Overview
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Among the many highlights of this tour is Tortuguero National Park, where you’ll take a boat ride along remote, unspoiled sections of the park to view wildlife. Your guide will look out for the wildlife—including freshwater turtles, egrets, toucans, and monkeys—so you can sit back, relax, and take plenty of pictures. Another tour highlight is the Arenal Volcano, considered one of the most active volcanoes in the world. You may witness the red lava streaming down the sides and hear the volcano’s grumbling as you soak in the ecothermal hot springs. In Monteverde, visit the Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve, home to forest fauna such as jaguars, resplendent quetzal, monkeys, ocelot, and many species of birds—not to mention the large diversity of plant species.
Also spend a couple of days in Manuel Antonio National Park, one of the lushest places in Costa Rica. Spend time on its white-grey sand beaches lined with tropical forest, walk the park’s trails, take a sea kayak, or enjoy a canopy tour. The park has a vast diversity of wildlife, and it’s not uncommon to see iguanas and white-faced monkeys on the beach. So be sure to grab your swimsuit and prepare yourself for the trip of a lifetime—a trip filled with wildlife, scenic waterways, tropical rainforests, spectacular beaches, and knowledgeable guides to help you learn about Guatemala and Costa Rica.
Highlights
Sightseeing in Antigua; visit a jade factory; stop in Chichicastenango to visit an open-air Indian market and the Church of Santo Tomás; cruise on Lake Atitlán; visit Santiago Atitlán
TORTUGUERO NATIONAL PARK Guided cruise through the canals to view wildlife; guided walk through the rainforest; naturalist talk
SARAPIQUI LF Tour a pineapple plantation
ARENAL Guided sightseeing of Arenal Volcano National Park; sightseeing of La Fortuna town; and visit LF Tabacón Hot Springs
MONTEVERDE Visit the Sky Walk hanging bridges; guided visit of Children’s Eternal Rainforest; LF Ecological Sancturary tour and cooking lesson; farewell dinner
SARCHI Shop for souvenirs
MANUEL ANTONIO Enjoy three nights at the Hotel Parador Resort & Spa, just minutes from Manuel Antonio National Park
2020 Tour itinerary
Total meals included:
- 13 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 7 dinners
ARRIVE IN GUATEMALA CITY, GUATEMALA–ANTIGUA.
Day1
Upon arrival, meet your Local Host and transfer to Antigua, Guatemala’s capital from 1543 until a devastating earthquake in 1776, when it was moved to Guatemala City. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Antigua is one of the Americas’ oldest and most beautiful cities, with pastel-colored buildings, wide cobblestone streets, and a beautiful natural setting ringed by three volcanoes.
Meals included:
- Dinner
ANTIGUA.
Day2
Our morning TOUR of this magnificent highlands city, known for its 16th-century Spanish Colonial architecture, includes lively Plaza Mayor, flanked by the impressive Catedral de San José and Palace of the Capitanes Generales. We also see the ruins of churches and monasteries, some with hidden underground passages destroyed by the earthquake of 1776. You’ll also tour a local JADE FACTORY.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
ANTIGUA–CHICHICASTENANGO–LAKE ATITLÁN.
Day3
Today, reach the whitewashed highland town of Chichicastenango to visit the colorful, open-air INDIAN MARKET and the Catholic CHURCH OF SANTO TOMÁS to witness ancient Mayan ceremonies that have long been practiced there. Continue to the shores of Lake Atitlán, surrounded by volcanoes and indigenous villages.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
LAKE ATITLÁN–GUATEMALA CITY
Day4
This morning, CRUISE across Lake Atitlán. Visit the Indian village of SANTIAGO ATITLÁN and meet the Tzutuhil people, one of Guatemala’s indigenous tribes. This afternoon, head back to Guatemala City for an included dinner.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
GUATEMALA CITY–SAN JOSÉ, COSTA RICA
Day5
Fly to San José where you will be met by your Tour Director, who will help you check into your hotel.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
SAN JOSÉ–TORTUGUERO NATIONAL PARK
Day6
Journey east to the Caribbean shore and TORTUGUERO NATIONAL PARK. On the way, pass by several banana plantations and see one of Costa Rica’s main exports being harvested. Later, board a motor launch for your CRUISE along the Tortuguero Canals, waterways crisscrossing a national park dedicated to the protection of endangered turtles. The trained eyes of your guide and boatman help you spot freshwater turtles, caimans, herons, toucans, egrets, and monkeys. An afternoon at leisure lets you explore Evergreen Lodge until you meet for an informative slideshow presentation on the area.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
TORTUGUERO NATIONAL PARK TOUR & CANAL CRUISE.
Day7
A local Naturalist accompanies you on a leisurely BOAT RIDE along remote, unspoiled sections of the park’s waterways, explaining the bountiful flora and fauna. Enjoy a fascinating stroll through an accessible portion of the nearby RAINFOREST. During the peak nesting season (mid-July to mid-October) you may be lucky enough to observe an endangered green turtle laying her eggs under the starlight on an optional tour. Later this afternoon, meet a local Naturalist for an informative PRESENTATION on the ecology of the area.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
TORTUGUERO–SARAPIQUI–ARENAL
Day8
A morning boat transfer begins your journey to the Sarapiqui area. Tour a LF PINEAPPLE FARM, owned by a local family, and learn about the history, cultivation, and industry of pineapples. Continue to your hotel in the lush town of Arenal, located in the shadow of Arenal Volcano. After settling in, experience the magic of the resort’s pool and hot spring-fed jacuzzi, or consider a walk in the nearby nature trail in search of 300- to 400-year-old trees, poisonous frogs, monkeys, birds, and possibly small animals native to the area.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
ARENAL. EXCURSION TO LA FORTUNA & ARENAL VOLCANO NATIONAL PARK.
Day9
During your morning at leisure, you may wish to go on an optional horseback ride or float trip. Or, you can take advantage of your resort’s amenities by walking along the shaded trails nearby. Later this afternoon, visit ARENAL VOLCANO NATIONAL PARK, where your guide takes you on a walk through lava trails of the volcano and shows you how nature has found a way to recover from past lava flows. Next, enjoy a walking tour of the town of La Fortuna de San Carlos, offering spectacular views of the active Arenal Volcano. This evening, drive to nearby famous LF TABACÓN HOT SPRINGS for a dip in the curative and relaxing pools. Later, enjoy a dinner at the hot springs.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
ARENAL–MONTEVERDE.
Day10
After breakfast, continue to MONTEVERDE, where you will enjoy two days in the cloud forest. This afternoon, take a guided tour on the SKY WALK hanging bridges, which combines trails and suspension bridges through the canopy of Monteverde Cloud Forest, to search for flora and fauna.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
MONTEVERDE
Day11
This morning, visit CHILDREN’S ETERNAL RAINFOREST for a guided walking tour. Over 600 species of butterflies and 400 species of birds have been recorded inside this private reserve, along with 100 reptile and 120 mammal species that hide within the dense vegetation. Later, visit the family-owned LF ECOLOGICAL SANCTUARY, where you will explore the trails through coffee and banana plantations filled with endemic wildlife and beautiful scenery. After the walk, enjoy a COOKING CLASS to learn how to prepare authentic Costa Rican food like hand-made tortillas, picadillos, and gallo pinto. Dine on your creations for a homemade lunch! Tonight, your Tour Director hosts a farewell dinner, toasting an unforgettable discovery of Costa Rica.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
MONTEVERDE–QUEPOS–MANUEL ANTONIO NATIONAL PARK AREA
Day12
Take a morning drive to the Pacific Ocean to the town of Quepos, gateway to Manuel Antonio National Park. Dense mangrove swamps sheltering a variety of wildlife back up to the pristine beaches in this area. It is not uncommon to see iguanas and white-faced monkeys on the beach. For the more active, there are jungle hikes suited to all levels. Other local activities include canopy tours, deep-sea fishing, diving, sea kayaking, and mountain biking.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
MANUEL ANTONIO NATIONAL PARK AREA.
Day13
Enjoy two days at leisure.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
14
MANUEL ANTONIO NATIONAL PARK AREA.
Day15
Your tour ends with breakfast this morning. Please do not schedule your return flights before 12:30 pm.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
Things to note
- Participation in this tour requires guest's name exactly as it appears on his/her passport, D.O.B., gender, and nationality at the time of booking.
Hotels
It may occasionally be necessary to use alternative hotels of a similar standard to those shown.
Porta Hotel Antigua
First-Class
With its lush, beautiful gardens, charming colonial architecture, and gracious hospitality, Porta Hotel Antigua is an authentic, unique, and unforgettable hotel in Antigua, Guatemala. The hotel features a swimming pool framed by tranquil gardens and comfortable chaise lounges, on-site spa, superb dining choices, and a poolside snack bar.
Location
5 Avenida Sur Y 8 Calle, Antigua, Guatemala
Hotel Facilities
- Concierge desk
- Spa Services
- Bar/Lounge
- Business Center
- Parking/Valet
- Fitness Room
- Restaurant On-Site
- Luggage Storage
- Beauty Salon
- ATM
- Laundry Available
- Pool
Room Facilities
- In-Room Safe
- Complimentary Toiletries
- Iron/Ironing Board
- Phone
- Room Service
- Hair Dryer
- Internet Access
- Wake-Up Calls
- Television
- Desk
- Window Opens
- Cable/Satellite
- Voicemail
Porta Hotel Del Lago
First-Class
Situated at the edge of the stunning and mystical Lake Atitlan, the Porta Hotel Del Lago offers spectacular views of the three majestic volcanoes that frame it. Each of the 100 guestrooms and suites at Porta del Lago features warm and welcoming décor in addition to an ample list of in-room amenities and superior views. The friendly and professional staff, high-quality amenities, food, and leisure opportunities will make you feel pampered and well taken care of.
Location
2 Avenida 6-17 Zona 2, Lake Atitlan, Guatemala
Hotel Facilities
- Hot Tub
- Parking/Valet
- Gift Shop
- Pool
- Elevator
- Currency Exchange
- Restaurant On-Site
- Concierge desk
- Luggage Storage
- Bar/Lounge
- Free WiFi
Room Facilities
- Hair Dryer
- Cable/Satellite
- Internet Access
- Desk
- Non-smoking Rooms
- Television
- Window Opens
- Complimentary Toiletries
- In-Room Safe
- Wake-Up Calls
- Phone
Barcelo Guatemala City Hotel
First-Class
The Barcelo Guatemala City hotel is set right in the heart of the city in the main business district, and surrounded by restaurants, shops and places of entertainment. Its elegant 383 rooms offer high-speed Internet access and numerous facilities to make your stay an enjoyable one.
Location
7 Avenuda 15-45, Guatemala City, Guatemala
Hotel Facilities
- Fitness Room
- Bar/Lounge
- Gift Shop
- Pool
- Spa Services
- Concierge desk
- ATM
- Restaurant On-Site
- Laundry Available
- Business Center
- Beauty Salon
- Luggage Storage
- Elevator
- Parking/Valet
- Currency Exchange
Room Facilities
- Mini-bar
- Coffee Maker
- Hair Dryer
- Desk
- Pay Movies
- Cable/Satellite
- Complimentary Toiletries
- Internet Access
- Room Service
- Climate Control
- Iron/Ironing Board
- Wake-Up Calls
- Daily Housekeeping
- Voicemail
- In-Room Safe
- Alarm Clock
- Television
- Air Conditioning
- Phone
Cariari Hotel San Jose
Superior First-Class
This sustainable Costa Rica hotel is typical of San Jose colonial hacienda architecture and offers spacious, comfortable guestrooms and suites with the latest amenities. Enjoy total convenience in its location, personalized services, delicious cuisine, and facilities like the pool and fitness center. Let the friendly staff help you relax while catering to your needs and helping you see all that Costa Rica has to offer.
Location
San Antonio De Belen, Heredia, San Jose, Costa Rica
Hotel Facilities
- Bar/Lounge
- Laundry Available
- Business Center
- Restaurant On-Site
- ATM
- Fitness Room
- Concierge desk
- Pool
- Gift Shop
- Currency Exchange
- Beauty Salon
- Luggage Storage
- Elevator
Room Facilities
- Phone
- Internet Access
- Climate Control
- Room Service
- In-Room Safe
- Wake-Up Calls
- Disabled Access / Rooms
- Air Conditioning
- Cable/Satellite
- Voicemail
- Mini-bar
- Iron/Ironing Board
- Coffee Maker
- Desk
- Hair Dryer
- Television
- Alarm Clock
Evergreen Lodge
First-Class
Built in respect of its surrounding nature, the Evergreen Lodge provides travelers with absolute comfort, great food, and most importantly, an unobstructed experience with nature. A beautiful dining room with soaring ceilings provides first class meals in an atmosphere that reflects and compliments the jungle paradise surrounding it, and friendly staff welcome you to this magical place called Tortuguero.
Location
Tortuguero National Park, Tortuguero, Costa Rica
Hotel Facilities
- Pool
- Spa Services
- Currency Exchange
- Concierge desk
- Restaurant On-Site
- Bar/Lounge
Room Facilities
- Non-smoking Rooms
- Window Opens
Volcano Lodge & Gardens
First-Class
With an exceptional location and views of Arenal Volcano, this hotel surpasses expectation in comfort, service, and class. Guests will feel at ease with modern room amenities, clean lines, and tasteful décor. Dining options, spa services, and a choice of pool and lounge settings make your stay in Arenal unforgettable, as well as its convenient access to the wildlife and nature surrounding it.
Location
La Fortuna, Arenal, Costa Rica
Hotel Facilities
- Restaurant On-Site
- Bar/Lounge
- Spa Services
- Luggage Storage
- Concierge desk
- Pool
- Business Center
- Parking/Valet
- Laundry Available
- Currency Exchange
Room Facilities
- Climate Control
- In-Room Safe
- Desk
- Cable/Satellite
- Internet Access
- Window Opens
- Room Service
- Air Conditioning
- Television
- Alarm Clock
- Phone
- Coffee Maker
- Iron/Ironing Board
- Wake-Up Calls
- Hair Dryer
- Daily Housekeeping
El Establo Mountain Lodge
First-Class
Set on a private 150-acre farm adjacent to the Monteverde Reserve, El Establo Mountain Lodge offers guests a home base of relaxation and activity. Amenities include tennis, basketball, and soccer courts, two indoor pools, two restaurants, two bars, gym, and spa.
Location
San Pedro, Monteverde, Costa Rica
Hotel Facilities
- Fitness Room
- Laundry Available
- Luggage Storage
- Parking/Valet
- Currency Exchange
- Concierge desk
- Beauty Salon
- Restaurant On-Site
- Pool
- Spa Services
- Free WiFi
- Bar/Lounge
- Business Center
Room Facilities
- Hair Dryer
- In-Room Safe
- Coffee Maker
- Cable/Satellite
- Phone
- Television
- Room Service
- Alarm Clock
- Desk
- Daily Housekeeping
- Wake-Up Calls
- Internet Access
- Smoking Rooms
- Window Opens
- Voicemail
Parador Resort & Spa
First-Class
Uniquely set among luxuriant coastal rainforest overlooking Costa Rica's famous Manuel Antonio National Park, Hotel Parador Resort & Spa sits atop a 400-acre secluded peninsula surrounded by wild beauty. Amenities include five restaurants, three bars, a spa, four pools, fitness center, tennis court, mini golf, nature trails, business center, gift shop, and an activities desk.
Location
Manuel Antonio, Punta Quepos, Quepos, Costa Rica
Hotel Facilities
- Restaurant On-Site
- Luggage Storage
- Spa Services
- Bar/Lounge
- Concierge desk
- Laundry Available
- Elevator
- Fitness Room
- Business Center
- Currency Exchange
- Free WiFi
- Gift Shop
- Parking/Valet
- Pool
Room Facilities
- Desk
- Daily Housekeeping
- Wake-Up Calls
- Cable/Satellite
- Room Service
- Mini-bar
- Air Conditioning
- Window Opens
- Complimentary Toiletries
- Voicemail
- Hair Dryer
- Phone
- In-Room Safe
- Coffee Maker
- Television
- Climate Control
- Smoking Rooms
- Alarm Clock
- Iron/Ironing Board
- Internet Access
