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> Signature: Costa Rica's Tortuguero, Arenal & Cloud Forests
Our Price From
US$10,184
Save up To $372
Twin Share (Per Person)
Trip Style
National Geographic Signature
Departures
Accommodation
4 - 5 Star
Max. Group Size
22
Pace
Leisurely
Guide Level
Fully Guided
Trip Code
CRSGNS
Overview
Book online and enjoy exclusive savings on G Adventures 12 Day Signature: Costa Rica's Tortuguero, Arenal & Cloud Forests. Journey from the Caribbean canals to the Pacific surf on an expedition through Costa Rica’s most biodiverse landscapes. Immerse yourself in the cloud forests of Monteverde, the volcanic energy of Arenal, and the rhythms of local life. Guided by naturalists and experts, explore a world where conservation, culture, and wildlife thrive in harmony.
Itinerary
Welcome to Costa Rica. Your expedition begins upon arrival at San José Airport, where you will be met and transferred to your hotel in the city. Check into your comfortable hotel, then in the evening gather with your National Geographic Expedition Leader and fellow travellers. An engaging presentation from a National Geographic Expedition Expert sets the scene for the biodiversity you will encounter, followed by a welcome dinner. Stay: Hacienda Marriot Belén (D)
Depart early and descend toward the Caribbean coast, stopping to immerse yourself in the rich aroma of roasting beans at a cacao experience. Trace the history of chocolate from ancient ceremonial drink to modern delicacy, tasting the transformation from raw nibs to specialty sweets. Continue the drive until the road ends, then board a boat for the final stretch. As the engine hums, watch the landscape shift into a wall of dense green. Arrive at your lodge near Tortuguero National Park in time for dinner, settling in as the cacophony of the rainforest rises with the moon. (B/L/D)
Rise before the heat of the day for a boat excursion through the labyrinth of Tortuguero’s canals. In the stillness of the morning, the water acts as a mirror for the jungle canopy; watch for the flash of a green macaw, the slow reach of a sloth, or the eyes of a caiman breaking the surface. Later, visit a sea turtle conservation project to learn about the critical effort to protect green turtle habitats on these black-sand beaches. End the day with a hearty dinner at a floating restaurant, surrounded by the sounds of the water. (B/D)
Trade the humid coast for the cool, mist-shrouded peaks of the Bajos del Toro region. Travel inland through shifting landscapes, arriving at your lodge for a lunch of fresh local ingredients. Later, engage with Costa Rica’s artistic heritage during a hands-on workshop with an artist-in-residence. Learn the intricate brushstrokes of traditional oxcart painting — the vibrant national symbol of the country. In the evening, gather for an expert presentation and a welcome reception to meet new travellers joining the expedition for the next chapter. (B/L/D)
Immerse yourself in the cloud forest silence on a morning walk to a dramatic waterfall. Guided by a naturalist, scan the moss-draped trees for birdlife while feeling the cool spray of the cascade. Later, connect with local traditions at a family home–feel the texture of the masa as you learn to shape corn tortillas by hand, then share a rustic lunch with your hosts. Enjoy a free afternoon to explore the lodge trails before an evening talk on the geology of the Arenal Volcano. (B/L/D)
Travel to La Selva Biological Station for a behind-the-scenes moment with a resident anthropologist, go beyond the visitor trails to inspect insect traps and observe real-time biodiversity monitoring. Continue to Mi Cafecito Coffee Cooperative to witness the transformation of the coffee bean, understanding its vital role in the local economy. Arrive in La Fortuna and settle into your hotel, ending the day with a soak in natural hot springs heated by the earth’s volcanic core. (B/L/D)
Trace the path of ancient eruptions on a guided hike through Arenal Volcano National Park. Walking over solidified lava flows, your guide reveals how the forest has reclaimed the rock, offering spectacular views of the volcano’s perfect cone. Spend the afternoon at leisure, perhaps returning to the thermal waters. As night falls, follow the scent of woodsmoke to a hands-on cooking class at a woman-owned restaurant, preparing a traditional dinner over an open flame. (B/D)
Navigate the waters of Lake Arenal by private boat, watching the landscape shift from volcanic lowlands to the rolling green hills of the divide, before ascending into the cool air of the Monteverde cloud forest. Visit the Monteverde Institute, a research and educational organization supported by National Geographic. Learn how they balance community growth with conservation, including a fascinating look at the impact of artificial light on nocturnal wildlife. (B/L/D)
Beat the crowds to the canopy on a private, early-morning tour along the hanging bridges before they open to the public. Suspended high above the forest floor, watch the mist clear and listen for the waking calls of howler monkeys. Continue the search for wildlife in the Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve, treading softly on fern-lined trails in hopes of spotting the brilliant emerald plumage of the resplendent quetzal. Enjoy a free afternoon before dinner at a local restaurant. (B/D)
Leave the clouds behind and descend toward the dry tropical forests of Guanacaste. Stop in Rincón de la Vieja National Park to witness clean energy in action at a geothermal project, surrounded by the hissing steam of volcanic vents. Keep an eye out for wildlife adapting to this rugged and lush terrain. Pause at the Rio Negro Waterfalls for a gourmet picnic lunch in the shade of the canyon before completing the drive to your hotel on the Pacific coast. (B/L/D)
Venture into the mangroves of Las Baulas National Marine Park on a guided boat excursion. Drift quietly through the Tamarindo Estuary, scanning the tangled roots for crocodiles and watching for iguanas and squirrel monkeys in the branches above. Spend the afternoon relaxing by the pool or walking the beach. In the evening, regroup for a final expert talk summarizing the week’s discoveries, followed by a celebratory farewell dinner with your travel companions. (B/D)
Your expedition to Costa Rica concludes today. After a final breakfast overlooking the Pacific, transfers are provided to the Liberia airport at any time during the day. (B)
Trip Inclusions
- Go behind the scenes at a leading research station to track tropical insects with experts.
- Trace the journey of coffee from bean to cup at a sustainable community-run cooperative.
- Meet researchers at the Monteverde Institute to learn how they protect the cloud forest.
- Walk the hanging bridges of Monteverde before the crowds watching the forest wake up.
- Glide through jungle canals with an expert guide to spot monkeys sloths and caimans.
- Your G for Good Moment: Mi Cafecito Coffee Experience, Alajuela
- Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your Expedition Leader and Group, San José
- Signature Moment: Cacao Experience, San Isidro
- Your Local Living Moment: Home Made Tortilla Lunch with a Local Family, Bajos del Toro
- Signature Moment: "The World of Insects" at La Selva Biological Station, Sarapiquí
- Your Foodie Moment: El Fogón de Chela Cooking Class, La Fortuna
- Signature Moment: Monteverde Institute Visit, Monteverde
- Arrival transfer
- Cacao Experience
- Jungle Boat Wildlife Exploration
- Dine at Katonga Floating Restaurant
- Artist Guided Oxcart Painting
- Naturalist Guided Walking Tour in Bajos del Toro
- Arenal Volcano Lecture
- Arenal Walk and Guided Tour
- Private Canopy Tour in Monteverde
- Naturalist Guided Tour in Santa Elena Reserve
- Visit to Las Pailas Geothermal Project I & II
- Santa Maria Wind Project
- Picnic Lunch at Rio Negro Waterfalls
- Tamarindo Estuary Excursion
- Free time in Tortuguero, Bajos del Toro, La Fortuna, Monteverde, and Guanacaste
- Departure transfer
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
- Hotels (5 Nights), Lodges (6 Nights)
- National Geographic Expedition Leader and National Geographic Expedition Expert throughout
- 11 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 11 dinners
- Private vehicle, motorized boat (canal & ferry), walking
- Accommodation, itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included
Trip Style: National Geographic Signature
These ultra-premium journeys combine deep cultural immersion with five-star comfort and the authority of National Geographic. Created in collaboration with G Adventures, each experience offers rare access, meaningful connections with communities, and expert insight from leading specialists. With world-class service, thoughtfully curated inclusions, and unforgettable Signature Moments throughout, these journeys are designed for travelers who seek refined luxury without losing a sense of purpose or discovery.
Dates & Pricing
USD
Wednesday
06 Jan 2027
06 Jan 27
San José
Sunday
17 Jan 2027
17 Jan 27
Liberia
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $11,499
US$11,154
Save $345
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Wednesday
03 Feb 2027
03 Feb 27
San José
Sunday
14 Feb 2027
14 Feb 27
Liberia
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $11,499
US$11,154
Save $345
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Wednesday
03 Mar 2027
03 Mar 27
San José
Sunday
14 Mar 2027
14 Mar 27
Liberia
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $11,499
US$11,154
Save $345
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Wednesday
24 Mar 2027
24 Mar 27
San José
Sunday
04 Apr 2027
04 Apr 27
Liberia
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $10,499
US$10,184
Save $315
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Wednesday
07 Apr 2027
07 Apr 27
San José
Sunday
18 Apr 2027
18 Apr 27
Liberia
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $10,499
US$10,184
Save $315
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Saturday
29 May 2027
29 May 27
San José
Wednesday
09 Jun 2027
09 Jun 27
Liberia
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $11,499
US$11,154
Save $345
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Wednesday
02 Jun 2027
02 Jun 27
San José
Sunday
13 Jun 2027
13 Jun 27
Liberia
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $11,499
US$11,154
Save $345
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Wednesday
21 Jul 2027
21 Jul 27
San José
Sunday
01 Aug 2027
01 Aug 27
Liberia
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $12,399
US$12,027
Save $372
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Wednesday
06 Oct 2027
06 Oct 27
San José
Sunday
17 Oct 2027
17 Oct 27
Liberia
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $11,499
US$11,154
Save $345
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Wednesday
03 Nov 2027
03 Nov 27
San José
Sunday
14 Nov 2027
14 Nov 27
Liberia
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $10,499
US$10,184
Save $315
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Wednesday
17 Nov 2027
17 Nov 27
San José
Sunday
28 Nov 2027
28 Nov 27
Liberia
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $10,499
US$10,184
Save $315
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Wednesday
08 Dec 2027
08 Dec 27
San José
Sunday
19 Dec 2027
19 Dec 27
Liberia
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $10,499
US$10,184
Save $315
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Wednesday
15 Dec 2027
15 Dec 27
San José
Sunday
26 Dec 2027
26 Dec 27
Liberia
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $10,499
US$10,184
Save $315
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Note
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you Inquire. Additional savings may apply. T&C’s apply.
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you Inquire. Additional savings may apply. T&C’s apply.
Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by G Adventures. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by G Adventures. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
