Costa Rica: Leaving My Footprint

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4.1 . Great
87%
Travel Style: Array Relaxed
Physical Level: Walking or physical activity half to most of day - no carrying equipment. Easy
Lodging Level: Mid-range budget with accommodations ranging from comfortable lodges, guesthouses, and homestays to three star hotels. Value (3*)
8 days
From: $ 2,204 $ 276 / day
Checking price

Overview

Highlights (Bullets)

  • Visit to Obras del Espiritu Santo
  • Full-day Maleku Reserve Tour
  • Volunteer Program Tour at Proyecto Asis

Short Description

Escape to lush green forests, culture-packed cities, and picture-perfect volcano grounds! On this Costa Rican adventure, you'll experience spectacular natural beauty while doing your part to preserve it. This package delivers a unique mixture of opportunities - you'll have the chance to volunteer at a wild animal rehabilitation center, learn about indigenous tribes, make arrows and tortillas, climb a volcano, explore the capital city of San Jose, and much more! 

This 7-night vacation is chock full of tours, special visits, and cultural activities. From a guided journey through breathtaking Arenal Vida Campesina to a full-day tour of the native Maleku Reserve, every day of this trip will be completely different from the next. A memorable highlight of your time in Costa Rica will be your visit to Obras Del Espiritu Santo, a non-profit organization that focuses on local teenagers and children at social risk. Share special time with these children, teach them about your culture and language, and learn about their situations and the hardships they face. You can be sure that these children will never forget you, and you will surely never forget them.

Jump on this opportunity to make a difference while experiencing the beauty of Costa Rica. Enjoy convenient transfers, luxurious accommodations, several included meals, and English-speaking guided tours. So, go ahead. Take tons of priceless photos, feel the reward of giving back, and immerse yourself in the culture and scenic landscapes of this tropical oasis.

Please note that unvaccinated American tourists traveling to Costa Rica must acquire mandatory travel insurance that covers lodging in the event of quarantine as well as medical expenses due to contracting COVID-19.

The insurance policy may be obtained from any international insurance company that meets the following requirements: 1)Valid for the entire stay in Costa Rica (coverage dates); 2)$50,000 USD for medical expenses, including those from COVID-19; 3)$2,000 USD for lodging expenses in the event of COVID-19 quarantine. Click here for more information.

Style Self-guided tour
See all the highlights and popular spots on a classic tour.
Itinerary Focus Classic Highlights
Mid-range budget with accommodations ranging from comfortable lodges, guesthouses, and homestays to three star hotels.
Lodging Level Value (3*)
Flight & Transport Inclusions Roundtrip air to/from trip start & all internal transport
Start City San Jose
End City Costa Rica

Itinerary

Day 1 Welcome to San Jose!

Arrive in the sunny city of San Jose! Upon arrival at SJO International Airport, you'll be greeted by a Swiss Travel representative who will provide you with all the documentation you'll need during your Costa Rican adventure. Enjoy a comfortable transfer to your first accommodation, then settle in and get to know San Jose!

Spend the afternoon strolling through beautiful La Sabana Park. Smell the freshness of eucalyptus trees, see your reflection in the lake, or wander around the art museum. Treat yourself to dinner in neighboring Sabana Norte or Sabana Sur, two bustling neighborhoods filled with nightlife, restaurants, theaters, and much more.

Day 2 San Jose

Energize with a rejuvenating breakfast, then enjoy your visit to Obras Del Espiritu Santo. Cherish your time at this wonderful non-profit organization that focuses on diverse social aspects such as health, education, and at-risk youth. Spend quality time with amazing youngsters and enjoy learning about each other from a cultural and humanistic standpoint. At the conclusion of the visit, enjoy lunch, then spend your afternoon at leisure in San Jose. 

This evening, be sure to check out the renowned National Theater of Costa Rica! See what's showing, or simply marvel at its magnificent architecture. Walk around this buzzing central area and dance the night away in a local bar!

Day 3 San Jose - Arenal Volcano

After breakfast, embark on your journey toward the northern lowlands of Costa Rica, home of the majestic Arenal Volcano. Climb up the central volcanic mountain range and see agricultural plantations, vibrant plants, and vast cattle ranges. Then, come face-to-face with the mighty Arenal Volcano in La Fortuna! Check-in to your luxurious Arenal hotel, then enjoy the leisure facilities of your hotel and explore the dramatic landscapes of the area. 

Day 4 Arenal Volcano

Grab your camera and get ready for a guided journey through Arenal Vida Campesina, a self-sustained cultural area, where you'll partake in activities such as milking cows, making tortillas, gathering vegetables, learning traditional dances, and more! Enjoy a day filled with cultural immersion, friendly locals, tasty food, and beautiful scenery. 

Day 5 Arenal Volcano

Become part of the history and culture of the Maleku Tribe today! Visit the beautiful natural reserve of these indigenous people and get a taste of their daily lifestyle. Learn about authentic Costa Rican culture, stroll through a medicinal plant garden, and enjoy some local snacks and foods along the way. 

Day 6 Arenal Volcano

Unleash your wild side at Proyecto Asis, a wild animal rescue center! Enjoy a guided tour that takes you through different enclosures and habitats. Once you learn all about the animals, you'll be able to interact with them! Prepare food, feed the animals, and more. 

After an awesome animal-filled day, explore the Arenal area. You might want to check out La Fortuna Waterfall, various local hot springs, and hanging bridges!

Day 7 Arenal Volcano - San Jose

Snap your last photos in the Arenal area, then wave goodbye to the colorful jungle and head back to city life. Enjoy a scenic ride to capital San Jose, where you will spend your last night in Costa Rica. During the drive, gaze out the window at rolling agricultural plantations, vibrant plants, cattle ranches, mountains, and more. Spend your last night soaking up the lively culture of the city!

Day 8 Depart Costa Rica

Squeeze all your souvenirs into your luggage and enjoy a convenient transfer to SJO International Airport. On your relaxing flight home, reflect on the unforgettable cultural experiences you've had and the differences you've made. 

Availability

Checking price
Price From $ 2,204
Price Per Day: $ 276 per day

18,697 Great Value Vacations Travel Reviews & Ratings

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4.1 out of 5 (100+ reviews)
Excellent 9,770
Great 4,394
Average 2,136
Disappointing 997
Terrible 1,400
Value
4.1
Guide
4.1
Activities
4.1
Lodging
4.1
Transportation
4.1
Meals
4.1

Costa Rica: Leaving My Footprint

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Company Reviews

"Travel Vouchers" caused Missed Train

3.0
Details
Value3.0
Guide3.0
Activities3.0
Lodging3.0
Transportation3.0
Meals3.0
When we were ready to take our first train from Madrid to Seville, I didn't know how to turn what I thought were the vouchers into tickets. We missed the train and had to buy our own tickets on a train that left 3 hours later.
The vouchers in my email read only: travel vouchers. I ignored it because I thought I had already printed my travel vouchers. I sadly learned that what I had printed were not my travel vouchers. It would have been helpful to have had the email read "train ticket vouchers". That was a costly mistake. This was our second time traveling with Great Value Vacations.
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Greece: Athens, Paros, & Santorini

5.0
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Value5.0
Guide5.0
Activities5.0
Lodging5.0
Transportation5.0
Meals5.0
Wow! Everything was handled beautifully! Our transfers, hotels, and excursions were organized and communicated very well to us. I loved how nice and helpful our first transfer and pick up person was. He (Thanasis) explained the itinerary and procedures very well and even gave us recommendations for things to do in the areas we will be. We had a few changes due to ferry and transportation strikes but the travel companies all communicated with us the next steps and options in a very timely manner. I appreciate the feeling of safety and security that this trip provided. I will definitely be booking another trip with GVV! Thank you for an amazing experience.
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Service?

4.0
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Value4.0
Guide4.0
Activities4.0
Lodging4.0
Transportation4.0
Meals4.0
Loved the vacation. But the services leaves something to be desired which is why I gave it 4 stars. I had questions about our flight reservation, which wasn’t showing up in the airline system online, and discovered no one was available at Great Value to help me the day before our flight. Luckily I was able to resolve the issue on my own with the airline. They keep bankers hours, so beware.
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A Learning Experience for Next Time

3.0
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Value3.0
Guide3.0
Activities3.0
Lodging3.0
Transportation3.0
Meals3.0
Check your documents carefully. Transfers for our tours weren't included. Hotel Muli is located on the outskirts of town. Taxis are very expensive and Uber is not allowed in Iceland. We had to walk up and down a hill everytime we wanted to leave our hotel, once we figured out the bus schedule. I have knee issues, so not great. The 5 hour layovers between flights were killers. Earlier flights were available.
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Outstanding Communication

5.0
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Value5.0
Guide5.0
Activities5.0
Lodging5.0
Transportation5.0
Meals5.0
There were protests the dates we traveled, ferries to and from the islands were suspended; however we were able to fly out instead. The staff kept us updated and had money in hand (refund) waiting for us when we arrived back in Athens. Outstanding Communication!
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Every thing was great vouchers work…

5.0
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Value5.0
Guide5.0
Activities5.0
Lodging5.0
Transportation5.0
Meals5.0
Every thing was great vouchers work great hotel rooms were the best.

Details

Flight & Transport Inclusions

Roundtrip air to/from trip start & all internal transport

Group Size

Independent

Accommodations

Crowne Plaza San Jose Corobici

Kick back and relax at the contemporary Crowne Plaza San Jose Corobici! Feel your eyes widen as you walk through the atrium, which boasts sky-high ceilings, stylish seating areas, and flooding natural light. Check-in with the friendly reception team, then mosey through the halls and find your room. Open the door to plush beds, WiFi, flat-screen TV, sparkling bathrooms, and more. Take a quick nap, then unpack your swimsuit and head for the pool! Take a refreshing dip or lounge in the warm sun with a drink in-hand. Work all your stresses away at the on-site state-of-the-art fitness center, melt your worries away in the sauna, or sink into the steamy Jacuzzi.

When you work up an appetite, decide between El Tucan Restaurant, which serves sophisticated Costa Rican cuisine near the pool, or Fuji Restaurant, which serves traditional Japanese cuisine in a hibachi-table setting. After a delicious dinner, unwind with a drink at the lobby bar!

Hotel Arenal Springs

Hotel Arenal Springs is located near natural hot springs in Fortuna, a 20 minutes' drive from the Arenal Volcano site. Soak in rich mineral waters in the middle of Costa Rica's beautiful tropical rainforest! You'll never be bored because this hotel offers a wide variety of activities from zip lining to river rafting to mountain biking.

In addition to the hot springs, the hotel features three outdoor swimming pools including a children's pool. Unwind with a drink at one of the hotel's bars, including a poolside bar and a bar/lounge. Dine on international, Italian, and Japanese cuisine at three on-site restaurants. Bright and airy rooms feature flat-screen cable TV, air conditioning, terraces, private bathrooms and views of the garden and Arenal Volcano and the garden.

Trip ID#:

greatvaluevacations-PK-GC4P-SH-CRLF-SJO

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