Monkeys, Jungles and Volcanoes
Monkeys, Jungles and Volcanoes
Monkeys, Jungles and Volcanoes
8 Days Starting and ending in San Jose, Costa Rica
Visiting: San José, Tortuguero National Park, Horquetas, Arenal National Park, Manuel Antonio, Manuel Antonio National Park
Tour operator:
Tour code:
LFCAZN20
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable adventure with the "Monkeys, Jungles and Volcanoes" tour in Costa Rica. This wildlife tour takes you through the lush landscapes of Arenal Volcano National Park, where you'll enjoy a guided hike and explore the Arenal Hanging Bridges. Experience the vibrant culture of Tortuguero Village and cruise the canals of Tortuguero National Park, spotting exotic wildlife like sloths, monkeys, and toucans. Engage with the local community through a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at the Tortuguero Music School and learn about sustainable practices at a palm plantation. Enjoy thrilling activities like ziplining through the treetops and relax in the natural beauty of Manuel Antonio National Park. With expert guides, comfortable accommodations, and delicious meals, this tour offers a perfect blend of adventure, culture, and relaxation.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Your Adventure Starts In San Jose
Location: San José
Accommodation: Sheraton San Jose Hotel
Accommodation Name: Sheraton San Jose
Bienvenidos a Costa Rica! Cute sloths, boat rides and ziplines are waiting in the Pura Vida playground of Costa Rica and we can't wait to show you them all. On arrival, a local host will greet you at the airport and arrange your transfer to the hotel. Relax or hit the pool for a swim before meeting your Travel Director and fellow adventurers for some fiesta fun at our Kickoff Party.
Day 2: Float Through Tortuguero National Park Make Travel Matter
Location: Tortuguero National Park
Accommodation: Laguna Lodge Tortuguero
Accommodation Name: Laguna Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Rise this morning and head east through Braulio Carrillo National Park, where we’ll embark on a river journey with a Local Specialist through protected wetlands to secluded Tortuguero as we glide through canals, lagoons and lowland rainforest. Then continue to your Stays with Stories at Laguna Lodge, where you’ll learn the story of how the lodge was built with materials that protect this biodiverse environment and natural habitat. For dinner tonight enjoy a buffet at the resort's open-air restaurant.
Day 3: Take A Voyage Through Tortuguero
Location: Tortuguero National Park
Accommodation: Laguna Lodge Tortuguero
Accommodation Name: Laguna Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
There's nothing like the wake-up call of a troop of howler monkeys to start your day. Set off on a Family Fun cruise through the park's canals with your Local Specialist and guide to explore the lush waterways of Tortuguero National Park. You may want to start a tally of all the types of wildlife you'll see. Look out for sloths, green iguanas, caiman, crocodiles and colorful toucans. Of course, you'll spot tons of monkeys - agile howler and spider monkeys and white-faced capuchins swinging through the dense rainforest canopy. This afternoon, venture back out on the canals to add to your wildlife tally or relax back at the lodge, the choice is yours. A MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience awaits this evening as you enjoy dinner while the young musicians of Tortuguero Music School entertain you with the joyful sounds of the Caribbean.
Day 4: Unlock Horquetas Connect With Locals
Location: Horquetas
Accommodation: Hotel Arenal Paraiso Resort and Spa
Accommodation Name: Arenal Paraiso Resort and Spa
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Bid adiós to the monkeys for now as you boat back to the mainland and travel to Horquetas. Here you'll Make Travel Matter and visit local Tico family's palm plantation to learn how they grow this exotic vegetable. Taste something you've probably never tried before, the delicate heart of palm. After, head to a local restaurant for some refreshing passion fruit sorbet and view some of the huge green iguanas that hang around. This evening, enjoy a pizza party in an open-air kitchen where kids get to make their own pizza.
Day 5: Venture Into Arenal National Park Family Fun
Location: Arenal National Park
Accommodation: Hotel Arenal Paraiso Resort and Spa
Accommodation Name: Arenal Paraiso Resort and Spa
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Rise and shine as the forest and volcano call you back. Start the day with a guided trek around the quiet side of the volcano at Arenal National Park. Walk through the old lava rocks and learn about the powerful forces behind the volcano's past eruptions. Then, head to the Arenal Hanging Bridges to walk eye-level with the lush canopy, observe the monkeys, sloths and chattering birds up close, and look out to see towering Arenal Volcano. Meet our hosts Rodrigo, Ana Julia and their family, for a Be My Guest experience hearing the amazing stories of the volcano eruptions. Explore the beautiful botanical garden and finish with lunch at the family ranch. Later, relax in the thermal springs or take a swim in the pool back at the hotel.
Day 6: Fly Above Arenal National Park Family Fun
Location: Manuel Antonio
Accommodation: Hotel San Bada (Manuel Antonio National Park & Beach, Costa Rica)
Accommodation Name: Parador Nature Resort and Spa
Meals Included: Breakfast
Imagine yourself soaring high above the jungle floor as you zipline (Waiver Required) through the treetops, eye-to-eye with the lush foliage and ocean views. Later, head south to Manuel Antonio, renowned for its warm blue waters, beautiful beaches and abundant exotic wildlife.
Day 7: Marvel At Manuel Antonio National Park
Location: Manuel Antonio National Park
Accommodation: Hotel San Bada (Manuel Antonio National Park & Beach, Costa Rica)
Accommodation Name: Parador Nature Resort and Spa
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Walking deep into the national park with your Local Specialist guide, you'll definitely check off a few more creatures on your wildlife list-at last count, there were 109 different animals and 184 species of birds living here. Listen to the whooping bark of howler monkeys and the chattering of mischievous squirrel and white-faced monkeys. Then, it's time to hit the beach. Laze in the warm Pacific or choose an optional Mangrove Kayak tour^ or Open Sea Kayak and Snorkel tour^ where you may see various bird species, reptiles, anteaters and white-faced monkeys. This evening, join your fellow explorers to celebrate new friendships over a Farewell Dinner at the hotel.
Day 8: Back To San Jose
Location: San José
Meals Included: Breakfast
Travel back to San Jose's Juan Santamaria International Airport for your flight home or consider extending your stay at the Sheraton San Jose. Airport arrival will be at approximately 11:00 am, please be aware when booking your flights.
What's Included
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An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
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Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
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All porterage and restaurant gratuities
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All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
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Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
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Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
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Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
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All transport and transfers shown
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Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
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Optional Experiences and free time
Dining Summary
- 5 Dinner (D)
- 7 Breakfast (B)
- 4 Lunch (L)
Family Fun
- Tortuguero: Cruise through Tortuguero's canals and lagoons both in the morning and in the evening, seeking out incredible tropical wildlife species such as monkeys in the treetops, toucans and egres flying through the air and crocodiles in the cool waters.
- Arenal: Visit a wildlife center in Sarapiquà and interact with the resident reptiles and amphibians. Walk along the Arenal Hanging Bridges and go ziplining on the slopes of Arenal Volcano.
Mode of Transport
Travel in style with luxury air-conditioned coaches equipped with Wi-Fi, ensuring a comfortable journey through Costa Rica. Enjoy seamless transfers and transportation, including river journeys and optional experiences, all designed to enhance your exploration of this vibrant country.
Accommodation
Experience the comfort of Sheraton San Jose, the remote Laguna Lodge in Tortuguero, the serene Arenal Paraiso Resort and Spa, and the luxurious Parador Nature Resort and Spa. Each offers unique amenities, from botanical gardens to thermal springs, ensuring a memorable stay amidst Costa Rica's natural beauty.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of wildlife can I expect to see during the tour?
During the tour, you can expect to see a variety of wildlife including sloths, green iguanas, caiman, crocodiles, colorful toucans, howler monkeys, spider monkeys, and white-faced capuchins. In Manuel Antonio National Park, you might also encounter squirrel monkeys and a wide range of bird species.
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What unique experiences are included in the tour?
The tour includes several unique experiences such as a guided hike in Arenal Volcano National Park, a cruise through the canals of Tortuguero National Park, and a visit to a local Tico family's palm plantation to learn about and taste heart of palm. Additionally, there is a Be My Guest experience with a local family in La Fortuna, and a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience with the Tortuguero Music School.
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What activities are available at Arenal National Park?
At Arenal National Park, you will have the opportunity to take a guided trek around the volcano, walk through old lava rocks, and explore the Arenal Hanging Bridges to observe the lush canopy and wildlife such as monkeys and sloths. You can also relax in thermal springs or swim in the pool at the hotel.
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What is the accommodation like at Tortuguero?
In Tortuguero, you will stay at Laguna Lodge, a 15-acre retreat that embraces the natural environment. The lodge is designed to protect the biodiverse environment using materials that do not harm the land. You can enjoy the natural surroundings by lounging by the pool, strolling in the garden, or listening to the jungle rain.
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Are there any cultural experiences included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes cultural experiences such as a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience with the Tortuguero Music School, where local musicians perform Caribbean music. You will also meet a local Tico family at their palm plantation to learn about their way of life and sample heart of palm.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
The beauty of taking a guided holiday with us is that you’ll have the opportunity to meet and travel with people from all over the globe.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Vaccination against Covid-19 is not mandatory to travel with Trafalgar. However, we strongly recommend that guests are vaccinated before travelling. Please note that airlines and/or other authorities may have different requirements. It is the guest's responsibility to comply with these requirements at all times.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1947
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Trafalgar is a founding partner of the TreadRight Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation established in 2008. So far, the charity has donated more than US$2 million to help underprivileged communities and support sustainable tourism around the world.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Low Deposit
Trafalgar requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of trafalgar 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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Terms and Conditions