Costa Rica Adventure with Tortuguero
Overview
Itinerary
Let the Pura Vida way of life take over as you arrive in Costa Rica's cultural capital, San Jose. Arriving today, settle into your hotel and then head out to explore. Trendy Barrio Amon offers a wonderful glimpse into the history of the city with vast colonial mansions converted into art galleries, whilst Barrio Escalante is the gastronomic epicentre and the best place to grab dinner. Please note that you will not meet your Travel Director until day 4.
Meet a Local Guide for your journey to Tortuguero today. Travelling to Guapiles this morning, you'll hop on board a boat bound for Tortuguero. A place only accessible by air or water, float through miles of protected canals and listen for the sounds of birdsong as you venture into the Parque National Tortuguero.
After settling in, meet up with a Local Specialist for a wander around the bustling little village, learning about its Afro-Caribbean roots and why it lives up to the meaning of its name, 'turtle catcher'. Wildlife aficionados, the fact that you've just arrived at the Western Hemisphere's largest rookery for Green Turtles is a piece of knowledge probably not lost on you, and you'll be learning more about the green, leatherback and hawksbill turtles who nest in the park on a visit to the Green Turtle Research Station later today.
You'll be up bright and early today to enjoy this beautiful region at its very best. You'll cruise the canals of the national park, keeping a keen eye out for jaguars, macaws, tapirs and over 300 different species of birds, whilst also enjoying the sensation of the park waking up for another day.
This afternoon, join a Local Specialist for a guided jungle hike to discover the rare and beautiful flora and fauna of the region, as well as the conservation efforts currently being implemented to protect the region's delicate bio-diversity.
Tonight, it's then the main event. Operating seasonally, opt to join a trip to watch a beautiful sea turtle laying her eggs on the beach. A real once in a lifetime experience, and a very special moment.
Waking to the sounds of the jungle, you'll travel back to San Jose today. En route you'll pass through Braulio Carrillo National Park, one of Costa Rica's most extensive national parks that covers a staggering 44,099 hectares and is home to seven diverse types of habitat. Arriving back into the capital, you'll meet up with your Travel Director and continue your Costa Rica Adventure.
Tick off San José's iconic sights with a quick sightseeing tour before travelling towards the creative little town of Sarchí. Seen as the cradle of Costa Rican artisanship, this is the place to buy intricate arts, crafts and souvenirs including the hand-painted and bright coloured oxcart, the national symbol of Costa Rica. The journey continues through the Tilaran Mountain range listening for the collective “oohs” and “aahs” as you enter the mysterious and misty Cloud Forest.
Step into another world on your Costa Rica value tour in a cloud forest reserve. Learn about the thousands of plant and animal species that thrive in this area, many of which only exist right here, from your Travel Director. Keep your ears open for the sounds of hummingbirds, howler monkeys, sloths, toucans, and if you're really lucky, the Resplendent Quetzal. Leaving the forest on a nature high, you'll have time to relax this afternoon, or choose from a selection of Choice Experiences.
La Fortuna, home to bubbling hot springs, geothermal marvels, and the imposing Arenal Volcano, is one of the true jewels in Costa Rica's crown. The surrounding landscape teems with tropical flora and fauna, offering opportunities to spot colorful birds, playful monkeys, and even tame iguanas roaming the grounds.
After a day of adventure, guests can relax and recharge in a soothing outdoor pool nestled in the heart of this lush paradise.
Reach new heights at Arenal Hanging Bridges Park, joining a Local Guide for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience on a ‘sky walk' through the jungle canopy. Keep your eyes peeled for colourful birdlife as you cross the suspension bridges.
Later, take your pick of Choice Experiences — zip through the rainforest on an adrenaline-pumping canopy tour at Ecoglide Park, or explore La Fortuna's trails with a Local Guide before making your own tortilla. End the day soaking in blissful hot springs, or choose to unwind in natural thermal pools followed by a relaxed rainforest dinner.
If a tranquil river float and wildlife search sounds like you, you won't want to miss this morning's safari float down the Peñas Blancas River. Paired up with a Local Guide, you'll love spotting monkeys, sloths, iguanas, caimans and tropical birds.
Your Costa Rica value tour comes to an end this morning. Transfer back to San José International Airport, arriving at approximately 11:00 AM.
Trip Inclusions
- Enjoy an orientation tour in the capital city of Costa Rica and explore Sarchi, the arts and crafts capital, famed for its intricately painted oxcarts
- Hike into the lush cloud forest with your Travel Director, who shares fascinating insights into the region's unique bird and wildlife ecosystems
- Enjoy trails and suspension bridges, hike along lava trails through Mirador 1968, a private reserve, located adjacent to Volcano Arenal National Park and take a scenic float trip safari with your Local Specialist
- Tortuguero National Park: At the Sea Turtle Conservancy, you'll learn how researchers monitor nesting green turtles along Tortuguero's black sand beach. Discover how decades of conservation work have helped protect turtles while supporting education and sustainable ecotourism in the local community.
- Tortuguero National Park: Cruise the canals of Tortuguero National Park, Costa Rica's 'Amazon', with birds calling from the canopy and water moving softly around the boat. Keep watch for sloths, macaws, tapirs and perhaps even a jaguar as the jungle wakes up around you.
- Parque Nacional Tortuguero: With you're Local Specialist guiding you through the jungle, listen for birds and watch for unusual plant and animal life along the trail. You'll also learn how conservation projects are helping protect the region's biodiversity and the fragile habitats these species depend on.
- Tortuguero National Park: Join Cloied, a charismatic community member from one of Tortuguero's pioneer families, and hear the story of his village as you help prepare a traditional coconut dessert. It's a lively, hands-on experience that connects you to the flavours and spirit of the neighbourhood.
- Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Preserve: Low clouds drift through the forest, beading leaves with moisture as you learn from your Travel Director how this rare ecosystem supports thousands of plant species and hundreds of birds. Listen for howler monkeys and hummingbirds, watch for sloths and toucans and perhaps glimpse the jewel-bright Resplendent Quetzal.
- Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park: Explore the rainforest canopy with a Local Specialist. Cross hanging bridges as you spot howler monkeys, hummingbirds and blue morpho butterflies.
- Arenal: Cross a series of hanging bridges through Arenal's tropical rainforest, with leaves rustling around you and the canopy stretching overhead. Listen for the call of howler monkeys and keep watch among the foliage for hummingbirds, colourful butterflies and other wildlife that might appear along the way.
- Lake Arenal: You'll glide along the calm waters of the Peñas Blancas River, guided by a Local Specialist as they paddle between forested banks. Listen for bird calls in the canopy and watch for movement along the water's edge, where you might spot monkeys, iguanas, sloths and caiman.
- An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
- Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
- Many meals included
- Audio Headsets provided throughout your holiday to enhance your included sightseeing experiences
- Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries
- City orientation tours
- Extensive variety of Choice Experiences (Additional Cost)
- On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilised.
- 9 Breakfasts (B)
- 3 Lunches (L)
- 4 Dinners (D)
- Itinerary and inclusions are subject to change
- Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included
You’ll enjoy the icons and hidden gems with a Local Specialist by your side. Read more
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Trafalgar The Americas (2027-28)
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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 Trafalgar. 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.
