Escorted Tours in Costa Rica

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Costa Rica Highlights
(9 days / 8 nights)

Visit: San Jose, Tortuguero National Park, Arenal Volcano & Monteverde Cloud Forest

Day 1: San Jose International Airport

Arrival at the Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO). A Swiss Travel representative will meet and greet you upon arrival and will provide you with all the necessary documentation that you will need during your vacation, such as day by day itinerary and the main contacts information and phone numbers. Then, you will be transferred to your hotel in San Jose which is approximately 20 minutes driving distance. Overnight at selected hotel.

Day 2: San Jose – Tortuguero National Park (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

Early in the morning, you will depart from San Jose Central Valley to the Tortuguero area. On the way, you will pass through the Braulio Carrillo National Park, a flora and fauna sanctuary covered by an emerald-green mass of vegetation. Besides, you will have the chance to see from the comfort of the bus, open pasture lands, small farming towns, and will also notice a change in the climate, as it becomes a bit warmer and humid but very pleasant. After breakfast on the way, the journey will continue to the dock area deeper into our Caribbean side, where the boats are waiting to transfer you to selected lodge. A two hour boat ride, will take you through the canals sheltered in the jungle of the rain forest. From the boat, you will be able to admire the unique flora and fauna of this area. On the way to the lodge, you will have the chance to see different birds. Upon arrival, there will be a short briefing of the Pachira Lodge and the activities included during your stay, followed by lunch. In the afternoon you will visit the village of Tortuguero where you will learn the lifestyle of local residents and the significant conservation efforts that some NGOs have developed to protect the sea turtles that come to spawn each year along the 22 miles of the protected coastline.

Day 3: Tortuguero National Park (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

Tortuguero is a great place for ecotourism lovers. During this day and depending on the weather conditions, you can enjoy a guided hike through the jungle where you will learn how the different animals, insects and birds interact with forest plants, thus achieving a perfect balance of each species, or you can explore the secondary canals of this paradisiacal place, where you can see different species of mammals, birds and reptiles. Tortuguero offers a full contact with Mother Nature. Much of the National Park extends along its unspoiled beaches that serve as refuge for spawning of the sea turtles, this event occurs between the months of July to September.

Day 4: Tortuguero National Park – Arenal Volcano (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

At mid morning the journey continues with a boat transfer back to the local dock. Upon arrival, ground transportation will be provided to the area of Guapiles, where lunch will be served. Afterwards, continue on an unescorted transfer towards the northern lowlands, this route offers the experience to pass through different towns such as Puerto Viejo (Sarapiqui), San Miguel, Venecia and Aguas Zarcas. Also, along the way you will enjoy the beautiful scenery which includes amazing views of the mountains and one of the major sources of revenue in the area: the agriculture, so you will have the opportunity according with the season to observe the crops of pineapple, bananas and sugar cane. Arrive to La Fortuna Village late afternoon where the mighty Arenal Volcano will welcome you with its impressive perfect conic shape. This volcano has been active since 1969 and it has become one of the world's most active volcanoes and one of Costa Rica's main highlights. Check In at Montana de Fuego hotel, where you will be staying the next two nights. During the evening you will visit the world famous Tabacon Hot Springs. These natural hot springs features a hot river that flows through a series of pools. From cascading falls to tropical gardens, the hot springs are the result of rainwater heated by magma in the Earth's interior. Once heated, the waters rise to surface, taking with them minerals found in the earth's rocky crust; this way, waters become very benefic to your body because of its temperature that helps to relax muscles, clean pores and rejuvenate the skin. Tabacon is a very unique location full of natural jewels that definitely you cannot miss staying at Arenal area.

Day 5: Arenal Volcano (Breakfast)

This day is reserved at your disposal to enjoy the different tourist attractions that can be found nearby Arenal Volcano. If you wish to explore the area in an exciting way, we recommend a visit to the Arenal Reserve, where you will find the Sky Tram & Sky Trek. This tour combines the ascent to the top of the mountain by an aerial tram, enjoying the beautiful landscapes of the Arenal Lake, while the descent is through the famous canopy tour, which goes from one mountain to another, that makes you feel the adventure and fun. If you prefer a more relaxed tour and admire the natural beauties of the northern plains, we recommend a visit to the Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge, where it's offered boat tours in the banks of the Rio Frio in search of different species of birds, mammals and reptiles.

Day 6: Arenal Volcano – Monteverde Cloud Forest (Breakfast)

Morning depart from Arenal Volcano to the Monteverde Cloud Forest. This service is considered a transfer-tour, as you will be crossing by boat the Arenal Lake, which is the largest and the most important lake in Costa Rica. The first part of the trip is adorned with the beautiful scenery of the Arenal Lake. Then, will start the driving ascending through the Tilaran Mountain Range. The final portion of your journey is on gravel roads, giving you more time to enjoy the beautiful mountain scenery. You will be staying the next two nights at Fonda Vela hotel. In the afternoon you will have programmed the visit to the Selvatura Park. This is one of Monteverde's most popular attractions. This theme park offers a conservation area comprising over 850 acres of protected land and stunning virgin cloud forest. The main attraction is the walk through the hanging bridges, a network of suspension bridges, platforms and trails built in the cloud forest. From here, you will have the opportunity to explore the forest canopy in a safe and easy way, giving you a different perspective of the forests wildlife. This is a great opportunity for nature lovers and birdwatchers. Another attractions included during your visit are the Butterfly Garden which feature over 50 different species and Humming Bird Garden with more than 15 species of this particular bird that will amaze you with their incredible aerial maneuvers and bright lively colors.

Day 7: Monteverde Cloud Forest (Breakfast)

This day is at leisure to enjoy the optional activities in the area. If you prefer to explore the surroundings, Monteverde offers a wide range of activities ranging from the visit to the town of Santa Elena, where you will find the frog pound, the serpentarium and art galleries. The Monteverde Train Forest is the new attraction as well the Selvatura Park that offers butterfly garden, hanging bridges, hummingbirds garden. Also, El Trapiche Tour is an excellent option for those looking for experiencing the local culture and traditions.

Day 8: Monteverde Cloud Forest – San Jose (Breakfast)

Morning will be at leisure. In the afternoon, it's programmed the transfer back to San Jose. Check-in and overnight at San Jose City selected hotel.

Day 9: San Jose International Airport

According with your international flight schedule, we will provide you with the transfer to Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) where you will board your flight back home.

Services Not Included: Air transportation to/from Costa Rica · Meals not specified in the program · Overnight stay at the selected hotel in San José. · Overnight stay at the Guanacaste selected beach hotel · Any other service, optional activities or tours not specified in the included section. · Airport departure tax

Hot Springs & Wildlife Encounter - Arriving to San Jose & Departing from Liberia
(5 days / 4 nights)

Visit: San Jose, Arenal Volcano & Guanacaste

Day 1: San Jose International Airport

Arrival to Juan Santamaria International Airport. A Swiss Travel Service representative will meet and greet you upon arrival and will provide you with all the necessary documentation that you will need during your vacation. You will then be transferred to your hotel in San Jose. Overnight at your selected hotel.

Day 2: San Jose – Arenal Volcano (Lunch and Dinner)

At mid-morning starts the journey to the northern lowlands of Costa Rica, where the mayor attraction is the Arenal Volcano. The tour begins with a climb up to central volcanic mountain range, being inevitable a visit to the famous artisan town of Sarchí, which is the perfect place to find those souvenirs and gifts for your family and friends. Here, there are dozens of shops in town where you can acquire a wide variety of carved wooden souvenirs and of course the colorful painted miniature oxcart. Afterwards, you will continue on with the trip. On the way, it is possible to admire diverse agricultural plantations, ornamental plants and cattle ranches until arrive to La Fortuna where you will enjoy a typical lunch. During the afternoon, you will visit the world famous Tabacón Hot Springs. These natural hot springs features a hot river that flows through a series of pools. From cascading falls to tropical gardens, the hot springs are the result of rainwater heated by magma in the Earth's interior. Once heated, the waters rise to surface, taking with them minerals found in the earth's rocky crust; this way, waters become very benefic to your body because of its temperature that helps to relax muscles, clean pores and rejuvenate the skin. Tabacón is a very unique location full of natural jewels that definitely you cannot lose staying at Arenal area. At the end of the tour you will enjoy dinner at the resort and then you will be transferred to Arenal Nayara Hotel, where you will find a unique blend between the hospitality of the local culture and the warm tropical climate, making your vacations an unparalleled experience for the next three nights.

Day 3: Arenal Volcano (Breakfast & Lunch)

Today, you will enjoy a full day tour discovering the nature wonders of the northern wetlands. The tour consists of a floating safari tour along the banks of the Rio Frio in search of different species of birds, mammals and reptiles.

The Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge together with Río Frío is a biologically wetland area, one of Costa Rica's richest areas of biological diversity. Here, you will find a great variety of resident and migratory birds, three different species of monkeys, iguanas, sloths, turtles, and caimans. You will definitely enjoy it! For the afternoon return to the Arenal Volcano selected hotel for overnight.

Day 4: Arenal Volcano ( Breakfast)

This day is reserved at your disposal to enjoy the different tourist attractions that can be found nearby Arenal Volcano. If you wish to explore the area in an exciting way, we recommend a visit to the Arenal Reserve, where you will find the Sky Tram & Sky Trek. This tour combines the ascent to the top of the mountain by an aerial tram, enjoying the beautiful landscapes of the Arenal Lake, while the descent is through the famous canopy tour, which goes from one mountain to another, that makes you feel the adventure and fun. Other activities are the Arenal Volcano National Park Hike Tour, La Fortuna Waterfall Horseback Riding Tour, Canopy Adventure & the Arenal Rainforest Hanging Bridges.

Day 5: Arenal Volcano – Guanacaste Beaches (Breakfast)

By mid-morning begins the descent from the northern lowlands to the North Pacific Coast, The first part of the transfer is adorned with the beautiful scenery of the Arenal Lake. Then, you will admire the incomparable beauty of the landscapes, which includes the tropical dry forest and its hot climate; this route will provide you with panoramic views of the Gulf of Nicoya until reach the Pan-American Highway where you will notice a change between the rainforest and the tropical dry forest that characterizes the entire Guanacaste Province. Once in the coast, you will enjoy not only the stunning views but also the beautiful beaches with generous palm trees that rise up from the beaches and gives shade to sunbathers. For all of this, it easy to understand why Guanacaste is the perfect destination to enjoy nature and relaxation! Check in and overnight at the hotel selected in the Guanacaste area.

Services Not Included: Air transportation to/from Costa Rica · Meals not specified in the program · Overnight stay at the selected hotel in San José. · Overnight stay at the Guanacaste selected beach hotel · Any other service, optional activities or tours not specified in the included section. · Airport departure tax