Costa Rica's Pura Vida Escape with Guanacaste

Costa Rica's Pura Vida Escape with Guanacaste

9 Days
From

$1703

$1258

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:

Globus

Tour code:

K5E-2025

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Medium

Activities:

Walking

From: $1703 $1258 Operator discount: -$444 -26%

NB: Prices correct on 14-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

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

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

  • Explore the vibrant city of San José and its main attractions with a guided tour.

  • Discover the Monteverde Cloud Forest, home to a rich diversity of wildlife including sloths, jaguars, and the resplendent quetzal.

  • Take a guided walking tour of the Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve, a paradise for nature lovers.

  • Visit Arenal Volcano National Park, known for its stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife.

  • Enjoy a scenic drive around Arenal Lake and explore the beautiful beaches of Guanacaste.

  • Experience the thrill of a zipline tour through the forest canopy in Guanacaste.

  • Relax on the golden sands of Tamarindo Beach and enjoy the stunning sunsets.

Places You'll See

Delta Hotels By Marriott San Jose Aurola

El Establo Mountain Lodge

Tilajari Resort Hotel

Wyndham Tamarindo

Itinerary

Expand All

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

  • 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.

  • Meals

    Breakfast is included daily during the tour.

  • Guided Tours

    Guided tours are provided in San Jose and Monteverde Cloud Forest.

  • 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

  • Tour Director on Extensions

    Tour Directors do not accompany guests on extensions.

  • Optional Excursions

    Optional excursions such as horseback riding, zipline tours, and other activities are available for purchase.

  • 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

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    For over 90 years.

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest Covid-19 policies

  • 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.

  • 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.

Reviews of this operator

Lisset  

Great Value for your Money

19-Dec-2022

This is my second time travelling with Globus, would have been my third if not for COVID. The way they plan everything is super organized, the tour managers are very caring and knowledgeable. We always enjoy all the site visits planned for each trip. They start by picking you up from the airport and from then on everything is taken care of up until the last day of your trip, even dropping you off at the airport not matter the time of day or night. The hotels at every city are always great and centrally located so you can walk around during your free time or plan your own visits to different sites.

Joan Cupp (Google Reviewer)  

My go-to escorted travel Co My...

01-Mar-2024

My go-to escorted travel Co My 4th trip with Globus and the did not disappoint. The sales deals they offer make it affordable for me to travel. All of the guides are well versed in the history of the area you travel in.

David R  

What a wonderful trip, thanks Globus

10-Jan-2023

Globus is my favorite travel agency. I tried others, but always come back to Globus. It is a 100% stress free one-stop shop. Easy booking with flight, hotel, transportation and travel insurance all in one place. Great customer service at reasonable prices. Lots of information prepared for the trip to handle travel logistics. I planned and booked my trip within 24 hours. Highly recommended to everyon

Alexander Wright  

Great guide, accommodations, and tours.

28-Dec-2022

We had a fantastic guide, with a great mix of free time and guided tours.

CTRTeach 11  

Globus exceeded my expectations!

20-Dec-2022

This is my first Globus tour. I was pleasantly surprised with the depth and quality. The hotels were top notch, and the cruise on the Nile exceeded my expectations. The cabins were roomy and comfortable, and the food was very good.

Nancy Arias  

The experience was amazing!!

30-Dec-2022

The trip was amazing. Our tour guide was so kind and very knowledgeable. I needed to attend a very important meeting via zoom. She was very understanding and accommodating to my needs and made it happen. I was very grateful! Our driver was by far the best driver I’ve ever encountered! I was beyond impressed with our guide, driver and trip!! I will definitely be back for another adventure!!

Irish Beth Maddock (Google Reviewer)  

Did the Globus Highlands and...

30-Sep-2023

Did the Globus Highlands and Islands Scottish Tour with Ian and Allister. What a trip!! With his sharp wit, immense knowledge and fun humour, Ian absolutely brought Scotland to vivid life with his many tales, informative quips and total, utter passion for history. Was spellbound. Am so VERY thankful I had the opportunity to be on Ian's last bus tour before retiring with Globus. In addition, to being so hard working and helpful, with Allister our driver, I cannot tell you how safe and secure I felt in his capable driving hands. He had some very awkward traffic and interesting roads to navigate with our large bus, (especially on the islands and up north) but he handled it all expertly and without a hitch. So much so, I was able to relax and enjoy the journey. All in all, with our tour, you could tell both these kind men cared very much for those of us who needed the extra help and advice. Made my bucket list trip to Scotland so memorable and wonderful. Thank you Ian and Allister! Globus is truly fortunate to have you both.

Patty Walker (Google Reviewer)  

Specifically, Cosmos Tour of Ireland...

11-Aug-2024

Specifically, Cosmos Tour of Ireland and Scotland. August 2024. Let me begin with the positive , the Tour guide was knowledgable, personable and educated! He also was extremely professional and took a genuine interest in providing the highest quality of service to the client. The bus was clean and comfortable and well maintained. The driver was highly experienced and provided excellent transportation. The excursions were acceptable and enjoyable. The Variety of age groups on the trip made for wonderful traveling companions. But unfortunately, that is where the positive ends. The Leonardo hotels that are part of the chain and experience for this specific tour are below quality. We spent a night in a room with a leak in the ceiling. That was known before we checked in and continued to leak while we were there. Another Leonardo hotel, we could not get out of our room. Due to the carpet being ripped up and blocking the door. Most of these hotels I would have walked away from, had I been on my own individual trip. The customer service is missing, customer safety is also missing in these hotels. There is lack of concern to assist customers to their rooms even when it is there responsibility to change the room, there isn't assistance offered. Never have I experienced where you had to absolutely be your own advocate. Because there is no customer concern or care. Quality of food provided is also below standards. It is frowned upon if you request something and often denied. We even had a situation where another individual was placed in the same room we were in and it was considered a "oh well too bad for you." Again, we had to transport our own luggage and bags to a new room. Only after we were our own advocates. We said this stranger and ourselves are not going to stay in the same room. Finally, we received a good room, a room that would be found acceptable in every day normal travel, and we had to change again. Because there was a missing part in a Radiator and this was known to the hotel but yet they still booked us into a room. The radiator would not turn off and the room was steaming hot. So once again, we had to transfer all of our luggage and personal items and trudged down stairwell and elevators to once again change rooms. This is so sad for a bucket list, once in a lifetime, save your money and go on your anniversary trip. The rooms are old and out, dated with stains and tears in carpets and materials. Some of the missing items are a safety concern. Buyer beware! The communication for traveling in other countries is not to the level of customer service and satisfaction that we are used to, we did not expect this level of unacceptable accommodations, much like staying in a hostile. It is the Globus/Cosmos Travel companies responsibility to make sure their accommodations for housing is up to the level of expectations of their customers. The accommodations provided are a reflection of Globus/Cosmos business model and integrity in the global travel industry. This is not everything we experienced, but just a few examples. At this time, their brand appears to be old, outdated, without concern or care for the safety of their clients or their health and welfare as applied to accomodations.Customer service, is their lost art. Choose carefully for travel service. And I would not recommend Globus or Cosmos.

Suneetha Raja (Google Reviewer)  

I have done Newfoundland &...

06-Jul-2024

I have done Newfoundland & Labrador with Iceberg Festival tour with Globus in June 2024. It was absolute rubbish for the price I paid towards the tour. Terrible hotels, horrible meals, barely any sightseeing that is worth while the visit, most importantly, the Iceberg festival never happened. Globus sold this specific tour departure date as the only way to attend this supposed Iceberg Festival. I felt cheated after paying 3527£ for a 13 day tour considering the only reason I picked this departure date was because I wanted to attend this Iceberg festival. I could have used my time and money in a better way doing a different tour with another company. A Canadian company who did the exact same tour is doing it for £2400. I have been travelling with Globus and Cosmos tours since 2008. However, this company tours have been terrible after the covid shutdowns. They are charging more than the premium companies and not providing the equivalent service on par with the prices. Safe to say that I won't be recommending Globus and Cosmos tours to anyone. Try other tour companies that are on the market.

Lynda Bailey (Google Reviewer)  

I really enjoyed my Cosmos...

11-Jun-2024

I really enjoyed my Cosmos tour to Italy last September. However I was totally disappointed by two major things which completely changed the atmosphere of the holiday for me. One was the 'last minute' rearrangement of one of our hotels which then put us well outside of Florence on a trading estate for two nights instead of walking distance from the city walls. That completely blocked any plans or ideas of enjoying Florence in the evening. My biggest disappointment was the terrible travel arrangements and associated advice about travelling through Heathrow Cosmos put in place for me and for which they refused to be accountable despite the fact that they had made the ticket booking on my behalf and I had asked them for appropriate check in advice at all key points before I travelled. As a result I was put on standby when I should never have been (even the BA departure staff were shocked at this) and separated from my luggage which travelled on a later flight. I spent over 6 hrs of my first day in Rome in the airport waiting for my luggage and subsequent transfer to my hotel, without any assistance from Cosmos or BA airside staff. When I complained after my holiday, Cosmos would not take any responsibility at all for the fact that I lost the first day of my holiday and approx. 50% of the time I was due to spend in Rome, preferring to blame BA who in turn were uncontactable about my complaint. Very poor customer service indeed.

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Book with Confidence

  • 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.

  • 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.

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