From
$3,673
NZ $3,122

Essential Costa Rica with extension to Guanacaste, Tamarindo Beach & San José City

13 days
Start and end in San Jose
4.5
11 traveler reviews
Essential Costa Rica with extension to Guanacaste, Tamarindo Beach & San José City - Destination Services Costa Rica
From
$3,673
-15%
NZ $3,122
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Plan your adventure:
Explorer
Curated to ignite your sense of adventure
Partially Guided
Independent travel, featuring selected guided excursions
Guided in English, Spanish
Group Size 1 - 30
Age range 10 to 99
Image of a map showing the route of the tour

Highlights

  • Explore Tortuguero's rivers and wildlife
  • Relax in Arenal's volcanic hot springs
  • Hike through Arenal Volcano National Park
  • Walk Monteverde's cloud forest bridges
  • Surf and unwind on Tamarindo Beach

Itinerary

Expand All
  1. Introduction
  1. Day 1 ARRIVAL SAN JOSE
  2. Day 2 SAN JOSE – TORTUGUERO (135km – 4 hrs by road / 2 hrs by boat)
  3. Day 3 TORTUGUERO NATIONAL PARK
  4. Day 4 TORTUGUERO – ARENAL (210km – 5 hrs by road / 2 hrs by boat)
  5. Day 5 ARENAL VOLCANO NATIONAL PARK
  6. Day 6 ARENAL – MONTEVERDE (60km – 2.5 hrs by road / 45 min by boat)
  7. Day 7 MONTEVERDE
  8. Day 8 MONTEVERDE – PACIFIC COAST (190km – 4 hrs)
  9. Day 9 PACIFIC COAST - TAMARINDO
  10. Day 10 TAMARINDO
  11. Day 11 TAMARINDO
  12. Day 12 TAMARINDO – SAN JOSÉ (250km – 4.5hrs)
  13. Day 13 DEPARTURE SAN JOSÉ AIRPORT
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What's Included

Expand All
  • Accommodation
  • Guide
  • Meals
  • Additional Services
  • Transport
  • Free eSIM
    TourRadar offers the lead traveler (the person who booked) a free 1GB eSIM for the trip. The eSIM is redeemable only through the TourRadar app 72 hours before departure.

What's Not Included

  • Flights
  • Insurance
  • Optional
  • Additional Services

Where You'll Stay

All accommodations are subject to change

Number of tours

72

Age Range

10 to 99 years old

Response time

7 hours

Response rate

100%

We are a leading company in Costa Rica, providing the best possible...

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Your Peace of Mind Options

Cancellation Policy

A transparent overview of applicable fees.

Travel Insurance

Be covered for any unforseen circumstances.

Customer Reviews

  • Most Recent
  • Most Popular
  • Highest First
  • Lowest First
  • MV
    · March 28th, 2025
    Otherwise it was nice, but we had lot of difficulties with transportation. They were late or they took us to wrong hotels.
    Show more
    Destination Services Costa Rica commented on this review
    Hello Marja-Leena, Thank you for taking the time and give us your opinion which is very important for us. We totally understand your concerns and will take considerations about all this. Have a wonderful day and see you some day in Paradise again!... Show more
    Trip date: March 2025
  • PH
    · October 8th, 2024
    The provided guides were knowledgeable and friendly.
    Show more
    Destination Services Costa Rica commented on this review
    Dear Paul Thanks for your feedback We are very happy to know you have a great experience during your trip Regards Karla Alpízar Destination Services Costa Rica Team
    Trip date: September 2024
  • PH
    · October 8th, 2024
    Everything went exceptionally well! No issues whatsoever. The tour operator was fantastic!
    Show more
    Destination Services Costa Rica commented on this review
    Hi Paul I'm very glad to know you had a great time during the trip :D We hope you can come back someday to discover more fantastic places of Costa Rica, it will be our pleasure to assist you! Regards, Karla Alpízar Destination Services Costa Rica's... Show more
    Trip date: September 2024
  • IC
    · August 15th, 2024
    Very well organised, and seamless trsnsportation to all locations. Good variety of activities and climates. Great tour guides and wildlife!
    Show more
    Destination Services Costa Rica commented on this review
    Good Day Dear Isabelle Thanks for your nice comments, we are glad to know you have enjoyed your trip. Regards, Karla Alpízar Destination Services Costa Rica's Team
    Trip date: August 2024
  • TH
    · July 3rd, 2024
    This trip was so relaxing because we never had to worry about a thing. Each time we were picked up and dropped off it was on time. The tours and tour guides were amazing. The knowledge and helpfulness was appreciated. All of the hotels except our last one were friendly, clean and comfortable. I would recommend finding a new hotel to replace that one. it lacked any type of service.
    Show more
    Destination Services Costa Rica commented on this review
    Good Day Dear Theresa Thanks for your comments, we are glad to know you have a good time. We are definitely take in count your advice to improve our service. Regards, Karla
    Trip date: May 2024
  • DM
    · April 18th, 2024
    Overall the tour was great, especially Monteverde where the tour company organised a golf cart for me so I could enjoy the experience. What lost you a star is the lateness of departure from Wyndham Tamarindo. Check was 11am so we sat around for 3 hours doing nothing and arrived in San Jose at 8:30pm, far to late.
    Show more
    Destination Services Costa Rica commented on this review
    Good Day Dear Douglas Thanks for your comments, we really appreciate your feedback. Our apologies for the situation service situation, unfortunately during a couple of months a bridge in Guanacaste area is under construction and that make the traffic... Show more
    Trip date: April 2024
  • Essential Costa Rica with extension to Guanacaste, Tamarindo Beach & San José City reviewer 7
    · February 9th, 2023
    This was a terrific trip--a great sampler of Costa Rico's varied geography, climates (from the Caribbean coast, to the cloud forest, to volcanos and central uplands, to the Pacific coast), and wildlife. The trip was incredibly well organized, with every transfer and included guide on time and excellent. I call this the no-tour tour because you are not locked in to one group or guide. In fact, it felt like the two of us were traveling independently--but with all the logistics taken care of. We had plenty of time for our own exploration or relaxation. The transfers between locations were almost entirely in near-new and immaculate vans for up to 10 passengers--much better than large busses. All had seat belts. For longer travel, the drivers stopped about every two hours at locations with food and rest rooms. The portions of travel by boat were all in well equipped boats (life preservers, etc.) of appropriate size. Tortuguero was the highlight for seeing wildlife. The hotels were all legitimate 3 star hotels--comfortable with good food and appropriate amenities for the location. Tamarindo is a pretty good, well developed tourist beach town--maybe too much development for my taste, but it was worth the visit. Last, whenever I needed to contact the tour operator via messaging online, they were very prompt in responding. I would definitely be happy to book with them again.
    Show more
    Destination Services Costa Rica commented on this review
    Thanks so much for your feedback!, we really appreciate the time you took to write such a review!.Hope soon you come back to Costa Rica
    Trip date: January 2023
  • A
    · March 28th, 2022
    The trip was very well organized and very complete. The team was always available to answer any question or support us. Also during the tour, everything went very well. The transfers were on time, the hotels were outstanding and also the tours were great. Absolutely do this tour or reserve with this team.
    Show more
    Destination Services Costa Rica commented on this review
    Thanks so much for your feedback!, we really appreciate the time you took to write such a review!. Hope soon you come back to Costa Rica!!
    Trip date: March 2022
  • Essential Costa Rica with extension to Guanacaste, Tamarindo Beach & San José City reviewer 9
    · March 29th, 2021
    This tour was a wonderful way to experience four different areas of Costa Rica, all very beautiful!
    Show more
    Destination Services Costa Rica commented on this review
    Dear Shannon, Many thanks for your review. We are very happy to hear that you have enjoyed this tour with us. Contact us for your next trip, we would be more than happy to assist you. Regards, Destination Services Costa Rica Team
    Trip date: March 2021
  • SS
    · February 24th, 2020
    From start to finish our trip was fantastic!!...
    Show more
    Destination Services Costa Rica commented on this review
    Hello Stephanie, Thank for your comments, it makes us very happy that you had a lovely vacations. Let us know if we may assist you in a future holiday. Best regards, Destination Services Team.
    Trip date: February 2020

Dates & Availability

13 days
Essential Costa Rica with extension to Guanacaste, Tamarindo Beach & San José City
From San Jose to San Jose

Why book with TourRadar?

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    • 24/7 customer support
    • Earn $50 in travel credits
    • Free eSim with every purchase

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More benefits
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Upcoming departures
  • -15%
    From Friday
    4 Jul, 2025
    To Wednesday
    16 Jul, 2025
    English, Spanish
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
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    5 Jul, 2025
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    17 Jul, 2025
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    6 Jul, 2025
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    18 Jul, 2025
    English, Spanish
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    7 Jul, 2025
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    19 Jul, 2025
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    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
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  • -15%
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    8 Jul, 2025
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    20 Jul, 2025
    English, Spanish
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
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  • -15%
    From Wednesday
    9 Jul, 2025
    To Monday
    21 Jul, 2025
    English, Spanish
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
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    From:
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  • -15%
    From Thursday
    10 Jul, 2025
    To Tuesday
    22 Jul, 2025
    English, Spanish
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
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    From:
    $3,673
    $3,122
  • -15%
    From Friday
    11 Jul, 2025
    To Wednesday
    23 Jul, 2025
    English, Spanish
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
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    From:
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    $3,122
  • -15%
    From Saturday
    12 Jul, 2025
    To Thursday
    24 Jul, 2025
    English, Spanish
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
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    From:
    $3,673
    $3,122
  • -15%
    From Sunday
    13 Jul, 2025
    To Friday
    25 Jul, 2025
    English, Spanish
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
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    From:
    $3,673
    $3,122
From
$3,673
-15%
NZ $3,122
Find this price
Save and compare this adventure
Payment plan $624 now + easy payments of $167 Learn More

Best price guarantee Learn More

Plan your adventure:

What our customers ask about this tour

The content in our FAQ section is subject to change.
All questions
  • P

    Philippe

    Asked on February 15th, 2025

    How can I update my travel insurance to include the correct dates for my trip?

    Travel Support
    • Destination Services Costa RicaOperatorWritten February 2025

      You can reach out to us via the Ask a Question button to assist with updating your travel insurance dates.

  • E

    Erika

    Asked on January 10th, 2025

    Does that mean you have to have 3 people in a room? Or what is the price per person with 2 in a room?

    Accommodation
    Price / Availability
    • Destination Services Costa RicaOperatorWritten January 2025

      Yes is correct 3 people in 1 room with 2 beds, for the DBL room rate please check the next link.

    • E

      Erika

      TravelerWritten January 2025

      Would it be possible to transfer us to Daniel Oduber Quiros Airport instead of San Jose Airport. Our flights would depart from Liberia.

    • Destination Services Costa RicaOperatorWritten January 2025

      We recommend pay the extra cost for have last night in Tamarindo instead San Jose and then on last day we can transfer you to Liberia Airport without cost.

    • E
      2 more answers
  • Y

    Yvonne

    Asked on December 3rd, 2024

    What does shared Transport mean? Since there is no tour guides during transport, will they stop at any sights or will anybody talk about what we are passing? Will we be traveling with the same group the entire trip? Can I still select the optional side trips after I complete the application?

    Tour Details
    Transport
    • Destination Services Costa RicaOperatorWritten December 2024

      Shared transportation service means you will be traveling at the same van with more people from different countries, agencies and itineraries. Some drivers can be talking during the trip but they are not experts. You will have guide each time you have tour. We cant guarantee you will travel with the same group of people, if you book the itinerary and nobody else book on the same travel dates, we are going to schedule just for you the itinerary but for sure you will meet more people during the tours and transportation services. Yes, we can add extra tours after you confirm the booking.

    • Y

      Yvonne

      TravelerWritten December 2024

      What is the maximum number of tourists on a tour? Would they mix Spanish and English speaking tourists in the same group? If yes would the guide explain everything in both languages? How early in the morning would they leave for tours and transport? If both couples sign up for the same tour and day would they always travel together and be on the same tour? If you choose not to take an optional tour, are there things you can do or see other than hanging around a hotel?

    • Destination Services Costa RicaOperatorWritten December 2024

      The max of people for example in Tortuguero area at the same time on the bus could be around 35 - 50 people. The rest of the trip you can shared in a group of around 10 people more after you in the van and the tours as well. Tour guide will speak on different languages: spanish - english even french. Earlier time for tours, could be around 05:30 am to 06 am. You have the free time option to search different activities and book directly with the front desk staff of each hotel.

    • Y
      2 more answers
  • T

    Terry

    Asked on October 7th, 2024

    Could you please advise if you could quote for a private party of four - just two couples for 13 nights (2 Double rooms) with an itinerary like "Essential Costa Rica with extension to Guanacaste, Tamarindo Beach & San José City" with accomodation in the five star hotels listed on that itinerary.

    Accommodation
    Tour Details
    • Destination Services Costa RicaOperatorWritten October 2024

      Yes, we can coordinate the transportation services in private for 04 people. Please let us know the travel dates to look for the availability of the hotels. Important to mention, if you want also the tours in private modality, it will have an extra cost according with each provider of the regular tours included on the itinerary: Guided hike in Arenal Volcano National Park, guided hike in Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve

  • M

    Marc

    Asked on August 27th, 2024

    What is the lowe age limit for this tour?

    Age Range
    Tour Details
    • Destination Services Costa RicaOperatorWritten August 2024

      I could be under your own decision but from our part, we warm you is that the whole trip will be very tired and weather + time of the transportation services is definitely a physical challenge for minors. For the tours, children can stay at the hotel with an adult or be ready for hours of hiking, taking the kids on arms.

  • F

    Frank

    Asked on August 2nd, 2024

    What is the cost for adding an extra night at the tour start?

    Price / Availability
    Tour Details
    • Destination Services Costa RicaOperatorWritten August 2024

      The cost for an extra night at the start of the tour is $115 USD, including taxes and breakfast for two people.

  • J

    Jade

    Asked on July 11th, 2024

    Can I please get a price difference for the hotels. I booked standard but may want to change to superior. Also...can you provide list of available excursions and cost

    Accommodation
    Price / Availability
    • Destination Services Costa RicaOperatorWritten July 2024

      The upgrade of the hotels will cost around $800 USD extra. Hot springs $160 USD per person. Sky Walk guided tour $80 USD per person. La Fortuna Waterfall $85 USD per person Zipline Adventure $80 USD per person Selvatura Treetop Walkway Guide $70 USD per person Coffee Tour $55 USD per person Night Walk $65 USD per person Catamaran $115 USD per person

  • S

    Shirley

    Asked on April 13th, 2024

    Is it OK for pick up around 10:30 pm? Do you have any details on prices for the suggested activities? How is the group made up?

    Flights / Transfers
    Group size
    Price / Availability
    • Destination Services Costa RicaOperatorWritten April 2024

      We coordinate the transportation service from/to the airport according to the flight information you provide. Hot springs $160 USD per person. Sky Walk guided tour $80 USD per person. La Fortuna Waterfall $85 USD per person. Zipline Adventure $80 USD per person. Selvatura Treetop Walkway Guide $70 USD per person. Coffee Tour $55 USD per person. Night Walk $65 USD per person. Catamaran $115 USD per person. We cannot guarantee traveling with a group. If you book the package and nobody else booked on the same travel dates, we will schedule activities just for you. You will meet more people on shared transportation services and tours.

  • J

    Jill

    Asked on April 1st, 2024

    Do I need to take cash for extra expenses or are ATM'S and credit facilities in restaurants available?

    Payments
    • Destination Services Costa RicaOperatorWritten April 2024

      You can use credit or debit card in many stores, restaurants, souvenirs stores, and in the hotels without problems.

  • J

    Joy

    Asked on August 31st, 2023

    Is it possible to get an extra day in Arenal volcano area? How much is the trip if you do not return to SJO as we fly out of Liberia?

    Price / Availability
    Tour Details
    • Destination Services Costa RicaOperatorWritten August 2023

      Yes, we can add an extra day in Arenal Volcano Area, not problem and also coordinate the transportation service directly to Liberia Airport. Please be aware those extra services will have an extra cost.

Can’t find the answer to your question?
Reach out to the experts at Destination Services Costa Rica with your enquiry, they usually respond within 7 hours.

Good to Know

Tour ID: 172375

  • Currency
    Costa Rican Colon
    Costa Rica
  • Plugs & Adapters

  • Vaccines
    • These are only indications, so please visit your doctor before you travel to be 100% sure.
    • Typhoid - Recommended for Costa Rica. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
    • Hepatitis A - Recommended for Costa Rica. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
    • Hepatitis B - Recommended for Costa Rica. Ideally 2 months before travel.
    • Yellow fever - Certificate of vaccination required if arriving from an area with a risk of yellow fever transmission for Costa Rica. Ideally 10 days before travel.
  • Visa
    • Unfortunately we cannot offer you a visa application service. Whether you need a visa or not depends on your nationality and where you wish to travel. Assuming your home country does not have a visa agreement with the country you're planning to visit, you will need to apply for a visa in advance of your scheduled departure.
    • Here is an indication for which countries you might need a visa. Please contact the local embassy for help applying for visas to these places.
  • Payment information
    • For any tour departing before August 4th, 2025 a full payment is necessary. For tours departing after August 4th, 2025, a minimum payment of 20% is required to confirm your booking with Destination Services Costa Rica. The final payment will be automatically charged to your credit card on the designated due date. The final payment of the remaining balance is required at least 60 days prior to the departure date of your tour. TourRadar never charges you a booking fee and will charge you in the stated currency.
    • Some departure dates and prices may vary and Destination Services Costa Rica will contact you with any discrepancies before your booking is confirmed.
    • The following cards are accepted for "Destination Services Costa Rica" tours: Visa, Maestro, Mastercard, American Express or PayPal. TourRadar does NOT charge you an extra fee for using any of these payment methods.
  • Cancellation Policy
  • Accessibility
    Some tours are not suitable for mobility-restricted traveler, however, some operators may be able to accommodate special requests. For any enquiries, you can contact our customer support team, who are ready and waiting to help you.