Natural Wonders of Costa Rica

9 Day Tour from San José to San José


Vacation Overview

If you were the type of kid who always marched to your own drum, this bold tour of Costa Rica is just the escape for you. Wide-open spaces, multi-hued creatures, and bright, vivid scenery welcome you with open arms and a no-holds-barred spirit. As you make your way through Costa Rica, lava trails, cloud forests, and high-in-the-sky suspension bridges invite you to take a walk on the wild side while scenic boat rides, nature walks, and natural hot springs beckon you to leisurely soak in the views. Frolic among hundreds of species of butterflies, birds, reptiles, and wildlife in the most vibrant rainforests, and feast on your own delicious Costa Rican creations in an authentic cooking class. With visits to an active volcano and exotic fruit plantations, plus several meet-and-greets with the native macaws and monkeys, this vacation to Costa Rica is bananas!

Four Ways Globus Eliminates the Hassles

VIP Access
Skip the lines and get special treatment at the must-see attractions.

Perfect Hotels
We’ve done the work to find just the right hotels in just the right locations.

Tour Directors
Take your heads out of the guidebook and let expert guides make every destination fascinating.

Transportation
Leave the navigating to us – and just sit back and enjoy the ride. Learn how Globus is reducing transportation-related energy use and greenhouse gas emissions.

Itinerary

 

Day 1 ARRIVE IN SAN JOSÉ, COSTA RICA

Welcome to San José!
Upon arrival, you will be met by your tour director!

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Day 2 SAN JOSÉ–TORTUGUERO NATIONAL PARK

Shell Games
Journey 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. An afternoon at leisure lets you explore your jungle lodge until you meet for an informative slideshow presentation on the area.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
WONDERS OF NATURE Tortuguero National Park was once a volcanic archipelago until sediments from the nearby mountains filled in the valleys forming a network of marshy islands and turtle nesting beaches that make this region so famous. With its 11 different habitats, this lush, protected area is rich with wildlife and biodiversity.


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Day 3 TORTUGUERO NATIONAL PARK TOUR & CANAL CRUISE

Natural Beauties
A local Naturalist accompanies you on a leisurely boat ride along remote, unspoiled sections of the park’s waterways, explaining the bountiful flora and fauna. Enjoy a fascinating stroll through an accessible portion of the nearby rainforest. During the peak nesting season (mid-July to mid-October) you may be lucky enough to observe an endangered green turtle laying her eggs under the starlight on an optional tour. Later this afternoon, meet a local Naturalist for an informative presentation on the ecology of the area.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
CONSERVATION MATTERS Tortuguero’s turtles that come to nest in the national park named for them are easily considered one of the main attractions of the park. Green Sea Turtles, leatherback, and Hawksbill turtles can all be found nesting on the beaches here. During your time here, learn about the conservation efforts that have been in place since 1955 to help protect these endangered species.


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Day 4 TORTUGUERO–SARAPIQUI–ARENAL

Fruitful Experiences
A morning boat transfer begins your journey to the Sarapiqui area. Tour a pineapple farm, owned by a local family, and learn about the history, cultivation, and industry of pineapples and other indigenous crops. Continue to your hotel in the lush town of Arenal, located in the shadow of Arenal Volcano. After settling in, experience the magic of the resort before dinner at your hotel

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
ACCOMMODATION SPOTLIGHT Lush tropical gardens, the sound of crashing waterfalls, and striking views of Costa Rica’s famed Arenal Volcano from Volcano Lodge will leave you feeling as though you have been transported into the middle of a hidden rainforest jungle but, with all of the comforts and amenities of a well-tended retreat. Experience the magic of the resort’s pool and hot spring-fed jacuzzi, or consider a walk in the nearby nature trail in search of 300- to 400-year-old trees, frogs, monkeys, birds, and possibly small animals native to the area.


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Day 5 ARENAL. EXCURSION TO LA FORTUNA & ARENAL VOLCANO NATIONAL PARK

Lava Love
This afternoon, visit Arenal Volcano National Park, where your guide takes you on a walk through lava trails of the volcano and shows you how nature has found a way to recover from past lava flows. Next, enjoy a walking tour of the town of La Fortuna de San Carlos, offering spectacular views of the active Arenal Volcano. This evening, drive to nearby Ecotermales Hot Springs for a dip in the curative and relaxing pools. Later, enjoy a dinner at the hot springs.

LOCAL FAVORITE
WONDERS OF NATURE Towering over the town of La Fortuna, Arenal Volcano is a perfect conical shape. It was once the most active volcano in Costa Rica with its lava flowing and gas consistently flowing from the crater amazing visitors of the area. In 2010, it entered a resting phase. But, because of the seismic activity of the area, you will find some of the best natural thermal hot springs.

FREE TIME TIPS
EXPLORE MORE During your morning at leisure, you may wish to go on an optional horseback ride or float trip. Or, you can take advantage of your resort’s amenities by walking along the shaded trails nearby. This and more options throughout your tour are available for purchase with MyGlobus. Get local maps and tips for free time on your GlobusGO mobile app.


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Day 6 ARENAL–MONTEVERDE

Heads in the Clouds
After breakfast, continue to Monteverde, where you will enjoy two days in the cloud forest. This afternoon, take a guided tour on the Sky Walk Hanging Bridges, which combines trails and suspension bridges through the canopy of Monteverde Cloud Forest, to search for flora and fauna.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
PICTURE PERFECT Explore the cloud forest from the Sky Walk Hanging Bridges for a bird’s eye view high above the jungle floor. This Naturalist-guided tour introduces you to the flora and fauna of the Costa Rican cloud forest. Consisting of 6 bridges with some bridges spanning over 700 feet long and over 150 feet high, this is truly a unique way to admire the forest canopy.


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Day 7 MONTEVERDE

SANTA ELENA CLOUD FOREST RESERVE Butterfly Kisses
This morning, visit Santa Elena Cloud Forest for a guided walking tour. Over 600 species of butterflies and 400 species of birds have been recorded inside this private reserve, along with 100 reptile and 120 mammal species that hide within the dense vegetation. Later, visit the family-owned Ecological Sanctuary, where you will explore the trails through coffee and banana plantations filled with endemic wildlife and beautiful scenery. After the walk, enjoy a cooking class. Tonight, your Tour Director hosts a farewell dinner, toasting an unforgettable discovery of Costa Rica.

LOCAL FAVORITE
LOCAL TASTES Treat yourself to a visit to a leisurely stroll through a banana and coffee plantation, and take a cooking class to learn how to prepare authentic Costa Rican food like hand-made tortillas, picadillos, and gallo pinto. Dine on your creations for a homemade lunch!


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Day 8 MONTEVERDE–SARCHI–GRECIA–SAN JOSÉ

Costa Rican Craftsmanship
En route to San José, visit Sarchi Village, known as the center of Costa Rican handcrafts and where you will see the artists in their workshops making the famous oxcarts. Next stop is Grecia Village to see the metal church that was imported from Belgium to Puerto Limon in 1897. The church was transported by oxcarts to its present-day location, but sat in the plaza for 10 years before being reconstructed.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
CULTURAL GEMS 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.


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Day 9 SAN JOSÉ

Safe travels until we meet again!
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.

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Vacation Highlights

Prime viewing season for endangered green turtle nesting and egg laying in Tortuguero National Park occurs mid-July to mid-October.

Hotels

San Jose

Cariari Hotel San Jose

Superior First-Class

This sustainable Costa Rica hotel is typical of San Jose colonial hacienda architecture and offers spacious, comfortable guestrooms and suites with the latest amenities. Enjoy total convenience in its location, personalized services, delicious cuisine, and facilities like the pool and fitness center. Let the friendly staff help you relax while catering to your needs and helping you see all that Costa Rica has to offer.

Tortuguero

Evergreen Lodge

First-Class

Built in respect of its surrounding nature, the Evergreen Lodge provides travelers with absolute comfort, great food, and most importantly, an unobstructed experience with nature. A beautiful dining room with soaring ceilings provides first class meals in an atmosphere that reflects and compliments the jungle paradise surrounding it, and friendly staff welcome you to this magical place called Tortuguero.

Arenal

Volcano Lodge & Gardens

First-Class

With an exceptional location and views of Arenal Volcano, this hotel surpasses expectation in comfort, service, and class. Guests will feel at ease with modern room amenities, clean lines, and tasteful décor. Dining options, spa services, and a choice of pool and lounge settings make your stay in Arenal unforgettable, as well as its convenient access to the wildlife and nature surrounding it.

Monteverde

El Establo Mountain Lodge

First-Class

Set on a private 150-acre farm adjacent to the Monteverde Reserve, El Establo Mountain Lodge offers guests a home base of relaxation and activity. Amenities include tennis, basketball, and soccer courts, two indoor pools, two restaurants, two bars, gym, and spa.

Dates and Prices

Find the vacation dates that work for you, click "Reserve Now" for a vacation quote. You'll be able to select the number of people traveling, add Travel Protection, and also get an air-inclusive vacation price. You'll find we offer competitive and hassle-free air-inclusive vacations where you receive free airport transfers and flights coordinated with vacation dates.

The price listed does not include your airfare, taxes or fees. Once you click "Reserve Now", you will be able to receive an air quote and a final vacation quote.

Reservation Process

Departure
Details
Tour
Start Date
Return
Date
Land/Cruise
Price Only
 Status
5/18/2024 5/26/2024
$2,519
Not Available
6/29/2024 7/7/2024
$2,519
Not Available
7/27/2024 8/4/2024
$2,519
Not Available
8/3/2024 8/11/2024
$2,519
Not Available
Popular Departure
9/28/2024 10/6/2024
$2,519
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10/19/2024 10/27/2024
$2,519
Not Available
11/2/2024 11/10/2024
$2,519
Not Available
Popular Departure
11/16/2024 11/24/2024
$2,519
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1/11/2025 1/19/2025
$2,649
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1/25/2025 2/2/2025
$2,649
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2/1/2025 2/9/2025
$2,649
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2/8/2025 2/16/2025
$2,649
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2/15/2025 2/23/2025
$2,649
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2/22/2025 3/2/2025
$2,649
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3/1/2025 3/9/2025
$2,649
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3/8/2025 3/16/2025
$2,649
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3/22/2025 3/30/2025
$2,649
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4/19/2025 4/27/2025
$2,649
Not Available
5/17/2025 5/25/2025
$2,649
Not Available
6/28/2025 7/6/2025
$2,649
Not Available
7/26/2025 8/3/2025
$2,649
Not Available
8/2/2025 8/10/2025
$2,649
Not Available
9/27/2025 10/5/2025
$2,649
Not Available
10/18/2025 10/26/2025
$2,649
Not Available
11/1/2025 11/9/2025
$2,649
Not Available
11/15/2025 11/23/2025
$2,649
Book Now!
Popular Departure - due to itinerary and time of year, this departure historically sells out quickly. Early booking is encouraged.
Gratuities for Tour Director and drivers are available for pre-purchase.



Travel Terms & Conditions
The purchase of any travel services offered by Globus, constitutes a contractual arrangement between you (the Traveler) and Globus, and represents your acceptance of the Terms & Conditions. Please ensure that you read carefully and understand the Terms & Conditions prior to booking. These Terms & Conditions cover Deposit & Final Payment information, Air-Inclusive Deposits & Final Payment, Revisions & Revision Fees, Air Arrangements, Participation, Travelers Who Need Special Assistance, Young Travelers, Smoking, Price Policy, Visas and Passports, Hotels & Accommodations, Baggage Allowance, Travel Documents, Not Included in the Land Price, Refunds, Service Inquires After the Vacation, Holidays, Safety, Photos & Pictures, Optional Excursions, and Responsibility.
View full Terms & Conditions

Important Notes

  • Vacation departures, itineraries and prices are subject to change.
  • A non-refundable, non-transferable deposit is required for Globus to reserve space for you. View Terms & Conditions for limited exceptions.
  • The following charges are not included in the land vacation price unless otherwise noted: airfare to and from the start of your vacation; Intra-vacation air unless specified in the itinerary; airline baggage fees including checked and/or excess baggage fees; Federal inspection fees for the Federal U.S. Customs and Immigrations; International Air Transportation tax; agricultural tax; other per person taxes imposed by government entities; airport taxes and fees including the September 11th Security fee up to $11.20 per person, passenger facility charges up to $18 per person, Federal domestic flight segment fees up to $4.00 per segment, and U.S. and International arrival and departure and other government-imposed added by the airline and applicable at time of booking; port taxes; passports; visas (except on Cuba programs) and vaccinations; tips to your Tour or Cruise Director, Globus Group Leader in Cuba, Local Host, driver, Local Guides, and/or ship's crew; gratuities on ferries, trains, and cruise ships; laundry; telephone; minibar; alcohol, beverages, and food outside of the contracted Globus menu as presented at a hotel or restaurant or onboard your vessel (these extra items will be billed to you before leaving the hotel, ship, or restaurant); airport transfers on non-qualifying flights; optional excursions; additional activities and excursions purchased online; porterage at airports and train stations; Travel Protection; and all other items of a personal nature.

Booking your Vacation with Air
For air departure dates within 331 days, you'll be offered a choice of carriers and flight schedules as well as price points to choose from when selecting your flights. Your schedule will be provided to you at the time of booking (schedules are subject to change by carriers). Globus offers 2 air options: Flex Air and Instant Purchase Air. Flex Air allows flexibility if you want to make changes to your vacation schedule. Instant Purchase Air may offer additional airline options but has more restrictions. Some vacations may only offer one Air type option. Guaranteed air-inclusive prices: air is only available to passengers traveling from the United States and only available when booked in conjunction with a land vacation. An additional $300 per person non-refundable air deposit is required for Flex Air booked in conjunction with any land vacation (i.e. air-inclusive vacation). Air can only be booked by Globus in conjunction with a vacation package. Instant Purchase Air requires air payment in full at time of booking (i.e. air-inclusive vacation) plus non-refundable per person service fee ($30 for North/Central America, $50 for Europe/Middle East and $80 for all other destinations. Once booked, Instant Purchase Air is non-refundable, and non-changeable. However, once your airfare is confirmed and Globus has received your full air and land deposit, your air-inclusive vacation price is guaranteed.

Air-Inclusive Vacations — Applicable Taxes & Fees
Air-inclusive vacations include government-imposed taxes and fees applicable at the time of booking and will be shown as a Total Amount. Additional airline fees for baggage may apply. At the time of booking your air-inclusive vacation online, carrier Websites will be provided to check baggage fees, or you can visit www.iflybags.com for up-to-date baggage pricing/restrictions. For return travel from some countries, international travelers are required to pay entry and/or exit fees at the airport. These fees will be collected by the local government and are payable by the traveler at time of travel. Your confirmation booking information will contain information about these fees.