Costa Rica Escape with Tortuguero
Costa Rica Escape with Tortuguero
Costa Rica Escape with Tortuguero
10 Days Starting and ending in San José, Costa Rica
Visiting: San José, Tortuguero National Park, Arenal, Monteverde
Tour operator:
Tour code:
K3Q-2025
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on the "Costa Rica Escape with Tortuguero" adventure, a captivating journey through Costa Rica's diverse landscapes and vibrant wildlife. Begin in San José, then venture to the Caribbean shores of Tortuguero National Park, where you'll cruise the canals and explore the rainforest with a Naturalist guide. Discover the wonders of Arenal, with its majestic volcano and lush rainforests, and traverse the treetop bridges for panoramic views. Continue to the cloud forests of Monteverde, home to an array of exotic fauna and flora. Conclude your trip with a visit to the artisan village of Sarchi and a guided tour of San José's historic sites. Enjoy comfortable stays at Park Inn Radisson, Evergreen Lodge, Magic Mountain Hotel, and Monteverde Country Lodge, with daily breakfasts, select lunches, and dinners included.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive In San José,Costa Rica
Location: San José
Accommodation Name: Park Inn Radisson
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
Accommodation Name: Evergreen Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
SAN JOSÉ–TORTUGUERO NATIONAL PARK Shell GamesJourney east to the Caribbean shore and Tortuguero National Park. On the way, pass by several banana plantations and see one of Costa Rica’s main exports being harvested. Later, board a motor launch for your cruise along the Tortuguero Canals, waterways crisscrossing a national park dedicated to the protection of endangered turtles. The trained eyes of your guide and boatman help you spot freshwater turtles, caimans, herons, toucans, egrets, and monkeys. Upon arrival, enjoy a welcome drink and briefing at your lodge before free time before dinner this evening. (B,L,D)TOUR HIGHLIGHTWONDERS 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.
Day 3: Tortuguero National Park
Location: Tortuguero National Park
Accommodation Name: Evergreen Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
TORTUGUERO NATIONAL PARK Natural BeautiesA 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. This afternoon, visit the small town of Tortuguero and visit the Sea Turtle Conservancy Museum in the protected nesting habitat and largest green turtle rookery in North America, as well as Hawksbill, Leatherback, Loggerhead, and Olive Ridley turtles. (B,L,D)TOUR HIGHLIGHT CONSERVATION MATTERS The Sea Turtle Conservancy Museum has been working with green turtles in Tortuguero since 1959, making it the world’s oldest sea turtle research and conservation group. Learn about sea turtle species that nest in Tortuguero, their life cycle, migratory routes, the research that was started in the early 1950s, and preservation efforts to help protect these endangered species.
Day 4: Tortuguero National Park,San José
Location: Tortuguero National Park
Accommodation Name: Park Inn Radisson
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
TORTUGUERO NATIONAL PARK–SAN JOSÉ Make Waves A morning boat cruise and drive take you back to San José where you will meet your Tour Director. (B,L)TOUR HIGHLIGHT SCENIC RIDE Pass the plentiful fields of banana trees on your way to San José where the Costa Rican plantations produce this main export to the rest of the world.
Day 5: San José,Arenal
Location: Arenal
Accommodation Name: Magic Mountain Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
SAN JOSÉ–ARENAL Lava LoveDepart on a scenic drive past banana groves and pineapple and sugar cane fields en route to Arenal. Visit to La Fortuna Village in the shadow of mighty Arenal Volcano (currently dormant but known for consistent lava flows before 2010). Arenal is home to cascading waterfalls, thriving rainforests, abundant wildlife, and a wealth of outdoor activities with nearby nature trails and 400-year-old trees. Watch for frogs, monkeys, birds, and native wildlife. (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHTWONDERS OF NATURE For 42 years, Arenal Volcano was Costa Rica’s most active volcano until 2010 when entered a passive phase. This area is one of the most bio-diverse areas in the world and is home to more than 850 species of birds and other wildlife. Time here can be spent hiking the trails around the volcano or relaxing in the many thermal hot springs.
Day 6: Arenal
Location: Arenal
Accommodation Name: Magic Mountain Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
ARENAL Bird’s Eye View Today, take a guided excursion with your Naturalist to Arenal Hanging Bridges. Explore the jungle canopy atop 15 bridges suspended in the treetops to see various species of plants, birds, butterflies, monkeys, sloths, and other local wildlife. On a clear day, get a 360-degree view of the tropical rainforest and stunning views of Arenal Volcano. Free time the remainder of the day. (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHTPICTURE PERFECT Explore the rainforest from a bird’s-eye perspective high above the jungle floor from the Arenal Hanging Bridges. This Naturalist-guided tour introduces you to the flora and fauna of the Costa Rican rainforest. With some bridges spanning over 700 feet long and 200 feet high, this is truly a unique way to admire the forest canopy.
Day 7: Arenal,Monteverde
Location: Monteverde
Accommodation Name: Monteverde Country Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast
ARENAL–MONTEVERDE Heads in the CloudsThis morning, depart Arenal on scenic drive to Monteverde for the next two nights. Arrive in the cloud forest of Monteverde, situated on the continental divide under misty cloud coverage in one of the world’s most bio-diverse areas. Enjoy an afternoon and evening at leisure. (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHTWILD & WONDERFUL Explore Monteverde Cloud Forest, home to over 3,000 species of plants, 400 species of birds, 60 species of bats, 1,200 species of amphibians, and 700 species of butterflies in one of the last remaining natural habitats of all six Costa Rica wildcat species—ocelots, jaguars, jaguarundi, pumas, oncillas, and margays. Perhaps you’ll catch a glimpse of one of Costa Rica’s most beautiful birds, the resplendent quetzal.
Day 8: Monteverde
Location: Monteverde
Accommodation Name: Monteverde Country Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast
MONTEVERDE Creatures of the Cloud ForestThis morning, take a Naturalist guided walking tour of Santa Elena Cloud Forest 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. (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHTPARADISE FOUND This unique, high-elevation ecosystem of Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve is constantly enveloped in moisture-rich clouds formed from the warm winds from the Atlantic Ocean as they sweep over the Continental Divide, creating one of the most bio-diverse and rich ecosystems in the world. Prolific in many animal and plant species, this is a nature lover’s paradise.
Day 9: Monteverde,Sarchi,San José
Location: San José
Accommodation Name: Park Inn Radisson
Meals Included: Breakfast
MONTEVERDE–SARCHI–SAN JOSÉ Artistry & Drama En route to San José, visit Sarchi Village, the hub of Costa Rican craftsmanship, and see the artists in their workshops making their famous ox carts. Upon arrival in San José, a guided city orientation introduces downtown San José includes the historic National Theater and the Metropolitan Cathedral. (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHTCULTURE & TRADITION Visit the local village of Sarchi and see firsthand how the traditional ox carts are hand-painted. Once used to transport coffee and sugarcane, these are now pieces of art with intricate designs.
Day 10: San José
Location: San José
Accommodation Name: Park Inn Radisson
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Accommodation is provided at Park Inn Radisson in San Jose, Evergreen Lodge in Tortuguero, Magic Mountain Hotel in Arenal, and Monteverde Country Lodge in Monteverde.
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Meals
Breakfast is provided daily, along with 3 lunches and 2 dinners.
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Guided Tours
Guided tours are included, such as a guided cruise of the Tortuguero canals, a nature walk in the rainforest, and a guided walking tour of Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve.
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Transportation
Transportation includes a motor launch cruise along the Tortuguero Canals and scenic drives to various locations such as Arenal and Monteverde.
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Welcome Drink
A welcome drink is provided upon arrival at the lodge in Tortuguero.
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Local Naturalist Guide
A local Naturalist guide accompanies you on various excursions, including the Tortuguero canals and Arenal Hanging Bridges.
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Small Group Discoveries
The tour offers Small-Group Discoveries limited to an average of just 20 guests per departure.
What's Not Included
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Tour Director for Extensions
Tour Directors do not accompany guests on extensions.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and activities not listed in the itinerary are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and should be purchased separately.
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International Flights
International flights to and from Costa Rica are not included.
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Optional Activities
Optional activities and excursions not listed in the itinerary are not included.
Meals
Breakfast daily, 3 lunches, 2 dinners
Notes
Maximum elevation on tour is 9,000 ft.Tour Director does not accompany guests on extensions. Local Guide services will be provided as outlined in the itinerary.
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.
Accommodation
San Jose: Park Inn Radisson, Tortuguero: Evergreen Lodge, Arenal: Magic Mountain Hotel, Monteverde: Monteverde Country Lodge
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of wildlife can I expect to see in Tortuguero National Park?
In Tortuguero National Park, you can expect to see a variety of wildlife including freshwater turtles, caimans, herons, toucans, egrets, monkeys, and over 125 species of mammals, 124 species of reptiles, and more than 375 species of birds.
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What activities are included in the visit to Arenal?
In Arenal, you will visit La Fortuna Village, explore nature trails, and take a guided excursion to Arenal Hanging Bridges where you can see various species of plants, birds, butterflies, monkeys, sloths, and other local wildlife. You will also have free time to explore the area.
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What can I expect during the visit to Monteverde?
In Monteverde, you will take a guided walking tour of the Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve, where you can see forest fauna such as sloths, jaguars, ocelots, monkeys, coatis, and numerous species of birds. The cloud forest experiences almost 12 feet of rain per year, maintaining almost 100% humidity throughout the year.
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Will I have a tour guide throughout the entire trip?
You will meet your Tour Director on day 4 in San José. Local Guide and Naturalist services are provided as outlined in the day-by-day itinerary. Tour Directors do not accompany guests on extensions.
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What is the maximum elevation reached during the tour?
The maximum elevation on the tour is 9,000 feet.
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What kind of meals are included in the tour?
The tour includes breakfast daily, 3 lunches, and 2 dinners.
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What is the group size for this tour?
Globus offers Small-Group Discoveries on all South America tour dates, limited to an average of just 20 guests per departure.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
For over 90 years.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest Covid-19 policies
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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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