Itinerary Details
Costa Rica's Pura Vida Escape With Tortuguero
Day 1 ARRIVE IN SAN JOSÉ, COSTA RICA Welcome to San José!
Upon arrival, a Globus representative will provide details about your Tortuguero National Park adventure.
Please note: You will meet your Tour Director on day 4 in San José.
Day 2 SAN JOSÉ–TORTUGUERO NATIONAL PARK Shell Games
An early morning journey east to the Caribbean shore takes you to Tortuguero National Park. On route, enjoy breakfast at a local restaurant where you may have a chance to spot sloths high in the trees. Continue to the embarkation point for a cruise along the Tortuguero Canals. Upon arrival, enjoy a welcome drink, lunch, and briefing at your lodge. Your afternoon is at leisure where you may wish to visit Tortuguero Village to learn more about the locals. (B,L,D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
SAFE HAVEN What was once an archipelago of volcanic islands until alluvial sediments formed an ecosystem of marsh islands, Tortuguero National Park provides a sanctuary for leatherback, Hawksbill, and green sea turtles (previously hunted to near extinction). Cruise the canals and waterways that crisscross this protected habitat with your naturalist guide and experienced boatman to spot a bounty of wildlife which share the park, including freshwater turtles, caimans, herons, toucans, egrets, and monkeys.
Day 3 TORTUGUERO NATIONAL PARK Natural Beauties
Explore further as a local Naturalist accompanies you on a guided cruise of the remote, yet extensive, Tortuguero canals. Watch for abundant wildlife, including over 125 species of mammals, 124 species of reptiles, and over 375 species of birds. Return to the lodge for a nature walk into the rainforest with your Naturalist guide who explains the flora commonly found here and its uses. After lunch at the lodge, the remainder of the day is at leisure. (B,L,D)
NOTE:
If traveling between July and September, you may wish to join an optional excursion hosted by the resort to witness sea turtles laying eggs on the beach. Arrangement and payment for this excursion can be arranged directly with the resort upon arrival.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
WONDERS OF NATURE Your time in Tortuguero National Park includes Naturalist-guided visits to the bio-diverse park—home to many species, including white-faced capuchin, howler, spider monkeys, toucans, macaws, tapirs, ocelot, manatees, and jaguars! The area is also famous as the annual nesting site for the five species of turtles.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
ACCOMODATION SPOTLIGHT Pachira Lodge, named after an indigenous aquatic plant, is located just minutes from the entrance to Tortuguero National Park. With more than 30 acres of humid tropical forest, with more than 85% of the land dedicated to conservation, you are sure to spot wildlife and reconnect with nature. Explore the resort’s walking paths in search of wildlife, enjoy Costa Rican Caribbean cuisine, relax at the outdoor turtle-shaped pool, or choose to join an optional activity like fishing, turtle-nesting observation, a sunrise boat tour, zip lining, or a spa visit.
Day 4 TORTUGUERO NATIONAL PARK–SAN JOSÉ Make Waves
A morning boat cruise and drive take you back to San José where you will meet your Tour Director. (B,L)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
SCENIC RIDE Pass the plentiful fields of banana trees on your way to San José where the Costa Rican plantations produce this main export to the rest of the world.
Day 5 SAN JOSE–MONTEVERDE CLOUD FOREST Heads in the Clouds
After breakfast, visit the main attractions of San Jose with a guide. Then, journey to Monteverde, situated on the Continental Divide under misty cloud coverage in one of the world’s most bio-diverse areas. On route, stop in the quaint town of Sarchí, known as the cradle of Costa Rican artisans. Continue the journey, ascending to the Tilaran mountain range towards Monteverde Cloud Forest where the weather and vegetation begin to change. Free time this evening. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
WILD & WONDERFUL Explore Monteverde Cloud Forest, home to over 3,000 species of plants, 400 species of birds, 60 species of bats, 1,200 species of amphibians, and 700 species of butterflies in one of the last remaining natural habitats of all six Costa Rica wildcat species—ocelots, jaguars, jaguarundi, pumas, oncillas, and margays. Perhaps you’ll catch a glimpse of one of Costa Rica’s most beautiful birds, the resplendent quetzal.
Day 6 MONTEVERDECreatures of the Cloud Forest
This morning, take a Naturalist guided walking tour of Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve, home to forest fauna such as sloths, jaguars, ocelots, monkeys, coatis, and numerous species of birds. With almost 100% humidity throughout the year, the cloud forest experiences almost 12 feet of rain per year. Free time this afternoon and evening. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
PARADISE FOUND The unique, high-elevation ecosystem of Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve is constantly enveloped in moisture-rich clouds formed by the warm winds from the Atlantic Ocean as they sweep over the Continental Divide. Here, in one of the most bio-diverse and rich ecosystems in the world, a wealth of animal and plant species make this a nature lover’s paradise as well.
Day 7 MONTEVERDE–ARENAL Tropical Treasures
Today, we travel to the outdoor adventure mecca of La Fortuna and Arenal Volcano National Park. Enjoy free time in La Fortuna before continuing to Arenal for a 3-night stay at an eco-resort. Enjoy free time this afternoon to enjoy the resort’s pool and jacuzzi or consider a walk around the riverbank or surrounding gardens. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
WONDERS OF NATURE For 42 years, Arenal Volcano was Costa Rica’s most active volcano until 2010 when it entered a passive phase. This area is one of the most bio-diverse areas in the world and is home to more than 850 species of birds and other wildlife. Time here can be spent hiking the trails around the volcano or relaxing in the many thermal hot springs.
Day 8 ARENALLava Love
Rise and shine with an early hike through the Mirador 1968, a private reserve located next to Arenal Volcano National Park. Here, your Tour Director will show you the evidence of the volcanic activity in the area and how it affected everything, even the smallest ecosystem in this beautiful forest. Then travel to the town of Arenal where you may wish to have a traditional lunch at a local restaurant or enjoy a short walk around town. Return to the resort where the remainder of the day is at leisure to relax or join an optional excursion adventure. (B)
FREE TIME TIPS
EXPLORE MORE During your afternoon at leisure, opt for a high-flying adventure on the Arenal Hanging Bridges or visit the nearby hot springs. 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.
Day 9 ARENALAdventure Awaits!
Today is free for you to customize your day with a variety of optional excursions or simply choose to enjoy the resort. (B)
FREE TIME TIPS
EXPLORE MORE During your free day, you may wish to go on an optional horseback ride or float trip. Or you can take advantage of your resort’s amenities by swimming, playing tennis, or searching for wildlife along the nearby riverbank. 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.
Day 10 ARENAL–SAN JOSÉ
Safe travels until we meet again!
Your tour ends with breakfast and a transfer back to the San Jose Airport. Please schedule homebound flights after 2pm. (B)
