8-Nights Costa Rica: Coast To Coast - Small Group Discovery from $2,499

Itinerary Details

Costa Rica: Coast To Coast

Day 1 ARRIVE IN SAN JOSÉ, COSTA RICA Your Small Group Discovery tour begins! Welcome to San José!

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Day 2 SAN JOSÉ–GUACALILLO–MANUEL ANTONIO NATIONAL PARK AREA Welcome to The Jungle! Take a morning drive to Guacalillo for a [LF] tropical mangrove cruise on Tárcoles River. Enjoy lunch before continuing south to the town of Quepos, home of Manuel Antonio National Park in the Central Pacific region of the country. Scenic drive to the Pacific shore to Manuel Antonio for a free evening. (B,L)

LOCAL FAVORITE
SMALL GROUP EXCLUSIVE Explore the Tárcoles River by boat, home to the largest colonies of crocodiles in the world, recorded as having between 80 and 240 individuals per mile of river. Travel along the mangrove, an extraordinary ecosystem featuring four different species of mangrove trees, providing an important nesting site for birds, including the beautiful scarlet macaw, and a shelter and nutrient spot for many fish and invertebrates. As the boat approaches the riverbanks, get a close-up look at wild crocodiles, each up to fifteen feet long. In addition to the scarlet macaw, the estuary also hosts over 250 different kinds of birds, including kingfishers, roseate spoonbills, great herons, anhingas, night herons, and much more!

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Day 3 MANUEL ANTONIO NATIONAL PARK AREA Explore, Relax, Rediscover Visit Manuel Antonio National Park with your guide this morning, followed by lunch at a local restaurant. Return to the resort for a free afternoon and evening. (B,L)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
SMALL GROUP EXCLUSIVE Join your small group for a guided walk in search of sloths, toucans, monkeys, and more in the natural sanctuary of Manuel Antonio National Park. Your guide will take you for a hike through the paths of this beautiful park where you will be able to see many species of birds and mammals, and at the end you will have chance to enjoy some time in one of the beaches into the park, all of them recognized into the most beautiful beaches in the world.

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Day 4 MANUEL ANTONIO NATIONAL PARK AREA–LA FORTUNA–ARENAL Tropical Treasures Depart the Costa Rican coast for the rainforests. Visit the outdoor adventure hub of La Fortuna for free time before continuing to Arenal. Free time this afternoon to experience the resort’s pool and hot spring-fed jacuzzi or consider a walk on a nearby nature trail. Dinner tonight is at a local restaurant. (B,D)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
SMALL GROUP EXCLUSIVE ACCOMMODATION Immerse yourself in lush tropical gardens, the sound of crashing waterfalls, and striking views of Costa Rica’s famed Arenal Volcano from the luxury of Volcano Lodge. Feel as though you have been transported into the middle of a hidden rainforest jungle, while enjoying all 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 other small animals native to the area.

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Day 5 ARENAL. ARENAL HANGING BRIDGE–ECO TERMALES HOT SPRINGS Rainforest Canopies & Thermal Springs Morning at leisure. This afternoon, join a Naturalist Guide for a tour of the Arenal Hanging Bridges, which combines trails and suspension bridges through the canopy of rainforest, to search for flora and fauna. This evening, drive to nearby famous [LF] Eco Termales Hot Springs for a dip in the curative and relaxing pools before dinner at the hot springs. (B,D)

LOCAL FAVORITE
WONDERS OF NATURE Towering high above, 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.

ENHANCED FREE TIME
EXPLORE MORE During your morning at leisure, consider an optional horseback ride or float trip, or simply relax while enjoying your resort’s amenities or walk along the shaded trails nearby. This and more options throughout your tour are available for purchase with MyGlobus. Get local maps and tips for free time on your GlobusGO mobile app.


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Day 6 ARENAL. EXCURSION TO LA FORTUNA & ARENAL VOLCANO NATIONAL PARK Lava Love On a guided visit to Arenal Volcano National Park, see lava trails and how nature has found a way to recover from past lava flows in this dramatic landscape. Next, a walking tour of the town of La Fortuna de San Carlos, offering spectacular views of the active Arenal Volcano. Return to the resort for a free evening. (B)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
SMALL GROUP EXCLUSIVE Ever since the 1500s, locals considered Arenal to be a mountain. However, everything changed on the morning of July 29, 1968, when what appeared as a peaceful mountain suddenly erupted. The eruptions continued non-stop for several days, covering more than 15 square kilometers with lava, rocks, and ash, affecting crops, livestock, and properties across three towns. From that time until 2010, Arenal Volcano was quite active, often spewing out rocks, lava, ash, and smoke. Join your small group for an up-close view of this dramatic landscape on a guided visit to the park.

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Day 7 ARENAL–GUANACASTE Unplug & Recharge Bid farewells to the rainforest, as we depart for the beautiful beaches of Costa Rica. Start the journey with a scenic drive around Arenal Lake before descending the Tilaran Mountain range to reach the plains of Guanacaste’s countryside and finally to the golden sands of Tamarindo Beach. The evening is at leisure to relax or take in the sunset. (B)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
SMALL GROUP EXCLUSIVE ACCOMMODATION The Tamarindo Diriá Beach & Golf Resort, your home for the next two nights, is surrounded by exotic, lush, beautiful tropical gardens and with direct access to the beach, a stunning sunset is only a stroll away. Soak in the beauty of Costa Rica than with a lazy evening on the beach. Ask your Tour Director for the best spots on the sand to stretch out for pure relaxation on the pristine shore.

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Day 8 GUANACASTEA Day at Leisure Full day at leisure to relax at the poolside, go explore the town on your own, take an optional adventure, or visit the beach and enjoy the sun and the waves. Tonight, join your Tour Director for a farewell dinner to celebrate your Costa Rican adventure with your fellow travels. (B,D)

ENHANCED FREE TIME
EXPLORE MORE Exciting ways to spend your free time in Guanacaste include rainforest canopy tours, zipline, river rafting or floating down the Corobici River, horseback riding, and fishing. Snorkel in the Pacific Ocean, or just relax on the beach. This and more options throughout your tour are available for purchase with MyGlobus. Get local maps and tips for free time on your GlobusGO mobile app.

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Day 9 GUANACASTESafe travels until we meet again! Your tour ends with breakfast this morning. (B)

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