Natural Wonders of Costa Rica

Natural Wonders of Costa Rica

203 Views
9 Days From

$2955

$2362

Natural Wonders of Costa Rica

9 Days

Visiting: Arrive In San José, Costa Rica, San José, Tortuguero National Park, Tortuguero National Park Tour & Canal Cruise, Tortuguero, Sarapiqui, Arenal, Arenal. Excursion To La Fortuna & Arenal Volcano National Park, Monteverde, Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve, Sarchi, Grecia, Central America

Tour operator:

Globus

Tour code:

SR-2024

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Activities:

Boat/Cruise Excursion

From: $2955 $2362 Operator discount: -$593 -20%

NB: Prices correct on 19-Sep-2024 but subject to change.

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

Tour Overview

If you were the type of kid who always marched to your own drum, this bold tour of Costa Rica is just the escape for you. Wide-open spaces, multi-hued creatures, and bright, vivid scenery welcome you with open arms and a no-holds-barred spirit. As you make your way through Costa Rica, lava trails, cloud forests, and high-in-the-sky suspension bridges invite you to take a walk on the wild side while scenic boat rides, nature walks, and natural hot springs beckon you to leisurely soak in the views. Frolic among hundreds of species of butterflies, birds, reptiles, and wildlife in the most vibrant rainforests, and feast on your own delicious Costa Rican creations in an authentic cooking class. With visits to an active volcano and exotic fruit plantations, plus several meet-and-greets with the native macaws and monkeys, this vacation to Costa Rica is bananas!

Places You'll See

Evergreen Lodge

Cariari Hotel San Jose

El Establo Mountain Lodge

Volcano Lodge & Gardens

Cariari Hotel San Jose

Evergreen Lodge

Volcano Lodge & Gardens

El Establo Mountain Lodge

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Arrive In San José,Costa Rica

Location: Arrive In San José, Costa Rica

Upon arrival, you will be met by your tour director!
ARRIVE IN SAN JOSÉ, COSTA RICA Welcome to San José!
Upon arrival, you will be met by your tour director!

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 Shell Games
Journey east to the Caribbean shore and Tortuguero National Park. On the way, pass by several banana plantations and see one of Costa Rica’s main exports being harvested. Later, board a motor launch for your cruise along the Tortuguero Canals, waterways crisscrossing a national park dedicated to the protection of endangered turtles. The trained eyes of your guide and boatman help you spot freshwater turtles, caimans, herons, toucans, egrets, and monkeys. An afternoon at leisure lets you explore your jungle lodge until you meet for an informative slideshow presentation on the area. (B,L,D)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
WONDERS OF NATURE Tortuguero National Park was once a volcanic archipelago until sediments from the nearby mountains filled in the valleys forming a network of marshy islands and turtle nesting beaches that make this region so famous. With its 11 different habitats, this lush, protected area is rich with wildlife and biodiversity.


TORTUGUERO-NATIONAL-PARK-BOAT-RIDE.jpg

Day 3: Tortuguero National Park Tour & Canal Cruise

Location: Tortuguero National Park Tour & Canal Cruise

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


TORTUGUERO NATIONAL PARK TOUR & CANAL CRUISE Natural Beauties
A local Naturalist accompanies you on a leisurely boat ride along remote, unspoiled sections of the park’s waterways, explaining the bountiful flora and fauna. 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 on an optional tour. Later this afternoon, meet a local Naturalist for an informative presentation on the ecology of the area. (B,L,D)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
CONSERVATION MATTERS Tortuguero’s turtles that come to nest in the national park named for them are easily considered one of the main attractions of the park. Green Sea Turtles, leatherback, and Hawksbill turtles can all be found nesting on the beaches here. During your time here, learn about the conservation efforts that have been in place since 1955 to help protect these endangered species.


TORTUGUERO-NATIONAL-PARK-TURTLES.jpg

Day 4: Tortuguero,Sarapiqui,Arenal

Location: Tortuguero, Sarapiqui, Arenal

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


TORTUGUERO–SARAPIQUI–ARENAL Fruitful Experiences
A morning boat transfer begins your journey to the Sarapiqui area. Tour a [LF] pineapple farm, owned by a local family, and learn about the history, cultivation, and industry of pineapples and other indigenous crops. Continue to your hotel in the lush town of Arenal, located in the shadow of Arenal Volcano. After settling in, experience the magic of the resort before dinner at your hotel (B,L,D)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
ACCOMMODATION SPOTLIGHT Lush tropical gardens, the sound of crashing waterfalls, and striking views of Costa Rica’s famed Arenal Volcano from Volcano Lodge will leave you feeling as though you have been transported into the middle of a hidden rainforest jungle but, with all of the comforts and amenities of a well-tended retreat. Experience the magic of the resort’s pool and hot spring-fed jacuzzi, or consider a walk in the nearby nature trail in search of 300- to 400-year-old trees, frogs, monkeys, birds, and possibly small animals native to the area.


SARAPIQUI-PINEAPPLE-FARM.jpg

Day 5: Arenal. Excursion To La Fortuna & Arenal Volcano National Park

Location: Arenal. Excursion To La Fortuna & Arenal Volcano National Park

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner


ARENAL. EXCURSION TO LA FORTUNA & ARENAL VOLCANO NATIONAL PARK Lava Love
This afternoon, visit Arenal Volcano National Park, where your guide takes you on a walk through lava trails of the volcano and shows you how nature has found a way to recover from past lava flows. Next, enjoy a walking tour of the town of La Fortuna de San Carlos, offering spectacular views of the active Arenal Volcano. This evening, drive to nearby [LF] Ecotermales Hot Springs for a dip in the curative and relaxing pools. Later, enjoy a dinner at the hot springs. (B,D)

LOCAL FAVORITE
WONDERS OF NATURE Towering over the town of La Fortuna, Arenal Volcano is a perfect conical shape. It was once the most active volcano in Costa Rica with its lava flowing and gas consistently flowing from the crater amazing visitors of the area. In 2010, it entered a resting phase. But, because of the seismic activity of the area, you will find some of the best natural thermal hot springs.

FREE TIME TIPS
EXPLORE MORE During your morning at leisure, you may wish to go on an optional horseback ride or float trip. Or, you can take advantage of your resort’s amenities by walking along the shaded trails nearby. 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.


ARENAL-VOLCANO.jpg

Day 6: Arenal,Monteverde

Location: Arenal, Monteverde

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch


ARENAL–MONTEVERDE Heads in the Clouds
After breakfast, continue to Monteverde, where you will enjoy two days in the cloud forest. This afternoon, take a guided tour on the Sky Walk Hanging Bridges, which combines trails and suspension bridges through the canopy of Monteverde Cloud Forest, to search for flora and fauna. (B,L)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
PICTURE PERFECT Explore the cloud forest from the Sky Walk Hanging Bridges for a bird’s eye view high above the jungle floor. This Naturalist-guided tour introduces you to the flora and fauna of the Costa Rican cloud forest. Consisting of 6 bridges with some bridges spanning over 700 feet long and over 150 feet high, this is truly a unique way to admire the forest canopy.


MONTEVERDE-QUETZAL.jpg

Day 7: Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve

Location: Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


MONTEVERDE SANTA ELENA CLOUD FOREST RESERVE Butterfly Kisses
This morning, visit Santa Elena Cloud Forest for a guided walking tour. Over 600 species of butterflies and 400 species of birds have been recorded inside this private reserve, along with 100 reptile and 120 mammal species that hide within the dense vegetation. Later, visit the family-owned [LF] Ecological Sanctuary, where you will explore the trails through coffee and banana plantations filled with endemic wildlife and beautiful scenery. After the walk, enjoy a cooking class. Tonight, your Tour Director hosts a farewell dinner, toasting an unforgettable discovery of Costa Rica. (B,L,D)

LOCAL FAVORITE
LOCAL TASTES Treat yourself to a visit to a leisurely stroll through a banana and coffee plantation, and take a cooking class to learn how to prepare authentic Costa Rican food like hand-made tortillas, picadillos, and gallo pinto. Dine on your creations for a homemade lunch!


SANTA-ELENA-CLOUD-FOREST-RESERVE-BUTTERFLY.jpg

Day 8: Monteverde,Sarchi,Grecia,San José

Location: Monteverde, Sarchi, Grecia, San José

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch


MONTEVERDE–SARCHI–GRECIA–SAN JOSÉ Costa Rican Craftsmanship
En route to San José, visit Sarchi Village, known as the center of Costa Rican handcrafts and where you will see the artists in their workshops making the famous oxcarts. Next stop is Grecia Village to see the metal church that was imported from Belgium to Puerto Limon in 1897. The church was transported by oxcarts to its present-day location, but sat in the plaza for 10 years before being reconstructed. (B,L)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
CULTURAL GEMS Visit the local village of Sarchi and see firsthand how the traditional ox carts are hand-painted. Once used to transport coffee and sugarcane, these are now pieces of art with intricate designs.


SARCHI-OX-CART.jpg

Day 9: San José

Location: San José

Meals Included: Breakfast

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
SAN JOSÉ Safe travels until we meet again!
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)

SAN-JOSE-MARKET.jpg

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.

Meals

Breakfast daily, 6 lunches, 5 dinners

Accommodation

San Jose:Cariari Hotel San Jose
Tortuguero:Evergreen Lodge
Arenal:Volcano Lodge & Gardens
Monteverde:El Establo Mountain Lodge

Notes

Maximum elevation on tour is 9,000 ft.

Check out our Q&As

  • 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.

1 Select your preferred date

Saturday - Sunday

Nov 16, 2024 - Nov 24, 2024
$2771 $2639

Operator discount: -$132

Saturday - Sunday

Jan 10, 2026 - Jan 18, 2026
$2955 $2362

Operator discount: -$593

Saturday - Sunday

Jan 24, 2026 - Feb 01, 2026
$3008 $2415

Operator discount: -$593

Saturday - Sunday

Jan 31, 2026 - Feb 08, 2026
$2955 $2362

Operator discount: -$593

Saturday - Sunday

Feb 07, 2026 - Feb 15, 2026
$2955 $2362

Operator discount: -$593

Saturday - Sunday

Feb 14, 2026 - Feb 22, 2026
$2955 $2362

Operator discount: -$593

Saturday - Sunday

Feb 21, 2026 - Mar 01, 2026
$2955 $2362

Operator discount: -$593

Saturday - Sunday

Feb 28, 2026 - Mar 08, 2026
$3008 $2415

Operator discount: -$593

Saturday - Sunday

Mar 07, 2026 - Mar 15, 2026
$2955 $2362

Operator discount: -$593

Saturday - Sunday

Mar 14, 2026 - Mar 22, 2026
$2955 $2362

Operator discount: -$593

Saturday - Sunday

Mar 21, 2026 - Mar 29, 2026
$2955 $2362

Operator discount: -$593

Saturday - Sunday

Mar 28, 2026 - Apr 05, 2026
$3008 $2415

Operator discount: -$593

Saturday - Sunday

Apr 18, 2026 - Apr 26, 2026
$2955 $2362

Operator discount: -$593

Saturday - Sunday

May 16, 2026 - May 24, 2026
$2955 $2362

Operator discount: -$593

Saturday - Sunday

May 23, 2026 - May 31, 2026
$2955 $2362

Operator discount: -$593

Saturday - Sunday

Jun 27, 2026 - Jul 05, 2026
$3008 $2415

Operator discount: -$593

Saturday - Sunday

Jul 25, 2026 - Aug 02, 2026
$2955 $2362

Operator discount: -$593

Saturday - Sunday

Aug 01, 2026 - Aug 09, 2026
$2955 $2362

Operator discount: -$593

Saturday - Sunday

Aug 08, 2026 - Aug 16, 2026
$3008 $2415

Operator discount: -$593

Saturday - Sunday

Sep 26, 2026 - Oct 04, 2026
$2955 $2362

Operator discount: -$593

Saturday - Sunday

Oct 17, 2026 - Oct 25, 2026
$2955 $2362

Operator discount: -$593

Saturday - Sunday

Oct 31, 2026 - Nov 08, 2026
$2955 $2362

Operator discount: -$593

Saturday - Sunday

Nov 14, 2026 - Nov 22, 2026
$3008 $2415

Operator discount: -$593

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.