Costa Rica's Pura Vida Escape with Tortuguero
Costa Rica's Pura Vida Escape with Tortuguero
Costa Rica's Pura Vida Escape with Tortuguero
10 Days Starting and ending in San José, Costa Rica
Visiting: San José, Tortuguero National Park, Monteverde Cloud Forest, Monteverde, La Fortuna, Arenal
Tour operator:
Tour code:
K5Q-2025
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Trip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on a captivating journey through Costa Rica's lush landscapes with the "Pura Vida Escape with Tortuguero" tour. Begin your adventure in San José, then travel to the serene Tortuguero National Park, where guided canal cruises reveal a vibrant array of wildlife, including sea turtles and exotic birds. Experience the enchanting Monteverde Cloud Forest, home to diverse flora and fauna, and visit the artisan town of Sarchí. Discover the wonders of Arenal Volcano National Park, with opportunities for hiking and relaxation in thermal springs. Enjoy comfortable accommodations at renowned lodges and resorts, with daily breakfasts and select meals included. This tour offers a perfect blend of guided exploration and leisure, allowing you to immerse yourself in Costa Rica's natural beauty and rich biodiversity. Optional excursions, such as turtle-nesting observation and zip lining, provide additional thrills for those seeking more adventure. Conclude your journey back in San José, enriched by the unforgettable experiences of Costa Rica's Pura Vida.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive In San José,Costa Rica
Location: San José
Upon arrival, a Globus representative will provide details about your Tortuguero National Park adventure. Please note: You will meet your Tour Director on day 4 in San José.
Day 2: San José,Tortuguero National Park
Location: Tortuguero National Park
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
An early morning journey east to the Caribbean shore takes you to Tortuguero National Park. On route, enjoy breakfast at a local restaurant where you may have a chance to spot sloths high in the trees. Continue to the embarkation point for a cruise along the Tortuguero Canals. Upon arrival, enjoy a welcome drink, lunch, and briefing at your lodge. Your afternoon is at leisure where you may wish to visit Tortuguero Village to learn more about the locals.
Day 3: Tortuguero National Park
Location: Tortuguero National Park
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
TORTUGUERO NATIONAL PARK Natural Beauties Explore further as a local Naturalist accompanies you on a guided cruise of the remote, yet extensive, Tortuguero canals. Watch for abundant wildlife, including over 125 species of mammals, 124 species of reptiles, and over 375 species of birds. Return to the lodge for a nature walk into the rainforest with your Naturalist guide who explains the flora commonly found here and its uses. After lunch at the lodge, the remainder of the day is at leisure. (B,L,D) NOTE: If traveling between July and September, you may wish to join an optional excursion hosted by the resort to witness sea turtles laying eggs on the beach. Arrangement and payment for this excursion can be arranged directly with the resort upon arrival. TOUR HIGHLIGHT WONDERS OF NATURE Your time in Tortuguero National Park includes Naturalist-guided visits to the bio-diverse park—home to many species, including white-faced capuchin, howler, spider monkeys, toucans, macaws, tapirs, ocelot, manatees, and jaguars! The area is also famous as the annual nesting site for the five species of turtles. TOUR HIGHLIGHT ACCOMODATION SPOTLIGHT Pachira Lodge, named after an indigenous aquatic plant, is located just minutes from the entrance to Tortuguero National Park. With more than 30 acres of humid tropical forest, with more than 85% of the land dedicated to conservation, you are sure to spot wildlife and reconnect with nature. Explore the resort’s walking paths in search of wildlife, enjoy Costa Rican Caribbean cuisine, relax at the outdoor turtle-shaped pool, or choose to join an optional activity like fishing, turtle-nesting observation, a sunrise boat tour, zip lining, or a spa visit.
Day 4: Tortuguero National Park,San José
Location: San José
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
A morning boat cruise and drive take you back to San José where you will meet your Tour Director.
Day 5: 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 6: 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 7: Monteverde,Arenal
Location: La Fortuna
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 8: 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 9: 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 10: Arenal,San José
Location: San José
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your tour ends with breakfast and a transfer back to the San Jose Airport. Please schedule homebound flights after 2pm.
What's Included
-
Accommodation
Accommodation is provided at Delta Hotels by Marriott San Jose Aurola in San Jose, Pachira Lodge in Tortuguero, El Establo Mountain Lodge in Monteverde, and Tilajari Resort Hotel in Arenal.
-
Meals
Breakfast is included daily, along with some lunches and dinners as specified in the itinerary.
-
Guided Tours
Guided tours are included in various locations such as Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve and Tortuguero National Park.
-
Transportation
Transportation is provided between destinations as part of the tour package.
-
Naturalist Guide
A local Naturalist accompanies you on guided tours in Tortuguero National Park.
What's Not Included
-
Optional Excursions
Optional excursions such as turtle-nesting observation, zip lining, and spa visits are not included and can be arranged directly with the resort.
-
Tour Director
Tour Directors do not accompany guests on extensions.
Local Guide and Naturalist service is provided as outlined in the day-by-day itinerary. -
Flights
Flights to and from Costa Rica are not included in the tour package.
-
Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and tips are not included.
Accommodation
Stay at the Delta Hotels by Marriott San Jose Aurola in San Jose, Pachira Lodge in Tortuguero, El Establo Mountain Lodge in Monteverde, and Tilajari Resort Hotel in Arenal, offering a blend of comfort and nature immersion.
Meals
Breakfast daily
Notes
Prime viewing season for endangered green turtle nesting and egg laying in Tortuguero National Park occurs approximately July to September. Your resort in Tortuguero will offer optional activities to see the spawning of the Green Turtles when in season (paid directly to the resort due to local restrictions and natural changes to spawning season).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 Tortuguero National Park?
In Tortuguero National Park, you can expect to see a diverse range of wildlife including over 125 species of mammals, 124 species of reptiles, and over 375 species of birds. The park is also home to white-faced capuchin, howler, and spider monkeys, toucans, macaws, tapirs, ocelots, manatees, and jaguars. Additionally, it is famous for being an annual nesting site for five species of turtles.
-
What activities are available at Pachira Lodge in Tortuguero?
At Pachira Lodge, you can explore the resort's walking paths in search of wildlife, enjoy Costa Rican Caribbean cuisine, relax at the outdoor turtle-shaped pool, or choose to join optional activities such as fishing, turtle-nesting observation, a sunrise boat tour, zip lining, or a spa visit.
-
What is the significance of the Monteverde Cloud Forest?
The Monteverde Cloud Forest is significant for its rich biodiversity, being home to over 3,000 species of plants and 400 species of birds, including the resplendent quetzal. It experiences almost 12 feet of rain per year and is known for its unique cloud coverage and diverse wildlife, including sloths, jaguars, ocelots, monkeys, and coatis.
-
What can I do during my free time in Arenal?
During your free time in Arenal, you can enjoy the resort's pool and jacuzzi, take a walk around the riverbank or surrounding gardens, or participate in optional excursions such as exploring the local area or engaging in adventure activities.
-
Are there any optional excursions available during the tour?
Yes, there are optional excursions available during the tour, such as turtle-nesting observation, zip lining, and spa visits. These can be arranged directly with the resort. Additionally, during your free time in Arenal, you can choose from a variety of optional excursions.
-
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
Save on this tour
Request your exclusive discount code now and unlock savings for your next adventure!
Send me one now.1 Select your preferred date
Wednesday - Friday
Feb 26, 2025 - Mar 07, 2025Wednesday - Friday
Mar 12, 2025 - Mar 21, 2025Wednesday - Friday
Mar 26, 2025 - Apr 04, 2025Wednesday - Friday
Apr 30, 2025 - May 09, 2025Wednesday - Friday
May 21, 2025 - May 30, 2025Wednesday - Friday
Jun 11, 2025 - Jun 20, 2025Wednesday - Friday
Jul 02, 2025 - Jul 11, 2025Wednesday - Friday
Jul 16, 2025 - Jul 25, 2025Wednesday - Friday
Aug 06, 2025 - Aug 15, 2025Wednesday - Friday
Aug 20, 2025 - Aug 29, 2025Wednesday - Friday
Sep 03, 2025 - Sep 12, 2025Wednesday - Friday
Oct 15, 2025 - Oct 24, 2025Wednesday - Friday
Nov 12, 2025 - Nov 21, 2025Wednesday - Friday
Dec 10, 2025 - Dec 19, 2025Book with Confidence
-
Low Deposit
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.
-
Terms and Conditions
Why book with Barrhead?
Fully Protected
All our holidays are fully financially protected.
Your flight & hotel package is fully ATOL protected.
Range
Our bespoke holidays are tailor-made to suit your personal requirements.
We can book flights, rail journeys, accommodation, cruises, attraction tickets and much more.
Industry leading discounts, we won't be beaten on price.
Expert Knowledge
We know because we go – our Touring & Adventure specialists have travelled to over 55 countries.
Reliable & unbiased advice from our trusted travel experts.
Trusted Agent
Multi award-winning agency with almost 50 years experience.
Rated 4.9/5 on Trustpilot – the highest-rated high-street travel agent.
We look after you every step of the way.