Compare Costa Rica Wonders with Guanacaste Beach by Great Value Vacations vs Costa Rica Volcano Adventure 4D/3N by Bamba
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| Trip |
4 | Great
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 12 days | 4 days |
| Price From | $ 2,938 | $ 1,198 |
| Price Per Day | $ 245 | $ 300 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Self-guided tour | Self-guided tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Basic |
| Physical Level |
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| Travel Themes |
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N/A |
| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
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| Flights & Transport | Airfare included | Ground transport included |
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| Meals Included | N/A | N/A |
| Description |
Embark on a journey through five diverse regions as you travel through the best of Costa Rica. Trek trough dense rain forests, hike active volcanoes, take drives through banana fields, soak in natural hot springs, and get a taste of the local sips and snacks too!. Start in San Jose where Casado is served up the way its supposed to be and souvenirs await you on streets filled with music. Take a boat to Tortuguero National Park and explore the canals and village there, along with the fantastic wildlife that thrives alongside the people. Climb Arenal Volcano and rest in its hot springs, then cross Arenal Lake to walk through the green landscape of Monteverde. Experience true jungle flora and fauna on a private cloud forest tour and learn about the daily lives of the locals. Finally, you'll spend a few days unwinding in Guanacaste Beach, snorkeling and swimming among colorful schools of fish in beautiful, clear water. |
Day 1 Welcome to San Jose!
Arrive in sunny San Jose! Meet your Swiss Travel representative, who will provide you with all necessary documentation, phone numbers, and important information regarding your Costa Rican adventure. Enjoy a convenient transfer to your first luxurious hotel in San Jose. Spend the evening getting to know the city! Stroll through Parque La Sabana, take photos in-front of the National Theater of Costa Rica, and treat yourself to some local favorite foods.
Day 2 San Jose - Tortuguero National Park
Say goodbye to San Jose and head to the North Caribbean Plains, home of breathtaking Tortuguero National Park! Enjoy breakfast on the way, and look out the window at the Central Volcanic mountain range, filled with beautiful waterfalls and the bright green forests of Braulio Carrillo National Park. Your journey will continue through banana fields along rural roads, until you reach a local dock where boats will be waiting to transfer you to Tortuguero! Enjoy a scenic boat ride through canals shaded by the jungle of the rainforest. Gaze out at unique flora and fauna, and keep your eyes peeled for exotic birds! After arriving at your Tortuguero accommodation, embark on a visit to the village of Tortuguero, where you'll become immersed in the lifestyle of local residents.
Day 3 Tortuguero National Park
Today, explore this jungle paradise by boat! Discover the secondary canals of Tortuguero, and observe the natural beauty that surrounds them. The rate of biodiversity is amazingly high in this area, so have fun spotting a variety of birds, turtles, reptiles, and mammals as you float along. Tortuguero National Park is made up of over 76,000 protected hectares, spotted with canals, deltas, wetlands, and beaches.
Day 4 Tortuguero National Park - Arenal Volcano area
At mid-morning, hop aboard a boat and enjoy a scenic ride toward Arenal Volcano. Your journey continues on land, where you'll stop for lunch in the area of Guapiles. En route, feast your eyes on amazing views of mountains and rural towns such as Sarapiqui, Rio Cuarto, and Aguas Zarcas. Keep your eyes out for pineapple, orange, sugar cane, and yucca crops along the way! Upon arrival in La Fortuna de San Carlos, feel welcomed by majestic views of the mighty Arenal Volcano. Settle into your comfortable hotel and get a good night's rest - a full day of adventure awaits you tomorrow!
Day 5 Arenal Volcano area
Ah, a relaxing morning to explore the area. Take a leisurely stroll through the lush grounds, or go birdwatching! If you're more of an adrenaline-junkie, treat yourself to a tour of the breathtaking Arenal Hanging Bridges or a ride on the Sky Tram. For a special morning, consider horseback riding near Fortuna River Waterfall. Get ready for an amazing afternoon! Enjoy visits to the Arenal Volcano, as well as the Tabacon Hot Springs. Take tons of photos, feast your eyes on amazing landscapes, and feel the natural heat of volcanic hot springs!
Day 6 Arenal Volcano area - Monteverde area
Travel through Tilaran Mountain Range until you reach postcard-worthy Monteverde Cloud Forest! Enjoy gorgeous views of sparkling Arenal Lake and sky-high mountains, admire exotic plants, and feel refreshed by the cooler temperatures of the area. Settle into your next hotel, then embark on a visit to El Trapiche, a family-run farm that produces sugar cane, coffee, bananas, and more! Learn all about authentic Costa Rican culture as you live a day-in-the-life of a local.
Day 7 Monteverde area
Grab your camera and get ready for a day filled with stunning landscapes and amazing wildlife. Spend the first half of your day in picturesque Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, then spend the rest of the day at leisure. While in Costa Rica, be sure to try Casado, the country's most traditional and popular dish, consisting of rice, black beans, plantains, salad, tortilla, and meat.
Day 8 Monteverde area - Guanacaste/Langosta Beach area
It's beach day! Today, your journey will veer toward the magnificent pacific beaches of Costa Rica. Watch as the green forests turn into bright blue waters! Settle into your beautiful hotel, then take a walk along the beach and feast your eyes on an amazingly orange sunset over the ocean.
Day 9 Guanacaste/Langosta Beach area
Spend the day leisurely exploring at your own pace. Take advantage of the hotel's facilities, unwind with a drink on the beach, or inquire about snorkeling or scuba diving! Indulge in a delicious outdoor dinner and enjoy the ocean breeze as you taste the local flavors of Costa Rica.
Day 10 Guanacaste/Langosta Beach area
Wake up to the sounds of seagulls cawing and waves softly crashing against the shore. Cherish another day of beach side relaxation, or partake in outdoor activities offered in the area! Consider visiting national parks, taking a boat ride, or river rafting.
Day 11 Guanacaste - San Jose
Enjoy a convenient transfer back to San Jose, where you'll stay for your last night. Explore the city, go sightseeing, and hop around bars and restaurants. Indulge in delicious local food and do some souvenir shopping!
Day 12 Depart Costa Rica
Squeeze all your souvenirs into your luggage, pack your bags, and enjoy a convenient transfer to the airport. Wave goodbye to beautiful Costa Rica and spend your flight home dreaming about your next adventure.
Day 1: San José, Costa Rica
Costa Rica Airport Pick-up
Welcome to Costa Rica! Upon arrival, one of our representatives will be ready to greet you at the airport and pass you all the information you need to start your adventure
You'll be transferred to your hotel and the rest of your day will be yours to spend at your leisure - why not visit the nearby Central Market, the outskirts of the National Theater and the La Plaza de La Cultura?
Day 2: La Fortuna, Costa Rica
La Fortuna Free Afternoon (B)
Wake up for a tasty breakfast before you continue your adventure
We'll be waiting in a shuttle at the lobby to pick you up
From there, we'll make our way to La Fortuna, otherwise known as the village of La Fortuna de San Carlos
This charming village is the entrance to the magnificent Arenal Volcano and is located in the province of Alajuela, which connects the Arenal Volcano area with the cloud forest of Monteverde and Santa Elena and the lowlands of the north of the country
From La Fortuna, you'll be able to admire spectacular views of Arenal
It's widely considered one of the most beautiful volcanoes in Costa Rica, after all! Enjoy the rest of the day exploring this amazing surroundings by your self.
Day 3: La Fortuna, Costa Rica
Time to Explore the Volcano & Hot Springs (B/D)
Rise and shine! Today, you'll have more free time in the morning to explore La Fortuna at your own pace
In the afternoon, your local bilingual guide will again meet you at the hotel lobby and take you to the Arenal Volcano National Park
You'll explore the old lava flow of 1968 and learn about the rainforest flora and fauna from a local expert
After the volcano hike, your next stop is be the relaxing hot springs! Enjoy a delicious cocktail surrounded by tropical gardens, then go to the restaurant to have your buffet dinner
After all the adventure, you must be hungry!
Day 4: San José, Costa Rica
Back to San Jose (B)
All good things must come to an end! We'll transfer you by shuttle from the hotel to the airport, depending on the time on your flight out (driving distance 3 hours approx.) Please do make sure to book a flight after 16:00 to ensure you can arrive on time
We wish you a safe flight back home!
