Monkeys, Jungles & Volcanoes
8 Days from $1,705 per person
Family Friendly Vacation
This family friendly vacation is designed for the whole family. Under the watchful eyes of colorful toucans and the lush canopy of dense rainforests, enjoy an unforgettable encounter with the vibrant landscapes and creatures of Costa Rica. Glide along the canals of Tortuguero, trek up the slopes of the steaming Arenal Volcano and note the diverse species you encounter along the way.
Overview
Family Friendly Vacation
This family friendly vacation is designed for the whole family. Under the watchful eyes of colorful toucans and the lush canopy of dense rainforests, enjoy an unforgettable encounter with the vibrant landscapes and creatures of Costa Rica. Glide along the canals of Tortuguero, trek up the slopes of the steaming Arenal Volcano and note the diverse species you encounter along the way.
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Day 1: Arrive San José
Bienvenidos a Costa Rica. You're going to have more fun than a barrel of monkeys on this incredible adventure. A local host will greet you at the airport and arrange your transfer to the hotel. Relax by the pool before meeting your Travel Director and fellow explorers at 6 p.m. for a Kick-off Party. -
Day 2: San José – Tortuguero National Park (2 Nights)
Rise with the roosters and head east through Braulio Carrillo National Park toward the Caribbean Sea. Board a river boat, gliding through canals, lagoons and lowland rainforest teeming with wildlife. You'll be amazed at how many kinds of animals live here. Join a Local Specialist from the Sea Turtle Conservancy Foundation later to learn about the incredible turtles that nest in Tortuguero. Enjoy a buffet dinner tonight at the resort's open-air restaurant along the Tortuguero lagoon. -
Day 3: Tortuguero Sightseeing
There's nothing like the wake-up call of a troop of howler monkeys. Set off on a cruise through the waterways of Tortuguero National Park with your captain and guide. You may want to start a tally of all the types of wildlife you'll see. Look out for sloths, green iguanas, caiman, crocodiles and colorful toucans. Of course, you'll spot tons of monkeys swinging through the dense rainforest canopy. This afternoon, venture back out on the canals or relax back at the lodge—the choice is yours. If you're visiting during nesting season (Jul-Sep), join an optional night walk with a naturalist guide to witness some of the world's largest turtles laying their eggs. A buffet dinner is served at your hotel this evening. -
Day 4: Tortuguero – Horquetas – Sarapiquí – Arenal National Park (2 Nights)
Bid adiós to the monkeys for now as you boat back to the mainland and travel to Horquetas to visit a local Tico family's palm plantation. Taste something you've probably never tried before, the delicate heart of palm, a Cultural Insight. Continue traveling to quaint Sarapiquí where you'll visit a wildlife center for amphibians and reptiles run by a family of biologists who rehabilitate animals that can no longer live in the wild. -
Day 5: Arenal National Park Sightseeing
Rise and shine as the forest and volcano call you back. Start the day with a guided trek around the volcano at Arenal National Park. Walk through the old lava rocks and learn about the powerful forces behind the volcano's past eruptions. Then head for the Arenal Hanging Bridges to walk eye-level with the lush canopy, observe monkeys, sloths and chattering birds up close and look out to see towering Arenal Volcano. Kick back and relax before ending the day at a dinner with your traveling companions. -
Day 6: Arenal National Park – Manuel Antonio National Park (2 Nights)
Get ready to have a blast. Imagine yourself soaring high above the jungle floor as you zipline through the treetops, eye-to-eye with the lush foliage and exotic rainforest creatures—a once in a lifetime adventure. Head south to Manuel Antonio National Park, renowned for its warm blue waters, sparkling white sand beaches and abundant wildlife. This evening, join the gang for a pizza night. -
Day 7: Manuel Antonio National Park Sightseeing
Walking deep into the National Park with your guide, you'll check off a few more creatures on your wildlife list—at last count, there were 109 different animals and 184 species of birds living here. Listen to the whooping bark of howler monkeys and the chattering of mischievous squirrel and white-faced monkeys. Then it's time to hit the beach. Laze in the warm Pacific or at the resort's pool, or choose an optional catamaran cruise with snorkeling where you might see see dolphins, parrotfish or sea turtles (available Jan-Apr). This evening, join your fellow explorers to celebrate new friendships and awesome experiences over a Farewell Dinner. -
Day 8: Manuel Antonio National Park – Depart San Jose
Travel back to San Jose's Juan Santamaria International Airport for your flight or extend your stay at the Sheraton San Jose.
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
| Depart Date | Return Date | Price | Discount | Availability | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16 Jun 18 | 23 Jun 18 |
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$1,795$1,705pp | Early PaymentPay by Apr 26 | Request Quote Book Now | ||
| 14 Jul 18 | 21 Jul 18 |
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$1,825$1,734pp | Early PaymentPay by Apr 26 | Request Quote Book Now | ||
| 21 Jul 18 | 28 Jul 18 |
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$1,825$1,734pp | Early PaymentPay by Apr 26 | Request Quote Book Now | ||
| 4 Aug 18 | 11 Aug 18 |
|
$1,825$1,734pp | Early PaymentPay by Apr 26 | Request Quote Book Now | ||
| 11 Aug 18 | 18 Aug 18 |
|
$1,825$1,734pp | Early PaymentPay by Apr 26 | 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. As this is a family vacation, single room request must be part of a larger family group reservation.
Single Room Supplement: from $595.
Guaranteed Room Share is not available on this trip.
Triple Room Discount $175 p.p.
Gratuities: Option to pre-pay gratuities for Travel Director and Driver $85 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 Arenal 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.
Past Travelers: Save an additional 5% off the Land Only price of the vacation.
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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
15 meals: 7 full breakfasts, 3 lunches, 5 dinners, all with tea and coffee.
Included Highlights
Hidden Treasure
- Enjoy at least one surprise Hidden Treasure
Cultural Insight
- Visit a local Tico family's palm plantation to learn about and taste the delicate heart of palm
Local Specialist
- Learn about some of Tortuguero's most famous residents, its nesting sea turtles
Sightseeing Highlights
- Visit Tortuguero National Park, a wildlife center near Sarapiquí, Arenal National Park, Manuel Antonio National Park
- Cruise the canals of Tortuguero National Park
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.
Arenal
Arenal Natura Ecological Park
Adult Price: $42.00 | Child Price: $29.00
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)
Arenal
Kayak On Lake Arenal
Adult Price: $63.00 | Child Price: $34.00
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)
Manuel Antonio
Catamaran And Snorkeling Adventure
Adult Price: $89.00 | Child Price: $89.00
Your naturalist guide will provide commentary as you sail by islands, cliffs, and rock formations while watching for bird nesting grounds and marine wildlife. Beverages and snacks are available onboard the catamaran throughout the trip. After exploring the coastline, your captain will drop anchor in a secluded bay where there will be time to snorkel. Be on the lookout for parrotfish, angelfish, starfish and maybe even a friendly dolphin. Total duration is approximately 6 hours. Available late Nov to mid-April.
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.
