The “Tropical Costa Rica” tour by Collette offers a 9-day journey from San Jose to Guanacaste, allowing travelers to experience the paradise of Costa Rica, including its exotic plants and incredible animals. The tour includes tranquil views of Arenal Volcano and a peaceful two-night stay overlooking the water. Additionally, there is an optional 3-night jungle adventure pre-tour extension available. This extension provides an opportunity for a deeper exploration of the rich tropical environment and diverse wildlife of Costa Rica. The tour is designed to provide a blend of natural beauty, relaxation, and adventure, making it an ideal choice for nature enthusiasts and those seeking a unique travel experience.
- Explore the paradise of Costa Rica, teeming with exotic plants and incredible animals.
- Enjoy tranquil views of Arenal Volcano and a peaceful two-night stay overlooking the water.
- Optional 3-night jungle adventure pre-tour extension for a deeper exploration of Costa Rica’s rich tropical environment and diverse wildlife.
- 4 Handpicked Accommodations
- 14 Meals
- 2 Choice on Tour Options
- Enjoy the breathtaking scenery surrounding Arenal Volcano.
- Spot indigenous wildlife while on a Cano Negro riverboat cruise.
- Learn about Costa Rica’s vegetation on a guided walk in the cloud forest.
- Enjoy soaking in geothermal pools at your hotel during your 3-night stay in Arenal.
- Put your feet up and relax during a 2-night stay in Guanacaste known for the country’s most beautiful beaches.
- Discover the history of coffee in Costa Rica during your visit to a coffee plantation.
- Learn about local farming practices and learn to make tortillas while having lunch at Don Juan Finca Educativa.
- San Jose
- Coffee Plantation
- Arenal Volcano
- Cano Negro Refuge
- Lake Arenal Cruise
- Farm Tour and Lunch
- Monteverde Cloud Forest
- Choice on Tour
- Guanacaste
- For bookings made after May 30, 2024 call for rates.
- Included in Price: Round Trip Air from Calgary Intl Airport, Air Taxes and Fees/Surcharges of $150 per person (subject to increase until paid in full), Hotel Transfers
- Not included in price: Cancellation Waiver and Insurance of $499 per person
- * All Rates are Per Person and are subject to change, based on air inclusive package from YYC
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- Lunch
- Dinner
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- Dinner
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With more than 25 years as a radio announcer and two years as host of her own TV show, Sue Deyell loves talking to people!
It was a passion for writing, though, that earned Sue a degree in English from York University. She later found the Radio and Television Broadcasting program at Seneca College – sparked by a newspaper job advertisement for voiceover artists – and graduated with honours.
Sue loves a new challenge, and taking on the world of talk radio has given her just that. She says the focus and quick thinking needed to host Mornings with Sue & Andy on QR Calgary is almost as exciting as getting to work alongside Andrew Schultz every day.
Her extracurricular talents include hosting dinner parties, coaching fastball and — her favourite — being a Mom to her two young children, Alexandra and Luke.
Gabrielle is a well-seasoned travel professional who lives for unforgettable experiences and adventure. Having lived in Costa Rica in 2014, she knows the value and experience of “living life like a local,” and can translate this into unique travel experiences. With over 15 years of experience in the travel industry, Gabrielle has the expertise to plan a wide range of vacation experiences for the discerning traveller.
From romantic getaways like destination weddings and honeymoons, to luxurious river cruises, custom travel itineraries and everything in between, let Gabrielle transform your vision of the perfect getaway into something unforgettable and out of the ordinary.
Gabrielle MasciarelliSenior Travel Consultant & Group Specialist
[email protected]
(403) 301-0113
Highlights And Inclusions
Your Tour Includes
Must-See Inclusions:
Cultural Experiences:
Culinary Inclusions:
Highlights
Book Now & Save $100 Per Person
| Occupancy | Original Price | Discount Price |
|---|---|---|
| Double | $4,499* | |
| Single | $5,249 | |
| Triple | $4,469 |
Itinerary
| Day 1: | Saturday, November 30, 2024 San Jose, Costa Rica – Tour Begins
Your trip to Costa Rica opens in the colourful capital city of San Jose, the perfect place to relax and soak up the sights as your adventure begins. |
| Day 2: | Sunday, December 1, 2024 San Jose – Coffee Plantation – Arenal
Welcome to the Central Valley. Begin with a tour of a local coffee plantation highlighting the history and cultivation of this driver of the Costa Rican economy. This afternoon, check in for a leisurely 3-night stay at a lodge overlooking the majestic Arenal Volcano. Get to know the Costa Rican culture this evening. (B, D) |
| Day 3: | Monday, December 2, 2024 Arenal – Cano Negro – Arenal
Embark on a Cano Negro guided riverboat trip in a covered canoe known as a panga. These 20,000 acres are home to the largest viewable collection of indigenous wildlife in all of Costa Rica. Go in search of caimans, river otters, sloths, monkeys, river turtles, exotic birds and rare butterflies. Later, return to Arenal for the chance to relax at your resort. (B) |
| Day 4: | Tuesday, December 3, 2024 Arenal
Today, explore a family-owned farm, getting a peek into the daily lives of the locals. During a tour of the gardens, learn how the plants are organically grown through the concept of sustainability. The farm considers itself a “classroom without borders.” Taste the exotic fruit harvest and experience the traditional way to process sugar cane. Enjoy a sip of cane liquor before engaging in a culinary demonstration and a farm-to-table lunch. (B, L) |
| Day 5: | Wednesday, December 4, 2024 Arenal – Lake Arenal Cruise – Monteverde
Enjoy a delightful cruise on Lake Arenal, Costa Rica’s largest and most important lake. Then, it’s off to the secluded Monteverde Cloud Forest, a place you have to see to believe, where trees grow to heights of 100 feet! Set off on a nature walk through this spectacular ecosystem, where you’re sure to encounter many incredible species of flora and fauna. (B, D) |
| Day 6: | Thursday, December 5, 2024 Monteverde
It’s your choice! This morning, join an expert for a leisurely paced “Hanging Bridges” walking tour to gain a different perspective of the cloud forest’s lush ecosystem -OR- take an exhilarating ride on one of the longest canopy zip line tours in Costa Rica. No matter what you choose, we all come together to explore one of the world’s largest butterfly gardens before lunch. Your afternoon is at leisure, or, if you would like to do both the hanging bridges and the zip line tour, you may purchase the second as an option on tour. (B, D) |
| Day 7: | Friday, December 6, 2024 Monteverde – Guanacaste
Today we make our way to breathtaking Guanacaste, known for its fine sandy beaches. Settle in for a relaxing 2-night stay at your resort and take in the mesmerizing ocean views. (B, D) |
| Day 8: | Saturday, December 7, 2024 Guanacaste
Fun in the sun is in store today as you explore the nearby beaches, or simply relax by the pool and take advantage of your resort’s lovely amenities. This afternoon, visit the delightful beach town of Samara for some local culture. Return to your hotel in time to catch a Costa Rican sunset and soak in the spectacular colours as the sun illuminates the natural landscape before your final dinner. (B, D) |
| Day 9: | Sunday, December 8, 2024 Guanacaste – Tour Ends
Today you depart for home with fabulous memories of your Costa Rican adventure. (B) |
Extend Your Holiday With
Rate: $1,105.00 CAD per person, double, land only
8 Meals: 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches
Day1San Jose
Arrive in San Jose, Costa Rica’s capital city for an overnight stay.
Day2San Jose – Tortuguero National Park
This morning set out for an exciting soft-adventure jungle experience in Tortuguero, the Amazon of Costa Rica, in search of wildlife such as macaws, sloths, monkeys, falcons and other native species. Depart your San Jose hotel via private transportation for a transfer to the dock where you board an open-air boat with other travellers to journey into Tortuguero’s unspoiled paradise. Check into an eco-lodge built in harmony with nature using the best sustainability practices – where fans create breezes instead of air conditioning and meals feature locally sourced ingredients prepared with Caribbean flair.
Included Meals
Day3Tortuguero National Park
An early morning bird watching excursion* is offered so you may learn about the variety of local species and migratory birds that flock to this area. Join your fellow lodge guests on a spectacular boat cruise through the various canals and be sure to keep an eye out for wildlife including howler monkeys, sloths, toucans, aquatic birds, bats and caimans, as well as exotic flora. Tortuguero National Park is a study in rainforest, freshwater, and marine biology. It protects over 350 species of birds and mammals including green macaws; 57 species of amphibians; 111 species of reptiles; and 60 mammal species, including 13 of Costa Rica’s 16 endangered species including jaguars, tapirs, ocelots, cougars, river otters and manatees.
Included Meals
Day4Tortuguero National Park – San Jose
Depart Tortuguero National Park today to return to San Jose. Upon arrival, meet your Tour Manager and fellow travellers for the start of your Tropical Costa Rica tour.
Included Meals
The overall activity level of this extension is a level 2. This means you can partake in a two-hour walking tour covering up to 2 miles (including breaks), over a variety of terrains. You can climb two flights of stairs with ease and handle altitudes up to 6,000 feet. While this level is appropriate for travellers that require mobility assistance devices, there could be times when you may have to sit out on some of the included activities.
Fully-guided extensions are perfect for travellers who want the complete experience of a new destination and local experiences. Travellers will have a dedicated guide throughout this entire extension.
We reserve the right to cancel this extension if a minimum of 4 passengers is not met to operate.
If you require any special assistance while on tour, please make us aware at time of reservation so the necessary request form can be sent to your attention.
For air-inclusive reservations, the name provided at time of booking must match your government-issued ID that will be used during travel. Name changes are subject to penalties.
Order of sightseeing is subject to change.
Extensions are subject to availability and applicable charges at time of request.
*Morning bird watching excursion is weather-dependent.
Your transfer from the San Jose hotel to the dock and on the land return back to the San Jose hotel is private. Upon arrival at the dock, the boat transfer is provided by your Eco Lodge, which you will be joined by other like-minded adventurous guests of the lodge. During your time in Tortuguero, the Eco Lodge will provide you with an exclusive local naturalist guide and all included activities and meals. This price includes activities and meals as outlined; roundtrip transportation to Tortuguero; 1 night in San Jose and 2 nights at the Evergreen, Aninga or Pachira Lodge.
In keeping with best practices for sustainability and responsible tourism set forth by the Rainforest Alliance, the hotel in Tortuguero does not offer air conditioning.
Due to luggage size and weight restrictions on the boats, please bring an overnight bag for the 2-night stay in Tortuguero National Park. Please make arrangements with the concierge’s desk at the hotel in San Jose for luggage pick up and for storage until your return from Tortuguero.
Available Options
Mangrove Kayaking on the Ora River • $72pp
Branches reaching out into the swamp, creatures bustling through the undergrowth, and long-necked birds wading into the cloudy water. The mangroves of Costa Rica are not only essential to the larger ecosystem but also function as an ethereal waterway that will make you feel as if you’ve been transported to another world. Mangrove trees live in swamps where salt water meets fresh water, creating a flourishing home for a wide variety of animals. On your kayak, discover an intimate look at the local wildlife as you gently paddle ten kilometers down the Ora River. Keep an eye out for playful monkeys and explorative iguanas scurrying up the trees. Follow your guide as you coast along the water, making your way along the winding river and taking in the nature all around you.
Availability is based on river or sea conditions and cannot be guaranteed. This tour often runs at the same time as the Dolphin & Snorkel Adventure due to the tide schedule. Therefore, you can only book one of these optional tours, not both. Duration: Approximately 3 hours. Please note a minimum of 10 passengers is required. Transportation is included.
Dolphin Watching & Snorkel Experience • $85pp
Get a different perspective of the Costa Rican wildlife when you venture into the natural habitat of a dolphin family. With a guide, get a firsthand look at these elegant creatures and watch as they play along the water’s surface. Home to an abundance of animals, keep an eye out for other creatures as well. If you’re lucky, you may even spot some whales or turtles! Afterwards, try your hand at fishing as you cast your line into the blue waters of the Pacific. You’ll also get a chance to swim and snorkel in the warm waves along the coast, getting a closer look at the sea life. Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed. Activity is dependent on ocean and weather conditions. This tour often runs at the same time as the Mangrove Kayaking on the Ora River due to the tide schedule. Therefore, you can only book one of these optional tour Duration: Approximately 4 hours. Please note a minimum of 10 passengers is required. Transportation is included.
Canopy Adventure • $98pp
Experience the unique sensation of flying through nature! For nature lovers, the greatest adventure of all is to take a Zip Line Canopy Adventure Tour. Selvatura Adventure Park and Canopy Tour is one of the best soft adventures in Costa Rica. Canopy Tour guides start by outfitting you with the appropriate equipment; then they take you through each of the 12 cables and 19 platforms and through the Tarzan Swing (optional). Selvatura Park is one of the longest Canopy Tours in Costa Rica, and is the only zip line canopy tour located inside the actual virgin cloud forest of Monteverde. Feel pure adrenaline and excitement of flying up to 35 miles per hour, viewing magnificent landscapes. Zip lines ranging from 120 to more than 2,000 feet in length and 60 to 400 feet in height let you experience the cloud forest from a whole new perspective. The tree top canopy tour not only offers a great adventure but also an opportunity to observe wildlife in its natural habitat. Trained personnel (accredited by the Costa Rican Institute of Tourism) accompanies you throughout the tour. If you are looking for a fun adventure and amazing rides, this canopy tour is your best choice. Please note: This option must be booked at least 30 days prior to departure and is non-refundable within 15 days of departure. This adventure is NOT recommended for clients who have high blood pressure, back or heart problems or women who are pregnant. Duration: Approximately 3 hours. Please note a minimum of 2 passengers is required. Transportation is included.
Monteverde Hanging Bridges • $98pp
Explore the cloud forest reserve in the heart of Monteverde from up above as you walk among the treetops with a local expert. Embark on a guided walking tour high above the forest floor on a leisurely paced “Hanging Bridges” tour and gain a different perspective of the cloud forest’s unique ecosystem, its mammals, birds, plants and flora. Admire the forest floor bursting with natural wonders, wildlife, and take in the amazing vistas. Take advantage of this unique opportunity to get up close to the indigenous wildlife in their natural habitat as your local expert shares stories of this incredible landscape and the ecology of the cloud forest. Duration: Approximately 2.5 hours. Please note a minimum of 2 passengers is required. Transportation is included.
Cancellation Waiver
Worry-Free Cancellation
Our industry-leading cancellation waiver offers travellers a full cash refund for the price of the tour, right up to the day prior to departure, minus the small cost of the waiver. Travel worry-free knowing if anything changes, you’re protected.
Click here for complete details.
Plus, you’re covered on tour.
Our travel protection plan covers you on tour. If you have to stop your trip or return home early, need medical assistance or evacuation, suffer a baggage loss or delay; or are delayed on tour for 12 hours or more, you’re covered.
Travel Protection is just $499 per person.
