15 days tour

Discover Costa Rica - With Dominical

$ 3,960 .00 USD

Total price per person

Reserve with $3,960.00

Discover Costa Rica - With Dominical

This tour includes:

Guide

Tour leader throughout

Others

All listed activities

Meals

All breakfasts, eight lunches and six dinners included. Hotel breakfasts are normally buffet style, and lunches and dinners at Tortuguero and Esquinas Rainforest Lodge are also buffet style. Vegetarian and vegan options are limited but food is plentiful and tasty โ€“ please inform us before departure of any special dietary requests. Costa Rican specialities include gallo pinto, a black bean and rice dish and a staple part of the local diet. Soups and stews are also common, and fresh fruit is abundant and will no doubt be one of the highlights of your time here.

Accommodation

We spend 14 nights in hotels and lodges, most of which have swimming pools. The accommodations were chosen for their location (typically lodges in tropical gardens or in the heart of the rainforest) and we have been careful to avoid chain hotels where possible. The day-to-day itinerary details the properties typically used; however, below are a few of the notable hotels on this trip. Tortuguero:โ€ฏLaguna Lodge (nights 2-3) Constructed on a strip of land between the main lagoon and Caribbean Sea, Laguna Lodge is an away-from-it-all place to stay thatโ€™s ideal for disconnecting. Thereโ€™s no road access, so we get there by boat, while the estate itself combines several wooden lodges within beautifully kept gardens. Look out for the freely roaming sloths and monkeys! Thereโ€™s also a restaurant with river views and a bar on the waterโ€™s edge. Savegre: Savegre Hotel & Spa (nights 12-13) In the middle of a natural forest reserve, Savegre Hotel is the ideal place to immerse in nature. It has plant-filled gardens, multiple walking trails, and a lookout point with views over forested slopes. We sleep in wooden lodges, while Las Bromelias restaurant dishes out international and local cuisines (made with seasonal, indigenous produce) and Los Robles, a bar-lounge, serves cocktails and Savegre coffee. Dominical: Villas Rio Mar or Cuna del Angel In Dominical, we stay in either Villas Rio Mar (above) or Cuna del Angel, depending on availability. The former has a large palm tree-wrapped swimming pool, tropical gardens, and a rainforest trail to explore, plus Playa Dominical beach is just a 10-minute walk away. The latter also has a pool, plus thereโ€™s a restaurant with treetop views and a bar serving cocktails and more. Worth knowing Some of the properties have ceiling fans rather than air conditioning. One or several of the named properties might be substituted for similar alternatives to secure hotel availability. Please discuss with your customer operations executive if you require more details regarding your specific departure date.

Transport

We travel in air-conditioned buses and also boats in Tortuguero. Depending on the group size, we either use a 16-seat Coaster minibus or a larger 20-seat vehicle. Due to the type of vehicles we use, itโ€™s common for luggage to be transported on the roof, covered by a tarpaulin. There is a shared transfer to Tortuguero on Day 2 of the itinerary in a larger coach.

Not included:

Insurance

Insurance is not included.

Flights

Flights are not included.

Optional

Other activities and services are not included.

Others

โ€” Travel Insurance โ€” Single accommodation (available on request) โ€” Visas or vaccinations

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip Discover Costa Rica - With Dominical

  • Day 1 Day 1: Start San Josรฉ
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 1: Start San Josรฉ

      A free transfer takes you to our hotel in San Josรฉ, the busy capital of Costa Rica. Check in and take it easy, thereโ€™s plenty of excitement on this trip, so todayโ€™s all about relaxing and easing ourselves into the adventure. To help, there is a welcome briefing at the hotel in the evening (aim to arrive at the hotel by 5 pm), in which we gather as a group for the first time and meet our guide. If you miss todayโ€™s welcome briefing, the tour leader will give you all relevant information on the afternoon of Day 2. Accommodation: Presidente Hotel or Aurola Holiday Inn San Jose (or similar)

  • Day 2 Day 2: To Tortuguero National Park (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 2: To Tortuguero National Park (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

      Our adventure begins early this morning, leaving San Josรฉ as we travel to the northeast of Costa Rica to Tortuguero National Park. Accessible only by boat or light aircraft, Tortuguero has a vast network of waterways, canals and swamps that is remarkably tranquil, unspoilt and devoid of noise pollution. On reaching the pier, we board a small motorboat for the journey to our lodge (up to 1hr 30min) , which is a short distance from the main lagoon. Please note the transfer from San Josรฉ to Tortuguero is not private for Exodus clients. Our afternoon is spent in Tortuguero village, where itโ€™s possible to visit the Sea Turtle Museum (a donation will be requested at the entrance). Tortuguero is probably most famous as a nesting site for the endangered green turtle, which arrives onto the beach to lay eggs from late July to October (witness it as part of an optional excursion). Hawksbill, loggerhead and giant leatherback turtles also nest in this region. During November to January, baby turtles hatch and make their way towards the ocean. Todayโ€™s travel time will be in the region of six hours including a break for breakfast. Accommodation: Laguna Lodge (or similar)

  • Day 3 Day 3: Boat Tour Around Tortuguero Waterways (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 3: Boat Tour Around Tortuguero Waterways (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

      A morning boat trip enables us to discover the extraordinary flora and fauna of Tortuguero, passing serenely along the waterways. At this time of day, wildlife is usually at its most active, and with the help of our expert guide we are likely to encounter monkeys, caimans, iguanas, butterflies and many of the 300-plus bird species recorded here. We return to the lodge for a hearty riverside breakfast. The lodge is a tranquil spot to relax this afternoon if you want to take time out to enjoy the facilities, or you can join a second boat trip or follow a short walking trail through the forest. Accommodation: Laguna Lodge (or similar)

  • Day 4 Day 4: To La Fortuna, Near Arenal Volcano (Breakfast,Lunch)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 4: To La Fortuna, Near Arenal Volcano (Breakfast,Lunch)

      We leave Tortuguero the same way we arrived by taking a small boat to the pier. Our bus will be at the pier waiting to drive us to the Arenal region, passing huge banana, pineapple and sugarcane plantations on the way. Arenal was the most active volcano in Costa Rica until fairly recently when it entered a resting phase, and can no longer be seen spitting ash, smoke or lava. However, there is still a lot of geothermal activity in the area and you have the opportunity to visit one of the excellent hot springs this evening. In clear weather, there are great views of the volcano from our overnight base in the nearby town of La Fortuna. Todayโ€™s travelling time is around 5hr 30min including a lunch stop. Accommodation: Arenal Montechiari or Eco Arenal (or similar)

  • Day 5 Day 5: Visit Arenal Volcano; La Fortuna Waterfall Hike (Breakfast)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 5: Visit Arenal Volcano; La Fortuna Waterfall Hike (Breakfast)

      This morning we take a short scenic hike within Arenal National Park, walking through secondary rainforest and seeing some of the lava fields from past eruptions. The high vantage points on this walk allow great views overlooking Lake Arenal, and the birdlife is plentiful. Waterfalls are abundant in the region of Arenal and we visit La Fortuna, a 213ft (65m) cascade plunging into an emerald pool. A short trail through the rainforest brings us to a relatively steep set of steps that we must descend to reach the waterfall and then ascend to the exit โ€“ the hike/climb takes around 20-30 minutes and is within the capabilities of anyone with reasonable fitness. Reward your efforts with a cooling dip in one of the natural pools punctuating the foliage. Alternatively, you could visit the lookout point and wait for the group. After lunch, the rest of day is at leisure to enjoy optional activities such as a chocolate tour or the exhilarating Ecoglide Zipline. Accommodation: Arenal Montechiari or Eco Arenal (or similar)

  • Day 6 Day 6: To Monteverde In The Tilaran Mountains (Breakfast)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 6: To Monteverde In The Tilaran Mountains (Breakfast)

      From Arenal, we travel to the Tilaran Mountain Range in the central highlands for our first taste of a Costa Rican cloud forest. The journey provides breathtaking views of the Gulf of Nicoya and the islands below as we ascend the hills towards Monteverde, a forest-cloaked region whose name literally means Green Mountain. The high altitude supports a complex ecosystem where plants thrive, particularly orchids of which there are more than 400 varieties here. Todayโ€™s drive is around four hours โ€” the last 25mi (40km) of road is gravel and can be bumpy, particularly following heavy rain. Accommodation: Montaรฑa Monteverde or Monteverde Country Lodge (or similar)

  • Day 7 Day 7: Visit Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve (Breakfast)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 7: Visit Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve (Breakfast)

      This morning, we have a guided walk in Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve, one of the first community-managed reserves in Costa Rica and an area celebrated for its biodiversity. To this day, the reserve is managed by the Santa Elena High School with funds channelled into protecting the reserve and providing environmental education classes within the community. Thanks to its high elevation, Santa Elena is bathed in thick misty clouds, which support a huge range of flowers, ferns, mosses, vines and orchids. Birdlife thrives in the cloud forest with more 425 species recorded here. Santa Elena is also one of the best places to spot noisy howler monkeys swinging through the trees. In the afternoon, itโ€™s possible to join an optional coffee tour to learn about the importance of this crop to the socio-economic development of the country or join a canopy tour to get a different view of the forest. Accommodation: Montaรฑa Monteverde or Monteverde Country Lodge (or similar)

  • Day 8 Day 8: To Manuel Antonio (Breakfast)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 8: To Manuel Antonio (Breakfast)

      Our journey takes a southeasterly turn today as we follow the Pan-Am Highway along the coastline to Manuel Antonio, passing African oil palm and teak plantations on the way. Manuel Antonio National Park consists of a vast marine reserve as well as 1,700 acres (690ha) of mangrove swamp, primary and secondary rainforest. The forest vegetation stretches as far as the high-tide line and provides a stunning backdrop to the expansive sandy beaches, forested islands and dramatic rocky headlands. Our drive to Manuel Antonio takes around four hours (not including rest stops and lunch).We settle into our accommodation and, depending on our arrival time, can make use of the hotelโ€™s facilities. Accommodation: Villa Bosque Hotel, Villas Lirio or San Bada Hotel (or similar)

  • Day 9 Day 9: Discover Manuel Antonio National Park (Breakfast)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 9: Discover Manuel Antonio National Park (Breakfast)

      A guided tour of Manuel Antonio National Park this morning should enable us to have close wildlife encounters. White-faced capuchin monkeys play in the trees and are frequently sighted on the beaches, while noisy howler monkeys are usually heard moving through the trees and calling to each other before they are seen. The endangered titi monkey (squirrel monkey) is fewer in number but can sometimes be spotted in this area. Iguanas, agouti and two- and three-toed sloths are also commonly sighted in the national park. Manuel Antonioโ€™s beaches rank among the most beautiful in the country and we have all afternoon to enjoy them or try one of the optional activities in this region. Please note, Manuel Antonio National Park is closed on Tuesdays. If your visit falls on a Tuesday, the timing of this activity will be adjusted so you visit the park on the previous day and today will be at leisure to enjoy the many optional excursions of the region. Accommodation: Villa Bosque Hotel, Villas Lirio or San Bada Hotel (or similar)

  • Day 10 Day 10: To Dominical Beach (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 10: To Dominical Beach (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

      We transfer south to visit the enchanting Dominical beach, a favourite destination for surfing, stunning sunsets, incredible wildlife and green landscapes. After settling into our hotel, we visit one of the beautiful lookout points in this area. This lookout point is located on a forested mountainside that overlooks the coastal plains of Uvita, surrounded by a lush rainforest that is home to a variety of wildlife. Relax and enjoy a tropical drink while you see the beautiful view of the forest around you, the Marino Ballena National Park from above and during low tide the famous Whaleยดs Tail. Accommodation: Villas Rio Mar or Cuna del Angel (or similar)

  • Day 11 Day 11: Marino Ballena National Park (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 11: Marino Ballena National Park (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

      We spend the morning at Marino Ballena National Park, where we enjoy a walk through this natural conservation area. Along our route, we have the chance of seeing howler monkeys, white-faced monkeys, sloths, bats, raccoons, birds (including scarlet macaws) and other wildlife. Plants and trees, including the wonderful mangrove tree, are also part of the trail. Also here is Tombolo (known locally as the Whaleโ€™s Tail), a well-known natural barrier reef that looks just like a whaleโ€™s tail when viewed from above. In the afternoon, we return to the hotel where there is time to enjoy the facilities, visit the beach or join an optional activity such as a whale and dolphin tour. Accommodation: Villas Rio Mar or Cuna del Angel (or similar)

  • Day 12 Day 12: To Savegre Valley Cloud Forest (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 12: To Savegre Valley Cloud Forest (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

      Our journey takes a northwesterly turn through San Isidro and up and over the Cerro de la Muerte mountain range to our next destination, the Savegre Valley, around a 4hr 30min drive from Golfito (not including stops). The cloud forest of Savegre is said to be one of the best places in Costa Rica to see the beautiful, colourful and notoriously shy resplendent quetzal and we have two nights here to discover the region. These endangered birds rely on the cloud forest for their habitat โ€” the males in particular are striking with a green crest, red breast and tail feathers that can reach a metre long. A good pair of binoculars will be helpful for quetzal spotting as these birds camouflage themselves well among the wet leaves of the forest. In the afternoon, we take a short walk from our lodge into the cloud forest. Accommodation: Savegre Hotel & Spa, Trogon Lodge or Suria Lodge (or similar)

  • Day 13 Day 13: Free Day To Discover Walking Trails In Savegre Valley (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 13: Free Day To Discover Walking Trails In Savegre Valley (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

      Today is free to relax and explore Savegre Valley. Bring your binoculars to spot some of the 170 bird species, trek through the tropical cloud forest or simply enjoy the incredible view from the lodge. Your leader will suggest walks for today so you can discover the tropical cloud forest and sub-Andean vegetation of the area. Accommodation: Savegre Hotel Nature Reserve & Spa, Trogon Lodge or Suria Lodge (or similar)

  • Day 14 Day 14: Visit The Copey Valley; To San Josรฉ (Breakfast,Lunch)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 14: Visit The Copey Valley; To San Josรฉ (Breakfast,Lunch)

      Visit the Copey valley this morning to step momentarily into the agricultural lives of those living in the highlands of the Central Mountain Range. We take a short walk through this picturesque area stopping for snacks prepared for us by a local family, which is sure to be a memorable touch of Costa Rican hospitality. A 2hr 30min journey takes us back to San Josรฉ, where there is time to explore the modern capital. Accommodation: Presidente Hotel or Aurola Holiday Inn San Jose (or similar)

  • Day 15 Day 15: End San Josรฉ (Breakfast)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 15: End San Josรฉ (Breakfast)

      A final breakfast at the hotel is your chance to say goodbye to the group, swap numbers, and perhaps start planning your next adventure. For those joining our post-trip extension to Tamarindo Beach, the wait wonโ€™t be long. No matter what your future plans are, though, thereโ€™s a free transfer to San Josรฉ airport for onward flights.

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Experience Style

Experience Style

Mixed

There will be challenging activities such as hiking, biking, canyoning and trekking, but youโ€™re also going to have other means of transportation and relaxed moments to just chill.

Accomodation level

Accomodation level

Medium

This accommodation includes essential services like a hot shower, electricity, and a nice and comfy bed.

Experience Type

Experience Type

Small Group

Youโ€™ll be accompanied by a small group of travelers just like you.

Physical Rating

Physical Rating

Basic

Almost everyone is fit for these activities. Every hike or physical exercise last less than 30 minutes, such as paragliding and horseback riding. Please ask about specific conditions.

Age range

Age range

Min: 16 / Max: 99

Age range allowed for this experience.

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