Compare Classic Costa Rica by Intrepid Travel vs Costa Rica Escape with Tortuguero by Globus
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| Trip |
4.5 | Great
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 15 days | 10 days |
| Price From | $ 2,010 | $ 1,469 |
| Price Per Day | $ 134 | $ 147 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Small group tour | Group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Standard |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | No |
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| Meals Included | N/A | N/A |
| Description |
Discover incredible, lush Costa Rica and understand why this part of the world is called the ‘rich coast’. This 15-day adventure, beginning and ending in lively San Jose, is a journey through the jungles, farmlands, beaches and cities of a pure Central American location. Stay with a local family in Santa Rosa de Pocosol and help your hosts prep a traditional meal. Soak in springs that get their heat from an active volcano in La Fortuna and take on a huge array of nature-based optional activities in the Monteverde Cloud Forest. Spot three-toed sloths in the thickets of the Manuel Antonio National Park, then relax beneath swaying palms on the nearby beaches. |
Escape to the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica, reachable only by air or water, to explore Tortuguero National Park. As its name suggests, it is here where sea turtles like loggerheads and leatherbacks lay their eggs each year. Visit the Sea Turtle Conservancy, home to the Western Hemisphere’s largest green sea turtle nursery. Cruise the canals to spot fantastic creatures large and small that stalk, slither, and soar in this natural paradise of wildlife diversity. Depart by boat before driving to San José and pass pineapple and banana groves en route to the heart-stirring rainforest canopies of Arenal. Here, the hanging bridges stretch to heart-stirring heights through the rainforest canopy, while the depths of the earth deliver lava trails to follow. See Arenal Volcano and explore the wild places where pumas and jaguars prowl. Look skyward to spot the hundreds of multi-hued birds, butterflies, and a dizzying diversity of wildlife in the Monteverde Cloud Forest. Find your head in the clouds in a primeval forest blessed by trade winds, rain, and fog by day, and unfettered stars above by night. Go where monkeys and macaws make your day with mischief and count yourself charmed to see some of the 160-plus reptile species—from tiny amphibians to titan snakes. Get civilized too, with visits to an artisan village and a tour of Costa Rica’s largest city and cultural capital of San José. |
Day 1 San Jose
Hola! Welcome to Costa Rica. Your adventure starts in San Jose – with over a third of the country's population living within its parameters, San Jose is packed with both people and culture. You’ll have a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight to meet your local leader and fellow travellers. If you arrive early, why not visit the National Museum. This canary-yellow building houses everything from exhibits on pre-Colombian history to a garden filled with native butterflies. Early bird history buffs might be interested in the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum or the Jade Museum – both of which display a wealth of indigenous artefacts.
Day 2 Tortuguero National Park
Leave the hotel this morning and descend to the Caribbean lowlands on a public bus journey that ends at the port of La Pavona. This rustic port is your entry point to Tortuguero National Park. When you arrive, hop aboard a small boat and take a ride into the depths of the Costa Rican wilderness. Arrive in the middle of this biodiverse area, where freshwater lagoons rest under the canopy of rainforest bordering the ocean. Many animals call this place home, including jaguars and turtles, so listen out for the sounds of the local wildlife as you fall asleep in your lodge tonight.
Day 3 Tortuguero National Park
Today, you're free to explore the park at your own pace. If you're woken by the chattering of the forests birds, why not haul yourself out of bed for a sunrise canoe trip? It’s a magical way to see the maze-like canals of the park, and you can look out for otters and manatees in the morning light. Tortuguero National Park was established in 1970 and is now home to 13 of Costa Rica’s 16 endangered mammals. Among them are manatees, ocelots and jaguars, as well as over 300 bird species. This is also the nesting ground of the green turtle, which comes ashore to lay its eggs on the sandy beaches, and the critically endangered hawksbill turtle, loggerheads and giant leatherbacks. During the day, you might want to return to the park’s walking trails or relax in your lodge. Many species are particularly active at night, so if you wish, you can head out in the evening on a turtle watching tour, with part of the cost supporting a program aimed to patrol the beach for poachers.
Day 4 Santa Rosa de Pocosol Homestay
Bid farewell to the evergreen rainforest this morning and make the journey to Santa Rosa de Pocosol. Today, you’ll have a memorable homestay experience, but as the family you'll be staying with doesn’t speak much English, your leader will conduct an informal Spanish lesson on the drive. This afternoon, you’ll have the option to take a soap-making workshop or a guided hike to a nearby waterfall. In the evening, head back to your homestay for a cooking lesson – some of the dishes you make will be part of tonight’s dinner!
Day 5 Tenorio Volcano National Park Area - Rio Celeste
After breakfast drive to Tenorio Volcano National Park, where you’ll visit the Rio Celeste – a river fed by two different water sources. When they collide, the water takes on a distinctive light blue colour! On the way, stop off to visit an indigenous Maleku community, where you'll meet the locals and share a traditional Maleku meal with them. Hear stories of their history, culture and the challenges the community faces in modern Costa Rica. With only 650 people left, the Maleku Indian tribe is the smallest in Costa Rica. The community and the country share a common goal in reforestation, both working to regenerate forests and plant fruit trees, which encourage animals back to their natural habitats.
Day 6 Rio Celeste
Today is as clear as the Costa Rica air, and with plenty of optional activities available, you won’t be short of things to do! How about a guided tubing excursion at Rio Celeste? The light-blue waters of the river are generally off-limits to travellers, but you’ll have the opportunity to float along the water in an inflatable doughnut and spend the day lazing along the river. Those who prefer a nature tour on foot might like to take a 3-hour safari cruise along the Rio Tenorio, with a guide who will help you spot howler monkeys, crocodiles, river otters and an abundance of tropical birds.
Day 7 La Fortuna
Beneath the watchful eye of the immense Arenal Volcano lies La Fortuna – a sleepy town with an abundance of hot springs and natural pools to enjoy. This is your destination today and when you arrive, you’re free to choose your own activities. Perhaps grab some fresh fruit in town, hop in a taxi to the entrance and then hike to La Fortuna waterfall for a swim beneath the cascading waters that spill out of the towering jungle. In the evening, why not grab a classic local dinner with your travel buddies? Chifrijo (fried pork, salsa, beans and tortilla chips) is a great dish to try.
Day 8 La Fortuna
Enjoy a free day to explore La Fortuna as you wish. The region offers a range of sights such as stunning lush forest, rare plants, animal watching and water-based sports on the lake. The volcano’s inner workings also mean that the area has plenty of thermal springs where hot, lava-heated water gushes to the surface. These springs, often surrounded by foliage, make the ideal place to relax. Active types could try stand-up paddleboarding on Lake Arenal with the incredible backdrop of the volcano and rolling green hills. Animal lovers will have a good chance of spotting sloths, monkeys, crocodiles and basilisk lizards skipping across the water on a boat tour of Cano Negro Reserve. Have a chat with your leader about the options available.
Day 9 Lake Arenal - Monteverde
A morning of travel by bus and boat leads to incredible Monteverde. Settled by North American Quakers in 1951, this area was initially used as an environmentally conscious agricultural community and is now a biological preserve. The forest has near-constant cloud cover, providing consistent rainfall, which also gives the area an enchanted feel. Spend the afternoon in the cloud forest on a leader-led nature walk, looking out for hummingbirds, quetzals and even lazy sloths among the mist later in the day. You may even choose to return after dusk to seek the animals and insects that are largely hidden in the day.
Day 10 Monteverde
Make the most of your time in lush Monteverde and organise a local guide to take you on a nature walk. There also several local communities that operate cooperatives worth visiting with your free time. Maybe see a different perspective on the forest by walking through the canopy on suspension bridges, or perhaps watch butterflies at play in the Butterfly Garden. More than 2000 species of plants, 320 bird species and 100 different types of mammals call Monteverde home, and no matter what you choose to do, you should keep an eye out for the quetzal – one of the most elusive birds in the world.
Day 11 Manuel Antonio
Wedged between the beautiful Pacific coast and the national park, Manuel Antonio is a laidback town. Make your way there this morning, stopping in Quepos along the way – a chill town with a vibrant nightlife. This afternoon, you'll get the chance to meet three generations of Costa Ricans and tuck into a traditional cooking class and lunch with them in their home. Prior to the pandemic, the family ran one of the most popular restaurants in Quepos for almost 20 years. Now, you're lucky to learn the secret flavours and spices of their traditional dishes and get to know the whole family. After lunch arrive at your accommodation and enjoy some downtime. Perhaps head to Espadilla Beach to watch the sunset over the Pacific Ocean.
Day 12 Manuel Antonio
Today, feel the soft crunch of foliage underfoot while you hike the trails of the national park on a leader-led nature hike. Keep one eye on the scenic views and the other looking out for the abundant wildlife. Monkeys, armadillos, sloths and hundreds of birds all live here. Later, spend some time on the beaches surrounding the national park, and maybe hire a surfboard to catch some waves at Playa El Ray. If you want to spot wildlife and keep active at the same time, consider paddling through the mangrove forest on a guided kayak tour. It’s not unusual for curious monkeys to climb right onto the boat to say hello, and you’ll likely see snakes, crocodiles and plenty of birdlife too. Just remember your insect repellent! In the evening, maybe take a sunset sail off the coast – watching the blue sky turn orange is a spectacular sight.
Day 13 Manuel Antonio
Today is free for you to do as you please. If you wish, you could return to Manuel Antonio National Park and continue your search for the solemn, white faces of the capuchin monkeys who live in the trees. Alternatively, why not kick-off your shoes and feel the sands of Manuel Antonio Beach between your toes? It’s easy to spend a whole day on this calm coastline. The towering green trees that line the coast provide solace from the sun, so this is a great place to sit by with a book (and maybe a guaro sour).
Day 14 San Jose
Bid farewell to the coast and return to San Jose via public bus this morning. When you arrive, you’ll be free to relax or wander the city at your own pace. In the evening, you might like to head for dinner with your fellow travellers and group leader and toast to a trip well travelled.
Day 15 San Jose
With no further activites planned, your trip comes to an end today and you’re free to leave at any time after checking out. If you’d like to extend you stay, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.
Day 1: ARRIVE IN SAN JOSÉ, COSTA RICA
Welcome to 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
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. (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
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
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. (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
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
Make Waves A morning boat cruise and drive take you back to San José where you will meet your Tour Director. (Breakfast,Lunch)
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
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. (Breakfast)
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
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. (Breakfast)
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
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. (Breakfast)
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 marguays. Perhaps you’ll catch a glimpse of one of Costa Rica’s most beautiful birds, the resplendent quetzal.
Day 8: 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. (Breakfast)
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
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. (Breakfast)
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
Adios y Gracias, San José!Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (Breakfast)
