Natural Wonders of Costa Rica with Manuel Antonio
Overview
It’s not just the white sand and white-faced monkeys that lure adventurers to the oceanside village of Manuel Antonio; it’s the relaxing eco resort tucked away in the lush green hills overlooking the shimmering turquoise waters. Add an extra shade of spectacular to your tour of Costa Rica with time in Manuel Antonio and its renowned national park.
Itinerary
Welcome to San José!
Upon arrival, you will be met by your tour director!
Shell Games
Journey east to the Caribbean shore and Tortuguero National Park. On the way, pass by several banana plantations and see one of Costa Rica's main exports being harvested. Later, board a motor launch for your cruise along the Tortuguero Canals, waterways crisscrossing a national park dedicated to the protection of endangered turtles. The trained eyes of your guide and boatman help you spot freshwater turtles, caimans, herons, toucans, egrets, and monkeys. An afternoon at leisure lets you explore your jungle lodge until you meet for an informative slideshow presentation on the area.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - WONDERS OF NATURE: Tortuguero National Park was once a volcanic archipelago until sediments from the nearby mountains filled in the valleys forming a network of marshy islands and turtle nesting beaches that make this region so famous. With its 11 different habitats, this lush, protected area is rich with wildlife and biodiversity.
Natural Beauties
A local Naturalist accompanies you on a leisurely boat ride along remote, unspoiled sections of the park's waterways, explaining the bountiful flora and fauna. Enjoy a fascinating stroll through an accessible portion of the nearby rainforest. During the peak nesting season (mid-July to mid-October) you may be lucky enough to observe an endangered green turtle laying her eggs under the starlight on an optional tour. Later this afternoon, meet a local Naturalist for an informative presentation on the ecology of the area.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - CONSERVATION MATTERS: Tortuguero's turtles that come to nest in the national park named for them are easily considered one of the main attractions of the park. Green Sea Turtles, leatherback, and Hawksbill turtles can all be found nesting on the beaches here. During your time here, learn about the conservation efforts that have been in place since 1955 to help protect these endangered species.
Fruitful Experiences
A morning boat transfer begins your journey to the Sarapiqui area. Tour a pineapple farm, owned by a local family, and learn about the history, cultivation, and industry of pineapples and other indigenous crops. Continue to your hotel in the lush town of Arenal, located in the shadow of Arenal Volcano. After settling in, experience the magic of the resort before dinner at your hotel
Lava Love
This afternoon, visit Arenal Volcano National Park, where your guide takes you on a walk through lava trails of the volcano and shows you how nature has found a way to recover from past lava flows. Next, enjoy a walking tour of the town of La Fortuna de San Carlos, offering spectacular views of the active Arenal Volcano. This evening, drive to nearby Ecotermales Hot Springs for a dip in the curative and relaxing pools. Later, enjoy dinner at the hot springs.
LOCAL FAVORITE - WONDERS OF NATURE: Towering over the town of La Fortuna, Arenal Volcano is a perfect conical shape. It was once the most active volcano in Costa Rica with its lava flowing and gas consistently flowing from the crater amazing visitors of the area. In 2010, it entered a resting phase. But, because of the seismic activity of the area, you will find some of the best natural thermal hot springs.
ENHANCED FREE TIME - EXPLORE MORE: During your morning at leisure, you may wish to go on an optional horseback ride or float trip. Or take advantage of your resort's amenities by walking along the shaded trails nearby.
Heads in the Clouds
After breakfast, continue to Monteverde, where you will enjoy two days in the cloud forest. This afternoon, take a guided tour on the Sky Walk Hanging Bridges, which combines trails and suspension bridges through the canopy of Monteverde Cloud Forest, to search for flora and fauna.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - PICTURE PERFECT: Explore the cloud forest from the Sky Walk Hanging Bridges for a bird's eye view high above the jungle floor. This Naturalist-guided tour introduces you to the flora and fauna of the Costa Rican cloud forest. Consisting of 6 bridges with some bridges spanning over 700 feet long and over 150 feet high, this is truly a unique way to admire the forest canopy.
Butterfly Kisses
This morning, visit Santa Elena Cloud Forest for a guided walking tour. Later, visit a family-owned Ecological Sanctuary, where you will explore the trails through the forest filled with endemic wildlife and beautiful scenery. After the walk, enjoy a cooking class focusing on permaculture, conservation, and local traditions. Tonight, your Tour Director hosts a farewell dinner, toasting an unforgettable discovery of Costa Rica.
LOCAL FAVORITE - LOCAL TASTES: Treat yourself to a visit to a leisurely stroll through a family owned Ecological Sanctuary and take a cooking class to learn how to prepare authentic Costa Rican food sustainably, like hand-made tortillas, picadillos, and gallo pinto. Dine on your creations for a homemade lunch!
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - A WALK IN THE CLOUDS: Get misty-eyed in the high-elevation Santa Elene Cloud Forest with a canopy shrouded in persistent cloud cover which provide a continual supply of moisture to support the fantastic array of plants that thrive here.
Welcome to the Jungle!
Take a morning drive to the Pacific Ocean to the town of Quepos, gateway to Manuel Antonio National Park. Dense mangrove swamps sheltering a variety of wildlife back up to the pristine beaches in this area. It is not uncommon to see iguanas and white-faced monkeys on the beach.
Please Note: the Tour Director does not accompany guests on extensions. Guided service is as outlined in the day-by-day itinerary.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - ACCOMMODATION SPOTLIGHT: Nestled in the heart of Manuel Antonio, the Parador Nature Resort & Spa is where world-class accommodations meet unparalleled leisure and dining experiences. Every corner of the resort, from the tranquil pools reflecting the pristine Pacific Ocean to the exquisite array of restaurants serving local and international cuisines, is crafted for ultimate comfort and delight. Take the shuttle to Manuel Antonio National Park, wander along The Monkey Trail, challenge friends to a round of mini-golf or pickleball—or simply immerse your senses in the serenity of the surrounding green spaces. Dive into a world where luxury seamlessly blends with nature, exclusively at Parador.
Explore, Relax, Rediscover
Enjoy a free day today. You may wish to join an optional excursion or visit Manuel Antonio National Park, drawing visitors with its spectacular natural beauty and wonder, where mangroves grow and golden beaches glow in the home of iguanas and monkeys on its Pacific shoreline.
ENHANCED FREE TIME - EXPLORE MORE: Spend free time enjoying a kayaking trip or mangrove tour.
Get Out and Explore!
Enjoy a free day today.
ENHANCED FREE TIME - EXPLORE MORE: Your resort offers many optional active pursuits to fill your free time, some included and some for an extra fee. Explore the wonders of Manuel Antonio, from jungle hikes suited to all levels, canopy tours, sea kayaking, or mountain biking. Get local maps and tips for free time on your GlobusGO mobile app.
Safe travels until we meet again!
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. Please schedule flights after 12:30 pm.
Trip Inclusions
- Guided sightseeing in Tortuguero National Park includes wildlife cruises through the canals and a rainforest walk with local expert
- Visit the Sea Turtle Conservancy Museum
- Visit a locally owned [LF] pineapple farm in Sarapiquí
- Guided sightseeing includes a hike in Arenal Volcano National Park and a walking tour of La Fortuna
- Evening soak and dinner at [LF] Ecotermales natural hot springs near Arenal
- Guided sightseeing in Monteverde includes a walk along Sky Walk Hanging Bridges for a bird's-eye view of the Monteverde Cloud Forest
- Guided hike through Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve to explore wildlife
- Visit a [LF] family-run ecological sanctuary and cooking class
- Transfer to Quepos, the gateway to Manuel Antonio National Park for a 3-night stay and ample time for beachcombing and optional adventures
- Breakfast daily, 5 lunches, 5 dinners
- San Jose: Doubletree Cariari (Superior First-Class):
This sustainable Costa Rica hotel is typical of San Jose colonial hacienda architecture and offers spacious, comfortable guestrooms and suites with the latest amenities. Enjoy total convenience in its location, personalized services, delicious cuisine, and facilities like the pool and fitness center. Let the friendly staff help you relax while catering to your needs and helping you see all that Costa Rica has to offer. - Tortuguero: Evergreen Lodge (First-Class):
Built in respect of its surrounding nature, the Evergreen Lodge provides travelers with absolute comfort, great food, and most importantly, an unobstructed experience with nature. A beautiful dining room with soaring ceilings provides first class meals in an atmosphere that reflects and compliments the jungle paradise surrounding it, and friendly staff welcome you to this magical place called Tortuguero. - Arenal Area: Volcano Lodge & Gardens (First-Class):
With an exceptional location and views of Arenal Volcano, this hotel surpasses expectation in comfort, service, and class. Guests will feel at ease with modern room amenities, clean lines, and tasteful décor. Dining options, spa services, and a choice of pool and lounge settings make your stay in Arenal unforgettable, as well as its convenient access to the wildlife and nature surrounding it. - Monteverde: El Establo Mountain Lodge (First-Class):
Set on a private 150-acre farm adjacent to the Monteverde Reserve, El Establo Mountain Lodge offers guests a home base of relaxation and activity. Amenities include tennis, basketball, and soccer courts, two indoor pools, two restaurants, two bars, gym, and spa. - Manuel Antonio: Parador Resort & Spa (First-Class):
Uniquely set among luxuriant coastal rainforest overlooking Costa Rica's famous Manuel Antonio National Park, Hotel Parador Resort & Spa sits atop a 400-acre secluded peninsula surrounded by wild beauty. Amenities include five restaurants, three bars, a spa, four pools, fitness center, tennis court, mini golf, nature trails, business center, gift shop, and an activities desk.
- 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.
- Manuel Antonio extension guests will depart from Monteverde on day 8. The extension guests will not stop in Sarchi and will not have the included lunch. These inclusions were not included in the price for the extension.
- Tour Director does not accompany guests on extensions. Local Guide services will be provided as outlined in the itinerary.
- 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
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.
