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Tour Overview
Embark on a captivating 9-day journey through Costa Rica with the "Magic Costa Rica" tour. Begin your adventure in the vibrant city of San José before heading to the lush landscapes of Tortuguero National Park, renowned for its green sea turtle nesting grounds and diverse wildlife. Experience the awe-inspiring Arenal Volcano, surrounded by trails and rich biodiversity. Relax on the stunning beaches of Tamarindo, a lively resort town perfect for surfing and dining. This tour includes 8 nights of accommodation, daily breakfasts, select lunches and dinners, and shared transfers, ensuring a seamless travel experience. Enjoy guided activities like a boat tour in Tortuguero, while also having ample free time to explore at your own pace. With a focus on nature and adventure, this tour offers a perfect blend of relaxation and exploration in one of the world's most biodiverse countries. ...more ...less
Highlights
Tortuguero: Explore the nesting grounds of green sea turtles and enjoy spectacular beaches and wildlife spotting opportunities.
Arenal: Visit one of Costa Rica's most beautiful volcanoes and explore its mesmerizing park with rich wildlife.
Tamarindo: Experience a vibrant beach resort perfect for surfing, nightlife, and a bustling restaurant scene.
Tortuguero National Park: Discover a network of canals, lagoons, and dense rainforests on a guided boat tour.
Guanacaste: Relax in the paradise of the North Pacific with beautiful beaches and leisure activities.
Itinerary
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Upon arrival to bustling San Jose, our representative will meet and greet you and then direct you to your shared transport, which will drop you off at your hotel in San Jose for your night in Costa Rica.
Overnight in San Jose.
Day 2
:
SAN JOSE – TORTUGUERO (135km – 4 hrs by road / 2 hrs by boat)
Location: San Jose, Guapiles, Tortuguero National Park
Accommodation Name: Turtle Beach Lodge or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Your day begins early with a pick up from the hotel. Indulge in a tasty breakfast en route in a restaurant in Guapiles and continue through the jungle by boat, cruising the rivers and canals of Tortuguero National Park. Arrive at your lodge in time to enjoy a tasty lunch. Dinner in the evening is also included.
Overnight in Tortuguero.
Day 3
:
TORTUGUERO NATIONAL PARK
Location: Tortuguero National Park
Accommodation Name: Turtle Beach Lodge or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Make the most of your stay in Tortuguero. After breakfast, enjoy a boat trip on the Tortuguero canals, an essential activity while in Costa Rica. Discover its network of canals, lagoons and dense rainforests through a boat tour guided by an expert naturalist guide. Abundant wildlife inhabits Tortuguero, including 57 species of amphibians, 111 species of reptiles, and 60 species of mammals. Lunch and dinner is served at the hotel.
Overnight in Tortuguero.
Day 4
:
TORTUGUERO – ARENAL (210km – 5 hrs by road / 2 hrs by boat)
Location: Tortuguero, Guapiles, Arenal
Accommodation Name: Magic Mountain or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
After breakfast, we depart Tortuguero by shared boat and land transfers back to Guapiles, where we stop for lunch in a local restaurant. After a tasty meal, you will be picked up by a shared transfer and taken to the Arenal area. Arrive at Arenal and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight in Arenal.
Day 5
:
ARENAL
Location: Arenal
Accommodation Name: Magic Mountain or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Wake up to a breakfast at the hotel. Free day to enjoy the area. Optionally, you can take advantage of the activities that are available in the area.
Overnight in Arenal.
Day 6
:
ARENAL – GUANACASTE/TAMARINDO (200km – 4 hrs)
Location: Arenal, Guanacaste, Tamarindo
Accommodation Name: Hotel Pasatiempo or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast at the hotel you will be picked up for your next destination, the paradise Guanacaste, located in the North Pacific. Upon arrival at Tamarindo Beach free afternoon to enjoy the hotel facilities and the beach.
Overnight in Tamarindo.
Day 7
:
TAMARINDO
Location: Tamarindo
Accommodation Name: Hotel Pasatiempo or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy a full day at leisure to discover Tamarindo and surrounding beaches on your own; take an optional excursion available on the spot.
Overnight in Tamarindo.
Day 8
:
TAMARINDO – SAN JOSE (260km – 4.5hrs)
Location: Tamarindo, San José
Accommodation Name: Hotel Autentico or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast at the hotel enjoy a free morning by the beach. In the afternoon transfer back to San Jose and check in to your hotel.
Overnight in San Jose.
Day 9
:
DEPARTURE SAN JOSE AIRPORT
Location: San José, Juan Santamaria International Airport
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy your last breakfast and at the agreed time transfer back to Juan Santamaria International Airport to catch your onward flight.
What's Included
Transport
Arrival and departure shared transfers from/to Juan Santamaria Airport and shared transfers between areas throughout the itinerary (land and boat).
Entrance Fees and Activities
All entrance fees and activities mentioned in the itinerary, including a guided boat tour in Tortuguero National Park.
Other
Meet & Greet and hotel taxes are included.
What's Not Included
Tour Guide
A tour guide is not included in the package.
Services Not Mentioned
Any services not mentioned in the itinerary are excluded.
Flights
International and domestic flights are not included.
Departure Taxes
Departure taxes are not included.
Visa Fees
Visa fees are not included.
Optional Tours and Activities
Optional tours and activities are not included.
Tips and Gratuities
Tips and gratuities are not included.
Personal Expenditures
Expenditures of a personal nature or items not stated explicitly in the program are not included.
Drinks and Fees
Any alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, mineral water, and camera/video camera fees (if any) are not included.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance or any loss or extra cost arising due to unforeseen circumstances such as flight delays, accidents, etc., is not included.
Requirements
Comfortable and light clothing is the most suitable for travelling in Costa Rica. Visitors should not wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts or skimpy clothing when visiting temples, religious or official buildings. Sun protection, sunglasses, a hat and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay.r>
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Please Note
We reserve the right to change itineraries and activities due to weather conditions, technical problems or security reasons.
Early check-in, late check-out, connecting or adjoining rooms in the hotel are subject to availability and not guaranteed
In many hotels in Costa Rica, the triple rooms are a double room with an additional bed or sofa bed. Their comfort conditions are lower than the international standards of the triple room
No refund for unused services. Splitting of the package is not allowed
Accommodation options
ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS
Day 1,8 San Jose
Hotel Category A = Hotel Autentico or similar 3*
Hotel Category B = Studio Hotel or similar 4*
Hotel Category C = Hilton Garden Inn La Sabana or similar 3*
Hotel Category D = Hilton San José La Sabana or similar 3*
Day 2,3 Tortuguero
Hotel Category A, B, C = Pachira Lodge or similar 2*
Hotel Category D = Manatus Lodge or similar 4*
Day 4,5 Arenal
Hotel Category A = Hotel Arenal Paraiso or similar 3*
Hotel Category B = Hotel Arenal Manoa or similar 4*
Hotel Category C = Hotel Arenal Springs or similar 4*
Hotel Category D = Hotel Arenal Kioro or similar 5*
Day 6,7 Guanacaste/Tamarindo
Hotel Category A = Hotel Pasatiempo or similar 3*
Hotel Category B = Hotel Wyndham Tamarindo or similar 3*
Hotel Category C = Hotel Tamarindo Diria or similar 4*
Hotel Category D = Hotel Capitán Suizo or similar 4*
Mode of Transport
Experience seamless travel with shared transfers from Juan Santamaria Airport and between destinations, including land and boat transfers. Enjoy the convenience of shared transport throughout the itinerary, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free journey across Costa Rica's stunning landscapes.
Accommodation
Enjoy 8 nights of comfortable accommodation in Costa Rica, with options ranging from 3-star to 5-star hotels. Stay in San Jose, Tortuguero, Arenal, and Tamarindo, with choices like Hotel Autentico, Turtle Beach Lodge, Magic Mountain, and Hotel Pasatiempo, ensuring a pleasant stay throughout your journey.
Accommodation options
ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS
Day 1,8 San Jose
Hotel Category A = Hotel Autentico or similar 3*
Hotel Category B = Park Inn or similar 4*
Hotel Category C = Hilton Garden Inn or similar 3*
Hotel Category D = Hilton Sabana or similar 3*
Day 2,3 Tortuguero
Hotel Category A, B = Turtle Beach Lodge or similar (Lodge Standard)
Hotel Category C = Mawamba Lodge or similar (Lodge Standard)
Hotel Category D = Manatus Lodge or similar (Lodge Standard)
Day 4,5 Arenal
Hotel Category A = Magic Mountain or similar 4*
Hotel Category B = Arenal Paraiso or similar 3*
Hotel Category C = Arenal Manoa or similar 4*
Hotel Category D = Arenal Kioro or similar 5*
Day 6,7 Guanacaste/Tamarindo
Hotel Category A = Hotel Pasatiempo or similar 3*
Hotel Category B = Tamarindo Diria or similar 4*
Hotel Category C = Cala Luna or similar 4*
Hotel Category D = Capitán Suizo or similar 4*
Check out our Q&As
What kind of wildlife can be seen in Tortuguero National Park?
Tortuguero National Park is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including 57 species of amphibians, 111 species of reptiles, and 60 species of mammals. It is also known for its nesting grounds of the green sea turtles.
Are meals included during the tour?
Yes, the tour includes 8 breakfasts, 3 lunches on days 2, 3, and 4, and 2 dinners on days 2 and 3.
What type of transportation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes shared transfers from and to Juan Santamaria Airport, as well as shared transfers between areas throughout the itinerary, which include both land and boat transportation.
Are entrance fees and activities included in the tour?
Yes, all entrance fees and activities mentioned in the itinerary are included, such as the guided boat tour in Tortuguero National Park on Day 3.
What are the accommodation options available during the tour?
Accommodation options vary by location and category. In San Jose, options range from Hotel Autentico to Hilton Sabana. In Tortuguero, options include Turtle Beach Lodge and Manatus Lodge. In Arenal, options range from Magic Mountain to Arenal Kioro. In Tamarindo, options include Hotel Pasatiempo and Capitán Suizo.
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Is a tour guide included in the tour package?
No, a tour guide is not included in the tour package.
Do you offer any travel insurance?
We do not offer Travel Insurance but would strongly recommend that you purchase a comprehensive Travel Insurance Policy prior to departure.
Are flights included in the tour?
No, they are not included
When are there specific hotel names confirmed?
Confirmed hotel names are informed latest 10 days prior to client´s arrival
What documents will I receive before I travel?
Booking confirmation with Itinerary and confirmation vouchers
What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
You can change it by logging into your profile and click on Bookings. Please check your cancellation policy.
Is there any option for solo traveller?
Yes of course. Please note that the default selection shows the price per person per double room. For solo travellers, you will have to select a single room when available.
What does the price include?
What is included is stated specifically on the product Description. Gratuities are at your discretion. Prices do not include (unless stated otherwise) - gratuities to the guide, driver or tour manager.
Are Visa fees included in the price?
No, visa fees are not included
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Reviews of this operator
Brian
Exotic Costa Rica
12-Feb-2022
We were delayed a couple of times in getting to Costa Rica and our tour operator, Roy, was extremely accommodating of the changes. The trip was partially guided, so though lodging and transportation were covered there were a few days where I could have used help coordinating afternoon activities.
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Peter Herbert
Essential Costa Rica - Package with Guanacaste
11-May-2022
A little aprehensive on 1st day with no tour leader... but ran better that clockwork, a few natural obstacles overcome. Good hotels, transport , drivers AND OUTSTANDING GUIDES.....A THEN THERE WAS THE WILDS OF COSTA RICA AND ITS PEOPLES ....
Jean Walsh
Exotic Costa Rica
17-Mar-2022
This trip was much anticipated and lived up to all of our expectations. We had a wonderful experience. If we had questions, Andres was immediately responsive. It was such a nice feeling to know we could reach him.
Susan Langton
Essential Costa Rica - Package with Manuel Antonio National Park
06-Jan-2022
Our trip was well organized, all of the service providers ( transfers, guides, accommodations) we friendly and professional, and each location was as promised. A bit more local information would have been useful in preparing for the trip, but nothing that wasn't able to be accommodated on the fly.
...more ...less
Marianne Brownell
Essential Costa Rica - Package with Manuel Antonio National Park
03-Oct-2022
Terrific experience!
Debra R
PURAVIDA CR
26-Jun-2023
Great staff taking care of us along the way! Hotel choices were unique and beautiful and accommodating.
Keith
Essential Costa Rica - Package with Guanacaste
08-Mar-2022
A good tour with 4 completely different ecosystems. A couple of long travel days.
CTS demo white label allows you to make 20 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 0 days before the start of the tour.
Low Deposit
CTS demo white label requires a minimum deposit of
55%
or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 30 days before departure.
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Indulge in a tasty breakfast en route in a restaurant in Guapiles and continue through the jungle by boat, cruising the rivers and canals of Tortuguero National Park. Arrive at your lodge in time to enjoy a tasty lunch. Dinner in the evening is also included.</p><p style=\"font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.6; color: #57646f; margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em\"><strong>Overnight in Tortuguero.</strong></p>","lat":"9.928069","lng":"-84.090725"},{"title":"Day 2: SAN JOSE – TORTUGUERO (135km – 4 hrs by road / 2 hrs by boat)","name":"Guapiles","description":"<p style=\"font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.6; color: #57646f; margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em\">Your day begins early with a pick up from the hotel. Indulge in a tasty breakfast en route in a restaurant in Guapiles and continue through the jungle by boat, cruising the rivers and canals of Tortuguero National Park. Arrive at your lodge in time to enjoy a tasty lunch. Dinner in the evening is also included.</p><p style=\"font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.6; color: #57646f; margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em\"><strong>Overnight in Tortuguero.</strong></p>","lat":"10.213679","lng":"-83.789089"},{"title":"Day 4: TORTUGUERO – ARENAL (210km – 5 hrs by road / 2 hrs by boat)","name":"Tortuguero","description":"<p style=\"font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.6; color: rgb(87, 100, 111); margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em\">After breakfast, we depart Tortuguero by shared boat and land transfers back to Guapiles, where we stop for lunch in a local restaurant. After a tasty meal, you will be picked up by a shared transfer and taken to the Arenal area. Arrive at Arenal and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.</p><p style=\"font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.6; color: rgb(87, 100, 111); margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em\"><strong>Overnight in Arenal.</strong></p>","lat":"10.542484","lng":"-83.502355"},{"title":"Day 4: TORTUGUERO – ARENAL (210km – 5 hrs by road / 2 hrs by boat)","name":"Guapiles","description":"<p style=\"font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.6; color: rgb(87, 100, 111); margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em\">After breakfast, we depart Tortuguero by shared boat and land transfers back to Guapiles, where we stop for lunch in a local restaurant. After a tasty meal, you will be picked up by a shared transfer and taken to the Arenal area. Arrive at Arenal and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.</p><p style=\"font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.6; color: rgb(87, 100, 111); margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em\"><strong>Overnight in Arenal.</strong></p>","lat":"10.213679","lng":"-83.789089"},{"title":"Day 4: TORTUGUERO – ARENAL (210km – 5 hrs by road / 2 hrs by boat)","name":"Arenal","description":"<p style=\"font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.6; color: rgb(87, 100, 111); margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em\">After breakfast, we depart Tortuguero by shared boat and land transfers back to Guapiles, where we stop for lunch in a local restaurant. After a tasty meal, you will be picked up by a shared transfer and taken to the Arenal area. Arrive at Arenal and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.</p><p style=\"font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.6; color: rgb(87, 100, 111); margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em\"><strong>Overnight in Arenal.</strong></p>","lat":"10.462626","lng":"-84.703179"},{"title":"Day 6: ARENAL – GUANACASTE/TAMARINDO (200km – 4 hrs)","name":"Arenal","description":"<p style=\"font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.6; color: rgb(87, 100, 111); margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em\">After breakfast at the hotel you will be picked up for your next destination, the paradise Guanacaste, located in the North Pacific. Upon arrival at Tamarindo Beach free afternoon to enjoy the hotel facilities and the beach.</p><p style=\"font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.6; color: rgb(87, 100, 111); margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em\"><strong>Overnight in Tamarindo.</strong></p>","lat":"10.462626","lng":"-84.703179"},{"title":"Day 6: ARENAL – GUANACASTE/TAMARINDO (200km – 4 hrs)","name":"Guanacaste","description":"<p style=\"font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.6; color: rgb(87, 100, 111); margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em\">After breakfast at the hotel you will be picked up for your next destination, the paradise Guanacaste, located in the North Pacific. Upon arrival at Tamarindo Beach free afternoon to enjoy the hotel facilities and the beach.</p><p style=\"font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.6; color: rgb(87, 100, 111); margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em\"><strong>Overnight in Tamarindo.</strong></p>","lat":"10.407299","lng":"-85.437557"},{"title":"Day 6: ARENAL – GUANACASTE/TAMARINDO (200km – 4 hrs)","name":"Tamarindo","description":"<p style=\"font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.6; color: rgb(87, 100, 111); margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em\">After breakfast at the hotel you will be picked up for your next destination, the paradise Guanacaste, located in the North Pacific. Upon arrival at Tamarindo Beach free afternoon to enjoy the hotel facilities and the beach.</p><p style=\"font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.6; color: rgb(87, 100, 111); margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em\"><strong>Overnight in Tamarindo.</strong></p>","lat":"10.297572","lng":"-85.841153"},{"title":"Day 7: TAMARINDO","name":"Tamarindo","description":"<p style=\"font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.6; color: rgb(87, 100, 111); margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em\">Enjoy a full day at leisure to discover Tamarindo and surrounding beaches on your own; take an optional excursion available on the spot. </p><p style=\"font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.6; color: #57646f; margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em\"><strong>Overnight in Tamarindo.</strong></p>","lat":"10.297572","lng":"-85.841153"},{"title":"Day 8: TAMARINDO – SAN JOSE (260km – 4.5hrs)","name":"Tamarindo","description":"<p style=\"font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.6; color: rgb(87, 100, 111); margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em\">After breakfast at the hotel enjoy a free morning by the beach. In the afternoon transfer back to San Jose and check in to your hotel.</p><p style=\"font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.6; color: rgb(87, 100, 111); margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em\"><strong>Overnight in San Jose.</strong></p>","lat":"10.297572","lng":"-85.841153"},{"title":"Day 8: TAMARINDO – SAN JOSE (260km – 4.5hrs)","name":"San José","description":"<p style=\"font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.6; color: rgb(87, 100, 111); margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em\">After breakfast at the hotel enjoy a free morning by the beach. In the afternoon transfer back to San Jose and check in to your hotel.</p><p style=\"font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.6; color: rgb(87, 100, 111); margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em\"><strong>Overnight in San Jose.</strong></p>","lat":"9.928069","lng":"-84.090725"},{"title":"Day 9: DEPARTURE SAN JOSE AIRPORT","name":"San José","description":"<p style=\"font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.6; color: rgb(87, 100, 111); margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em\">Enjoy your last breakfast and at the agreed time transfer back to Juan Santamaria International Airport to catch your onward flight.</p>","lat":"9.928069","lng":"-84.090725"}]
