Supersaver | Costa Rica Essentials Plus, 8 days

Supersaver | Costa Rica Essentials Plus, 8 days

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$1541

Supersaver | Costa Rica Essentials Plus, 8 days

8 Days Starting and ending in San José, Costa Rica

Visiting: San Jose, Braulio Carrillo National Park, Guapiles, Tortuguero National Park, Tortuguero, Arenal, Arenal Volcano National Park, Arenal Lake, Monteverde, Santa Elena, San José

Tour code:

339644

Guide Type:

Partially Guided

Physical rating:

EASY

Age range:

10-99

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians

Tour operated in:

English , Spanish

Activities:

Sightseeing, Walking

From: $1541 (USD)

NB: Prices correct on 26-Apr-2025 but subject to change.

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

Tour Overview

Embark on an unforgettable 8-day journey through Costa Rica with the "Supersaver | Costa Rica Essentials Plus" tour. Begin in the vibrant capital of San Jose, exploring its rich cultural landmarks. Venture to Tortuguero, where you'll witness the nesting grounds of green sea turtles and enjoy a guided boat tour through its lush canals. In Arenal, marvel at the majestic volcano and relax in natural hot springs. Continue to Monteverde, a cloud forest teeming with unique wildlife and plant species. This tour offers a perfect blend of nature and culture, with comfortable accommodations and guided activities. Optional extensions to Guanacaste or Manuel Antonio are available for those seeking further exploration. Enjoy the convenience of shared transportation and the expertise of local guides, ensuring a seamless and enriching experience in this tropical paradise.

Highlights

  • San Jose: Explore Costa Rica’s vibrant capital city with its cultural and historical landmarks, including the European-inspired National Theatre.

  • Tortuguero: Discover the nesting grounds of green sea turtles and enjoy spectacular beaches and wildlife spotting opportunities.

  • Arenal: Visit one of Costa Rica's most beautiful volcanoes and explore its mesmerizing park filled with trails and wildlife.

  • Monteverde: Experience the unique cloud forest settled by American Quakers, home to many endangered species and fascinating plants.

  • Tortuguero National Park: Take a guided boat tour through the canals and rainforests, home to diverse wildlife including amphibians, reptiles, and mammals.

  • Arenal Volcano National Park: Hike the lava trails and relax in natural hot springs with views of the impressive Arenal Volcano.

  • Monteverde Cloud Forest: Enjoy the misty cloud forests, coffee plantations, and the charming town of Santa Elena with its artisan shops.

Itinerary

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Day 1 : ARRIVAL SAN JOSE

Location: San Jose

Accommodation Name: Park Inn or Hilton La Sabana

Upon arrival to bustling San Jose, our representative will meet and greet you and then direct you to your shared transport, which will drop you off at your hotel in San Jose for your night in Costa Rica.


Overnight in San Jose.


Day 2 : SAN JOSE – TORTUGUERO (135km – 4 hrs by road / 2 hrs by boat)

Location: San Jose, Braulio Carrillo National Park, Guapiles, Tortuguero National Park, Tortuguero

Accommodation Name: Laguna Lodge or Pachira/Evergreen/Aninga Lodge

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Your day begins early with a pick up at the hotel approximately 6.30 am. Embark on the shared bus transfer and travel through the Braulio Carrillo National Park towards the Caribbean plains to enjoy the spectacular mountain scenery and quaint villages. Indulge in a tasty breakfast en route at around 8.30 am in a restaurant in Guapiles and continue through the jungle by boat, cruising the rivers and canals of Tortuguero National Park. Arrive at your eco-lodge in time to enjoy a tasty lunch. After lunch, your guide will invite you to go for a hike around Tortuguero town. Visit the Turtles Museum ($1 donation) and come back for dinner at your hotel. 


Overnight in Tortuguero.


Day 3 : TORTUGUERO NATIONAL PARK

Location: Tortuguero National Park

Accommodation Name: Laguna Lodge or Pachira/Evergreen/Aninga Lodge

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Make most of your stay in Tortuguero. After breakfast, at 9 am join a tour for 2 hours boat trip on the Tortuguero canals, an essential activity while in Costa Rica. Discover its network of canals, lagoons and dense rainforests through a 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. 

Rest of day at leisure or possibility to join some optional tours available in destination. Dinner is served at the hotel.

Overnight in hotel in Tortuguero.

Day 4 : TORTUGUERO – ARENAL (210km – 5 hrs by road / 2 hrs by boat)

Location: Tortuguero, Guapiles, Arenal

Accommodation Name: Arenal Manoa or Arenal Kioro

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast, we depart Tortuguero at approximately 9 am, by shared boat and land transfers back to Guapiles, where we stop for lunch in a local restaurant at around 1 pm. After a tasty meal, you will be picked up by a shared transfer and taken to the Arenal area. Arrive at Arenal at 5 pm for check in and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.


Overnight in Arenal.


Day 5 : ARENAL VOLCANO NATIONAL PARK

Location: Arenal Volcano National Park

Accommodation Name: Arenal Manoa or Arenal Kioro

Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast you will be picked up at your hotel to start Hikking Lava Trails. Explore the Arenal Volcano on a hike along the lava trails of this giant. During the hike, the expert guide will explain you all about the volcano: its activity periods, a little bit of history related to it and will show you some landmarks that were left over the years. Admire its particular vegetation and watch some wildlife.


Return to the hotel and relax in the hotsrpings. Escape to a natural paradise at the hotel with all the necessary services to make you feel relaxed surrounded by the peace and serenity of the rainforest. Sheltered by the impressive Arenal Volcano, enjoy the natural hot springs thanks to the geothermal activity of the volcano. Immerse yourself in the rainforest and live an experience of a sanctuary of relaxation, privacy and tranquility.


Overnight in Arenal.


Day 6 : ARENAL – MONTEVERDE (60km – 2.5 hrs by road / 45 min by boat)

Location: Arenal Lake, Monteverde, Santa Elena

Accommodation Name: Poco a Poco or El Establo

Meals Included: Breakfast

Begin the day with an early breakfast at the hotel, followed by check-out and then meet your guide at approximately 7.30 am to head towards Monteverde. Transfer down to Arenal Lake where you will board a boat that will take you across towards Monteverde, where you will arrive at approximately 11.30 am. Once on the other side, a vehicle awaits to take you up to Monteverde. Admire the transition of the rainforest to the cloud forest where you will reach an altitude of 1,200 metres above sea level. Located in the Puntarenas province, Monteverde is a place of cloud forests and mist, coffee plantations, monkeys and friendly locals. The town of Santa Elena is small and quaint, filled with inviting restaurants and folksy artisan shops, while the nearby rainforest hosts a remarkable amount of biodiversity. Enjoy the rest of day at leisure.


Overnight in Monteverde.


Day 7 : MONTEVERDE

Location: Monteverde

Accommodation Name: Poco a Poco or El Establo

Meals Included: Breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel, and rest of day at leisure torelax or discover on your own the incredible Monteverde Cloud Forest


Overnight in Monteverde.


Day 8 : MONTEVERDE – SAN JOSE (140 km – 4 hrs)

Location: Monteverde, San José

Meals Included: Breakfast

Begin your last day in spectacular Costa Rica with a delectable breakfast. Then, at the appropriate time, you will be picked up by shared transfer and taken to Juan Santamaria International Airport to catch your flight back home or on to your next destination. 


What's Included

  • Tour Guide

    Operated with English and Spanish-speaking local guide on shared basis on day 2, 3, and 5. Please note you will be accompanied by local guides for the activities only.

  • Transport

    Air-conditioned transportation as indicated in the itinerary on a shared basis, shared transfer between the Airport and the Hotel, and shared boat from Guapiles to Tortuguero and back.

  • Entrance Fees and Activities

    All monuments and visits as indicated: Guided visit to Tortuguero village (day 2), guided boat tour through Tortuguero National Park canals and entrance fee to Tortuguero National Park (day 3), Hike Lava Trails (day 5).

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What's Not Included

  • Personal Expenditures

    Expenditures of a personal nature, drinks and meals if not stated explicitly in the programme.

  • Airport Taxes

    Airport taxes are not included.

  • Airport Porterage

    Airport porterage is not included.

  • Flights and Visa Fees

    International and domestic flight tickets or visa fees and local taxes are not included.

  • Gratuities

    Gratuities for drivers and guides are not included.

  • Optional Tours

    Optional tours and activities are not included.

Requirements

Comfortable and warm clothing is the most suitable for travelling. Visitors should not wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts or skimpy clothing when visiting temples, religious or official buildings. Sun protection, sunglasses, a hat and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay.  

Please Note

  • Please be advised that the airport departure transfer is a shared service with an estimated arrival at the airport between 12:30 and 13:30. If you need to arrive at the airport earlier, an upgrade to a private transfer is necessary (available at an additional cost)
  • No refund for unused services. Splitting of package is not allowed
  • Please note that local conditions prevalent at the time of travel may result in modifications to tour contents without prior notice
  • Hotel early check in, late check out, connecting or adjoining rooms are subject to availability and are not guaranteed
  • Recommended departure time from 15:00 hrs. 

Accommodation options

ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS 
Day 1 San Jose:
  • Superior Hotel Category = Park Inn or similar 4*
  • Deluxe Hotel Category = Hilton La Sabana or similar 5*
Day 2-3 Tortuguero:
  • Superior Hotel Category =Grupo Pachira or similar 4*
  • Deluxe Hotel Category = Grupo Pachira or similar 4*
Day 4-5 Arenal:
  • Superior Hotel Category = Arenal Manoa or similar 4*
  • Deluxe Hotel Category = Arenal Kioro or similar 5*
Day 6 - 7 Monteverde:
  • Superior Hotel Category = Poco a Poco or similar 4*
  • Deluxe Hotel Category = El Establo or similar 4*
OPTIONAL EXTRA | GUANACASTE EXTENSION:
Day 8, 9, 10, 11 Guanacaste
  • Superior Hotel Category = Wyndham Tamarindo or similar 4*
  • Deluxe Hotel Category = Cala Luna or similar 5*
OPTIONAL EXTRA | MANUEL ANTONIO EXTENSION:
Day 8, 9, 10, 11 Manuel Antonio
  • Superior Hotel Category = Shana By The Beach Hotel or similar 4*
  • Deluxe Hotel Category = Parador or similar 5*

Accommodation options

ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS 
Day 1 San Jose:
  • Superior Hotel Category = Park Inn or similar 4*
  • Deluxe Hotel Category = Hilton La Sabana or similar 5*
Day 2-3 Tortuguero:
  • Superior Category = Laguna Lodge or similar (Lodge Standard)
  • Deluxe Category = Pachira/ Evergreen/Aninga Lodge or similar (Lodge Standard)
Day 4-5 Arenal:
  • Superior Hotel Category = Arenal Manoa or similar 4*
  • Deluxe Hotel Category = Arenal Kioro or similar 5*
Day 6 - 7 Monteverde:
  • Superior Hotel Category = Poco a Poco or similar 4*
  • Deluxe Hotel Category = El Establo or similar 4*
OPTIONAL EXTRA | GUANACASTE EXTENSION:
Day 8, 9, 10, 11 Guanacaste
  • Superior Hotel Category = Wyndham Tamarindo or similar 4*
  • Deluxe Hotel Category = Cala Luna or similar 5*
OPTIONAL EXTRA | MANUEL ANTONIO EXTENSION:
Day 8, 9, 10, 11 Manuel Antonio
  • Superior Hotel Category = Shana By The Beach Hotel or similar 4*
  • Deluxe Hotel Category = Parador or similar 5*

Mode of Transport

Travel in air-conditioned shared transportation, including transfers between the airport and hotel, and a shared boat journey from Guapiles to Tortuguero. Experience scenic road and boat transfers between destinations, ensuring a comfortable and convenient travel experience.

Accommodation

Enjoy 7 nights of comfortable accommodation with options ranging from superior to deluxe categories. Stay at the Park Inn or Hilton La Sabana in San Jose, Laguna Lodge or Pachira Lodge in Tortuguero, Arenal Manoa or Arenal Kioro in Arenal, and Poco a Poco or El Establo in Monteverde.

Check out our Q&As

  • What kind of wildlife can I expect to see in Tortuguero National Park?

    In Tortuguero National Park, you can expect to see a diverse range of wildlife including 57 species of amphibians, 111 species of reptiles, and 60 species of mammals. The park is also known for its nesting grounds of the green sea turtles.

  • What activities are included in the Arenal Volcano National Park visit?

    During the visit to Arenal Volcano National Park, you will go on a hike along the lava trails of the volcano. An expert guide will explain the volcano's activity periods and history, and you will have the opportunity to admire the unique vegetation and wildlife. After the hike, you can relax in the natural hot springs at the hotel.

  • How is the transportation arranged during the tour?

    Transportation during the tour is provided on a shared basis with air-conditioned vehicles as indicated in the itinerary. There are shared transfers between the airport and the hotel, and a shared boat from Guapiles to Tortuguero and back. Additionally, there is a boat transfer across Arenal Lake to Monteverde.

  • Are meals included in the tour package?

    Yes, the tour package includes 7 breakfasts, 3 lunches on days 2, 3, and 4, and 2 dinners on days 2 and 3.

  • What is the accommodation like during the tour?

    Accommodation during the tour includes 7 nights' stay in various locations. In San Jose, you can stay at Park Inn or Hilton La Sabana. In Tortuguero, options include Laguna Lodge or Pachira/Evergreen/Aninga Lodge. In Arenal, you can stay at Arenal Manoa or Arenal Kioro. In Monteverde, options include Poco a Poco or El Establo.

  • 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. 

  • Are flights included in the tour?

    No, they are not included

  • When are there specific hotel names confirmed?

    Confirmed hotel names are informed latest 10 days prior to client´s arrival

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Booking confirmation with Itinerary and confirmation vouchers

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Are Visa fees included in the price?

    No, visa fees are not included

Reviews from travellers on this tour

Tara  

Supersaver | Costa Rica Essentials Plus, 8 days

Excellent itinerary. The guides were friendly and

Excellent itinerary. The guides were friendly and gave individualized attention as much as they could while managing the group as a whole. Traveling as a single woman with a young child, I had zero problems. We loved each stop’s uniqueness. The accommodations were beautiful. My only suggestions would be: 1. have someone make note and ensure future women are booked into rooms near reception. Two of my stays were at the opposite end of the property. Again, no problems but it did make me hyper vigilant. 2. Offer add-on day tours. I filled our days with extra sights on my own but some people might like that service add-on.

Susan & Dennis Lippincott  

Great Experience, thanks Destination Services Costa Rica!

We were on a tour we booked thru Costco, but manag

We were on a tour we booked thru Costco, but managed by Destination Services to Costa Rica. We stayed at the Dreams Las Mareas Resort. We were having some phone problems, but were able to contact Martyn Makepeace. He was there at the resort, and solved our problems. What a nice and friendly man! We appreciated his help. We had also paid for transport to and from Liberia. Our driver, Ignacio, took us both ways. He is FANTASTIC! A great driver, a clean and comfortable vehicle, and his help at the airport really made a difference.! We adore this man, and wish him success in the future!

Janelle  

Supersaver | Costa Rica Essentials Plus, 8 days

The trip was fantastic! The accommodations, transp

The trip was fantastic! The accommodations, transportation, activities & guides were all great! Thank you for a wonderful way to experience so much of Costa Rica in just one week!

Alyssia  

Supersaver | Costa Rica Essentials Plus, 8 days

Very well organized, destinations we stayed at wer

Very well organized, destinations we stayed at were amazing, hotels were incredible. They really know how to plan a vacation! 10/10

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Book with Confidence

  • 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.

  • 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.

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