Overview
Costa Rica: Coast to Coast
From tropical rainforest canopies to captivating city sights, your Central American tour of Costa Rica is rich in countless ways. Explore the untouched beauty of jungle ecosystems, with expert Naturalist Guides, to discover mangrove trees, rivers, coastlines, and nature preserves and national parks in the country’s colorful landscapes and legendary villages. This tour of Costa Rica is by no means roughing it, however! You’ll return to the relaxation and rejuvenation of your hotel or lodge each day to find all the creature comforts of home in luxurious style!
Highlights of Costa Rica: Coast to Coast
City Highlights
Price Details US
Gratuities for Tour Director and drivers are available for pre-purchase.
Related Tours
Transportation
Travelers Notes
We’ve packed everything you need for the perfect tour—from hand-selected hotels and dining to the friendly expertise of Globus Tour Directors and Local Guides with complimentary headsets to hear every word, to seamless transportation between destinations and VIP access to the world’s most iconic sites! Touring by private, first-class, air-conditioned motorcoach. Enhance your free time with your GlobusGO mobile app!
Inclusions
We’ve packed everything you need for the perfect vacation—from hand-selected hotels and dining to the friendly expertise of Globus Tour Directors and Local Guides; to seamless transportation between destinations and VIP access to the world’s most iconic sites!
Notes
UNESCO Sites
Area de Conservación Guanacaste
Product Group
Costa Rica: Coast to Coast
Meals
8 breakfasts, 2 lunches, and 3 dinners
Itineraries
Day 1
ARRIVE IN SAN JOSÉ, COSTA RICA SAN JOSÉ Welcome to San José!SAN-JOSE-WELCOME.jpg
Day 2
SAN JOSÉ–GUACALILLO–MANUEL ANTONIO NATIONAL PARK AREA Welcome to The Jungle! Take a morning drive to Guacalillo for a [LF] tropical mangrove cruise on Tárcoles River. Enjoy lunch before continuing south to the town of Quepos, home of the Manuel Antonio National Park in the Central Pacific region of the country. Scenic drive to the Pacific shore to Manuel Antonio for a free evening. (B,L)LOCAL FAVORITE NATURAL WONDERS Explore the Tárcoles River by boat, home to the largest colonies of crocodiles in the world, recorded as having between 80 and 240 individuals per mile of river. Travel along the mangrove, an extraordinary ecosystem featuring four different species of mangrove trees, providing an important nesting site for birds, including the beautiful scarlet macaw, and a shelter and nutrient spot for many fish and invertebrates. As the boat approaches the riverbanks, get a close-up look at wild crocodiles, each up to fifteen feet long. In addition to the scarlet macaw, the estuary also hosts over 250 different kinds of birds, including kingfishers, roseate spoonbills, great herons, anhingas, night herons, and much more!GUACALILLO-TARCOLES-RIVER-CROCODILE.jpg
Day 3
MANUEL ANTONIO NATIONAL PARK AREA Explore, Relax, Rediscover Naturalist guided walking tour of Manuel Antonio National Park After lunch at a local restaurant before returning to the hotel for a free evening. (B,L)TOUR HIGHLIGHTNATURE’S PARADISE Join a Naturalist Guide in search of sloths, toucans, monkeys, and more in the natural sanctuary of Manuel Antonio National Park. Your guide will take you for a hike through the paths of this beautiful park where you will be able to see many species of birds and mammals, and at the end you will have chance to enjoy some time in one of the beaches into the park, all of them recognized into the most beautiful beaches in the world.MANUEL-ANTONIO-NATIONAL-PARK-SLOTH.jpg
Day 4
MANUEL ANTONIO NATIONAL PARK AREA–LA FORTUNA–ARENAL Tropical Treasures Depart the Costa Rican coast for the rainforests. Visit the outdoor adventure hub of La Fortuna for free time before continuing to Arenal. Free time this afternoon to experience the resort’s pool and hot spring-fed jacuzzi or consider a walk on a nearby nature trail. Dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D) TOUR HIGHLIGHTACCOMMODATION SPOTLIGHT VOLCANO LODGE Lush tropical gardens, the sound of crashing waterfalls, and striking views of Costa Rica’s famed Arenal Volcano from the luxury of Volcano Lodge. Feel as though you have been transported into the middle of a hidden rainforest jungle, while enjoying all the comforts and amenities of a well-tended retreat. Experience the magic of the resort’s pool and hot spring-fed jacuzzi or consider a walk in the nearby nature trail in search of 300- to 400-year-old trees, frogs, monkeys, birds, and possibly small animals native to the area.ARENAL-HANGING-BRIDGE.jpg
Day 5
ARENAL. ARENAL HANGING BRIDGE–ECO TERMALES HOT SPRINGS Rainforest Canopies & Thermal Springs Morning at leisure. This afternoon, join a Naturalist Guide for a tour of the Arenal Hanging Bridges, which combines trails and suspension bridges through the canopy of rainforest, to search for flora and fauna. This evening, drive to nearby famous [LF] Eco Termales Hot Springs for a dip in the curative and relaxing pools before dinner at the hot springs. (B,D)LOCAL FAVORITEWONDERS OF NATURE Towering high above, Arenal Volcano is a perfect conical shape. It was once the most active volcano in Costa Rica with its lava flowing and gas consistently flowing from the crater amazing visitors of the area. In 2010, it entered a resting phase. But, because of the seismic activity of the area, you will find some of the best natural thermal hot springs.ARENAL-HOT-SPRINGS.jpg
Day 6
ARENAL. EXCURSION TO LA FORTUNA & ARENAL VOLCANO NATIONAL PARK Lava Love On a guided visit to Arenal Volcano National Park, see lava trails and how nature has found a way to recover from past lava flows. Ever since the 1500s, locals considered Arenal to be a mountain. However, everything changed on the morning of July 29, 1968, when the supposed mountain suddenly erupted. The eruptions continued non-stop for several days, covering with lava, rocks, and ash more than 15 square kilometers, affecting three towns and their crops, livestock, and properties. From that time until 2010, Arenal volcano was quite active, often spewing out rocks, lava, ash, and smoke. Next, a walking tour of the town of La Fortuna de San Carlos, offering spectacular views of the active Arenal Volcano. Return to the resort for a free evening. (B)ENHANCED FREE TIMEEXPLORE MORE During your morning at leisure, consider an optional horseback ride or float trip, or simply relax while enjoying your resort’s amenities or walk along the shaded trails nearby. 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.ARENAL-VOLCANO.jpg
Day 7
ARENAL–GUANACASTE Unplug & Recharge Bid farewells to the rainforest, as we depart for the beautiful beaches of Costa Rica. Start the journey with a scenic drive around Arenal Lake before descending the Tilaran Mountain range to reach the plains of Guanacaste’s countryside and finally to the golden sands of Tamarindo Beach. The evening is at leisure to rest and relax or take in the sunset. (B)ENHANCED FREE TIMEEXPLORE MORE What better way to celebrate your fantastic time in Costa Rica than with a lazy evening on the beach? Ask your Tour Director for the best spots on the sand and stretch out for pure relaxation on the pristine shore.GUANACASTE-ZIP-LINE.jpg
Day 8
GUANACASTE A Day at Leisure Full day at leisure to relax at the poolside, go explore the town on your own, take an optional adventure, or visit the beach and enjoy the sun and the waves. Tonight, join your Tour Director for a farewell dinner to celebrate your Costa Rican adventure with your fellow travels. (B,D) ENHANCED FREE TIMEEXPLORE MORE Exciting ways to spend your free time in Guanacaste include rainforest canopy tours, zipline, river rafting or floating down the Corobici River, horseback riding, and fishing. Snorkel in the Pacific Ocean, or just relax on the beach. 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 appGUANACASTE-BEACH.jpg
Day 9
GUANACASTE Safe travels until we meet again! Your tour ends with breakfast this morning. (B)GUANACASTE-MONKEY.jpg
Departures
Hotels
| # | Name | Description | City | Address | Rating |
| 1 | Doubletree Cariari | This sustainable Costa Rica hotel is typical of San Jose colonial hacienda architecture and offers spacious, comfortable guestrooms and suites with the latest amenities. Enjoy total convenience in its location, personalized services, delicious cuisine, and facilities like the pool and fitness center. Let the friendly staff help you relax while catering to your needs and helping you see all that Costa Rica has to offer. | San Jose | San Antonio de Belen | Superior First-Class |
| 2 | Si Como No Resort Spa & Wildlife Refuge | Located along Costa Rica's Central Pacific coast, Si Como No is a uniquely special Manuel Antonio Resort Spa and Wildlife Refuge that sits atop one of the most idyllic hillsides in Manuel Antonio. The resort's lush jungle terraces and brilliantly vivid gardens overlook the sparkling ocean just above world-renowned Manuel Antonio National Park. | Quepos | Manuel Antonio Road KM 4 | First-Class |
| 3 | Volcano Lodge & Gardens | With an exceptional location and views of Arenal Volcano, this hotel surpasses expectation in comfort, service, and class. Guests will feel at ease with modern room amenities, clean lines, and tasteful décor. Dining options, spa services, and a choice of pool and lounge settings make your stay in Arenal unforgettable, as well as its convenient access to the wildlife and nature surrounding it. | Arenal | La Fortuna | First-Class |
| 4 | Tamarindo Diria Beach and Golf Resort | This stunning property is a paradise along the shores of Northern Costa Rica. Elegant and modern accommodations are accented with local flare, while the hotel's facilities and features exceed expectation. The Tamarindo Diria Resort provides beach access, soothing pools surrounded by vegetation, and a variety of options to try local cuisine, all constant reminders that you are far away in a tropical escape. | Guanacaste | Playa Tamarindo | First-Class |
