Independent Costa Rica Wonders with Tortuguero & Guanacaste

Independent Costa Rica Wonders with Tortuguero & Guanacaste

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Independent Costa Rica Wonders with Tortuguero & Guanacaste

11 Days Starting in San José, Costa Rica and ending in Guanacaste, Costa Rica

Visiting: San José, Tortuguero National Park, Arenal, Monteverde, Guanacaste

Tour operator:

Globus

Tour code:

ILA4-2025

Group Type:

Independent

Guide Type:

Self Guided

Physical rating:

Medium

Tour operated in:

English

This tour is no longer available

Tour Overview

Livin’ la Pura Vida! This philosophy of the pure life in Costa Rica is also a common greeting you’ll hear on your Globus Independent tour. From the mind-blowing lava trails and soul-soothing thermal springs of the Arenal Volcano region to the lush tropical forests in the clouds of Monteverde, you’ll encounter pure nature of Costa Rica’s rich and resplendent flora and fauna found nowhere else on earth. Explore Tortuguero National Park to navigate the pristine waterways where turtles nest amid nature at its best. Put your head in the clouds in the Monteverde Cloud Forest, home to over 3,000 plant species, some 120 mammal species, 400 bird species, and 1,200 species of amphibians and reptiles. Land in Guanacaste to laze and gaze upon the beautiful beaches of the North Pacific. Add a dose of I-time to immerse yourself in Costa Rican culture and cuisine in San José, and you’re living your best life, indeed!

Highlights

  • Admire beautiful evergreen mountains and landscapes of Braulio Carrillo National Park.

  • Take a boat ride through the canals of Tortuguero National Park to see unique flora and fauna.

  • Visit the village of Tortuguero and learn about local conservation efforts for sea turtles.

  • Experience the hot springs in Arenal and take a dip in natural mineral waters.

  • Enjoy a short boat ride across Lake Arenal to see various bird species.

  • Explore Monteverde Cloud Forest with an expert Naturalist on a guided night walk to see nocturnal creatures.

  • Discover the diverse wildlife and plant species in Monteverde Cloud Forest.

Places You'll See

Doubletree Cariari

Evergreen Lodge

Lomas Del Volcan

El Establo Mountain Lodge

Wyndham Tamarindo

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Arrive In San José,Costa Rica

Location: San José

Accommodation Name: Doubletree Cariari

Welcome to Costa Rica! Hotel rooms are available for mid-afternoon check-in.

Day 2: San José,Tortuguero National Park

Location: Tortuguero National Park

Accommodation Name: Evergreen Lodge

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

SAN JOSÉ–TORTUGUERO NATIONAL PARK• Early this morning, travel east to the northern Caribbean’s lowlands. In the first part of the trip, admire beautiful evergreen mountains and beautiful landscapes of Braulio Carrillo National Park. Once on the Caribbean side, continue to the Caño Blanco Dock, where you will board a boat to take you to Tortuguero National Park.• Take a boat ride through the canals sheltered in the jungle of the rainforest. From the boat you will be able to admire the unique flora and fauna of this area.• Upon arrival at your hotel there will be a short briefing followed by lunch. In the afternoon, visit the village of Tortuguero, where you learn the lifestyle of local residents and the significant conservation efforts developed to protect the sea turtles that come to spawn each year along the 22 miles of nearby protected coastline.(B,L,D)

Day 3: Tortuguero National Park

Location: Tortuguero National Park

Accommodation Name: Evergreen Lodge

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

TORTUGUERO NATIONAL PARK • This morning, your guide accompanies you on a leisurely boat ride along remote, unspoiled sections of the park’s waterways, explaining the bountiful flora and fauna. The trained eyes of your guide and boatman help you spot freshwater turtles, caimans, herons, toucans, egrets, and monkeys.• Later, 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. • Later this afternoon, meet a local Naturalist for an informative presentation on the ecology of the area.(B,L,D)Today’s I-Time Tips Between guided excursions, relax by the pool or take a siesta!

Day 4: Tortuguero National Park,Arenal

Location: Arenal

Accommodation Name: Volcano Lodge & Gardens

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

TORTUGUERO NATIONAL PARK–ARENAL • Today, transfer by boat and car to the lush town of Arenal, located in the shadow of Arenal Volcano. Settle in and experience the magic of your resort.• This afternoon, visit the famous hot springs the area is known for and take a dip in the natural springs and pools of mineral waters surrounded by lush, tropical forest. Enjoy dinner at the hot springs.(B,D)

Day 5: Arenal

Location: Arenal

Accommodation Name: Volcano Lodge & Gardens

Meals Included: Breakfast

ARENAL• Today is at your leisure to explore on your own or perhaps take an optional excursion. (B)Today’s I-Time Tips Perhaps visit the Arenal Hanging Bridges, a network of suspension bridges, platforms, and trails built in the cloud forest. From here, explore the forest canopy with a bird’s-eye view, giving you a different perspective of the forest’s wildlife. Alternatively, you may choose a rafting or horseback riding adventure.

Day 6: Arenal,Monteverde

Location: Monteverde

Accommodation Name: El Establo Mountain Lodge

Meals Included: Breakfast

ARENAL–MONTEVERDE• This morning, your transfer begins with a short boat ride across Arenal Lake to admire different species of birds that visit and call the area home. Continue through incredible mountain scenery and the Monteverde Cloud Forest, home to over 3,000 plant species, approximately 120 mammal species, 400 bird species, and 1,200 species of amphibians and reptiles.• This evening, venture into Monteverde’s Cloud Forest just before nightfall with an expert Naturalist for a guided nature walk to search for the jungle’s nocturnal creatures, like sloths, foxes, agoutis, frogs, and many more!(B)

Day 7: Monteverde

Location: Monteverde

Accommodation Name: El Establo Mountain Lodge

Meals Included: Breakfast

MONTEVERDE • Enjoy a day to do as you please today with options to choose from if you like.(B)Today’s I-Time Tips Maybe wake up early and visit Santa Elena Cloud Forest to best experience the animals in their natural forest habitats. Discover this misty and surreal wildlife sanctuary full of mosses, ferns, flowers, and other indigenous plant life. Also, notice how the combination of climatic and geographic factors create temperature and humidity gradients, changing dramatically over just a short distance, or you could visit a local family’s farm to learn about sugar cane, coffee, and tilapia farming.

Day 8: Monteverde,Guanacaste

Location: Monteverde

Accommodation Name: Wyndham Tamarindo

Meals Included: Breakfast

MONTEVERDE–GUANACASTE • Journey to the Guanacaste region of Costa Rica. This part of the North Pacific region of Coast Rica offers hundreds of unspoiled beaches lining the shores, but Guanacaste is surprisingly far from being a traditional beach destination.(B)Today’s I-Time Tips During your time here, you may choose a rainforest canopy tour, river rafting or a float trip down the Corobici River. Consider horseback riding or fishing, or relax on the beach and snorkel in the Pacific Ocean.

Day 9: Guanacaste

Location: Guanacaste

Accommodation Name: Wyndham Tamarindo

Meals Included: Breakfast

GUANACASTE • Enjoy a free day.(B)Today’s I-Time Tips Perhaps opt for a guided visit to Rincon de la Vieja National Park, known as Costa Rica’s Yellowstone, to explore the steamy sulfur water ponds and pungent fumaroles that punctuate this jungle, home to toucans, monkeys, and many other animals. Or, take a leisurely boat cruise through Palo Verde National Park, composed of tropical dry forest and mangroves, and admire scores of birds, caimans, and iguanas along the way.

Day 10: Guanacaste

Location: Guanacaste

Accommodation Name: Wyndham Tamarindo

Meals Included: Breakfast

GUANACASTE • Enjoy a free day.(B)Today’s I-Time Tips Why not choose a total adrenaline rush for today’s adventure on a zip line tour?! The zip line system consists of a network of suspended cables up in the treetop canopy that go from one platform to another and that will let you zip from tree to tree.

Day 11: Guanacaste

Location: Guanacaste

Meals Included: Breakfast

GUANACASTE • Your vacation ends after breakfast this morning.(B)

What's Included

  • Accommodation

    Accommodation is provided at Doubletree Cariari in San Jose, Evergreen Lodge in Tortuguero, Volcano Lodge & Gardens in Arenal, El Establo Mountain Lodge in Monteverde, and Wyndham Tamarindo in Guanacaste.

  • Meals

    Buffet breakfast daily; 2 lunches; 3 three-course dinners are included.

  • Transportation

    Transportation includes travel by boat and car to various locations such as Tortuguero National Park and Arenal.

  • Guided Tours

    Guided tours include a boat ride through the canals of Tortuguero National Park, a visit to the village of Tortuguero, and a guided nature walk in Monteverde's Cloud Forest.

  • Hot Springs Visit

    A visit to the famous hot springs in Arenal is included, where you can take a dip in the natural springs and pools of mineral waters.

What's Not Included

  • Flights

    Flights to and from Costa Rica 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 drinks are not included.

  • Optional Activities

    Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary are not included.

  • Gratuities

    Gratuities for guides, drivers, and hotel staff are not included.

Meals

Buffet breakfast daily; 2 lunches; 3 three-course dinners

UNESCO Sites

Area de Conservación Guanacaste

Accommodation

San Jose: Doubletree Cariari, Tortuguero: Evergreen Lodge, Arenal: Volcano Lodge & Gardens, Monteverde: El Establo Mountain Lodge, Guanacaste: Wyndham Tamarindo

Notes

Transportation is as outlined in the day-by-day itinerary to include, transfers by land and boat to Tortuguero on day 2, transport by car and boat from Tortuguero to Guapiles and then continue on to Arenal on day 4, and transfer by land to Guanacaste for the next three nights on day 8. Local guide service is provied in San José and a Naturalist in Tortuguero.

Though this is an Independent tour, some transportation segments will be shared with other travelers.

Check out our Q&As

  • What kind of wildlife can I expect to see in Monteverde Cloud Forest?

    In Monteverde Cloud Forest, you can expect to see over 3,000 plant species, approximately 120 mammal species, 400 bird species, and 1,200 species of amphibians and reptiles. During a guided nature walk, you may encounter nocturnal creatures like sloths, foxes, agoutis, and frogs.

  • What activities are included in Tortuguero National Park?

    In Tortuguero National Park, you will take a boat ride through the canals to admire the unique flora and fauna, visit the village of Tortuguero to learn about local residents' lifestyles and conservation efforts, and have opportunities to see the sea turtles that come to spawn each year along the protected coastline.

  • What can I expect during the visit to Arenal?

    In Arenal, you will transfer by boat and car to the town located in the shadow of Arenal Volcano. You will visit the famous hot springs, where you can take a dip in the natural springs and pools of mineral waters surrounded by lush, tropical forest. Dinner will be provided at the hot springs.

  • What is the significance of the visit to Tortuguero village?

    The visit to Tortuguero village is significant because you will learn about the lifestyle of local residents and the important conservation efforts developed to protect the sea turtles that come to spawn each year along the 22 miles of nearby protected coastline.

  • What kind of landscapes will I see on the way to Tortuguero National Park?

    On the way to Tortuguero National Park, you will travel through the northern Caribbean’s lowlands, admire beautiful evergreen mountains, and see the stunning landscapes of Braulio Carrillo National Park.

  • What is included in the meals during the tour?

    The tour includes a buffet breakfast daily, 2 lunches, and 3 three-course dinners.

  • What happens on the last day of the tour?

    On the last day of the tour, your vacation ends after breakfast in Guanacaste.

  • 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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  • 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.

  • 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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