Essences of Costa Rica: volcanoes, nature and beach
- 12 days
- Max Guests: Unlimited
- San José, CR
Discover the essential places of Costa Rica during this exotic 13-day adventure. The tour begins and ends in the capital, San José, and offers you the opportunity to discover different aspects of this iconic destination. Visit Costa Rica's most important natural areas, including the Arenal Volcano National Park and the Monteverde Cloud Forest. Experience unforgettable moments in the fascinating Tamarindo, one of Costa Rica's most famous beaches. Enjoy the fun atmosphere of this surf destination and get close to the inspiring local culture and adventurous spirit.
Leave your guidebooks at home and dive into the local cultures that make each destination so special. We’ll connect you with our exclusive experiences. Each trip is carefully crafted to let enjoy your vacation.
Leave your guidebooks at home and dive into the local cultures that make each destination so special. We’ll connect you with our exclusive experiences. Each trip is carefully crafted to let enjoy your vacation.
Included/Exclude
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Pick and Drop Services
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1 Meal Per Day
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Cruise Dinner & Music Event
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Visit 7 Best Places in the City With Group
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Pick and Drop Services
-
1 Meal Per Day
-
Cruise Dinner & Music Event
-
Visit 7 Best Places in the City With Group
Tour Amenities
Itinerary:
Day 1: Hometown - San José
Departure on a flight to San José. Upon arrival in the bustling city of San Jose, our representative will meet and welcome you. You will then be directed to your transportation, which will take you to the hotel in San José where you will spend your first night in Costa Rica. Night in San Jose
Day 2: San José - Tortuguero (135km - 4 hours by road / 2 hours by boat)
Your day starts early with a morning departure. You will cross the Braulio Carrillo National Park by bus towards the Caribbean plains, while enjoying the spectacular mountain landscapes and picturesque towns along the way. During the route, enjoy a tasty breakfast and continue your journey through the jungle by boat, navigating the rivers and canals of Tortuguero National Park. Afterwards, you will arrive at your eco-lodge, where you will have a tasty lunch. Hop back on the boat to visit the village of Tortuguero, where you can walk through the streets, stroll along the beach and experience the way of life of the locals. During the turtle hatching season, you can watch the baby turtles trying to find their way to the sea. Nesting takes place from July to September, and hatching from September to December. Enjoy the rest of the day relaxing at the hotel, surrounded by beautiful tropical forest and wildlife. Lunch and dinner included. Night in Tortuguero.
Day 3: Tortuguero National Park
Today you will have free time to relax by the pool and explore Tortuguero National Park on a three-hour trip. There you will have the opportunity to observe 350 protected species of birds, monkeys, crocodiles and sloths, as well as its lush vegetation. During the season from July to September, you can join an optional night turtle nesting tour, which can be purchased directly at the accommodation (not included). Lunch and dinner included Night in Tortuguero.
Day 4: Tortuguero - Arenal (210km - 5 hours by road / 2 hours by boat)
Early in the morning you will leave by boat towards Guápiles. From there, take the ground transportation that will take you to the restaurant for lunch. After a tasty lunch, we will pick you up in a shared transfer and take you to the Arenal area. Take advantage of the free day to explore the surroundings on your own or enjoy our exciting optional activities (not included). Night in Arenal.
Day 5: Arenal Volcano National Park
Today, after breakfast, you will embark on a guided hike through the Arenal Volcano National Park. During the tour, your guide will explain the periods of activity that the once-active volcano has experienced. Enjoy the green landscapes with the now dormant volcano as a backdrop. At the same time, you will be able to observe the wide variety of animals that inhabit the park, such as sloths, howler monkeys and even anteaters, to name a few. Afterwards, return to the hotel with the afternoon free to participate in an optional activity, either adventure or nature (not included). Night in Arenal.
Day 6: Arenal - Monteverde (60km - 2.5 h by road / 45 min by boat)
Start the day early with a good breakfast at the hotel, followed by check-out and departure to Monteverde. You will be transferred to Lake Arenal where you will board a boat that will take you to Monteverde. Once you reach the other side of the lake, a vehicle will be waiting to take you to Monteverde. During the ride, you will be able to admire the transition from the jungle to the cloud forest, where you will reach an altitude of 1,200 meters above sea level. Located in the province of Puntarenas, it is a place of cloud forests and fog, coffee plantations and monkeys, where you can also interact with the friendly locals. The town of Santa Elena is small and picturesque, full of inviting restaurants and artisan shops, while the nearby rainforest is home to great biodiversity. Take advantage of the free day to explore the area on your own or participate in an exciting optional activity (not included). Night in Monteverde
Day 7: Monteverde
After a nutritious breakfast at the hotel, enjoy a hike through the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. Founded in 1972, the Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve is known worldwide for its extraordinary biodiversity, for its diverse conservation actions and contributions, as well as for its scientific research. It is home to 2.5% of the world's biodiversity and is one of the most important private reserves, not only in Costa Rica, but in the entire world. The reserve is home to hundreds of species of mammals, birds, butterflies, amphibians, reptiles, insects and arachnids, as well as a wide variety of flora, such as mosses, vines or native cloud forest trees. Night in Monteverde.
Day 8: Monteverde - Pacific Coast (190km - 4h)
This morning, after breakfast, you will head to an impressive beach enclave, in the fascinating area of Guanacaste. After your arrival, take advantage of the rest of the day to explore the surroundings, stroll through the beautiful streets of Tamarindo, a charming coastal town in Guanacaste, or relax while enjoying the hotel facilities. Night on the Pacific Coast.
Day 9: Pacific Coast - Tamarindo
Tamarindo is a lively destination where you can have fun, enjoy the warmth of the sun and relax on its spectacular beach. If you're feeling adventurous, hop on a board and try to surf Tamarindo's famous waves. Take advantage of the free day to explore the area or relax in the hotel facilities. Night on the Pacific Coast.
Day 10: Tamarindo
Discover Tamarindo, on the Central Pacific Coast in the Province of Puntarenas. Spend your free time in the sun, playing in the waves or having a cultural encounter with the locals as you walk around this coastal town. Tamarindo offers a wide variety of restaurants with exquisite local and international cuisine. Night in Tamarindo.
Day 11: Tamarindo
Enjoy a full day to discover Tamarindo and its surrounding beaches on your own or if you prefer, take an optional excursion available on site (not included). Night in Tamarindo.
Day 12: Tamarindo – San Jose (250km – 4.5hrs)
After breakfast, transfer to your hotel in San José. Arrival and check-in at your hotel. Rest of the day free. We recommend exploring Costa Rican culture by taking an optional excursion (not included). Overnight stay in hotel in San José.
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Local rates
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Transfers
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Extras and personal expenses
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Excursions
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Food and drinks
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Tourist transport with air conditioning
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Travel insurance. Atrápalo recommends that you purchase optional insurance that best suits your travel needs
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Any other concept not indicated in "The price includes"
