Costa Rica Explorer
Overview
Highlights
- Arrive in Costa Rica's capital San Jose and tour a few of the city's highlights including the neoclassical Teatro Nacional.
- Watch thousands of turtles nest at Tortuguero National Park, then tour its canals and village!
- Explore the secret waterfalls and rainforests of Bajos del Toro, one of the most beautiful areas in the country.
- Hike, bike, and see the elusive Resplendent quetzal bird at Arenal Volcano and its national park.
- Learn to surf in Guanacaste, a northwestern province on the Pacific known for its pristine beaches and perfect waves!
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Trip includes
- Round-trip economy class airfare to San Jose (SJO)
- Airport arrival transfer
- 1 night in San Jose at the Autentico Hotel, or similar
- Transfer from San Jose hotel to Tortuguero National Park; boat transfer to hotel
- 2 nights in Tortuguero at the Laguna Lodge, or similar Lunch and dinner daily while in Tortuguero
- All ground and boat transportation while in Tortuguero Tour the secondary Tortuguero Canals
- Visit to Tortuguero Village
- Automatic 4x4 car rental for 8 nights including unlimited mileage (Compact SUV - SsangYong Korando MT, or similar) Rental car will be brought to you on Day 4, return to SJO on Day 12
- 1 night in Bajos del Toro at the Bosque de Paz Lodge, or similar
- 2 nights in the Arenal Volcano area at the Casa Luna Hotel & Spa, or similar
- 1 night in the Celeste River area at the Celeste Mountain Lodge, or similar
- 3 nights in Guanacaste/Tamarindo at the Wyndham Esplendor Tamarindo, or similar
- 1 night in San Jose at the Autentico Hotel, or similar
- Breakfast daily, 3 lunches & 2 dinners
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Itinerary
Arrive at Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) and meet a Swiss Travel representative who will provide you with all the necessary documentation, itinerary, and contact information. Then, transfer to San Jose where you'll spend your first night in Costa Rica.
Get an early start with a strong cup of Costa Rican coffee as you head towards the Northern Caribbean lowlands. Admire the beautiful evergreen mountains at Braulio Carrillo National Park before arriving at the Caño Blanco Dock, where boats are waiting to transfer you ...
Spend the day touring this nature lovers' destination! Depending on weather conditions, enjoy a guided hike through the jungle and learn about the diverse flora and fauna.
Alternatively, explore the secondary canals and keep your eyes peeled for differen...
Mid-morning, transfer back to the local dock then head to Guapiles where you'll have lunch. Afterwards, collect your 4x4 vehicle which will be yours for the next eight days. You will be guided to your car pickup location.
From Guapiles, drive two hours t...
Today, explore the cloud forest on your own. Hike the different trails winding through the forest as you discover the innumerable species of plants, flowers and exotic birds.
In the afternoon, set out for the northern lowlands and pass towns like Venecia...
Today you have the entire day to explore the Arenal region at leisure. Pay a visit to Arenal Volcano National Park, home to the dormant Arenal Volcano. Once a small town of cattle and agricultural farms, it has become one of the most popular tourist destination...
Get an early start today and drive to the Celeste River National Park, located near the Tenorio Volcano National Park. Spend a couple of hours in the park where you can see a cascading waterfall, look-out point and blue lagoon. Explore trails taking you to the ...
In the morning, hike to Celeste River or visit Bijagua Village for a taste of true Costa Rican rural life. The village, around rolling hills and creeks, is full of plantation fields and cheese factories.
Then, continue your drive to the Papagayo Gulf on ...
Enjoy your first day in the Guanacaste province! Known for its dry weather, beautiful beaches and numerous national parks, Guanacaste is unlike any other part of Costa Rica. Located in the far northwest, the province is a wide, flat expanse of grasslands and dr...
Take your pick of one of the many national parks in Guanacaste. Visit Santa Rosa National Park, Costa Rica's first national park established in 1972. The park covers most of the Santa Elena peninsula and is perhaps most famous for La Casona, the nation’s most c...
Today you will drive back to San Jose which should take you around 4 to 5 hours. Once you arrive, check into your hotel and spend the remainder of the day at leisure.
At night, sample Costa Rican's national dish of gallo pinto, a simple dish of rice and beans.
It's time to say goodbye to paradise. Return your car at Juan Santamaria International Airport then make your way to your departure gate for your flight home
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Dates & Availability
Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Great Value Vacations.
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.
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