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Vacation Overview
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Forget the big city crowds and high prices—now is your time to vacation in Costa Rica! With its abundant wildlife and splendid beauty, it’s no wonder Costa Rica is synonymous with pura vida—the good life. On this Costa Rica tour, you’ll spend two nights each in San José, Monteverde, and Arenal.
The verdant cloud forest of Monteverde is one of the most bio-diverse areas on the planet. Here, search for wildlife as you explore Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve—home to jaguars, resplendent quetzals, pumas, monkeys, sloths, ocelots, many species of birds, and a large diversity of plant species—with an expert Naturalist. In Arenal, located in the shadow of Arenal Volcano (considered one of the world’s most active volcanoes), visit the Arenal Hanging Bridges. Made up of 15 bridges suspended in the treetops, you’ll see the flora and fauna from a different perspective. Be sure to have your camera ready for when your Naturalist points out monkeys, sloths, butterflies, birds, and other animals commonly seen here.
All of this and more—plus an amazing value—await you on this fantastic Costa Rica tour!
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To know more about the visas for this vacation, click
here
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DAY
1
ARRIVE IN SAN JOSÉ, COSTA RICA.
Arrive in San José where you will be met by a Globus representative.
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DAY
2
SAN JOSÉ–TORTUGUERO NATIONAL PARK.
This morning, depart San José for the Caribbean shores, where you’ll find Tortuguero National Park, a must-see when visiting Costa Rica! Afte a drive to the east coast, embark on a CRUISE which takes you to the bio-diverse rainforest of TORTUGUERO NATIONAL PARK. Your expert Naturalist will accompany you and point out the many species that can be found in this area including white-faced capuchin, howler, spider monkeys, toucans, macaws, tapirs, ocelot, manatees, and even jaguars! The area is also famous for the five species of turtles that repeatedly come her each year to lay their eggs. Upon arrival at the lodge, enjoy a welcome drink and briefing before some time to explore prior to dinner this evening. (B,L,D)
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DAY
3
TORTUGUERO NATIONAL PARK.
This morning, take a Naturalist-guided CRUISE of the remote yet extensive Tortuguero canals famous for its abundant wildlife. Your eagle-eye guide will help you spot some of the fauna that call this region home which includes more than 125 species of mammals, 124 species of reptiles, and over 375 species of birds. Return to the lodge for a NATURE WALK into the rainforest led by your guide who explains the flora commonly found here and its uses. This afternoon, visit the small town of Tortuguero consisting of a few shops and restaurants, no cars, and dirt roads. Here, visit the SEA TURTLE CONSERVANCY MUSEUM and learn about the various endangered sea turtles that come here annually to nest and lay their eggs. This area was declared a National Park in 1975 to protect these turtles and today Tortuguero is home to the largest green turtle rookery in North America. Other turtles found here include the Hawksbill, Leatherback, Loggerhead, and Olive Ridley. If you are lucky, you may be able to observe some of these turtles nesting on the beach during an optional night walk on the beach. (B,L,D)
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DAY
4
TORTUGUERO NATIONAL PARK–GUAPILES–SAN JOSÉ.
A morning boat transfer begins your journey to the Guapiles area. After lunch in Guapiles, continue to San José for the night. (B,L)
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DAY
5
SAN JOSÉ–MONTEVERDE.
This morning transfer to the cloud forest of Monteverde. Situated on the continental divide under a misty cloud coverage, Monteverde is one of the most bio-diverse areas on the planet. Exploring the trails here reveals green habitats teeming with life. Over 3,000 species of plants, 400 species of birds, 60 species of bats, 1,200 species of amphibians, and 700 species of butterflies—to name a few—call this area home. It is also one of the last remaining places in the world that is home to all six species of cats: ocelots, jaguars, jaguarundi, pumas, oncillas, and marguays. If you are lucky, this is also a great spot to catch a glimpse of one of Costa Rica’s most beautiful birds, the resplendent quetzal. (B)
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DAY
6
MONTEVERDE.
Today, visit SANTA ELENA CLOUD FOREST RESERVE during a Naturalist guided walking tour. Established in 1989, the Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve comprises an area of 765 acres, and is 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. This afternoon, you may wish to explore this verdant area further or perhaps head into town or venture into the rainforest canopy for a bird's eye view of the region. (B)
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DAY
7
MONTEVERDE–ARENAL.
Depart Monteverde for the must-see town of Arenal located in the shadow of Arenal Volcano. Currently, Arenal Volcano is in a resting phase but prior to 2010 the volcano was known for its consistent lava flows and gas emissions. Arenal is home to cascading waterfalls, thriving rainforests, abundant wildlife, and a plethora of outdoor activities. After settling in, experience the magic of the resort’s pool and Jacuzzis or consider a walk along the nearby nature trails in search of 300- to 400-year-old trees, poisonous frogs, monkeys, birds, and possibly small animals native to the area. (B)
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DAY
8
ARENAL.
Today will be spent exploring ARENAL NATIONAL PARK and its vast primary rainforest, and learning about its rich biodiversity. Venture into the jungle canopy on the ARENAL HANGING BRIDGES, which consist of 15 bridges suspended in the treetops and allows your Naturalist to point out various species of plants, birds, butterflies, monkeys, sloths, and other animals commonly found here. On a clear day, you will get a 360-degree view of the tropical rainforest, as well as stunning views of Arenal Volcano. This afternoon is free to explore at your leisure. Tonight, perhaps take an optional tour to the world-famous Tabacón Hot Springs. These natural hot springs are the result of rainwater heated by magma in the Earth’s interior that then rises to the surface, taking with it minerals found in the Earth’s crust. Enjoy time to relax in the waters that are so beneficial to your skin and body. (B)
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DAY
9
ARENAL–SARCHI–SAN JOSÉ.
En route to San José, visit SARCHI Village, known as the center of Costa Rican handicrafts and where you’ll see the artists in their workshops making the famous ox carts. Enjoy time here for lunch before continuing to San José for a short city ORIENTATION to see the historic National Theater, the Metropolitan Cathedral, and other sites in downtown San José. (B)
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DAY
10
SAN JOSÉ.
Your tour ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
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INCLUDED FEATURES
TORTUGUERO NATIONAL PARK
Guided sightseeing and cruise through the Tortuguero National Park canals to view wildlife; guided nature walk through the rainforest; visit Tortuguero town; guided visit of the Sea Turtle Conservancy Museum; Guapiles nature walk
MONTEVERDE
Visit Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve; Naturalist-led tour of the reserve
ARENAL
Visit Arenal National Park; Naturalist-led tour of the Arenal Hanging Bridges
SARCHI
Visit to the artisan village to see the famous Costa Rica ox carts
SAN JOSÉ
Orientation tour
Notes:
- Participation in this tour requires guest's name exactly as it appears on his/her passport, D.O.B., gender, and nationality at the time of booking.
INSIDE VISITS
Inside visits and special features are shown in the description, including admission
charges when applicable.
STANDARD INCLUDED FEATURES
Learn about Standard Included Features.
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Breakfast daily, 3 lunches, 2 dinners
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With Globus, there’s no better way to get to know your destination than through the eyes of your Tour Director. Averaging over a decade... we’d like you to meet a Tour Director, who is representative of the type of expert that will be with you on your vacation.
JORGE AVILA
Escorting tours for more than 11 years
“Born in San José, I developed an interest in knowing the different attractions, customs and traditions across beautiful Costa Rica. I have always enjoyed at the fullest what I do, so I share my passion with everyone. I like making new friends, being helpful, leading groups, sharing my knowledge of my home country, and always having a smile for people around me.”
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San Jose
The Park Inn Radisson is conveniently located in the heart of San Jose within walking distance of the well-known Paseo Colon, the city's main avenue. The hotel features 117 comfortable guestrooms equipped with complimentary wireless internet, outdoor pool, and on-site bar and grill.
 Ave 6, Street 28
San Jose,
Costa Rica
 Free Wifi
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Tortuguero
Built in respect of its surrounding nature, the Evergreen Lodge provides travelers with absolute comfort, great food, and most importantly, an unobstructed experience with nature. A beautiful dining room with soaring ceilings provides first class meals in an atmosphere that reflects and compliments the jungle paradise surrounding it, and friendly staff welcome you to this magical place called Tortuguero.
Tortuguero National Park
Tortuguero,
Costa Rica
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Monteverde
The hotel maintains the essence of traditional rustic lodging while assuring guests maximum comfort. Guestrooms feature complementary Wi-Fi, cable TV, in-room safe, private bathroom, and daily housekeeping.
300 Mts Sureste de la Escuela de Cerro Plano
Santa Elena,
Costa Rica
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Arenal
This colonial-modern hotel facing Arenal Volcano offers panoramic views and is surrounded by lush foliage. Facilities include an outdoor pool, Jacuzzi, restaurant with international cuisine, sports bar, and relaxing spa. Air-conditioned rooms feature a balcony or terrace with views of the volcano, in-room safe, cable television, and wireless internet access.
La Fortuna de San Carlos
Arenal,
Costa Rica
Free Wifi
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Four Ways Globus Eliminates the Hassles
VIP Access
Skip the lines and get special treatment at the must-see attractions.
Perfect Hotels
We’ve done the work to find just the right hotels in just the right locations.
Tour Directors
Take your heads out of the guidebook and let expert guides make every destination
fascinating.
Transportation
Leave the navigating to us – and just sit back and enjoy the ride.
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