Costa Rica's Pura Vida Escape with Tortuguero

Costa Rica's Pura Vida Escape with Tortuguero

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10 Days From

$1781

$1338

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:

Globus

Tour code:

K5Q-2025

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Medium

Trip Styles:

Small Group

Activities:

Hiking, Sightseeing, Walking

From: $1781 $1338 Barrhead discount: -$443 -25%

NB: Prices correct on 03-Dec-2024 but subject to change.

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

  • Tortuguero National Park offers a sanctuary for leatherback, Hawksbill, and green sea turtles, with guided canal cruises to spot diverse wildlife.

  • Explore Monteverde Cloud Forest, home to over 3,000 species of plants and 400 species of birds, including the resplendent quetzal.

  • Visit the quaint town of Sarchí, known as the cradle of Costa Rican artisans, on the way to Monteverde.

  • Experience the bio-diverse Arenal Volcano National Park, with opportunities for hiking and relaxing in thermal hot springs.

  • Take a guided walking tour of Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve, rich in wildlife such as sloths, jaguars, and numerous bird species.

  • Enjoy a scenic ride through fields of banana trees on the way to San José, Costa Rica's capital city.

  • Hike through the Mirador 1968 reserve near Arenal Volcano to see evidence of volcanic activity and its impact on the ecosystem.

Places You'll See

Delta Hotels By Marriott San Jose Aurola

Pachira Lodge

El Establo Mountain Lodge

Tilajari Resort Hotel

Itinerary

Expand All

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

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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