Costa Rica Natural Wonders

Natural Wonders of Costa Rica

Trip Duration: 9 Days/8 Nights

 

Starr has partnered with Globus Vacations, a leader in the packaged travel industry. When you travel with Globus, you'll have the opportunity to experience the inside stories behind each destination. For 80 years, Globus has been a leader in escorted travel with inspirational Tour Directors who not only show you the sites, but take you deeper into each place you'll see. With Cosmos, you get little-known insights, engaging commentary, and unique cultural experiences. *All optional meals and excursions are booked and paid through Globus directly.

 

 

Trip Inclusions:

• Meals: 8 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches and 5 Dinners

• Tour Director upon arrival in San José

• Round Trip airfare from EWR/PHL airport

• Transfers between airport & hotels

• Baggage handling and related gratuities

• Taxes

 

 

Trip Highlights:

 

San Jose

Costa Rica’s capital, San José, is in the Central Valley. It has world-class museums, parks, hotels, theaters, and historic buildings. It’s an extensive plain, guarded by majestic volcanoes and green hills, honoring the natural richness that exists throughout the national territory.

 

Tortuguero National Park

WONDERS OF NATURE Tortuguero National Park was once a volcanic archipelago until sediments from the nearby mountains filled in the valleys forming a network of marshy islands and turtle nesting beaches that make this region so famous. With its 11 different habitats, this lush, protected area is rich with wildlife and biodiversity.

 

Cruise the Tortuguero Canals

Board a motor launch for your cruise along the Tortuguero Canals, waterways crisscrossing a national park dedicated to the protection of endangered turtles. The trained eyes of your guide and boatman help you spot freshwater turtles, caimans, herons, toucans, egrets, and monkeys.

 

Sarapiqui

Sarapiqui is a unique town and river area in the Heredia Province of Costa Rica, close to Puerto Viejo. The incredible biodiversity and adventure you can find in Sarapiqui is unbeatable. It is an ecotourist’s dream vacation hotspot. In addition to being one of the last places to see the endangered Green Macaw, Sarapiqui is home to find several nature reserves, protected areas and national parks. Thanks to the Rio Sarapiquí (River Sarapiquí) the land is fertile and agriculture thrives in this region.

 

Arenal Volcano National Park

Positioned within Costa Rica’s fertile northern lowlands, the Arenal Volcano is an unavoidable presence while traveling within this part of the country. It is tall and imposing and has a reputation that precedes itself. Arenal’s perfectly symmetrical shape makes it a sightseer’s dream, while its abundance of outdoor activities makes it an easy place to check things off your “must-do in Costa Rica” list. It’s a stratovolcano – a large, symmetrical volcano that’s built upon layers of ash, rock and lava – and at 5,437 feet, it stands high above the rest of the countryside.

 

La Fortuna de San Carlos

Literally translated from Spanish as “The Fortune,” you are indeed fortunate to spend some of your vacation in this popular destination! The pleasant town of La Fortuna is delightfully described as “a small and leisurely town,” tucked into the base of the Arenal Volcano. You’ll be able to explore quaint shops, a colorful central park, and a backdrop that’s organized around the region’s picture-perfect volcano.

 

EcoTermales Hot Springs

Located in the district of La Fortuna of San Carlos, at EcoTermales Fortuna, we look to provide each of our visitors with an escape into the natural paradise, combined with all of the necessary comforts to make your experience memorable, filled with the peace and serenity of the tropical rainforest, and impressive views of the Arenal Volcano, which heats and nourishes our waters. During their stay, visitors will have the pleasure of the sensation of the natural energy which surges from the veins of the Arenal Volcano, and heats the thermal pools which range from 32°C until the 41° C (90°F to 106° F), together with the cool water pools and waterfall, enjoy a relaxing hydro-massage. But if you are just looking for somewhere to spend a nice time with friends or that special someone, you will enjoy our personalized service from the bar, located just a few steps from the main thermal pools.

 

Monteverde

Situated at 4,662 ft above sea level, Monteverde, Costa Rica is a lot like the United States' Pacific Northwest region — evergreen due to the precipitation and moisture-filled clouds which hover over the horizon on an almost daily basis.

 

Sky Walk Hanging Bridges

Explore the cloud forest from the Sky Walk Hanging Bridges for a bird’s eye view high above the jungle floor. This Naturalist-guided tour introduces you to the flora and fauna of the Costa Rican cloud forest. Consisting of 6 bridges with some bridges spanning over 700 feet long and over 150 feet high, this is truly a unique way to admire the forest canopy.

 

Monteverde Cloud Forest

Experience the healing energy of the cloud forests and all its inhabitants, including the people who work tirelessly to protect it for future generations. You will find in our forests peace, joy and re-connection with the fascinating natural world. The Monteverde Cloud Forest Preserve is located on the Tilarán mountain range in northern Costa Rica at an elevation of 5000 feet above sea level on the continental divide. Cloud immersion during extended periods of time shapes the architecture and species composition of the cloud forest, which is characterized by having lush evergreen vegetation and rich biodiversity.

 

Santa Elena Cloud Forest

Take a guided walking tour. Over 600 species of butterflies and 400 species of birds have been recorded inside this private reserve, along with 100 reptile and 120 mammal species that hide within the dense vegetation.

 

Ecological Sanctuary

Explore the trails through coffee and banana plantations filled with endemic wildlife and beautiful scenery. After the walk, enjoy a cooking class.

 

Sarchi Village

Visit the local village of Sarchi and see firsthand how the traditional ox carts are hand-painted. Once used to transport coffee and sugarcane, these are now pieces of art with intricate designs.

 

Costa Rican Cooking Class

Treat yourself to a visit to a leisurely stroll through a banana and coffee plantation, and take a cooking class to learn how to prepare authentic Costa Rican food like hand-made tortillas, picadillos, and gallo pinto. Dine on your creations for a homemade lunch!

 

Grecia Village

Once voted the “Cleanest Town in Latin America,” it is a jewel of the Central Valley of Costa Rica. Far enough away from the hustle and bustle of Costa Rica’s largest cities, Grecia is a quiet hamlet. The center of town, both literally and figuratively, is the beautiful Catholic church, Iglesia de la Nuestra Señora de las Mercedes. Made entirely of prefabricated steel, it is known as one of the most unique churches in the country. Adjacent to the church is a large central park where residents and visitors talk, relax, gaze at the many exotic birds that fly by, or just people watch.

 

 

Need to Know:

 

Proof of Citizenship Requirement: Passport

Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the period of your stay.

 

Accessibility:

• This is a trip for those who are physically fit and can transport their own luggage and walk long distances. This trip is NOT recommended for those who require a walker, wheelchair, or walking assistance of any kind.

• There are no skycaps in Europe and hotels do not always offer luggage handling. DO NOT BRING A extra large/heavy suitcase.

• Not all sightseeing stops/sites accommodate wheelchairs and some locations and sightseeing activities require extensive standing, sitting or walking, sometimes on unpaved or cobblestone streets.

• Globus/Starr

  is not responsible for any missed activities due to a participant's inability to participate with the group.

• The Americans with Disabilities Act is only applicable within the United States and facilities for disabled individuals are limited outside its borders. Most transportation services, including the touring motorcoaches and cruise ships, are not equipped with wheelchair ramps. Motorized scooters are not suitable on international tours.

 

Tour: November 15, 2025

Deposit/Final Payment Policy: Deposit is $300 per person. Final payment is due by 8/17/2025.

Cancellation penalties: If cancellation occurs from booking date to 6/17/25, a $25.00 per person penalty will be assessed. If cancellation occurs between 6/18/25 to 8/17/25 a $1,200.00 per person penalty will be assessed. If cancellation occurs between 8/18/25 and 11/15/25, the passenger is in full penalty and no refund will be granted.

*In addition to the cancellation polices listed above, if additional payments have been made to Starr for the purpose of securing your airline reservation, these monies are non-refundable once received. Any name changes after final payment is made will be assessed a per person change fee. The amount of the fee will be determined by the airline.

 

Flight Schedule:

Departure: November 15, 2025

Depart: TBA Arrive: TBA *Flights are subject to change

Return: November 23, 2025

Depart: TBA Arrive: TBA *Flights are subject to change

**Only 1 piece of checked baggage is allowed on this trip and there will be a charge by the airline to check any luggage.**

Travel Insurance:

Travel Insurance provides protection for your travel investment and it should always be considered. We recommend The National Tour Association's (NTA) Travel Protection Plan administered by Aon Affinity. You can purchase the enhanced plan within 14 days of deposit to cover preexisting conditions or 'cancel for any reason' coverage.

For more information: https://www.starrtours.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/NTA-Plan-Flyer-Starr-Tours.pdf

For frequently asked questions: https://www.starrtours.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/NTA-Plan-Flyer-FAQ_2023.pdf

To purchase: Call 800-388-1470 or log onto: nta.aontravelprotect.com

Starr's Tour Operator location # for AON is 306035.

 

Gratuities:

Gratuities to individuals noted below are not included in the price of your tour package. Customary recognized guidelines are as follows:

*Motorcoach Driver – $4-$6 per tour guest, per day

*Tour Director – $4-$6 per tour guest, per day

Accomodations:

 

 

San José:

Cariari Hotel San Jose, San Antonio De Belen, San Jose, CR or similar

 

Tortuguero:

Evergreen Lodge,Tortuguero National Park, Tortuguero, CR or similar.

 

Arenal:

Volcano Lodge & Gardens, La Fortuna Arenal, CR or similar.

 

Monteverde:

El Establo Mountain Lodge, San Pedro Monteverde CR or similar.

 

Note: Hotels are subject to change by Globus and are confirmed 30 days prior to departure.

Travel Insurance Travel Insuarance FAQ's