Costa Rica Essentials Plus - 8 Days

Day 1: Arrival in San Jose   Welcome to vibrant San Jose! Upon arrival, our representative will greet you and assist with your transfer to the hotel. Relax and settle in for your first night in Costa Rica's bustling capital city.   Overnight in San Jose.

Day 2: San Jose to Tortuguero   Your day begins early with a 6:30 am pickup. Embark on a scenic bus journey through Braulio Carrillo National Park, admiring the lush mountain scenery and charming villages. Enjoy breakfast in Guapiles before continuing by boat through Tortuguero National Park's rivers and canals. After a delightful lunch at your eco-lodge, explore Tortuguero town with a guided hike and visit the Turtles Museum.   Overnight in Tortuguero.

Day 3: Tortuguero National Park   Start your day with a thrilling 2-hour boat tour of Tortuguero's intricate canal network, guided by an expert naturalist. Marvel at the abundant wildlife, including amphibians, reptiles, and mammals. Spend the rest of the day at your leisure or join optional tours. Dinner is served at the hotel.   Overnight in Tortuguero.

Day 4: Tortuguero to Arenal   After breakfast, depart Tortuguero at 9 am via boat and land transfers. Enjoy lunch in Guapiles before continuing your journey to Arenal. Arrive in the Arenal area by 5 pm and enjoy the evening at your leisure.   Overnight in Arenal.

Day 5: Arenal Volcano National Park   Embark on a guided hike along the lava trails of Arenal Volcano. Learn about its history and witness its unique vegetation and wildlife. In the afternoon, unwind in the hotel's hot springs, surrounded by the serene rainforest.   Overnight in Arenal.

Day 6: Arenal to Monteverde   Begin your day with breakfast and checkout, then board a boat across Arenal Lake to Monteverde. Arrive at approximately 11:30 am and transfer to your hotel. Enjoy the rest of the day exploring the cloud forests and charming town of Santa Elena.   Overnight in Monteverde.

Day 7: Monteverde   Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and spend the day at your leisure. Discover the wonders of the Monteverde Cloud Forest or relax in the serene surroundings.   Overnight in Monteverde.

Day 8: Monteverde to San Jose   Savor your final breakfast in Costa Rica before a shared transfer takes you to Juan Santamaria International Airport for your departure.   Farewell, Costa Rica!

San Jose   Costa Rica’s vibrant capital city, San Jose, was founded in the mid-18th century and is brimming with cultural and historical landmarks. Explore its rich tapestry of museums, the European-inspired National Theatre, and wander the charming alleys of its historic neighborhoods. San Jose offers a fascinating blend of old-world charm and modern dynamism.

Tortuguero   This stunning park is renowned for being the nesting grounds of the green sea turtles. Tortuguero boasts spectacular beaches and offers fantastic opportunities to spot a diverse array of wild animals and birds. It's a haven for nature enthusiasts and wildlife photographers alike, where the tranquil beauty of the environment is palpable.

Arenal   Admire one of Costa Rica’s most beautiful volcanoes, set in a mesmerizing park rich with trails and teeming with wildlife. Arenal Volcano is a sight to behold, offering visitors the chance to explore its unique geological features and luxuriate in natural hot springs, all while surrounded by the lush rainforest.

Monteverde   Settled by American Quakers in the 1950s, Monteverde is a primary cloud forest distinguished by its six unique ‘life zones’. This area is home to many endangered species and boasts a variety of fascinating plants. Monteverde’s misty, ethereal environment offers a serene escape into nature's splendor, making it a must-visit for eco-tourists and adventure seekers.

TOUR GUIDE: 

• Operated with English and Spanish-speaking local guide on shared basis on day 2, 3, and 5. 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: 

• 7 nights’ accommodation

ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS 

Day 1 San Jose:

• Superior Hotel Category = Park Inn or similar 4*
• Deluxe Hotel Category = Hilton La Sabana or similar 5*

Day 2-3 Tortuguero:

• Superior Category = Laguna Lodge or similar (Lodge Standard)
• Deluxe Category = Pachira/ Evergreen/Aninga Lodge or similar (Lodge Standard)

Day 4-5 Arenal:

• Superior Hotel Category = Arenal Manoa or similar 4*
• Deluxe Hotel Category = Arenal Kioro or similar 5*

Day 6 - 7 Monteverde:

• Superior Hotel Category = Poco a Poco or similar 4*
• Deluxe Hotel Category = El Establo or similar 4*

OPTIONAL EXTRA | GUANACASTE EXTENSION:

Day 8, 9, 10, 11 Guanacaste

• Superior Hotel Category = Wyndham Tamarindo or similar 4*
• Deluxe Hotel Category = Cala Luna or similar 5*

OPTIONAL EXTRA | MANUEL ANTONIO EXTENSION:

Day 8, 9, 10, 11 Manuel Antonio

• Superior Hotel Category = Shana By The Beach Hotel or similar 4*
• Deluxe Hotel Category = Parador or similar 5*

MEALS:

• 7 breakfasts, 
• 3 lunches on days 2, 3, 4
• 2 dinners on days 2, 3

TRANSPORT:

• Air-conditioned transportation as indicated in the itinerary on a shared basis
• Shared transfer between the Airport and the Hotel 
• Shared boat from Guapiles to Tortuguero and back

ENTRANCE FEES AND ACTIVITIES: 

• All monuments and visits as indicated: Guided visit to Tortuguero village (day 2), guided boat tour through Tortuguero National Park canals and entrance fee to Tortuguero National Park (day 3), Hike Lava Trails (day 5)

OTHER: 

• Meet and greet on day 1
• Hotel Taxes

OPTIONAL EXTRA | GUANACASTE EXTENSION 4 Days / 3 Nights:

• ACCOMMODATION: 
• 3 nights’ accommodation
• MEALS:
• 3 breakfasts
• TRANSPORT:
• Shared transfer from Monteverde hotel to Guanacaste hotel
• Shared transfer from Guanacaste hotel to San Jose Airport

OPTIONAL EXTRA | MANUEL ANTONIO EXTENSION 4 Days / 3 Nights

• ACCOMMODATION:
• 3 nights’ accommodation
• MEALS:
• 3 breakfasts
• TRANSPORT:
• Shared transfer from Monteverde hotel to Manuel Antonio hotel
• Shared transfer from Manuel Antonio hotel to San Jose Airport

• Please be advised that the airport departure transfer is a shared service with an estimated arrival at the airport between 12:30 and 13:30. If you need to arrive at the airport earlier, an upgrade to a private transfer is necessary (available at an additional cost)
• No refund for unused services. Splitting of package is not allowed
• Please note that local conditions prevalent at the time of travel may result in modifications to tour contents without prior notice
• Hotel early check in, late check out, connecting or adjoining rooms are subject to availability and are not guaranteed
• Recommended departure time from 15:00 hrs. 

What do I need to bring?

Comfortable and warm clothing is the most suitable for travelling. Visitors should not wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts or skimpy clothing when visiting temples, religious or official buildings. Sun protection, sunglasses, a hat and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay.  

• Expenditures of a personal nature, drinks and meals if not stated explicitly in the programme
• Airport taxes 
• Airport porterage
• International and domestic flight tickets or visa fees and local taxes
• Gratuities for drivers and guides
• Optional tours and activities

• Price is based on two people sharing a room, so you’ll need to buy two vouchers. 

• A single supplement is available if you’d prefer a private room on this trip. It applies to all nights and is subject to availability. Limited single supplements are available per departure. For further details, please speak to your booking agent.

• If you need assistance with booking international air tickets, please get in touch with your booking agent to access our exclusive airfare discount offers. You can also upgrade to premium economy or business class for added comfort.

• Please ensure that you have met all visa, passport, documentation, and health requirements for the countries you will visit or transit. We want to emphasize that our company does not assume liability for matters related to passports and visas. It is vital that you proactively verify and adhere to all entry and visa requirements to prevent any travel disruptions. Please review the travel rules and regulations of all relevant authorities and regulatory websites before finalizing your booking and commencing your journey.

• Any unused portion of the package is non-refundable and cannot be exchanged for other services or cash.

• Must be 18 or older to check in (with a valid ID).

• Credit/debit card and photo ID required at check-in.

• Any requested modifications to reservations must be made at least 30 days prior to the scheduled departure date and are subject to availability. No changes or modifications are permissible within 30 days of the intended departure date. Upon approval of a modification request, a minimum service fee of $100 per change will be applicable. Once a voucher has been redeemed and a booking has been confirmed, cancellations are not permitted, and bookings are non-refundable. No alterations or changes are allowed within 30 days of the scheduled arrival date. In the event of a no-show, no refunds or modifications will be accommodated.

•  Deluxe Hotel Category  Available, request when booking.

• Subject to availability; please book early to secure your preferred dates

• Travel insurance not included customers are advised to purchase appropriate cover after booking        

• A surcharge will apply for payments made by credit and debit cards.Please check this fee with your travel consultant when booking.
• Offers subject to availability.
• Please check all prices, availability and other information with your travel consultant before booking.
• These property ratings are 'Great Pacific Travels’ views, not official ratings.
• All savings and bonus nights (if applicable) are included in the advertised price.
• Offers may be withdrawn without notice and are not combinable with any other offers unless stated.
• Great Pacific Travels General Bookings Conditions apply. Other conditions apply - ask for details.
• Some regions/cities have introduced a city tax, payable locally by the guest to the hotel.