Costa Rica's Pura Vida Escape
Costa Rica's Pura Vida Escape
Costa Rica's Pura Vida Escape
7 Days Starting and ending in San José, Costa Rica
Visiting: San José, Monteverde Cloud Forest, Monteverde, Arenal
Tour operator:
Tour code:
K5-2025
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
0 - 20
Trip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on a captivating journey through Costa Rica with the "Pura Vida Escape" tour, where nature's wonders and vibrant culture await. Begin your adventure in San José, exploring its main attractions before heading to the misty Monteverde Cloud Forest, a haven for diverse wildlife and lush vegetation. Experience the thrill of Arenal Volcano National Park, with opportunities to hike, relax in thermal hot springs, or explore the vibrant town of La Fortuna. Enjoy the comfort of first-class accommodations, including the Delta Hotels by Marriott in San José, El Establo Mountain Lodge in Monteverde, and Tilajari Resort Hotel in Arenal. With the flexibility of optional excursions and the intimacy of small-group discoveries, this tour offers a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation, ensuring an unforgettable Costa Rican experience.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive In San José,Costa Rica
Location: San José
Accommodation Name: Delta Hotels by Marriott San Jose Aurola
Meet your Tour Director at your hotel.
ARRIVE IN SAN JOSÉ, COSTA RICA Welcome to San José! Meet your Tour Director at your hotel.
Day 2: San Jose,Monteverde Cloud Forest
Location: Monteverde Cloud Forest
Accommodation Name: El Establo Mountain Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast, visit the main attractions of San Jose with a guide. Then, journey to Monteverde, situated on the Continental Divide under misty cloud coverage in one of the world’s most bio-diverse areas. On route, stop in the quaint town of Sarchí, known as the cradle of Costa Rican artisans. Continue the journey, ascending to the Tilaran mountain range towards Monteverde Cloud Forest where the weather and vegetation begin to change. Free time this evening.
SAN JOSE–MONTEVERDE CLOUD FOREST Heads in the Clouds After breakfast, visit the main attractions of San Jose with a guide. Then, journey to Monteverde, situated on the Continental Divide under misty cloud coverage in one of the world’s most bio-diverse areas. On route, stop in the quaint town of Sarchí, known as the cradle of Costa Rican artisans. Continue the journey, ascending to the Tilaran mountain range towards Monteverde Cloud Forest where the weather and vegetation begin to change. Free time this evening. (B) TOUR HIGHLIGHT WILD & WONDERFUL Explore Monteverde Cloud Forest, home to over 3,000 species of plants, 400 species of birds, 60 species of bats, 1,200 species of amphibians, and 700 species of butterflies in one of the last remaining natural habitats of all six Costa Rica wildcat species—ocelots, jaguars, jaguarundi, pumas, oncillas, and margays. Perhaps you’ll catch a glimpse of one of Costa Rica’s most beautiful birds, the resplendent quetzal.
Day 3: Monteverde
Location: Monteverde
Accommodation Name: El Establo Mountain Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning, take a Naturalist guided walking tour of Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve, home to forest fauna such as sloths, jaguars, ocelots, monkeys, coatis, and numerous species of birds. With almost 100% humidity throughout the year, the cloud forest experiences almost 12 feet of rain per year. Free time this afternoon and evening.
MONTEVERDE Creatures of the Cloud Forest This morning, take a Naturalist guided walking tour of Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve, home to forest fauna such as sloths, jaguars, ocelots, monkeys, coatis, and numerous species of birds. With almost 100% humidity throughout the year, the cloud forest experiences almost 12 feet of rain per year. Free time this afternoon and evening. (B) TOUR HIGHLIGHT PARADISE FOUND The unique, high-elevation ecosystem of Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve is constantly enveloped in moisture-rich clouds formed by the warm winds from the Atlantic Ocean as they sweep over the Continental Divide. Here, in one of the most bio-diverse and rich ecosystems in the world, a wealth of animal and plant species make this a nature lover’s paradise as well.
Day 4: Monteverde,Arenal
Location: Arenal
Accommodation Name: Tilajari Resort Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today, we travel to the outdoor adventure mecca of La Fortuna and Arenal Volcano National Park. Enjoy free time in La Fortuna before continuing to Arenal for a 3-night stay at an eco-resort. Enjoy free time this afternoon to enjoy the resort’s pool and jacuzzi or consider a walk around the riverbank or surrounding gardens.
MONTEVERDE–ARENAL Tropical Treasures Today, we travel to the outdoor adventure mecca of La Fortuna and Arenal Volcano National Park. Enjoy free time in La Fortuna before continuing to Arenal for a 3-night stay at an eco-resort. Enjoy free time this afternoon to enjoy the resort’s pool and jacuzzi or consider a walk around the riverbank or surrounding gardens. (B) TOUR HIGHLIGHT WONDERS OF NATURE For 42 years, Arenal Volcano was Costa Rica’s most active volcano until 2010 when it entered a passive phase. This area is one of the most bio-diverse areas in the world and is home to more than 850 species of birds and other wildlife. Time here can be spent hiking the trails around the volcano or relaxing in the many thermal hot springs.
Day 5: Arenal
Location: Arenal
Accommodation Name: Tilajari Resort Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Rise and shine with an early hike through the Mirador 1968, a private reserve located next to Arenal Volcano National Park. Here, your Tour Director will show you the evidence of the volcanic activity in the area and how it affected everything, even the smallest ecosystem in this beautiful forest. Then travel to the town of Arenal where you may wish to have a traditional lunch at a local restaurant or enjoy a short walk around town. Return to the resort where the remainder of the day is at leisure to relax or join an optional excursion adventure.
ARENAL Lava Love Rise and shine with an early hike through the Mirador 1968, a private reserve located next to Arenal Volcano National Park. Here, your Tour Director will show you the evidence of the volcanic activity in the area and how it affected everything, even the smallest ecosystem in this beautiful forest. Then travel to the town of Arenal where you may wish to have a traditional lunch at a local restaurant or enjoy a short walk around town. Return to the resort where the remainder of the day is at leisure to relax or join an optional excursion adventure. (B) FREE TIME TIPS EXPLORE MORE During your afternoon at leisure, opt for a high-flying adventure on the Arenal Hanging Bridges or visit the nearby hot springs. 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
Location: Arenal
Accommodation Name: Tilajari Resort Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today is free for you to customize your day with a variety of optional excursions or simply choose to enjoy the resort.
ARENAL Adventure Awaits! Today is free for you to customize your day with a variety of optional excursions or simply choose to enjoy the resort. (B) FREE TIME TIPS EXPLORE MORE During your free day, you may wish to go on an optional horseback ride or float trip. Or you can take advantage of your resort’s amenities by swimming, playing tennis, or searching for wildlife along the nearby riverbank. 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 7: Arenal,San José
Location: San José
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your tour ends with breakfast and a transfer back to the San Jose Airport. Please schedule homebound flights after 2pm.
ARENAL–SAN JOSÉ Safe travels until we meet again! Your tour ends with breakfast and a transfer back to the San Jose Airport. Please schedule homebound flights after 2pm. (B)
What's Included
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Accommodation
Stay at Delta Hotels by Marriott San Jose Aurola in San Jose, El Establo Mountain Lodge in Monteverde, and Tilajari Resort Hotel in Arenal.
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Meals
Breakfast is included daily.
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Guided Tours
Enjoy guided tours of San Jose and Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve.
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Transportation
Transfers are provided from Arenal to San Jose Airport at the end of the tour.
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Small Group Discoveries
Experience a Small-Group Discovery with an average of just 20 guests per departure, ensuring extra space and personalized experiences.
What's Not Included
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Optional Excursions
Optional excursions such as horseback rides, float trips, and visits to hot springs are not included and can be purchased separately.
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Lunch and Dinner
Lunch and dinner are not included in the tour package.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and tips are not covered.
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Flights
International and domestic flights to and from Costa Rica are not included.
Mode of Transport
The tour includes transportation from San José to Monteverde, then to Arenal, and back to San José, with stops at key attractions along the way.
Accommodation
San Jose: Delta Hotels by Marriott San Jose Aurola. Monteverde: El Establo Mountain Lodge. Arenal: Tilajari Resort Hotel.
Meals
Breakfast daily
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.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of wildlife might I see in the Monteverde Cloud Forest?
In the Monteverde Cloud Forest, you might see a variety of wildlife including sloths, jaguars, ocelots, monkeys, coatis, and numerous species of birds. The forest is home to over 3,000 species of plants, 400 species of birds, 60 species of bats, 1,200 species of amphibians, and 700 species of butterflies.
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What activities are available during the free time in Arenal?
During your free time in Arenal, you can enjoy the resort's pool and jacuzzi, take a walk around the riverbank or surrounding gardens, or participate in optional excursions such as a high-flying adventure on the Arenal Hanging Bridges or visiting the nearby hot springs. You can also opt for a horseback ride or float trip, or enjoy the resort's amenities like swimming and playing tennis.
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What is the significance of the Mirador 1968 reserve near Arenal?
The Mirador 1968 is a private reserve located next to Arenal Volcano National Park. It is significant because it offers evidence of the volcanic activity in the area and how it affected the ecosystem. Visitors can take an early hike through the reserve to learn about the impact of the volcano.
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What should I know about the Arenal Volcano?
Arenal Volcano was Costa Rica's most active volcano for 42 years until it entered a passive phase in 2010. The area around the volcano is one of the most bio-diverse in the world, home to more than 850 species of birds and other wildlife. Visitors can hike the trails around the volcano or relax in the thermal hot springs.
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What is the best time to schedule my homebound flight on the last day of the tour?
You should schedule your homebound flight after 2pm on the last day of the tour, as the tour ends with breakfast and a transfer back to the San Jose Airport.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
For over 90 years.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest Covid-19 policies
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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.
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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.
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Low Deposit
Barrhead Travel requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 98 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of barrhead travel charges.
Up to 98 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 97 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 28 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions
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