| Countries Visited:
Costa Rica |
Tour Type: Family
Tour Duration: 8 Days (7 Nights)
From: San Jose to San Jose
Tour Code: LFC
Operator: Trafalgar |
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 Click Map To Enlarge Tour Description
This fantastic Family Experience lets you get up close and personal with turtles, frogs, butterflies and more as you explore the magnificent tropical rainforests of Costa Rica. Visit the Green Turtle Research Station in Tortuguero and enjoy a canal cruise in search of wildlife with your naturalist guide. Visit a working fruit plantation and snack on a just ripe banana before enjoying the relaxing thermal mineral pools at Tabacon Hot Springs. Finish off with a heart pumping adventure with a zipline canopy safari. What's Included
Dining Highlights
- Kick-off Party with your Tour Director in San Jose.
- 7 full breakfasts.
- 3 lunches.
- 2 buffet dinners.
- Casado-style Highlight Lunch in La Fortuna.
- Highlight Buffet Dinner with drinks at the Tabacon Hot Springs in Arenal.
- Poolside Pizza Party Highlight Dinner with drinks in Manuel Antonio.
- Farewell Dinner with drinks in Manuel Antonio.
First Class Travel Highlights
- Includes all First Class features.
- Just 4 Kids Surprise Pack.
- Airport transfers are provided on Day 1 and Day 8.
- Capture treasured memories of your trip with a complimentary group photo taken at a landmark location.
Highlights
Sightseeing Highlights
- Braulio Carrillo National Park Journey through this magnificent tropical rainforest.
- Tortuguero Travel to Tortuguero by river boat; meet local children at their school (when in session); visit the Green Turtle Research Station; cruise the canals in search of wildlife with you naturalist guide.
- Tortuguero National Park Join your expert naturalist guide in search of the abundant local wildlife.
- Arenal Enjoy a guided tour through the rainforest canopy along the famous Arenal Hanging Bridges.
- La Fortuna Take a guided conservation walk through Danaus Eco-Center spotting wildlife and visiting a butterfly farm and frog enclosure.
- Arenal National Park Trek with your guide around Arenal Volcano National Park.
- Tabacon Hot Springs Bubble and soak in soothing thermal mineral pools.
- Manuel Antonio National Park Get your adrenaline pumping on a zipline canopy safari; look for nearly 300 kinds of birds and animals on a nature walk.
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Day
1 |
Arrive San Jose
Pura Vida! Bienvenidos a Costa Rica! You're going to have more fun than a barrel of monkeys and spot more than a barrel of wildlife on this incredible adventure. A local representative will greet you at the airport and arrange your complimentary transfer to the hotel. Relax by the pool before meeting your Tour Director and fellow explorers at 6 p.m. for a Kick-off Party.
Stay: Costa Rica Marriott Hotel
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Day
2 |
San Jose - Braulio Carrillo National Park - Tortuguero National Park (2 Nights)
Rise with the roosters and head east through Braulio Carrillo National Park towards the Caribbean Sea. Stop at a banana plantation and learn about banana production while snacking on a just-ripe banana before arriving in Tortuguero National Park. Your journey begins aboard a river boat, gliding through canals, lagoons and lowland rainforest teeming with wildlife. You'll be amazed at how many kinds of animals live here - six species of sea turtle, monkeys, caimans, tons of exotic bird species plus rare and endangered ocelots, river otters and manatees. The afternoon is yours - hang out by the pool or on the beach, or head to Tortuguero Village to meet the students (when school is in session) and visit the Green Turtle Research Station to learn about the efforts to protect the turtles' nesting habitat and young hatchlings. Enjoy a buffet dinner at the resort's open air restaurant along the Tortuguero lagoon.
Stay: Laguna Lodge Tortuguero (FB/L/D)
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Day
3 |
Tortuguero National Park Sightseeing & Free Time
Arrr, arrr, arrr! There's nothing like the wake-up call of a troop of howler monkeys to start your day. Set off with your captain and naturalist guide to explore the lush canals and waterways of Tortuguero National Park. You may want to start a tally of all the types of wildlife you'll see. Look out for sloths, green iguanas, caiman crocodiles and colourful toucans. Of course, you'll spot tons of monkeys - agile howler and spider monkeys and white headed capuchins swinging through the dense rainforest canopy. This afternoon, you can venture back out on the canals to add to your wildlife tally or relax back at the lodge - the choice is yours! If you're visiting during nesting season (Jul-Sep), join an optional night walk with a naturalist guide to witness some of the world's largest turtles laying their eggs. Amazing! A buffet dinner is served at your hotel this evening. (FB/L/D)
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Day
4 |
Tortuguero - Sarapiqui - Arenal (2 Nights)
Bid adios to the monkeys for now as you boat back to the mainland and travel by motorcoach to Horquetas. Here you'll visit a local Tico family palm plantation to learn all about and taste an exotic vegetable you've probably never tried - the delicate heart of palm. Continue travelling to tiny Sarapiqui where you'll visit a pineapple farm, the only farm of its kind in the world producing certified organic golden pineapple. After learning how it's grown without hurting the environment, you'll eat the juiciest, most delicious pineapple ever. As you approach Arenal, keep a look out for the steam and lava seeping from the active volcano. (Full Breakfast / Lunch)
Stay: Hotel Arenal Manoa
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Day
5 |
Arenal Sightseeing - Free Time
Rise and shine as the jungle and volcano are calling! Start the day at the Arenal Hanging Bridges where you can walk eye-level within the lush canopy, observe the monkeys, sloths and chattering birds up close, and look out to see the rumbling, steaming Arenal Volcano. Next, take a guided trek around the quiet side of the volcano at Arenal National Park. Walk through the old lava rocks and learn about the powerful forces behind the volcano's past eruptions and continuing lava flow. After a typical Casado Highlight Lunch, you can relax by the swimming pool back at the lodge, or continue your exploration at the Danaus Eco-Center. Spot caimans, iguanas and water-walking lizards and examine the tiny, poisonous blue jeans tree frogs. Visit the reserve's butterfly farm, and, if you're lucky, you'll have a giant Blue Morpho land on you! End the day bubbling and soaking in the thermal mineral pools and hot springs at the awesome Tabacon Hot Springs followed by a scrumptious Highlight Buffet Dinner. And, if Mother Nature is in the mood, you'll be wowed by an outing to see the evening pyrotechnics of Arenal Volcano. (Full Breakfast / Highlight Lunch / Highlight Dinner)
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Day
6 |
Arenal - Manuel Antonio (2 Nights)
Head south to Manuel Antonio National Park, renowned for its warm blue waters, sparkling white-sand beaches and abundant exotic wildlife. Then, get ready for a blast! Imagine yourself soaring high above the jungle floor as you fly along ziplines through the treetops, eye-to-eye with the lush foliage and exotic rainforest creatures. Combined with Tarzan swings and rappelling, ziplining through the canopy is sure to be among the most amazing adventures of your lifetime! This evening, join the gang for a Poolside Pizza Party Highlight Dinner.
Stay: Parador Resort & Spa (FB/HD)
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Day
7 |
Manuel Antonio National Park Sightseeing & Free Time
Walking deep into the national park with your guide, you'll definitely check off a few more creatures on your wildlife list - at last count, there were 109 kinds of animals and 184 species of birds living here! Listen for those barking howler monkeys and the chattering of those mischievous squirrels and white face monkeys. Then, its time to hit the beach! You can laze in the warm Pacific or at the resort's pool, or choose one of many incredible optional activities. Will it be a catamaran cruise to snorkel with dolphins, parrotfish and sea turtles, a surf lesson, mangrove kayak tour, horseback ride or white water rafting? This evening, join your fellow explorers and celebrate new friendships and awesome experiences with a Farewell Dinner at a cool local restaurant set under the starboard wing of a retired army transport plane! (FB/HD)
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Day
8 |
Manuel Antonio - Depart San Jose
Travel back to San Jose's Juan Santamaria International Airport or to the tour hotel in San Jose for guests extending their stay in San Jose. Or choose to linger longer in Manuel Antonio! (FB)
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Click on the icon if you would like to view an electronic version of the brochure online. |
Tour Prices
Tour prices are per person. Please request a quote for tour availability. |
EXCLUSIVE SPECIAL OFFER*
2012 Season Sale! Save up to $240 per couple. Exclusive to Global Journeys. Deposit this month only to qualify!
Subject to availability at the time of booking.
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| START DATE |
END DATE |
BROCHURE
(Twin Share) |
BROCHURE
(Single) |
OUR
SAVINGS |
OUR
PRICE |
| 26 May 2012 |
02 Jun 2012 |
AU $1,425 |
AU $2,150 |
Save $105 |
AU $1,320 |
| 10 Jun 2012 |
17 Jun 2012 |
AU $1,425 |
AU $2,150 |
Save $105 |
AU $1,320 |
| 24 Jun 2012 |
01 Jul 2012 |
AU $1,425 |
AU $2,150 |
Save $105 |
AU $1,320 |
| 08 Jul 2012 |
15 Jul 2012 |
AU $1,475 |
AU $2,200 |
Save $110 |
AU $1,365 |
| 15 Jul 2012 |
22 Jul 2012 |
AU $1,475 |
AU $2,200 |
Save $110 |
AU $1,365 |
| 05 Aug 2012 |
12 Aug 2012 |
AU $1,475 |
AU $2,200 |
Save $110 |
AU $1,365 |
| 04 Nov 2012 |
11 Nov 2012 |
AU $1,425 |
AU $2,150 |
Save $105 |
AU $1,320 |
| 18 Nov 2012 |
25 Nov 2012 |
AU $1,425 |
AU $2,150 |
Save $105 |
AU $1,320 |
| 23 Dec 2012 |
30 Dec 2012 |
AU $1,595 |
AU $2,130 |
Save $120 |
AU $1,475 |
| 28 Dec 2012 |
04 Jan 2013 |
AU $1,595 |
AU $2,130 |
Save $120 |
AU $1,475 |
| 17 Feb 2013 |
24 Feb 2013 |
AU $1,475 |
AU $2,200 |
Save $60 |
AU $1,415 |
| 24 Feb 2013 |
03 Mar 2013 |
AU $1,475 |
AU $2,200 |
Save $60 |
AU $1,415 |
| 17 Mar 2013 |
24 Mar 2013 |
AU $1,475 |
AU $2,200 |
Save $60 |
AU $1,415 |
| 24 Mar 2013 |
31 Mar 2013 |
AU $1,475 |
AU $2,200 |
Save $60 |
AU $1,415 |
Note: The majority of departures above will proceed or are guaranteed to depart. We will outline the status of your departure date in your quote along with all applicable discounts and specials. |
Tour Discounts & Options:
Tour options, extras, upgrades and discounts! |
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Click on the descriptions below for more detail. We will apply all valid discounts automatically to your quote to provide you with the best possible price. Terms & Conditions apply to the discounts below.
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Flights:
Book your tour and flights together to SAVE! |
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The prices on our site are land only prices. If you would like to include flights with your quote, then we have some amazing specials for you to take advantage of!
Flight specials only apply for clients booking this tour from Global Journeys. Terms & Conditions apply and full details will be provided in your quote.
   
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General Information
The information below relates to this itinerary only. |
Tour Operator: Trafalgar Tours
 Operating since 1947, Trafalgar offers a wide range of holidays to Europe, Britain, Egypt, USA, Canada, South America, China, Australia and New Zealand. They hosted over 2 million travellers worldwide and many return year after year. Every expertly designed travel experience includes transportation, via deluxe motor coach, rail or cruise ship, first class hotel accommodation, daily sightseeing and most meals.
Tour Type: Family
 Trafalgar's new Family
Experiences programme offers 10 perfectly balanced and
seamless family holiday options to Britain, Europe and North
America. Each fabulous itinerary has been individually designed
for families wanting to travel and discover the world together. Whether you are bringing along your kids or treating the grandkids,
Trafalgar's range of Family Experiences will appeal to both the
young and young at heart. The pace of each itinerary, it's inclusions
and activities are planned to appeal to travellers of all ages,
ensuring everybody is treated to an unforgettable holiday.
Frequently Asked Questions
- We have over 60 years of knowledge & expertise in the design of unforgettable touring holidays
- We are international, award-winning for our unrivalled quality, service and reliability
- We provide perfectly planned and balanced itineraries
- We have the finest Tour Directors in the industry
- You will stay in quality hotels carefully selected and conveniently located
- You will enjoy authentic dining experiences
- You will enjoy savings of up to 40% when compared with travelling independently
Documents will normally be mailed 21 days prior to departure provided full payment has been received.
Good company enriches any travelling experience and your group will be made up of English-speaking people from around the world. On a Trafalgar tour you will take away far more than just fantastic memories – together you will share great times, swap terrific stories and form new lifelong friendships.
There will be a maximum of 49 people on your coach, however a Trafalgar coach carries an average of just 40 guests.
 With Trafalgar it's as great to travel as it is to arrive - we insist on using only the latest models of air-conditioned, luxury coaches, as well as high quality trains and cruise ships. For your comfort, smoking is not allowed onboard our coaches, however, there are plenty of rest stops for you to stretch your legs. You'll be chauffeur driven, door to door by a professional driver who will make your journey a relaxing pleasure. We use a state-of-the-art sound system for mood music with fascinating commentaries by your tour director.
A good nights sleep is essential for your enjoyment
of your Trafalgar Tour. This is why we carefully select every
hotel to ensure that your stay with us is an unforgettable
experience. Our hotels are chosen not only for their quality, but
also for their friendly service and desirable locations, whether
it be right in the heart of a city like Buenos Aires, near local
places of interest including Machu Picchu, or set in spectacular
scenic locations, such as overlooking Copacabana Beach.
Most of your hotels are First Class or better. In a few places we
may use a lodge that is the best available in the area, such as
in the Amazon. Holidays to Peru can be expensive, so we have
added a new second tour featuring Superior Tourist Class and
First Class properties. To ensure satisfaction at all times, our
diligent Quality Control Team is constantly busy making sure
that our impressive standards are always maintained, and your
enjoyment is complete.
Trafalgar prides itself on having some of the finest Tour
Directors and Local Guides in Latin America. They are the best
and most experienced in the business and will be your guide
throughout your tour. Travelling with them is like travelling with
an historian, personal 'concierge,' problem-solver and friend.
It is your Tour Director's number one priority to ensure you
enjoy every minute of your trip. Their knowledge, expertise
and friendliness are one of the reasons so many of our clients
return to travel with us time and again.
To enhance the overall experience in each destination, we often
bring on a local expert of the area. Someone who has the inside
knowledge of the city, village or region, and who has lived in the
area their whole lives. This special intimate experience allows you
to discover a region the way the locals do.
The prices listed cover all accommodations, all applicable sightseeing and admissions as per the itinerary, motorcoach, cruise or rail transportation, services of a professional Trafalgar Tour Director, all meals as shown in the itinerary and luggage handling.
Trafalgar Tours has pre-paid certain tips and gratuities for you such as all baggage handling at hotels and ports. Tips to restaurant staff for meals are also included in the price of your tour. Tips are customarily given to your Tour Director, Driver and Local Guides at your discretion. The recommended amounts are: Tour Directors $4 per day, Drivers $2.50 per day and Local Guides $1 per day. The option to prepay these tips prior to departure is possible. Please ask your consultant to include this in your quote.
At Trafalgar we have a desire for you to experience the distinctive
cuisines from the various regions you will visit. We go to great
lengths to ensure you will have an enjoyable experience sampling
the authentic local dishes such as a Brazilian barbecue dinner or a
typical Peruvian meal followed by a folklore show in Cuzco.
You will also enjoy our exclusive Highlight (HD) and Farewell
Dinners (D) plus our new and exclusive 'Be My Guest'
(BMGD) dining experiences. 'Be My Guest' is the opportunity to try something truly different
on your holiday. You will enjoy genuine 'local' dining experiences,
hosted by family-run establishments or exclusive Trafalgar
locations. In Buenos Aires, attend a traditional Argentine dinner
hosted in the apartment-home of a resident. This is a great
opportunity to learn about family life, customs, traditions and
how the city works. In Lima, relish a three-course Peruvian lunch
in the private and elegant mansion of the Diez Canseco family.
Señor Diez Canseco or one of his relatives will lead you on a
guided tour of the home, telling you stories of the family that has
a distinguished line of ancestors, from Spanish conquerors to
Peruvian presidents. In Costa Rica, you will have the opportunity
to lunch at a local home, then, children from a nearby school will
perform a typical dance.
All our tours include a hearty full breakfast to ensure you start the
day off well.
Many of our holidays are ideally designed for single or solo travellers. Every detail is taken care of, from start to finish, so all you need to do is enjoy your holiday in the company of like-minded travellers from around the world. Meals, activities and sightseeing are all shared with your new friends, so you will never be alone - unless you choose to do some exploring or relaxing by yourself. Accommodation can be booked as a private single room or like many of our clients, you may wish to share a twin room by taking advantage of our 'Room Mate Matching Service'. You will share a room with someone from your tour (same gender), so you can avoid paying a single room supplement, in addition to making a new friend.
We have a dedicated section on our website providing more detailed information on Trafalgar including FAQ's on what you need to know before, during and after your travel; as well as information on their 'Touring Styles', and a comprehensive search facility to enable you to easily find more of their tours. Read more> (NB: This link will take you away from this tour itinerary page).
Know Before You Go
 Download this “Know Before You Go” Guide, filled with all the essential information you need to assist you in preparing for your tour. A complete guide to the amazing countries of South America, including on-tour facts, vital pre-tour information and absolutely everything you need to know before you go. (1MB)
Airport Transfer Information
Transfers between airports, hotels and piers are included. Please see the Overview tab for details.
Terms & Conditions:
Yep, all the boring small print! We still recommend you read it all though, as no one likes surprises. Click here to read them now - they will open in a new window, or print them off to read over later with a cup of coffee!
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