tour guides fluent in?

    The tour is operated with bilingual Spanish and English-speaking licensed local guides.

  • Will I be part of a group during the tour?

    There is no guarantee that you will be part of a group or part of the same group during the tour.

  • What meals are included in the tour package?

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

  • Are there any optional activities available during the tour?

    Yes, there are several optional activities available, such as a late-night turtle nesting tour in Tortuguero, hot springs experiences in Arenal, zipline adventure, and La Fortuna Waterfall tour.

  • What kind of transportation is provided during the tour?

    The tour includes air-conditioned transportation as indicated in the itinerary on a shared basis, and private return transfer from/to the San Jose airport. Tour guides do not accompany guests during transport.

  • 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.

  • What is the highlight of the visit to Arenal Volcano National Park?

    The highlight of the visit to Arenal Volcano National Park is a guided walking tour where you can learn about the volcano's activity periods and spot wildlife such as sloths, howler monkeys, and anteaters.

  • What is special about the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve?

    The Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve is world-famous for its outstanding biodiversity, conservation actions, and scientific research. It hosts hundreds of species of mammals, birds, butterflies, amphibians, reptiles, insects, and arachnids, as well as a large variety of flora.

  • 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.

1 Select your preferred date

Monday - Wednesday

Apr 21, 2025 - Apr 30, 2025
$1811 (USD)

Tuesday - Thursday

Apr 22, 2025 - May 01, 2025
$1811 (USD)

Wednesday - Friday

Apr 23, 2025 - May 02, 2025
$1811 (USD)

Thursday - Saturday

Apr 24, 2025 - May 03, 2025
$1811 (USD)

Friday - Sunday

Apr 25, 2025 - May 04, 2025
$1811 (USD)

Saturday - Monday

Apr 26, 2025 - May 05, 2025
$1811 (USD)

Sunday - Tuesday

Apr 27, 2025 - May 06, 2025
$1811 (USD)

Monday - Wednesday

Apr 28, 2025 - May 07, 2025
$1811 (USD)

Tuesday - Thursday

Apr 29, 2025 - May 08, 2025
$1811 (USD)

Wednesday - Friday

Apr 30, 2025 - May 09, 2025
$1811 (USD)

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Destination Services Costa Rica requires a minimum deposit of 20% 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 destination services costa rica charges.

    At 21 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

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

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