Costa Rica: Tortuguero, La Fortuna & Rio Celeste
Costa Rica: Tortuguero, La Fortuna & Rio Celeste
8 Days Starting and ending in San José, Costa Rica
Visiting: San José, Tortuguero National Park, La Fortuna, Rio Celeste, Volcán Tenorio National Park, San Jose
Tour operator:
Tour code:
25952
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 16
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Vegans
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable adventure through Costa Rica with our "Costa Rica: Tortuguero, La Fortuna & Rio Celeste" tour. Begin your journey in the vibrant city of San José before exploring the lush canals of Tortuguero National Park by kayak, where you'll spot tropical birds and monkeys. Experience the thrill of zip-lining or waterfall rappelling in La Fortuna, and unwind in the thermal springs at Tabacón Resort. Walk among the treetops on hanging bridges and marvel at the stunning blue waterfall in Volcán Tenorio National Park. With comfortable accommodations in hotels and a jungle lodge, this small group tour offers a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: San Jose: Welcome To The Jungle
Location: San José
Accommodation: Gran Hotel Costa Rica
Accommodation Name: Gran Hotel Costa Rica
Meals Included: Dinner
Feel the warm air hit your face as you step out of the plane in Costa Rica. Fall into the pace of the traffic and beeping car horns as you take in the sights and sounds of this vibrant Central American country en route to the city centre. We welcome you to San José, and while technically not quite in the jungle just yet, we invite you to embrace all of the new and exciting things that await.
Arrive to Costa Rica at any time and transfer to the hotel. Meet your fellow group members at the welcome meeting in the evening and get all the important information about the adventure ahead. Afterwards, head to a nearby restaurant for a delicious welcome dinner with new friends.
TRANSPORT: You will be met at the airport and transferred to the hotel to start your adventure.
ACTIVITY: EVENING Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Day 2: Tortuguero National Park: Kayaking In The Canals
Location: Tortuguero National Park
Accommodation: Aninga Lodge
Accommodation Name: Aninga Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
See the landscape dramatically change as you head out of the city and through the lush Braulio Carrillo National Park en route to the coast. Before long you'll be gliding through the canals of Tortuguero in a kayak, keeping a lookout for tropical birds, reptiles and monkeys that call this place home. Settle into the comfortable lodge for the night and fall asleep to the sounds of the jungle.
Travel by minibus and boat from San José to Tortuguero National Park. After lunch, take the first of 2 kayaking excursions to the nearby canals to spot wildlife.
TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
TRANSPORT: Sit back and relax as you travel by boat from La Pavona to the lodge in Tortuguero.
FREE TIME: EVENING Spend a free evening relaxing before dinner at the lodge. Enjoy the various amenities on the property.
ACTIVITY: Grab a paddle and prepare to witness a parade of tropical birds, reptiles, and mammals as you kayak through the black water canals of Tortuguero. Scan the trees for toucans, watch the shores for caimans, otters, iguanas, frogs, and look up to see monkeys sharing space with sloths. Bring your binoculars and bug spray. Be prepared for hot, humid, and possibly wet weather.
Day 3: Tortuguero National Park: Coastal Waterways
Location: Tortuguero National Park
Accommodation: Aninga Lodge
Accommodation Name: Aninga Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Wake early and prepare for more exploration of Tortuguero's waterways to spot wildlife. Catch the light glinting off of a Morpho butterfly's blazing blue wings as you paddle along the canals and listen to the calls of the forest. In the evening, you could take an excursion to visit the nesting grounds of green and leatherback turtles for which the national park was named, and perhaps spot the females laying eggs on the beach (seasonal, July to October).
Take an optional morning boat safari to spot wildlife at dawn when things are most active. After breakfast head out again by kayak to explore some of the secondary canals and waterways. Enjoy free time in the afternoon to visit the nearby town or to relax by the pool.
ACTIVITY: Hop back into a kayak and set off onto the calm morning waters to explore some secondary canals and waterways in the national park. Try to spot wildlife like, tropical birds, reptiles, and mammals as the sun warms the day. Keep watch for toucans, monkeys and sloths in the canopy above you as you glide through the water.
FREE TIME: AFTERNOON The afternoon is free for optional activities in the area or to take advantage of the amenities at the lodge. Later in the evening opt to visit a turtle nesting ground (seasonal, July to October).
Day 4: La Fortuna: Arenal Volcano
Location: La Fortuna
Accommodation: Hotel Lomas del Volcán
Accommodation Name: Hotel Lomas del Volcán
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Leaving the coast behind, we'll head inland with a stop at a G Adventures-supported coffee cooperative along the way. Learn all about how coffee is harvested and produced as you sip a delicious cup of one of Costa Rica's most tasty indulgences. Stretch your legs and soak in the scenery on a walk to a nearby waterfall before a typical lunch and then continue onwards towards the iconic and active Arenal Volcano, unmissable in the distance as you approach.Travel by boat and bus from Arenal to La Fortuna with a stop en route at a coffee cooperative. Arrive to La Fortuna in the late afternoon and enjoy a free evening to choose from one of the many great restaurants or join the CEO at their local favourite.TRANSPORT: Enjoy the scenery on the drive from Tortuguero to La Fortuna with a stop along the way to Mi Cafecito.TRANSPORT: Climb aboard and get your float on.
Day 5: La Fortuna: Your Omg Day
Location: La Fortuna
Accommodation: Hotel Lomas del Volcán
Accommodation Name: Hotel Lomas del Volcán
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today is all about you. Fly through the lush forest canopy on a series of zip-lines and platforms or go on a canyoning excursion, rappelling down waterfalls and swimming in the refreshing pools. Whichever option you choose, your muscles will appreciate a soak in the restorative thermal springs and waterfalls of Tabacón Resort, a luxurious and relaxing way to spend the evening.
Choose from either zip-lining or canyoning in the morning with an included lunch afterwards. Free afternoon to relax or head to Tabacón hot springs early with the day pass and have dinner at the resort before returning to the hotel.
ACTIVITY: Option 1: Soar through the lush jungle forest on ziplines and enjoy the views from the canopy.
Option 2: Go canyoning and rappel down the sides of waterfalls and swim in the cool, refreshing pools.
Both excursions will last 4 hours and begin and end at the hotel in La Fortuna.
FREE TIME: AFTERNOON Enjoy a free afternoon and evening at the hotel in La Fortuna. Relax or find some hot springs to soak in and let the day pass luxuriously.
ACTIVITY: Indulge yourself and soak those weary muscles in Costa Rica's largest network of naturally flowing thermal springs surrounded by beautiful gardens. Move from pool to pool of varying temperatures and with cascading waterfalls and get revitalized with the mineral water, naturally heated by the Arenal Volcano. Enjoy a delicious dinner before returning to the hotel.
Day 6: Rio Celeste: Tropical Rainforest
Location: Rio Celeste
Accommodation: Rio Celeste Hideaway Hotel
Accommodation Name: Rio Celeste Hideaway Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Start the morning high up in the forest canopy, strolling a series of hanging bridges and witnessing the environment come alive from the treetops to the rainforest floor below. See Costa Rica's incredible diversity on full display and keep your eyes out for colourful toucans, hummingbirds and other residents of this lush magical natural world.
Visit the hanging bridges en route to Rio Celeste, arriving in time for lunch. Free afternoon to relax or to do optional activities from the hotel before dinner.
TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
ACTIVITY: Travel to the Mistico Hanging Bridges complex and try to spot wildlife from the canopy. Walk along the bridges during a 2.5 hour guided tour of the complex before continuing on to Rio Celeste. The drive from the hotel in La Fortuna to this spot is 30 minutes by private vehicle.
FREE TIME: AFTERNOON Spend a free afternoon on your own at the Rio Celeste Hideaway Hotel. Walk the trails around the property or lounge by the pool in serene surroundings.
Day 7: Rio Celeste: Volcán Tenorio National Park
Location: Volcán Tenorio National Park
Accommodation: Rio Celeste Hideaway Hotel
Accommodation Name: Rio Celeste Hideaway Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Local legend has it that when God was finished painting the sky, the brush used was washed in the river of Volcán Tenorio National Park. Hike through the rainforest along jungle trails, keeping an eye out for birds and wildlife before reaching the spectacular blue waterfall of Rio Celeste.
Transfer to the entrance of Volcán Tenorio National Park and hike to Rio Celeste Waterfall. Free afternoon for optional activities from the hotel before a farewell dinner in the evening.
FREE TIME: AFTERNOON Travel 15 minutes back to your hotel in Rio Celeste and enjoy a free afternoon for optional activities like, tubing or horseback riding.
ACTIVITY: North of Lake Arenal lies another spectacular protected area called Volcán Tenorio National Park. We'll set off on foot from the main entrance and hike along jungle trails and down a series of stairways to the brilliantly blue Rio Celeste Waterfall. Take in the scenery and watch for wildlife like monkeys and birds in the canopy above before hiking out on the same trail.
Day 8: Rio Celeste To San Jose
Location: San Jose
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today your adventure comes to an end, but the memories made during your time in Costa Rica will live on.
Travel by minibus from Rio Celeste directly to the San José airport, arriving around midday where the tour ends.
Additional Information: Please note: Departing flights should be booked no earlier than 3pm.
ACTIVITY: Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.
What's Included
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G for Good Moment
Mi Cafecito Coffee Tour, Sarapiquí
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Welcome Moment
Welcome Meeting - Meet Your CEO and Group
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OMG Day
Ziplining or Waterfall Canyoning, La Fortuna
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Wellness Moment
Tabacón Hot Springs Resort and Dinner, La Fortuna
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Complimentary Arrival Transfer
Complimentary transfer from the airport to the hotel upon arrival.
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Welcome Dinner
Enjoy a welcome dinner on the first night.
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Kayaking in Tortuguero National Park
2 days of kayaking in Tortuguero National Park.
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Waterfall Walk
Walk to a waterfall in San Miguel de Sarapiquí.
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Day Pass at Tabacón Hot Spring Resort
Access to the hot springs and facilities at Tabacón Hot Spring Resort.
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Hanging Bridges Excursion
Spot wildlife from high up in the canopy on a series of hanging bridges in La Fortuna.
What's Not Included
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CEO and Porterage Tips
Tips for the CEO and porterage are not included.
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Optional Activities
Optional activities not listed in the itinerary are not included.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended.
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International Flights
International flights to and from Costa Rica are not included.
Accommodation
Enjoy comfortable stays in hotels for 5 nights and a jungle lodge for 2 nights, providing a mix of modern amenities and immersive nature experiences.
Transport
Private vehicle, kayak, boat, walking
Meals Included
7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 6 dinners
Group Size
Max 16, avg 12
Solo Travellers
We believe solo travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and solo travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.
Meals
Eating is a big part of traveling. Travelling with G Adventures you experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available out in the world. Generally meals are not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating options, to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. It also gives you more budgeting flexibility, though generally food is affordable. Our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There is no obligation to do this though. Your CEO will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip. Please refer to the meals included and budget information for included meals and meal budgets.
Mode of Transport
Private vehicle, kayak, boat, walking
Important Notes
Costa Rica will not be allowing anyone to enter the country without proof of a departure ticket (bus, airplane, boat, etc.). If you are travelling through a few countries in Central America, you will need to show proof of your itinerary and a departure ticket from your last destination. Please print the itinerary and voucher and bring it with you.
ACCOMMODATION NOTE:
Please be aware that properties we stay in with only two stories may not have elevators installed and climbing the stairs with your luggage will be necessary.
Group Leader
All G Adventures group trips are accompanied by one of our group leaders, a G Adventures representative, or an expedition team. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are traveling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting- we think it's the best of both worlds.
What to Take
We recommend using a backpack for your convenience, or a medium-sized suitcase if you prefer. A daypack is also essential for carrying everyday items. Space is limited on transportation, so there is a limit of one main piece of luggage per person. You will be responsible for carrying and handling your own luggage.
Spending Money
Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes stays in hotels for 5 nights and a jungle lodge for 2 nights.
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Are airport transfers included in the tour package?
Yes, complimentary arrival and departure transfers are included in the tour package.
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What activities are included in Tortuguero National Park?
In Tortuguero National Park, you will have 2 days of kayaking excursions through the canals to spot wildlife, and there is an optional morning boat safari to spot wildlife at dawn.
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What is the 'G for Good Moment' included in the tour?
The 'G for Good Moment' includes a visit to the Mi Cafecito Coffee Tour in Sarapiquí, where you will learn about coffee harvesting and production, and enjoy a fresh cup of coffee.
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What options are available for the 'OMG Day' in La Fortuna?
On the 'OMG Day' in La Fortuna, you can choose between zip-lining through the forest canopy or going on a canyoning excursion, which includes rappelling down waterfalls and swimming in pools.
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What is the highlight of the visit to Volcán Tenorio National Park?
The highlight of the visit to Volcán Tenorio National Park is the hike to the brilliantly blue Rio Celeste Waterfall, where you can enjoy the scenery and watch for wildlife.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
Yes, the tour package includes 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, and 6 dinners.
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What is the maximum group size for this tour?
The maximum group size for this tour is 16 people, with an average group size of 12.
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Is there any free time during the tour?
Yes, there are several free time periods during the tour, including free afternoons and evenings in Tortuguero, La Fortuna, and Rio Celeste, where you can relax or participate in optional activities.
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What kind of transport is used during the tour?
The tour uses private vehicles, kayaks, boats, and walking as modes of transport.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
G Adventures was established in 1990
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Most of our trips do not have a single supplement. This means that the accommodation is on a twin share basis and, if travelling on your own, you will be sharing a room with another G Adventures traveller of the same sex. Some tours have an optional single supplement. An optional service that may be available is called "My Own Room". This service allows solo travellers to request their own room.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
It's extremely difficult if not impossible to join a tour after it has begun. It is possible to leave a tour early however you will be responsible for your own arrangements from the moment you decide to leave the tour. You would also be responsible for all costs associated with joining a tour late or leaving one early. If you feel this may be necessary, please consult us before you book.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
https://www.gadventures.com/travel-with-confidence/
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
https://www.gadventures.com/about-us/core-values/
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