10 Day Essential Costa Rica And Manuel Antonio National Park
pp Twin Share
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Pace
Leisurely Pace
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Escorted Type
Independent
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Confidence
Book With Confidence
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Cooling Off Period
7 Days
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Protection Guarantee
Free Date Change Protection
This itinerary will be conducted at a relaxed pace. You will typically spend several nights at one location which means less time spent packing and unpacking, and more sightseeing. You will be required to move about unassisted, including getting on and off vehicles, walking up and down stairs and handling your own luggage.
On these packages you will travel from city to city on your own, exploring at your own pace. We have arranged transportation in most cases and day tours for you to see the destination. Enjoy the time and flexibility to linger longer or pick up the pace and see as much as possible. The choice is yours.
Inspiring Vacations has been globally recognised and awarded for its handling of COVID-19 during the pandemic. The safety and wellbeing of our guests is our highest concern during this time of uncertainty, and we are continuously monitoring the evolving COVID-19 situation.
We have adopted the advice of the WHO to ensure all customers can travel with the knowledge of how to travel safely and with confidence.
Australian owned and operated with 100% Australian Customer Service support
We are proudly 100% Australian owned and operated, with our head office located in Melbourne, Victoria. When you make your booking, you will receive dedicated and ongoing support from our team of travel professionals throughout your booking, up until you are due to depart.
Take advantage of our 7 day cooling-off period.
✓ Incredible sightseeing including Guided visit to Tortuguero village plus guided boat tour through Tortuguero National Park canals and entrance fee to Tortuguero National Park, guided hike in Arenal Volcano National Park, guided hike in Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve, guided hike in Manuel Antonio National Park
✓ 9 nights accommodation in 3 star accommodation (upgrades available)
✓ 14 meals including breakfast daily, 3 lunches & 2 dinners
✓ Arrival and departure shared transfer in an air -conditioning bus from/ to Juan Santamaria Airport
✓ Meet & Greet on Day 1
✓ Air -conditioned transportation as indicated in the itinerary on a shared basis (transport from destination to destination is unaccompanied)
Gallery
Travel with the experts for a carefully curated, value-packed discovery of the world's most iconic destinations. Our tours are bursting with must-see sights, rich experiences and quality inclusions, all at an unbeatable price. Bucket list dreams are ticked off on these all-encompassing journeys.
Itinerary
Day 1 San Jose
Bienvenidos a San Jose! Welcome to San Jose! Upon arrival to bustling San Jose, our representative will meet and greet you and then direct you to your transport, which will drop you off at your hotel in San Jose for your night in Costa Rica.
Day 2 San Jose Tortuguero Tortuguero National Park
Your day begins early with a morning departure, travelling by bus (unaccompanied) through the Braulio Carrillo National Park towards the Caribbean plains to enjoy the spectacular mountain scenery and quaint villages. Indulge in a tasty breakfast en route and continue through the jungle by boat, cruising the rivers and canals of Tortuguero National Park. Arrive at your eco -lodge and enjoy a tasty lunch. Board the boat again for a visit to Tortuguero village, where you will get to walk around town, stroll along the beach, and experience the locals’ way of living.
During the turtle hatching season, we will look for the baby turtles trying to find their way down to the ocean. Nesting is from July to September and hatching from September to December. Enjoy the rest of the day relaxing at the hotel, surrounded by the beautiful tropical forest and wildlife. Lunch and dinner included.
Approximate distance travelled - 135km – 4 hrs by road / 2 hrs by boat
Day 3 Tortuguero National Park
Today you will have some free time to relax by the pool and experience the Tortuguero National Park on a three -hour trip. Observe over 350 protected species of birds, monkeys, crocodiles, and sloths, as well as lush vegetation. During the July to September season, you can join an optional late night turtle nesting tour, purchasable directly at the lodge. Lunch and dinner included.
Day 4 Tortuguero Arenal
Early in the morning depart by boat back to Guapiles. From there, take the ground transportation (unaccompanied) to the restaurant for lunch. After a tasty meal, you will be picked up in a shared transfer and taken to the Arenal area. Enjoy the day at leisure to explore on your own or participate in an exciting optional activity like the Sky Walk guided tour. The Sky Walk guided tour takes you through and above the rainforest. A series of eight suspension bridges, connected by trails for a total 3 km in length, provides a bird’s -eye view of the rainforest canopy! We also recommend visiting the hot springs at night, when the sun sets. Enjoy a spectacular dinner included.
Termas de Tabacón Option - Live the Tabacón experience that has swimming pools and a river of hot springs that come from the veins of the majestic Arenal Volcano. Explore the wonders of the tropical forest surrounding this beautiful resort and enjoy mineral waters with different temperatures, surrounded by warm waterfalls and tropical gardens. The Tabacón hot springs are recognized throughout the world, and without a doubt, immersing yourself in them will make you feel relaxed and rejuvenated, due to the minerals present in the volcanic waters.
Includes - transportation, bilingual guide, entrance, dinner
Ecotermales Hot Springs Option - Escape to the natural paradise, with all the necessary amenities to make your experience a memorable experience, surrounded by the peace and serenity of the rainforest, and protected by the impressive Arenal Volcano, which heats and nourishes the waters of Ecothermal During your stay, you will enjoy the pleasure of feeling the natural energy coming from the veins of the Arenal Colossus; heats the fountains where thermal water pools are born, ranging from 37 C to 41C (99 F to 106 F). That when combined with the pool and the cold water waterfall, they perform a relaxing massage throughout the body.
Includes - transportation, bilingual guide, entrance, dinner
Departure approx - 15 -00 hrs | Duration approx - 6 hrs
Approximate distance travelled - 210km – 5 hrs by road / 2hrs by boat
Day 5 Arenal Volcano National Park
Today after breakfast, take a guided walking tour in Arenal Volcano National Park. During the tour, the guide will explain the periods of activity the once very active volcano experienced. Enjoy the verdant landscapes and the backdrop of the now -dormant volcano, as you keep a lookout for the wild animals living in this national park. You have the chance to spot sloths, howler monkeys, anteaters, and many others.
Afterwards, return to the hotel with the afternoon at leisure to participate in an optional activity, either adventure or nature.
Optional extras -
Sky Walk guided tour - The Sky Walk guided tour takes you through and above the rainforest. A series of eight suspension bridges, connected by trails for a total 3 km in length, provides a bird’s -eye view of the rainforest canopy!
Zipline Adventure - Costa Rica zip line tour is a genuine must in a vacation. You will have doses of fun and adrenaline filled adventure that you will remember forever. You will start the tour as you arrive at the base of the Ecoglide Arenal Park and your professional guide give you the instructions and some safety tips. The zipline tour consists of 13 cables of two wires traveling in parallel and 15 platforms, most of which are in the trees so that visitors can have more contact and closeness with nature, flora, and fauna of the rainforest. Within the tour, you will also discover the Tarzan Swing where you will swing from a platform into the forest feeling the adrenaline raising levels.
Inclusions - Transportation, Bilingual Guide, Entrance Fee, Equipment
Departure aprox - 07 - 40 hrs / 09 -40 hrs / 11 - 40 hrs / 13 -40 hrs / 15 -20 hrs | Duration aprox - 3 hrs.
La Fortuna Waterfall - This tour begins by descending the 500 -meter trail to the magnificent Waterfall, renowned for its 60 meter (197 feet) high falls and its crystal -clear waters. Along the trail, you will observe plants, trees, and animals, which inhabit the area. You can choose to swim in its refreshing waters, take amazing photographs, or simply relax and take in all the beauty of the La Fortuna Waterfall. When you visit the La Fortuna Waterfall you not only get to enjoy this marvellous natural wonder, you will be helping to Support the Development Association of the community 100% of the entrance fee goes towards social projects to benefit schools, nutritional centres, the orphanage, our roads and more.
Inclusions - Transportation, Bilingual Guide, Entrance Fee
Departure aprox - 08 -00 hrs / 13 -00 hrs | Duration aprox - 3 hrs.
Day 6 Arenal Monteverde
Begin the day with an early breakfast at the hotel, followed by check -out and head towards Monteverde. Transfer down to Arenal Lake (unaccompanied) where you will board a boat that will take you across towards Monteverde. Once on the other side, a vehicle awaits to take you up to Monteverde. Admire the transition of the rainforest to the cloud forest where you will reach an altitude of 1,200 metres above sea level. Located in the Puntarenas province, Monteverde is a place of cloud forests and mist, coffee plantations, monkeys, and friendly locals. The town of Santa Elena is small and quaint, filled with inviting restaurants and folksy artisan shops, while the nearby rainforest hosts a remarkable amount of biodiversity. Enjoy the day at leisure to explore on your own. Enjoy the day at leisure to explore on your own or participate in an exciting optional activity like the Selvatura Treetop Walkway guided tour, what includes a 3 -hour hike along a network of trails and suspension bridges in the cloud forest of Monteverde. Be on the lookout for birds, monkeys, sloths, insects, and interesting plants of all shapes and sizes. The Selvatura Treetop Walkway guided tour takes you through and above the rainforest. A series of eight suspension bridges, connected by trails for a total 3 km in length, provides a bird’s -eye view of the rainforest canopy!
If adventure is not something you are interested in, join the interesting Don Juan Coffee Tour to understand Costa Rica´s coffee, chocolate and sugar cane production (with the emphasis on coffee!). The tour offers an interesting opportunity to learn about coffee and its production as well as to get close to the fascinating Costa Rican folklore
The optional tours are not included
Approximate distance travelled - 60km – 2.5 hrs by road / 45 min by boat
Day 7 Monteverde
After a nourishing breakfast at the hotel, enjoy a hike through the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. Founded in 1972, the Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve is world -famous for its outstanding biodiversity, conservation actions and contributions, as well as scientific research. The reserve is home to 2.5% of the world’s biodiversity, and it is one of the most important private reserves, not just in Costa Rica but the world. It hosts hundreds of species of mammals, birds, butterflies, amphibians, reptiles, insects and arachnids, as well as a large variety of flora, such as mosses, vines or the autochthonous trees of the cloud forest. You can enhance today´s experience by joining one of the memorable tours you missed yesterday.
Whether you choose to explore the cloud forest during the Selvatura Treetop Walkway guided tour, or you prefer getting closer to the fascinating Costa Rican culture while on the Don Juan Coffee tour, your day will be unforgettable. Selvatura Treetop Walkaway and Don Juan Coffee tours are not included.
Day 8 Monteverde Manuel Antonio
This morning after breakfast, head towards a stunning beachside destination (unaccompanied), descending to Manuel Antonio National Park. On arrival, take the rest of the day to enjoy the surrounding areas, hotel facilities or the spectacular beach.
Approximate distance travelled - 185km – 3 hrs by road
Day 9 Manuel Antonio
After indulging in a delicious breakfast, you will be picked up from your hotel to transfer to the Manuel Antonio National Park. During today’s tour, your knowledgeable nature guide will walk you through the park and explain the mysteries of the rainforest. The trail is flat, picturesque and loops through the park, making your course about two miles long. Throughout your hike, your guide will stop and narrate the park’s natural history, which includes thorough descriptions of the plants and animals that can be observed along the way. The park is a great place to take pictures or just to admire the impressive views.
One of the highlights of this tour is that Manuel Antonio is home to three of the four existing tropical primates living in Costa Rica. Halfway through the hike, enjoy a leisurely stop at the world -famous ‘Third Beach’. Take a rest on the soft sand or play in the waves. The stop will last around 20 minutes. Throughout the hike, it is common to see sloths, birds, and reptiles, as well as admire wild orchids, butterflies, and tropical vegetation. Your guides are equipped with Pentax and Swarovski monocular/telescopes, so you can observe the wildlife and take pictures from a different perspective. Once the tour is over, transportation is provided back to your hotel.
Day 10 Manuel Antonio San Jose
Begin your last day in spectacular Costa Rica with a delectable breakfast. Then, at the appropriate time, transfer to Juan Santamaria International Airport (unaccompanied) to catch your flight back home or on to your next destination.
Approximate distance travelled - 160km – 3 hrs by road
Inclusions
What's Included
- Incredible sightseeing including Guided visit to Tortuguero village plus guided boat tour through Tortuguero National Park canals and entrance fee to Tortuguero National Park, guided hike in Arenal Volcano National Park, guided hike in Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve, guided hike in Manuel Antonio National Park
- 9 nights accommodation in 3 star accommodation (upgrades available)
- 14 meals including breakfast daily, 3 lunches & 2 dinners
- Arrival and departure shared transfer in an air -conditioning bus from/ to Juan Santamaria Airport
- Meet & Greet ond Day 1
- Air -conditioned transportation as indicated in the itinerary on a shared basis (transport from destination to destination is unaccompanied)
Sightseeing Highlights
San Jose - Costa Rica’s vibrant capital city was founded in the mid -18th century, boasting great cultural and historical landmarks. Visit its museums, the European -inspired National Theatre, and stroll the charming alleys of its historic neighbourhoods.
Tortuguero - This park is home to the nesting grounds of the green sea turtles, offering spectacular beaches and fantastic opportunities to spot wild animals and birds.
Arenal - Admire one of the most beautiful volcanoes in the country and its mesmerising park, dotted with trails and rich in wildlife.
Monteverde - Settled by American Quakers in the 1950s, this primary cloud forest is made out of six unique life zones, hosting many endangered species, as well as a variety of fascinating plants.
Manuel Antonio - This picturesque national park is the smallest one in Costa Rica but it is full of wild animals, lush vegetation, and beautiful beaches.
Fine Print
Payment Terms
This product requires full payment upfront to secure your booking.
Once you have created your booking you will be directed to your invoice to choose your preferred payment method.
Important Information
Fitness Requirements
While the tour itinerary should give you some guidance and overview to the expected requirements, to determine if this tour is right for you we categorise each of our tours in terms of their intensity.
These guidelines are to ensure that each tour group is conducted as expected and to ensure the overall satisfaction of all Inspiring Vacations customers. As a general rule, porterage is not included, therefore at all times you are expected to handle your own luggage where help may not be available.
Accommodation
The accommodation listed is subject to change. Any changes will be of an equal or higher standard. Bedding configurations (double or twin) are requests only and subject to availability. All efforts will be made to meet your preferences, however any changes are beyond our control.
Single Supplement
Single supplement is $1,315.00 per person, in addition to the twin-share price.
Triple Share
Not Available
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is recommended to protect yourself against the unexpected. In addition to the support that a policy may provide, you may be asked to present a copy of your travel insurance documentation while traveling.
Visa & Passport information
It is the traveller's responsibility to ensure they have a valid passport. The passport must be valid for a minimum of six months from the intended date of return.
Visas may be required.
Please note that these details are subject to change without notice. We recommend visiting https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel.html for up to date information in terms of entry requirements.
Group Size
This package is private based on 2 people.
Children
Children must share a room with parents at all times and are charged the same price as adults.
Accommodation Upgrade
Fitness Requirements
While the tour itinerary should give you some guidance and overview to the expected requirements, to determine if this tour is right for you we categorise each of our tours in terms of their intensity.
These guidelines are to ensure that each tour group is conducted as expected and to ensure the overall satisfaction of all Inspiring Vacations customers. As a general rule, porterage is not included, therefore at all times you are expected to handle your own luggage where help may not be available.
Accommodation
The accommodation listed is subject to change. Any changes will be of an equal or higher standard. Bedding configurations (double or twin) are requests only and subject to availability. All efforts will be made to meet your preferences, however any changes are beyond our control.
Single Supplement
Single supplement is $1,315.00 per person, in addition to the twin-share price.
Triple Share
Not Available
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is recommended to protect yourself against the unexpected. In addition to the support that a policy may provide, you may be asked to present a copy of your travel insurance documentation while traveling.
Visa & Passport information
It is the traveller's responsibility to ensure they have a valid passport. The passport must be valid for a minimum of six months from the intended date of return.
Visas may be required.
Please note that these details are subject to change without notice. We recommend visiting https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel.html for up to date information in terms of entry requirements.
Group Size
This package is private based on 2 people.
Children
Children must share a room with parents at all times and are charged the same price as adults.
Optional Tours
To enhance your journey, we are offering guests a choice of the following optional activities (prices are per person):
Optional tours can be selected once you have finalised your tour purchase and paid your deposit. When completing your Passenger Booking Form, you will be asked if you would like to add Optional Tours, where any applicable cost will be added to your final balance. If you choose not to select them at this time, you can choose to add them later by logging in to your Account online.
Please note that you must select your Optional Tours no later than 70 days before departure, after which you will be required to purchase them on tour. Please keep in mind that anything purchased on-tour is subject to availability and prices may vary as you will be paying in local currency. We appreciate your understanding.
Flight requests & booking information
This package is sold as land only, however you do have the option of adding international airfares to your booking. Simply click on’ book now’, and under upgrades , you will be asked “Would you like us to contact you around our flight service?”
By selecting this option Inspiring Vacations will contact you to discuss adding flights to your chosen destination. We can assist with flying the airline of your choice to turn your booking into a flight inclusive package.
We would be more than happy to provide you with a quote for the following requests:
- Airline Preferences - You may wish to fly with a particular airline
- Cabin Preferences - These include upgrading to premium economy or business class
- Extensions (start and end cities must remain the same) - You may request to extend your stay pre or post tour.
- Meal Requests - You may request a specific meal for dietary requirements.
- Seat Requests - If you would like to request particular seating. However please note, not all airlines allow the selection of pre-purchased seat arrangements.
We are currently unable to provide a quote for the following requests:
- Stopovers - Is where you might want to stop in transit for a certain amount of days prior to your tour or after your tour.
- One way flights
- Different start or end city to the tour - you may not amend the arrival or departure city of your itinerary.
- Around the world tickets - Is when a ticket includes multiple stops in different continents.
- Return home to a different city from the one you departed.
- Frequent Flyer point redemption - Is when an airline allows you to redeem points to pay for your flights or upgrade your ticket.
Online check-in
Some airlines may not permit online check-in where flights have been booked by a travel company. Where unavailable to do so online, you will be required to check-in at the airport. Inspiring Vacations cannot check-in online on behalf of our customers.
Exclusions
- Flights
- Personal expenses
- Optional activities
- Anything not mentioned in the itinerary
- Travel insurance (highly recommended)
- Tipping/Gratuities
- Expenditures of a personal nature, drinks and meals if not stated explicitly in the programme
- Entrance fees for optional activities mentioned in the itinerary