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A Taste of Costa Rica
Trip Valid:
01/01/2008 to 31/12/2008
Duration:
9 days (ex San Jose)
Highlights:
Experience the diversity of Costa Rica's environment, Spot wildlife in the cloud forest of Monteverde, Swim in the warm waters of Manual Antonio National Park, Catch a show at San Jose's National Museum
Trip Code:
QKR
Guarantee:
Departure is guaranteed
Group Size:
Minimum 1, Maximum 12
Price:
Prices from USD $1080
Optional single supplement USD $335
*(plus local payment USD $200)
pricing for United States: change country
Extras:
view 2008 airport transfers and pre- & post-trip accommodation prices
The jewel of Central America, Costa Rica's environment is world-renowned as one of nature's most diverse, vibrant and healthy. Explore this exciting country's highlights including the abundant wildlife, intense volcanic landscape and superb Pacific beaches.
is this trip right for you?
physical rating:
rating definitions
culture shock rating:
rating definitions
passenger feedback rating: N/A as this is a new trip.
meals included: 8 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches or dinners
transport: Minibus, 4WD, boat, shuttle bus
accommodation: Comfortable hotels (8 nts)
budget: Allow USD $210 for meals not included.
departs: Selected Sat
we also recommend:
Why not add another comfotable adventure in Central America to your travels and check out our Mayan Discovery tour. (QKC)
Day 1 San Jose
Sitting in the middle of the fertile Meseta Central and ringed by volcanoes and jagged mountains, San Jose is a hidden gem. Get a feel for the capital of Costa Rica on an afternoon guided sightseeing walk through the city. Take it easy because the heat and humidity may be high - the perfect excuse to relax in the main plaza and watch the world pass by.
Days 2-3 La Fortuna
Head out into the beautiful surrounds and explore the countryside by bike. Stay in La Fortuna at the base of Arenal Volcano and see the its cone glow red in the evening as it blows lava into the night sky. Enjoy an optional tour to the volcano or maybe even a night hike around its base. It's possible to visit the La Fortuna Waterfall, take a canopy tour for a birds-eye view of the forest or nature lovers can visit the Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge.
Days 4-5 Monteverde
Travel through the cool, green cloud forest of Monteverde. These forests are similar to rainforests but instead of relying on rain for moisture, water comes from the semi-permanent cloud that covers the area. Unusual, lush and gorgeous, the cloud forest is just begging to be explored. More than 2,000 species of plants, 320 birds and 100 different types of mammal call Monteverde home, and there is a chance to learn about them all on a tour with local guides. Keep an eye out for the resplendent quetzal, one of the world's most elusive birds.
Days 6-7 Manuel Antonio National Park
Relax in the laid-back town of Manuel Antonio and discover the best of the park. If you've got jungle fever, hike along well-market trails to spot some of the abundant wildlife and take in the stunning views. If you love the coast, the turquoise seas and white sandy beaches make it easy to spend hours or even days submerged in balmy waters. Swim, kayak, or just chill out among the tropical vegetation that makes Manual Antonio National Park so special.
Days 8-9 San Jose
Return to San Jose for a final meander through the stalls of the Central Market to pick up some mementos. Costa Ricans are fond of saying 'when the stomach is full, the heart is happy', so make like the locals and find a place to indulge in some traditional food.
| start date | finish date | places available | bookings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sat 23 Aug 08 | Sun 31 Aug 08 | 7 | late request |
| Sat 11 Oct 08 | Sun 19 Oct 08 | 7+ | book now |
| Sat 25 Oct 08 | Sun 02 Nov 08 | 7+ | book now |
| Sat 08 Nov 08 | Sun 16 Nov 08 | 7+ | book now |
| Sat 22 Nov 08 | Sun 30 Nov 08 | 7 | book now |
| Sat 06 Dec 08 | Sun 14 Dec 08 | 7+ | book now |
| Sat 03 Jan 09 | Sun 11 Jan 09 | 7+ | book now |
| Sat 10 Jan 09 | Sun 18 Jan 09 | 7+ | book now |
| Sat 17 Jan 09 | Sun 25 Jan 09 | 7+ | book now |
| Sat 24 Jan 09 | Sun 01 Feb 09 | 7+ | book now |
| Sat 31 Jan 09 | Sun 08 Feb 09 | 7+ | book now |
| Sat 14 Feb 09 | Sun 22 Feb 09 | 7+ | book now |
| Sat 28 Feb 09 | Sun 08 Mar 09 | 7+ | book now |
| Sat 14 Mar 09 | Sun 22 Mar 09 | 7+ | book now |
| Sat 28 Mar 09 | Sun 05 Apr 09 | 7+ | book now |
| Sat 11 Apr 09 | Sun 19 Apr 09 | 7+ | book now |
| Sat 25 Apr 09 | Sun 03 May 09 | 7+ | book now |
| Sat 09 May 09 | Sun 17 May 09 | 7+ | book now |
| Sat 30 May 09 | Sun 07 Jun 09 | 7+ | book now |
| Sat 13 Jun 09 | Sun 21 Jun 09 | 7+ | book now |
| Sat 27 Jun 09 | Sun 05 Jul 09 | 7+ | book now |
The Trip Notes provide you with detailed information about your trip.
This is where you will find everything you need to know... from what's included to suggestions about what to take. This is also where you will find the most up-to-date itinerary and any late changes.
The Trip Notes provide you with a detailed outline of your trip itinerary, and important information like where to meet your group, what to pack, what's included, estimates of spending money requirements and much more. They make great reading.
These documents have been prepared by Intrepid staff to give you a brief introduction to the places you are visiting. We think it's important to understand the culture you are visiting, and the expectations of their society.
Intrepid is committed to a style of travel that is environmentally, culturally and socially responsible - we call this 'Responsible Travel'. Download this document and visit the About Intrepid section of this site for more information about how to be a Responsible Traveller.
Please also read our safety guidelines for further information on the operational safety standards you can expect on every Intrepid trip.
On 07 June the Australian Government issued an updated travel warning for East Timor strongly advising against travel to East Timor because of the extremely dangerous security situation. Australians in the country are advised to leave. The Travel Warning remains at Category 5 - Do Not Travel.
On Tuesday 07 June we have taken the decision to cancel the remainder of our East Timor trips scheduled to depart in 2006. All travellers will be notified and given the opportunity to transfer to another trip or obtain a full refund (land content only). We very much regret having to take this action and our thoughts and sympathies are with the people of East Timor during this troubled time.
We are confident of being able to resume our normal schedule of trips to East Timor in 2007 and hope that those travellers who have had to cancel their plans this year will travel with us to East Timor in 2007.
For other safety updates, please see our general safety updates page.
Every day, hundreds of happy people return from Intrepid trips, and their comments are here for you to read. We do not screen the feedback on this site, all comments are posted here as they were written (unless they used inappropriate language).
Good Holiday. Hotel at Manuel Antonio needs some attention. First hotel- don't book room next to reception.
Liz Bowness
a good intro to costa rica. The activities and accommodations and meals were very good.
Roy Fremont
EXCELLENT TOUR - first class tour leader, very helpful, good humour, patient etc etc (and good company, part of the group!!). Would recommend.
Miriam Selwyn
Good value to travel with Intrepid. I have looked at other touring companies and are much more costly for similiar amount of travel days/itinerary
Nancy Toyama
Great trip. If you are looking to cover a lot in a few days this is the one for you.
Elizabeth Lewis
The tour was excellent. My friend and I found the entire trip to be not only fun and adventurous but scenic as well. Our guide was superb with his organization, efficiency, and general knowledge of the country making our trip even more complete.
Seena Philip
Sorry, only passengers from Australia, New Zealand or the United Kingdom are able to request flight quotes online at this stage.