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 resorts 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 Jose!
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. (B/L/D)
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. (B/L/D)
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 Globus Local Favouritepineapple 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 (B/L/D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - ACCOMMODATION SPOTLIGHT: Lush tropical gardens, the sound of crashing waterfalls, and striking views of Costa Rica's famed Arenal Volcano from Volcano Lodge will leave you feeling as though you have been transported into the middle of a hidden rainforest jungle but, with all of the comforts and amenities of a well-tended retreat. 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, frogs, monkeys, birds, and possibly small animals native to the area.
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 Globus Local Favourite Ecotermales Hot Springs for a dip in the curative and relaxing pools. Later, enjoy a dinner at the hot springs. (B/D)
LOCAL FAVOURITE - 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.
FREE TIME TIPS - EXPLORE MORE: 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. This and more options throughout your tour are available for purchase with My Account. Get local maps and tips for free time on your GlobusGO mobile app.
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. (B/L)
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. 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 a family-owned Globus Local Favourite 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. (B/L/D)
LOCAL FAVOURITE - 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!
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. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - NATURAL ATTRACTION: Manuel Antonio National Park draws 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.
Explore, Relax, Rediscover
Enjoy a free day today. (B)
FREE TIME TIPS - EXPLORE MORE: Spend free time in Manuel Antonio National Park with a kayaking trip or mangrove tour. This and more options throughout your tour are available for purchase with My Account. Get local maps and tips for free time on your GlobusGO mobile app.
Get Out and Explore!
Enjoy a free day today. (B)
FREE TIME TIPS - EXPLORE MORE: Add an active pursuit to your free time to explore the wonders of Manuel Antonio, from jungle hikes suited to all levels, canopy tours, deep-sea fishing, sea kayaking, or mountain biking. This and more options throughout your tour are available for purchase with My Account. Get local maps and tips for free time on your GlobusGO mobile app.
Safe travels until we meet again!
Your holiday ends with breakfast this morning. Please schedule flights after 12:30 pm. (B)
Trip Inclusions
- 10 Breakfasts
- 5 Lunches
- 5 Dinners
- San Jose Cariari Hotel San Jose (Superior First-Class)
- Tortuguero Evergreen Lodge (First-Class)
- Arenal Volcano Lodge & Gardens (First-Class)
- Monteverde El Establo Mountain Lodge (First-Class)
- Quepos Parador Resort & Spa (First-Class)
- 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.
- Prime viewing season for endangered green turtle nesting and egg laying in Tortuguero National Park occurs mid-July to mid-October.
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Availability
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. We guarantee the lowest price in Australia. 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 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.
