Natural Wonders of Costa Rica

Natural Wonders of Costa Rica

36 Views
9 Days From

$2706

$2252

Natural Wonders of Costa Rica

9 Days Starting and ending in San José, Costa Rica

Visiting: San José, Tortuguero National Park, Arenal, Monteverde, Central America

Tour operator:

Globus

Tour code:

SR-2025

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Medium

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians, Vegans, Meat

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Small Group

From: $2706 $2252 Operator discount: -$453 -17%

NB: Prices correct on 04-Nov-2024 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 journey through the "Natural Wonders of Costa Rica," where you'll explore the diverse landscapes and rich wildlife of this Central American gem. Cruise along the Tortuguero Canals, spotting freshwater turtles, caimans, and monkeys, and tour a local pineapple farm in Sarapiqui. Discover the majestic Arenal Volcano National Park and the charming town of La Fortuna. Walk among the treetops on the Sky Walk Hanging Bridges in Monteverde Cloud Forest and visit the Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve, home to a myriad of butterflies and birds. Experience local culture in Sarchi Village, renowned for its handcrafts and iconic oxcarts. Enjoy comfortable accommodations and guided tours, with all transportation and most meals included, ensuring a seamless and enriching adventure.

Highlights

  • Journey through Tortuguero National Park and cruise along the Tortuguero Canals.

  • Spot freshwater turtles, caimans, herons, toucans, egrets, and monkeys in Tortuguero.

  • Tour a local pineapple farm in Sarapiqui and learn about pineapple cultivation.

  • Explore Arenal Volcano National Park and the town of La Fortuna.

  • Take a guided tour on the Sky Walk Hanging Bridges in Monteverde Cloud Forest.

  • Visit Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve and see diverse species of butterflies and birds.

  • Explore the family-owned Ecological Sanctuary in Monteverde.

  • Visit Sarchi Village, known for Costa Rican handcrafts, and see the famous oxcarts.

Places You'll See

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: San José

Accommodation Name: Cariari Hotel San Jose

Upon arrival, you will be met by your tour director!

Day 2: San José,Tortuguero National Park

Location: Tortuguero National Park

Accommodation Name: Evergreen Lodge

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.

Day 3: Tortuguero National Park Tour & Canal Cruise

Location: Tortuguero National Park

Accommodation Name: Evergreen Lodge

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.

Day 4: Tortuguero,Sarapiqui,Arenal

Location: Arenal

Accommodation Name: Volcano Lodge & Gardens

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

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

Location: Arenal

Accommodation Name: Volcano Lodge & Gardens

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 6: Arenal,Monteverde

Location: Monteverde

Accommodation Name: El Establo Mountain Lodge

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.

Day 7: Monteverde - Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve

Location: Monteverde

Accommodation Name: El Establo Mountain Lodge

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 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.

Day 8: Monteverde,Sarchi,Grecia,San José

Location: San José

Accommodation Name: Cariari Hotel San Jose

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch


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.

Day 9: San José

Location: San José

Meals Included: Breakfast

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.

What's Included

  • Accommodation

    Stay at Cariari Hotel San Jose, Evergreen Lodge in Tortuguero, Volcano Lodge & Gardens in Arenal, and El Establo Mountain Lodge in Monteverde.

  • Meals

    Breakfast daily, 6 lunches, and 5 dinners are included.

  • Guided Tours

    Guided tours in Tortuguero National Park, Sarapiqui, Arenal Volcano National Park, Monteverde Cloud Forest, and Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve.

  • Local Experiences

    Tour a local pineapple farm in Sarapiqui and visit the family-owned Ecological Sanctuary in Monteverde.

  • Transportation

    All transportation during the tour, including boat transfers and motor launch cruises.

What's Not Included

  • International Flights

    International flights to and from Costa Rica are not included.

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance is not included and must be purchased separately.

  • Optional Activities

    Optional activities such as observing an endangered green turtle laying her eggs are not included.

  • Personal Expenses

    Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and beverages are not included.

Meals

Breakfast daily, 6 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.

Accommodation

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

Mode of Transport

All transportation during the tour, including boat transfers and motor launch cruises.

Notes

Maximum elevation on tour is 9,000 ft.

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 freshwater turtles, caimans, herons, toucans, egrets, and monkeys. During the peak nesting season from mid-July to mid-October, you may also have the opportunity to observe an endangered green turtle laying her eggs.

  • What activities are included in the Monteverde Cloud Forest visit?

    In Monteverde Cloud Forest, you will take a guided tour on the Sky Walk Hanging Bridges, which combines trails and suspension bridges through the canopy. You will also visit the Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve for a guided walking tour and explore the family-owned Ecological Sanctuary, where you can walk through coffee and banana plantations filled with endemic wildlife.

  • What can I expect during the visit to the pineapple farm in Sarapiqui?

    During the visit to the pineapple farm in Sarapiqui, you will tour a local pineapple farm owned by a local family. You will learn about the history, cultivation, and industry of pineapples and other indigenous crops.

  • What is the accommodation like during the tour?

    The accommodation during the tour includes stays at Cariari Hotel San Jose in San Jose, Evergreen Lodge in Tortuguero, Volcano Lodge & Gardens in Arenal, and El Establo Mountain Lodge in Monteverde.

  • Are meals included in the tour package?

    Yes, meals are included in the tour package. You will receive breakfast daily, 6 lunches, and 5 dinners.

  • What kind of transportation is provided during the tour?

    All transportation during the tour is provided, including boat transfers and motor launch cruises.

  • What is the significance of Sarchi Village in the tour?

    Sarchi Village is known as the center of Costa Rican handcrafts. During the visit, you will see artists in their workshops making the famous oxcarts.

  • Is travel insurance included in the tour package?

    No, travel insurance is not included in the tour package and must be purchased separately.

  • What optional activities are available during the tour?

    Optional activities such as observing an endangered green turtle laying her eggs are available but not included in the tour package.

  • 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.

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$2903 $2320

Operator discount: -$583

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Operator discount: -$583

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Operator discount: -$583

Saturday - Sunday

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$2955 $2372

Operator discount: -$583

Saturday - Sunday

Apr 18, 2026 - Apr 26, 2026
$2903 $2320

Operator discount: -$583

Saturday - Sunday

May 16, 2026 - May 24, 2026
$2903 $2320

Operator discount: -$583

Saturday - Sunday

May 23, 2026 - May 31, 2026
$2903 $2320

Operator discount: -$583

Saturday - Sunday

Jun 27, 2026 - Jul 05, 2026
$2955 $2372

Operator discount: -$583

Saturday - Sunday

Jul 25, 2026 - Aug 02, 2026
$2903 $2320

Operator discount: -$583

Saturday - Sunday

Aug 01, 2026 - Aug 09, 2026
$2903 $2320

Operator discount: -$583

Saturday - Sunday

Aug 08, 2026 - Aug 16, 2026
$2955 $2372

Operator discount: -$583

Saturday - Sunday

Sep 26, 2026 - Oct 04, 2026
$2903 $2320

Operator discount: -$583

Saturday - Sunday

Oct 17, 2026 - Oct 25, 2026
$2903 $2320

Operator discount: -$583

Saturday - Sunday

Oct 31, 2026 - Nov 08, 2026
$2903 $2320

Operator discount: -$583

Saturday - Sunday

Nov 14, 2026 - Nov 22, 2026
$2955 $2372

Operator discount: -$583

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.

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