Highlights of Costa Rica (4 Star Hotels)

Highlights of Costa Rica (4 Star Hotels)

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9 Days From

$2786

$1592

Highlights of Costa Rica (4 Star Hotels)

9 Days Starting and ending in San Jose

Visiting: San José, Tortuguero, Lake Arenal, Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui, Monteverde, Manuel Antonio

Tour operator:

Travel Talk Tours

Tour code:

CR1

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

13 - 35

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

18-59

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians

Tour operated in:

English
From: $2786 $1592 Operator discount: -$1114 Travel Club discount: -$79 -43%

NB: Prices correct on 19-Sep-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Uncover the must-see sights of Costa Rica on this 9-day adventure through some of the Central America’s most impressive and untouched surroundings. Journey to the coastline where the rainforest meets the sea in Tortuguero. Explore Costa Rica’s most iconic Volcano in Arnel. And relax on the white-sand of Manuel Antonio’s palm-fringed beaches! Discover the best eco-traveler hot spots of Costa Rica, with a hint of culture and history along the way.

Highlights

  • Perfect for nature lovers eager to head off the well-travelled path

  • Meet local village families in Tortuguero and explore historic neighbourhoods in San Jose.

  • Bathe in natural volcanic hot springs, explore rainforest canopies and take a dip in the famous La Fortuna waterfalls!

  • The coastal paradise of Manuel Antonio

  • Shape your adventure with optional activities including a night walk through the famous Cloud Forest

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : San José

Location: San José

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Park Inn San Jose by Radisson Hotel – 5 Star

Hola San José! Watch out at the airport for your transfer to hotel. Explore San José at your own pace before an informal meeting with your tour group in the hotel lobby at 7.00pm. After the meeting, join an optional group dinner at a local restaurant to get to know your new travel mates.

Day 2 : Tortuguero

Location: Tortuguero

Accommodation: Pachira Lodge - 4 Star

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today we’ll head towards the North Caribbean Coast where jungle meets the sea in Tortuguero! Hop on board a small boat and journey through the jigsaw of canals towards our secluded lodge in the rainforest surrounding Tortuguero. After lunch, join your guide for a visit to the tiny village of Tortuguero. Accessible only by air or water and not by car, this little village embraces strong Afro-Caribbean roots with a population of only 500 people. Take a walking tour with your guide to meet the local families and learn about their way of life in this small but bustling village. If you’re lucky, you may even spot a few freshwater turtles basking on the banks of the canals.

Day 3 : Tortuguero

Location: Tortuguero

Accommodation: Pachira Lodge - 4 Star

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Wakey, wakey – the canals, beaches and jungles of the pristine Tortuguero National Park await you! Start the morning with a hike through the trails of the lodge. Then we take a guided boat trip to explore the eco-paradise and keep a look out for the wonderful range of wildlife that resides here including caiman, tropical birds, monkeys, sloths and the emerald green basilisk Lizards. Then, enjoy some downtime back at the Lodge in the afternoon to relax by the pool, beach or park up in a hammock.

Day 4 : Arenal, Sarapiquí

Location: Lake Arenal, Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Montaña de Fuego Mountain Resort & Spa – 4 Star

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Today we’ll farewell Tortuguero for Arenal! Stop in the small town of Sarapiquí Valley along the way to embrace that fresh Costa Rican air along the riverbanks. Keep an eye out for adventure seekers rafting through the river rapids! Then grab a window seatback on board the private coach and keep your eyes peeled for our first glimpse of one of the most stunning volcanoes in Costa Rica, Arenal! We’ll stay in the small town of La Fortuna de San Carlos with incredible views of the volcano above. This afternoon, enjoy leisure time to relax in the famed hot springs of Arenal or explore the surrounding rainforests before night falls.

Day 5 : Arenal, Monteverde

Location: Lake Arenal, Monteverde

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Poco a Poco Hotel – 4 Star

Meals Included: Breakfast

Wake up and get set to embrace adventure at its best in Arenal today! Explore the rainforest canopies from above on the hanging bridges of Arenal and keep an eye out for sleepy sloths high in the trees. Then follow your guide on a hike to the charming La Fortuna waterfall to familiarise yourself with this wonderful region. Later in the day, travel to the scenic region of Monteverde’s Cloud Forest. These rare forests cover only 1% of the world and thrive only in tropical mountainous environments where the atmospheric conditions allow for a consistent cloud coverage. And at night, this region truly comes to life! Tonight, join an optional night walk through the Cloud Forest to see the nocturnal world of species come to life after dark.

Day 6 : Monteverde, Manuel Antonio

Location: Monteverde, Manuel Antonio

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Shana Hotel – 4 Star

Meals Included: Breakfast

Make the best of Monteverde before we make our way to the Pristine beaches and dazzling coral reefs of Manuel Antonio. Start your adventure with an optional Selvature zipline adventure to have an arial view of the tropical jungle. Enjoy some personal leisure time or one of the optional activities available, the Curi Cancha Biological Reserve, Butterflies Garden, or Coffee Tour! Travel towards Costa Rica’s Central Pacific Coast to the small oceanside village of Manuel Antonio. Famous for its national park and treasured biodiversity, this place is any beach lover or eco-travellers dream come true! Picture white sandy beaches fringed with dense jungle and tropical palm trees. Enjoy free time here in the afternoon to relax by the turquoise beaches or poolside at our ocean-front hotel.

Day 7 : Manuel Antonio

Location: Manuel Antonio

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Shana Hotel – 4 Star

Meals Included: Breakfast

Get set to explore Manuel Antonio National Park and its wide variety of flora and fauna with a knowledgeable nature guide. While you’re hiking, stay alert for reptiles, birds and sleepy sloths. Enjoy a stop at the world-famous Tres Beach (Third Beach). The afternoon is yours to enjoy this tropical paradise. You can soak in the spectacular nature from ashore or join the optional Isla Damas Mangrove Tour to witness the wildlife up close.

Day 8 : San José

Location: San José

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Park Inn San Jose by Radisson Hotel – 5 Star

Meals Included: Breakfast

Say goodbye to Costa Rica’s coastal paradise as we return to San José. On the way, stop at Costa Rica’s most famous crafts centre — Sarchí — where artisans produce the colourful ‘carreta’. You’ll know you’ve arrived when you spot ornately painted oxcarts transporting coffee and fruit. Then, welcome back to San José! Explore the historic neighbourhoods and colonial mansions on a guided walking tour through the city.

Day 9 : San José

Location: San José

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today we saw our goodbyes! Enjoy a final breakfast together before hotel check-out at 11.00am. Roam through San Jose one last time before your included airport transfer to Juan Santamaria International Airport.

What's Included

  • Accommodation

    5 & 4 Star Hotels

  • Airport Transfer

    Arrival transfer from the airport to the hotel on Day 1.

    Departure shuttle to the airport on Day 9.

  • Meals

    8 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 2 Dinners

  • Transportation

    Private Air-Conditioned Vehicle

  • Tour Guiding

    Services of experienced Travel Talk local guides licenced by the Ministry of Tourism

  • Airport Transfer(s)

    Arrival transfer on Day 1. Departure shuttle to the airport on Day 9.

  • Free Wi-Fi

    Complimentary hotel Wi-Fi access ( where available )

What's Not Included

  • Entrance Fees

    Sights and museums

  • Items of a personel nature

  • Tipping and Gratuities

  • Travel Insurance

  • Optional activities

Add Ons

Local Payment: £

Check out our Q&As

  • Are all the relevant entry visa’s included in the price of the tour?

    No

  • Are flights included in this tour?

    No

  • Are children permitted to take part in the tour?

    No children under age of 18 are not allowed

  • Are all entrance fees included in the price?

    No

  • Are airport transfers included in this tour?

    Yes

  • Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?

    Yes

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    There are always single travellers on our tours. If you don't mind being roomed with another single traveller of the same gender, then you do not need to pay a single supplement, however, this excludes all of our North American tours where the sharing option for a solo traveller is not available, and the single supplement must be applied if you are travelling alone. The single supplement is for travellers who would like to stay in a private room for the duration of the tour. PLEASE NOTE: The single private option is not always available, especially for sailing tours and camping.

  • Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

    Our tours are suitable for any traveller above 18 years old. The majority of Travel Talkers are from the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, USA, Canada or Europe, however we always have travellers from all over the world. What brings them together is a passion for travel, discovering authentic cultures and experiencing unique adventures with like-minded travellers.

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    At Travel Talk, we believe that travel is a force for good and show our support through various initiatives and charity organizations, as well as keeping the principals of responsible and sustainable travel at the core of our ethos. These values are engrained in our business culture and the design of our trips just the same. Together with our guests, we strive to make a positive impact on local p

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Over 20 years

Reviews of this operator

Jessie Mae Sia  

My travel talk experience was great and memorable

24-Feb-2021

My travel talk experience was awesome and fantastic. Me and my husband was on their Morocco and Turkey tours in 2019, they operated their tours in a culturally fun manner and the tour guides were very nice and very approachable. It exceeded our expection, we love to come back with them in our future travel. Thank you travel talk you made our 2019 as one of our memorable year!

Trustpilot
Jes Snowden (Google Reviewer)  

The Best of Turkey by...

10-Sep-2024

The Best of Turkey by Land was fantastic! If it’s a “tour” of Turkey you’re seeking, this one is the pick of them all. We travelled to the most spectacular locations, and experienced breathtaking moments and views, in every stop! Our tour guide Mustafa was very knowledgeable and talked us through the history of the land. He was friendly and very patient, considering the hours he puts into his tours. Mus was able to swap the days activities for some days to ensure we were given the best opportunity for photo’s and leas tourists in other locations. Our bus drivers did an amazing job getting us to all locations safely! Thank you Ahmet & Ali, you are superstars… Highlights for us were Gallipoli, Ephesus, Pamukkale, Fethyie and hot air ballooning in Cappadocia. The group consisted of all ages, which worked out to be a good mix. The weather varied between 25 - 36 degrees throughout the trip, so be sure to pack the sunscreen and portable fan. Hotels varied, each one having it’s own idiosyncrasies, but overall very good. Some of the days were extremely long but we got through them.. I’d recommend this tour to anyone that wants a taste of the beautiful land that Turkey is ☺️

Courtney Godden (Google Reviewer)  

First time doing a tour...

28-Jul-2024

First time doing a tour overseas, wow what an amazing experience. Smaller tour group which was awesome, great hotel choices, professional transportation services and saw the best of Turkey in 12 days. Our tour guide Aykut's hospitality was second to none, he went above and beyond for every member of the group. His knowledge of his country's history and culture was outstanding and explained in a memorable way for a lasting memory. Aykut's has extensive experience as a tour guide and it shows in every way, many special tips from living/growing up in Turkey. Aykut's planning meant everything ran smoothly making our only job to turn up with your belongings and enjoy your experience. Thank you again Aykut for going the extra mile, making sure places had gluten free options for me and for all the funny jokes ☺️

elle mcdowell (Google Reviewer)  

We had an amazing time...

10-Jul-2024

We had an amazing time on our 12 day tour of Turkey! Our guide Yild was attentive, always was there to help us make the most of our trip and great fun! Would definitely recommend this tour to others!!

Samantha Treadwell (Google Reviewer)  

Such an UNREAL EXPERIENCE! I...

13-Aug-2024

Such an UNREAL EXPERIENCE! I cannot recommend the best of Turkey by Gulet for 12 day tour enough. On this tour we were able to see all parts of turkey from the coast line to the major cities and immerse ourselves in the culture and history! Mustafa is the best tour guide who priorities experiences, learning and safety of all tour participants (he also doubles as a comedian so ensures many laughs are had). From sailing on the Mediterranean Sea, experiencing the best food and culture in Istanbul, to paragliding over Pamukkale springs, and finally ticking off the bucket list moment of hot air ballooning over Cappadocia, this has been a trip not to forget. I cannot recommend this tour enough and would encourage anyone going to turkey to book this trip with Travel Talk!

Victoria McCullough (Google Reviewer)  

I did the travel talk...

26-Aug-2024

I did the travel talk turkey tour with mus. He's an awesome guide full of local knowledge. There had been wild fires at Gallipoli so rearranged our itinerary to allow us a chance to visit which we did! I spent 3 days on the gulet and was a great way to relax. Would highly recommend the tour as a way to visit turkey and would do it again.

Leigh Anaru (Google Reviewer)  

Just finished the 10 day...

30-Apr-2024

Just finished the 10 day ANZAC tour in Türkiye. Wow what an experience! The tour although busy was jam packed with amazing experiences made all the more richer by our highly knowledgable and very funny guide Aykut. The bus was full of 44 Aussies and Kiwis which would've been no easy feat to control. Aykut and our drivers Naci and Sevki were kind and patient making our long drives enjoyable. Gallipoli was a bucket list of mine, and what a beautiful humbling experience it was, especially the following day tour of the cemeteries. Other than that highlight, the early morning hot air balloon and all the other sites the Kapadokya offers was pretty special too. I will be using Travel Talk again. 5 stars!

Bec Wood (Google Reviewer)  

We did the 11 Day...

26-Apr-2024

We did the 11 Day Anzac Tour of Turkey. It. Was. Phenomenal. My husband and I absolutely love Turkey and were excited to explore the country. Highlights were definitely the Hot Air Balloons in Cappadocia and the privilege of attending the Dawn Service at Anzac Cove. A bucket list item ticked off. This was my second Travel Talk in 2024 and I would absolutely do another one in the future. The tour was organised and our guide, Mustafa, was fantastic.

Scarlett Lily  

One of the best holidays I’ve had

25-Feb-2021

We went on a tour of the Balkans and it was above our expectations. Bojan was the best tour leader gave us so much information about the places we were visiting but also a great laugh! The tour ran so smoothly and was the perfect way to see the area in a little amount of time. It was one of the best holidays I have been on, I loved every minute of it and I can’t wait to book another tour with travel talk. They are great value for money!

Trustpilot
James Wilkins (Google Reviewer)  

Just completed the exotic Morocco...

29-Oct-2023

Just completed the exotic Morocco tour with our excellent guide Abdul! He was one of the best tour guides I have met, he brought so much energy and knowledge on the tour and could not imagine doing the tour without him. The tour itself was so diverse, seeing so many different landscapes. It has been one of the best trips I have done. Would highly recommend!

1 Select your preferred date

Saturday - Sunday

Sep 28, 2024 - Oct 06, 2024
$2786 $1592

Operator discount: -$1114

Travel Club discount: -$79

Saturday - Sunday

Oct 26, 2024 - Nov 03, 2024
$2786 $1592

Operator discount: -$1114

Travel Club discount: -$79

Saturday - Sunday

Nov 23, 2024 - Dec 01, 2024
$2816 $1609

Operator discount: -$1126

Travel Club discount: -$80

Saturday - Sunday

Dec 07, 2024 - Dec 15, 2024
$2816 $1609

Operator discount: -$1126

Travel Club discount: -$80

Book with Confidence

  • Free Date Changes

    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.