Costa Rica Escape

From $1379
Travel between August 10-October 26, 2024

Forget the big city crowds and high prices—now is your time to vacation in Costa Rica! With its abundant wildlife and splendid beauty, it’s no wonder Costa Rica is synonymous with pura vida—the good life. On this Costa Rica tour, you’ll spend two nights each in San José, Monteverde, and Arenal. The verdant cloud forest of Monteverde is one of the most bio-diverse areas on the planet. Here, search for wildlife as you explore Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve—home to jaguars, resplendent quetzals, pumas, monkeys, sloths, ocelots, many species of birds, and a large diversity of plant species—with an expert Naturalist. In Arenal, located in the shadow of Arenal Volcano (considered one of the world’s most active volcanoes), visit the Arenal Hanging Bridges. Made up of 15 bridges suspended in the treetops, you’ll see the flora and fauna from a different perspective. Be sure to have your camera ready for when your Naturalist points out monkeys, sloths, butterflies, birds, and other animals commonly seen here. All of this and more—plus an amazing value—await you on this fantastic Costa Rica tour!

Inclusions

• 6 night First Class guided vacation (small group tour with 20 passengers maximum)
• 6 nights in First Class or Moderate First-Class accommodation
• 6 Meals: 6 breakfasts
• Sightseeing Highlights:
  -ARENAL – Arenal National Park; Naturalist-led tour of the Arenal Hanging Bridges
  -MONTEVERDE – Visit Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve; Naturalist-led tour of the reserve
  -SARCHI – Visit to the artisan village to see the famous Costa Rica ox carts
  -SAN JOSÉ – City orientation

Itinerary

Day 1 ARRIVE IN SAN JOSÉ, COSTA RICA
Arrive in San José, where you will be met by a Globus representative.
Accommodation: Park Inn Radisson (or similar)

Day 2 SAN JOSÉ–ARENAL
Your journey continues to the Arenal area. Along the way, enjoy amazing views of the mountains as well as a major source of revenue in the area: agricultural crops that include pineapple, bananas, and sugar cane. This afternoon, arrive at La Fortuna Village, situated in the shadow of mighty Arenal Volcano. Currently, Arenal Volcano is in a resting phase but prior to 2010 the volcano was known for its consistent lava flows and gas emissions. Arenal is home to cascading waterfalls, thriving rainforests, abundant wildlife, and a plethora of outdoor activities. After settling in, experience the magic of the resort’s pool and Jacuzzis or consider a walk along the nearby nature trails in search of 300- to 400-year-old trees, colorful frogs, monkeys, birds, and possibly small animals native to the area. 
Accommodation: Magic Mountain Hotel (or similar) 

Day 3 ARENAL
Today will be spent exploring ARENAL NATIONAL PARK and its vast primary rainforest, and learning about its rich biodiversity. Venture into the jungle canopy on the ARENAL HANGING BRIDGES, which consist of 15 bridges suspended in the treetops and allows your Naturalist to point out various species of plants, birds, butterflies, monkeys, sloths, and other animals commonly found here. On a clear day, you will get a 360-degree view of the tropical rainforest, as well as stunning views of Arenal Volcano. This afternoon is free to explore at your leisure. Tonight, perhaps take an optional tour to the world-famous Tabacón Hot Springs. These natural hot springs are the result of rainwater heated by magma in the Earth’s interior that then rises to the surface, taking with it minerals found in the Earth’s crust. Enjoy time to relax in the waters that are so beneficial to your skin and body.

Day 4 ARENAL–MONTEVERDE
This morning, depart for the cloud forest of Monteverde. Situated on the continental divide under a misty cloud coverage, Monteverde is one of the most bio-diverse areas on the planet. Exploring the trails here reveals green habitats teeming with life. Over 3,000 species of plants, 400 species of birds, 60 species of bats, 1,200 species of amphibians, and 700 species of butterflies—to name a few— call this area home. It is also one of the last remaining places in the world that is home to all six species of cats: ocelots, jaguars, jaguarundi, pumas, oncillas, and marguays. If you are lucky, this is also a great spot to catch a glimpse of one of Costa Rica’s most beautiful birds, the resplendent quetzal.
Accommodation: Monteverde Country Lodge (or similar)

Day 5 MONTEVERDE
Today, visit SANTA ELENA CLOUD FOREST RESERVE during a Naturalist guided walking tour. Established in 1989, the Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve comprises an area of 765 acres, and is 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. This afternoon, you may wish to explore this verdant area further or perhaps head into town or venture into the rainforest canopy for a bird’s eye view of the region.

Day 6 MONTEVERDE–SARCHI–SAN JOSÉ
En route to San José, visit SARCHI Village, known as the center of Costa Rican handicrafts and where you’ll see the artists in their workshops making the famous ox carts. Enjoy time here for lunch before continuing to San José for a short city ORIENTATION to see the historic National Theater, the Metropolitan Cathedral, and other sites in downtown San José.
Accommodation: Park Inn Radisson (or similar)

Day 7 SAN JOSÉ
Your tour ends with breakfast this morning.