Costa Rica Escape
Overview
Itinerary
Welcome to San José!
Meet your Tour Director at your hotel.
Lava Love
Depart on a scenic drive past banana groves and pineapple and sugar cane fields en route to Arenal. Visit to La Fortuna Village in the shadow of mighty Arenal Volcano (currently dormant but known for consistent lava flows before 2010). Arenal is home to cascading waterfalls, thriving rainforests, abundant wildlife, and a wealth of outdoor activities with nearby nature trails and 400-year-old trees. Watch for frogs, monkeys, birds, and native wildlife.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - WONDERS OF NATURE: For 42 years, Arenal Volcano was Costa Rica's most active volcano until 2010 when entered a passive phase. This area is one of the most bio-diverse areas in the world and is home to more than 850 species of birds and other wildlife. Time here can be spent hiking the trails around the volcano or relaxing in the many thermal hot springs.
Bird's Eye View
Today, take a guided excursion with your Naturalist to Arenal Hanging Bridges. Explore the jungle canopy atop 15 bridges suspended in the treetops to see various species of plants, birds, butterflies, monkeys, sloths, and other local wildlife. On a clear day, get a 360-degree view of the tropical rainforest and stunning views of Arenal Volcano. Free time the remainder of the day.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - PICTURE PERFECT: Explore the rainforest from a bird's-eye perspective high above the jungle floor from the Arenal Hanging Bridges. This Naturalist-guided tour introduces you to the flora and fauna of the Costa Rican rainforest. With some bridges spanning over 700 feet long and 200 feet high, this is truly a unique way to admire the forest canopy.
Heads in the Clouds
This morning, depart Arenal on scenic drive to Monteverde for the next two nights. Arrive in the cloud forest of Monteverde, situated on the continental divide under misty cloud coverage in one of the world's most bio-diverse areas. Enjoy an afternoon and evening at leisure.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - WILD & WONDERFUL: Explore Monteverde Cloud Forest, home to over 3,000 species of plants, 400 species of birds, 60 species of bats, 1,200 species of amphibians, and 700 species of butterflies in one of the last remaining natural habitats of all six Costa Rica wildcat species—ocelots, jaguars, jaguarundi, pumas, oncillas, and margays. Perhaps you'll catch a glimpse of one of Costa Rica's most beautiful birds, the resplendent quetzal.
Creatures of the Cloud Forest
This morning, take a Naturalist guided walking tour of Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve home to forest fauna such as sloths, jaguars, ocelots, monkeys, coatis, and numerous species of birds. With almost 100% humidity throughout the year, the cloud forest experiences almost 12 feet of rain per year. Free time this afternoon.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - PARADISE FOUND: This unique, high-elevation ecosystem of Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve is constantly enveloped in moisture-rich clouds formed from the warm winds from the Atlantic Ocean as they sweep over the Continental Divide, creating one of the most bio-diverse and rich ecosystems in the world. Prolific in many animal and plant species, this is a nature lover's paradise.
Artistry & Drama
En route to San José, visit Sarchi Village, the hub of Costa Rican craftsmanship, and see the artists in their workshops making their famous ox carts. Upon arrival in San José, a guided city orientation introduces downtown San José includes the historic National Theater and the Metropolitan Cathedral.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - CULTURE & TRADITION: Visit the local village of Sarchi and see firsthand how the traditional ox carts are hand-painted. Once used to transport coffee and sugarcane, these are now pieces of art with intricate designs.
Adiós y Gracias, San José!
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
Trip Inclusions
- Scenic drive to Arenal with a visit to La Fortuna Village
- Arenal Hanging Bridges with a Naturalist
- Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve hike with a Naturalist
- A guided visit to the artisan village of Sarchi
- San Jose orientation tour to see downtown, the National Theater, and the Metropolitan Cathedral
- Breakfast daily
- San Jose: D Sabana Hotel (Superior Tourist-Class):
The Park Inn Radisson is conveniently located in the heart of San Jose within walking distance of the well-known Paseo Colon, the city's main avenue. The hotel features 117 comfortable guestrooms equipped with complimentary wireless internet, outdoor pool, and on-site bar and grill. - Arenal: Magic Mountain Hotel (First-Class):
This colonial-modern hotel facing Arenal Volcano offers panoramic views and is surrounded by lush foliage. Facilities include an outdoor pool, Jacuzzi, restaurant with international cuisine, sports bar, and relaxing spa. Air-conditioned rooms feature a balcony or terrace with views of the volcano, in-room safe, cable television, and wireless internet access. - Monteverde: Monteverde Country Lodge (First-Class):
The hotel maintains the essence of traditional rustic lodging while assuring guests maximum comfort. Guestrooms feature complementary Wi-Fi, cable TV, in-room safe, private bathroom, and daily housekeeping.
- Airport transfers at your arrival and departure destination are not included in the price of the tour.
- Itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Price is for land, cruise and specified internal flights. International flights not included.
- Maximum elevation on tour is 9,000 ft.
- This vacation visits remote locations where hotel facilities may not be up to the first-class standard you expect from Globus. Some lodges may not have air-conditioning, televisions, and other amenities you would expect from most Globus hotels.
Operator
At Globus, we understand that your holiday is your treat – a gift from you to you. Let us connect you with a new world of people, places and experiences that will ignite your imagination.
Globus includes all must-see sites, with special VIP access that lets you skip to the front of the queue. Read more
Globus has the recipe for a great holiday. Savour the flavours of South America through its regional cuisine. Read more
Travel with expert Tour Directors and Local Guides who share their vast knowledge of South America. Read more
Globus' selection of hotels in unforgettable places ensure you stay right in the heart of each destination. Read more
Globus takes care of the components that make your tour unforgettable, so just sit back and relax. Read more
Experience South America like an insider with Local Favourites that you wouldn't find touring on your own. Read more
Download Brochure
Globus Worldwide (2025-26)
Dates & Pricing
AUD
Welcome Back Credit
GJ Loyalty Discount
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 Enquire. Additional savings may apply. T&C’s apply.
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 Globus. 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.
