It helps when more than a quarter of your country is protected rainforest with more biodiversity than USA and Europe combined, and the rest is a jaw-dropping combo of bubbling volcanoes, Pacific surf beaches and laid-back towns like Quepos and Sarapiqui. Costa Rica tours are all about nature putting on a show –you’ll quickly become a pro at spotting keel-billed toucans in the cloud forests of Monteverde or listening out for the distant whoop of white-faced capuchins – but really it’s the pace of life here that gets you. ‘Hustle’ and ‘bustle’ aren’t really in Costa Rica’s vocab. Pretty much what you’d expect from a country whose unofficial motto is pura vida (the pure life).
Departing | Trip name | Days | From CAD | |
---|---|---|---|---|
12 May 2018Costa Rica Express |
San Jose to San Jose | 9 |
$1,904
|
View Trip |
12 May 2018Costa Rica: Raft, Snorkel & Kayak |
San Jose to San Jose | 8 |
$1,934
|
View Trip |
12 May 2018Costa Rica: Raft, Snorkel, Kayak & Hike |
San Jose to San Jose | 19 |
$4,522
|
View Trip |
19 May 2018Costa Rica: Hike, Raft & Canyon |
San Jose to San Jose | 11 |
$2,889
|
View Trip |
26 May 2018Classic Costa Rica |
San Jose to San Jose | 15 |
$1,790
|
View Trip |
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Our Costa Rica trips score an average of 4.56 out of 5 based on 608 reviews in the last year.
Definitely the way to experience the country if you only have a bit of time, whether alone or with friends, I loved this trip!
Review submitted 25 Apr 2018
This is such a wonderful trip! I got exactly what I was looking for: activity, adventure and fun. Accommodations are simple but clean so do not expect luxurious hotels. This is definitely an active tour so only sign up if you are willing to do a fair bit of activity. Our leader was great and so was our group. The real key to trips like this is going with the flow as things are not always perfect but if you go with the flow, you are bound to have a great time!
Review submitted 24 Apr 2018
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What you'll see, where you'll stay, and EXACTLY what you need to pack!
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Swim in the pristine waters of the Caribbean
Discover the cloud forests of Monteverde
Explore the beaches and forests of Manuel Antonio National Park
Witness the golden glow of the Arenal Volcano
Australia: Not required
Belgium: Not required
Canada: Not required
Germany: Not required
Ireland: Not required
Netherlands: Not required
New Zealand: Not required
South Africa: Yes - in advance
Switzerland: Not required
United Kingdom: Not required
USA: Not required
While tipping isn't mandatory in Costa Rica, rounding up the bill and leaving spare change at restaurants and cafes is generally standard practice. 500 colones should be sufficient.
Costa Rica's cities and tourist centres have internet access available in internet cafes and hotel lobbies. Internet access is less available in rural and remote areas.
Mobile phone coverage is generally good in Costa Rica's cities and metropolitan areas, although expect limited coverage in remote or mountainous areas. Ensure you have global roaming activated with your carrier if you wish to use your phone while in Costa Rica.
Costa Rica's toilets are a mixture of flushable toilets and squat toilets, so be prepared to encounter both. Carry your own supply of toilet paper and soap as these aren't always provided.
Coconut drink = 250 CRC
Can of soft drink = 450 CRC
Bottle of beer = 1000 CRC
Basic lunch = 2000 CRC
Sit down dinner in a restaurant = 5000-7500 CRC
Although tap water is considered safe to drink in Costa Rica's cities, it's probably a good idea to avoid drinking tap water in Costa Rica. For environmental reasons, try to avoid bottled water. Ask your leader where filtered water can be found as some hotels provide this. Remember to peel fruit and vegetables before eating and avoid ice in drinks.
Major credit cards are accepted by most large shops, hotels and restaurants, although smaller vendors and market stalls often only accept cash.
ATMs are easily found in the large cities and airports, although are less common in rural and remote areas. When travelling out of the city, come prepared by having enough cash as ATMs aren't always an option.
Absolutely. All passengers travelling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their trip. Your travel insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is very much an essential and necessary part of every journey.
For more information on insurance, please go to: Travel Insurance
Please note these dates are for 2017. For a current list of public holidays in Costa Rica go to: http://www.worldtravelguide.net/costa-rica/public-holidays
Intrepid is committed to travelling in a way that is respectful of local people, their culture, local economies and the environment. It's important to remember that what may be acceptable behaviour, dress and language in your own country, may not be appropriate in another. Please keep this in mind while travelling.