2021 & 2022 Globus Guided Tours - Globus® Vacation Packages

Costa Rica: Coast to Coast (SC)

9 days from San Jose to Guanacaste

2026 Tour Details View 2025 Tour Details »

Small groups lead to big experiences on this Small Group Discovery tour of Costa Rica! From tropical rainforest canopies to captivating city sights, your Central American tour of Costa Rica is rich in countless ways. Explore the untouched beauty of jungle ecosystems, with expert Naturalist Guides, to discover mangrove trees, rivers, coastlines, and nature preserves and national parks in the country’s colorful landscapes and legendary villages. This tour of Costa Rica is by no means roughing it, however! You’ll return to the relaxation and rejuvenation of your hotel or lodge each day to find all the creature comforts of home in luxurious style! A Small Group Discovery tour to awaken the senses, naturally!

Designed from the ground up for a maximum of 24 guests in South and Central America, this Small Group Discovery tour has everything you need to explore with up-close-and-exclusive experiences that go beyond traditional tours.

We’ve packed everything you need for the perfect tour—from hand-selected hotels and dining to the friendly expertise of Globus Tour Directors and Local Guides with complimentary headsets to hear every word, to seamless transportation between destinations and VIP access to the world’s most iconic sites! Touring by private, first-class, air-conditioned motorcoach. Enhance your free time with your GlobusGO mobile app!

Costa Rica: Coast to Coast map

 Photo Highlights

 Meals

 Meals & Itinerary

8 breakfasts, 2 lunches, and 3 dinners

 Itinerary

Day 1 ARRIVE IN SAN JOSÉ, COSTA RICA

Your Small Group Discovery tour begins! Welcome to San José!

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Day 2 SAN JOSÉ–GUACALILLO–MANUEL ANTONIO NATIONAL PARK AREA

Welcome to The Jungle! Take a morning drive to Guacalillo for a Globus Local FavoriteGlobus Local Favorite tropical mangrove cruise on Tárcoles River. Enjoy lunch before continuing south to the town of Quepos, home of Manuel Antonio National Park in the Central Pacific region of the country. Scenic drive to the Pacific shore to Manuel Antonio for a free evening.

LOCAL FAVORITE
SMALL GROUP EXCLUSIVE Explore the Tárcoles River by boat, home to the largest colonies of crocodiles in the world, recorded as having between 80 and 240 individuals per mile of river. Travel along the mangrove, an extraordinary ecosystem featuring four different species of mangrove trees, providing an important nesting site for birds, including the beautiful scarlet macaw, and a shelter and nutrient spot for many fish and invertebrates. As the boat approaches the riverbanks, get a close-up look at wild crocodiles, each up to fifteen feet long. In addition to the scarlet macaw, the estuary also hosts over 250 different kinds of birds, including kingfishers, roseate spoonbills, great herons, anhingas, night herons, and much more!


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Breakfast Breakfast
LunchLunch

Day 3 MANUEL ANTONIO NATIONAL PARK AREA

Explore, Relax, Rediscover Visit Manuel Antonio National Park with your guide this morning, followed by lunch at a local restaurant. Return to the resort for a free afternoon and evening.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
SMALL GROUP EXCLUSIVE Join your small group for a guided walk in search of sloths, toucans, monkeys, and more in the natural sanctuary of Manuel Antonio National Park. Your guide will take you for a hike through the paths of this beautiful park where you will be able to see many species of birds and mammals, and at the end you will have chance to enjoy some time in one of the beaches into the park, all of them recognized into the most beautiful beaches in the world.


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Breakfast Breakfast
LunchLunch

Day 4 MANUEL ANTONIO NATIONAL PARK AREA–LA FORTUNA–ARENAL

Tropical Treasures Depart the Costa Rican coast for the rainforests. Visit the outdoor adventure hub of La Fortuna for free time before continuing to Arenal. Free time this afternoon to experience the resort’s pool and hot spring-fed jacuzzi or consider a walk on a nearby nature trail. Dinner tonight is at a local restaurant.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
SMALL GROUP EXCLUSIVE ACCOMMODATION Immerse yourself in lush tropical gardens, the sound of crashing waterfalls, and striking views of Costa Rica’s famed Arenal Volcano from the luxury of Volcano Lodge. Feel as though you have been transported into the middle of a hidden rainforest jungle, while enjoying all the comforts and amenities of a well-tended retreat. 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, frogs, monkeys, birds, and other small animals native to the area.


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Breakfast Breakfast
DinnerDinner

Day 5 ARENAL. ARENAL HANGING BRIDGE–ECO TERMALES HOT SPRINGS

Rainforest Canopies & Thermal Springs Morning at leisure. This afternoon, join a Naturalist Guide for a tour of the Arenal Hanging Bridges, which combines trails and suspension bridges through the canopy of rainforest, to search for flora and fauna. This evening, drive to nearby famous Globus Local FavoriteGlobus Local Favorite Eco Termales Hot Springs for a dip in the curative and relaxing pools before dinner at the hot springs.

LOCAL FAVORITE
WONDERS OF NATURE Towering high above, Arenal Volcano is a perfect conical shape. It was once the most active volcano in Costa Rica with its lava flowing and gas consistently flowing from the crater amazing visitors of the area. In 2010, it entered a resting phase. But, because of the seismic activity of the area, you will find some of the best natural thermal hot springs.

ENHANCED FREE TIME
EXPLORE MORE During your morning at leisure, consider an optional horseback ride or float trip, or simply relax while enjoying your resort’s amenities or walk along the shaded trails nearby. This and more options throughout your tour are available for purchase with MyGlobus. Get local maps and tips for free time on your GlobusGO mobile app.


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Breakfast Breakfast
DinnerDinner

Day 6 ARENAL. EXCURSION TO LA FORTUNA & ARENAL VOLCANO NATIONAL PARK

Lava Love On a guided visit to Arenal Volcano National Park, see lava trails and how nature has found a way to recover from past lava flows in this dramatic landscape. Next, a walking tour of the town of La Fortuna de San Carlos, offering spectacular views of the active Arenal Volcano. Return to the resort for a free evening.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
SMALL GROUP EXCLUSIVE Ever since the 1500s, locals considered Arenal to be a mountain. However, everything changed on the morning of July 29, 1968, when what appeared as a peaceful mountain suddenly erupted. The eruptions continued non-stop for several days, covering more than 15 square kilometers with lava, rocks, and ash, affecting crops, livestock, and properties across three towns. From that time until 2010, Arenal Volcano was quite active, often spewing out rocks, lava, ash, and smoke. Join your small group for an up-close view of this dramatic landscape on a guided visit to the park.


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Breakfast Breakfast

Day 7 ARENAL–GUANACASTE

Unplug & Recharge Bid farewells to the rainforest, as we depart for the beautiful beaches of Costa Rica. Start the journey with a scenic drive around Arenal Lake before descending the Tilaran Mountain range to reach the plains of Guanacaste’s countryside and finally to the golden sands of Tamarindo Beach. The evening is at leisure to relax or take in the sunset.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
SMALL GROUP EXCLUSIVE ACCOMMODATION The Tamarindo Diriá Beach & Golf Resort, your home for the next two nights, is surrounded by exotic, lush, beautiful tropical gardens and with direct access to the beach, a stunning sunset is only a stroll away. Soak in the beauty of Costa Rica than with a lazy evening on the beach. Ask your Tour Director for the best spots on the sand to stretch out for pure relaxation on the pristine shore.


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Breakfast Breakfast

Day 8 GUANACASTE

A Day at Leisure Full day at leisure to relax at the poolside, go explore the town on your own, take an optional adventure, or visit the beach and enjoy the sun and the waves. Tonight, join your Tour Director for a farewell dinner to celebrate your Costa Rican adventure with your fellow travels.

ENHANCED FREE TIME
EXPLORE MORE Exciting ways to spend your free time in Guanacaste include rainforest canopy tours, zipline, river rafting or floating down the Corobici River, horseback riding, and fishing. Snorkel in the Pacific Ocean, or just relax on the beach. This and more options throughout your tour are available for purchase with MyGlobus. Get local maps and tips for free time on your GlobusGO mobile app.


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Breakfast Breakfast
DinnerDinner

Day 9 GUANACASTE

Safe travels until we meet again! Your tour ends with breakfast this morning.

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Breakfast Breakfast

 Tour Director

With GLOBUS, there’s no better way to get to know your destination than through the eyes of a Tour Director. We’d like you to meet one of our Tour Directors, who average over a decade of experience and are representative of the type of expert that will be with you on your vacation.

JORGE AVILA

Escorting tours for more than 20 years

My name is Jorge Avila from Costa Rica, I'm a general naturalist tour guide licensed by the Costa Rican Tourism Institute. I really love my job because I can share with all visitors the exuberant flora and fauna of my beautiful country, I enjoy walking and spotting all kinds of animals such as monkeys, sloths and especially birds, as well as talking about plants, trees, flowers and orchids. I also love when people ask about our typical phrase "Pura Vida" and I can explain to them that this is everything in Costa Rica. It is the way to say "very nice", "beautiful", and "OK"!! I like when people come to Costa Rica looking to learn about our efforts for conservation and our culture and I can be part of these memorable experiences that I'm sure they will share with their families and friends when they return to their countries. I have one of the best jobs in the world.

Tour Director - JORGE AVILA

 Accommodations

San Jose
Manuel Antonio
Arenal
Guanacaste

San Jose

Doubletree Cariari
Doubletree Cariari

Doubletree Cariari

Superior First-Class

Doubletree Cariari San Antonio de Belen, San Jose, Costa Rica

San Antonio de Belen
San Jose, Costa Rica

Free Wifi

Free Wifi

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.

Hotel Amenities

  • Hot Tub
  • Elevator
  • Bar/Lounge
  • Luggage Storage
  • Free WiFi
  • Business Center
  • Laundry Available
  • Currency Exchange
  • Gift Shop
  • Pool
  • Fitness Room
  • Restaurant On-Site
  • Concierge desk
  • Spa Services
  • ATM

Room Amenities

  • In-Room Safe
  • Television
  • Climate Control
  • Coffee Maker
  • Phone
  • Room Service
  • Desk
  • Hair Dryer
  • Cable/Satellite
  • Air Conditioning
  • Iron/Ironing Board
  • Internet Access
  • Complimentary Toiletries

 Optional Excursions

No matter what you’re into: food, wine, history, art, music or anything else, we give you the freedom to personalize your vacation with optional excursions that speak to your interests.

When you book your excursions with us, you can be assured that every optional excursion that we offer coordinates with the free time that you'll have in your destination, so you'll never have conflicts between included and optional activities. Our team of travel experts carefully selects each optional excursion that we offer to ensure that you receive the highest quality at a great value. Our tried-and-true partners have a finger on the pulse of the city in which they operate so they deliver the very best experiences. We offer experiences you cannot create on your own and because you’re booking with us, we coordinate all your transportation and timing needs.

The following optional excursions are examples only for this vacation. These may or may not be offered, and availability is subject to days of operation and seasonality. Please select a departure date to view optional excursions and pricing for a specific date (due to currency fluctuation, pricing shown is subject to change until purchased). Optional excursions are available for purchase on our MyGlobus site 90 days prior to the tour start date.

Price Ranges

$ ($50 CAD and under)
$$ ($51 - $100 CAD)
$$$ ($101 - $150 CAD)
$$$$ (Over $150)


Manuel Antonio
Arenal
Guanacaste

Manuel Antonio

Zip Line Canopy Tour

Zip Line Canopy Tour

Did you know that the zip line canopy tour has been invented in Costa Rica? It was a biologist that decided to see what going on, on the rainforest tree tops. Quepos-Manuel Antonio offers an alternative to visit the rainforest, from very different perspective. The zip line course and platforms are located above and into the primary and secondary rainforest. A professional nature guide will help you ¿fly¿ from platform to platform, and it will be your turn to discover what going on the rainforest tree tops.

Price Range: $$$$

Ocean King Catamaran Cruise & Snorkel

Ocean King Catamaran Cruise & Snorkel

The catamaran will chart a picturesque course departing from Quepos gliding around the back of Manuel Antonio National Park. Your guide will point out notable wildlife and vegetation specimens, so be sure to have your camera ready. You will pass by panoramas adorned with islands, cliffs and rock formations. You can admire aviary nesting grounds and marine wildlife. Beverages and snacks are available onboard the catamaran throughout the trip. After touring the coastline, your captain will set anchor on Bisanz beach where you can take advantage of the pit stop to snorkel at this secluded bay. You are most likely to spot parrotfish, starfish, angelfish and if you are lucky a dolphin!

Price Range: $$$$

Arenal

Peñas Blancas Safari Paddle Trip

Peñas Blancas Safari Paddle Trip

Enjoy the sights and the sounds of the rainforest and experience its peacefulness as you quietly paddle the Peñas Blancas river. Monkeys, sloths, iguanas, crocodiles and numerous tropical birds await you! Your professional bilingual guide will share with you educational and interesting explanations of the plants and animals you will encounter on the float. You will truly appreciate the wonders of Peñas Blancas river and the surrounding rainforest as you travel down the river without a motor, this way you will enjoy the journey quietly rowing and taking photos.

Price Range: $$$

Ecoglide Arenal Park

Ecoglide Arenal Park

The canopy Ecoglide Arenal Park is located in La Fortuna de San Carlos. The canopy tour not only offers you a great zipline adventure but also an opportunity to observe the animal life in its natural habitat. Fly like a bird through the treetops from a circuit of 13 cables and 15 platforms, divided into 3 sections, stationed in the primary forest. Each platform has been designed so that you can observe the forest from different angles allowing you to photograph the impressive scenery. Discover what adrenaline really means to nature lovers.

Price Range: $$$

Horseback Ride to La Fortuna Waterfall

Horseback Ride to La Fortuna Waterfall

The La Fortuna waterfall tour starts traveling horseback for 5.5 kilometers until you arrive to the horses rest site. Once here you will receive a quick introduction before setting off on your exciting horseback ride. Through this tour you will be able to see firsthand Costa Rica's rural way of life. You will ride past cattle farms and agriculture sites. As you get to the entrance of La Fortuna Waterfall, the horses will be left in a resting place to start the hike of 530 stairs through the forest in a deep canyon that will lead you into an impressive 230-foot-high waterfall. This natural wonder emerges from an emerald-colored jungle cliff into a natural pool where you can swim in the cold mountain waters for about one hour (weather permitting). However if you do not want to swim enjoy at the riverside of the scenic beauty of the natural surroundings and take some unforgettable pictures while hearing the sounds of nature.

Price Range: $$$$

Guanacaste

Canopy Zip Line Tour

Canopy Zip Line Tour

This tour is a total adrenaline rush! The feeling of whizzing past treetops is exhilarating and refreshing to experience. Not many people get to enjoy the rush of speeding past treetops while viewing the tropical forest from an elevated breathtaking view 13 platforms and 10 cables with a break system based on a suspension that provides you 100% safety. In this journey, you can appreciate a great diversity of birds such as the rainbow toucan, hummingbirds, Toledo birds, Brown and Yellow Marshbirds; monkeys such as the spiders, white faces and howler monkeys; iguanas; a variety of butterflies.

Price Range: $$$

Palo Verde National Park

Palo Verde National Park

Palo Verde National Park is located on over 45,500 acres of land that are protected by law. Palo Verde is part of a geographical unit known in Spanish as Bajuras del Tempisque (the lowlands of the Tempisque River). You¿ll find around 12 different types of habitats, including four different species of mangrove trees, 55 aquatic plants, including water hyacinths, and 150 species of trees, like the one from which the Park¿s name is taken. The visit to this location will consist of a boat ride along the Tempisque River. You will also enjoy the life style to the ¿Sabanero¿ and delicious homemade snacks. Fruits will be served at the Hacienda House, built in the XIX Century.

Price Range: $$$$



The “Starting at” or listed price is based on the lowest price available to book. Price is per person based on twin occupancy and any applicable port charges, non-commissionable taxes and fees and intra-vacation flight are included in the price shown. Any included overnight stay in Canada, applicable GST/HST is also included in the price shown. International airfare, however, is not included. If price is crossed out, the new price shown includes a limited time promotional offer(s). Please review current promotions or deals for additional information.