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Tour Overview
Embark on a captivating 9-day journey through Costa Rica with the "Magic Costa Rica 9 Days" tour. Begin your adventure in the vibrant city of San José before heading to the lush Tortuguero National Park, renowned for its green sea turtle nesting grounds and abundant wildlife. Continue to Arenal, where you can marvel at one of the country's most stunning volcanoes and explore its rich natural trails. Finally, unwind in the lively beach resort of Tamarindo, perfect for surfing, dining, and nightlife. This tour offers a perfect blend of nature, adventure, and relaxation, making it an unforgettable Costa Rican experience. ...more ...less
Highlights
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
Tamarindo: This busy beach resort is great for a night out, surfing, and exploring the bustling restaurant scene
Guided boat tour in Tortuguero National Park
Exploring the canals, lagoons, and dense rainforests of Tortuguero
Free day to enjoy the activities available in the Arenal area
Discovering Tamarindo and surrounding beaches on your own
Itinerary
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Upon arrival to bustling San Jose, our representative will meet and greet you and then direct you to your shared 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: Tortuguero
Accommodation Name: Pachira Lodge or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Your day begins early with a pick up from the hotel. Indulge in a tasty breakfast en route in a restaurant in Guapiles and continue through the jungle by boat, cruising the rivers and canals of Tortuguero National Park. Arrive at your lodge in time to enjoy a tasty lunch. Dinner in the evening is also included.
Overnight in Tortuguero.
Day 3
:
TORTUGUERO NATIONAL PARK
Location: Tortuguero National Park
Accommodation Name: Pachira Lodge or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Make the most of your stay in Tortuguero. After breakfast, enjoy a boat trip on the Tortuguero canals, an essential activity while in Costa Rica. Discover its network of canals, lagoons and dense rainforests through a boat tour guided by an expert naturalist guide. Abundant wildlife inhabits Tortuguero, including 57 species of amphibians, 111 species of reptiles, and 60 species of mammals. Lunch and dinner is served at the hotel.
Overnight in Tortuguero.
Day 4
:
TORTUGUERO – ARENAL (210km – 5 hrs by road / 2 hrs by boat)
Location: Arenal
Accommodation Name: Hotel Arenal Paraiso or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
After breakfast, we depart Tortuguero by shared boat and land transfers back to Guapiles, where we stop for lunch in a local restaurant. After a tasty meal, you will be picked up by a shared transfer and taken to the Arenal area. Arrive at Arenal and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight in Arenal.
Day 5
:
ARENAL
Location: Arenal
Accommodation Name: Hotel Arenal Paraiso or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Wake up to a breakfast at the hotel. Free day to enjoy the area. Optionally, you can take advantage of the activities that are available in the area.
Overnight in Arenal.
Day 6
:
ARENAL – GUANACASTE/TAMARINDO (200km – 4 hrs)
Location: Tamarindo
Accommodation Name: Hotel Pasatiempo or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast at the hotel you will be picked up for your next destination, the paradise Guanacaste, located in the North Pacific. Upon arrival at Tamarindo Beach free afternoon to enjoy the hotel facilities and the beach.
Overnight in Tamarindo.
Day 7
:
TAMARINDO
Location: Tamarindo
Accommodation Name: Hotel Pasatiempo or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy a full day at leisure to discover Tamarindo and surrounding beaches on your own; take an optional excursion available on the spot.
Overnight in Tamarindo.
Day 8
:
TAMARINDO – SAN JOSE (260km – 4.5hrs)
Location: San José
Accommodation Name: Hotel Autentico or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast at the hotel enjoy a free morning by the beach. In the afternoon transfer back to San Jose and check in to your hotel.
Overnight in San Jose.
Day 9
:
DEPARTURE SAN JOSE AIRPORT
Location: San José
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy your last breakfast and at the agreed time transfer back to Juan Santamaria International Airport to catch your onward flight.
What's Included
ACCOMMODATION:
8 night’s accommodation
ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS
Day 1,8 San Jose
Hotel Category A = Hotel Autentico or similar 3*
Hotel Category B = Park Inn or similar 4*
Hotel Category C = Hilton Garden Inn or similar 3*
Hotel Category D = Hilton Sabana or similar 3*
Day 2,3 Tortuguero
Hotel Category A, B = Turtle Beach Lodge or similar (Lodge Standard)
Hotel Category C = Mawamba Lodge or similar (Lodge Standard)
Hotel Category D = Manatus Lodge or similar (Lodge Standard)
Day 4,5 Arenal
Hotel Category A = Magic Mountain or similar 4*
Hotel Category B = Arenal Paraiso or similar 3*
Hotel Category C = Arenal Manoa or similar 4*
Hotel Category D = Arenal Kioro or similar 5*
Day 6,7 Guanacaste/Tamarindo
Hotel Category A = Hotel Pasatiempo or similar 3*
Hotel Category B = Tamarindo Diria or similar 4*
Hotel Category C = Cala Luna or similar 4*
Hotel Category D = Capitán Suizo or similar 4*
MEALS:
8 Breakfasts
3 Lunches (Day 2, 3, 4)
2 Dinners (Day 2, 3)
TRANSPORT:
Arrival and departure shared transfers from/ to Juan Santamaria Airport
Shared transfers between areas throughout the itinerary (land and boat)
ENTRANCE FEES AND ACTIVITIES:
All entrance fees and activities mentioned in the itinerary: guided boat tour in Tortuguero National Park (Day 3)
OTHER:
Meet & Greet
Hotel Taxes
What's Not Included
Tour Guide
Tour guide services are not included.
Unmentioned Services
Services not mentioned in the itinerary are not included.
Flights
International and domestic flights are not included.
Departure Taxes
Departure taxes are not included.
Visa Fees
Visa fees are not included.
Optional Tours
Optional tours and activities are not included.
Tips and Gratuities
Tips and gratuities are not included.
Personal Expenditures
Expenditures of a personal nature or items not stated explicitly in the program are not included.
Drinks and Fees
Any alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, mineral water, camera/video camera fees (if any) are not included.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance or any loss or extra cost arising due to unforeseen circumstances such as flight delays, accidents, etc., 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.r>
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Please Note
We reserve the right to change itineraries and activities due to weather conditions, technical problems or security reasons.
Early check-in, late check-out, connecting or adjoining rooms in the hotel are subject to availability and not guaranteed
In many hotels in Costa Rica, the triple rooms are a double room with an additional bed or sofa bed. Their comfort conditions are lower than the international standards of the triple room
No refund for unused services. Splitting of the package is not allowed
Accommodation options
ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS
Day 1,8 San Jose
Hotel Category A = Hotel Autentico or similar 3*
Hotel Category B = Studio Hotel or similar 4*
Hotel Category C = Hilton Garden Inn La Sabana or similar 3*
Hotel Category D = Hilton San José La Sabana or similar 3*
Day 2,3 Tortuguero
Hotel Category A, B, C = Pachira Lodge or similar 2*
Hotel Category D = Manatus Lodge or similar 4*
Day 4,5 Arenal
Hotel Category A = Hotel Arenal Paraiso or similar 3*
Hotel Category B = Hotel Arenal Manoa or similar 4*
Hotel Category C = Hotel Arenal Springs or similar 4*
Hotel Category D = Hotel Arenal Kioro or similar 5*
Day 6,7 Guanacaste/Tamarindo
Hotel Category A = Hotel Pasatiempo or similar 3*
Hotel Category B = Hotel Wyndham Tamarindo or similar 3*
Hotel Category C = Hotel Tamarindo Diria or similar 4*
Hotel Category D = Hotel Capitán Suizo or similar 4*
Mode of Transport
Shared transfers are provided for arrival and departure from Juan Santamaria Airport, as well as between areas throughout the itinerary, including both land and boat transfers.
Accommodation
Enjoy 8 nights of accommodation with options ranging from 2-star lodges in Tortuguero to 5-star hotels in Arenal, ensuring comfort and variety throughout your stay.
Accommodation options
ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS
Day 1,8 San Jose
Hotel Category A = Hotel Autentico or similar 3*
Hotel Category B = Park Inn or similar 4*
Hotel Category C = Hilton Garden Inn or similar 3*
Hotel Category D = Hilton Sabana or similar 3*
Day 2,3 Tortuguero
Hotel Category A, B = Turtle Beach Lodge or similar (Lodge Standard)
Hotel Category C = Mawamba Lodge or similar (Lodge Standard)
Hotel Category D = Manatus Lodge or similar (Lodge Standard)
Day 4,5 Arenal
Hotel Category A = Magic Mountain or similar 4*
Hotel Category B = Arenal Paraiso or similar 3*
Hotel Category C = Arenal Manoa or similar 4*
Hotel Category D = Arenal Kioro or similar 5*
Day 6,7 Guanacaste/Tamarindo
Hotel Category A = Hotel Pasatiempo or similar 3*
Hotel Category B = Tamarindo Diria or similar 4*
Hotel Category C = Cala Luna or similar 4*
Hotel Category D = Capitán Suizo or similar 4*
Check out our Q&As
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see in Tortuguero National Park?
Tortuguero National Park is home to abundant wildlife, including 57 species of amphibians, 111 species of reptiles, and 60 species of mammals. You can also spot green sea turtles nesting on the beaches.
Are meals included in the tour package?
Yes, the tour package includes 8 breakfasts, 3 lunches (on Days 2, 3, and 4), and 2 dinners (on Days 2 and 3).
What types of accommodation are available during the tour?
The tour offers different categories of accommodation ranging from 2-star to 5-star hotels. For example, in San Jose, options include Hotel Autentico (3*), Studio Hotel (4*), Hilton Garden Inn La Sabana (3*), and Hilton San José La Sabana (3*). In Tortuguero, options include Pachira Lodge (2*) and Manatus Lodge (4*). In Arenal, options include Hotel Arenal Paraiso (3*), Hotel Arenal Manoa (4*), Hotel Arenal Springs (4*), and Hotel Arenal Kioro (5*). In Tamarindo, options include Hotel Pasatiempo (3*), Hotel Wyndham Tamarindo (3*), Hotel Tamarindo Diria (4*), and Hotel Capitán Suizo (4*).
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Is transportation included in the tour package?
Yes, transportation is included. This includes arrival and departure shared transfers from/to Juan Santamaria Airport, as well as shared transfers between areas throughout the itinerary (land and boat).
Are there any optional activities available during the tour?
Yes, there are optional activities available, especially on free days such as Day 5 in Arenal and Day 7 in Tamarindo. These activities can be arranged on the spot.
What should I pack for the tour?
Comfortable and light clothing is recommended. Visitors should avoid sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts, or skimpy clothing when visiting temples, religious, or official buildings. Sun protection, sunglasses, a hat, and mosquito repellent are also useful.
Are there any specific requirements or notes I should be aware of?
Yes, the tour reserves the right to change itineraries and activities due to weather conditions, technical problems, or security reasons. Early check-in, late check-out, connecting or adjoining rooms in the hotel are subject to availability and not guaranteed. In many hotels in Costa Rica, triple rooms are a double room with an additional bed or sofa bed, which may not meet international standards for triple rooms. No refund is provided for unused services, and splitting of the package is not allowed.
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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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.
Magic Costa Rica 9 Days
9 Days Starting and ending in San José, Costa Rica
Visiting:
San José, Tortuguero, Tortuguero National Park, Arenal, Tamarindo
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Abundant wildlife inhabits Tortuguero, including 57 species of amphibians, 111 species of reptiles, and 60 species of mammals. Lunch and dinner is served at the hotel.</p><p style=\"font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.6; color: #57646f; margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em\"><strong>Overnight in Tortuguero.</strong></p>","lat":"10.448877","lng":"-83.506923"},{"title":"Day 4: TORTUGUERO – ARENAL (210km – 5 hrs by road / 2 hrs by boat)","name":"Arenal","description":"<p style=\"font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.6; color: rgb(87, 100, 111); margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em\">After breakfast, we depart Tortuguero by shared boat and land transfers back to Guapiles, where we stop for lunch in a local restaurant. After a tasty meal, you will be picked up by a shared transfer and taken to the Arenal area. 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