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Natural Wonders of Costa Rica with Guatemala & Manual Antonio Extension

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 Trip Length
15 Days
 Trip Starts
Guatemala City
 Trip Finishes
Manuel Antonio
15 Day Natural Wonders of Costa Rica with Guatemala & Manual Antonio Extension Itinerary (Globus)
Countries Explored: Guatemala, Costa Rica
Trip Operator
Trip Style
Land Journey
Accommodation
4 - 4.5 Star
Max. Group Size
40
Guide Level
Fully Guided
Trip Code
SRY

Overview

Book online and enjoy exclusive savings on Globus 15 Day Natural Wonders of Costa Rica with Guatemala & Manual Antonio Extension. Grab your camera and get ready for a wonderful holiday to Guatemala and Costa Rica! In Antigua, Guatemala, step back in history as you explore the ruins of churches and monasteries along with restored colonial buildings. Perhaps pick up a unique Guatemalan handicraft to bring back home from the open-air Indian market. Then travel to Costa Rica and witness bountiful wildlife in their natural habitat, enjoy relaxing dips in ecothermal hot springs, and learn about the Costa...read more Rican culture.

Among the many highlights of this tour is Tortuguero National Park, where you'll take a boat ride along remote, unspoiled sections of the park to view wildlife. Your guide will look out for the wildlife - including freshwater turtles, egrets, toucans, and monkeys - so you can sit back, relax, and take plenty of pictures.

Another tour highlight is the Arenal Volcano, considered one of the most active volcanoes in the world. You may witness the red lava streaming down the sides and hear the volcano's grumbling as you soak in the ecothermal hot springs. In Monteverde, visit the Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve, home to forest fauna such as jaguars, resplendent quetzal, monkeys, ocelot, and many species of birds - not to mention the large diversity of plant species.

Also spend a couple of days in Manuel Antonio National Park, one of the lushest places in Costa Rica. Spend time on its white-grey sand beaches lined with tropical forest, walk the park's trails, take a sea kayak, or enjoy a canopy tour. The park has a vast diversity of wildlife, and it's not uncommon to see iguanas and white-faced monkeys on the beach. So be sure to grab your swimsuit and prepare yourself for the trip of a lifetime - a trip filled with wildlife, scenic waterways, tropical rainforests, spectacular beaches, and knowledgeable guides to help you learn about Guatemala and Costa Rica.

Itinerary

Upon arrival, meet your Local Host and transfer to Antigua, Guatemala's capital from 1543 until a devastating earthquake in 1776, when it was moved to Guatemala City. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Antigua is one of the Americas' oldest and most beautiful cities, with pastelcoloured buildings, wide cobblestone streets, and a beautiful natural setting ringed by three volcanoes. (D)

Our morning TOUR of this magnificent highlands city, known for its 16th-century Spanish Colonial architecture, includes lively Plaza Mayor, flanked by the impressive Catedral de San Jose and Palace of the Capitanes Generales. We also see the ruins of churches and monasteries, some with hidden underground passages destroyed by the earthquake of 1776. You'll also tour a local JADE FACTORY. (B)

Today, reach the whitewashed highland town of Chichicastenango to visit the colourful, open-air INDIAN MARKET and the Catholic CHURCH OF SANTO TOMAS to witness ancient Mayan ceremonies that have long been practiced there. Continue to the shores of Lake Atitlan, surrounded by volcanoes and indigenous villages. (B/L)

This morning, CRUISE across Lake Atitlan. Visit the Indian village of SANTIAGO ATITLAN and meet the Tzutuhil people, one of Guatemala's indigenous tribes. This afternoon, head back to Guatemala City for an included dinner. (B/D)

Fly to San Jose to join the Costa Rican portion of your tour. (B)

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 Evergreen Lodge until you meet for an informative slideshow presentation on the area. (B/L/D)

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. (B/L/D)

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. 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's pool and hot spring-fed jacuzzi, or consider a walk in the nearby nature trail in search of 300- to 400-year-old trees, poisonous frogs, monkeys, birds, and possibly small animals native to the area. (B/L/D)

During your morning at leisure, you may wish to go on an optional horseback ride or float trip. Or, you can take advantage of your resort's amenities by walking along the shaded trails nearby. Later 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 famous TABACON HOT SPRINGS for a dip in the curative and relaxing pools. Later, enjoy a dinner at the hot springs. (B/D)

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. (B)

This morning, visit CHILDREN'S ETERNAL RAINFOREST for a guided walking tour. Over 600 species of butterflies and 400 species of birds have been recorded inside this private reserve, along with 100 reptile and 120 mammal species that hide within the dense vegetation. Later, visit the family-owned ECOLOGICAL SANCTUARY, where you will explore the trails through coffee and banana plantations filled with endemic wildlife and beautiful scenery. After the walk, enjoy a COOKING CLASS to learn how to prepare authentic Costa Rican food like hand-made tortillas, picadillos, and gallo pinto. Dine on your creations for a homemade lunch! Tonight, your Tour Director hosts a farewell dinner, toasting an unforgettable discovery of Costa Rica. (B/L/D)

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. For the more active, there are jungle hikes suited to all levels. Other local activities include canopy tours, deep-sea fishing, diving, sea kayaking, and mountain biking. (B)

Enjoy two days at leisure. (Bx2)

Your tour ends with breakfast this morning. Please do not schedule your return flights before 12:30 pm. (B)

Trip Inclusions

  • GUATEMALA EXTENSION: Sightseeing in Antigua; visit a jade factory; stop in Chichicastenango to visit an open-air Indian market and the Church of Santo Tomas; cruise on Lake Atitlan; visit Santiago Atitlan
  • TORTUGUERO NATIONAL PARK: Guided cruise through the canals to view wildlife; guided walk through the rainforest; naturalist talk
  • SARAPIQUI: Tour a pineapple plantation
  • ARENAL: Guided sightseeing of Arenal Volcano National Park; sightseeing of La Fortuna town; and visit Tabacon Hot Springs
  • MONTEVERDE: Visit the Sky Walk hanging bridges; guided visit of Children?s Eternal Rainforest; Ecological Sancturary tour and cooking lesson; farewell dinner
  • SARCHI: Shop for souvenirs
  • MANUEL ANTONIO EXTENSION: Enjoy three nights at the Hotel Parador Resort & Spa, just minutes from Manuel Antonio National Park
  • HOTELS: Includes rooms with private bath or shower, hotel taxes, porterage, tips, and service charges

  • 14 Breakfasts
  • 5 Lunches
  • 7 Dinners

  • Hotel Classifications: Deluxe (D), First Class (F), Superior First Class (SF), Best Available (BA)
  • San José Doubletree Cariari (SF), Tortuguero National Park Evergreen Lodge (BA), Arenal Volcano Lodge & Gardens (F), Monteverde El Establo (F); Guatemala Extension: Antigua Porta Antigua (F), Lake Atitlán Porta del Lago (F), Guatemala City Hotel Barceló Guatemala City (D); Manuel Antonio Extension: Parador Resort & Spa (F)

  • 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
Sightseeing & VIP Access
Sightseeing & VIP Access

Globus includes all must-see sites, with special VIP access that lets you skip to the front of the queue. Read more

Culture Through Cuisine
Culture Through Cuisine

Globus has the recipe for a great holiday. Savour the flavours of South America through its regional cuisine. Read more

Expert Local Guides
Expert Local Guides

Travel with expert Tour Directors and Local Guides who share their vast knowledge of South America. Read more

Superior Hotels
Superior Hotels

Globus' selection of hotels in unforgettable places ensure you stay right in the heart of each destination. Read more

We handle the Details
We handle the Details

Globus takes care of the components that make your tour unforgettable, so just sit back and relax. Read more

Local Favourites
Local Favourites

Experience South America like an insider with Local Favourites that you wouldn't find touring on your own. Read more

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Brochure

Worldwide

Globus Worldwide (2023-24)

From the Great Pyramids to the Great Barrier Reef; from the Grand Canyon to the Colosseum, each Globus tour includes the legendary landmarks and must-see sights with an eye for hidden local gems you won’t find in any guidebook. Globus takes you to the head of the line at the world’s most awe-inspiring and iconic attractions, while sharing nearly a century...more of travel expertise in discovering off-the-beaten-path surprises for immersive experiences in the true cultures and traditions.

Prices & Dates

There are currently no departures available on this trip. Either it's the end of the season and new departures will be released shortly, or this itinerary has been changed and will no longer continue. Feel free to contact us for information about when next seasons dates will be released or click here to view the general release dates for all destinations.

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. Prices and trip information are correct at the time 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 Globus. These 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.

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