Independent Costa Rica Wonders

Independent Costa Rica Wonders

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Independent Costa Rica Wonders

7 Days Starting and ending in San José, Costa Rica

Visiting: San José, Arenal, Monteverde, South America

Tour operator:

Globus

Tour code:

ILA1-2025

Group Type:

Independent

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Medium

Tour operated in:

English

This tour is no longer available

Tour Overview

Discover the natural wonders of Costa Rica on the "Independent Costa Rica Wonders" tour. Begin your adventure in San José before heading to Arenal, where you can relax in the famous hot springs and explore the lush tropical forest. Enjoy a scenic boat ride across Arenal Lake, spotting various bird species along the way. Continue to the Monteverde Cloud Forest, home to an incredible diversity of flora and fauna, including over 3,000 plant species and 400 bird species. Experience a guided nature walk at night to observe nocturnal creatures like sloths and frogs. This tour includes comfortable accommodations, daily breakfast, and one dinner, ensuring a memorable and immersive experience in Costa Rica's breathtaking landscapes.

Highlights

  • Arrive in San José, Costa Rica

  • Visit the famous hot springs in Arenal

  • Take a dip in natural springs and pools of mineral waters surrounded by lush, tropical forest

  • Short boat ride across Arenal Lake to admire different species of birds

  • Explore the Monteverde Cloud Forest, home to over 3,000 plant species, 120 mammal species, 400 bird species, and 1,200 species of amphibians and reptiles

  • Guided nature walk in Monteverde’s Cloud Forest to search for nocturnal creatures like sloths, foxes, agoutis, and frogs

Places You'll See

Doubletree Cariari

Lomas Del Volcan

El Establo Mountain Lodge

Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrive In San José,Costa Rica

Location: San José

Accommodation Name: Doubletree Cariari

Welcome to Costa Rica! Hotel rooms are available for mid-afternoon check-in.

Day 2: San José,Arenal

Location: Arenal

Accommodation Name: Volcano Lodge & Gardens

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

SAN JOSÉ–ARENAL• Today, transfer to the lush town of Arenal, located in the shadow of Arenal Volcano. Settle in and experience the magic of your resort.• This afternoon, visit the famous hot springs the area is known for and take a dip in the natural springs and pools of mineral waters surrounded by lush, tropical forest. Enjoy dinner at the hot springs.(B,D)

Day 3: Arenal

Location: Arenal

Accommodation Name: Volcano Lodge & Gardens

Meals Included: Breakfast

ARENAL• Today is at your leisure to explore on your own or perhaps take an optional excursion.(B)Today’s I-Time Tips Perhaps visit the Arenal Hanging Bridges, a network of suspension bridges, platforms, and trails built in the cloud forest. From here, explore the forest canopy with a bird’s-eye view, giving you a different perspective of the forest’s wildlife. Alternatively, you may choose a rafting or horseback riding adventure.

Day 4: Arenal,Monteverde

Location: Monteverde

Accommodation Name: El Establo Mountain Lodge

Meals Included: Breakfast

ARENAL–MONTEVERDE• This morning, your transfer begins with a short boat ride across Arenal Lake to admire different species of birds that visit and call the area home. Continue through incredible mountain scenery and the Monteverde Cloud Forest, home to over 3,000 plant species, approximately 120 mammal species, 400 bird species, and 1,200 species of amphibians and reptiles.• This evening, venture into Monteverde’s Cloud Forest just before nightfall with an expert Naturalist for a guided nature walk to search for the jungle’s nocturnal creatures, like sloths, foxes, agoutis, frogs, and many more!(B)

Day 5: Monteverde

Location: Monteverde

Accommodation Name: El Establo Mountain Lodge

Meals Included: Breakfast

MONTEVERDE • Enjoy a day to do as you please today with options to choose from if you like.(B)Today’s I-Time Tips Maybe wake up early and visit Santa Elena Cloud Forest to best experience the animals in their natural forest habitats. Discover this misty and surreal wildlife sanctuary full of mosses, ferns, flowers, and other indigenous plant life. Also, notice how the combination of climatic and geographic factors create temperature and humidity gradients, changing dramatically over just a short distance, or you could visit a local family’s farm to learn about sugar cane, coffee, and tilapia farming.

Day 6: Monteverde,San José

Location: Monteverde

Accommodation Name: Doubletree Cariari

Meals Included: Breakfast

MONTEVERDE–SAN JOSÉ• Return to San Jose for your final night in Costa Rica.(B)Today’s I-Time Tips Perhaps visit one of Costa Rica’s most authentic market, the San José Central Market featuring more than 350 booths selling everything imaginable, from spices and fish to hammocks and flowers.

Day 7: San José

Location: San José

Meals Included: Breakfast

SAN JOSÉ • Your vacation ends after breakfast this morning. (B)

What's Included

  • Accommodation

    Accommodation is provided at Doubletree Cariari in San Jose, Volcano Lodge & Gardens in Arenal, and El Establo Mountain Lodge in Monteverde.

  • Meals

    Breakfast is provided daily, and one dinner is included.

  • Hot Springs Visit

    Visit the famous hot springs in Arenal and take a dip in the natural springs and pools of mineral waters.

  • Guided Nature Walk

    A guided nature walk in Monteverde’s Cloud Forest with an expert Naturalist to search for nocturnal creatures.

  • Boat Ride

    A short boat ride across Arenal Lake to admire different species of birds.

What's Not Included

  • Flights

    Flights to and from Costa Rica are not included.

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance is not included and is recommended to be purchased separately.

  • Personal Expenses

    Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.

  • Optional Activities

    Any optional activities or excursions not mentioned in the itinerary are not included.

Meals

Breakfast daily; 1 dinner

Accommodation

San Jose: Doubletree Cariari, Arenal: Volcano Lodge & Gardens, Monteverde: El Establo Mountain Lodge.

Mode of Transport

Today, transfer to the lush town of Arenal, located in the shadow of Arenal Volcano. This morning, your transfer begins with a short boat ride across Arenal Lake.

Notes

Transportation is as outlined in the day-by-day itinerary. Local guide service is provied in San José.

Though this is an Independent tour, some transportation segments will be shared with other travelers.

Check out our Q&As

  • What kind of wildlife can I expect to see during the tour?

    During the tour, you can expect to see a variety of wildlife, especially in the Monteverde Cloud Forest, which is home to over 3,000 plant species, 120 mammal species, 400 bird species, and 1,200 species of amphibians and reptiles. On the guided nature walk, you may encounter nocturnal creatures like sloths, foxes, agoutis, and frogs.

  • What activities are included in the Arenal portion of the tour?

    In Arenal, you will visit the famous hot springs and take a dip in the natural springs and pools of mineral waters surrounded by lush, tropical forest. Additionally, you will enjoy a short boat ride across Arenal Lake to admire different species of birds.

  • What is the accommodation like during the tour?

    Accommodation is provided at Doubletree Cariari in San Jose, Volcano Lodge & Gardens in Arenal, and El Establo Mountain Lodge in Monteverde.

  • Are meals included in the tour package?

    Yes, breakfast is provided daily, and one dinner is included in the tour package.

  • What is the guided nature walk in Monteverde like?

    The guided nature walk in Monteverde takes place in the Cloud Forest just before nightfall. An expert Naturalist will lead the walk to search for the jungle’s nocturnal creatures, such as sloths, foxes, agoutis, and frogs.

  • Is travel insurance included in the tour package?

    No, travel insurance is not included and is recommended to be purchased separately.

  • What is the starting and ending location of the tour?

    The tour starts and ends in San José, Costa Rica.

  • Are flights included in the tour package?

    No, flights to and from Costa Rica are not included in the tour package.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    For over 90 years.

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest Covid-19 policies

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Travel documents, including any air tickets, itineraries, and other information, are available approximately two to three weeks prior to departure provided full payment has been received.

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    The Globus Lighthouse Project - an illuminating initiative where we can all come together to tread lightly and give generously for the globe's greater good. Globus, along with sister companies Avalon Waterways and Cosmos, invite our travellers and partners to help us in supporting causes that provide for a more sustainable planet and a brighter tomorrow.

Reviews of this operator

Lisset  

Great Value for your Money

19-Dec-2022

This is my second time travelling with Globus, would have been my third if not for COVID. The way they plan everything is super organized, the tour managers are very caring and knowledgeable. We always enjoy all the site visits planned for each trip. They start by picking you up from the airport and from then on everything is taken care of up until the last day of your trip, even dropping you off at the airport not matter the time of day or night. The hotels at every city are always great and centrally located so you can walk around during your free time or plan your own visits to different sites.

Joan Cupp (Google Reviewer)  

My go-to escorted travel Co My...

01-Mar-2024

My go-to escorted travel Co My 4th trip with Globus and the did not disappoint. The sales deals they offer make it affordable for me to travel. All of the guides are well versed in the history of the area you travel in.

David R  

What a wonderful trip, thanks Globus

10-Jan-2023

Globus is my favorite travel agency. I tried others, but always come back to Globus. It is a 100% stress free one-stop shop. Easy booking with flight, hotel, transportation and travel insurance all in one place. Great customer service at reasonable prices. Lots of information prepared for the trip to handle travel logistics. I planned and booked my trip within 24 hours. Highly recommended to everyon

Alexander Wright  

Great guide, accommodations, and tours.

28-Dec-2022

We had a fantastic guide, with a great mix of free time and guided tours.

CTRTeach 11  

Globus exceeded my expectations!

20-Dec-2022

This is my first Globus tour. I was pleasantly surprised with the depth and quality. The hotels were top notch, and the cruise on the Nile exceeded my expectations. The cabins were roomy and comfortable, and the food was very good.

Nancy Arias  

The experience was amazing!!

30-Dec-2022

The trip was amazing. Our tour guide was so kind and very knowledgeable. I needed to attend a very important meeting via zoom. She was very understanding and accommodating to my needs and made it happen. I was very grateful! Our driver was by far the best driver I’ve ever encountered! I was beyond impressed with our guide, driver and trip!! I will definitely be back for another adventure!!

Irish Beth Maddock (Google Reviewer)  

Did the Globus Highlands and...

30-Sep-2023

Did the Globus Highlands and Islands Scottish Tour with Ian and Allister. What a trip!! With his sharp wit, immense knowledge and fun humour, Ian absolutely brought Scotland to vivid life with his many tales, informative quips and total, utter passion for history. Was spellbound. Am so VERY thankful I had the opportunity to be on Ian's last bus tour before retiring with Globus. In addition, to being so hard working and helpful, with Allister our driver, I cannot tell you how safe and secure I felt in his capable driving hands. He had some very awkward traffic and interesting roads to navigate with our large bus, (especially on the islands and up north) but he handled it all expertly and without a hitch. So much so, I was able to relax and enjoy the journey. All in all, with our tour, you could tell both these kind men cared very much for those of us who needed the extra help and advice. Made my bucket list trip to Scotland so memorable and wonderful. Thank you Ian and Allister! Globus is truly fortunate to have you both.

Patty Walker (Google Reviewer)  

Specifically, Cosmos Tour of Ireland...

11-Aug-2024

Specifically, Cosmos Tour of Ireland and Scotland. August 2024. Let me begin with the positive , the Tour guide was knowledgable, personable and educated! He also was extremely professional and took a genuine interest in providing the highest quality of service to the client. The bus was clean and comfortable and well maintained. The driver was highly experienced and provided excellent transportation. The excursions were acceptable and enjoyable. The Variety of age groups on the trip made for wonderful traveling companions. But unfortunately, that is where the positive ends. The Leonardo hotels that are part of the chain and experience for this specific tour are below quality. We spent a night in a room with a leak in the ceiling. That was known before we checked in and continued to leak while we were there. Another Leonardo hotel, we could not get out of our room. Due to the carpet being ripped up and blocking the door. Most of these hotels I would have walked away from, had I been on my own individual trip. The customer service is missing, customer safety is also missing in these hotels. There is lack of concern to assist customers to their rooms even when it is there responsibility to change the room, there isn't assistance offered. Never have I experienced where you had to absolutely be your own advocate. Because there is no customer concern or care. Quality of food provided is also below standards. It is frowned upon if you request something and often denied. We even had a situation where another individual was placed in the same room we were in and it was considered a "oh well too bad for you." Again, we had to transport our own luggage and bags to a new room. Only after we were our own advocates. We said this stranger and ourselves are not going to stay in the same room. Finally, we received a good room, a room that would be found acceptable in every day normal travel, and we had to change again. Because there was a missing part in a Radiator and this was known to the hotel but yet they still booked us into a room. The radiator would not turn off and the room was steaming hot. So once again, we had to transfer all of our luggage and personal items and trudged down stairwell and elevators to once again change rooms. This is so sad for a bucket list, once in a lifetime, save your money and go on your anniversary trip. The rooms are old and out, dated with stains and tears in carpets and materials. Some of the missing items are a safety concern. Buyer beware! The communication for traveling in other countries is not to the level of customer service and satisfaction that we are used to, we did not expect this level of unacceptable accommodations, much like staying in a hostile. It is the Globus/Cosmos Travel companies responsibility to make sure their accommodations for housing is up to the level of expectations of their customers. The accommodations provided are a reflection of Globus/Cosmos business model and integrity in the global travel industry. This is not everything we experienced, but just a few examples. At this time, their brand appears to be old, outdated, without concern or care for the safety of their clients or their health and welfare as applied to accomodations.Customer service, is their lost art. Choose carefully for travel service. And I would not recommend Globus or Cosmos.

Suneetha Raja (Google Reviewer)  

I have done Newfoundland &...

06-Jul-2024

I have done Newfoundland & Labrador with Iceberg Festival tour with Globus in June 2024. It was absolute rubbish for the price I paid towards the tour. Terrible hotels, horrible meals, barely any sightseeing that is worth while the visit, most importantly, the Iceberg festival never happened. Globus sold this specific tour departure date as the only way to attend this supposed Iceberg Festival. I felt cheated after paying 3527£ for a 13 day tour considering the only reason I picked this departure date was because I wanted to attend this Iceberg festival. I could have used my time and money in a better way doing a different tour with another company. A Canadian company who did the exact same tour is doing it for £2400. I have been travelling with Globus and Cosmos tours since 2008. However, this company tours have been terrible after the covid shutdowns. They are charging more than the premium companies and not providing the equivalent service on par with the prices. Safe to say that I won't be recommending Globus and Cosmos tours to anyone. Try other tour companies that are on the market.

Lynda Bailey (Google Reviewer)  

I really enjoyed my Cosmos...

11-Jun-2024

I really enjoyed my Cosmos tour to Italy last September. However I was totally disappointed by two major things which completely changed the atmosphere of the holiday for me. One was the 'last minute' rearrangement of one of our hotels which then put us well outside of Florence on a trading estate for two nights instead of walking distance from the city walls. That completely blocked any plans or ideas of enjoying Florence in the evening. My biggest disappointment was the terrible travel arrangements and associated advice about travelling through Heathrow Cosmos put in place for me and for which they refused to be accountable despite the fact that they had made the ticket booking on my behalf and I had asked them for appropriate check in advice at all key points before I travelled. As a result I was put on standby when I should never have been (even the BA departure staff were shocked at this) and separated from my luggage which travelled on a later flight. I spent over 6 hrs of my first day in Rome in the airport waiting for my luggage and subsequent transfer to my hotel, without any assistance from Cosmos or BA airside staff. When I complained after my holiday, Cosmos would not take any responsibility at all for the fact that I lost the first day of my holiday and approx. 50% of the time I was due to spend in Rome, preferring to blame BA who in turn were uncontactable about my complaint. Very poor customer service indeed.

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Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Globus requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of globus charges.

    Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.

    At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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