Natural Wonders of Costa Rica with Manuel Antonio
Natural Wonders of Costa Rica with Manuel Antonio
Natural Wonders of Costa Rica with Manuel Antonio
11 Days Starting in San José, Costa Rica and ending in Manuel Antonio National Park, Costa Rica
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, Monteverde Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve, Quepos, Manuel Antonio National Park Area, Central America
Tour operator:
Tour code:
SRE-2025
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Costa Rica's natural wonders with the "Natural Wonders of Costa Rica with Manuel Antonio" tour. Explore the lush landscapes of Tortuguero National Park, where you'll cruise along the Tortuguero Canals and spot diverse wildlife including freshwater turtles, caimans, and monkeys. Visit a local pineapple farm in Sarapiqui, walk the lava trails of Arenal Volcano, and relax in the Ecotermales Hot Springs. Discover the Monteverde Cloud Forest on the Sky Walk Hanging Bridges and tour the Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve, home to hundreds of bird and butterfly species. Conclude your adventure in the stunning Manuel Antonio National Park, known for its dense mangrove swamps and pristine beaches. Enjoy guided tours, comfortable accommodations, and a small group experience for a personalized and immersive adventure.
Highlights
Itinerary
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!
Day 2: San José,Tortuguero National Park
Location: San José, Tortuguero National Park
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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.
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 HIGHLIGHTWONDERS 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.
Day 3: Tortuguero National Park Tour & Canal Cruise
Location: Tortuguero National Park Tour & Canal Cruise
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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.
TORTUGUERO NATIONAL PARK TOUR & CANAL CRUISE Natural BeautiesA 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 HIGHLIGHTCONSERVATION 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.
Day 4: Tortuguero,Sarapiqui,Arenal
Location: Tortuguero, Sarapiqui, Arenal
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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
TORTUGUERO–SARAPIQUI–ARENAL Fruitful ExperiencesA 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.
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 LoveThis 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 FAVORITEWONDERS 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 TIPSEXPLORE 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.
Day 6: Arenal,Monteverde
Location: Arenal, Monteverde
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
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.
ARENAL–MONTEVERDE Heads in the CloudsAfter 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 HIGHLIGHTPICTURE 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.
Day 7: Monteverde Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve
Location: Monteverde Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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 a family-owned [LF] Ecological Sanctuary, where you will explore the trails through the forest filled with endemic wildlife and beautiful scenery. After the walk, enjoy a cooking class focusing on permaculture, conservation, and local traditions. Tonight, your Tour Director hosts a farewell dinner, toasting an unforgettable discovery of Costa Rica.
MONTEVERDE SANTA ELENA CLOUD FOREST RESERVE Butterfly KissesThis 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 a family-owned [LF] Ecological Sanctuary, where you will explore the trails through the forest filled with endemic wildlife and beautiful scenery. After the walk, enjoy a cooking class focusing on permaculture, conservation, and local traditions. Tonight, your Tour Director hosts a farewell dinner, toasting an unforgettable discovery of Costa Rica. (B,L,D)LOCAL FAVORITELOCAL TASTES Treat yourself to a visit to a leisurely stroll through a family owned Ecological Sanctuary, and take a cooking class to learn how to prepare authentic Costa Rican food sustainably, like hand-made tortillas, picadillos, and gallo pinto. Dine on your creations for a homemade lunch!
Day 8: Monteverde,Quepos,Manuel Antonio National Park Area
Location: Monteverde, Quepos, Manuel Antonio National Park Area
Meals Included: Breakfast
Take a morning drive to the Pacific Ocean to the town of Quepos, gateway to Manuel Antonio National Park. Dense mangrove swamps sheltering a variety of wildlife back up to the pristine beaches in this area. It is not uncommon to see iguanas and white-faced monkeys on the beach. Please note: the Tour Director does not accompany guests on extensions. Guided service is as outlined in the day by day itinerary.
MONTEVERDE–QUEPOS–MANUEL ANTONIO NATIONAL PARK AREA Welcome to the Jungle!Take a morning drive to the Pacific Ocean to the town of Quepos, gateway to Manuel Antonio National Park. Dense mangrove swamps sheltering a variety of wildlife back up to the pristine beaches in this area. It is not uncommon to see iguanas and white-faced monkeys on the beach. (B)Please note: the Tour Director does not accompany guests on extensions. Guided service is as outlined in the day by day itinerary.TOUR HIGHLIGHTNATURAL ATTRACTION Manuel Antonio National Park draws visitors with its spectacular natural beauty and wonder, where mangroves grow and golden beaches glow in the home of iguanas and monkeys on its Pacific shoreline.
Day 9: Manuel Antonio National Park Area
Location: Manuel Antonio National Park Area
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy a free day today.
MANUEL ANTONIO NATIONAL PARK AREA Explore, Relax, RediscoverEnjoy a free day today. (B)FREE TIME TIPSEXPLORE MORE Spend free time in Manuel Antonio National Park with a kayaking trip or mangrove tour. 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: Manuel Antonio National Park Area
Location: Manuel Antonio National Park Area
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy a free day today.
MANUEL ANTONIO NATIONAL PARK AREA Get Out and Explore! Enjoy a free day today. (B)FREE TIME TIPSEXPLORE MORE Add an active pursuit to your free time to explore the wonders of Manuel Antonio, from jungle hikes suited to all levels, canopy tours, deep-sea fishing, sea kayaking, or mountain biking. 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 11: Manuel Antonio National Park Area
Location: Manuel Antonio National Park Area
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. Please schedule flights after 12:30 pm.
MANUEL ANTONIO NATIONAL PARK AREA Safe travels until we meet again!Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. Please schedule flights after 12:30 pm. (B)
What's Included
-
Accommodation
Stay at various hotels including Cariari Hotel San Jose, Evergreen Lodge, Volcano Lodge & Gardens, El Establo Mountain Lodge, and Parador Resort & Spa.
-
Meals
Breakfast daily, 5 lunches, and 5 dinners are included.
-
Guided Tours
Guided tours in Tortuguero National Park, Arenal Volcano National Park, Monteverde Cloud Forest, and Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve.
-
Transportation
Transportation between destinations including boat transfers and motor launches.
-
Local Experiences
Visits to a pineapple farm, Ecotermales Hot Springs, and a family-owned Ecological Sanctuary with a cooking class.
-
Tour Director
A tour director will meet you upon arrival and guide you throughout the trip.
-
Small Group Discoveries
Tours are limited to an average of just 20 guests per departure for a more personalized experience.
What's Not Included
-
Flights
International and domestic flights are not included.
-
Optional Activities
Optional tours and activities such as horseback riding, float trips, kayaking, and canopy tours are not included.
-
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended to be purchased separately.
-
Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and tips are not included.
-
Visa Fees
Visa fees and other travel documentation costs are not included.
Meals
Breakfast daily, 5 lunches, 5 dinners
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.
Mode of Transport
Journey includes motor launch cruises along the Tortuguero Canals, boat transfers, and guided tours with transportation to various locations such as Arenal, Monteverde, and Manuel Antonio.
Notes
Maximum elevation on tour is 9,000 ft.Manuel Antonio extension guests will depart from Monteverde on day 8. The extension guests will not stop in Sarchi and will not have the included lunch. These inclusions were not included in the price for the extension.
Accommodation
San Jose:Cariari Hotel San JoseTortuguero:Evergreen LodgeArenal:Volcano Lodge & GardensMonteverde:El Establo Mountain LodgeManuel Antonio:Parador Resort & Spa
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 variety of wildlife including freshwater turtles, caimans, herons, toucans, egrets, and monkeys. The park is dedicated to the protection of endangered turtles and has a rich biodiversity with 11 different habitats.
-
What activities are included in the tour of Arenal Volcano National Park?
In Arenal Volcano National Park, the tour includes a walk through lava trails where your guide will show you how nature has recovered from past lava flows. You will also enjoy a walking tour of the town of La Fortuna de San Carlos, offering spectacular views of the active Arenal Volcano. Additionally, you will visit Ecotermales Hot Springs for a dip in the curative and relaxing pools, followed by dinner at the hot springs.
-
What can I expect during the visit to the Monteverde Cloud Forest?
During the visit to the Monteverde Cloud Forest, you will take a guided tour on the Sky Walk Hanging Bridges, which combines trails and suspension bridges through the canopy of the forest. This tour allows you to search for flora and fauna from a bird’s eye view high above the jungle floor.
-
What is special about the Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve?
The Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve is home to over 600 species of butterflies and 400 species of birds, along with 100 reptile and 120 mammal species that hide within the dense vegetation. The guided walking tour will allow you to explore this rich biodiversity.
-
What local experiences are included in the tour?
The tour includes several local experiences such as a visit to a pineapple farm in Sarapiqui where you will learn about pineapple cultivation, a visit to a family-owned Ecological Sanctuary with a cooking class focusing on permaculture, conservation, and local traditions, and a visit to Ecotermales Hot Springs in Arenal.
-
What kind of accommodations are provided during the tour?
Accommodations during the tour include stays at various hotels such as Cariari Hotel San Jose, Evergreen Lodge, Volcano Lodge & Gardens, El Establo Mountain Lodge, and Parador Resort & Spa.
-
Are meals included in the tour package?
Yes, the tour package includes breakfast daily, 5 lunches, and 5 dinners.
-
What transportation is provided during the tour?
Transportation during the tour includes motor launch cruises along the Tortuguero Canals, boat transfers, and guided tours with transportation to various locations such as Arenal, Monteverde, and Manuel Antonio.
-
Is there a tour director available throughout the trip?
Yes, a tour director will meet you upon arrival and guide you throughout the trip.
-
What optional activities are available during the tour?
Optional activities available during the tour include horseback riding, float trips, kayaking, and canopy tours. These activities are not included in the tour package and can be purchased separately.
-
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
1 Select your preferred date
2025 May
2025 Jun
2025 Jul
2025 Aug
2025 Sep
2025 Oct
2025 Nov
2025 Jan
2026 Feb
2026 Mar
2026 Apr
2026 May
2026 Jun
2026 Jul
2026 Aug
2026 Sep
2026 Oct
2026 Nov
2026
Saturday - Tuesday
Mar 22, 2025 - Apr 01, 2025Saturday - Tuesday
May 17, 2025 - May 27, 2025Saturday - Tuesday
Jun 28, 2025 - Jul 08, 2025Saturday - Tuesday
Jul 26, 2025 - Aug 05, 2025Saturday - Tuesday
Aug 02, 2025 - Aug 12, 2025Saturday - Tuesday
Sep 27, 2025 - Oct 07, 2025Saturday - Tuesday
Oct 18, 2025 - Oct 28, 2025Saturday - Tuesday
Nov 01, 2025 - Nov 11, 2025Saturday - Tuesday
Nov 15, 2025 - Nov 25, 2025Saturday - Tuesday
Jan 10, 2026 - Jan 20, 2026Saturday - Tuesday
Jan 24, 2026 - Feb 03, 2026Saturday - Tuesday
Jan 31, 2026 - Feb 10, 2026Saturday - Tuesday
Feb 07, 2026 - Feb 17, 2026Saturday - Tuesday
Feb 14, 2026 - Feb 24, 2026Saturday - Tuesday
Feb 21, 2026 - Mar 03, 2026Saturday - Tuesday
Feb 28, 2026 - Mar 10, 2026Saturday - Tuesday
Mar 07, 2026 - Mar 17, 2026Saturday - Tuesday
Mar 14, 2026 - Mar 24, 2026Saturday - Tuesday
Mar 21, 2026 - Mar 31, 2026Saturday - Tuesday
Mar 28, 2026 - Apr 07, 2026Saturday - Tuesday
Apr 18, 2026 - Apr 28, 2026Saturday - Tuesday
May 16, 2026 - May 26, 2026Saturday - Tuesday
May 23, 2026 - Jun 02, 2026Saturday - Tuesday
Jun 27, 2026 - Jul 07, 2026Saturday - Tuesday
Jul 25, 2026 - Aug 04, 2026Saturday - Tuesday
Aug 01, 2026 - Aug 11, 2026Saturday - Tuesday
Aug 08, 2026 - Aug 18, 2026Saturday - Tuesday
Sep 26, 2026 - Oct 06, 2026Saturday - Tuesday
Oct 17, 2026 - Oct 27, 2026Saturday - Tuesday
Oct 31, 2026 - Nov 10, 2026Saturday - Tuesday
Nov 14, 2026 - Nov 24, 2026Book 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.