Way to San Jose
Trip Valid:
01/03/2008 to 31/12/2008
Duration:
17 days (Antigua to San Jose)
Highlights:
Explore the ancient ruins of Copan, Swim over the reefs of Utila Island, Experience the cloud forest in Monteverde
Trip Code:
QRS
Guarantee:
Departure is guaranteed
Group Size:
Minimum 1, Maximum 16
Price:
USD $1000
*(plus local payment USD $300)
pricing for United States: change country
Extras:
view 2008 airport transfers and pre- & post-trip accommodation prices
Cross four countries and distinct cultures on this exciting journey. From oceans teeming with marine life to tropical forests alive with jungle melodies, this pocket of Central America is something of a natural paradise. Come see it as we take the road less travelled, from Antigua all the way to San Jose.
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passenger feedback rating: 4.5 out of 5 how does this work?
meals included: No meals included
transport: Local bus, taxi, boat
accommodation: Simple hotels (16 nts)
budget: Allow USD $300 for meals not included.
departs: Selected Sun
important notes: Some nights' accommodation may be multishare
we also recommend:
For the ultimate Central America experience, check out our Central American Explorer. (QRZ)
Day 1 Antigua
In this peaceful city, shop for ceramics, jade statues or funky textiles. Head to the street stalls west of Parque Central for some cheap and tasty Guatemalan food.
Days 2-3 Copan
These beautiful Mayan ruins are home to intricately carved monuments, staircases and statues.
Days 4-6 Utila Island
Chill to the sounds of reggae on Utila's sandy beach or tear yourself away from the white sands to swim, dive or snorkel among its off-shore reefs.
Day 7 Comayagua
The central park here is a great place to relax and mingle with locals, with its gardens, benches and piped-in music.
Days 8-9 Granada
Cruise the lake or explore the markets and museums in this charming town. In the warm evenings, stroll the streets while neighbours chat to each other from their open-fronted living rooms.
Days 10-11 Ometepe Island
There is plenty to entertain you on this island. Take an optional hike to a towering volcano or opt for a slower pace at one of the beaches or jungle swimming holes.
Days 12-13 Monteverde
Take time to go birdwatching, walking or mountain-biking through the rainforests of Monteverde. Perhaps wander along a tree canopy walkway or simply sit back and breathe in the fresh mountain air.
Days 14-15 La Fortuna
Take an unforgettable night hike around the Arenal Volcano or get an adrenaline rush on a full-day whitewater rafting safari. Visit the Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge or just relax in the hot springs.
Days 16-17 San Jose
Join locals at the teeming Mercado Central for some super-cheap Costa Rican food.
| start date | finish date | places available | bookings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sun 21 Sep 08 | Tue 07 Oct 08 | 2 | book now |
| Sun 05 Oct 08 | Tue 21 Oct 08 | 7+ | book now |
| Sun 19 Oct 08 | Tue 04 Nov 08 | bookings closed | |
| Sun 16 Nov 08 | Tue 02 Dec 08 | bookings closed | |
| Sun 25 Jan 09 | Tue 10 Feb 09 | 6 | book now |
| Sun 08 Feb 09 | Tue 24 Feb 09 | 4 | book now |
| Sun 08 Mar 09 | Tue 24 Mar 09 | 7+ | book now |
| Sun 26 Apr 09 | Tue 12 May 09 | 7+ | book now |
| Sun 24 May 09 | Tue 09 Jun 09 | 7+ | book now |
| Sun 07 Jun 09 | Tue 23 Jun 09 | 7+ | book now |
| Sun 21 Jun 09 | Tue 07 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).
The trip itinierary was enjoyable, but please be aware that there are long travel days about every other day, so be prepared to see each city within a day and sit in a shuttle for the other day.
Paula Moffat
I was not that keen on doing an organised tour, but had been advised about land border crossings in Central America being difficult. Now very glad I went with Intrepid and I would definitely look at going on another tour soon.
Rosey Gurr
Sorry, only passengers from Australia, New Zealand or the United Kingdom are able to request flight quotes online at this stage.
