Costa Rica's Pura Vida Escape with Tortuguero
Costa Rica's Pura Vida Escape with Tortuguero
Costa Rica's Pura Vida Escape with Tortuguero
10 Days Starting and ending in San José, Costa Rica
Visiting: San José, Tortuguero National Park, Monteverde Cloud Forest, Monteverde, Arenal
Tour operator:
Tour code:
K5Q-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 Tortuguero" tour. Begin your adventure in San José, where you'll be introduced to the vibrant culture and stunning landscapes of this Central American gem. Venture to Tortuguero National Park, a sanctuary for diverse wildlife, including sea turtles and exotic birds, as you cruise its lush canals. Explore the misty Monteverde Cloud Forest, home to a rich array of flora and fauna, before heading to the breathtaking Arenal Volcano National Park. Enjoy the freedom to customize your experience with optional excursions, from hiking to relaxing in thermal hot springs. With comfortable accommodations and expert guidance, this tour offers an unforgettable exploration of Costa Rica's pristine beauty and vibrant ecosystems.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive In San José,Costa Rica
Location: San José
Accommodation Name: Delta Hotels by Marriott San Jose Aurola
Upon arrival, a Globus representative will provide details about your Tortuguero National Park adventure. Please note: You will meet your Tour Director on day 4 in San José.
ARRIVE IN SAN JOSÉ, COSTA RICA Welcome to San José! Upon arrival, a Globus representative will provide details about your Tortuguero National Park adventure. Please note: You will meet your Tour Director on day 4 in San José.
Day 2: San José,Tortuguero National Park
Location: Tortuguero National Park
Accommodation Name: Pachira Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
An early morning journey east to the Caribbean shore takes you to Tortuguero National Park. On route, enjoy breakfast at a local restaurant where you may have a chance to spot sloths high in the trees. Continue to the embarkation point for a cruise along the Tortuguero Canals. Upon arrival, enjoy a welcome drink, lunch, and briefing at your lodge. Your afternoon is at leisure where you may wish to visit Tortuguero Village to learn more about the locals.
SAN JOSÉ–TORTUGUERO NATIONAL PARK Shell Games An early morning journey east to the Caribbean shore takes you to Tortuguero National Park. On route, enjoy breakfast at a local restaurant where you may have a chance to spot sloths high in the trees. Continue to the embarkation point for a cruise along the Tortuguero Canals. Upon arrival, enjoy a welcome drink, lunch, and briefing at your lodge. Your afternoon is at leisure where you may wish to visit Tortuguero Village to learn more about the locals. (B,L,D) TOUR HIGHLIGHT SAFE HAVEN What was once an archipelago of volcanic islands until alluvial sediments formed an ecosystem of marsh islands, Tortuguero National Park provides a sanctuary for leatherback, Hawksbill, and green sea turtles (previously hunted to near extinction). Cruise the canals and waterways that crisscross this protected habitat with your naturalist guide and experienced boatman to spot a bounty of wildlife which share the park, including freshwater turtles, caimans, herons, toucans, egrets, and monkeys.
Day 3: Tortuguero National Park
Location: Tortuguero National Park
Accommodation Name: Pachira Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
TORTUGUERO NATIONAL PARK Natural Beauties Explore further as a local Naturalist accompanies you on a guided cruise of the remote, yet extensive, Tortuguero canals. Watch for abundant wildlife, including over 125 species of mammals, 124 species of reptiles, and over 375 species of birds. Return to the lodge for a nature walk into the rainforest with your Naturalist guide who explains the flora commonly found here and its uses. After lunch at the lodge, the remainder of the day is at leisure. (B,L,D) NOTE: If traveling between July and September, you may wish to join an optional excursion hosted by the resort to witness sea turtles laying eggs on the beach. Arrangement and payment for this excursion can be arranged directly with the resort upon arrival. TOUR HIGHLIGHT WONDERS OF NATURE Your time in Tortuguero National Park includes Naturalist-guided visits to the bio-diverse park—home to many species, including white-faced capuchin, howler, spider monkeys, toucans, macaws, tapirs, ocelot, manatees, and jaguars! The area is also famous as the annual nesting site for the five species of turtles. TOUR HIGHLIGHT ACCOMODATION SPOTLIGHT Pachira Lodge, named after an indigenous aquatic plant, is located just minutes from the entrance to Tortuguero National Park. With more than 30 acres of humid tropical forest, with more than 85% of the land dedicated to conservation, you are sure to spot wildlife and reconnect with nature. Explore the resort’s walking paths in search of wildlife, enjoy Costa Rican Caribbean cuisine, relax at the outdoor turtle-shaped pool, or choose to join an optional activity like fishing, turtle-nesting observation, a sunrise boat tour, zip lining, or a spa visit.
Day 4: Tortuguero National Park,San José
Location: Tortuguero National Park
Accommodation Name: Delta Hotels by Marriott San Jose Aurola
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
A morning boat cruise and drive take you back to San José where you will meet your Tour Director.
TORTUGUERO NATIONAL PARK–SAN JOSÉ Make Waves A morning boat cruise and drive take you back to San José where you will meet your Tour Director. (B,L) TOUR HIGHLIGHT SCENIC RIDE Pass the plentiful fields of banana trees on your way to San José where the Costa Rican plantations produce this main export to the rest of the world.
Day 5: 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 6: 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 7: 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 8: 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 9: 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 10: Arenal,San José
Location: San José
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your tour ends with breakfast and a transfer back to the San Jose Airport. Please schedule homebound flights after 2pm.
ARENAL–SAN JOSÉ Safe travels until we meet again! Your tour ends with breakfast and a transfer back to the San Jose Airport. Please schedule homebound flights after 2pm. (B)
What's Included
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Accommodation
Accommodation is provided at Delta Hotels by Marriott San Jose Aurola in San Jose, Pachira Lodge in Tortuguero, El Establo Mountain Lodge in Monteverde, and Tilajari Resort Hotel in Arenal.
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Meals
Breakfast is included daily, along with some lunches and dinners as specified in the itinerary.
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Guided Tours
Guided tours are included in various locations such as Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve and Tortuguero National Park.
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Transportation
Transportation is provided between destinations as part of the tour package.
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Naturalist Guide
A local Naturalist accompanies you on guided tours in Tortuguero National Park.
What's Not Included
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Optional Excursions
Optional excursions such as turtle-nesting observation, zip lining, and spa visits are not included and can be arranged directly with the resort.
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Tour Director
Tour Directors do not accompany guests on extensions.
Local Guide and Naturalist service is provided as outlined in the day-by-day itinerary. -
Flights
Flights to and from Costa Rica are not included in the tour package.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and tips are not included.
Mode of Transport
The tour includes a journey to Tortuguero National Park via an early morning drive to the Caribbean shore, followed by a cruise along the Tortuguero Canals. Return to San José is by boat cruise and drive.
Accommodation
San Jose: Delta Hotels by Marriott San Jose Aurola; Tortuguero: Pachira Lodge; Monteverde: El Establo Mountain Lodge; Arenal: Tilajari Resort Hotel.
Meals
Breakfast daily
Notes
Prime viewing season for endangered green turtle nesting and egg laying in Tortuguero National Park occurs approximately July to September. Your resort in Tortuguero will offer optional activities to see the spawning of the Green Turtles when in season (paid directly to the resort due to local restrictions and natural changes to spawning season).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 wildlife can I expect to see in Tortuguero National Park?
In Tortuguero National Park, you can expect to see a variety of wildlife including leatherback, Hawksbill, and green sea turtles, freshwater turtles, caimans, herons, toucans, egrets, monkeys, white-faced capuchin, howler, spider monkeys, toucans, macaws, tapirs, ocelot, manatees, and jaguars.
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What activities are available at Pachira Lodge in Tortuguero?
At Pachira Lodge, you can explore the resort's walking paths in search of wildlife, enjoy Costa Rican Caribbean cuisine, relax at the outdoor turtle-shaped pool, or choose to join optional activities like fishing, turtle-nesting observation, a sunrise boat tour, zip lining, or a spa visit.
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What is special about the Monteverde Cloud Forest?
The Monteverde Cloud Forest is one of the world's most bio-diverse areas, 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. It is also one of the last remaining natural habitats for all six Costa Rica wildcat species.
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What can I do during my 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, go on an optional horseback ride or float trip, or explore the Arenal Hanging Bridges and nearby hot springs.
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When is the best time to see turtle nesting in Tortuguero?
The prime viewing season for endangered green turtle nesting and egg laying in Tortuguero National Park is approximately from July to September.
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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.