13 Days Essential Costa Rica With Extension to Guanacaste, Tamarindo & San Jose

Costa Rica is a captivating destination that captivates travelers with its breathtaking landscapes, abundant wildlife, and rich cultural heritage. The "13 Days Essential Costa Rica" tour promises an immersive journey through the country’s diverse regions, from the lush Tortuguero National Park to the iconic Arenal Volcano and the enchanting Monteverde Cloud Forest. Featuring knowledgeable local guides and a maximum group size of 30, this tour offers a personalized experience that allows participants to explore Costa Rica’s wonders at their own pace. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or a deeper connection with nature, this tour might just be the perfect fit for your next vacation.

About Your Stay

• Comprehensive 13-day tour covering Costa Rica’s top destinations, including Guanacaste, Tamarindo, and San Jose.
• Guided excursions to Tortuguero National Park, Arenal Volcano, and Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve.
• Air-conditioned transportation, private airport transfers, and a group size limited to 30 travelers.
• Includes 12 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 2 dinners, with opportunities to explore local cuisine.
• Experienced local guides provide insights into Costa Rica’s natural wonders and cultural heritage.

Tour Overview

The "13 Days Essential Costa Rica with extension to Guanacaste, Tamarindo & San Jose" tour is provided by Destination Services.

It’s operated with Spanish and English-speaking licensed local guides on a shared basis, and the group size is limited to a maximum of 30 travelers.

The tour starts at the Juan Santamaria International Airport in San Jose, Costa Rica.

The itinerary highlights include guided visits to Tortuguero village and National Park, hikes in Arenal Volcano National Park and Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve, as well as included meals such as 12 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 2 dinners.

Air-conditioned transportation and private transfers to and from the San Jose airport are provided.

Itinerary Highlights

Guided visits to Tortuguero village and its national park canals allow travelers to enjoy the region’s rich ecology and wildlife. The tour also includes a guided hike in Arenal Volcano National Park and Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve, providing opportunities to explore Costa Rica’s diverse landscapes.

Activities	Meals Included
Guided visit to Tortuguero village	Breakfast: 12
Guided boat tour through Tortuguero National Park canals	Lunch: 3
Entrance fee to Tortuguero National Park	Dinner: 2

These highlights offer visitors a comprehensive introduction to Costa Rica’s natural wonders and cultural heritage.

Transportation and Transfers

Air-conditioned transportation and transfers are provided as stated in the program by seat in coach.

Guests will receive a private transfer from and to San Jose airport. The tour guides don’t accompany guests during transportation.

Confirmation of the booking is received unless it’s within 9 days of travel. The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and infants must sit on laps.

Hotel policies allow for early check-in, late check-out, and connecting/adjoining rooms subject to availability.

There’s no refund for unused services, and splitting the package isn’t allowed.

Local conditions may result in modifications to the tour contents without prior notice.

Important Information

Confirmation of the booking is received at the time of reservation unless it’s within 9 days of travel.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and infants must sit on laps.

Hotel policies state that early check-in, late check-out, and connecting or adjoining rooms are subject to availability.

Refunds aren’t provided for unused services, and splitting of the package isn’t allowed.

Due to local conditions, the tour contents may be modified without prior notice.

• Not wheelchair accessible
• Infants must sit on laps
• Early check-in, late check-out, and connecting/adjoining rooms subject to availability

Recommendations and Requirements

Travelers are recommended to wear comfortable, light clothing and avoid sleeveless shirts, shorts, or skimpy clothing when visiting temples or official buildings. Sun protection, sunglasses, a hat, and mosquito repellent are also recommended. The tour excludes personal expenditures, drinks, meals not stated, airport taxes, porterage, optional tours, international/domestic flight tickets, visa fees, local taxes, gratuities, and travel insurance.

What to Bring	Exclusions
Comfortable, light clothing	Personal expenditures
Sun protection	Drinks
Sunglasses	Meals not stated
Hat	Airport taxes
Mosquito repellent	Porterage
	Optional tours
	International/domestic flight tickets
	Visa fees
	Local taxes
	Gratuities
	Travel insurance

Exploring Tortuguero

The tour kicks off with a guided visit to the quaint Tortuguero village, providing a glimpse into the local way of life along the canals.

This is followed by a guided boat tour through the renowned Tortuguero National Park, where travelers can:

• Spot diverse wildlife, including howler monkeys, caimans, and a variety of bird species
• Explore the park’s intricate network of waterways and mangrove forests
• Learn about the park’s importance as a nesting ground for sea turtles

Exploring Tortuguero offers a unique opportunity to take in Costa Rica’s rich natural heritage and gain a deeper understanding of the local culture.

Discovering Arenal and Monteverde

After exploring the waterways and wildlife of Tortuguero, the tour moves on to the iconic Arenal Volcano and the lush Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve.

In Arenal, travelers embark on a guided hike through the national park, offering stunning views of the volcano and the opportunity to witness its impressive lava flow.

The journey then continues to Monteverde, where a guided hike through the cloud forest biological reserve provides a chance to take in the diverse ecosystem and spot the abundant flora and fauna.

Throughout these experiences, the tour maintains its commitment to small group sizes and knowledgeable, English-speaking local guides.

Questions About Your Stay

Is There a Single Supplement for Solo Travelers?

The information provided does not mention a single supplement for solo travelers. Tour providers typically charge a single supplement fee for solo travelers to cover the additional costs of a single room. The policy on this tour is unclear.

Can Dietary Requirements Be Accommodated on This Tour?

The tour operator can accommodate dietary requirements with advance notice. Travelers should notify the operator of any special dietary needs when booking the tour to ensure their needs are met during the included meals.

What Is the Average Group Size for This Tour?

The average group size for this tour is a maximum of 30 travelers. The tour operates on a shared basis with both Spanish and English-speaking licensed local guides.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Bookings Made in Advance?

The tour operator does not mention any discounts for advance bookings. The group size is limited to a maximum of 30 travelers, but no information is provided about potential discounts for early reservations.

How Flexible Is the Tour Itinerary if Weather Conditions Change?

The tour itinerary is flexible and may be modified without prior notice due to local conditions, such as weather changes. The provider aims to offer the best possible experience for travelers, while prioritizing their safety and comfort.

Final Verdict On This Stay

This comprehensive 13-day tour of Costa Rica offers travelers an immersive experience, exploring the country’s diverse landscapes, from the lush Tortuguero National Park to the stunning Arenal Volcano and the enchanting Monteverde Cloud Forest. With knowledgeable local guides and a personalized group size, travelers can discover the vibrant culture and wildlife of this beautiful Central American destination.