Costa Rica's Pura Vida Escape with Guanacaste
Costa Rica's Pura Vida Escape with Guanacaste
Costa Rica's Pura Vida Escape with Guanacaste
9 Days Starting in San José, Costa Rica and ending in Guanacaste, Costa Rica
Visiting: San José, Monteverde Cloud Forest, Monteverde, Arenal, Guanacaste
Tour operator:
Tour code:
K5E-2025
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Trip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on a captivating journey through Costa Rica's natural wonders with the "Pura Vida Escape with Guanacaste" tour. Begin your adventure in the vibrant city of San José, exploring its main attractions before heading to the misty Monteverde Cloud Forest, a haven for diverse wildlife. Experience the lush beauty of Arenal Volcano National Park, where you can hike, relax in hot springs, or explore the vibrant town of La Fortuna. Continue to the sun-kissed beaches of Guanacaste, where you can unwind or partake in thrilling activities like ziplining and horseback riding. With accommodations ranging from the Delta Hotels by Marriott in San José to the Wyndham Tamarindo in Guanacaste, this tour offers a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation. Enjoy the flexibility of optional excursions and the intimacy of small-group discoveries, ensuring a personalized and unforgettable Costa Rican experience.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive In San José,Costa Rica
Location: San José
Accommodation Name: Delta Hotels by Marriott San Jose Aurola
Meet your Tour Director at your hotel.
ARRIVE IN SAN JOSÉ, COSTA RICA Welcome to San José! Meet your Tour Director at your hotel.
Day 2: San Jose,Monteverde Cloud Forest
Location: Monteverde Cloud Forest
Accommodation Name: El Establo Mountain Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast, visit the main attractions of San Jose with a guide. Then, journey to Monteverde, situated on the Continental Divide under misty cloud coverage in one of the world’s most bio-diverse areas. On route, stop in the quaint town of Sarchí, known as the cradle of Costa Rican artisans. Continue the journey, ascending to the Tilaran mountain range towards Monteverde Cloud Forest where the weather and vegetation begin to change. Free time this evening.
SAN JOSE–MONTEVERDE CLOUD FOREST Heads in the Clouds After breakfast, visit the main attractions of San Jose with a guide. Then, journey to Monteverde, situated on the Continental Divide under misty cloud coverage in one of the world’s most bio-diverse areas. On route, stop in the quaint town of Sarchí, known as the cradle of Costa Rican artisans. Continue the journey, ascending to the Tilaran mountain range towards Monteverde Cloud Forest where the weather and vegetation begin to change. Free time this evening. (B) TOUR HIGHLIGHT WILD & WONDERFUL Explore Monteverde Cloud Forest, home to over 3,000 species of plants, 400 species of birds, 60 species of bats, 1,200 species of amphibians, and 700 species of butterflies in one of the last remaining natural habitats of all six Costa Rica wildcat species—ocelots, jaguars, jaguarundi, pumas, oncillas, and margays. Perhaps you’ll catch a glimpse of one of Costa Rica’s most beautiful birds, the resplendent quetzal.
Day 3: Monteverde
Location: Monteverde
Accommodation Name: El Establo Mountain Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning, take a Naturalist guided walking tour of Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve, home to forest fauna such as sloths, jaguars, ocelots, monkeys, coatis, and numerous species of birds. With almost 100% humidity throughout the year, the cloud forest experiences almost 12 feet of rain per year. Free time this afternoon and evening.
MONTEVERDE Creatures of the Cloud Forest This morning, take a Naturalist guided walking tour of Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve, home to forest fauna such as sloths, jaguars, ocelots, monkeys, coatis, and numerous species of birds. With almost 100% humidity throughout the year, the cloud forest experiences almost 12 feet of rain per year. Free time this afternoon and evening. (B) TOUR HIGHLIGHT PARADISE FOUND The unique, high-elevation ecosystem of Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve is constantly enveloped in moisture-rich clouds formed by the warm winds from the Atlantic Ocean as they sweep over the Continental Divide. Here, in one of the most bio-diverse and rich ecosystems in the world, a wealth of animal and plant species make this a nature lover’s paradise as well.
Day 4: Monteverde,Arenal
Location: Arenal
Accommodation Name: Tilajari Resort Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today, we travel to the outdoor adventure mecca of La Fortuna and Arenal Volcano National Park. Enjoy free time in La Fortuna before continuing to Arenal for a 3-night stay at an eco-resort. Enjoy free time this afternoon to enjoy the resort’s pool and jacuzzi or consider a walk around the riverbank or surrounding gardens.
MONTEVERDE–ARENAL Tropical Treasures Today, we travel to the outdoor adventure mecca of La Fortuna and Arenal Volcano National Park. Enjoy free time in La Fortuna before continuing to Arenal for a 3-night stay at an eco-resort. Enjoy free time this afternoon to enjoy the resort’s pool and jacuzzi or consider a walk around the riverbank or surrounding gardens. (B) TOUR HIGHLIGHT WONDERS OF NATURE For 42 years, Arenal Volcano was Costa Rica’s most active volcano until 2010 when it entered a passive phase. This area is one of the most bio-diverse areas in the world and is home to more than 850 species of birds and other wildlife. Time here can be spent hiking the trails around the volcano or relaxing in the many thermal hot springs.
Day 5: Arenal
Location: Arenal
Accommodation Name: Tilajari Resort Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Rise and shine with an early hike through the Mirador 1968, a private reserve located next to Arenal Volcano National Park. Here, your Tour Director will show you the evidence of the volcanic activity in the area and how it affected everything, even the smallest ecosystem in this beautiful forest. Then travel to the town of Arenal where you may wish to have a traditional lunch at a local restaurant or enjoy a short walk around town. Return to the resort where the remainder of the day is at leisure to relax or join an optional excursion adventure.
ARENAL Lava Love Rise and shine with an early hike through the Mirador 1968, a private reserve located next to Arenal Volcano National Park. Here, your Tour Director will show you the evidence of the volcanic activity in the area and how it affected everything, even the smallest ecosystem in this beautiful forest. Then travel to the town of Arenal where you may wish to have a traditional lunch at a local restaurant or enjoy a short walk around town. Return to the resort where the remainder of the day is at leisure to relax or join an optional excursion adventure. (B) FREE TIME TIPS EXPLORE MORE During your afternoon at leisure, opt for a high-flying adventure on the Arenal Hanging Bridges or visit the nearby hot springs. This and more options throughout your tour are available for purchase with MyGlobus. Get local maps and tips for free time on your GlobusGO mobile app.
Day 6: Arenal
Location: Arenal
Accommodation Name: Tilajari Resort Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today is free for you to customize your day with a variety of optional excursions or simply choose to enjoy the resort.
ARENAL Adventure Awaits! Today is free for you to customize your day with a variety of optional excursions or simply choose to enjoy the resort. (B) FREE TIME TIPS EXPLORE MORE During your free day, you may wish to go on an optional horseback ride or float trip. Or you can take advantage of your resort’s amenities by swimming, playing tennis, or searching for wildlife along the nearby riverbank. This and more options throughout your tour are available for purchase with MyGlobus. Get local maps and tips for free time on your GlobusGO mobile app.
Day 7: Arenal,Guanacaste
Location: Guanacaste
Accommodation Name: Wyndham Tamarindo
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today starts with a private transfer to bid farewells to the rainforest, as you depart for the beautiful beaches of Costa Rica. Start the journey with a scenic drive around Arenal Lake before descending the Tilaran Mountain range to reach the plains of Guanacaste’s countryside and finally to the golden sands of Tamarindo Beach. The evening is at leisure to relax or take in the sunset. Please note: the Tour Director does not accompany guests on this extension.
ARENAL–GUANACASTE Unplug & Recharge Today starts with a private transfer to bid farewells to the rainforest, as you depart for the beautiful beaches of Costa Rica. Start the journey with a scenic drive around Arenal Lake before descending the Tilaran Mountain range to reach the plains of Guanacaste’s countryside and finally to the golden sands of Tamarindo Beach. The evening is at leisure to relax or take in the sunset. (B) Please note: the Tour Director does not accompany guests on this extension. FREE TIME TIPS EXPLORE MORE Exciting ways to spend your free time in Guanacaste include rainforest canopy tours, cruise through a nearby national park, horseback riding, and fishing. Frolic in the Pacific Ocean, or just relax at the resort. This and more options throughout your tour are available for purchase with MyGlobus. Get local maps and tips for free time on your GlobusGO mobile app.
Day 8: Guanacaste
Location: Guanacaste
Accommodation Name: Wyndham Tamarindo
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy a free day today.
GUANACASTE Follow your Adventure Enjoy a free day today. (B) FREE TIME TIPS EXPLORE MORE Discover a new view of Guanacaste with an exhilarating zipline tour and fly through the forest canopy. This and more options throughout your tour are available for purchase with MyGlobus. Get local maps and tips for free time on your GlobusGO mobile app.
Day 9: Guanacaste
Location: Guanacaste
Accommodation Name: Wyndham Tamarindo
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
GUANACASTE Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
What's Included
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Accommodation
Stay at Delta Hotels by Marriott San Jose Aurola in San Jose, El Establo Mountain Lodge in Monteverde, Tilajari Resort Hotel in Arenal, and Wyndham Tamarindo in Guanacaste.
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Meals
Breakfast is included daily during the tour.
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Guided Tours
Guided tours are provided in San Jose and Monteverde Cloud Forest.
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Small Group Discoveries
Globus offers Small-Group Discoveries on all South America tour dates, limited to an average of just 20 guests per departure.
What's Not Included
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Tour Director on Extensions
Tour Directors do not accompany guests on extensions.
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Optional Excursions
Optional excursions such as horseback riding, zipline tours, and other activities are available for purchase.
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Transportation Segments
Some transportation segments are shared with other travelers.
Mode of Transport
The tour includes private transfers and scenic drives, such as a journey around Arenal Lake and through the Tilaran Mountain range, providing a comfortable and picturesque travel experience.
Accommodation
Experience comfort and luxury at Delta Hotels by Marriott San Jose Aurola in San Jose, El Establo Mountain Lodge in Monteverde, Tilajari Resort Hotel in Arenal, and Wyndham Tamarindo in Guanacaste.
Meals
Breakfast daily
Notes
Tour Directors do not accompany guests on extensions. Local Guide and Naturalist service is provided as outlined in day-by-day itinerary. Some transportation segments are shared with other travelers.
Small Group
Globus offers Small-Group Discoveries on all South America tour dates. A Small-Group Discovery is limited to an average of just 20 guests per departure. There’s always room to roam with extra space between you and other travelers—while still getting up close and personal to the experiences you’ve been dreaming of. Small-Group Discoveries include all the features of a traditional Globus escorted tour, complete with expert Tour Director, Driver, and Local Guides who ensure that your health and safety is our top priority. A Small-Group Discovery trip is the perfectly sized tour—without the crowds.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of wildlife might I see in Monteverde Cloud Forest?
In Monteverde Cloud Forest, you might see a variety of wildlife including sloths, jaguars, ocelots, monkeys, coatis, and numerous species of birds. The forest is home to over 3,000 species of plants, 400 species of birds, 60 species of bats, 1,200 species of amphibians, and 700 species of butterflies.
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What activities are available during the free time in Arenal?
During your free time in Arenal, you can enjoy the resort's pool and jacuzzi, take a walk around the riverbank or surrounding gardens, or join optional excursions such as a high-flying adventure on the Arenal Hanging Bridges or visiting the nearby hot springs.
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What can I do during my free day in Guanacaste?
During your free day in Guanacaste, you can explore exciting activities such as rainforest canopy tours, cruising through a nearby national park, horseback riding, fishing, or simply relaxing at the resort. You can also enjoy an exhilarating zipline tour through the forest canopy.
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Will the Tour Director accompany us throughout the entire tour?
The Tour Director will not accompany guests on the extension to Guanacaste. However, local guides and naturalists will provide services as outlined in the day-by-day itinerary.
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What is the accommodation like during the tour?
The accommodations during the tour include Delta Hotels by Marriott San Jose Aurola in San Jose, El Establo Mountain Lodge in Monteverde, Tilajari Resort Hotel in Arenal, and Wyndham Tamarindo in Guanacaste.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
For over 90 years.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest Covid-19 policies
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Travel documents, including any air tickets, itineraries, and other information, are available approximately two to three weeks prior to departure provided full payment has been received.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
The Globus Lighthouse Project - an illuminating initiative where we can all come together to tread lightly and give generously for the globe's greater good. Globus, along with sister companies Avalon Waterways and Cosmos, invite our travellers and partners to help us in supporting causes that provide for a more sustainable planet and a brighter tomorrow.
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Low Deposit
Globus requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of globus charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.