The Best of Costa Rica

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10 Days From

~~$1729~~

$1647

The Best of Costa Rica

10 Days Starting and ending in San Jose, Costa Rica

Visiting: Costa Rica

Tour operator:

Destination Services Costa Rica

Tour code:

453564

Guide Type:

Partially Guided

Physical rating:

Medium

Age range:

10-99

Tour operated in:

English , Spanish

From: $1729 $1647 Travel Club discount: -$82

NB: Prices correct on 21-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

Embark on "The Best of Costa Rica" tour and immerse yourself in the natural wonders of this vibrant country. Begin your journey in San Jose, then venture to Tortuguero to explore its intricate canals and lush rainforests. Witness the majestic Arenal Volcano and rejuvenate in its serene surroundings. Discover the biodiversity of Monteverde, with its unique cloud forest and thrilling adventure activities. Relax on the pristine beaches of Tortuga Island, accessible only by boat, and soak in the stunning views. Enjoy seamless travel with shared transfers and comfortable stays in 3-star hotels, making this a truly unforgettable experience.

Highlights

Tortuguero: Discover its network of canals, lagoons, and dense rainforests and have the chance to see the turtles hatch.
Arenal: Find the balance between mind, body, and spirit surrounded by nature thanks to the lush jungle and the imposing Arenal Volcano.
Monteverde: A true nature lover's paradise with a marvelous diversity of wildlife and plant life.
Monteverde Cloud Forest: Unique from Costa Rica’s other forests, with a constant mist that looks like clouds and gives the forest its name.
Tortuga Island: Relax on a paradise accessible only by boat, its beauty consists of white sand beach, clear turquoise water, and incredible views.
Monteverde: A unique blend of natural beauty and tranquility combined with adventure and adrenaline activities, cultural and culinary experiences to discover the secrets of the forest.

Itinerary

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Day 1 : Arrival San Jose (18Km – 30Min)

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Sleep Inn Hotel

Welcome to Costa Rica. A local representative will greet you and assist you at the airport. Shared transfer from airport to the hotel in San Jose. Check-in at the hotel and then enjoy leisure time to refresh, relax and get comfortable at your hotel room. Explore by your own the city and its surroundings.

Overnight at San Jose.

Day 2 : San José – Tortuguero (117Km – 3.5Hrs By Land / 1.5Hr By Boat)

Accommodation: Lodge

Accommodation Name: Pachira Lodge

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Early check-out from the hotel. Around 6:00 am a local representative will pick you up at the hotel lobby and take you on a shared transfer to your next destination: Tortuguero National Park, located in the North Caribbean Coast. On the way, around 8:30 am there will be a stop for breakfast in Guápiles city and then continue to La Pavona dock, where you will board a boat shared with others guests, that will take you to the lodge where you will immerse yourself in a perfectly quiet, laid back and tranquil stay. Around 1:00 pm, check-in and enjoy a delightful lunch (included). Afterwards, around 2:30 pm, meet your guide for an expedition through the Tortuguero Canals, a must activity while you are in Costa Rica. Explore the lagoons and hidden canals; as you go deeper into the forest the canals become smaller and the surrounding wildlife gets closer. Rest of the afternoon at leisure.

Overnight in Tortuguero.

Day 3 : Tortuguero

Accommodation: Lodge

Accommodation Name: Pachira Lodge

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast at the hotel. Around 9:00 am meet your guide to discovering nature by taking a walk through the Lodge’s private trails. Enjoy free time in the morning to cool off in the pool and simply relax. Later this day, around 2:30 pm join to the guide and visit the small and picturesque village of Tortuguero. Afterwards, return to the Lodge to relax. Lunch and dinner included at the Lodge.

Overnight in Tortuguero.

Day 4 : Tortuguero – Arenal (174Km – 3.5Hrs / 1.5Hr By Boat)

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Casa Luna Hotel & Spa

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Breakfast at the lodge and check-out. Around 9:30 am be ready to depart on a shared transfer by boat and land from Tortuguero to the Restaurant located in Guápiles city, where you will enjoy the lunch (included). After lunch, around 1:30 pm, meet a local representative that will take you on a shared transfer to your next destination: La Fortuna de San Carlos, home of the wonderful Arenal Volcano. Upon arrival, around 4:00 pm, check-in at the hotel in La Fortuna and free time to relax and enjoy the hotel facilities.

Overnight in Arenal.

Day 5 : Arenal

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Casa Luna Hotel & Spa

Meals Included: Breakfast

Breakfast included at the hotel. Enjoy leisure time to simply relax or explore the Arenal region on your own.

Overnight in Arenal.

Day 6 : Arenal – Monteverde (80Km – 1.5 By Land / 1.5Hr By Boat)

Accommodation: Lodge

Accommodation Name: Country Lodge

Meals Included: Breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel and check-out. Around 7:30 am a local representative will meet you up at the hotel lobby and take you to your next destination: Monteverde Cloudforest Region. This transfer will be by boat crossing the Lake Arenal until reaching Rio Chiquito and then continue by land to the hotel in Monteverde area. Upon arrival, around noon, check-in at the hotel in Monteverde, enjoy free time to relax and discover the natural beauty of this destination on your own.

Overnight in Monteverde.

Day 7 : Monteverde

Accommodation: Lodge

Accommodation Name: Country Lodge

Meals Included: Breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel. Free day to explore the wonders of Monteverde, such as its biological reserves, experience a Zipline adventure flying over the treetop forest canopy, walk through the suspension bridges or enjoy some cultural experience like a coffee tour or a Costa Rican cooking class.

Overnight in Monteverde.

Day 8 : Monteverde – San Jose (145Km – 3.5Hrs)

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Sleep Inn Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel and check-out. Around 8:00 am meet a local representative at the hotel lobby for the shared transfer to San Jose. Upon arrival, around noon, check-in at the hotel in San Jose and enjoy free time to relax or go to explore the capital city on your own.

Overnight in San Jose.

Day 9 : San Jose – Tortuga Island – San Jose (98Km – 2Hrs / 2 Hours – 1.5Hr By Catamaran)

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Sleep Inn Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Around 6:00 am meet a local representative at the hotel lobby for a one day experience to Tortuga Island, located in the Nicoya Peninsula in Puntarenas Province (available only on Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday). Breakfast on the way. You will arrive at Puntarenas city where you will board a catamaran that will take you through the ocean admiring incredible landscapes while enjoying music and some tropical snacks on board. Arrive at the charming Tortuga Island. Once there, enjoy the beach, its turquoise waters, sunbathe and relax! Lunch is served on the beach. Around 3:00 pm, get ready to return to San Jose enjoying the sunset aboard the catamaran and then continue by land.

Overnight in San Jose.

Day 10 : Departure San Jose (18Km – 30Min)

Meals Included: Breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel and check-out. At the agreed time, a local representative will pick you up at the lobby and take you on shared transportation to Juan Santamaria International Airport to take your flight back home.

What's Included

Tour Guide

Operated with English and Spanish-speaking guides only during included activities (Day 2, 3, 9). Please note you will be accompanied by local guides for the activities only. There is no guarantee that you will be part of a group, or part of the same group during the tour.
Accommodation

9 nights’ accommodation in standard 3-star hotels including Sleep Inn Hotel in San Jose, Pachira Lodge in Tortuguero, Casa Luna Hotel & Spa in Arenal, and Country Lodge in Monteverde.
Meals

9 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches (Day 2-4, 9), and 2 Dinners (Day 2-3).
Transport

Arrival and departure shared transfers from/to Juan Santamaria Airport, shared transfers between areas throughout the itinerary (land and boat), and a lake crossing from Arenal to Monteverde.
Entrance Fees and Activities

All entrance fees and activities mentioned in the itinerary: guided visit to Tortuguero National Park (Day 2); guided Morning Walk in Tortuguero and guided visit to Tortuguero Village (Day 3); One Day Tour to Tortuga Island in Catamaran (Day 9).
Other

Meet & Greet and Hotel Taxes.

What's Not Included

Services Not Mentioned

Services not mentioned in the itinerary.
Flights

International and Domestic flights.
Departure Taxes

Departure taxes.
Visa Fees

Visa fees.
Personal Expenditures

Expenditures of a personal nature, drinks and meals or items not stated explicitly in the programme.
Drinks and Fees

Any alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, mineral water, camera/video camera fee (if any).
Optional Tours

Optional tours and activities.
Porterage and Gratuities

Porterage and gratuities.
Travel Insurance

Travel Insurance or any loss or extra cost arising due to unforeseen circumstances such as flight delays, accidents, etc.

Requirements

Comfortable and light and quick dry 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, tennis shoes, hiking shoes, sandals, sweater, raincoat or jacket, bathing suit, a hat or cap and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay.

Please Note

Tortuga Island tour (on Day 9) operates only on Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday
The order of activities in Tortuguero may vary according to the season and the disposition of the hotel
The start times and durations of excursions as well as transfers are approximate
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
Hotel early check-in, late check-out, connecting or adjoining rooms are subject to availability and are not guaranteed
No refund for unused services. Splitting of the package is not allowed
We reserve the right to change itineraries and activities due to weather conditions, technical problems or security reasons

Accommodation options

ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS

Day 1, 8-9 San Jose:

Standard Hotel Category = Sleep Inn Hotel or similar 3*

Day 2-3 Tortuguero:

Standard Hotel Category = Pachira Lodge or similar 3*

Day 4-5 Arenal:

Standard Hotel Category = Casa Luna Hotel & Spa or similar 3*

Day 6-7 Monteverde:

Standard Hotel Category = Country Lodge or similar 3*

Mode of Transport

Experience seamless travel with shared transfers from Juan Santamaria Airport, between destinations by land and boat, and a scenic lake crossing from Arenal to Monteverde.

Accommodation

Enjoy 9 nights of comfortable accommodation in standard 3-star hotels, including Sleep Inn Hotel in San Jose, Pachira Lodge in Tortuguero, Casa Luna Hotel & Spa in Arenal, and Country Lodge in Monteverde.

Accommodation options

ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS

Day 1, 8-9 San Jose:

Standard Hotel Category = Sleep Inn Hotel or similar 3*

Day 2-3 Tortuguero:

Standard Hotel Category = Pachira Lodge or similar 3*

Day 4-5 Arenal:

Standard Hotel Category = Casa Luna Hotel & Spa or similar 3*

Day 6-7 Monteverde:

Standard Hotel Category = Country Lodge or similar 3*

Check out our Q&As

What kind of accommodation is provided during the tour?

The tour includes 9 nights of comfortable accommodation in standard 3-star hotels, including Sleep Inn Hotel in San Jose, Pachira Lodge in Tortuguero, Casa Luna Hotel & Spa in Arenal, and Country Lodge in Monteverde.
Are meals included in the tour package?

Yes, the tour package includes 9 breakfasts, 4 lunches (Day 2-4, 9), and 2 dinners (Day 2-3).
What kind of transportation is provided during the tour?

The tour provides shared transfers from Juan Santamaria Airport, between destinations by land and boat, and a scenic lake crossing from Arenal to Monteverde.
Will there be a tour guide during the activities?

Yes, the tour is operated with English and Spanish-speaking guides during included activities (Day 2, 3, 9). However, you will be accompanied by local guides for the activities only, and there is no guarantee that you will be part of a group or the same group during the tour.
Are entrance fees and activities included in the tour package?

Yes, all entrance fees and activities mentioned in the itinerary are included. This includes a guided visit to Tortuguero National Park (Day 2), a guided morning walk in Tortuguero and a guided visit to Tortuguero Village (Day 3), and a one-day tour to Tortuga Island in a catamaran (Day 9).

What should I pack for the tour?

Comfortable and light quick-dry clothing is recommended. Visitors should avoid sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts, or skimpy clothing when visiting temples, religious, or official buildings. Sun protection, sunglasses, tennis shoes, hiking shoes, sandals, a sweater, raincoat or jacket, bathing suit, a hat or cap, and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay.
Are there any specific days when the Tortuga Island tour operates?

Yes, the Tortuga Island tour operates only on Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
Can the order of activities in Tortuguero vary?

Yes, the order of activities in Tortuguero may vary according to the season and the disposition of the hotel.
Are there any additional costs not included in the tour package?

Yes, the tour package does not include services not mentioned in the itinerary, international and domestic flights, departure taxes, visa fees, personal expenditures, any alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, mineral water, camera/video camera fees (if any), optional tours and activities, porterage and gratuities, and travel insurance.
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

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.

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.

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.

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~~$1729~~ $1647