Premium Costa Rica

9 Days | Discover the natural and cultural paradise of Costa Rica

4.9 out of 5 based on 18 reviews submitted.
Explorer
From
AUD $3,998
View dates and book

Embark on thrilling adventure through Costa Rica’s verdant rainforests, ancient volcanoes and glittering beaches, where wildlife waits around every corner. This nine-day Premium journey will see you uncover the local secrets of San Jose, explore the wild wetlands of Cano Negro, marvel at the biodiversity of Monteverde and search for sloths in Manuel Antonio. A local leader will take you beneath Costa Rica’s lush surface and show you the country at its very best. Costa Rica’s natural wonders have etched it a place on the map, but you’ll soon discover its cherished traditions and welcoming people are every bit as endearing.

Trip overview

Map of Premium Costa Rica including Costa Rica
Start
San Jose, Costa Rica
Finish
San Jose, Costa Rica
Theme
Explorer
Destinations
Costa Rica
Physical rating
Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
Style
Premium
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1 - Max 12
Trip code
QBPR
This trip generates 25.68 kg of CO2-e per person per day.
We offset these emissions on your behalf. But we know that is not enough, so we also have a carbon reduction target.
Premium accommodation

Our best 4-star accommodation and the highest level of service

Premium experiences

All must-see locations plus authentic experiences exclusive to Premium

Premium knowledge

Trips led by our most experienced and highest-rated local leaders


Why you'll love this trip
  • Visit a project focused on promoting sustainable agricultural practices while preserving ancient traditions. During this Exclusive Experience, tour the farm to learn about their processes and sit down to a farm-fresh lunch.
  • Gain an understanding of Costa Rica’s rich biodiversity and history as you travel with an experienced local leader and explore with expert guides in La Fortuna, the Cano Negro Wetlands and Manuel Antonio National Park.
  • Perched on a scenic hilltop, your Feature Stay offers incredible views of the sparkling ocean and lush jungle terraces. Surrounded by its own wildlife refuge, Si Como No Resort is the perfect base for exploring Manuel Antonio National Park.
  • Board a raft and explore the wild Cano Negro Wetlands with a naturalist guide – this Exclusive Experience will get you up close and personal with monkeys, iguanas, caimans, bats and lizards in their natural environment.
  • Get beneath the surface of San Jose with a visit the workshop of an artisan who makes traditional masquerades – learn about their craft and life in Costa Rica in this Exclusive Experience.
  • By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, Eden Reforestation Projects. Donations help them provide local employment opportunities and tackle climate change one tree at a time as they restore forests across 10 different countries.

Is this trip right for you?
  • This trip includes time spent travelling in a private vehicle with your group. It’s all part of the adventure and a great way to get to know your fellow travellers. You will make stops at interesting locations to break up the longer drives. Please read the itinerary carefully for travel time estimates.

Itinerary

This itinerary is valid for departures from 01 January 2024 to 31 December 2024.

View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2023 - 31 December 2023

Map of Premium Costa Rica including Costa Rica

Inclusions

Meals

8 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 4 dinners

Transport

Private vehicle

Accommodation

Comfortable hotel (6 nights), Feature Stay (2 nights)

Premium Inclusions
  • Arrival airport transfer
  • Tipping for accommodation, activities and transport
  • Luggage transfer
  • Daily breakfast and signature local meal experiences
  • 24/7 on-ground support
Activities
  • Complimentary Airport Arrival Transfer
  • San Jose - Welcome Dinner
  • La Fortuna - Arenal Volcano Hike
  • La Fortuna - Organic farm tour
  • Arenal Vida Campesina - Sustainable Farm Tour with lunch
  • La Fortuna- Caño Negro boat tour
  • Monteverde - Cloud Forest
  • Manuel Antonio - National Park tour with a naturalist guide
  • San Jose - Farewell Dinner
  • San Jose - Masquerade workshop
Add on activities
  • Monteverde - Canopy Zip Lining (Entrance, Equipment & Transport) - USD62
  • Manuel Antonio - Boogie board rental - USD69
  • Manuel Antonio – Cruise - USD95

Dates and availability

Loading trip dates and availabilities...

Important notes

1. Full passport details are required at the time of booking in order to purchase entrance tickets to Manuel Antonio National Park. Delays to provide this information may result in changes to your itinerary and we will not be able to guarantee entry. Details provided must be accurate as per your passport bio page.

2. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm on Day 1 in San Jose.

3. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights on your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.

4. A complimentary airport arrival transfer is included; valid if you are arriving on Day 1 or if you have booked pre-tour accommodation through us. You must provide your flight details to your booking agent at least 14 days prior to travel.

5. The QBPR230701 and QBPR231104 departures will stay at the Parador as a Feature Stay, rather than Si Como No, in Manuel Antonio.

Essential Trip Information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

Read Essential Trip Information

Reviews

4.9 out of 5 based on 18 reviews submitted.
While we try our best to display all reviews, removal may be due to the following: privacy concerns, profanity/inappropriate content or it is unrelated to this trip. We welcome honest feedback and will directly respond to negative reviews.

Filter by rating

MARILYN · Traveled April 2023
MY HUSBAND AND I RECENTLY WENT ON THE INTREPID COSTA RICA TOUR [APRIL 29 - MAY 7] WITH INTREPID GUIDE LUZ AMADOR. IN SHORT THIS WAS AN ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC TRIP. EVERYTHING WAS PERFECT -- THE PLACES WE WENT, THE THINGS WE SAW, THE HOTELS WE STAYED AT, AND THE NATURALISTS AT THE CLOUD FOREST, MOUNT DE ANTONIO, ETC. THE GROUP WERE WONDERFUL THAT WE WERE WITH. BUT MOST OF ALL OUR GUIDE -- LUZ AMADOR -- WAS THE BEST GUIDE WE HAVE EVER HAD -- AND WE HAVE TRAVELLED THE WORLD OVER THE PAST 3 DECADES WITH MANY GUIDES!!! IF YOU GET HER, YOU WILL BE VERY LUCKY. AND CHEPPY -- OUR DRIVER -- WAS SUCH AN AMAZING DRIVER -- ESPECIALLY ON THOSE THIN ROADS THAT ACTUALLY HAVE PARKING ON BOTH SIDES AND ARE TWO WAY TRAFFIC ROADS -- WHICH IN NEW YORK WOULD ONLY BE A ONE WAY ROAD WITH NO PARKING ALLOWED. YET CHEPPY DROVE THOSE ROADS SO WELL AND SO SAFELY -- MAKING US ALL FEEL SAFE. I WOULD STRONGLY RECOMMEND INTREPID TOURS FOR YOUR COSTA RICA TRIP -- BUT DO THE PREMIUM COSTA RICA -- YOU STAY IN BEAUTIFUL HOTELS. AND TRY TO GET LUZ AMADOR AS YOUR TOUR GUIDE !!!
Review submitted 12 May 2023

Bruce · Traveled April 2023
Intrepid Premium Costa Rica is a wonderful means of experiencing the beauty of the country while learning about the flora & fauna, the geography and the environmentally responsible nature of the country itself…all while staying in safe, comfortable accommodations and eating delicious food for every meal.
Review submitted 10 May 2023

Michelle · Traveled March 2023
Wow! Wow! Wow! This is the most amazing trip if you are into nature. We were so lucky to have Leo as our trip leader. He is a world class naturalist and we reveled in listening to his explanations and stories. The entire group was blown away by his knowledge of not only the birds and animals, but also of Costa Rican history and geography and his accurate recall of so many facts and figures. He was also very curious about finding out about the birds and the animals in our home countries which made us feel special. He was patient and kind and flexible and professional. Please give him an Award for being The Best Guide!!!
Review submitted 03 Apr 2023

Catherine · Traveled March 2023
I would 100% recommend this tour - a wonderful way to explore Costa Rica. Our guide (Leo) was extremely passionate and knowledgeable about the country and wildlife. The hotels all had amazing views from the balcony, there was a good mix of included and optional activities, the food was really tasty, and we had a really nice group of 8. Everything is well organised and explained clearly along the way - I'd recommend this to anyone who wants to experience the wildlife and different regions of Costa Rica - you'll learn and see a lot :)
Review submitted 05 Apr 2023

Julia · Traveled March 2023
Need a quick trip to Costa Rica that covers the highlights? This is a perfect 7 day excursion that includes the rain and cloud forests, hiking a volcano, the best National Park for a chance to see the sloths, monkeys and tropical birds, and some beach time to end the trip. Lots of time in the van though as the roads in this wonderful country are narrow and hilly.
Review submitted 08 Apr 2023
Premium Costa Rica
From
AUD $3,998