south-america·Multi-day tour·9 days

9-Day Natural Highlights of Costa Rica Tour from San Jose: La Fortuna, Monteverde and Manuel Antonio National Park | Small Group Tour

★ 4.4· 8 reviewsShared Room AvailableDaily breakfastSelect Meals Included

What you'll experience

Highlights

• 8 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 1 dinner included
• Devour a delicious lunch at a coffee co-op
• Learn how to make tortillas in a local home
• Listen to a lecture from a Monteverde Institute researcher
• Hike the trails of cloud forest reserves and breathtaking parks
• Search for wildlife while exploring the Pacific coast

9 days

Day-by-day itinerary

  1. 1

    Day 1 — San José

    Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer is included.
    If you arrive early enough, you'll have time to head into the city to visit a museum, shop, or visit the main plaza in the city centre.
    The plaza is a good place to people-watch. A mime, juggler, marimba band, magician, or storyteller may be performing for whatever is collected when the hat is passed. Artisan booths are common, creating a regular arts and crafts fair atmosphere.
    【Arrival Day and Welcome Meeting】
    The adventure begins tonight. Feel free to explore before your welcome meeting, but make sure you're back in time to meet the group. Check for the meeting time on the welcome note at the hotel. After introductions, your CEO will review the details of your tour. Please note that normal check-in times apply at our start hotels, but you can usually store your luggage for the day if you arrive early.
    Meals: B: Excluded, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Hotel Radisson San Jose
  2. 2

    Day 2 — San José - La Fortuna

    Awake in the Costa Rican capital and take a tour of a G Adventures–supported coffee cooperative. Meet local farmers, observe shade-grown coffee plants, and gain insight into the process of coffee production, from bean to cup. After a typical lunch - accompanied by an aromatic cup of coffee-continue to the town of La Fortuna, situated at the foot of the majestic Arenal Volcano. This evening, we'll visit a local home to learn how to make tortillas. Chat with your welcoming hosts and dig into a traditional Costa Rican meal of black beans, plantains, and your own handmade tortillas.
    【Your G for Good Moment: Mi Cafecito Coffee Cooperative Tour】
    Find out where your cup of java comes from. Visit the Mi Cafecito coffee cooperative in San Miguel de Sarapiqui, see shade-grown coffee plants, learn about everything from harvesting, to husking, drying, and roasting the beans before enjoying the best part – a fresh cup! Enjoy a typical lunch of plantains, beans, and freshly caught tilapia fish. Feel good about all this eating and drinking knowing that you are supporting us for Good project that helps 200 farmers and their families.
    【Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Tortilla Making and Home Dinner】
    Learn the art of tortilla making from Doña Mara in her family home. Grind the corn, mix the "masa" (dough) into balls, flatten into circles, and then cook them up on a wood-burning stove. Relax with a fresh tropical fruit juice, get to know the family, and hear about the history of tortillas. Afterwards, dig into a tasty "casado" – a typical Costa Rican dish including black beans and plantains – complete with your own hand-made tortillas.
    Meals: B: Included, L: Included, D: IncludedStay: Hotel Monte Real
  3. 3

    Day 3 — La Fortuna

    Spend the day on your own, exploring La Fortuna and its surrounding areas. In 1968, the Arenal Volcano erupted after centuries of laying dormant, converting this quiet agricultural town into a hot spot for adventure travel. Choose to go stand-up paddleboarding on the tranquil waters of Lake Arenal; relax in the shadow of Arenal Volcano at a naturally heated outdoor spa; take a boat tour of Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge, one of the world's most important wetlands; and more.
    【Your Discover Moment】
    There's plenty to see and do in La Fortuna, and we wanted to make sure that you had some time to take it all in. Feel free to relax or try optional activities like canyoneering, whitewater rafting, and paddleboarding. Your CEO has more ideas if you need them. Just ask!
    Arenal Volcano

    Arenal Volcano

    Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Hotel Monte Real
  4. 4

    Day 4 — La Fortuna - Monteverde

    Travel from La Fortuna to the leafy cloud forests of Monteverde - a nature lover's paradise. This afternoon, choose to discover Monteverde's breathtaking wilderness on a zip-lining adventure in the birthplace of the canopy tour, gliding high above the treetops or zooming through the misty foliage at exhilarating speed.
    Optional Activities:
    CASEM Coop Visit
    CASEM—the Cooperative of Artisans Santa Elena Monteverde - is an inspiring example of female empowerment and teamwork. By focusing on providing women artisans with the opportunity to gain economic independence and develop new skills, this G for Good Project helps improve the quality of life for its members and strengthens the community. Through the marketing of their products, CASEM Coop not only supports its 90 artisan members, but also promotes the culture and traditions of the Monteverde region. Stop by the restaurant on your way out to try some delicious local food!
    Monteverde Guided Cloud Forest Night Walk
    Join a naturalist guide for a 1.5-2 hour tour in the cloud forest after dark. Learn more about the habits of the area's nocturnal wildlife including mammals, birds, insects, reptiles, and amphibians, and keep your eyes and ears open on this slow-paced walk. You never know what you might see – it depends on the day and your luck!
    Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Sibu Lodge
  5. 5

    Day 5 — Monteverde

    Set out on a hike in the stunning Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve, treading past giant ferns and vibrant orchids. If you're lucky, you might catch a glimpse of the resplendent quetzal - a sacred bird in Maya and Aztec cultures. Afterward, visit the Monteverde Institute, a research and educational organization supported by National Geographic. Hear from a researcher about some of the institute's conservation initiatives, including a successful reforestation project.
    【Santa Elena Cloud Forest Guided Tour】
    Pull on your poncho and boots. It's time to head into the cloud-covered forest, past over-sized ferns and exotic orchids. Harness your inner Tarzan and Jane as you imagine swinging from the giant vines. Walk along 2 to 3km (about 1.5 mi) of trails at a leisurely pace, watch for wildlife, and trek to the top of the observation tower. Be sure to stop and listen, too. Hear the haunting call of the bellbird and perhaps catch sight of the brilliant green and red resplendent quetzal. Feel good about protecting the forest and sustaining the quality of local schools through payment of your park fees.
    【Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Monteverde Institute Lecture】
    Visit the Monteverde Institute which has served as the base for numerous National Geographic-funded explorers and researchers studying the famed canopy of the Monteverde Cloud Forest. Enjoy a lecture by one of the researchers outlining the various projects National Geographic has sponsored including new discoveries, insect and bird studies, and the reforestation of tropical regions.
    Meals: B: Included, L: Included, D: ExcludedStay: Sibu Lodge
  6. 6

    Day 6 — Monteverde - Manuel Antonio

    Leaving the cloud forest behind, head to Costa Rica's sweeping Pacific coast and settle into your hotel in the seaside village of Manuel Antonio. Soak up the laid-back atmosphere of the area, and opt to go surfing, or sailing. You can also spend the rest of the day relaxing on the beach.
    Manuel Antonio National Park

    Manuel Antonio National Park

    Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Hotel Villas Lirio
  7. 7

    Day 7 — Manuel Antonio

    Discover the lush tropical forests and white-sand beaches of Manuel Antonio National Park. Costa Rica's smallest national park - yet one of the most spectacular—boasts an abundance of wildlife, including monkeys, armadillos, sloths, iguanas, and countless species of birds. Hike through the dense forest, climb up to rocky outcrops for views of the dazzling Pacific Ocean, and go swimming in the park's lovely lagoons and tidal pools. Opt to take a surfing lesson, go horseback riding, or kayak through the mangroves.
    The park has fabulous beaches, abundant wildlife, and a great trail system for those who want to spend the day hiking. Look for monkeys, armadillos, coatimundis, sloths, and some 350 species of birds that are present in the park.
    【Manuel Antonio National Park Visit】
    Pack your sunscreen, snack, and beach shoes and prepare for a great day in Costa Rica's smallest, yet no less stunning, national park. Manuel Antonio offers four white-sand beaches separated by jagged rock outcrops and tidal pools where you can swim, snorkel, and sunbathe. When you're all beached out, head to the shade of the nearby hiking trails to search for sloths, monkeys, and armadillos. Climb to the lookout to capture views of the pristine Pacific Ocean and the area's off-shore islands.
    Today's walking distance within the park is 3km and will take about 2-3 hours.
    Manuel Antonio National Park

    Manuel Antonio National Park

    Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Hotel Villas Lirio
  8. 8

    Day 8 — Manuel Antonio - San José

    Return to San José. Tonight, choose to join the group for a farewell dinner at a popular local restaurant.
    Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Hotel Radisson San Jose
  9. 9

    Day 9 — San José

    Depart at any time.
    Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: Excluded

What's included

Included

  • 8-night accommodations
  • Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Tortilla Making and Home Dinner, La Fortuna
  • Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Monteverde Institute Lecture, Monteverde
  • Your G for Good Moment: Mi Cafecito Coffee Cooperative Tour, Sarapiquí
  • Your Discover Moment: La Fortuna
  • Arrival transfer
  • Guided nature walk in the Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve
  • Guided excursion to Manuel Antonio National Park
  • All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
  • Private vehicle, walking, boat
  • Group Leader: 1 CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides
  • 8 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 1 dinner

Not included

  • Airfares or related transportation between your home and destination
  • All personal expenses including hotel room service and meals; however, you have the option to pay for meals that tour guide arranges
  • Optional tours (Items and prices may vary due to different seasons and are subject to the final confirmation made by tour guide when on tour.)
  • Recommendations for tipping drivers and local guides would range from $5-10 USD per day depending on the quality and length of the service; ask your CEO for specific recommendations based on the circumstances and culture. Tipping of your Chief Experience Officer is very much appreciated. The amount is entirely a personal preference; however as a guideline $5- 7 USD per guest, per day is our recommendation in the region. However, if you felt your CEO did an especially outstanding job, any additional amount will always be welcome

Cancellation policy

When you cancelRefund
0–31 days before0%
32–61 days before50%
62+ days before90%
Read the full cancellation terms
• We are not responsible for any incidental expenses or consequential losses that the Client may have incurred as a result of the booking such as visas, vaccinations, non-refundable flights or rail, non refundable car parking or other fees, loss of earnings, or loss of enjoyment, etc. If the Client is offered a refund but requests an alternative tour of a higher value than that originally booked, then the Client must pay the difference in price.

Important info

Special notes
  • Be prepared before you leave for your trip
  • Please carefully read all of the info below as it's designed to help you have a smooth travel experience.
  • One of our core values is to lead with service. Our Global Connection Officers (or GCOs, the people who answer when you call us) and travel agent partners will do their very best to provide you with the latest information before your trip. There are, however, certain things that are the responsibility of the traveller.
  • All the travellers are responsible for arranging and obtaining the required entry documentation for the countries they intend to visit.
  • Check-in times and baggage allowances/restrictions vary by airline and can change at any time. For the most up-to-date information for your flight, please contact your airline. We recommend checking in online in advance to avoid potential delays at the airport.
  • Important Notes:
  • All walks and hikes proposed by our CEO will be easy to moderate level. You may choose to participate or not, but exploring our national parks on foot is part of our way of travelling. It's a healthy way to discover North America's beauty and landscape.
  • While this should not stop those under legal drinking age from booking a tour, it is important to note that if a traveller is under-age there are certain optional nighttime activities that they may not legally be able to participate in. When trying to book the right trip, we recommend that travellers under legal drinking age take this into consideration when booking a tour that visits several big cities.
  • 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.
  • This National Geographic group trip is accompanied by one of our group leaders, otherwise known as a Chief Experience Officer (CEO). The CEO will be the group manager, leader and driver - this person is experienced in the routes travelled and will organize and lead the meal preparations and has experience in cooking a variety of local and international dishes for large groups.
  • As the group coordinator and manager, the aim of the CEO is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. 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. They will also offer suggestions for things to do and to see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends.
  • 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.
  • Some meals are included in the trip price, while others are not, to allow flexibility and choice to you and your family. For non-included meals our CEOs will still make arrangements for the group to eat together, which allows you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There is no obligation to do this though. For all trips please refer to the meals included and budget information for included meals and approximate budget (per person) for meals not included.
  • Note that any special meal requirements or dietary restrictions need to be specified at time of booking.
  • Dossier Disclaimer: The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary.
  • VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.
  • Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.
  • 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.
  • Laundry facilities are offered by some of our hotels for a charge. There will be times when you may want to or have to do your own laundry so we suggest you bring non-polluting/biodegradable soap.
  • All countries require a valid passport (with a minimum 6 months validity). Contact your local embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date visa requirements, or see your travel agent. It is your own responsibility to have the correct travel documentation. Visa requirements for your trip will vary depending on where you are from and where you are going. We keep the following information up to date as far as possible, but rules do change and sometimes without warning. While we provide the following information in good faith, it is vital that you check the information yourself and understand that you are fully responsible for your own visa requirements.
  • 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.
  • Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your CEO, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy please bear in mind that all clients must have medical coverage and that we require a minimum coverage of USD 200,000 for repatriation and emergency rescue. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.
Pricing notes (children, single supplement)
* The price is listed per person. The single‑room price does not represent the price for one person staying alone in a single room.
* Price for Double applies when two people stay in one standard hotel room respectively.
* Children under 12 years of age are not permitted on this tour.
* All travellers under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
* Child shares the same price as adult.
* Maximum room capacity: 2 people.

Tour operator

Tours4Fun Provider 1113

Verified

Inventory powered by tours4fun. View original listing

from

$2499