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Tour Overview
Enjoy the many highlights of Costa Rica on this 8-day itinerary, including wonderful rainforests, volcano, cloud forests. Discover a country of great natural beauty, whether you are watching the Arenal volcano whilst bathing in hot springs, walking in the canopy of Monteverde's cloud forest, relaxing on the pristine jungle of Tortuguero. This is the real nature lover's paradise. ...more ...less
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 neighborhoods
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 mesmerizing 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
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
Your day begins early with a pick up at the hotel approximately 6.30 am. Embark on the shared bus transfer and travel 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 at around 8.30 am in a restaurant in Guapiles and continue through the jungle by boat, cruising the rivers and canals of Tortuguero National Park. Arrive at your eco-lodge in time to enjoy a tasty lunch. After lunch, your guide will invite you to go for a hike around Tortuguero town. Visit the Turtles Museum ($1 donation) and come back for dinner at your hotel.
Overnight in Tortuguero.
Day 3
:
TORTUGUERO NATIONAL PARK
Make most of your stay in Tortuguero. After breakfast, at 9 am join a tour for 2 hours 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.
Rest of day at leisure or possibility to join some optional tours available in destination. Dinner is served at the hotel.
Overnight in hotel in Tortuguero.
Day 4
:
TORTUGUERO – ARENAL (210km – 5 hrs by road / 2 hrs by boat)
After breakfast, we depart Tortuguero at approximately 9 am, by shared boat and land transfers back to Guapiles, where we stop for lunch in a local restaurant at around 1 pm. After a tasty meal, you will be picked up by a shared transfer and taken to the Arenal area. Arrive at Arenal at 5 pm for check in and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight in Arenal.
Day 5
:
ARENAL VOLCANO NATIONAL PARK
After breakfast you will be picked up at your hotel to start Hikking Lava Trails. Explore the Arenal Volcano on a hike along the lava trails of this giant. During the hike, the expert guide will explain you all about the volcano: its activity periods, a little bit of history related to it and will show you some landmarks that were left over the years. Admire its particular vegetation and watch some wildlife.
Return to the hotel and relax in the hotsrpings. Escape to a natural paradise at the hotel with all the necessary services to make you feel relaxed surrounded by the peace and serenity of the rainforest. Sheltered by the impressive Arenal Volcano, enjoy the natural hot springs thanks to the geothermal activity of the volcano. Immerse yourself in the rainforest and live an experience of a sanctuary of relaxation, privacy and tranquility.
Overnight in Arenal.
Day 6
:
ARENAL – MONTEVERDE (60km – 2.5 hrs by road / 45 min by boat)
Begin the day with an early breakfast at the hotel, followed by check-out and then meet your guide at approximately 7.30 am to head towards Monteverde. Transfer down to Arenal Lake where you will board a boat that will take you across towards Monteverde, where you will arrive at approximately 11.30 am. 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 rest of day at leisure.
Overnight in Monteverde.
Day 7
:
MONTEVERDE
Breakfast at the hotel, and rest of day at leisure torelax or discover on your own the incredible Monteverde Cloud Forest
Overnight in Monteverde.
Day 8
:
MONTEVERDE – SAN JOSE (140 km – 4 hrs)
Location: San José
Begin your last day in spectacular Costa Rica with a delectable breakfast. Then, at the appropriate time, you will be picked up by shared transfer and taken to Juan Santamaria International Airport to catch your flight back home or on to your next destination.
What's Included
TOUR GUIDE:
Operated with English and Spanish-speaking local guide on shared basis on day 2, 3, and 5. 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:
7 nights’ accommodation
ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS
Day 1 San Jose:
Superior Hotel Category = Park Inn or similar 4*
Deluxe Hotel Category = Hilton La Sabana or similar 5*
Day 2-3 Tortuguero:
Superior Category = Laguna Lodge or similar (Lodge Standard)
Deluxe Category = Pachira/ Evergreen/Aninga Lodge or similar (Lodge Standard)
Day 4-5 Arenal:
Superior Hotel Category = Arenal Manoa or similar 4*
Deluxe Hotel Category = Arenal Kioro or similar 5*
Day 6 - 7 Monteverde:
Superior Hotel Category = Poco a Poco or similar 4*
Deluxe Hotel Category = El Establo or similar 4*
OPTIONAL EXTRA | GUANACASTE EXTENSION:
Day 8, 9, 10, 11 Guanacaste
Superior Hotel Category = Wyndham Tamarindo or similar 4*
Deluxe Hotel Category = Cala Luna or similar 5*
OPTIONAL EXTRA | MANUEL ANTONIO EXTENSION:
Day 8, 9, 10, 11 Manuel Antonio
Superior Hotel Category = Shana By The Beach Hotel or similar 4*
Deluxe Hotel Category = Parador or similar 5*
MEALS:
7 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
Shared transfer between the Airport and the Hotel
Shared boat from Guapiles to Tortuguero and back
ENTRANCE FEES AND ACTIVITIES:
All monuments and visits as indicated: Guided visit to Tortuguero village (day 2), guided boat tour through Tortuguero National Park canals and entrance fee to Tortuguero National Park (day 3), Hike Lava Trails (day 5)
OTHER:
Meet and greet on day 1
Hotel Taxes
OPTIONAL EXTRA | GUANACASTE EXTENSION 4 Days / 3 Nights:
ACCOMMODATION:
3 nights’ accommodation
MEALS:
3 breakfasts
TRANSPORT:
Shared transfer from Monteverde hotel to Guanacaste hotel
Shared transfer from Guanacaste hotel to San Jose Airport
OPTIONAL EXTRA | MANUEL ANTONIO EXTENSION 4 Days / 3 Nights
ACCOMMODATION:
3 nights’ accommodation
MEALS:
3 breakfasts
TRANSPORT:
Shared transfer from Monteverde hotel to Manuel Antonio hotel
Shared transfer from Manuel Antonio hotel to San Jose Airport
What's Not Included
Expenditures of a personal nature, drinks and meals if not stated explicitly in the programme
Airport taxes
Airport porterage
International and domestic flight tickets or visa fees and local taxes
Gratuities for drivers and guides
Optional tours and activities
Requirements
Comfortable and warm clothing is the most suitable for travelling. 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. <br>
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Please Note
Please be advised that the airport departure transfer is a shared service with an estimated arrival at the airport between 12:30 and 13:30. If you need to arrive at the airport earlier, an upgrade to a private transfer is necessary (available at an additional cost)
No refund for unused services. Splitting of package is not allowed
Please note that local conditions prevalent at the time of travel may result in modifications to tour contents without prior notice
Hotel early check in, late check out, connecting or adjoining rooms are subject to availability and are not guaranteed
Recommended departure time from 15:00 hrs.
Accommodation options
ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS
Day 1 San Jose:
Superior Hotel Category = Park Inn or similar 4*
Deluxe Hotel Category = Hilton La Sabana or similar 5*
Day 2-3 Tortuguero:
Superior Hotel Category =Grupo Pachira or similar 4*
Deluxe Hotel Category = Grupo Pachira or similar 4*
Day 4-5 Arenal:
Superior Hotel Category = Arenal Manoa or similar 4*
Deluxe Hotel Category = Arenal Kioro or similar 5*
Day 6 - 7 Monteverde:
Superior Hotel Category = Poco a Poco or similar 4*
Deluxe Hotel Category = El Establo or similar 4*
OPTIONAL EXTRA | GUANACASTE EXTENSION:
Day 8, 9, 10, 11 Guanacaste
Superior Hotel Category = Wyndham Tamarindo or similar 4*
Deluxe Hotel Category = Cala Luna or similar 5*
OPTIONAL EXTRA | MANUEL ANTONIO EXTENSION:
Day 8, 9, 10, 11 Manuel Antonio
Superior Hotel Category = Shana By The Beach Hotel or similar 4*
Deluxe Hotel Category = Parador or similar 5*
Accommodation options
ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS
Day 1 San Jose:
Superior Hotel Category = Park Inn or similar 4*
Deluxe Hotel Category = Hilton La Sabana or similar 5*
Day 2-3 Tortuguero:
Superior Category = Laguna Lodge or similar (Lodge Standard)
Deluxe Category = Pachira/ Evergreen/Aninga Lodge or similar (Lodge Standard)
Day 4-5 Arenal:
Superior Hotel Category = Arenal Manoa or similar 4*
Deluxe Hotel Category = Arenal Kioro or similar 5*
Day 6 - 7 Monteverde:
Superior Hotel Category = Poco a Poco or similar 4*
Deluxe Hotel Category = El Establo or similar 4*
OPTIONAL EXTRA | GUANACASTE EXTENSION:
Day 8, 9, 10, 11 Guanacaste
Superior Hotel Category = Wyndham Tamarindo or similar 4*
Deluxe Hotel Category = Cala Luna or similar 5*
OPTIONAL EXTRA | MANUEL ANTONIO EXTENSION:
Day 8, 9, 10, 11 Manuel Antonio
Superior Hotel Category = Shana By The Beach Hotel or similar 4*
Deluxe Hotel Category = Parador or similar 5*
Check out our Q&As
Is there a supplement for solo travellers?
If a solo traveler is allowed for the tour, a single room with a specific rate will be available for you to book. If single room should not show available, solo traveler booking is on request
Are flights included in this tour?
No, not international nor domestic flights to/from Costa Rica are not included
Will I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?
Yes, we will inform you about the confirmed hotel's list with a personalized welcome letter sent to your own email address
Are airport transfers included in this tour?
Yes, shared arrival & departure transfer from/to San Jose airport to/from the hotel
Is a Meet & Greet Service provided by a company representative included in the tour?
Yes, Meet and greet on Day 1
Are all entrance fees included in the price?
All monuments and visits as indicated: Guided visit to Tortuguero village (day 2), guided boat tour through Tortuguero National Park canals and entrance fee to Tortuguero National Park (day 3), Hike Lava Trails (day 5), Hotsprings in your hotel (day 5)
What is the maximum group size?
25 people
Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
Yes, 10 years old or above
What is the fitness level required to do this tour?
Low
Will there be an escort accompanying this tour?
Operated with English and Spanish-speaking local guide on shared basis on day 2, 3, and 5
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 from travellers on this tour
Tara
Supersaver | Costa Rica Essentials Plus, 8 days
Excellent itinerary. The guides were friendly and
Excellent itinerary. The guides were friendly and gave individualized attention as much as they could while managing the group as a whole. Traveling as a single woman with a young child, I had zero problems. We loved each stop’s uniqueness. The accommodations were beautiful. My only suggestions would be: 1. have someone make note and ensure future women are booked into rooms near reception. Two of my stays were at the opposite end of the property. Again, no problems but it did make me hyper vigilant. 2. Offer add-on day tours. I filled our days with extra sights on my own but some people might like that service add-on.
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Susan & Dennis Lippincott
Great Experience, thanks Destination Services Costa Rica!
We were on a tour we booked thru Costco, but manag
We were on a tour we booked thru Costco, but managed by Destination Services to Costa Rica. We stayed at the Dreams Las Mareas Resort. We were having some phone problems, but were able to contact Martyn Makepeace. He was there at the resort, and solved our problems. What a nice and friendly man! We appreciated his help. We had also paid for transport to and from Liberia. Our driver, Ignacio, took us both ways. He is FANTASTIC! A great driver, a clean and comfortable vehicle, and his help at the airport really made a difference.! We adore this man, and wish him success in the future!
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Janelle
Supersaver | Costa Rica Essentials Plus, 8 days
The trip was fantastic! The accommodations, transp
The trip was fantastic! The accommodations, transportation, activities & guides were all great! Thank you for a wonderful way to experience so much of Costa Rica in just one week!
Alyssia
Supersaver | Costa Rica Essentials Plus, 8 days
Very well organized, destinations we stayed at wer
Very well organized, destinations we stayed at were amazing, hotels were incredible. They really know how to plan a vacation! 10/10
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.
Supersaver | Costa Rica Essentials Plus, 8 days
8 Days Starting in San Jose and ending in San José
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After lunch, your guide will invite you to go for a hike around Tortuguero town. Visit the Turtles Museum ($1 donation) and come back for dinner at your hotel. </p><br/><p><strong>Overnight in Tortuguero. </strong></p><br/>","lat":"10.448877","lng":"-83.50692"},{"title":"Day 3: TORTUGUERO NATIONAL PARK","name":"","description":"<p style=\"font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.6; color: #57646f; margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em\">Make most of your stay in Tortuguero. After breakfast, at 9 am join a tour for 2 hours 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. </p><p style=\"font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.6; color: #57646f; margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em\">Rest of day at leisure or possibility to join some optional tours available in destination. 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 hotel 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":"","description":"<p>After breakfast, we depart Tortuguero at approximately 9 am, by shared boat and land transfers back to Guapiles, where we stop for lunch in a local restaurant at around 1 pm. After a tasty meal, you will be picked up by a shared transfer and taken to the Arenal area. Arrive at Arenal at 5 pm for check in and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.</p><br/><p><strong>Overnight in Arenal.</strong></p><br/>","lat":"10.462387","lng":"-84.70276"},{"title":"Day 5: ARENAL VOLCANO NATIONAL PARK","name":"","description":"<p>After breakfast you will be picked up at your hotel to start Hikking Lava Trails. Explore the Arenal Volcano on a hike along the lava trails of this giant. During the hike, the expert guide will explain you all about the volcano: its activity periods, a little bit of history related to it and will show you some landmarks that were left over the years. Admire its particular vegetation and watch some wildlife.</p><br/><p>Return to the hotel and relax in the hotsrpings. Escape to a natural paradise at the hotel with all the necessary services to make you feel relaxed surrounded by the peace and serenity of the rainforest. Sheltered by the impressive Arenal Volcano, enjoy the natural hot springs thanks to the geothermal activity of the volcano. Immerse yourself in the rainforest and live an experience of a sanctuary of relaxation, privacy and tranquility.</p><br/><p><strong>Overnight in Arenal. </strong></p><br/>","lat":"10.462387","lng":"-84.70276"},{"title":"Day 6: ARENAL – MONTEVERDE (60km – 2.5 hrs by road / 45 min by boat)","name":"","description":"<p>Begin the day with an early breakfast at the hotel, followed by check-out and then meet your guide at approximately 7.30 am to head towards Monteverde. Transfer down to Arenal Lake where you will board a boat that will take you across towards Monteverde, where you will arrive at approximately 11.30 am. 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 rest of day at leisure.</p><br/><p><strong>Overnight in Monteverde.</strong></p><br/>","lat":"10.302315","lng":"-84.79579"},{"title":"Day 7: MONTEVERDE","name":"","description":"<p>Breakfast at the hotel, and rest of day at leisure torelax or discover on your own the incredible Monteverde Cloud Forest</p><br/><p><strong>Overnight in Monteverde.</strong></p><br/>","lat":"10.302315","lng":"-84.79579"},{"title":"Day 8: MONTEVERDE – SAN JOSE (140 km – 4 hrs)","name":"San José","description":"<p>Begin your last day in spectacular Costa Rica with a delectable breakfast. Then, at the appropriate time, you will be picked up by shared transfer and taken to Juan Santamaria International Airport to catch your flight back home or on to your next destination. </p><br/>","lat":"9.928069","lng":"-84.090725"}]
