Independent Costa Rica Wonders with Tortuguero
Independent Costa Rica Wonders with Tortuguero
Independent Costa Rica Wonders with Tortuguero
9 Days
Visiting: Arrive In San José, Costa Rica, San José, Tortuguero National Park, Arenal, Monteverde, South America
Tour operator:
Tour code:
ILA2-2024
Group Type:
Independent
Guide Type:
Self Guided
Trip Styles:
Interests:
Cultural, Gardens & Nature Tours, Photography, Wildlife Tours
Tour Overview
Livin’ la Pura Vida! This philosophy of the pure life in Costa Rica is also a common greeting you’ll hear on your Independence by Globus tour. From the mind-blowing lava trails and soul-soothing thermal springs of the Arenal Volcano region to the lush tropical forests in the clouds of Monteverde, you’ll encounter pure nature of Costa Rica’s rich and resplendent flora and fauna found nowhere else on earth. Explore Tortuguero National Park to navigate the pristine waterways where turtles nest amid nature at its best. Put your head in the clouds in the Monteverde Cloud Forest, home to over 3,000 plant species, some 120 mammal species, 400 bird species, and 1,200 species of amphibians and reptiles. Add a dose of I-time to immerse yourself in Costa Rican culture and cuisine in San José, and you’re living your best life, indeed!
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive In San José,Costa Rica
Location: Arrive In San José, Costa Rica
Welcome to Costa Rica! Hotel rooms are available for mid-afternoon check-in.
ARRIVE IN SAN JOSÉ, COSTA RICA Welcome to Costa Rica! Hotel rooms are available for mid-afternoon check-in.SAN-JOSE-WELCOME.jpg
Day 2: San José,Tortuguero National Park
Location: San José, Tortuguero National Park
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
SAN JOSÉ–TORTUGUERO NATIONAL PARK• Early this morning, travel east to the northern Caribbean’s lowlands. In the first part of the trip, admire beautiful evergreen mountains and beautiful landscapes of Braulio Carrillo National Park. Once on the Caribbean side, continue to the Caño Blanco Dock, where you will board a boat to take you to Tortuguero National Park.• Take a boat ride through the canals sheltered in the jungle of the rainforest. From the boat you will be able to admire the unique flora and fauna of this area.• Upon arrival at your hotel there will be a short briefing followed by lunch. In the afternoon, visit the village of Tortuguero, where you learn the lifestyle of local residents and the significant conservation efforts developed to protect the sea turtles that come to spawn each year along the 22 miles of nearby protected coastline.(B,L,D)TORTUGUERO-NATIONAL-PARK-BOAT-RIDE.jpg
Day 3: Tortuguero National Park
Location: Tortuguero National Park
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
TORTUGUERO NATIONAL PARK • This morning, your guide accompanies you on a leisurely boat ride along remote, unspoiled sections of the park’s waterways, explaining the bountiful flora and fauna. The trained eyes of your guide and boatman help you spot freshwater turtles, caimans, herons, toucans, egrets, and monkeys.• Later, enjoy a fascinating stroll through an accessible portion of the nearby rainforest. During the peak nesting season (mid-July to mid-October), you may be lucky enough to observe an endangered green turtle laying her eggs under the starlight. • Later this afternoon, meet a local Naturalist for an informative presentation on the ecology of the area.(B,L,D)Today’s I-Time Tips Between guided excursions, relax by the pool or take a siesta! TORTUGUERO-NATIONAL-PARK-TURTLES.jpg
Day 4: Tortuguero National Park,Arenal
Location: Tortuguero National Park, Arenal
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
TORTUGUERO NATIONAL PARK–ARENAL • Today, transfer by boat and car to the lush town of Arenal, located in the shadow of Arenal Volcano. Settle in and experience the magic of your resort.• This afternoon, visit the famous hot springs the area is known for and take a dip in the natural springs and pools of mineral waters surrounded by lush, tropical forest. Enjoy dinner at the hot springs.(B,D)ARENAL-HOT-SPRINGS.jpg
Day 5: Arenal
Location: Arenal
Meals Included: Breakfast
ARENAL• Today is at your leisure to explore on your own or perhaps take an optional excursion.(B)Today’s I-Time Tips Perhaps visit the Arenal Hanging Bridges, a network of suspension bridges, platforms, and trails built in the cloud forest. From here, explore the forest canopy with a bird’s-eye view, giving you a different perspective of the forest’s wildlife. Alternatively, you may choose a rafting or horseback riding adventure. ARENAL-HANGING-BRIDGE.jpg
Day 6: Arenal,Monteverde
Location: Arenal, Monteverde
Meals Included: Breakfast
ARENAL–MONTEVERDE• This morning, your transfer begins with a short boat ride across Arenal Lake to admire different species of birds that visit and call the area home. Continue through incredible mountain scenery and the Monteverde Cloud Forest, home to over 3,000 plant species, approximately 120 mammal species, 400 bird species, and 1,200 species of amphibians and reptiles.• This evening, venture into Monteverde’s Cloud Forest just before nightfall with an expert Naturalist for a guided nature walk to search for the jungle’s nocturnal creatures, like sloths, foxes, agoutis, frogs, and many more!(B)MONTEVERDE-CLOUD-FOREST.jpg
Day 7: Monteverde
Location: Monteverde
Meals Included: Breakfast
MONTEVERDE • Enjoy a day to do as you please today with options to choose from if you like.(B)Today’s I-Time Tips Maybe wake up early and visit Santa Elena Cloud Forest to best experience the animals in their natural forest habitats. Discover this misty and surreal wildlife sanctuary full of mosses, ferns, flowers, and other indigenous plant life. Also, notice how the combination of climatic and geographic factors create temperature and humidity gradients, changing dramatically over just a short distance, or you could visit a local family’s farm to learn about sugar cane, coffee, and tilapia farming.MONTEVERDE-TREE-FROG.jpg
Day 8: Monteverde,San José
Location: Monteverde, San José
Meals Included: Breakfast
MONTEVERDE–SAN JOSÉ• Return to San Jose for your final night in Costa Rica.(B)Today’s I-Time Tips Perhaps visit one of Costa Rica’s most authentic market, the San José Central Market featuring more than 350 booths selling everything imaginable, from spices and fish to hammocks and flowers. SAN-JOSE-MARKET.jpg
Day 9: San José
Location: San José
Meals Included: Breakfast
SAN JOSÉ • Your vacation ends after breakfast this morning.(B)SAN-JOSE-FOOD.jpg
Meals
Buffet breakfast daily; 2 lunches; 3 three-course dinners
Accommodation
San Jose:Doubletree CariariTortuguero:Evergreen LodgeArenal:Volcano Lodge & GardensMonteverde:El Establo Mountain Lodge
Notes
Transportation is as outlined in the day-by-day itinerary to include, transfers by land and boat to Tortuguero on day 2 and transport by car and boat from Tortuguero to Guapiles and then continue on to Arenal on day 4. Local guide service is provied in San José and a Naturalist in Tortuguero. Though this is an Independent tour, some transportation segments will be shared with other travelers.
Check out our Q&As
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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.