Tropical Costa Rica

9 days
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4.8/5 Excellent
100+ reviews  
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USTOA

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Visit paradise in tropical Costa Rica, with its sandy beaches, lush forests, exotic plants, incredible animals, and stunning waterfalls.

Overview

Trip type
Operator does not provide
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate

Highlights

    • D
    • Uncover the importance of conservation in Costa Rica during a visit to a tree nursery.
    • Discover the charming town of Zarcero and its whimsical topiary garden.
    • Enjoy the breathtaking scenery surrounding Arenal Volcano.
    • Spot indigenous wildlife while on a Cano Negro riverboat cruise.
    • Learn about Costa Rica's vegetation on a guided walk in the cloud forest.

What's this trip about?

    Visit paradise in tropical Costa Rica, with its sandy beaches, lush forests, exotic plants, incredible animals, and stunning waterfalls.

Details

Itinerary focusOperator does not provide
Group sizeOperator does not provide
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityOperator does not provide
End CityOperator does not provide

Destinations

  • Central America
  • Costa Rica

Attractions

  • Guanacaste

Popular Trips

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1 San Jose, Costa Rica - Tour Begins

Explore lush forests and stunning waterfalls…exotic wildlife and endless coastlines. Your tour opens in the colorful capital city of San Jose, the perfect place to relax and soak up the sights as your adventure begins.

Day 2 San Jose - Coffee Plantation - Zacero - Lake Arenal Cruise - Arenal

Welcome to the Central Valley. Begin with a tour of a local coffee plantation highlighting the history and cultivation of this driver of the Costa Rican economy. Visit the charming town of Zacero to explore its whimsical topiary garden on your way to Arenal, where spe...

Day 3 Arenal - Cano Negro - Arenal

What’s next? A Cano Negro guided riverboat trip in a covered canoe known as a panga. These 20,000 acres are home to the largest viewable collection of indigenous wildlife in all of Costa Rica. Go in search of crocodiles, river otters, sloths, river turtles, exotic birds and rare butterflies. Later, return to Arenal for the chance to relax during an optional spa visit.

Day 4 Arenal - Guanacaste

Take in scenic jungle landscapes as you travel from Arenal to breathtaking Guanacaste, known for its fine sandy beaches. Settle in for another relaxing 2-night stay at your resort and take in the mesmerizing ocean views.

Day 5 Guanacaste

Fun in the sun is in store today as you explore the nearby beaches, or simply relax by the pool and take advantage of your resort’s lovely amenities. This afternoon, visit the delightful beach town of Samara, one of the top sunset spots in Costa Rica. Soak in the spectacular colors as the sun illuminates the natural landscape.

Day 6 Guanacaste - Monteverde

Uncover the importance of conservation in Costa Rica during a visit to a tree nursery. Learn about indigenous trees and Monteverde’s reforestation efforts. It’s off to the secluded Monteverde Cloud Forest, a place you have to see to believe, where trees grow to height...

Day 7 Monteverde

It’s your choice! Explore one of the world’s largest butterfly gardens and a dazzling gallery containing more than 100 beautiful hummingbirds. Then, join an expert for a leisurely paced “Hanging Bridges” walking tour to gain a different perspective of the cloud forest...

Day 8 Monterverde - San Jose

Today, head from Monterverde back to San Jose to see the treasures of the city on a panoramic tour. See the bustling Plaza de Cultura. This evening, bid farewell to paradise over a wonderful dinner with your fellow travelers.

Day 9 San Jose - Tour Ends

Today you depart for home with fabulous memories of your Costa Rican adventure.

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Dates & Availability

Price From $0
Price per day$0
Last Updated: 8/1/2019

Check current availability, prices, specials & more.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

Collette Reviews & Ratings

4.8/5  Excellent
Excellent
102
Great
5
Average
5
Disappointing
2
Terrible
2
S

Shirley Beniuk

Jul 2019

Provided byCollette

Review of Tropical Costa Rica

Service rating : Everything was perfect. Very well thought through and well organized. Lots to see. The tour guide was terrific. Very respectful and knowledgeable. P...

C

Cynthia Tramonte

Jul 2019

Provided byCollette

Review of Tropical Costa Rica

Service rating : Yes. Everything was organized well and the guide was outstanding. It was a wonderful tour of New York. Product : It was a great tour. The guide w...

E

Elizabeth Lopez

Jul 2019

Provided byCollette

Review of Tropical Costa Rica

Service rating : It was awesome, great tours great food great transportation and Matt was wonderful learned a lot meet great people Product : This was a wonderful tr...

E

Elaine Powell

Apr 2019

Provided byCollette

Review of Tropical Costa Rica

Service rating : Great guides. Marc was so efficient and informative. Zora was a lot of fun and told us so much in a short time. Pedro the bus driver was great. Ver...

J

James Coleman

Sep 2018

Provided byCollette

Review of Tropical Costa Rica

We had the best time. We felt safe during the entire trip. Our tour gu...

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Other Collette Reviews

L

Lara

Oct 2022

Written on

It was a wonderful trip and experience!

It was a wonderful trip and experience! We are still sorting all the pictures and memories about it, and some of them I would like to share with you - read my diary ...

D

David

Sep 2020

Provided byCollette

we had an absolute wonderful time

My wife & I just returned from your National Parks tour and we had an absolute wonderful time. Great itinerary, tour director (Merrin) and driver (John). First c...

W

Worst and most poorly planned guided tour I have evr taken

Oct 2023

Written on

Do not travel with Collette They area subpar company

This is worst tour I have ever taken. Poorly planned and not worth the money. Collette brought you to Lisbon where we sat for three days because NO TOURS or sited w...

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Tour Operator

Collette

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True adventures go beyond incredible destinations or inclusive packages. Collette delivers a sense of possibility across all seven continents.

Since 1918, we have been sharing our love of travel. Today our worldwide travel collection features comprehensive land tours, river cruises, rail journeys, small group tours, family trips, garden holidays and more. With Collette, wake each morning on tour with a new experience in front of you, and when your head hits the pillow, you will know it has been an amazing day. Best of all - we seamlessly handle the details. All you have to do is enjoy the adventure.

Everyone at Collette believes travel is vital to a life well-lived and our executive team sets the tone. Drawing on a diverse set of skills that includes operations, sales, information technology, law and financial planning, they work across three offices to bring you the best experience possible.

Go Guided:

There are so many benefits to letting someone else take on all the details that come with having The Perfect Trip. See why more and more travelers choose to Go Guided — and why they never go back.

5 Reasons to Go Guided:

Go Tour Managers!

On Day 1 of your trip, you’ll meet a friendly person who sure does know a lot about your tour and the destinations you’re visiting. This highly skilled professional is your tour manage and from the moment you meet this key player on your tour, you’ll know you’re in good hands. With their rich travel backgrounds, as well as their useful information about language, currency, and all things local, you can relax and enjoy the ride.

Go Culture!

Visiting a destination gives you a taste of the local culture. But imagine actually becoming part of that culture. Staying overnight in an Irish castle like Old-World royalty…feeling the cool waters of the Great Barrier Reef envelop you as you snorkel in its turquoise paradise…or rolling dough with an Italian chef to make the perfect pizza. It’s not just about all the iconic spots that will make for the best photos, it’s about diving into another world that makes for the best memories.

Go Product Team!

Our product experts are probably on the road right now — scoping out the best of our worldwide destinations. They go, take it all in, and find the moments they love best. Those are the moments they create for you. Those experiences and sights comprise each itinerary and make each one extra-special. Best of all, you don’t have to plan a thing. You just need to choose which itinerary best suits you.

Go Social!

Travel is social by nature. Guided travel is extra social. Meet a cast of characters: your fellow travelers, tour manager, driver, local guides and more. The social aspect of guided travel is one of the best parts! Many travelers on our tours have forged lasting friendships. Think of all the wonderful people waiting to meet you out in the world.

Go Worry-Free!

Your peace of mind is the most important thing to us. And that starts with our roundtrip home to airport sedan service. Forget taxis, airport fees, or public transportation. We will get you there...and back. And if for any reason you need to cancel your tour, you can do so — right up until the day before departure — and receive a full refund (thanks to our travel protection plan).

There are many ways to experience the world:

Among Collette’s worldwide collection of tours we offer a variety of guided travel choices. No matter where (or how) you want to go, Collette can take you there.

Small Groups, Big Experiences

From vibrant cities to remote villages, immerse yourself in other worlds. As part of a small group, enjoy accommodations chosen to capture the spirit of the destination, savor spectacular local cuisine, and take the time to explore on your own. Along the way Explorations sets the stage for the unexpected moments that make travel so special. With just 12-24 passengers, these are the personal adventures that today’s cultural explorers dream about.

Amazing Family Moments Included

Collette's Family tours bring travelers of all ages together to experience the world’s greatest destinations. There’s no better classroom than the world, no better education than taking a walk through history. Today’s parents — and grandparents — want to share the riches of travel with their children and grandchildren. Each tour in our family line is specially crafted with the best local experiences, iconic must-see's, family-oriented hotels and immersive cultural activities. Children ages 14 and under enjoy substantially discounted rates.

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Collette's Cancel for Any Reason Travel Protection Plan

The Traveling Well Experience

Our Commitment to Your Well-being and Enjoyment

There’s no denying that life and travel will likely look a little different for the foreseeable future, which is why we worked with our partners all over the world to create enhanced protective measures for our guests. These measures are intended to help safeguard guests’ health and well-being, while allowing for an enjoyable travel experience.  

From flexible booking to more open space on the coach and much more – all aspects of travel have been considered. This is The Traveling Well Experience.

  • Travel Protection Plan – cancel for any reason up until 24 hours before departure, plus provides numerous on-tour protections
  • More Physical Space – on the coach, in restaurants, and more
  • Wellness Protocols – for partners like motor coach operators, hotels, restaurants, and airlines
  • Enhanced Tour Manager Training ­– our tour managers are destination experts and highly equipped to handle a variety of unexpected situations – including illnesses and emergencies

Before Your Tour

Cancel for Any Reason Waiver

Our Travel Protection Plan financially protects you in the event you need to cancel or move your trip to a different date. Learn more here

Pre-Tour Health Screenings

We will ask all travellers to complete a wellness declaration form before joining their tour.

Private Sedan Service

Your ride to and from the airport will be stocked with fresh water for every pickup and all surfaces will be disinfected daily and after every passenger.

Air Travel

Specific details will vary by airline, but standard operations typically include flight attendants wearing masks, sanitizing all surfaces between flights and physical distancing. For links to major airlines, head to the bottom of the page, or visit your airline’s website for specific information.

On Your Tour

Smaller Groups

Tours will operate with a number of empty seats to allow guests to space out for a more comfortable experience.

Your Tour Manager

We have employed new and enhanced hygiene & physical distancing protocols for tour managers. They are local experts and highly trained to handle a variety of unexpected situations — including illnesses and emergencies. They are also available 24/7 for guests throughout the tour should any situation arise.

Use of Face Coverings

Face coverings will be included with your pre-tour documents and will be required throughout many experiences on tour including the motor coach and air travel.

Motor Coach

All surfaces will be sanitized often, including regular cleaning of high-touch areas with disinfecting wipes. Hand sanitizer will be available at all times and drivers will wear protective gear when appropriate.

On-Tour Experiences

We work closely with our local partners to ensure adequate physical distancing during meals, experiences, and sightseeing. Guests may be rotated in smaller sub-groups when necessary.

On-Tour Insurance Coverages

When you purchase our Travel Protection Plan, you’ll have access to telehealth services should you need it, plus you’re covered on tour for emergency assistance, baggage loss, trip interruption, medical expenses, and more. Learn more here

Self-Screening

We will ask all travellers to monitor their health throughout their tour, with protocols in place in the event someone becomes ill.

Hotels

Specific protocols will vary from destination to destination, hotel to hotel. Overall, rooms and areas like restaurants, fitness centres, etc. will be deep-cleaned regularly, with rooms disinfected thoroughly between guests. High-traffic areas like lobbies and elevators will be cleaned hourly.

After Your Tour

Post-Tour Survey

After you get home, you’ll be able to share your opinions of your tour experience, allowing us to constantly improve for the benefit of future guests.

Why we love this operator
With a history that spans back to 1918, they have unparalleled expertise in the guided tour industry and can cater to all types of travelers.
What they’re known for
A huge variety of expertly-guided international trips that include cultural activities unique to the destination.

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Logistics

What's excluded

    • The land price does not include air travel, airline fees, airport or departure taxes, transfers, visas, customary end-of-trip gratuities for your Tour Manager, driver, local guides, hotel housekeepers, cruise ship waitstaff, and any incidental charges.
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Meals Included
14
Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Optional Activities

Natri Spa Treatment-Arenal Springs - $180

Arenal “What is good for the body is good for the soul.” A well-deserved spa visit provides a complete treatment experience to replenish your mind, body and soul. Experience supreme pampering and relaxation with a choice of one of several different exhilarating spa service packages. Each package includes 3 different spa treatments from aromatherapy and mud massages to exfoliation and reflexology. Certified therapists will guide you to a state of complete relaxation as you enjoy unforgettable therapeutic facial and body treatments. Your choice of packages are: Citrus Spa Package (135 minutes) – Citrus Exfoliation, Aromatherapy Massage, Natural Mask Sanctuary Package (135 minutes) – Herb Exfoliation, Relaxing Massage, Reflexology Springs Spa Package (125 minutes) - Sugar & Honey Exfoliation, Mud Massage, Facial Massage Duration approximately 2 hour(s). Transportation is included. A minimum of 1 passenger(s) is required to operate this option. This option is available only to those guests who are staying at the Arenal Springs Hotel.

Canopy Adventure - $75

Monteverde Cloud Forest Experience the unique sensation of flying through nature! For nature lovers, the greatest adventure of it all is to take a Zip Line Canopy Adventure Tour. Selvatura Adventure Park and Canopy Tour is one of the best soft adventures in Costa Rica. Canopy Tour guides start by outfitting you with the appropriate equipment; then they take you through each of the 12 cables and 19 platforms and through the Tarzan Swing (optional). Selvatura Park is one of the longest Canopy Tours in Costa Rica, and is the only zip line canopy tour located inside the actual virgin cloud forest of Monteverde. Feel pure adrenaline and excitement of flying up to 35 miles per hour, viewing magnificent landscapes. Zip lines ranging from 120 to more than 2,000 feet in length and 60 to 400 feet in height let you experience the cloud forest from a whole new perspective. The tree top canopy tour not only offers a great adventure but also an opportunity to observe wildlife in its natural habitat. Trained personnel (accredited by the Costa Rican Institute of Tourism) accompanies you throughout the tour. If you are looking for a fun adventure and amazing rides, this canopy tour is your best choice. The tour usually takes between 2.5 and 3 hours and may be completed by people ranging between the ages of 8 and 99. Suggestion: bring long pants, hiking shoes, camera, binoculars, insect repellent, and a raincoat. Duration approximately 3 hour(s). Transportation is included. A minimum of 2 passenger(s) is required to operate this option. Please note: This adventure is NOT recommended for clients who have high blood pressure, back or heart problems or women who are pregnant. Clients should be in good physical condition to participate in this adventure. General conditions: All guides and equipment used is certified by the Costa Rican Institute of Tourism (ICT). For security, children under 8 years old cannot take the tour. Clients over 100 kilograms weight (217 pounds) must be evaluated by the technical staff (according to his/her height and physical condition) upon arrival. Staff will determine if those clients can participate in the tour.
Additional Information
Trip ID
collette-11967

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