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Compare Tortuguero National Park Tour – 4-Day Independent Adventure by G Adventures vs Costa Rica, Panama & Colombia by Great Value Vacations

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Duration 4 days 11 days
Price From $ 579 $ 3,037
Price Per Day $ 145 $ 276
Highlights
  • Cruise the canals in search of wildlife
  • Hike through the pristine environment of tortuguero national park
  • Search for sea turtles when in season
  • Full-day Tortuga Island Tour, with light breakfast, lunch, cruise & tour
  • Full-day Arenal Volcano & Tabacon Hot Springs Tour
  • Panama & Miraflores Locks Tour
  • Cartagena City Tour (half-day)
  • Full-day Tour to the Rosario Islands
Trip Style Self-guided tour Self-guided tour
Lodging Level Standard Standard
Physical Level
  • 2- Easy
  • N/A
Travel Themes
  • Cultural
  • Transformative
N/A
Countries Visited
Cities and Attractions
  • Caribbean
  • San José
  • Tortuguero National Park
N/A
Flights & Transport Ground transport included Airfare included
Activities
  • Homestays & Cultural Immersion
N/A
Meals Included 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners N/A
Description

Short on time but need more of Costa Rica? Tortuguero National Park, a remote coastal town only accessible by boat or small plane, is the place for you. Travel from San José through banana plantations to the Caribbean Coast where you'll catch a boat to Tortuguero. Spend three days exploring the canals, beaches, and jungles of this pristine nature reserve in search of turtles, birds, caiman, and, if you are lucky, the famous "Jesus Lizard."

Experience the best of Central and South America on this three-country adventure! Indulge in delicious culinary favorites, like empanadas and ceviche, and feast your eyes on breathtaking natural landscapes. From Arenal Volcano in Costa Rica, to the Rosario Islands off Cartagena, get ready for this vacation that's a thrill for the senses.

Kick off in Costa Rica. With the city of San Jose as your home base, you'll always have things to see and do! Explore the historical streets of San Jose, filled with architectural beauty and spirited culture. While in Costa Rica, enjoy two full-day tours that showcase the diverse landscapes of the country - from volcanoes and hotsprings, to the blissful waters of Tortuga Island.

From Costa Rica, you'll party it up in Panama City! Stroll through the cobbled streets of historic Casco Viejo, then enjoy a half-day tour that takes you to the Panama Canal and Miraflores Locks! Learn all about the groundbreaking innovations that now make up this UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

Last but certainly not least, hop on a quick flight to the vibrant city of Cartagena. Meander through picturesque streets of colonial architecture and soak up the spirit of this colorful seaside city. Enjoy a tour of Cartagena, then escape to the Rosario Islands on a full-day tour! This vacation blends colonial charm with postcard-worthy natural beauty. 

Itinerary: Tortuguero National Park Tour – 4-Day Independent Adventure

Day 1 San José

Arrive at any time, arrival transfer included.

You will be met at San José International Airport and transferred to your hotel for the night. There are no planned activities, so enjoy the city on your own.

Day 2 San José/Tortuguero

Travel to Tortuguero National Park and enjoy guided boat trips and wildlife viewing within the canals and coastal jungle. In leisure time, relax at the secluded lodge or take an optional nocturnal animal-spotting boat excursion in the evening.

Enjoy a a delicious Costa Rican breakfast en route as we transfer by road then boat through the famous canals of Tortuguero. This tropical eco-paradise is home to countless bird and animal species, and you will have many opportunities to view and photograph wildlife.

The tropical rainforest gives way to prime secluded beaches, ideal nesting grounds for Green turtles (nesting July-October) and Loggerhead, Hawksbill and Leatherback Turtles (nesting March-June). We cannot guarantee you will see turtles but odds are fairly good from July through October.

Day 3 Tortuguero

Enjoy a guided boat trip and jungle walk in search of caiman, monkeys (spider, howler, and white-faced Capuchin), sloths, and basilisk lizards.

Take advantage of this excellent opportunity to spot a variety of birds, monkeys and other wildlife. In our downtime, relax at the secluded lodge on a hammock or at the pool or beach. Opt to explore the gardens and beach, or go kayaking.

Day 4 Tortuguero/San José

Head back to San José after breakfast. Tour ends on arrival.

After an early morning breakfast, it is time to return to San José, where the tour ends back at the starting hotel location. Have lunch on the road, returning to the capital in the afternoon.

Post tour accommodation in San José (not included) is recommended. Please speak to your sales agent.

Itinerary: Costa Rica, Panama & Colombia

Day 1 Welcome to San Jose, Costa Rica!

Upon your arrival at SJO International Airport, enjoy a convenient transfer to your home for the next four nights!

Spent the rest of the day settling in. Treat yourself to a delicious first-night meal! 

Day 2 San Jose, Costa Rica

Grab your camera and get ready for a full day of natural beauty! Enjoy a guided excursion to Tortuga Island. This will be the first of many postcard-worthy days! 

Day 3 San Jose, Costa Rica

Discover two of Costa Rica's most iconic sights today on your full-day tour of the Arenal Volcano and Tabacon Hot Springs! Indulge in delicious meals and immerse yourself in the breathtaking landscapes of Costa Rica. 

Day 4 San Jose, Costa Rica

Discover the vibrant energy of San Jose today. Make your way through the crowds as you walk down Central Ave (Avenida Central); San Jose's main street runs straight through the city and offers an abundance of shopping and eating options! Pop into the famous Mercado Central, treat yourself to a plate of arroz con pollo (chicken with rice), then continue on your way, stopping to enjoy the singing and dancing of the street performers along the way.


You can also stop by the National Theater of Costa Rica - perhaps you'd like to take a tour or see a performance!

Day 5 San Jose, Costa Rica - Panama City, Panama

Waive goodbye to Costa Rica and get ready for paradise in Panama! Hop in a transfer to the airport, enjoy a quick flight, then enjoy a transfer to your hotel in Panama City. Check-in, get settled, and explore!

Day 6 Panama City, Panama

Set out in the morning for a half-day tour through Panama City to the Panama Canal where you'll get to see the Miraflores Locks in action. The rest of the day is yours to wander as you wish.

Day 7 Panama City, Panama

Today is your last full day in Panama City, so make the most of it! Maybe you'll take a walk through the cobble stoned historic center Casco Viejo, which boasts colonial-era landmarks and plazas lined with cafes and bars.

Day 8 Panama City, Panama - Cartagena, Colombia

Get ready for your last stop - colorful Cartagena! Enjoy roundtrip airport transfers and a quick flight to Colombia.

Upon arrival at your Cartagena hotel, settle in and relax. When it's time for dinner, consider a delicious seafood restaurant by the water. 

Day 9 Cartagena, Colombia

Today you will visit some of Cartagena's highlights on an included city tour. Cartagena was given the name La Heroica (Heroic City) by Simon Bolivar in 1815 after the city resisted 105 days of siege by the Spanish. 

After the tour, stroll over to Plaza de la Aduana, the largest and oldest square in Cartagena's old town that was once the home of the city's government (aduana means customs). 

Sip an ice cold cocktail at one of the outdoor bars near Plaza de la Aduana as you watch the sun go down!

Day 10 Cartagena, Colombia

Set your clock to island time! Today, get ready for crystal-clear water and swaying palms. Enjoy a full-day tour to the stunning Rosario Islands. 

Day 11 Depart Colombia

Your stay in Cartagena comes to an end today. At the appropriate time, you will be transferred from your hotel to the airport, for your flight home. 

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