Natural Wonders of Costa Rica
February 22 - March 2, 2025
9 Day Tour from San José to San José
February 22 - March 2, 2025
Presented by Globus with special group pricing from Blue Skies Travel
Wide-open spaces, multi-hued creatures, and bright, vivid scenery welcome you with open arms and a no-holds-barred spirit on this small group Globus tour. Only 24 group members total!
As you make your way through Costa Rica, lava trails, cloud forests, and high-in-the-sky suspension bridges invite you to take a walk on the wild side while scenic boat rides, nature walks, and natural hot springs beckon you to leisurely soak in the views. Enjoy hundreds of species of butterflies, birds, reptiles, and wildlife in the most vibrant rainforests, and feast on your own delicious Costa Rican creations in an authentic cooking class.
Reserve your spot today!
Call 302-893-4571
or email: margo@blueskiestravelcenter.com
DAY-BY-DAY
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in San José, Costa Rica
Welcome to San José!
Upon arrival, you will be met by your tour director!
Accommodations:
Cariari Hotel San Jose
This sustainable Costa Rica hotel is typical of San Jose colonial hacienda architecture and offers spacious, comfortable guestrooms and suites with the latest amenities. Enjoy its convenient location, personalized services, delicious cuisine, and pool and fitness center.
Day 2: San José - Tortuguero National Park
Journey east to the Caribbean shore and Tortuguero National Park. On the way, pass by 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. Your guide will 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.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included today.
Accomodations:
Evergreen Lodge
Built in respect of its natural surroundings, the Evergreen Lodge provides travelers with comfort, great food, and most importantly, an unobstructed experience with nature. A beautiful dining room with soaring ceilings provides first class meals in an atmosphere that reflects and complements the jungle paradise surrounding it, while friendly staff welcome you to this magical place called Tortuguero.
Day 3: Tortuguero National Park Tour
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. Later this afternoon, meet a local naturalist for an informative presentation on the ecology of the area.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included today.
Accommodations:
Evergreen Lodge
Day 4: Tortuguero - Arenal
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 and other indigenous crops. Continue to your hotel located in the shadow of Arenal Volcano. After settling in, experience the magic of the resort before an included dinner.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included today.
Accommodations:
Volcano Lodge & Gardens
With an exceptional location and views of Arenal Volcano, this hotel surpasses expectation in comfort and services. A variety of dining options, spa services, and a choice of pool and lounge settings make your stay unforgettable, not to mention the hotel's convenient access to wildlife and nature.
Day 5: Arenal Excursion to La Fortuna
This afternoon, visit Arenal Volcano National Park, where your guide will take you on a walk through lava trails of the volcano and show 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, you will be driven to nearby Ecotermales Hot Springs for a dip in the curative and relaxing pools. Later, enjoy a dinner at the hot springs.
Breakfast, Dinner included today.
Accommodations:
Volcano Lodge & Gardens
Day 6: Arenal - Monteverde
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.
Breakfast and dinner included today.
Accommodations:
El Establo Mountain Lodge
Set on a private 150-acre farm adjacent to the Monteverde Reserve, El Establo Mountain Lodge offers guests a home base of relaxation and activity. Amenities include tennis, basketball, and soccer courts, two indoor pools, two restaurants, two bars, gym, and spa.
Day 7: Monteverde - Santa Elena Cloud Forest
This morning, visit Santa Elena Cloud Forest for a guided walking tour. More than 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 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. Tonight, your tour director hosts a farewell dinner, toasting an unforgettable discovery of Costa Rica.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included today.
Accomodations:
El Establo Mountain Lodge
Day 8: Monteverde - San José
En route to San José, visit Sarchi Village, known as the center of Costa Rican handcrafts and where you will see artists making the famed, iconic oxcarts. Next stop is Grecia Village to see the metal church that was imported from Belgium to Puerto Limon in 1897. The church was transported by oxcarts to its present-day location, but sat in the plaza for 10 years before being reconstructed.
Breakfast, Lunch included today.
Accomodations:
Cariari Hotel San Jose
Day 9: San José
Safe travels until we meet again!
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
Breakfast included today.
Pricing
Double occupancy rates per person - $2,649
Travel protection per person - $289
A deposit of $250 per person is due upon reservation. Space is limited and reservations are made on a first-come, first-serve basis. Final payment is December 20, 2024.
Ask me about airfare as well as extra nights in San José.
Rates, availability and all terms and conditions subject to change until booking is confirmed.
Don't miss out; contact Margo McDonough at Blue Skies Travel Center today.
302-893-4571 or margo@blueskiestravelcenter.com.