14-Day Basic Costa Rica Tour from San Jose: Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, San Carlos, La Fortuna, Monteverde and Southern Nicoya Peninsula | Coastlines & Cloud Forests | Small Group Tour

(5 Reviews)
Product Code: 114862

OVERVIEW

Highlights

    • Chill out on the Caribbean and Pacific coasts
    • Cruise across Lake Arenal with beautiful views of Arenal Volcano
    • Explore the misty cloud forest
Tour Code
114862
Duration
14 day
Departure City
San José, Costa Rica
End City
San José, Costa Rica
Language
English

IS THIS TOUR FOR ME?

Tour Themes: Cultural & Historical

Learn about history and local culture with in-depth tours and activities

Tour Type: Guided Tour

Multiple local tour guides/drivers available throughout your tour/activity

Group Size: Small group tour

Take an intimate and semi-private trip with a small group

Activity Level: Moderate

Designed for travelers in good health who are comfortable with light walking or hiking

Itinerary

Day 01
San José, Costa Rica

San José

Hotel: Boutique Hotel Casa Las Orquideas or similar

Meal: B:Excluded L:Excluded D:Excluded

Arrive at any time. Tonight, explore the La California barrio with your fellow travellers. Stop in at one of the many bars to get to know your group over a few drinks. Cheers to new friends and new adventures!

Arrive in San Jose at any time. There are no planned activities so check into our hotel and enjoy the city.

【Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group】

Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.

【Your First Night Out Moment: Connect With New Friends】

Connect with new friends on your first night out in a new destination. Only available on 18-to-Thirtysomethings tours.


Meal

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Day 02
Puerto Viejo de Talamanca

San José - Puerto Viejo de Talamanca

Hotel: Hotel Cabinas Guarana or similar

Meal: B:Excluded L:Excluded D:Excluded

Today begin with an incredible bus ride over the mountains to the Caribbean coast. The group will be travelling to the picturesque village of Puerto Viejo de Talamanca to enjoy the tropical seascape and sandy beaches surrounded by exotic tropical vegetation.

Spend time enjoying the picturesque village of Puerto Viejo de Talamanca. The white and black sand beaches are perfect for lounging about and catching up on some relaxation.

【Free Time】

Free time to explore paradise.


Meal

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Day 03
Puerto Viejo de Talamanca

Puerto Viejo de Talamanca

Hotel: Hotel Cabinas Guarana or similar

Meal: B:Excluded L:Excluded D:Excluded

It's a full free day in absolute paradise! What are you waiting for? Opt to rent a bike, relax on the beach, or hike in Manzanillo National Wildlife Refuge.

【Free Time】

Free time to explore paradise.


Meal

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Day 04
Puerto Viejo de Talamanca

Puerto Viejo de Talamanca

Hotel: Hotel Cabinas Guarana or similar

Meal: B:Excluded L:Excluded D:Excluded

It's a full free day in absolute paradise! What are you waiting for? Opt to rent a bike, relax on the beach, or hike in Manzanillo National Wildlife Refuge.

【Free Time】

Free time to explore paradise.


Meal

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Day 05

Puerto Viejo de Talamanca - San Carlos

Hotel: Coope San Juan Homestay or similar

Meal: B:Excluded L:Excluded D:Included

Travel north up the Caribbean coastline before heading inland through varied landscapes. Stop at Coope San Juan for a homestay in the local community and cooperative that includes lunch, dinner, and an activity with the community.

【Your G for Good Moment: Coope San Juan Homestay】

Immerse yourself in local farming culture by staying with a family in the Coope San Juan community in the rainforest of northern Costa Rica. Your presence is supporting this community-owned and operated business. While you're here, practice Spanish, enjoy authentically-cooked fresh food, bike along jungle trails, and try your hand at fishing.


Meal

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Day 06
La Fortuna

San Carlos - La Fortuna

Hotel: Poshpacker Arenal or similar

Meal: B:Included L:Excluded D:Excluded

After breakfast in San Carlos the group will travel to La Fortuna. Check out this beautiful area at the base of Arenal Volcano. Options abound—soak in Arenal's hot springs or get the adrenaline pumping with whitewater rafting or waterfall rappelling.

Get your adrenaline pumping and pre-book the Costa Rica Adrenaline Bundle on the checkout page to include this optional activity on your tour or ask your GCO or travel agent for assistance.

【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!


Visiting Attractions

  • Arenal Volcano Arenal Volcano

Meal

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Day 07
La Fortuna

La Fortuna

Hotel: Poshpacker Arenal or similar

Meal: B:Excluded L:Excluded D:Excluded

Enjoy an entire free day in La Fortuna. Opt to go whitewater rafting, mountain biking, caving, horseback riding, or a tour of the Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge. Like much of Costa Rica, the area is a birders’ paradise, with over 600 species as permanent residents. After a long day of exploring, you can choose to take a relaxing soak at Baldi Hot Springs.

【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!


Visiting Attractions

  • Arenal Volcano Arenal Volcano

Meal

  • B:Excluded
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Day 08
Monteverde

La Fortuna - Monteverde

Hotel: Hotel Manakin or similar

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Travel from La Fortuna to Monteverde and into the cool mountain air of the area. Stop at Life Monteverde, a coffee cooperative for coffee tastings, and a tour of their farm to learn about sustainable agriculture. In the afternoon, take time to venture out and explore the mountainous town of Monteverde.

From the central valley, ascend to the Monteverde cloud forest region. Spend a couple of days exploring the town and a cloud forest reserve, truly a bird lover's paradise. This unique community has several cooperatives worth visiting including artist collectives and a cheese factory.

Local guides are extremely knowledgeable about the area and passionate about conservation of this precious ecosystem.

Optional activities include a walk along suspension bridges through dense forest, a coffee tour, or an adrenaline-filled zipline above the cloud forest on one of the many famous canopy tours.

【Your G for Good Moment: Life Monteverde Experience】

Enjoy a visit to Life Monteverde, a coffee cooperative made up of 12 local families, dedicated to educating Costa Rica and the world about sustainable farming and conservation. Your visit here directly benefits Life Monteverde's educational programs, which provide free access to local school groups, and training for Costa Ricans. Walk through the plantations of various tropical plants including bananas and pineapples, and learn about coffee growing and production, as well as various sustainable agriculture techniques like converting animal waste to fuel. Also make sure to taste the delicious coffee before you go!


Meal

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Day 09
Monteverde

Monteverde

Hotel: Hotel Manakin or similar

Meal: B:Excluded L:Excluded D:Excluded

There's so much to see and do in Monteverde and you'll have plenty of time on this free day to explore on your own. Opt to wander the cloud forest or visit a coffee plantation.

【Your Discover Moment】

There's plenty to see and do in Monteverde, 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 ziplining, visiting the hanging bridges, and horseback riding. Your CEO has more ideas if you need them. Just ask!


Meal

  • B:Excluded
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Day 10

Monteverde - Southern Nicoya Peninsula

Hotel: Selina Santa Teresa or similar

Meal: B:Excluded L:Excluded D:Excluded

Travel to the Pacific coast along the southern Nicoya Peninsula. Enjoy the laid-back beach town vibes of Santa Teresa or Montezuma.


Visiting Attractions

  • Nicoya Peninsula Nicoya Peninsula

Meal

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Day 11
Montezuma

Santa Teresa - Montezuma

Hotel: Selina Santa Teresa or similar

Meal: B:Excluded L:Excluded D:Excluded

Fill your days with as much or as little as you like. Start off with an early yoga class or sleep in before setting off to explore nearby beaches in search of a perfect, tranquil spot for a day of relaxing along the beautiful Pacific coast.

Take a day trip to the beautiful Isla Tortuga, where you can snorkel along a volcanic rock reef or check out the nearby surf havens of Mal Pais and Santa Teresa. Adrenaline junkies can take their pick of activities as well - ziplining, boogie boarding, horseback riding or scuba diving are all options. On the other hand, if relaxation is what you seek, opt for a yoga class or take a leisurely hike to search for orchids.

Want to learn how to surf in Costa Rica? Pre-book the Santa Teresa Surf Lesson on the checkout page to include this optional activity on your tour or ask your GCO or travel agent for assistance.

【Free Time】

Get out and explore the southern part of the Nicoya Peninsula.


Meal

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Day 12
Montezuma

Santa Teresa - Montezuma

Hotel: Selina Santa Teresa or similar

Meal: B:Excluded L:Excluded D:Excluded

Continue to explore all on your own.

【Free Time】

Get out and explore the southern part of the Nicoya Peninsula.


Meal

  • B:Excluded
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Day 13
San José, Costa Rica

Southern Nicoya Peninsula - San José

Hotel: Boutique Hotel Casa Las Orquideas or similar

Meal: B:Excluded L:Excluded D:Excluded

Travel back to the capital for a final evening with the group.

Return to San José for some last-minute shopping and a final night on the town.


Meal

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Day 14
San José, Costa Rica

San José

Meal: B:Excluded L:Excluded D:Excluded

Depart at any time.

Meal

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Please note that order of day-to-day itinerary is adjustable depending on tour start day.

Own Expenses

Day Activity Price Additional Information
D2 Gandoca Manzanillo National Wildlife Refuge Hike $65.00/Person
D2 Snorkelling $65.00/Person
D2 Bike Rental $9.00/Person
D3 Gandoca Manzanillo National Wildlife Refuge Hike $65.00/Person
D3 Snorkelling $65.00/Person
D3 Bike Rental $9.00/Person
D3 Finca la Isla Botanical Garden Visit $5.00-$10.00/Person
D4 Gandoca Manzanillo National Wildlife Refuge Hike $65.00/Person
D4 Snorkelling $65.00/Person
D4 Bike Rental $9.00/Person
D4 Finca la Isla Botanical Garden Visit $5.00-$10.00/Person
D6 La Fortuna Waterfall Swim $20.00/Person
D6 Costa Rica Adrenaline Bundle $149.00/Person CANYONING (Half-day Arenal) Rappel, down-climb, river-trace, and descend huge waterfalls in the rugged mountains and lush rainforests around Costa Rica’s Arenal Volcano. ZIPLINING (Half-day Monteverde) Get a true bird’s-eye view of the rainforest canopy as you soar through the trees on a Tarzan swing, a giant rappel, and a 137-meter-high (450-foot) zipline. Please note the prices listed does not include the IVA Tax. Please note that passengers must weigh between 45-100kg (100 – 220 lbs) and be at least 130cm (4'3 ft) tall to participate in these activities.
D6 Baldi Hot Springs $64.00/Person
D6 Arenal Horseback Riding $66.00-$68.00/Person
D6 Gravity Falls Waterfall Jumping $125.00/Person
D6 Mountain Biking $79.00/Person
D6 Whitewater Rafting $61.00-86.00/Person
D6 Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge Tour $65.00/Person
D6 Venado Caves Exploration $78.00/Person
D6 Lost Canyon Adventures Canyoning $99.00/Person
D7 Baldi Hot Springs $64.00/Person
D7 Gravity Falls Waterfall Jumping $125.00/Person
D7 Whitewater Rafting $61.00-86.00/Person
D7 Costa Rica Adrenaline Bundle $149.00/Person CANYONING (Half-day Arenal) Rappel, down-climb, river-trace, and descend huge waterfalls in the rugged mountains and lush rainforests around Costa Rica’s Arenal Volcano. ZIPLINING (Half-day Monteverde) Get a true bird’s-eye view of the rainforest canopy as you soar through the trees on a Tarzan swing, a giant rappel, and a 137-meter-high (450-foot) zipline. Please note the prices listed does not include the IVA Tax. Please note that passengers must weigh between 45-100kg (100 – 220 lbs) and be at least 130cm (4'3 ft) tall to participate in these activities.
D7 Stand-Up Paddle and Kayak Combo $59.00/Person
D9 Monteverde Butterfly Garden Visit $20.00/Person
D9 El Trapiche Tour Monteverde $33.00/Person
D9 Ziplining $60.00/Person
D9 Monteverde Coffee Plantation Tour $40.00/Person
D9 Santa Elena Cloud Forest Guided Tour $50.00/Person
D9 Sky Walk $55.00/Person
  • All mandatory fees must be paid in cash to the tour guide and tickets cannot be pre-purchased separatedly.
  • Any optional activities you wish to join must be paid to your tour guide in cash.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

Package Includes

    • Your G for Good Moment: Coope San Juan Homestay, Cantón de San Carlos
    • Your G for Good Moment: Life Monteverde Experience, Monteverde
    • Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
    • Your First Night Out Moment: Connect With New Friends
    • Your Discover Moment: La Fortuna
    • Your Discover Moment: Monteverde
    • Beach time in Puerto Viejo and Santa Teresa
    • Free time in La Fortuna and Monteverde
    • All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
    • Accommodations: Simple hotels (3-night), hostels (9-night, multi-share), local homestay (1-night)
    • Transportation: Local bus, boat, taxi, private vehicle, walking
    • Staff & experts: CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout
    • Meals: 1 breakfast, 1 dinner (Allow USD470-615 for meals not included)

Package Excludes

    • 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.)
    • It is customary in Latin America to tip service providers such as waiters, at approximately 10%, depending on the service. Tipping is an expected - though not compulsory - component of your tour program and an expression of satisfaction with the persons who have assisted you on your tour. Although it may not be customary to you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels. There are several times during the trip where there is opportunity to tip the local guides or drivers we use. 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 person, 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

Cancellation made within:

  • 0 - 31 Days Prior to Departure Date - Non-refundable
  • 32 - 61 Days Prior to Departure Date - 50% of total purchase amount can be refunded
  • 62 or More Days - 90% of total purchase amount can be refunded
Please Note:
• 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.

Special Notes

    • 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.
    • Itinerary Disclaimer
      * While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission.
      * Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.
    • Important Notes
      * Costa Rica will not be allowing anyone to enter the country without proof of a departure ticket (bus, airplane, boat, etc.). If you are travelling through a few countries in Central America, you will need to show proof of your itinerary and a departure ticket from your last destination. Please print the itinerary and voucher and bring it with you.
      * Be prepared for rain and lower temperatures during the winter season (June-November), especially in Costa Rica's central valley.
      * Looking to add to your experience? Check out our Extras! Specially designed for travellers with unique interests, Extras are optional add-ons to your trip that make your adventure more you-centric. Extras must be booked prior to departure.
    • Group Leader Description
      * All group trips are accompanied by one of our group leaders, a representative, or an expedition team. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. 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. 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.
    • Meals
      * Eating is a big part of traveling. Travelling with us you experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available out in the world. Generally meals are not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating options, to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. It also gives you more budgeting flexibility, though generally food is cheap. Our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There is no obligation to do this though. Your CEO will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip. The above information applies to group trips. For Independent trips please check the itinerary for details of meals included.
      * For all trips please refer to the meals included and budget information for included meals and meal budgets.
    • 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
      * 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.
    • 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.
  • The time we mentioned in the itinerary is for reference only. Please refer to your guide on tour for the actual arrangement. The visiting order and duration might be changed according to actual and practical situation for better service.
  • This tour/activity is overseen by a select local operator in the region. Upon booking your tour or activity and after receiving confirmation, you will be issued an e-ticket detailing the local operator's name and contact information. If you require assistance finding a specific tour, please contact us for more information.

Pricing Info

Your reservation is always subject to confirmation by email, normally within one to two business days.

* Age requirement: 18-39.

Reservation Info

    1.Immediately after submitting your reservation you will receive a Receipt of Reservation via email.
    2. Within one to two business days of submitting your reservation you will receive a status update email from us. If you need to book an airline ticket, we recommend that you do so after you receive a confirmation of your tour reservation from us.
    3. An E-Ticket will be sent to you via email as soon as details of your reservation are confirmed or your supporting information is received by us. We will provide you with all detailed information about your tour on the E-Ticket. Contact information for local tour provider will be included on E-Ticket for your convenience or re-confirmation purpose if re-confirmation is required.
    4. Simply print your E-Ticket and present it with your valid photo ID on the day of your activity to your tour guide. Please remember E-Ticket is your proof of purchase.

Terms and Conditions

    - Your purchase does not guarantee confirmation. Your purchase will initiate a reservation process. We will confirm with you via email within one to two business days.
    - Prices may vary due to availability. We reserve the right to make price adjustment without prior notice.
    - Please refer to our Standard Amendment, Cancellation and Refund Policy before you make reservation.
    - Please refer to Customer Agreement before you make reservation.
    - Local tour provider reserves the right to make modifications to tour arrangements including order of tour activities, hotel and its location if deemed necessary.

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    Conditional Cancellation
    This tour qualifies for: Free Cancellation 25 or more Days Prior to Departure
    • 16-24 Days Prior to Departure Date - 75% of total purchase amount can be refunded
    • 7-15 Days Prior to Departure Date - 50% of total purchase amount can be refunded
    • 6 Days Prior to Departure Date - Non-refundable
    All cancellations must be made directly with Tours4Fun, not with tour providers. The day mentioned above is based on the date we receive your signed Cancellation Request Form and travel service start date (departure date).
    • 0 - 31 Days Prior to Departure Date - Non-refundable
    • 32 - 61 Days Prior to Departure Date - 50% of total purchase amount can be refunded
    • 62 or More Days - 90% of total purchase amount can be refunded
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