Costa Rica Wildlife Tour

15 days
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4.6/5 Excellent
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Small Group Tour
For a tiny country, Costa Rica packs a huge wildlife punch. Containing 5% of the world's biodiversity, its thick forests teem with life, from brightly coloured toucans to slow-moving sloths. With adventure and beautiful beaches to boot, this two-week trip won't disappoint. Tortuguero - Cruise the jungle waterways and explore the rainforest of this 'mini Am...
20%
$4,030
From$3,230
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Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate

Highlights

    • Discover incredible nature and wildlife on this two week adventure of Costa Rica
    • Explore jungle waterways, active volcanoes and unspoilt tropical rainforest
    • Spend time in the cloud forest and the 'mini amazon' of Tortuguero

What's this trip about?

    For a tiny country, Costa Rica packs a huge wildlife punch. Containing 5% of the world's biodiversity, its thick forests teem with life, from brightly coloured toucans to slow-moving sloths. With adventure and beautiful beaches to boot, this two-week trip won't disappoint. Tortuguero - Cruise the jungle waterways and explore the rainforest of this 'mini Amazon' Adventure - Included white water raft on the Pacuare river, or opt to fly through the canopy on a zip wire Manuel Antonio - Share the stunning white-sand beaches with sun-bathing iguanas and capuchin monkeys

Details

Itinerary focusOff the Beaten Path
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 20 people
Age range16 to 85 years
Flights and transportN/A
Start CitySan Jose
End CitySan Jose Airport

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • Hiking & Walking

Destinations

  • Central America
  • Costa Rica

Attractions

  • Caribbean
  • La Fortuna
  • Manuel Antonio National Park
  • Pacific Coast
  • Tortuguero National Park

Activities

  • Hiking

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1 Join trip in San Jose

Arrive in San Jose. The cosmopolitan Costa Rican capital lies in a fertile valley at an altitude of 1150 metres. Coffee and sugar cane are big industries here and coffee is even planted between new buildings and along the roadside on the outskirts of the city. Fo...

Day 2 Visit the Poas Volcano; explore San Jose including a Toucan Rescue Ranch

This morning, an hour's drive will take us to the Poas Volcano National Park, where the smoke from one of Costa Rica's most active volcanos rises majestically from the tropical rainforest. At almost a mile in diameter, the main crater is one of the largest in the worl...

Day 3 Drive to San Gerardo de Dota and the Savegre Cloud Forest

This morning we drive south out of San Jose, down to the wild cloud forest of Savegre, famously one of the best places in Costa Rica for sightings of the elusive Resplendent Quetzal. The peace of the region is an outstanding introduction to Costa Rica's natural beauty...

Day 4 Early morning search for quetzal; free day to explore the forest

We have an early start to get out into the trails surrounding our lodge this morning, in the search for the quetzal. The males of the species are vivid, with a red breast, green crest and the iconic long green tail that dangles from the branches. Despite the bright co...

Day 5 Travel to rural Turrialba; free afternoon and evening meal at a traditional finca (farm)

The fertile land around Turrialba makes it an important agricultural region for coffee, sugar and Macadamia nuts, as well as dairy production, with its cheese being famous throughout the country. Our journey takes approximately three hours, and we'll arrive in the aft...

Day 6 Whitewater rafting through the forest-covered Pacuare River

One of Costa Rica's most scenic rivers, the Pacuare is a perfect place for both rafting aficionados and enthusiastic newcomers. Calm stretches between the class III-IV rapids allow time to appreciate the passage through rainforest-topped canyons and tumbling waterfall...

Day 7 Journey by bus and boat to Tortuguero National Park

This morning, our drive to Costa Rica's Caribbean coast takes us through extensive banana plantations. From either Cano Blanco or Pavona, a boat will take us to our spectacular lodge in the Tortuguero National Park, where we will spend the next two nights. As we trave...

Day 8 Full day to explore the park searching for wildlife

Today we will be exploring some of this spectacular national park. To kick off our day, there is the option of a bird watching trip by boat at dawn, where we have the opportunity to spot some of Costa Rica's spectacular birdlife. Water birds such as herons, egrets and...

Day 9 Drive to Sarapiqui; Visit La Tirimbina for a chocolate tour and night walk in the forest

Leaving our lodge this morning, we travel by boat back to either Cano Blanco or Pavona, before heading on to Puerto Viejo Sarapiqui. This journey will take approximately 4 hours. After lunch, we plan to visit La Tirimbina for a chocolate tour. This two and a half h...

Day 10 Walk in the Selva Verde Rainforest Reserve; drive to Arenal

The lodge has many onsite trails in secondary rainforest, leading right into the Selva Verde Reserve. This morning we will take a short walk on some of the trails, through a tropical paradise of towering almendro trees and keel billed toucans. Later on, we drive to...

Day 11 Free day around La Fortuna; optional hanging bridges and zip wire excursions

Today has been left free to explore the Arenal area as you choose. There are local treks to waterfalls and along lava trails whilst those keen to relax can enjoy spa treatments with volcanic mud. For wildlife lovers there is the option to join a wildlife spotting tour...

Day 12 Drive south to Manuel Antonio National Park

Leaving the volcano behind us this morning, we descend to the Pacific Coast, enjoying staggering views over the Gulf and Peninsula of Nicoya. Heading south, we pause at Carara Biological Reserve, famed for the scarlet macaws and abundant birdlife which populate this t...

Day 13 Explore Manuel Antonio's wildlife and beaches

This morning we explore the Manuel Antonio National Park, famed for its beautiful beaches and rich wildlife. During our time in the park, we are likely to see white-faced capuchin monkeys, coatimundi (part of the raccoon family) and the tiny squirrel monkeys. This is ...

Day 14 Free day in Manuel Antonio; relax on the beach, snorkel or revisit the park

Today is free to relax in Manuel Antonio. You could choose to revisit the park, or relax on the beaches around the town of Manuel Antonio. There are also lots of other activities on offer if beach time isn't for you, including rafting or snorkelling trips.

Meals Provided : Breakfast

Day 15 Travel back to San Jose International Airport where the trip ends

Departing Manuel Antonio this morning we drive 160km, approximately four hours, back to San Jose's Juan Santamaria International Airport (airport code SJO), where we will arrive at about 11am and this is where our trip ends. The earliest time your flight can depart is 1pm.

Meals Provided : Breakfast

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Dates & Availability

Price From $3,230
Price per day$215
Last Updated: 4/26/2024
Start Date
Finish Date
Base Price
Single Room (Optional)
Availability
01 May 2024
15 May 2024
$3,500
$1,000
9 spots left
11 May 2024
25 May 2024
$3,360
$1,000
11 spots left
22 May 2024
05 Jun 2024
$3,290
$1,010
12 spots left
01 Jun 2024
15 Jun 2024
$3,500
$1,000
4 spots left
08 Jun 2024
22 Jun 2024
$3,290
$1,010
12 spots left
19 Jun 2024
03 Jul 2024
$3,230
$1,000
14 spots left
26 Jun 2024
10 Jul 2024
$3,500
$1,000
12 spots left
29 Jun 2024
13 Jul 2024
$3,500
$1,000
4 spots left
06 Jul 2024
20 Jul 2024
$3,760
$1,010
8 spots left
10 Jul 2024
24 Jul 2024
$3,580
$1,000
12 spots left

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Explore!.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Explore! Reviews & Ratings

4.6/5  Excellent
Excellent
6,513
Great
2,167
Average
377
Disappointing
116
Terrible
53
T

Trusted Customer

Apr 2024

Written on

Costa Rica Wildlife Tour

Great trip. Saw loads of wildlife

T

Trusted Customer

Apr 2024

Written on

Costa Rica Wildlife Tour

This was a holiday of a lifetime and ticked a few things off the bucket list. Costa Rica is a beautiful country and we stayed at several great accommodations with st...

T

Trusted Customer

Apr 2024

Written on

Costa Rica Wildlife Tour

Our guide Diego was great , lots of fun but could have been...

T

Trusted Customer

Mar 2024

Written on

Costa Rica Wildlife Tour

Our guide Oscar was outstanding in his knowledge and commitment to making sure that we saw as much wildlife as possible . I also loved the experience of whitewater r...

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Tour Operator

Explore!

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About Explore

We've been taking small groups on adventure vacations for over 41 years. Our authentic adventure travel experiences explore the sights and culture of a country, with hand-picked accommodation that balances comfort and location. Our average group tour size is just 11; perfect for meeting new people and getting to the heart of our destinations. Explore is one of the world's most trusted adventure travel companies with over 350 trips to more than 100 countries. We are passionate about travel and have developed a wide range of unique activities and adventures which give our customers an unforgettable experience with a team of award-winning Explore leaders. With Explore, you'll get to see your destination from a whole new perspective that takes you away from the typical well-trodden tourist track. You'll have the chance to meet, dine and stay with local people, rest in authentic accommodation with other like-minded explorers and travel to must-see destinations with a unique Explore twist. From family holidays to trips for solo travelers; cycling tours to wildlife safaris; trekking on mountains or exploring miles of scenic coastline, there is something for every kind of traveler with Explore. We will provide our expert knowledge, exciting itineraries and outstanding service as part of our sustainable travel experiences which take you under the skin of the country you're visiting for the adventure of a lifetime.


Why we love this operator
They explore a place beyond the typical tourist traps and offer exciting activities that bring the “wow factor” intrepid travelers want.
What they’re known for
Famous for our expert local guides that help ease the unknowns of adventure travel while bringing a unique richness and spontaneity to each and every

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Logistics

Transportation & Flights

Bus, Boat,

Transportation & flights

Bus, Boat
Guides
Explore Tour Leader, Boat Crew
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Costa Rica: Citizens from the UK, US, Canada and most EU countries do not require a visa for a stay up to 90 days. Citizen of Australia, New Zealand and the Republic of Ireland do not require a visa for stays up to 30 days. All other nationalities must enquire at their own embassies. USA: If your flights pass through the USA, even if only in transit, you will require either a visa or an ESTA (an e-visa). Please read on for more information. Citizens of the UK, New Zealand, Australia, Canada and passport holders from several EU countries can apply for an ESTA under certain conditions. This applies if you enter the country by sea or by air, and this must be done online via https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov, no later than 72 hours prior to travel. Travellers who have not registered before their trip are likely be refused boarding. You must have a biometric passport to apply for an ESTA. UK passports which are biometric feature a small gold symbol (camera) at the bottom of the front cover. If you have visited Iran, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen since 2011 or are dual nationals of these countries, you cannot travel with an ESTA and instead you will need to apply for a visa from the nearest US Embassy or Consulate. If you are unable to provide a valid visa before boarding flights to the US, or entering via another method, you may not be permitted to travel. You should also be aware that if you have travelled to or have been in Cuba since the 12th of January 2021, you will not be eligible for an ESTA visa waiver and will need to apply for a US visa. You should consult the US State Department website to determine which you will need. Your ESTA application will ask for Point of Contact information. Please note that if you're only transiting through the USA then this is not required. If you're visiting or staying in the USA on an Explore trip, then our USA contact information will be listed on your final documentation which you will receive approximately 3-4 weeks before departure. Entry requirements for the USA can change regularly, therefore, please ensure you have the most up to date information before you travel by checking the US embassy website. Visa applications - http://london.usembassy.gov/niv/apply.html Canada: An electronic travel authorisation (ETA) is required by British citizens transiting via Canada. For more information see the official Canadian government website: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/eta.asp Other nationalities should consult their local embassy or consular office
Health & Safety
Nothing compulsory, but we recommend protection against typhoid, infectious hepatitis and polio. Please consult your travel clinic for the latest advice on Malaria, Dengue and Zika Virus. Please take preventative measures to avoid mosquito bites - these include mosquito repellent as well as long trousers and long sleeve shirts to cover up when necessary. Please note many countries in Central America, South America and the Caribbean require a yellow fever vaccination certificates if travelling from infected areas. A detailed list of these countries can be found on the NaTHNaC website - http://travelhealthpro.org.uk/countries. Also on the NaTHNaC site there is a list of Countries (and specific areas within a country) which are at risk of infection and a vaccination is therefore recommended. Please check the latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure. The above is not an exhaustive list. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at <a href="https://www.explore.co.uk/essential-information/know-before-you-go/travel-health">Explore Travel Health</a> and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed by you before travelling.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast : 14
  • Dinner : 3
  • Lunch : 4
Age Requirements
16 to 85 years
Additional Information
Trip ID
explore-CC

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