Costa Rica Eco Adventure
8 Days from $1,695 per person
Glide through tree-lined waterways and relax in thermal pools, sample chocolate made from the world's best cacao and journey back in time with a native Quaker in Old Town Monteverde.
Overview
Glide through tree-lined waterways and relax in thermal pools, sample chocolate made from the world's best cacao and journey back in time with a native Quaker in Old Town Monteverde.
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Day 1: Arrive San José
Welcome to San José where your journey begins with a warm greeting from a local host at the airport and a transfer to your hotel. At 6 pm, gather at the hotel with your Travel Director and traveling companions for a Welcome Reception.
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Day 2: San José – Braulio Carrillo National Park – Tortuguero National Park (2 Nights)
After breakfast, head toward the small town of San Isidro de Heredia, where you are welcomed by master chocolatiers, Julio Fernandez and George Soriano, for a taste of gourmet chocolate, a Cultural Insight. Learn about the history of chocolate and how it is produced at this small workshop. Continue to Siquirres and embark on a river journey through protected wetlands. Later, stroll the streets of Tortuguero Village and explore the fascinating Green Turtle Research Station. Enjoy dinner at the hotel this evening.
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Day 3: Tortuguero National Park Sightseeing
Glide through the canals and waterways of the park today as howler monkeys watch from the treetops, toucans and egrets fly through the air, and crocodiles ply the cool waters. If you're here in July, take an optional trip to see the sea turtles laying eggs on the beach.
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Day 4: Tortuguero – Sarapiquí
Board your boat and bid adiós to Tortuguero. Enjoy lunch along the way before a visit a Tico family's palm plantation where you'll learn about and sample the delicate heart of palm, a Cultural Insight. After a mid-afternoon arrival at your hotel, join your Travel Director on an easy hike looking for the exotic birds. With a little luck, you may spot the endangered great green macaw. Your evening is free.
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Day 5: Sarapiquí – Arenal
Embark on an optional rafting trip^. We connect with locals, joining the Quintana Family for a Be My Guest lunch at their eco-friendly hacienda. Make a difference and learn how your visit contributes to the local community. We continue to Arenal Volcano, where we spend the afternoon relaxing.
^ Participation in this activity is at your own risk and a signed liability waiver will be required.
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Day 6: Arenal – Monteverde Cloud Forest (2 Nights)
Enjoy a free morning before heading to the Monteverde Cloud Forest, straddling the Continental Divide, home to luxuriant vegetation, abundant wildlife, coffee plantations and spectacular views. Tonight, you'll meet a native Quaker, and Local Specialist, who will share stories of Old Town Monteverde.
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Day 7: Monteverde Cloud Forest Sightseeing
Join your guide for an excursion through the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. Covering 26,000 acres of tropical rainforest, the Reserve consists of 6 ecological zones and offers extremely high biodiversity. Later, ascend to the treetops for a bird's-eye view of the forest on the unforgettable Sky Walk^, a chain of 6 suspension bridges at canopy level. Tonight, trade stories of your experiences at a Farewell Dinner.
^ Participation in this activity is at your own risk and a signed liability waiver will be required.
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Day 8: Monteverde – Depart Liberia or San José
For now it's a fond hasta luego to Costa Rica, but not goodbye. Transfer to either Liberia or San José International Airports. Airport arrival will be at 11:30 am for both San José and Liberia airport. Please be aware when booking your flights.
Request a Quote
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30 Day Refund Guarantee
We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.
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Definite Departure
| Start Date | Return Date | Price | Discount | Availability | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15 Jun 19 | 22 Jun 19 |
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$1,695pp | AARP members save an additional $100 | Request Quote Book Now | ||
| 29 Jun 19 | 6 Jul 19 |
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$1,695pp | AARP members save an additional $100 | Request Quote Book Now | ||
| 20 Jul 19 | 27 Jul 19 |
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$1,795pp | AARP members save an additional $100 | Request Quote Book Now | ||
| 28 Sep 19 | 5 Oct 19 |
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$1,695pp | AARP members save an additional $100 | Request Quote Book Now | ||
| 5 Oct 19 | 12 Oct 19 | $1,695pp | AARP members save an additional $100 | Request Quote Book Now | |||
| 7 Dec 19 | 14 Dec 19 |
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$1,850pp | AARP members save an additional $100 | Request Quote Book Now |
Price is per person and is based on two people sharing a twin bedded room. Single rooms are available at a supplement.
Single Room Supplement: from $475.
Guaranteed Room Share is not available on this trip.
Gratuities: Option to pre-pay gratuities for Travel Director and Driver $89 per person.
Luggage: For the two night excursion to Tortuguero National Park guests are permitted to bring a maximum of 25 lbs of luggage. Your primary suitcase will be transferred and securely stored at your Sarapiqui hotel.
AARP Members are entitled to an exclusive Member Benefit Discount on all Grand European Travel vacations. Plus receive a free travel gift! Call Toll Free: 1-866-847-3858 for details.
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Professional Travel Director
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Sightseeing with Local Experts
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VIP Access
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WIFI on Coach and in Hotels
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Cultural Enrichment
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Expertly Selected Hotels
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Hotel Tips
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Most Meals
Meal Summary
7 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 6 dinners.
Included Highlights
Connect with Locals
- Join Don Alberto and Doña Ana Quintana for a traditional Costa Rican lunch at their Hacienda Pozo Azul, a 2000-acre working ranch.
Dive into Culture
- Indulge in gourmet chocolate made from the world's best cacao beans.
- Visit a Tico family's palm plantation to learn about and sample the delicate heart of palm.
Local Specialist
- Listen to a Quaker share stories of the beginning of Monteverde's colorful history.
Sightseeing Highlights
- Visit Tortuguero National Park, Sarapiquí, Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
- View Arenal Volcano
Request a Quote
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30 Day Refund Guarantee
We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.
Reviews
Request a Quote
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30 Day Refund Guarantee
We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.
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Passports and Visas
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Currency
The currency in Costa Rica is the colón. You’ll usually find the best exchange rates in your destination and can pay with your debit or credit card in many places. The most convenient way to obtain cash is to use your ATM card at local banks in Costa Rica. It is important that you inform your financial institutions of your travel plans before you leave home so they don’t flag your purchases as potentially fraudulent charges.
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Cuisine
One of the most enjoyable parts of traveling is sampling the local cuisine. In Costa Rica food mild and simple with many dishes centered on rice, beans, vegetables and meat. Try the local ceviche prepared with octopus, shrimp, tilapia and seabass cured with lemon juice and spices. You’ll find an abundance of fresh produce to enjoy including plantains, coconut, papaya and mango. Costa Rican coffee is strong and rich; try it black or order it with milk (café con leche).
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Packing
Costa Rica has an enjoyable climate with sunshine throughout the year. We suggest bringing a variety of comfortable, lightweight clothing that can be layered to save space in your suitcase and give you more options for how to dress. Sturdy walking shoes are important. Insect repellant and sunscreen may come in handy, as well as a light jacket and reusable water bottle. For more helpful information please refer to our Packing Tips & Packing List.
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Tipping
Restaurants in Costa Rica are required by law to add 13 percent tax and 10 percent gratuity to the bill. For this reason Costa Ricans do not tip. If you would like to leave an additional tip to reward good service, it’s appropriate to leave 5-10 percent for your waiter.
At the end of your guided vacation, it’s customary to offer your motor coach driver and Travel Director a gratuity. We recommend the equivalent of $4 per person/per day for your driver and $6 per person/per day for your Travel Director. Recommended gratuity for a Local Host and Local Specialist is the equivalent of 1-2 dollars per person, paid at the conclusion of each guided visit. A convenient option is to prepay your tips before your departure.
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Baggage
Baggage on our trips is restricted to one large suitcase per person with dimensions not exceeding 30x19x10 inches and a maximum weight of 50 pounds. You are also permitted one piece of hand luggage, which should be small enough to fit under your coach seat or on the small overhead shelf compartment. Please note that luggage with an adjustable handle and wheels will not fit in the overhead compartment of the coach. Hotel porterage is included in your vacation.
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Health and Fitness
You will need to be comfortable on your feet, walking and standing for up to three hours in various weather conditions. All of our vacations involve walking, often on cobblestone and uneven surfaces in historic city centers. In order to get the most out of your vacation you need to be able to comfortably walk 1-3 miles unassisted in one day, be in good condition and be able to keep pace with the group.
If you need any medications, it is important that you bring enough to last you the whole trip and keep them in your carry-on bag while you travel.
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Insurance
We highly recommend our optional Travel Protection Plan, which allows you to cancel for any reason up to 24 hours before departure. The plan also includes trip interruption, baggage loss or delay, and medical and emergency assistance. Click here for a summary of coverage details, terms and conditions.
Request a Quote
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30 Day Refund Guarantee
We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.
Optional Experiences are subject to change. Your Travel Director will supply you with a final list of Optional Experiences available on your trip. Optional Experiences cannot be booked online; they can be purchased during your trip through your Travel Director.
Sarapiquí
White Water Rafting Level II and III
This morning excursion on a class II and III river involves navigating nearly 8 miles on the Sarapiqui River. It's a great introduction for first-time paddlers and families interested in a fun, wet roller coaster ride. Total duration is approximately 4 hours. Gratuity included. (Minimum 2 Guests)
Adult Price: $64
Arenal
Arenal Natura Ecological Park
At this wonderful park, you will have the opportunity to experience Costa Rica’s wildlife up close and personal where beautiful frogs, birds, reptiles, and their natural habitats will have the starring role. This package includes a frog sanctuary, bird watching, a serpentarium (home to different species of snakes found in Costa Rica), a reptile lagoon (to observe crocodiles) and a heliconia garden. Total duration is approximately 2 hours. Gratuity included. (Minimum 2 Guests)
Adult Price: $50
Arenal Volcano Hike
Ever since the 1500s, locals considered Arenal to be just a regular everyday mountain. However, everything changed on the morning of July 29, 1968 when the mountain erupted, spewing ash and lava over the region. Up until 2010, the volcano was still quite active but has settled down in recent years. Your guided hike will allow you to see the areas that were destroyed in the 1968 eruption up close. Hike through recent lava flows and see how Mother Nature has brought life back to the region. Total duration is approximately 4 hours. Gratuity included. (Minimum 2 Guests)
Adult Price: $67
Kayak On Lake Arenal
Arenal Lake is the largest in the country and home to a wide diversity of birds, both resident and migratory, such as flycatchers, kingfishers and great blue herons. Kayaking on Arenal Lake is a great way to take part in an outdoor activity while you enjoy the amazing, one-of-a-kind views of Arenal Volcano. Along the shoreline, watch for howler monkeys enjoying the good life high in the trees. Total duration is approximately 4 hours. Gratuity included. (Minimum 2 Guests)
Adult Price: $65
Monteverde
El Trapiche Tour
The tour begins with a walk through the farm where you’ll view sugarcane, banana, orange and coffee plantations. Learn about the coffee making process and how liquor is made of out sugarcane. The farm provides an exciting education to visitors about the various crops and farm life in Costa Rica. Total duration is approximately 3 hours. Gratuity included. (Minimum 2 Guests)
Adult Price: $33
Horseback Riding Tour
On your horseback excursion, enjoy sweeping views of the Nicoya Gulf and its islands as you ride your way through coffee and sugarcane plantations, tropical forest and open fields. Be on the lookout for wildlife including toucans, green parrots and white-faced monkeys. Total duration is about 2 ½ hours. Gratuity included. (Minimum 2 Guests.)
Adult Price: $75
Sky Tram And Sky Trek
Board a comfortable gondola and fly among the trees on the lookout for local wildlife. As you glide among the forest, see how the vegetation changes with the elevation level. At the end of the Sky Tram you will be faced with a choice: return to the starting point in the same way you came or you can enjoy the ultimate adrenaline rush on the Sky Trek. With this option, you will fly across the forest in a series of ten zip lines with heights ranging from 100 – 650 feet and with lengths of over 650 feet. All of these zip lines were built to give you a 360° perspective of the rainforest. Gratuity included. (Minimum 2 Guests)
Adult Price: $97
Request a Quote
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30 Day Refund Guarantee
We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.
