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 – Liberia – Guanacaste (2 Nights)
Check in to your seaside resort and relax. With just a short stroll along the shore, you can spot a variety of wildlife.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Full Breakfast
Day 9
Guanacaste Free Time
The day is yours to further relax at the beach, head into nearby Tamarindo village or choose from numerous options to continue your Costa Rica adventure as you please.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Full Breakfast
Day 10
Guanacaste – Depart Liberia
A transfer is provided to Liberia International Airport for your flight. Or perhaps stay a while longer and extend your stay.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Full 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)
Hidden Treasures
Enjoy at least one surprise Hidden Treasure
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)
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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Cherry-picked hotels all tried and trusted
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Hand-picked Insider Experiences
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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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Rain ponchos provided for your use
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Trip Rating
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5
everything about the trip was great. The itinerary, our bus and busdriver, hotels, and tour guide. The food was great everywhere!
This was a fabulous trip. Excellent hotels/cabins, etc. Our guide was fabulous and all of the destinations were interesting and beautiful. Loved it, and we will definitely consider Trafalgar again. It was our first trip using a tour group, and it was great!
Excellent service! Would highly recommend Trafalgar to family and friends! Very knowledgeable tour guide! Thoroughly enjoyed the white water rafting. Our guide, Junior was terrific.
Great hotels overall. Bus was very nice and had wifi. El Establo in Monteverde was a bit noisy by its designed open central hallway, which made it hard to sleep. It reminded me of a college dorm.
The best part of the trip was our travel director Ronny Munoz and our coach driver. I also enjoyed the special meal at Pozo Azul. Some of the evening talks just went too late and delayed dinner. Maybe there could be more educational talks on the bus ride as we were traveling.
I loved Costa Rica and enjoyed seeing the full country by bus tour. The bus group was excellent with no drama or inconsiderate passengers. The itinerary and interesting side visits and presentations were very good and our tour director knowledgeable and helpful
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Trip Notes
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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.
Double-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. Guided Vacations included in this restriction are Newfoundland and Labrador (DNLA) as well as Panama, the Canal & Beyond (LPAN).
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 traveling as part of a family group.
Travel to Europe often requires an overnight flight. Please arrange your flights to arrive on or before day 1.
Your selected dates have an enhanced itinerary.
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You’ll be traveling in Autumn, Winter or Spring, and this itinerary has been enhanced for you to enjoy the unique experiences these seasons offer.
