Pura Vida Experience
9 Days Starting and ending in San José, Costa Rica
Visiting: San Jose, Tortuguero, Guapiles, La Fortuna de San Carlos, Arenal Volcano, Arenal, La Fortuna, Monteverde, Selvatura Park, Tamarindo, San José
Tour operator:
Tour code:
618478
Guide Type:
Partially Guided
Age range:
10-99
Special diets catered:
Please Advise Request
Tour operated in:
English , SpanishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on the "Pura Vida Experience" and explore the natural wonders of Costa Rica. This tour takes you through the lush landscapes of Tortuguero, where you can navigate its intricate canals and rainforests. Discover the breathtaking Arenal region, renowned for its majestic volcano and wellness tourism. In Monteverde, immerse yourself in a nature lover's paradise, exploring the cloud forest canopy and observing exotic wildlife. Finally, unwind in Tamarindo, a vibrant destination offering sun-soaked beaches, thrilling water sports, and lively nightlife. With comfortable accommodations, guided tours, and included meals, this adventure promises an unforgettable journey through Costa Rica's diverse ecosystems and vibrant culture.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : ARRIVAL SAN JOSE (20km – 30min)
Location: San Jose
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Wyndham Herradura or similar
Welcome to San Jose, Costa Rica! Our representative will greet you at the airport; assist you with your luggage and transfer to the hotel in San Jose.
Overnight in San Jose.
Day 2 : SAN JOSE – TORTUGUERO (120km – 3hrs)
Location: San Jose, Tortuguero
Accommodation: Lodge
Accommodation Name: Turtle Beach Lodge or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
At the agreed time, shared transportation will pick you up and transfer you to your next destination, the wonderful area of Tortuguero located in the North Caribbean to board the boat that will take you to the lodge where you will immerse yourself in a perfectly quiet, laid back and tranquil stay. Upon arrival, get comfortable in your hotel room and enjoy lunch (included). Afterwards, enjoy a nature walk through the private tropical trails of the Lodge. You can discover the local species such as reptiles, birds and some mammals; monkeys are abundant in this region. In the evening, savour dinner at the lodge.
Overnight in Tortuguero.
Day 3 : TORTUGUERO
Location: Tortuguero
Accommodation: Lodge
Accommodation Name: Turtle Beach Lodge or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Wake up early and meet your guide for an early morning tour through the Tortuguero Canals, a must activity while you are in Costa Rica. Discover its network of canals, lagoons and dense rainforests through an early boat tour guided by an expert naturalist guide. Abundant wildlife inhabits Tortuguero, including 57 species of amphibians, 111 species of reptiles, and 60 species of mammals. Return to the Lodge for breakfast. In the afternoon, visit the enchanting village of Tortuguero; the town a small population of around 500, no cars, and is located on a relatively narrow spit of land between the beach and a canal. Take a closer encounter with the Caribbean culture; discover its people and lifestyle walking through this colourful town.
Overnight in Tortuguero.
Day 4 : TORTUGUERO – ARENAL
Location: Tortuguero, Guapiles, La Fortuna de San Carlos, Arenal Volcano
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Lomas del Volcan or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Breakfast included at the lodge and then proceed to checkout. Afterwards, be ready to continue your trip. Shared transfer by boat and land from Tortuguero to Guapiles region. Afterwards, continue on a shared transfer to your next destination: La Fortuna de San Carlos, home of the majestic Arenal Volcano. Lunch included. Upon arrival get comfortable in your room and enjoy the hotel facilities.
Overnight in Arenal.
Day 5 : ARENAL
Location: Arenal
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Lomas del Volcan or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Breakfast included at the hotel. Today enjoy the most extraordinary view of the Arenal Volcano on a hike along the base and flanks of this giant on the Arenal 1968 park. During the hike, the expert guide will explain to you all about the volcano: its activity periods, a little bit of history related to it and will show you some landmarks that have left over the years. Astonishing views, ear-catching information, unbelievable stories and the chance to meet the local wildlife, will remain as your favourite memories of Costa Rica after this experience. During the late afternoon, be ready to slip into sublime waters of varying temperatures for extended soaking intervals. Often, a cold pool lies adjacent to a warm pool, which allows you to cool down or heat up as you please. Enjoy and relax in this Thermal Paradise.
Overnight in Arenal.
Day 6 : ARENAL – MONTEVERDE
Location: La Fortuna, Monteverde, Selvatura Park
Accommodation: Lodge
Accommodation Name: Hotel Monteverde Country Lodge or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Breakfast at the hotel and then proceed to checkout. At the agreed time, continue to your next destination: the magical Monteverde cloud forest. This service, half tour – half-shared transfer is a scenic and fast way to go from La Fortuna to the Monteverde area. You will board into a very comfortable and safe pontoon boat for a 30 to 40 minutes (approx.) ride to Rio Chiquito, a little town on the other side of the lake. Once at Rio Chiquito, we will leave the boat and take a short break to stretch the legs, after, another 1.5hr bus ride to get to the hotels in the Monteverde area (during the rainy season this transfer could take longer) Duration approx. of 3.5 hours (Land and boat). Once in Monteverde, spend your afternoon at Selvatura Park. Here you will experience closer the mysteries of the cloud forest by enjoying a great combination of suspension bridges and platforms that offers you an opportunity to explore the forest canopy in a safe and easy manner.
Overnight in Monteverde.
Day 7 : MONTEVERDE – TAMARINDO
Location: Monteverde, Tamarindo
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Tamarindo Diria or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Breakfast at the hotel and then proceed to checkout. At the agreed time, shared transfer to Tamarindo.
Overnight in Tamarindo.
Day 8 : TAMARINDO
Location: Tamarindo
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Tamarindo Diria or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Breakfast included at the hotel. Enjoy your free time to relax under the sun and palm trees or discover the Tamarindo area and its surroundings.
Overnight in Tamarindo.
Day 9 : TAMARINDO – DEPARTURE SAN JOSE
Location: San José
At the appropriate time, departure private transfer from your hotel to Juan Santamaria International Airport to take your flight back home.
What's Included
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Tour Guide
Operated with English- and Spanish-speaking local guides during the scheduled activities on specific days.
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Transport
Includes arrival shared transfer from Juan Santamaria International Airport, shared transfers between areas including land and boat ride to Tortuguero, and departure private transfer to the airport.
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Entrance Fees & Activities
All entrance fees and activities mentioned in the itinerary are included, such as the Tortuguero Canals boat tour, Arenal Volcano trail hike, Baldi Spa hot springs, and Monteverde Hanging Bridges.
What's Not Included
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Visa Fees
Visa fees are not included in the tour package.
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Flights
Domestic and international flights are not included.
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Drinks
Drinks during meals are not included unless specified otherwise.
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Optional Tours
Optional tours, if any, are not included.
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Unmentioned Visits
Any visit not mentioned in the program is not included.
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Porterage and Gratuities
Porterage and gratuities are not included.
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Personal Expenditures
Expenditures of a personal nature, drinks, meals, or items not explicitly stated in the program are not included.
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Camera/Video Fees
Any fees for camera or video camera usage are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance or any loss or extra cost arising due to unforeseen circumstances such as flight delays or accidents is not included.
Requirements
Comfortable and light clothing is the most suitable for travelling in Costa Rica. Sun protection, sunglasses, bathing suit, hiking or tennis shoes, a hat and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay.Please Note
- It is advisable to arrive no later than 20:00 in San Jose since pick-up day 2 is early in the morning around 05:30
- Due to the scheduled private transfer to the airport, a set time for departure is not recommended. The transfer will be adjusted to the time of the flight. Otherwise recommended not to leave before noon
- We reserve the right to change itineraries and activities due to weather conditions, technical problems or security reasons
- Children can be added to the booking when sharing a room with at least 2 adults, if not they must be added to the booking with the adult rate. Maximum 2 children per room
- Early check-in, late check-out, connecting or adjoining rooms in the hotel are subject to availability and not guaranteed
- In many hotels in Costa Rica, the triple rooms are double room with an additional bed or sofa bed. Their comfort conditions are lower than the international standards of the triple room
- No refund for unused services. Splitting of the package is not allowed
- Please note single are available to book under request.
Accommodation options
Day 1 San Jose
- Standard Hotel Category = Wyndham Herradura or similar 3*
- Standard Hotel Category = Pachira Lodge or similar 3*
- Standard Hotel Category = Lomas del Volcan or similar 3*
- Standard Hotel Category = Hotel Monteverde Country Lodge or similar 3*
- Standard Hotel Category = Hotel Tamarindo Diria or similar 3*
Accommodation options
Day 1 San Jose
- Standard Hotel Category = Wyndham Herradura or similar 3*
- Standard Category = Turtle Beach Lodge or similar (Lodge Standard)
- Standard Hotel Category = Lomas del Volcan or similar 3*
- Standard Category = Hotel Monteverde Country Lodge or similar (Lodge Standard)
- Standard Hotel Category = Hotel Tamarindo Diria or similar 3*
Mode of Transport
Travel conveniently with shared transfers between destinations, including a scenic boat ride to Tortuguero and a lake crossing from Arenal to Monteverde. Arrival and departure transfers to and from Juan Santamaria International Airport are also included.Accommodation
Enjoy 8 nights of comfortable accommodation in Costa Rica, staying in standard hotels and lodges such as Wyndham Herradura, Turtle Beach Lodge, Lomas del Volcan, Hotel Monteverde Country Lodge, and Hotel Tamarindo Diria, all rated 3 stars or equivalent.Check out our Q&As
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What kind of wildlife can I expect to see in Tortuguero?
In Tortuguero, you can expect to see a diverse range of wildlife including 57 species of amphibians, 111 species of reptiles, and 60 species of mammals. Monkeys are particularly abundant in this region.
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What activities are included in the tour at Arenal?
At Arenal, the tour includes a hike along the base and flanks of the Arenal Volcano in the Arenal 1968 park, where you will learn about the volcano's history and activity. You will also have the opportunity to relax in the Baldi Spa hot springs.
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How will I travel between destinations on the tour?
Travel between destinations on the tour is facilitated by shared transfers, including a combination of land and boat rides. For example, you will take a boat ride to Tortuguero and a lake crossing from Arenal to Monteverde.
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What is the accommodation like during the tour?
The tour includes 8 nights of accommodation in standard hotel categories. You will stay at Wyndham Herradura or similar in San Jose, Turtle Beach Lodge or similar in Tortuguero, Lomas del Volcan or similar in Arenal, Hotel Monteverde Country Lodge or similar in Monteverde, and Hotel Tamarindo Diria or similar in Tamarindo.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
Yes, the tour package includes 8 breakfasts, 3 lunches (on Days 2-4), and 2 dinners (on Days 2 and 3).
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What should I bring for the tour in Costa Rica?
It is recommended to bring comfortable and light clothing, sun protection, sunglasses, a bathing suit, hiking or tennis shoes, a hat, and mosquito repellent for your stay in Costa Rica.
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Do you offer any travel insurance?
We do not offer Travel Insurance but would strongly recommend that you purchase a comprehensive Travel Insurance Policy prior to departure.
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Are flights included in the tour?
No, they are not included
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When are there specific hotel names confirmed?
Confirmed hotel names are informed latest 10 days prior to client´s arrival
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Booking confirmation with Itinerary and confirmation vouchers
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
You can change it by logging into your profile and click on Bookings. Please check your cancellation policy.
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Is there any option for solo traveller?
Yes of course. Please note that the default selection shows the price per person per double room. For solo travellers, you will have to select a single room when available.
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What does the price include?
What is included is stated specifically on the product Description. Gratuities are at your discretion. Prices do not include (unless stated otherwise) - gratuities to the guide, driver or tour manager.
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Are Visa fees included in the price?
No, visa fees are not included
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Low Deposit
Destination Services Costa Rica requires a minimum deposit of 20% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of destination services costa rica charges.
At 21 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 15 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
