Globus

Independent Costa Rica Wonders With Tortuguero & Guanacaste

Livin’ la Pura Vida! This philosophy of the pure life in Costa Rica is also a common greeting you’ll hear on your Globus Independent tour. From the mind-blowing lava trails and soul-soothing thermal springs of the Arenal Volcano region to the lush tropical forests in the clouds of Monteverde, you’ll encounter pure nature of Costa Rica’s rich and resplendent flora and fauna found nowhere else on earth. Explore Tortuguero National Park to navigate the pristine waterways where turtles nest amid nature at its best. Put your head in the clouds in the Monteverde Cloud Forest, home to over 3,000 plant species, some 120 mammal species, 400 bird species, and 1,200 species of amphibians and reptiles. Land in Guanacaste to laze and gaze upon the beautiful beaches of the North Pacific. Add a dose of I-time to immerse yourself in Costa Rican culture and cuisine in San José, and you’re living your best life, indeed!

05/16/2025 through 03/25/2026
05/16/2025 through 03/29/2026

Day 1 San Jose is the capital city of Costa Rica and is located in the province of San Jose, which is in the Central Valley. The city is surrounded by high green mountains. There are numerous museums as well as art galleries, theaters, exhibitions, parks and garden in the city. All regions in Costa Rica are accessible from the capital city of San Jose, which makes its an ideal starting point for touring the country.
Day 2 Tortuguero means "turtle region". Four species of turtle nest here: the green turtle, the hawksbill, the loggerhead and the giant leatherback. The Tortuguero National Park was established in 1970 to preserve the turtles' nesting area. Freswater turtles, manatees and crocodiles live in the rivers. In the forest you may spot tapirs, anteaters, howler monkeys or any of the 350 bird species.
Day 3 Tortuguero means "turtle region". Four species of turtle nest here: the green turtle, the hawksbill, the loggerhead and the giant leatherback. The Tortuguero National Park was established in 1970 to preserve the turtles' nesting area. Freswater turtles, manatees and crocodiles live in the rivers. In the forest you may spot tapirs, anteaters, howler monkeys or any of the 350 bird species.
Day 4

Nestled in the lush region of northern Costa Rica, Arenal is a destination that promises adventure, relaxation, and breathtaking natural beauty. Dominated by the imposing Arenal Volcano, one of the most active volcanoes in the world until recently, this area is a paradise for nature lovers and thrill-seekers alike. The Arenal Volcano National Park offers a myriad of trails that wind through dense rainforest, leading visitors to ancient lava flows and lookout points with stunning views of the volcano and Lake Arenal. Birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts will find themselves in heaven, as the park is home to over 500 species of birds and a variety of wildlife, including monkeys, sloths, and jaguars.

Arenal is not just about adrenaline-pumping activities; it also offers a tranquil side that can soothe even the most frazzled of travelers. The area is famous for its natural hot springs, which are heated by geothermal activity from the volcano. Relax in the warm waters of Tabacón, EcoTermales, or Baldi Hot Springs while surrounded by lush tropical gardens and the sounds of cascading waterfalls. This experience provides the ultimate way to unwind after a day of hiking, zip-lining, or exploring the rainforest. For a more unique adventure, visit the Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park, where suspension bridges provide a canopy-level perspective of the rainforest, allowing visitors to walk among the treetops and experience the incredible diversity of flora and fauna from above.

For a deeper dive into the local culture, explore the charming town of La Fortuna, just a short distance from the national park. This quaint town is the gateway to the Arenal region and offers a taste of authentic Costa Rican hospitality. Here, you can enjoy local cuisine at the many sodas (small, family-run restaurants) and browse the artisanal shops. Don’t miss a visit to the La Fortuna Waterfall, a stunning cascade that plunges 70 meters into a pool below, where you can take a refreshing dip in the cool waters. La Fortuna is also a great starting point for day trips to nearby attractions like the Venado Caves or the Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge, a haven for birdwatching and exploring wetlands by boat.

Fun fact: The Arenal Volcano was dormant for hundreds of years until a major eruption in 1968 suddenly brought it to life, transforming the surrounding landscape and creating the rich, volcanic soil that nourishes the vibrant flora of the region today. While the volcano has been in a resting phase since 2010, its perfectly symmetrical cone remains an iconic symbol of Costa Rica’s natural beauty and continues to attract visitors from around the world.


Day 5

Nestled in the lush region of northern Costa Rica, Arenal is a destination that promises adventure, relaxation, and breathtaking natural beauty. Dominated by the imposing Arenal Volcano, one of the most active volcanoes in the world until recently, this area is a paradise for nature lovers and thrill-seekers alike. The Arenal Volcano National Park offers a myriad of trails that wind through dense rainforest, leading visitors to ancient lava flows and lookout points with stunning views of the volcano and Lake Arenal. Birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts will find themselves in heaven, as the park is home to over 500 species of birds and a variety of wildlife, including monkeys, sloths, and jaguars.

Arenal is not just about adrenaline-pumping activities; it also offers a tranquil side that can soothe even the most frazzled of travelers. The area is famous for its natural hot springs, which are heated by geothermal activity from the volcano. Relax in the warm waters of Tabacón, EcoTermales, or Baldi Hot Springs while surrounded by lush tropical gardens and the sounds of cascading waterfalls. This experience provides the ultimate way to unwind after a day of hiking, zip-lining, or exploring the rainforest. For a more unique adventure, visit the Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park, where suspension bridges provide a canopy-level perspective of the rainforest, allowing visitors to walk among the treetops and experience the incredible diversity of flora and fauna from above.

For a deeper dive into the local culture, explore the charming town of La Fortuna, just a short distance from the national park. This quaint town is the gateway to the Arenal region and offers a taste of authentic Costa Rican hospitality. Here, you can enjoy local cuisine at the many sodas (small, family-run restaurants) and browse the artisanal shops. Don’t miss a visit to the La Fortuna Waterfall, a stunning cascade that plunges 70 meters into a pool below, where you can take a refreshing dip in the cool waters. La Fortuna is also a great starting point for day trips to nearby attractions like the Venado Caves or the Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge, a haven for birdwatching and exploring wetlands by boat.

Fun fact: The Arenal Volcano was dormant for hundreds of years until a major eruption in 1968 suddenly brought it to life, transforming the surrounding landscape and creating the rich, volcanic soil that nourishes the vibrant flora of the region today. While the volcano has been in a resting phase since 2010, its perfectly symmetrical cone remains an iconic symbol of Costa Rica’s natural beauty and continues to attract visitors from around the world.


Day 6

Nestled in the lush region of northern Costa Rica, Arenal is a destination that promises adventure, relaxation, and breathtaking natural beauty. Dominated by the imposing Arenal Volcano, one of the most active volcanoes in the world until recently, this area is a paradise for nature lovers and thrill-seekers alike. The Arenal Volcano National Park offers a myriad of trails that wind through dense rainforest, leading visitors to ancient lava flows and lookout points with stunning views of the volcano and Lake Arenal. Birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts will find themselves in heaven, as the park is home to over 500 species of birds and a variety of wildlife, including monkeys, sloths, and jaguars.

Arenal is not just about adrenaline-pumping activities; it also offers a tranquil side that can soothe even the most frazzled of travelers. The area is famous for its natural hot springs, which are heated by geothermal activity from the volcano. Relax in the warm waters of Tabacón, EcoTermales, or Baldi Hot Springs while surrounded by lush tropical gardens and the sounds of cascading waterfalls. This experience provides the ultimate way to unwind after a day of hiking, zip-lining, or exploring the rainforest. For a more unique adventure, visit the Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park, where suspension bridges provide a canopy-level perspective of the rainforest, allowing visitors to walk among the treetops and experience the incredible diversity of flora and fauna from above.

For a deeper dive into the local culture, explore the charming town of La Fortuna, just a short distance from the national park. This quaint town is the gateway to the Arenal region and offers a taste of authentic Costa Rican hospitality. Here, you can enjoy local cuisine at the many sodas (small, family-run restaurants) and browse the artisanal shops. Don’t miss a visit to the La Fortuna Waterfall, a stunning cascade that plunges 70 meters into a pool below, where you can take a refreshing dip in the cool waters. La Fortuna is also a great starting point for day trips to nearby attractions like the Venado Caves or the Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge, a haven for birdwatching and exploring wetlands by boat.

Fun fact: The Arenal Volcano was dormant for hundreds of years until a major eruption in 1968 suddenly brought it to life, transforming the surrounding landscape and creating the rich, volcanic soil that nourishes the vibrant flora of the region today. While the volcano has been in a resting phase since 2010, its perfectly symmetrical cone remains an iconic symbol of Costa Rica’s natural beauty and continues to attract visitors from around the world.


Day 7 Monteverde, which means "green mountain," is nestled high in the Tilarán mountain range of Costa Rica. The Cloud Forest is the home to a myriad of plants, mammals, insects, reptiles, and over 400 species of exotic birds.
Day 8 Monteverde, which means "green mountain," is nestled high in the Tilarán mountain range of Costa Rica. The Cloud Forest is the home to a myriad of plants, mammals, insects, reptiles, and over 400 species of exotic birds.
Day 9 Guanacaste is a province on the western coast of Costa Rica in Central America. A biodiverse paradise, this region is popular for its tropical rainforests, beaches, and a variety of adventurous activities, including ziplining and snorkeling.
Day 10 Guanacaste is a province on the western coast of Costa Rica in Central America. A biodiverse paradise, this region is popular for its tropical rainforests, beaches, and a variety of adventurous activities, including ziplining and snorkeling.
Day 11 Guanacaste is a province on the western coast of Costa Rica in Central America. A biodiverse paradise, this region is popular for its tropical rainforests, beaches, and a variety of adventurous activities, including ziplining and snorkeling.

01/06/26 - 03/29/26

Starting At $2,779

Get A Quote

The “Starting at” or listed price is based on the lowest price available to book. Price is per passenger based on double occupancy and does not include international airfare. Some tours require intra-vacation flights (and in some cases intra-vacation segments must be purchased from Globus) in which case intra-vacation air and taxes are included in the price shown.

Want more information about this offer or other travel ideas you have?

SEARCH TRAVEL OFFERS

 

Please don't close or refresh the page while we are processing your submission
Please be patient, this could take a few minutes.