The Best of Costa Rica

The Best of Costa Rica

694 Views

The Best of Costa Rica

12 Days Starting and ending in San José, Costa Rica

Visiting: San José, Tortuguero, Tortuguero National Park, Muelle de San Carlos, La Fortuna, Monteverde, Manuel Antonio, ሀመር።

Tour operator:

Travelsphere

Tour code:

LCOSTA

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

15 - 35

Physical rating:

Medium

Age range:

18-99

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians, Vegans, Please make us aware of any specific dietary requests

Tour operated in:

English

This tour is no longer available

Tour Overview

Embark on an unforgettable journey through the lush landscapes of Costa Rica and Nicaragua with "The Best of Costa Rica" tour. This adventure begins in the vibrant capital of San José, before whisking you away to the wildlife-rich Tortuguero National Park. Experience the breathtaking Hanging Bridges of Arenal and explore the mystical Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. Discover the diverse ecosystems of Carara and Manuel Antonio National Parks, and enjoy the unique opportunity to stay on both the Caribbean and Pacific coasts. With 10 nights in comfortable 3 and 4-star hotels, guided tours, and 16 delicious meals included, this tour offers a perfect blend of nature, culture, and relaxation. Let the expert guidance of a Travelsphere Holiday Director and Specialist Local Guide enhance your experience as you uncover the natural wonders and vibrant wildlife of this Central American paradise.

Highlights

  • Tour of San José, Costa Rica's vibrant capital

  • Explore Tortuguero National Park with jungle cruises

  • Visit the Hanging Bridges of Arenal

  • Discover the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve

  • Experience Carara National Park, a haven for birdwatchers

  • Relax on both the Caribbean and Pacific Coasts

  • Visit the stunning Manuel Antonio National Park

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 Uk - San José

Location: San José

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Studio Hotel

Today you will fly to San José. We will transfer you to your hotel on arrival.

Day 2 San José - Tortuguero

Location: Tortuguero

Accommodation: Lodge

Accommodation Name: Pachira Lodge

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today you're heading to Tortuguero National Park on the Caribbean Coast, home to an array of wildlife including monkeys, sloths, crocodiles and caimans. Our journey takes us through the Braulio Carrillo National Park and across the Continental Divide, where you'll take in breathtaking views of primary forests. Towards the end of your journey, we will transfer you to your lodge by boat. This afternoon you'll learn all about sea turtles when we visit the Tortuguero Village and the Caribbean Conservation Museum.

Day 3 Tortuguero National Park

Location: Tortuguero National Park

Accommodation: Lodge

Accommodation Name: Pachira Lodge

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today you will discover Tortuguero National Park, which sits in the heart of the jungle. It's one of the best places in Central America to observe turtles nesting up close, and you will experience this remote rainforest on a boat trip through jungle-sheltered canals.

Day 4 Tortuguero National Park - Muelle De San Carlos

Location: Muelle de San Carlos

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Tilajari Hotel Resort

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast we leave Tortuguero by boat and then drive to the village of Muelle de San Carlos. We'll stop at a restaurant for lunch on the way, and then visit 'Mi Cafecito Coffee Tour' in the afternoon. During our tour of this community coffee plantation, we will gain an insight into the lives of Costa Rica's coffee producers. There will also be an opportunity to sample the coffee and purchase some to take home as a souvenir.
When we arrive in Muelle de San Carlos, the rest of the day will be free for you to relax and enjoy the facilities at the hotel. You could take a dip in the swimming pool or perhaps enjoy a drink with your travelling companions.

Day 5 Muelle De San Carlos

Location: La Fortuna

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Tilajari Hotel Resort

Meals Included: Breakfast

Enjoy a day relaxing or join our optional excursions. This morning, you can choose to join our optional excursion, Safari Float on the Caño Negro River. This is a leisurely paddle along the river spotting wildlife and plant life as we go. And, this afternoon there is the opportunity to join our excursion to the La Fortuna Hot Springs which has dinner included. The hot springs are naturally heated and set within a beautiful surrounding - perfect for relaxing!

Day 6 Muelle De San Carlos - Monteverde

Location: Monteverde

Accommodation: Lodge

Accommodation Name: Montana Monteverde Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast we will begin our journey to Monteverde, on the way we will visit the Hanging Bridges of Arenal. Explore the rainforest on a walking trail which crosses 15 bridges, six of which are hanging in the rainforest canopy, offering a spectacular view of the scenery below. Keep your eyes peeled as you walk - more than 250 species of bird live in this rainforest reserve along with a vast array of reptiles, mammals and insects.

American Quakers set up the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve in the 1950s and now it's home many different species of birds and mammals, including the howler monkey and you may be lucky enough to spot abundant wildlife, and this evening you could choose to join our optional guided forest walk excursion.

Day 7 Monteverde

Location: Monteverde

Accommodation: Lodge

Accommodation Name: Montana Monteverde Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Early this morning we will go on a guided tour through the Monteverde National Reserve. Only 1% of all remaining forests on the planet are classified as cloud forests, so our visit to one today is a real privilege. Within the reserve, over 30 species of orchid that were new to science at the time of their discovery have been found!

Day 8 Monteverde - Manuel Antonio

Location: Manuel Antonio

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: San Bada

Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast at our hotel we will drive to the Pacific Coast and to the Manuel Antonio region. On the way we will stop at Carara National Park. Carara National Park is known as a haven for birds with; scarlet macaws, motmots and several species of trogon all frequenting the national park.

Day 9 Manuel Antonio

Location: Manuel Antonio

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: San Bada

Meals Included: Breakfast

Although the smallest national park in Costa Rica, Manuel Antonio National Park is one of the most beautiful and diverse, today we will visit it. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for the rare squirrel monkeys that call the park home!

Day 10 Manuel Antonio - San Jose

Location: San José

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Studio Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Today we will travel to San José, the capital of Costa Rica. We'll introduce you to sights such as the National Theatre and the Gold Museum. Then, when you have your bearings, the rest of the day is yours to do as you please.

This evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant and sample typical Costa Rican cuisine. Why not try a casado, a popular dish of rice, black beans, salad, plantains and a tortilla. The name casado means 'married man' in Spanish, and is thought to originate from restaurant customers who asked to be treated like 'casados', since married men ate such meals at home.

Day 11 San Jose - Uk

Location: San José

Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast we'll transfer you to the airport in San José for your flight back to the UK.

Day 12 Uk

Location: ሀመር።

Arrive in the UK today.

What's Included

  • Return flights from London

    Return flights from London are included in the tour package.

  • Travelsphere Holiday Director and Specialist Local Guide

    A Travelsphere Holiday Director and Specialist Local Guide are included to enhance your travel experience.

  • Overseas transfers, other transportation, porterage

    Overseas transfers, other transportation, and porterage are included in the tour.

What's Not Included

Optional excursionsOptional excursions such as the Safari Float on the Caño Negro River and the guided forest walk in Monteverde are not included in the tour package.

Mode of Transport

Travel includes return flights from London, overseas transfers, and other transportation. Experience a scenic drive through Braulio Carrillo National Park and a boat transfer to your lodge in Tortuguero, ensuring a seamless journey through Costa Rica's stunning landscapes.

Accommodation

Enjoy comfortable stays in 3 and 4-star hotels throughout the tour, with a night at the Studio Hotel in San José, Pachira Lodge in Tortuguero, Tilajari Hotel Resort in Muelle de San Carlos, Montana Monteverde Hotel in Monteverde, and San Bada in Manuel Antonio.

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 variety of wildlife including monkeys, sloths, crocodiles, caimans, and turtles. The park is one of the best places in Central America to observe turtles nesting up close.

  • What activities are available at the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve?

    At the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, you can go on a guided tour to explore the unique cloud forest environment. The reserve is home to many species of birds and mammals, including howler monkeys, and is known for its diverse plant life, including over 30 species of orchids that were new to science at the time of their discovery.

  • What is special about the Hanging Bridges of Arenal?

    The Hanging Bridges of Arenal offer a unique way to explore the rainforest. The walking trail crosses 15 bridges, six of which are hanging in the rainforest canopy, providing spectacular views of the scenery below. The area is home to more than 250 species of birds, as well as a variety of reptiles, mammals, and insects.

  • What can I expect during the visit to the Mi Cafecito Coffee Tour?

    During the Mi Cafecito Coffee Tour, you will gain insight into the lives of Costa Rica's coffee producers. The tour includes a visit to a community coffee plantation where you can sample the coffee and purchase some to take home as a souvenir.

  • What makes Manuel Antonio National Park unique?

    Manuel Antonio National Park, although the smallest national park in Costa Rica, is one of the most beautiful and diverse. It is home to rare squirrel monkeys and offers a rich variety of flora and fauna in a stunning coastal setting.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Travelsphere’s Flexibility Promise has been created to give you complete peace of mind and make you feel confident when booking your holiday with us. We have also been awarded the WTTC safe travels stamp which recognises businesses and destinations worldwide that have adopted a new set of global protocols to support the return of 'Safe Travel' around the world.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Travelsphere has been operating escorted touring holidays for 60 years

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    At Travelsphere, we are committed to operating our business operations responsibly, with integrity and always act ethically in all our business dealings and relationships. We are committed to implementing and enforcing effective systems and controls to ensure slavery and human trafficking does not take place in our own business or in any of our supply chains

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    You will receive Holiday conformation upon booking, and then several documents detailing any adddiotnal information and the optional excursions that you can book before you travel. The final information covering your flights, hotels and itinerary will be sent to you around 14 days before your departure date.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    No, we do not offer single share options

  • Can I join the tour once it has departed?

    No, Im afraid not

  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    If we can accomadate a change in date - we will always do our best to help you. Just pick up the phone and ask one of our friendly advisors - and make sure you have your booking number to hand.

  • Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?

    Our Travelsphere Cares programmes, in partnership with the Planeterra Foundation, support local projects and social enterprises by helping them earn an income from tourism. We simply donate a portion of the funds from our tours, so it’s great to know that when you travel with us you are helping to change lives and turn travel into real impact.

  • Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

    Like minded travellers

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

    All of our accommodation providers will be working to the very highest standards of hygiene – you already always enjoy a private room of your own on all of our trips, all of our partners will be guided by local government operational standards of hygiene and the new protocols we have issued to them.

Reviews of this operator

KARL WILSON (Google Reviewer)  

A great company and we'll...

28-Mar-2024

A great company and we'll definitely be using them again. Our trip to south America was fantastic.

Alison Packer (Google Reviewer)  

Great escorted holiday to Austria. Well...

05-Aug-2019

Great escorted holiday to Austria. Well looked after by Paul tour leader and Ollie coach driver and the staff at the hotel. Austria is beautiful the lakes are stunning met some great people Well lead tours interesting and not to long Great food and accommodation very Austrian lovely to see the traditional side of Austria good value holiday if you prefer a guide to all the attraction door to door.

Sue Williams  

enjoyable trip to Bulgaria

07-Jun-2021

We had a really enjoyable trip to Bulgaria , all the excursions and hotels were very good . Our Tour Director and Tour Guide were excellent and helped to make the holiday extra special. It is the first time that I have ever used Travelsphere but would not hesitate using them again in the future or to recommend them to friends or family .

Mao Samnang (Google Reviewer)  

Hello I am Samnang Mao I...

04-Dec-2024

Hello I am Samnang Mao I would like to apply to be a group leader of your company. Do you have a link? I started to be a local guide in Siem Reap and trip leader for 23 years.

Charles  

Best travel company I have ever booked with!

03-Aug-2021

As a previous traveller with Travelsphere,I know that customer care and excellent tours are their stock in trade.When the Covid 19 Vaccination scheme was announced in November 2020 I booked Discover New Zealand with a cook island add on,all my internet and telephone calls were top rate ,my questions answered and my monies safe.As the pandemic changed I had to cancel the cook Island add on,again all handled in a prompt,efficient and personable way.Now due to the Covid Restrictions in New Zealand,my your has been cancelled and a full refund given.Excellent customer service from a well established and careing company.Thank you to all at Travelsphere.I am now planning a double tour to Australia and New Zealand when circumstances allow and have the Travelsphere brochure on order !

Jennifer Zammit (Google Reviewer)  

Can't fault them always polite...

15-Dec-2019

Can't fault them always polite friendly and very helpful on phone. I booked Canada last year and they were first class from start to finish. Also went to Italy with them and already booked for next year Chicago to New Orleans. Keep up the good service and you'll always have my bookings and 5 star status .

Keith Taylor (Google Reviewer)  

Travel company providing tours. We...

18-Aug-2023

Travel company providing tours. We did top to toe Italy in 2008 and are travelling with them again on a tour around Turkey in 2024.

Pauline Jones (Google Reviewer)  

Toured Analucia, or should I...

29-Sep-2023

Toured Analucia, or should I say visited. Too much travelling time, not enough seeing anything, great rep, hotel good but evening buffet hit and miss. Maybe a different company next time

Nicola Fallows (Google Reviewer)  

Nice but disappointing honeymoon trip...

19-Sep-2024

Nice but disappointing honeymoon trip to Italy. Wish that every element could have been perfect, but sadly it wasn't. Couldn't fault the tour guide Karina in Vico Equense, or the Country itself. There were some excellent tours organised (but a hell of a lot of walking involved, some days we covered 6 miles). Beware though if you have any special dietary requirements. We are both Vegan and spent the first week of our holiday having the meat and the fish elements of meals substituted with mostly cold tomatoes (or sometimes pumpkin / courgette / aubergine / melon?!). The hotel had no understanding of what other protein sources to use that didn't come from meat/fish. Knew we would have limited options but didn't realise just how much! Was left often hungry and having to shop for snacks in local supermarkets, or left bloated and in pain from having nothing much other than bread or pasta all day. The hotel food in general (in Vico Equense) was complained about by most of the travellers, not just by us. Food was slightly better at the next hotel in Ischia, but that Hotel wanted to charge everything as extras, even tea/coffee and water but also pool towels and swimming caps (which were mandatory). Also quite a few things were rearranged/changed at the last minute. No stop off at Amalfi, crossing to Ischia was changed, and timings for coming home were changed and barely notified to the group.

Julie Smith (Google Reviewer)  

I have been trying to...

08-Jan-2024

I have been trying to contact Travelsphere by email for several weeks now but not a single email ahs been answered. How can an enquiry go unanswered???

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Book 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.

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