Compare Costa Rica by Mayflower Tours vs Costa Rica Quest by G Adventures
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| Trip |
4.5 | Great
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 8 days | 9 days |
| Price From | $ 1,699 | $ 1,104 |
| Price Per Day | $ 212 | $ 123 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Group tour | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Premium | Standard |
| Physical Level |
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| Travel Themes |
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| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Ground transport included |
| Activities |
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| Meals Included |
13 Meals : 7 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches and 4 Dinners |
1 lunch |
| Description |
The limitless possibilities that include extensive rainforests, volcanoes, rivers traveling through the mountains, beaches and natural resources safeguarded by an important organization of national parks and forest preserves will unfold before your eyes on this amazing holiday in Costa Rica. |
Nature called you to Costa Rica — now here you are, suspended in the jungle canopy, locking eyes with a curious monkey. This action-packed tour of Costa Rica’s highlights is perfect for the adventurer with limited time who wants to explore the region’s diversity. Get your adrenaline pumping, follow a trail to the base of a waterfall, explore Manuel Antonio National Park, or relax on a beach — your CEO will help you find the secluded spots only the locals know. |
Day 1: Usa/San José, Costa Rica
Meals: Dinner
Our journey begins in the historic capital of San José at a delightful casino hotel. There is time for a swim or massage before the included dinner as our busy schedule flows into Costa Rica’s mystical tropical paradise.
Day 2: Poás Volcano
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
En-route from San José to the La Fortuna area, visit Poás Volcano, one of the most spectacular volcanoes in Costa Rica. Poás has a long history of large eruptions, first producing a cloud of hot ash five miles high back in 1910. Look down from its mile-wide rim into a gigantic boiling cauldron of steaming geysers. We continue to the Doka Coffee Estate for a tour of the plantation where we learn how this famous product of Costa Rica is produced. Following lunch at the estate, we continue to La Fortuna, a village ringed by mountains and inhabited by friendly folk whose little shops may offer the perfect memento. Its most well-known ‘resident’ is the Arenal Volcano. From our hotel we can see its awe-inspiring cone first thing in the morning and the last thing at night. This evening is free to enjoy the rich natural wonders of the area — beautiful waterfalls, fragrant trails and the natural hot springs. Breakfast and lunch
Day 3: Arenal Volcano
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
There are few places on earth where one can observe an active volcano, and we will spend the afternoon near Arenal Volcano, one of the most active volcanoes in the Americas. Since it erupted 400 years ago, it has continued to light up the night sky. From our observation point, we feel the ground tremble and see smoke that billows from the earth’s molten core rise to join the clouds. Upon returning to the hotel, relax in the springs before enjoying the included dinner. With lovely views of the resort’s hot springs, lush gardens and Arenal Volcano, this is a tropical paradise.
Day 4: Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
While in La Fortuna, we enjoy a full day excursion to Caño Negro National Wildlife Refuge, a remote “everglades” type of wetlands teeming in different species of flora, fauna and birdlife. During the excursion, a highlight will be a boat ride on the Frío River where you’ll have the opportunity to see birds such as the snake-bird, herons and cormorants; a variety of monkeys such as the howler, spider or white-face monkeys, three-toed sloths and local reptile inhabitants like the Jesus Christ Lizards and turtles. This is truly a unique experience, showcasing the natural beauty of Costa Rica. A typical lunch is provided during the excursion.
Day 5: La Fortuna To Manuel Antonio
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
After breakfast we drive to the Manuel Antonio area, famous for its national park. This tiny yet bustling town is located off Costa Rica’s Central Pacific coast, just a stone’s throw away from Quepos. The region is a treasure for biodiversity, attracting nature buffs, eco-travelers and adventure seekers alike. Without a doubt, Manuel Antonio lies within one of the country’s most celebrated spots. Upon arrival, check in to our hotel for three nights accommodations. Dinner is included this evening.
Day 6: Jungle Crocodile Safari
Meals: Breakfast
We take a boat trip on the Tarcoles River located near Carara National Rain Forest Park. This adventure combines nature with the breathtaking experience of viewing American crocodiles at near proximities. Home to one of the world’s largest crocodile populations in the wild, some of these "local residents" are up to 15 feet long! As our boat ride takes us inside the mangrove canals and along the Tarcoles River, we also have the opportunity to spot many different species of birds, including the rare scarlet macaw, amongst the lush foliage. The afternoon is at leisure. Breakfast
Day 7: Manuel Antonio National Park
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Our included tour visits nearby Manuel Antonio National Park, the smallest of the parks in Costa Rica but one of the most popular. There is a magic to this park that is hard to explain. Per-haps it’s the park’s forest, mangroves, lagoons and beach vegetation that supports 1,009 species of mammals and 184 species of birds (with migrants bringing the bird species to some 270) that make it so amazing. Among the inhabitants that can be easily seen are sloths, iguanas, agoutis, armadillos, raccoons, coatimundis and the adorable squirrel monkey. We return to the hotel for an afternoon at leisure before we say goodbye at our farewell dinner.
Day 8: Manuel Antonio/San José
Meals: Breakfast
After breakfast, our tropical getaway comes to an end as we return to the San José airport for our flight home. Flights should depart after 1:00 p.m. Fond memories of the beauty of Costa Rica and the warm hospitality of its people are sure to be treasured for a lifetime!
Day 1 San José
Arrive at any time.
There are no activities planned until an evening welcome meeting.
Day 2 San José/La Fortuna
Drive to Sarapiquí to visit the G Adventures-supported Mi Cafecito Community Coffee Plantation. Learn about the impact this project has had on the community and sample some of the products they sell. Continue on to the Arenal region and take advantage of a free afternoon and a full free day tomorrow to experience the adventure activities and natural wonders of the area.
La Fortuna is an excellent base for adventure. Opt to hike the area’s nature trails, swim in chilly La Fortuna waterfall or go canyoning.
Day 3 La Fortuna
Free day in La Fortuna. Experience the outdoor adventures, amazing wildlife and natural wonders in this area. There are enough activities here to keep you busy all day long. In the evening opt to soak in one of the many hot springs in the area to cap off an adventurous day.
Spend the day getting your adrenaline pumping, viewing local wildlife, marvelling at the Arenal Volcano and getting to know more about Costa Rica in La Fortuna. There are enough activities here to keep you busy all day long.
Day 4 La Fortuna/Monteverde
Travel by van and boat through the stunning Costa Rican scenery up into the cloud forest. Take an included guided night walk to learn about nocturnal life in the jungle firsthand.
Travel across Lake Arenal into the mountains and on to Monteverde Cloud Forest. Arrive to spend time enjoying this nature-lover's paradise.
Day 5 Monteverde
Enjoy a free day to explore the cloud forest region of Costa Rica. Opt to fly across canopy ziplines, walk across suspended bridges through the forest canopy, or go horseback riding in the hills.
Day 6 Monteverde/Quepos
Travel to Quepos, just outside Manuel Antonio National Park. Opt to visit the park or relax on the beach in this fun surf town. Enjoy a night out and perhaps learn how to salsa.
Travel to the Pacific Coast. Enjoy Quepos. Opt to swim, fish, kayak, surf or take a sailing trip.
Day 7 Quepos
Enjoy an included entrance into Manuel Antonio National Park. Then, take advantage of free time to explore. Opt to sail or swim in the Pacific. Or choose to kayak through mangroves and relax on the beach.
Pre-book the Manuel Antonio Catamaran Tour on the checkout page to include this optional activity on your tour or ask your GCO or travel agent for assistance.
Day 8 Quepos/San José
Opt to chill at the beach in the morning before the journey by private vehicle back to the capital.
Day 9 San José
Depart at any time.
