Colours of Costa Rica
Colours of Costa Rica
$5468
Colours of Costa Rica
14 Days Starting and ending in San José, Costa Rica
Visiting: San José, San Jose, Tortuguero, Arenal, Arenal Volcano, Río Peñas Blancas, Monteverde, Manuel Antonio, Manuel Antonio National Park
Tour operator:
Tour code:
1143
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
0 - 18
Age range:
12-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Meat
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Foodie and Wine Tours, Gardens & Nature Tours, Wildlife Tours
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on the "Colours of Costa Rica" tour and immerse yourself in the vibrant culture and stunning natural beauty of this Central American gem. Begin your adventure in San José, exploring its bustling streets and rich history. Journey through the lush Braulio Carrillo National Park to the wildlife haven of Tortuguero, where boat tours reveal exotic creatures. Marvel at the majestic Arenal Volcano, enjoy a serene inflatable boat trip on Río Peñas Blancas, and experience the nocturnal wonders of Monteverde's cloud forest. Conclude your trip in the breathtaking Manuel Antonio National Park, home to pristine beaches and diverse wildlife. This tour offers a perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and cultural immersion.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Fly To San José
Location: San José
Meals Included: Dinner
Fly to San José, Costa Rica’s capital, where you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture. Tonight, you will enjoy a welcome dinner.
Day 2: San Jose
Location: San Jose
Meals Included: Lunch
This morning, get to know San Jose by exploring the main streets, theatres, museums and downtown neighbourhoods. After this, head to the outskirts of the city, to the town of Escazu where vestiges of the colonial lifestyle still can be found on every corner. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, visit a local artisan to learn about the traditional “mascaradas” and finish your visit at a sugar cane mill.
Day 3: Travel To Tortuguero Village
Location: Tortuguero
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today you will travel through Braulio Carrillo National Park crossing through rural agriculture towns of banana and cocoa plantations, before you embark on a boat to cross to the beautiful jungle area of Tortuguero. This afternoon receive a visit from the local elder, learning how the town turned from a lumberjack town into one of the most important wildlife protection areas in the country.
Day 4: Explore Tortuguero
Location: Tortuguero
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Start the morning with a boat tour on the canals of the Tortuguero National Park, where you can expect to see anything from small reptiles such as the Jesus Christ Lizard, multiple species of migratory and stationary birds, or if you are lucky, the king of the Costa Rican jungles: the elusive jaguar. Stop at the town of Tortuguero to explore and learn about their way of living.
Day 5: Travel To Arenal
Location: Arenal
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Leaving the Caribbean behind, your exploration continues crossing mountains, rivers and different kinds of forests, as you continue to one of the landmarks of Costa Rica, the Arenal Volcano. You will stop at the town of Sarapiqui to visit with a local farmer, tasting the delicacy of fresh cut Heart of Palm.
Day 6: Arenal Volcano
Location: Arenal Volcano
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning you visit Eco Centro Danaus, one of the most important projects for wildlife protection and preservation in the area. In the afternoon visit the Arenal 1968 Park, for a walk that offers spectacular panoramic views of Arenal Volcano and Arenal Lake. You will end the day with a stop at the hot springs to relax and enjoy the peaceful and beautiful scenery.
Day 7: Rio Penas Blancas
Location: Río Peñas Blancas
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Enjoy a trip in an inflatable boat through the scenic Río Peñas Blancas as you try to spot a wide variety of trees, birds, monkeys and other wildlife. Your afternoon is at leisure before heading into town to enjoy an evening experiencing amongst the locals.
Day 8: Travel To Monteverde
Location: Monteverde
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today you leave the imposing Arenal Volcano and its’ rain forest behind as you move to the cloud forest area of Monteverde. In the late afternoon experience a forest walk at night, learning about the various species that rule at nightfall, to the symphony of frogs and insects.
Day 9: Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
Location: Monteverde
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning take a memorable walk on the Hanging Bridges where you get to see the flora and fauna at every level of these magical tropical forests. The afternoon is yours to decide if you want to stay in the park or relax at the hotel, before a local host shares the history of the Quaker foundations of Monteverde with you.
Day 10: Travel To Manuel Antonio
Location: Manuel Antonio
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
After breakfast head to the last destination of this trip, the area of Manuel Antonio. Completing the forest cycle of the country this area hosts not only a large variety of flora and fauna in a relatively small area of land, but also a significant patch of protected sea. After amazing views of the Nicoya Gulf you will arrive at your hotel where you spend the rest of the day at leisure.
Day 11: Manuel Antonio National Park
Location: Manuel Antonio National Park
Meals Included: Breakfast
Wake up to explore the pristine natural beauty of this National Park filled with exotic wildlife such as monkeys, sloths, birds, reptiles and butterflies. A picturesque walk takes you to one of the beaches named the most beautiful in the world. Experience the lush rainforest, white sandy beaches below, and crystalline blue waters.
Day 12: Manuel Antonio
Location: Manuel Antonio
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Morning at leisure to relax before exploring the local flavors of the area this afternoon with a stop at the local farmers’ market in Quepos, to pick out ingredients for dinner. Continue to a private ranch in Londres to choose the finishing flavours, colours and textures for your meal, before the preparation guided by the expert local cooks.
Day 13-14: Fly San Jose To Uk
Location: San Jose
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning after breakfast you will transfer to the Juan Santamaria International Airport in San Jose for your flight home, arriving the next day.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Throughout the tour, you will stay in comfortable hotels, providing a relaxing retreat after each day's adventures.
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Transportation
Transportation includes airport transfers, travel through national parks, and boat rides, ensuring a seamless and scenic journey across Costa Rica.
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Meals
Meals are included throughout the tour, with breakfast, lunch, and dinner provided on various days.
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Welcome Dinner
Enjoy a welcome dinner on the first night in San José.
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Local Experiences
Visits to local artisans, farmers, and markets are included to provide an authentic cultural experience.
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Guided Tours
Guided tours of national parks, towns, and other attractions are included.
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National Park Fees
Entrance fees to national parks and reserves are included.
What's Not Included
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International Flights
International flights to and from Costa Rica are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended for all travelers.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and beverages are not included.
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Optional Activities
Optional activities and excursions not mentioned in the itinerary are not included.
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Gratuities
Gratuities for guides, drivers, and hotel staff are not included.
Mode of Transport
Transportation includes airport transfers, travel through national parks, and boat rides, ensuring a seamless and scenic journey across Costa Rica.
Experiences
Explore the Forest Canopy
Venture across the exhilarating Arenal Hanging Bridges, draped through the lush canopy at the foot of Arenal Volcano, for a bird's eye view of the rainforest and a glimpse of the forest canopy wildlife.
Explore Costa Rica's Cloudforest
Explore Costa Rica's most magical natural sight, the cloudforest of Monteverde, a biological reserve dedicated to protecting a unique ecosystem that is home to an astounding 50% of Costa Rica's flora and fauna.
Tortuguero National Park Cruise
Embark on a cruise through the resplendent waterways of Tortuguero National Park, passing between the marshy islands that provide shelter for a diverse range of wildlife, including sea turtles, otters and monkeys.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of transportation is included in the tour?
Transportation includes airport transfers, travel through national parks, and boat rides, ensuring a seamless and scenic journey across Costa Rica.
-
What kind of accommodation can I expect during the tour?
Throughout the tour, you will stay in comfortable hotels, providing a relaxing retreat after each day's adventures.
-
What activities are planned for the first day in San José?
On the first day, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture. In the evening, you will enjoy a welcome dinner.
-
What will we do in San José on the second day?
On the second day, you will explore the main streets, theatres, museums, and downtown neighborhoods of San José. You will also visit the town of Escazu, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, learn about traditional 'mascaradas' from a local artisan, and visit a sugar cane mill.
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What can I expect during the visit to Tortuguero Village?
You will travel through Braulio Carrillo National Park, cross rural agriculture towns, and embark on a boat to reach Tortuguero. In the afternoon, you will meet a local elder to learn about the town's transformation from a lumberjack town to a wildlife protection area.
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What wildlife might I see during the boat tour in Tortuguero National Park?
During the boat tour, you can expect to see small reptiles like the Jesus Christ Lizard, multiple species of migratory and stationary birds, and possibly the elusive jaguar.
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What is planned for the visit to Arenal Volcano?
You will visit Eco Centro Danaus, an important wildlife protection project, and Arenal 1968 Park for panoramic views of Arenal Volcano and Arenal Lake. The day will end with a visit to the hot springs.
-
What activities are included in the visit to Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve?
You will take a walk on the Hanging Bridges to see the flora and fauna of the tropical forests. In the afternoon, you can choose to stay in the park or relax at the hotel. A local host will also share the history of the Quaker foundations of Monteverde.
-
What can I expect during the visit to Manuel Antonio National Park?
You will explore the park's natural beauty, which includes exotic wildlife such as monkeys, sloths, birds, reptiles, and butterflies. A picturesque walk will take you to one of the world's most beautiful beaches, featuring lush rainforest, white sandy beaches, and crystalline blue waters.
-
What culinary experience is included in Manuel Antonio?
You will visit the local farmers' market in Quepos to pick out ingredients for dinner. You will then go to a private ranch in Londres to choose the finishing flavors, colors, and textures for your meal, which will be prepared with the guidance of expert local cooks.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
If, after our confirmation invoice has been issued, you wish to change your travel arrangements in any way, we will endeavour to make these changes, but it may not always be possible. Any changes to confirmed bookings need to be sent to us in writing via your travel agent. Please refer to our booking conditions for further information and fees.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Customers booking to travel solo can choose our ‘Happy to Share’ option, which may enable them to share a twin room with other solo customers of the same gender who also request Happy to Share, thus avoiding the need to pay single room supplements. Note that ‘Happy to Share’ requests can be received when you make your booking with us but will not be confirmed until your final payment due date.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Your Final Travel Documents are usually sent to you 2-3 weeks prior to your departure. Your travel pack will include your tour itinerary, hotel details, flight e-tickets and a travel guide. If you have booked with a travel agent, your tickets will be dispatched to your travel agent unless we have been otherwise informed.
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Will I be travelling with passengers from other countries?
Our passengers generally enjoy the mixture of British, Australian and American clients on tour. Occasionally we are joined by English-speaking passengers from other countries.
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What is 'Happy to Share'?
Customers booking to travel solo can choose our ‘Happy to Share’ option, which may enable them to share a twin room with other solo customers of the same gender who also request Happy to Share, thus avoiding the need to pay single room supplements. Note that ‘Happy to Share’ requests can be received when you make your booking with us but will not be confirmed until your final payment due date. If a share partner is found, the Single Supplement will be removed from your booking. If a share partner is not found, the Single Supplement will remain and is payable with your final balance in line with our normal booking conditions. Either way, our Operations Team will contact you around 75 days before departure to let you know whether a share partner has been found or not. We regret that Happy to Share requests cannot be accepted within 75 days of departure. Wendy Wu Tours reserves the right to change or withdraw this arrangement at any time.
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Do you allow children on your tours?
We allow children 12 years and over on our group tours. We recommend that families with children of any age take advantage of our private or tailormade tours. This will give you more flexibility while on tour.
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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
Why book with Barrhead?
Fully Protected
All our holidays are fully financially protected.
Your flight & hotel package is fully ATOL protected.
Range
Our bespoke holidays are tailor-made to suit your personal requirements.
We can book flights, rail journeys, accommodation, cruises, attraction tickets and much more.
Industry leading discounts, we won't be beaten on price.
Expert Knowledge
We know because we go – our Touring & Adventure specialists have travelled to over 55 countries.
Reliable & unbiased advice from our trusted travel experts.
Trusted Agent
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We look after you every step of the way.
