Costa Rica's Pura Vida Escape with Guanacaste

Costa Rica's Pura Vida Escape with Guanacaste

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9 Days From

$1685

$1308

Costa Rica's Pura Vida Escape with Guanacaste

9 Days Starting in San José, Costa Rica and ending in Guanacaste, Costa Rica

Visiting: San José, Monteverde Cloud Forest, Monteverde, Arenal, Guanacaste

Tour operator:

Globus

Tour code:

K5E-2025

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Medium

Activities:

Sightseeing, Walking

From: $1685 $1308 Barrhead discount: -$377 -22%

NB: Prices correct on 22-Dec-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

Embark on a captivating journey through Costa Rica with the Pura Vida Escape tour, starting in the vibrant city of San José. Discover the lush Monteverde Cloud Forest, teeming with diverse wildlife, and enjoy a guided tour of its biological reserve. Experience the breathtaking landscapes of Arenal Volcano National Park and unwind at an eco-resort. Delight in a scenic drive around Arenal Lake, leading to the stunning beaches of Guanacaste. Feel the thrill of a zipline tour through the forest canopy and relax on the golden sands of Tamarindo Beach. With private transfers and comfortable accommodations, this tour offers a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation, ensuring an unforgettable Costa Rican experience. Enjoy daily breakfasts and the flexibility of optional excursions, all while traveling in a small group for a more intimate exploration.

Highlights

  • Explore the vibrant city of San José with a guided tour.

  • Discover the Monteverde Cloud Forest, home to diverse wildlife including sloths and jaguars.

  • Take a guided walking tour of the Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve.

  • Visit Arenal Volcano National Park, known for its stunning landscapes.

  • Enjoy a scenic drive around Arenal Lake and explore the beaches of Guanacaste.

  • Experience the thrill of a zipline tour through the forest canopy in Guanacaste.

  • Relax on the golden sands of Tamarindo Beach and enjoy the stunning sunsets.

Places You'll See

Delta Hotels By Marriott San Jose Aurola

El Establo Mountain Lodge

Tilajari Resort Hotel

Wyndham Tamarindo

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Arrive In San José,Costa Rica

Location: San José

Meet your Tour Director at your hotel.

Day 2: San Jose,Monteverde Cloud Forest

Location: Monteverde Cloud Forest

Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast, visit the main attractions of San Jose with a guide. Then, journey to Monteverde, situated on the Continental Divide under misty cloud coverage in one of the world’s most bio-diverse areas. On route, stop in the quaint town of Sarchí, known as the cradle of Costa Rican artisans. Continue the journey, ascending to the Tilaran mountain range towards Monteverde Cloud Forest where the weather and vegetation begin to change. Free time this evening.

Day 3: Monteverde

Location: Monteverde

Meals Included: Breakfast

This morning, take a Naturalist guided walking tour of Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve, home to forest fauna such as sloths, jaguars, ocelots, monkeys, coatis, and numerous species of birds. With almost 100% humidity throughout the year, the cloud forest experiences almost 12 feet of rain per year. Free time this afternoon and evening.

Day 4: Monteverde,Arenal

Location: Arenal

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today, we travel to the outdoor adventure mecca of La Fortuna and Arenal Volcano National Park. Enjoy free time in La Fortuna before continuing to Arenal for a 3-night stay at an eco-resort. Enjoy free time this afternoon to enjoy the resort’s pool and jacuzzi or consider a walk around the riverbank or surrounding gardens.

Day 5: Arenal

Location: Arenal

Meals Included: Breakfast

Rise and shine with an early hike through the Mirador 1968, a private reserve located next to Arenal Volcano National Park. Here, your Tour Director will show you the evidence of the volcanic activity in the area and how it affected everything, even the smallest ecosystem in this beautiful forest. Then travel to the town of Arenal where you may wish to have a traditional lunch at a local restaurant or enjoy a short walk around town. Return to the resort where the remainder of the day is at leisure to relax or join an optional excursion adventure.

Day 6: Arenal

Location: Arenal

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today is free for you to customize your day with a variety of optional excursions or simply choose to enjoy the resort.

Day 7: Arenal,Guanacaste

Location: Guanacaste

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today starts with a private transfer to bid farewells to the rainforest, as you depart for the beautiful beaches of Costa Rica. Start the journey with a scenic drive around Arenal Lake before descending the Tilaran Mountain range to reach the plains of Guanacaste’s countryside and finally to the golden sands of Tamarindo Beach. The evening is at leisure to relax or take in the sunset. Please note: the Tour Director does not accompany guests on this extension.

Day 8: Guanacaste

Location: Guanacaste

Meals Included: Breakfast

Enjoy a free day today.

Day 9: Guanacaste

Location: Guanacaste

Meals Included: Breakfast

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.

What's Included

  • Meals

    Breakfast is included daily during the tour.

  • Guided Tours

    Guided tours are provided in San Jose and Monteverde Cloud Forest.

  • Small Group Discoveries

    Globus offers Small-Group Discoveries on all South America tour dates, limited to an average of just 20 guests per departure.

  • Transport

    The tour includes private transfers and scenic drives, such as a journey around Arenal Lake and through the Tilaran Mountain range, providing a comfortable and picturesque travel experience.

What's Not Included

  • Tour Director on Extensions

    Tour Directors do not accompany guests on extensions.

  • Optional Excursions

    Optional excursions such as horseback riding, zipline tours, and other activities are available for purchase.

  • Transportation Segments

    Some transportation segments are shared with other travelers.

Accommodation

Stay at Delta Hotels by Marriott San Jose Aurola in San Jose, El Establo Mountain Lodge in Monteverde, Tilajari Resort Hotel in Arenal, and Wyndham Tamarindo in Guanacaste.

Meals

Breakfast daily

Notes

Tour Directors do not accompany guests on extensions. Local Guide and Naturalist service is provided as outlined in day-by-day itinerary. Some transportation segments are shared with other travelers.

Small Group

Globus offers Small-Group Discoveries on all South America tour dates. A Small-Group Discovery is limited to an average of just 20 guests per departure. There’s always room to roam with extra space between you and other travelers—while still getting up close and personal to the experiences you’ve been dreaming of. Small-Group Discoveries include all the features of a traditional Globus escorted tour, complete with expert Tour Director, Driver, and Local Guides who ensure that your health and safety is our top priority. A Small-Group Discovery trip is the perfectly sized tour—without the crowds.

Check out our Q&As

  • What kind of wildlife can I expect to see in the Monteverde Cloud Forest?

    In the Monteverde Cloud Forest, you can expect to see a rich diversity of wildlife including sloths, jaguars, ocelots, monkeys, coatis, and numerous species of birds such as the resplendent quetzal.

  • What activities are available in Arenal?

    In Arenal, you can enjoy an early hike through the Mirador 1968 private reserve, explore the town of Arenal, or relax at the resort. There are also optional excursions available for those seeking more adventure.

  • Is breakfast included during the tour?

    Yes, breakfast is included daily during the tour.

  • What is the accommodation like during the tour?

    The tour includes stays at Delta Hotels by Marriott San Jose Aurola in San Jose, El Establo Mountain Lodge in Monteverde, Tilajari Resort Hotel in Arenal, and Wyndham Tamarindo in Guanacaste.

  • Are there any optional excursions available?

    Yes, there are optional excursions available for purchase, such as horseback riding and zipline tours.

  • Will a Tour Director accompany us throughout the entire tour?

    A Tour Director will accompany you during the main part of the tour, but they do not accompany guests on extensions.

  • What is the group size for this tour?

    The tour offers Small-Group Discoveries, limited to an average of just 20 guests per departure.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    For over 90 years.

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest Covid-19 policies

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Travel documents, including any air tickets, itineraries, and other information, are available approximately two to three weeks prior to departure provided full payment has been received.

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    The Globus Lighthouse Project - an illuminating initiative where we can all come together to tread lightly and give generously for the globe's greater good. Globus, along with sister companies Avalon Waterways and Cosmos, invite our travellers and partners to help us in supporting causes that provide for a more sustainable planet and a brighter tomorrow.

Reviews of this operator

Lisset  

Great Value for your Money

19-Dec-2022

This is my second time travelling with Globus, would have been my third if not for COVID. The way they plan everything is super organized, the tour managers are very caring and knowledgeable. We always enjoy all the site visits planned for each trip. They start by picking you up from the airport and from then on everything is taken care of up until the last day of your trip, even dropping you off at the airport not matter the time of day or night. The hotels at every city are always great and centrally located so you can walk around during your free time or plan your own visits to different sites.

Joan Cupp (Google Reviewer)  

My go-to escorted travel Co My...

01-Mar-2024

My go-to escorted travel Co My 4th trip with Globus and the did not disappoint. The sales deals they offer make it affordable for me to travel. All of the guides are well versed in the history of the area you travel in.

David R  

What a wonderful trip, thanks Globus

10-Jan-2023

Globus is my favorite travel agency. I tried others, but always come back to Globus. It is a 100% stress free one-stop shop. Easy booking with flight, hotel, transportation and travel insurance all in one place. Great customer service at reasonable prices. Lots of information prepared for the trip to handle travel logistics. I planned and booked my trip within 24 hours. Highly recommended to everyon

Alexander Wright  

Great guide, accommodations, and tours.

28-Dec-2022

We had a fantastic guide, with a great mix of free time and guided tours.

CTRTeach 11  

Globus exceeded my expectations!

20-Dec-2022

This is my first Globus tour. I was pleasantly surprised with the depth and quality. The hotels were top notch, and the cruise on the Nile exceeded my expectations. The cabins were roomy and comfortable, and the food was very good.

Nancy Arias  

The experience was amazing!!

30-Dec-2022

The trip was amazing. Our tour guide was so kind and very knowledgeable. I needed to attend a very important meeting via zoom. She was very understanding and accommodating to my needs and made it happen. I was very grateful! Our driver was by far the best driver I’ve ever encountered! I was beyond impressed with our guide, driver and trip!! I will definitely be back for another adventure!!

Irish Beth Maddock (Google Reviewer)  

Did the Globus Highlands and...

30-Sep-2023

Did the Globus Highlands and Islands Scottish Tour with Ian and Allister. What a trip!! With his sharp wit, immense knowledge and fun humour, Ian absolutely brought Scotland to vivid life with his many tales, informative quips and total, utter passion for history. Was spellbound. Am so VERY thankful I had the opportunity to be on Ian's last bus tour before retiring with Globus. In addition, to being so hard working and helpful, with Allister our driver, I cannot tell you how safe and secure I felt in his capable driving hands. He had some very awkward traffic and interesting roads to navigate with our large bus, (especially on the islands and up north) but he handled it all expertly and without a hitch. So much so, I was able to relax and enjoy the journey. All in all, with our tour, you could tell both these kind men cared very much for those of us who needed the extra help and advice. Made my bucket list trip to Scotland so memorable and wonderful. Thank you Ian and Allister! Globus is truly fortunate to have you both.

Patty Walker (Google Reviewer)  

Specifically, Cosmos Tour of Ireland...

11-Aug-2024

Specifically, Cosmos Tour of Ireland and Scotland. August 2024. Let me begin with the positive , the Tour guide was knowledgable, personable and educated! He also was extremely professional and took a genuine interest in providing the highest quality of service to the client. The bus was clean and comfortable and well maintained. The driver was highly experienced and provided excellent transportation. The excursions were acceptable and enjoyable. The Variety of age groups on the trip made for wonderful traveling companions. But unfortunately, that is where the positive ends. The Leonardo hotels that are part of the chain and experience for this specific tour are below quality. We spent a night in a room with a leak in the ceiling. That was known before we checked in and continued to leak while we were there. Another Leonardo hotel, we could not get out of our room. Due to the carpet being ripped up and blocking the door. Most of these hotels I would have walked away from, had I been on my own individual trip. The customer service is missing, customer safety is also missing in these hotels. There is lack of concern to assist customers to their rooms even when it is there responsibility to change the room, there isn't assistance offered. Never have I experienced where you had to absolutely be your own advocate. Because there is no customer concern or care. Quality of food provided is also below standards. It is frowned upon if you request something and often denied. We even had a situation where another individual was placed in the same room we were in and it was considered a "oh well too bad for you." Again, we had to transport our own luggage and bags to a new room. Only after we were our own advocates. We said this stranger and ourselves are not going to stay in the same room. Finally, we received a good room, a room that would be found acceptable in every day normal travel, and we had to change again. Because there was a missing part in a Radiator and this was known to the hotel but yet they still booked us into a room. The radiator would not turn off and the room was steaming hot. So once again, we had to transfer all of our luggage and personal items and trudged down stairwell and elevators to once again change rooms. This is so sad for a bucket list, once in a lifetime, save your money and go on your anniversary trip. The rooms are old and out, dated with stains and tears in carpets and materials. Some of the missing items are a safety concern. Buyer beware! The communication for traveling in other countries is not to the level of customer service and satisfaction that we are used to, we did not expect this level of unacceptable accommodations, much like staying in a hostile. It is the Globus/Cosmos Travel companies responsibility to make sure their accommodations for housing is up to the level of expectations of their customers. The accommodations provided are a reflection of Globus/Cosmos business model and integrity in the global travel industry. This is not everything we experienced, but just a few examples. At this time, their brand appears to be old, outdated, without concern or care for the safety of their clients or their health and welfare as applied to accomodations.Customer service, is their lost art. Choose carefully for travel service. And I would not recommend Globus or Cosmos.

Suneetha Raja (Google Reviewer)  

I have done Newfoundland &...

06-Jul-2024

I have done Newfoundland & Labrador with Iceberg Festival tour with Globus in June 2024. It was absolute rubbish for the price I paid towards the tour. Terrible hotels, horrible meals, barely any sightseeing that is worth while the visit, most importantly, the Iceberg festival never happened. Globus sold this specific tour departure date as the only way to attend this supposed Iceberg Festival. I felt cheated after paying 3527£ for a 13 day tour considering the only reason I picked this departure date was because I wanted to attend this Iceberg festival. I could have used my time and money in a better way doing a different tour with another company. A Canadian company who did the exact same tour is doing it for £2400. I have been travelling with Globus and Cosmos tours since 2008. However, this company tours have been terrible after the covid shutdowns. They are charging more than the premium companies and not providing the equivalent service on par with the prices. Safe to say that I won't be recommending Globus and Cosmos tours to anyone. Try other tour companies that are on the market.

Lynda Bailey (Google Reviewer)  

I really enjoyed my Cosmos...

11-Jun-2024

I really enjoyed my Cosmos tour to Italy last September. However I was totally disappointed by two major things which completely changed the atmosphere of the holiday for me. One was the 'last minute' rearrangement of one of our hotels which then put us well outside of Florence on a trading estate for two nights instead of walking distance from the city walls. That completely blocked any plans or ideas of enjoying Florence in the evening. My biggest disappointment was the terrible travel arrangements and associated advice about travelling through Heathrow Cosmos put in place for me and for which they refused to be accountable despite the fact that they had made the ticket booking on my behalf and I had asked them for appropriate check in advice at all key points before I travelled. As a result I was put on standby when I should never have been (even the BA departure staff were shocked at this) and separated from my luggage which travelled on a later flight. I spent over 6 hrs of my first day in Rome in the airport waiting for my luggage and subsequent transfer to my hotel, without any assistance from Cosmos or BA airside staff. When I complained after my holiday, Cosmos would not take any responsibility at all for the fact that I lost the first day of my holiday and approx. 50% of the time I was due to spend in Rome, preferring to blame BA who in turn were uncontactable about my complaint. Very poor customer service indeed.

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    Barrhead Travel requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 98 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of barrhead travel charges.

    Up to 98 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 97 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.

    At 28 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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