Summary
During this amazing 7-day Tour of Costa Rica (Baldi Hot Springs, Tortuga Island) you will discover amazing biodiversity, heavenly beaches in destinations such as Manuel Antonio and Tortuga Island, three live volcanoes (Poás Volcano, Irazú Volcano and Arenal Volcano), natural parks, coffee plantations (Doka Estate) and relaxing hot springs (Baldi Hot Springs). You will also discover San José, the capital of Costa Rica during a guided tour and enjoy a cruise to Tortuga Island, a beautiful jewel in the Gulf of Nicoya on Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast. On board, you can taste various tropical fruits and juices as you cruise across the gulf for a day full of beautiful scenery, warm ocean water, and live music. Once at the 120-hectare island, you can explore the surroundings, sunbathe, swim, and even opt for an additional tour like ziplines or kayaking. There are four main hills to hike and 500 metres of Ecological Blue Flag certified beach.
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Gabriela
Local travel expert in Costa Rica
I will be delighted to create amazing experiences for you in Costa Rica and show you what my beautiful country has to offer. Let’s design together the itinerary of your dreams, let’s make this trip the most memorable of your life.
Itinerary
On arrival in San José, Costa Rica, you will be welcomed at Juan Santamaría International Airport and transferred to your hotel in the city.
In the afternoon, you will enjoy a tour of the National Theatre, a masterpiece of art and architecture known as “The Jewel of San Jose,” completed in 1897 by Costa Rican builders. Then you will visit the Gold Museum (an archaeological site of interest) and the Central Market, a place full of Costa Rican culture, heritage, and traditions. You can browse and buy some local handicrafts. You will also visit the Metropolitan Cathedral.
As you travel through the San José, your guide will show you several historical and important buildings, for example, the University of Costa Rica, the old train station, the National Liquor Factory, the Supreme National Board of Elections, the Legislative Assembly (equivalent to Congress), the Metallic Building, more and some parks and other sites of interest. In addition, you will visit an art gallery for souvenir shopping. This introduction to the capital city will inform you about the economy, culture, politics, religion, and current affairs of Costa Rica.
Accommodation at the hotel of your choice in San José.
In the morning, you will leave the city to visit the century-old Doka coffee estate. On the way you will see the contrast between the city life and the tranquillity of rural life based on farming and, mainly, coffee cultivation. You will also encounter fern and flower plantations, strawberry fields, and dairies. On arrival at the destination, you will have a traditional breakfast and enjoy the coffee tour. On this working coffee plantation, you will learn the techniques used over the years to produce one of the best coffees in Costa Rica and the world.
Next, you will continue your journey to the Poás Volcano, where you will see the main crater and enjoy walking the trails to learn about the unique ecosystems in Poás Volcano National Park. The Poás Volcano is one of the most popular destinations in the Central Valley and one of the world’s largest active volcanoes, with sulphuric emissions, more active fumaroles, and two crater lakes. The northern lake, called the Laguna Caliente (hot lagoon) located at a height of 2,300 m is one of the world’s most acidic lakes, in direct contrast to Lake Botos, the southern, which fills an inactive crater and is cold, clear, and surrounded by the beauty of the cloud forest. It rises above the mountainous forests of the Central Volcanic Range. Poás Volcano National Park boasts magnificent cloud forest landscapes.
Accommodation at the hotel of your choice in San José.
On this day, you will visit the Irazú Volcano located in the Central Valley near the capital city of San José and the surrounding area. Fertile fields cover the volcano’s slopes, where many kinds of vegetables are grown. Irazú is the highest active volcano in Costa Rica at 3,432 m and has two main craters, one containing a green-tinted lake. The craters are easily accessible from San José by a road that leads straight up to the summit craters. You can see the volcano’s main craters at the summit, and on a clear day, you will also see the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.
Afterwards, you will continue your journey to the Orosi Valley, which features beautiful landscapes. You will make a stop for lunch at a local restaurant. Then you will visit the Basilica of Our Lady of the Angels, Costa Rica’s most venerated religious shrine.
Next, you will visit the Lankester Botanical Garden, a more research center of the University of Costa Rica, created to protect and preserve more than 800 species of orchids and other plants. You will enjoy a guided tour of the different garden sections, such as bromeliads, cacti, heliconias, palms, orchids, and others.
Accommodation at the hotel of your choice in San José.
The day will begin with the transfer to the impressive Arenal Volcano, that is a magnificent natural wonder situated in La Fortuna of San Carlos, Costa Rica, providing many tourists with the opportunity to witness volcanic activity, such as the white plumes of smoke that emanate from the conical shaped behemoth. It is important to note that the volcano had previously been assumed to be dormant, until 1968, when it experienced a major eruption.
To get to this natural wonder you will go to the north of the country, and inevitably you will make a stop in the famous town of Sarchi, which has earned the name of the Birthplace of Costa Rica’s Artisans. As you continue your trip, you will go through diverse plantations with agricultural products, ornamental plants and cattle ranches until you arrive to La Fortuna, where you will lunch in a cozy restaurant right in front of the volcano. This more excellent location will allow you the best view of the volcano.
Later in the afternoon, you will relax in one of the best thermal water places in the area, Baldi Hot Springs. The thermal waters here are 100% pure and safe for your enjoyment. At the resort there are 25 thermal water pools (10 indoor pools and 15 outdoor pools) amidst the tropical rainforest, filled by crystalline waterfalls, for the use and enjoyment of all visitors. The purity of the water will make you feel like you are floating in an oasis of healing, with birds singing all around and the sound of falling water that invites you to relax and recover your wellness and quality of life. Here you can also have an optional massage or spa treatment if booked in advance.
The excursion finishes with an excellent dinner and spectacular views of the Arenal Volcano. After dinner, you will return directly to San José.
Accommodation at the hotel of your choice in San José.
On this day, you will cross the mountains surrounding the Central Valley on the main highway connecting the capital with the coastal region. You will make a stop for a delicious Costa Rican breakfast at a restaurant by the Tarcoles River, famous for its huge crocodiles.
On your way to Manuel Antonio, you will travel along the Southern Coastal Highway, enjoying beautiful ocean views, African palm plantations, and picturesque towns along the Pacific Coast. You will pass by the port town of Quepos just before you get to Manuel Antonio National Park.
In the park, you will hike through the rainforest along a nature trail to the beach, where you can swim. You will observe the abundant flora and fauna found here, including several species of monkeys, raccoons, iguanas, birds, and sloths. You can also hike other trails, including one to Cathedral Point. If you go, be sure to bring your camera more because the view from the top is spectacular.
After enjoying the national park, you will walk to a nearby restaurant for a well-deserved lunch before returning to the city.
Accommodation at the hotel of your choice in San José.
Your excursion to Tortuga Island will start early in the morning, departing from San José to Puntarenas. There you will board the cruise yacht to Tortuga Island, a beautiful jewel in the Gulf of Nicoya on Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast.
On board, you can enjoy tropical fruits and juices as you cruise across the gulf for a day full of beautiful scenery, warm ocean water, and live music. Once at the 120-hectare (296-acre) island, you can explore the surroundings, sunbathe, swim, and even opt for an additional tour like ziplines or kayaking. There are four main hills to hike and 500 metres (1,640 feet) of Ecological Blue Flag-certified beach. Later, you will enjoy a delicious lunch prepared by the crew.
The yacht is outfitted with two Cummins 300 HP marine engines, radar, satellite system, VHF radio, bathrooms, and drinking water. The captain has more than 10 years of experience and an more international maritime license, and the crew is highly trained.
Accommodation at the hotel of your choice in San José.
On your departure day, you will be transferred to Juan Santamaria International Airport in San José. Please note that you should be at the airport at least three hours before your flight departs.
Prices
Travel dates
Prices for private tours
Upon request
Price per person in €
1 Pers.
2 Pers.
3 Pers.
3* Hotel (Jan. 1 - June 30, 2024)
1339€
990€
931€
3* Hotel (July 1 - Nov. 30, 2024)
1379€
1026€
965€
4* Hotel (Jan. 1 - June 30, 2024)
1495€
1070€
1006€
4* Hotel (July 1 - Nov. 30, 2024)
1537€
1105€
1041€
| Travel dates | Accommodation | Price per person in € | ||
| 1 Pers. | 2 Pers. | 3 Pers. | ||
|
Prices for private tours Upon request |
3* Hotel (Jan. 1 - June 30, 2024) | 1339€ | 990€ | 931€ |
| 3* Hotel (July 1 - Nov. 30, 2024) | 1379€ | 1026€ | 965€ | |
| 4* Hotel (Jan. 1 - June 30, 2024) | 1495€ | 1070€ | 1006€ | |
| 4* Hotel (July 1 - Nov. 30, 2024) | 1537€ | 1105€ | 1041€ | |
What's Included
- 6 nights accommodation in a single (SGL), double (DBL) / twin (TWN) or triple (TPL) room at 3* or 4* hotels in San José;
- Breakfast at the hotel;
- Lunch on day 3, 4, 5, 6 of the itinerary;
- Dinner on day 4 of the itinerary;
- Excursions on the entire itinerary;
- Entrance fees according to the itinerary;
- Transfer from Juan Santamaria International Airport to the hotel in San José;
- Transfer from the hotel in San José to Juan Santamaria International Airport;
- Transportation during the entire itinerary;
- Cruise to Tortuga Island;
- Local English speaking guides;
- Infants from 0 to 2 years do not pay;
- Children’s rate applies for ages 3 to 11 years. Maximum 2 children sharing a room with their parents.