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Tour Overview
Embark on a captivating 5-day journey through the lush landscapes of Costa Rica with the Tropical Costa Rica Short Break. Begin your adventure in San Jose, where you'll have time to explore the vibrant city. Discover the artisan town of Sarchí and marvel at the majestic Arenal Volcano, once one of the world's most active. Relax in the rejuvenating Baldi Hot Springs, surrounded by the lush jungle. Venture to Tortuguero, a renowned ecotourism destination, and explore its intricate network of canals and rainforests. Witness the natural wonder of turtle hatching and enjoy guided tours of Tortuguero Village and National Park. With comfortable accommodations and meals included, this tour offers a perfect blend of nature, adventure, and relaxation. Experience the essence of Costa Rica with expert guides and seamless transfers, ensuring a memorable and enriching escape. ...more ...less
Highlights
Tortuguero is one of Costa Rica's most popular ecotourism destinations, featuring a network of canals, lagoons, and dense rainforests.
Experience the chance to see turtles hatch in Tortuguero.
Visit the Arenal Volcano, once one of the ten most active volcanoes in the world, and witness smoke and ash spewing from its top.
Relax and rejuvenate at Baldi Hot Springs Resort with its 25 separate mineral water reservoirs.
Explore the town of Sarchí, known as the birthplace of Costa Rica’s artisans, and see the world’s largest ox cart.
Discover the La Fortuna area, recognized worldwide for its wellness tourism offerings.
Enjoy a guided visit to Tortuguero National Park and experience a real Caribbean sunrise.
Itinerary
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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 JOSE – SARCHI – ARENAL – SAN JOSE (400km – 8hrs)
Location: San Jose, Sarchí, Arenal Volcano, Baldi Hot Springs
Accommodation Name: Sleep Inn Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Breakfast at the hotel. Around 7:30 am a local representative will pick you up at the hotel lobby and take you on a shared transfer to your next destination: La Fortuna de San Carlos, home of the wonderful Arenal Volcano. This will be an unforgettable one day experience. On the way to the Arenal Volcano, enjoy a stop at the famous town of Sarchí, known as the birthplace of Costa Rica’s Artisans. Appreciate many of the art crafts and souvenirs and also you will see the world’s largest ox cart according to the Guinness Book. The journey continues until arriving in the small town of La Fortuna and stopping to enjoy lunch at a cosy restaurant with a magnificent view of the volcano. After lunch (included), let's continue to relax at one of the best hot springs in the area where you will revel in the cleansing and rejuvenating effects of the thermal waters. The facilities at Baldi Hot springs Resort provided 25 separate mineral water reservoirs that flow naturally from the volcano. And for a perfect ending, before going back to San Jose, a wonderful dinner will be served with a great view of the volcano so that you do not miss any opportunity to look at the classically shaped volcano.
Overnight in San Jose.
Day 3
:
SAN JOSE – TORTUGUERO (117km – 3.5hrs by land / 1.5hr by boat)
Location: San Jose, Guápiles, Tortuguero National Park, Tortuguero Village
Accommodation Name: Turtle Beach Lodge or similar
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 at the hotel to enjoy a delightful lunch (included). Afterwards, around 2:30 pm, meet your guide for a visit to the small and picturesque village of Tortuguero. Afterwards, return to the Lodge to relax. Dinner included.
Overnight in Tortuguero.
Day 4
:
TORTUGUERO – SAN JOSE (117km – 3.5hrs by land / 1.5hr by boat)
Location: Tortuguero National Park, Guápiles, San Jose
Accommodation Name: Sleep Inn Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Wake up early and meet your guide around 5:45 am to enjoy nature its best as you undertake a journey through the canals of Tortuguero National Park at dawn and take your best shot of a real Caribbean sunrise. Return to the Lodge around 7:00 am and enjoy breakfast. 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. After lunch, around 1:30 pm, continue on the shared transfer to San Jose.
Overnight in San Jose.
Day 5
:
DEPARTURE SAN JOSE (18km – 30min)
Location: San Jose, Juan Santamaria International Airport
Accommodation Name: Sleep Inn Hotel or similar
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 during the activities (Day 2-4). Please note you will be accompanied by local guides for the activities only.
Transport
Arrival and departure shared transfers from/to Juan Santamaria Airport or San Jose Hotel. Shared transfers in & out and between areas (land and boat).
Entrance Fees and Activities
All entrance fees and activities mentioned in the itinerary: visit to Sarchí Town, guided visit to Arenal area and Baldi Hot springs Resort (Day 2); guided visit to Tortuguero Village (Day 3); guided visit to Tortuguero National Park (Day 4).
Other
Meet & Greet and Hotel Taxes.
What's Not Included
Unmentioned Services
Services not mentioned in the itinerary.
Flights
International and Domestic flights are not included.
Departure Taxes
Departure taxes are not included.
Visa Fees
Visa fees are not included.
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) are not included.
Optional Tours
Optional tours and activities are not included.
Porterage and Gratuities
Porterage and gratuities are not included.
Travel Insurance
Travel Insurance or any loss or extra cost arising due to unforeseen circumstances such as flight delays, accidents, etc. are not included.
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.
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Please Note
The order of activities in Tortuguero may vary according to the season and the disposition of the hotel
The start times and durations of the 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 1-2, 4 San Jose:
Standard Hotel Category = Sleep Inn Hotel or similar 3*
Day 3 Tortuguero:
Standard Hotel Category = Pachira Lodge or similar 3*
Accommodation options
ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS
Day 1-2, 4 San Jose:
Standard Hotel Category = Sleep Inn Hotel or similar 3*
Day 3 Tortuguero:
Standard Category = Turtle Beach Lodge or similar (Lodge Standard)
Mode of Transport
Travel conveniently with shared transfers from Juan Santamaria Airport or San Jose Hotel, including land and boat transfers between destinations. Enjoy seamless transportation as you explore the beautiful landscapes of Costa Rica, ensuring a hassle-free travel experience.
Accommodation
Enjoy 4 nights of comfortable accommodation in Costa Rica, with stays at the Sleep Inn Hotel in San Jose and the Turtle Beach Lodge in Tortuguero. Experience the charm of standard hotel and lodge categories, ensuring a relaxing and pleasant stay throughout your journey.
Check out our Q&As
What languages are the tour guides fluent in during the activities?
The tour guides are fluent in English and Spanish during the activities from Day 2 to Day 4.
Are meals included in the tour package?
Yes, the tour package includes 4 breakfasts, 3 lunches at local restaurants on Days 2 to 4, and 2 dinners on Days 2 and 3.
What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour provides 4 nights of accommodation. In San Jose, you will stay at the Sleep Inn Hotel or a similar 3-star hotel for Days 1, 2, and 4. On Day 3, accommodation is at the Turtle Beach Lodge or a similar standard lodge in Tortuguero.
What kind of transportation is included in the tour?
The tour includes shared transfers from and to Juan Santamaria Airport or San Jose Hotel, as well as shared transfers in and out and between areas by land and boat.
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 visit to Sarchí Town, a guided visit to the Arenal area and Baldi Hot Springs Resort on Day 2, a guided visit to Tortuguero Village on Day 3, and a guided visit to Tortuguero National Park on Day 4.
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What should I pack for the tour?
It is recommended to pack comfortable, light, and quick-dry clothing. 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.
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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Appreciate many of the art crafts and souvenirs and also you will see the world’s largest ox cart according to the Guinness Book. The journey continues until arriving in the small town of La Fortuna and stopping to enjoy lunch at a cosy restaurant with a magnificent view of the volcano. After lunch (included), let's continue to relax at one of the best hot springs in the area where you will revel in the cleansing and rejuvenating effects of the thermal waters. The facilities at Baldi Hot springs Resort provided 25 separate mineral water reservoirs that flow naturally from the volcano. And for a perfect ending, before going back to San Jose, a wonderful dinner will be served with a great view of the volcano so that you do not miss any opportunity to look at the classically shaped volcano.</p><br/><p></p><br/><p><strong>Overnight in San Jose. </strong></p><br/>","lat":"9.928069","lng":"-84.090725"},{"title":"Day 2: SAN JOSE – SARCHI – ARENAL – SAN JOSE (400km – 8hrs)","name":"Sarchí","description":"<p>Breakfast at the hotel. Around 7:30 am a local representative will pick you up at the hotel lobby and take you on a shared transfer to your next destination: La Fortuna de San Carlos, home of the wonderful Arenal Volcano. This will be an unforgettable one day experience. On the way to the Arenal Volcano, enjoy a stop at the famous town of Sarchí, known as the birthplace of Costa Rica’s Artisans. Appreciate many of the art crafts and souvenirs and also you will see the world’s largest ox cart according to the Guinness Book. The journey continues until arriving in the small town of La Fortuna and stopping to enjoy lunch at a cosy restaurant with a magnificent view of the volcano. After lunch (included), let's continue to relax at one of the best hot springs in the area where you will revel in the cleansing and rejuvenating effects of the thermal waters. The facilities at Baldi Hot springs Resort provided 25 separate mineral water reservoirs that flow naturally from the volcano. And for a perfect ending, before going back to San Jose, a wonderful dinner will be served with a great view of the volcano so that you do not miss any opportunity to look at the classically shaped volcano.</p><br/><p></p><br/><p><strong>Overnight in San Jose. </strong></p><br/>","lat":"10.089838","lng":"-84.347632"},{"title":"Day 3: SAN JOSE – TORTUGUERO (117km – 3.5hrs by land / 1.5hr by boat)","name":"San Jose","description":"<p>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 at the hotel to enjoy a delightful lunch (included). Afterwards, around 2:30 pm, meet your guide for a visit to the small and picturesque village of Tortuguero. Afterwards, return to the Lodge to relax. Dinner included. </p><br/><p></p><br/><p><strong>Overnight in Tortuguero. </strong></p><br/>","lat":"9.928069","lng":"-84.090725"},{"title":"Day 3: SAN JOSE – TORTUGUERO (117km – 3.5hrs by land / 1.5hr by boat)","name":"Guápiles","description":"<p>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 at the hotel to enjoy a delightful lunch (included). Afterwards, around 2:30 pm, meet your guide for a visit to the small and picturesque village of Tortuguero. Afterwards, return to the Lodge to relax. Dinner included. </p><br/><p></p><br/><p><strong>Overnight in Tortuguero. </strong></p><br/>","lat":"10.213679","lng":"-83.789089"},{"title":"Day 3: SAN JOSE – TORTUGUERO (117km – 3.5hrs by land / 1.5hr by boat)","name":"Tortuguero Village","description":"<p>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 at the hotel to enjoy a delightful lunch (included). Afterwards, around 2:30 pm, meet your guide for a visit to the small and picturesque village of Tortuguero. Afterwards, return to the Lodge to relax. Dinner included. </p><br/><p></p><br/><p><strong>Overnight in Tortuguero. </strong></p><br/>","lat":"10.542484","lng":"-83.502355"},{"title":"Day 4: TORTUGUERO – SAN JOSE (117km – 3.5hrs by land / 1.5hr by boat)","name":"Guápiles","description":"<p>Wake up early and meet your guide around 5:45 am to enjoy nature its best as you undertake a journey through the canals of Tortuguero National Park at dawn and take your best shot of a real Caribbean sunrise. Return to the Lodge around 7:00 am and enjoy breakfast. 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. After lunch, around 1:30 pm, continue on the shared transfer to San Jose.</p><br/><p></p><br/><p><strong>Overnight in San Jose. </strong></p><br/>","lat":"10.213679","lng":"-83.789089"},{"title":"Day 4: TORTUGUERO – SAN JOSE (117km – 3.5hrs by land / 1.5hr by boat)","name":"San Jose","description":"<p>Wake up early and meet your guide around 5:45 am to enjoy nature its best as you undertake a journey through the canals of Tortuguero National Park at dawn and take your best shot of a real Caribbean sunrise. Return to the Lodge around 7:00 am and enjoy breakfast. 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. After lunch, around 1:30 pm, continue on the shared transfer to San Jose.</p><br/><p></p><br/><p><strong>Overnight in San Jose. </strong></p><br/>","lat":"9.928069","lng":"-84.090725"},{"title":"Day 5: DEPARTURE SAN JOSE (18km – 30min)","name":"San Jose","description":"<p>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.</p><br/>","lat":"9.928069","lng":"-84.090725"}]
