Journey into the emerald rainforests of Costa Rica. Come face to face with exotic wildlife, see Arenal Volcano and more.
Glide through tree-lined waterways and relax in thermal pools, sample chocolate made from the world's best cacao and journey back in time with a native Quaker in Old Town Monteverde.
Learn the secrets of Pura Vida - Costa Rica's inimitable zest for life that will linger throughout your effortlessly delivered encounter with a land that boasts no artificial ingredients. This evening, join your Travel Director and fellow expeditioners for a Welcome Reception.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Sheraton San Jose
San José – Braulio Carrillo National Park – Tortuguero National Park (2 Nights)
Journey to San Isidro de Heredia, where we'll 'Dive into Culture' with master chocolatiers, Julio Fernandez and George Soriano, to learn about the history of chocolate and how it is produced at this small workshop. Then, it's on to Siquirres where we'll embark on a river journey through protected wetlands to secluded Tortuguero. Immerse yourself in its vibrant Afro-Caribbean atmosphere as you stroll through the village streets. We enjoy dinner at our hotel this evening accompanied by the enchanting sounds of resident cicadas and tree frogs.
Cruise the canals and streams of the park today with a Local Specialist as howler monkeys watch from the treetops, toucans and egrets fly through the air and crocodiles ply the cool waters. Visit the Village of Tortuguero. If you are here between July and September, take an optional tour to see the sea turtles laying eggs on the beach.
Bid adiós to Tortuguero and head back to the mainland where we'll enjoy lunch before meeting the Tico family for a 'Dive into Culture' experience at their palm plantation. There you'll learn about and sample the delicate heart of palm. Tonight you'll enjoy a 'Be My Guest' with the owners of your hotel, providing a 'Connect with Locals' experience, as they prepare a special BBQ meal just for you.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Hotel La Quinta Sarapiqui Lodge
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast, Lunch, Be My Guest
Optional Experience
White Water Rafting Level II and III*
This morning excursion on a class II and III river involves navigating nearly 8 miles (13 km) on the Sarapiqui River. It's a great introduction for first-time paddlers and families interested in a fun, wet roller coaster ride. Total duration approximately 4 hours. Gratuity included. (Minimum 2 Guests)
Adult Price: $64.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 5
Sarapiquí – Arenal
Rise with the sun to get up close and personal with Costa Rica's exquisite nature during a leisurely hike. Keep a look out for the endangered great green macaw and connect with your beautiful natural surroundings. Embark on an optional rafting trip^ later this morning. We 'Connect with Locals' this afternoon, enjoying a 'Be My Guest' lunch at an eco-friendly hacienda built by the Quintana family as a retirement project. Today, it is home to an organic farm and related eco-adventures. 'Make a Difference' and learn how your visit contributes to the local community. Our journey continues to Arenal Volcano, on whose slopes we spend the afternoon relaxing in our resort's beautifully landscaped thermal pools.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Arenal Paraiso Resort and Spa
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast, Be My Guest
Optional Experience
Arenal Natura Ecological Park
At this wonderful park you will have the opportunity to experience Costa Rica’s wildlife up close and personal where beautiful frogs, birds, reptiles, and their natural habitats will have the starring role. This package includes a frog sanctuary, bird watching, a serpentarium (home to different species of snakes found in Costa Rica), a reptile lagoon (to observe crocodiles) and a heliconia garden. Total duration is approximately 2 hours. Gratuity included. (Minimum 2 Guests)
Adult Price: $50.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Optional Experience
Arenal Volcano Hike
Ever since the 1500s, locals considered Arenal to be just a regular everyday mountain. However, everything changed on the morning of July 29, 1968 when the mountain erupted, spewing ash and lava over the region. Up until 2010, the volcano was still quite active but has settled down in recent years. Your guided hike will allow you to see the areas that were destroyed in the 1968 eruption up close. Hike through recent lava flows and see how Mother Nature has brought life back to the region. Total duration is approximately 4 hours. Gratuity included. (Minimum 2 Guests)
Adult Price: $67.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Optional Experience
Kayak On Lake Arenal*
Arenal Lake is the largest in the country and home to a wide diversity of birds, both resident and migratory, such as flycatchers, kingfishers and great blue herons. Kayaking on Arenal Lake is a great way to take part in an outdoor activity while you enjoy the amazing, one-of-a-kind views of Arenal Volcano. Along the shoreline, watch for howler monkeys enjoying the good life high in the trees. Total duration is approximately 4 hours. Gratuity included. (Minimum 2 guests)
Adult Price: $65.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 6
Arenal – Monteverde Cloud Forest (2 Nights)
Our soul-stirring encounter with Costa Rica's natural wonders continues after a morning at leisure. Straddle the Continental Divide and touch the sky in Monteverde Cloud Forest, where you'll have an opportunity to explore this biodiverse sanctuary, renowned for its collection of orchid species - more than in any other single place. Tonight, we'll meet a native Quaker, and Local Specialist, who will share stories of Old Town Monteverde and delve into the history of the American Quakers who settled in the area in the 1950s. This evening, relish some of the best views as you enjoy dinner.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - El Establo Mountain Hotel
This morning, join your guide for an excursion through the lush rainforests of Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. We ascend to the treetops high above the jungle floor below, treading lightly along the Sky Walk^ suspension bridges amongst the wildlife that find sanctuary in the boughs of the surrounding canopy. As our epic eco-adventure nears its end, we share stories with newfound friends at a Farewell Dinner.
The tour begins with a walk through the farm where you’ll view sugarcane, banana, orange and coffee plantations. Learn about the coffee making process and how liquor is made of out sugarcane. The farm provides an exciting education to visitors about the various crops and farm life in Costa Rica. Total duration is approximately 3 hours. Gratuity included. (Minimum 2 Guests)
Adult Price: $33.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Optional Experience
Horseback Riding Tour*
On your horseback excursion, enjoy sweeping views of the Nicoya Gulf and its islands as you ride your way through coffee and sugarcane plantations, tropical forest and open fields. Be on the lookout for wildlife including toucans, green parrots and white-faced monkeys. Total duration is about 2 ½ hours. Gratuity included. (Minimum 2 Guests.)
Adult Price: $75.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Optional Experience
Sky Tram And Sky Trek*
Board a comfortable gondola and fly among the trees on the lookout for local wildlife. As you glide among the forest, see how the vegetation changes with the elevation level. At the end of the Sky Tram you will be faced with a choice: return to the starting point in the same way you came or you can enjoy the ultimate adrenaline rush on the Sky Trek. With this option, you will fly across the forest in a series of ten zip lines with heights ranging from 100 – 650 feet (30 to 200 meters) and with lengths of over 650 feet (200 meters). All of these zip lines were built to give you a 360° perspective of the rainforest. Gratuity included. (Minimum 2 Guests)
Adult Price: $97.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 8
Monteverde – Depart Liberia or San José
For now it's a fond hasta luego to Costa Rica, but not goodbye. Transfer to either Liberia or San José International Airports or travel on to Guanacaste Beach for those extending their stay.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
All optional experiences for this trip
Book with your travel director when you travel
Available on day 4
White Water Rafting Level II and III*
This morning excursion on a class II and III river involves navigating nearly 8 miles (13 km) on the Sarapiqui River. It's a great introduction for first-time paddlers and families interested in a fun, wet roller coaster ride. Total duration approximately 4 hours. Gratuity included. (Minimum 2 Guests)
Adult Price: $64.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 5
Arenal Natura Ecological Park
At this wonderful park you will have the opportunity to experience Costa Rica’s wildlife up close and personal where beautiful frogs, birds, reptiles, and their natural habitats will have the starring role. This package includes a frog sanctuary, bird watching, a serpentarium (home to different species of snakes found in Costa Rica), a reptile lagoon (to observe crocodiles) and a heliconia garden. Total duration is approximately 2 hours. Gratuity included. (Minimum 2 Guests)
Adult Price: $50.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 5
Arenal Volcano Hike
Ever since the 1500s, locals considered Arenal to be just a regular everyday mountain. However, everything changed on the morning of July 29, 1968 when the mountain erupted, spewing ash and lava over the region. Up until 2010, the volcano was still quite active but has settled down in recent years. Your guided hike will allow you to see the areas that were destroyed in the 1968 eruption up close. Hike through recent lava flows and see how Mother Nature has brought life back to the region. Total duration is approximately 4 hours. Gratuity included. (Minimum 2 Guests)
Adult Price: $67.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 5
Kayak On Lake Arenal*
Arenal Lake is the largest in the country and home to a wide diversity of birds, both resident and migratory, such as flycatchers, kingfishers and great blue herons. Kayaking on Arenal Lake is a great way to take part in an outdoor activity while you enjoy the amazing, one-of-a-kind views of Arenal Volcano. Along the shoreline, watch for howler monkeys enjoying the good life high in the trees. Total duration is approximately 4 hours. Gratuity included. (Minimum 2 guests)
Adult Price: $65.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 7
El Trapiche Tour
The tour begins with a walk through the farm where you’ll view sugarcane, banana, orange and coffee plantations. Learn about the coffee making process and how liquor is made of out sugarcane. The farm provides an exciting education to visitors about the various crops and farm life in Costa Rica. Total duration is approximately 3 hours. Gratuity included. (Minimum 2 Guests)
Adult Price: $33.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 7
Horseback Riding Tour*
On your horseback excursion, enjoy sweeping views of the Nicoya Gulf and its islands as you ride your way through coffee and sugarcane plantations, tropical forest and open fields. Be on the lookout for wildlife including toucans, green parrots and white-faced monkeys. Total duration is about 2 ½ hours. Gratuity included. (Minimum 2 Guests.)
Adult Price: $75.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 7
Sky Tram And Sky Trek*
Board a comfortable gondola and fly among the trees on the lookout for local wildlife. As you glide among the forest, see how the vegetation changes with the elevation level. At the end of the Sky Tram you will be faced with a choice: return to the starting point in the same way you came or you can enjoy the ultimate adrenaline rush on the Sky Trek. With this option, you will fly across the forest in a series of ten zip lines with heights ranging from 100 – 650 feet (30 to 200 meters) and with lengths of over 650 feet (200 meters). All of these zip lines were built to give you a 360° perspective of the rainforest. Gratuity included. (Minimum 2 Guests)
Adult Price: $97.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
All Optional Experiences
The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
A special BBQ meal is prepared for you in Sarapiqui and you'll join Don Alberto and Doña Ana Quintana for a traditional Costa Rican lunch at their Hacienda Pozo Azul, a 2000-acre working ranch. (Days 4, 5)
DIVE INTO CULTURE
Indulge in gourmet chocolate made from the world's best cacao beans. Visit a Tico family's palm plantation to learn about and sample the delicate heart of palm. (Days 2, 4)
LOCAL SPECIALIST
Listen to a Quaker share stories of the beginning of Monteverde's colourful history. (Day 6)
MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Visit the Quintana Family's Hacienda Pozo Azul and discover how they reduce their carbon footprint and support the local economy. (Day 5)
Sightseeing highlights
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VIEW Arenal Volcano
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VISIT Tortuguero National Park, Sarapiquí, Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
Daily breakfast and an average of 50% of evening meals
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Luxury air-conditioned coach with WiFi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
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Rain ponchos provided for your use
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Cherry-picked hotels all tried and trusted
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Handcrafted Highlights
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Optional Experiences and free time
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All porterage and local charges included
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Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
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An expert Travel Director and separate Driver
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All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
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Airport transfers on the first and last day of your guided holiday
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VIP entry to many sights
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LIVE, UNEDITED & INDEPENDENT TRAVELLERS REVIEWS
Costa Rica Eco Adventure End San Jose Trip Reviews
Our guests are at the heart of everything we do, their feedback fuels our innovation, inspiring us to improve continuously and craft Simply The Best vacations. That's why we ask each of our guests to leave a third-party verified, independent review after every trip. As testament to our commitment we have been given the Trusted Service Award from Feefo, recognising we deliver exceptional experiences as rated by real guests.
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Time of my life!
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5
Great bargain for the price. Lodgings were well selected and the food was excellent.
Friendly, knowledgeable, professional staff. Itinerary was excellent and I didn't feel rushed while on excursions. Cesar our tour guide was incredible and our bus driver Fernando was a great driver. I will definitely travel again with Trafalgar,
Very good. Not too fast paced, gave us a little time to relax which was nice. Our guide was responsive noting that these were all seniors. The only problem was that I don't think Trafalgar was the main contractor. It appears that Swiss Travel was actually the company providing the tour. We were supposed to have a transfer at the airport at 5 AM that never showed up. We waited an hour and had to take a cab. We were reimbursed for it but it was not a good way to start off a vacation. Before that, we never received an email or additional information about the trip. Every time we have traveled before, even with Trafalgar, we get an email from the Tour Director and that is very helpful. For example, one place did not have hairdryer. If I had known, I would have brought one. We were not prepared for rain, which was every day.
Our tour guide Cesar Florez was so knowledgeable and informative. Friendly. Professional. I could not imagine going back and seeing Costa Rica without him being the tour guide.
We saw so many animals and flora that were amazing. The eco tour and zip lining were our favorites. The first room at the stop was a little rustic, but the boat trip to there and the canal tours the next day were fantastic.
There were several major problems with this trip. First of all, we missed our original flight, so we were one day late. Trafalgar sent a representative to the airport to meet us and help us catch up with the the group. Above and beyond! Then several days into the trip, my wife became severely dehydrated and had to go to a hospital for the day. She did not wear a hat and was not drinking enough water. Cesar Florez, our tour guide, made sure that we got to a local doctor who admitted her to a hospital. Trafalgar then arranged for Ronny Munoz, another tour guide who was not on a tour at the time, to come to the hospital to help us navigate the system. He drove several hours both ways to help us. We could not have asked for better help. We rejoined the tour later that night. The tour itself was fantastic. The people were friendly and we saw some amazing things and enjoyed some great experiences. I would recommend Trafalgar and Costa Rica to everyone. The problems we had were of our own making, but Cesar and Ronny could not have done a better job of taking care of us.
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Trip Notes
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Check out our similar 'Costa Rica Adventure' trip. With fewer inclusions on our Costsaver itineraries, you decide what you want to experience. Visit costsavertour.com
Crossovers: All 2021 departure dates will operate as per the 2020 brochure. Itineraries, durations, hotels and inclusions may vary. Please inquire at the time of booking.
Note: For the more remote areas of Costa Rica (such as Tortuguero and Sarapiquí), we use the best available hotel facilities with comfortable but simple guestrooms and eco-friendly amenities perfectly suited to the natural surroundings. This journey requires walking on uneven surfaces and steps and sometimes through heavy showers (rain ponchos provided). This journey is best enjoyed by the experienced traveller in good health and who can take such conditions in stride.
Note: For rafting on Day 5, participation is at your own risk and a signed liability waiver will be required
Luggage: For the two night excursion to Tortuguero National Park guests are permitted to bring a maximum of 25 lbs (11 kg) of luggage. Your primary suitcase will be transferred and securely stored at your Sarapiquí hotel.
Guaranteed Room Share is not available on this trip.
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Unless otherwise stated, trip prices are per person, land only, based on double occupancy and reflect applicable discount. Discounts are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice.
Trip prices are correct at the time of the products going live, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking. All trip information is correct at time of trips going live, however are subject to change - please confirm all details at time of booking.
Twin-share option not available for trips to South America, Costa Rica, Mexico, Alaska, Hawaii, South Africa, Kenya & Tanzania, Botswana, Zambia or for any holiday & cruise combination, or in Asia and Eastern Mediterranean except Highlights of Turkey (without cruise) & Best of Turkey. It's also not available on Small Group trips.
For trips that are part of our Guaranteed Room Share, please note that there is a no smoking policy in all shared rooms. Solo travel is not accepted on guided Family Experiences holidays unless travelling as part of a family group.
Your selected dates have an enhanced itinerary.
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You’ll be travelling in Autumn, Winter or Spring, and this itinerary has been enhanced for you to enjoy the unique experiences these seasons offer.
