Best of Costa Rica

10 Days | Wander the rainforests, beaches and coffee farms of Costa Rica

4.9 out of 5 based on 14 reviews submitted.
Explorer
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CHF  1,921
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Discover the country that encapsulates ‘pura vida’ (the simple life), on this 10-day exploration of Costa Rica. This laidback paradise, where even the sloths are taking things slow, offers so much to see and do and is perfect for all nature lovers. After soaking up the culture in San Jose, you’ll hit the national parks of Arenal Volcano and Manuel Antonio in search of unspoilt rainforests, waterfalls, scenic views and chill beaches. Search for unique wildlife and soak up loads of free time to choose your own adventure, whether that’s hiking volcanos, soaking in hot springs or searching for local wildlife like howler monkeys, butterflies and caimans. See the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, visit an organic family-owned farm producing some of the best coffee in the world and learn from a local naturalist guide on a hike through lush landscapes.

Trip overview

Map of Best Of 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
Comfort
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1 - Max 12
Trip code
QBKR
This trip generates 17 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.

Why you'll love this trip
  • Visit a local indigenous community and meet the Terraba people – a matriarchal community who have lived along the Terraba River for the last 500 years – and learn how to make a traditional wooden mask.
  • Hike through the scenic landscapes of Manuel Antonio National Park with a local naturalist guide and learn all the hidden secrets of the rainforest, looking out for local wildlife like sloths and iguanas.
  • Tuck into a super fresh garden-to-table lunch of Costa Rican favourites, including fresh tortillas that you’ll learn how to make from a skilled local woman, with ingredients from her orchard.
  • Meet the family who run the Tierra Amiga organic coffee farm, and learn the whole process of the coffee bean, from planting to harvesting to tasting. Enjoy a cup fresh from the grinders and tuck into a locally made lunch.
  • Wander through the incredible Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, home to more than 100 species of mammals and over 400 species of birds. Learn about the biodiversity of the region and look out for quetzal birds and howler monkeys.
  • 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?
  • Costa Rica can be an expensive destination in many ways, with so many fun optional activities to choose from and meals costing more than in other Central American countries. Your leader will be able to advise on how to have the best value holiday in Costa Rica.
  • The tropical climate of Central America means conditions can be really hot and humid. Always carry plenty of water with you to stay hydrated, especially on walking tours.

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 Best Of Costa Rica including Costa Rica

Inclusions

Meals

9 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 1 dinner

Transport

Private vehicle, Boat

Accommodation

Hotel (7 nights), Lodge (2 nights)

Activities
  • Complimentary Airport Arrival Transfer
  • La Fortuna - Tortilla making
  • Monteverde - Cloud Forest Reserve Hike
  • Manuel Antonio National Park - Tour with a Naturalist Guide (entrance fee, guide and transport)
  • Térraba River - Mask Carving Lesson
  • Térraba River - Indigenous Community Visit & Lunch
  • Los Santos - Tierra Amiga Coffee Experience including lunch
  • San Jose - Leader-led orientation walk
Add on activities
  • La Fortuna - Ecotermales Hot Springs (entrance fee) - USD45
  • La Fortuna - Arenal Volcano Hike - USD88
  • La Fortuna- Caño Negro boat tour - USD80
  • Monteverde - Cloud Forest Night Walk - USD35
  • Monteverde - Butterfly Garden and Insects Farm (entrance fee) - USD21
  • Monteverde - Suspension bridges tour - USD50
  • Manuel Antonio - Boogie board rental - USD69
  • Manuel Antonio - Mangrove Kayak Activity (with lunch) - USD75
  • Manuel Antonio – Cruise - USD95
  • San Jose - Jade Archaeological Museum (Entrance fee) - USD16
  • San Jose - Pre-Colombian Gold Museum (Entrance fee) - USD16
  • San Jose - San Jose By Night: Food and Culture - Urban Adventures - USD74
  • San Jose - National Museum (entrance fee) - USD11

Dates and availability

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Important notes

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Full passport details are required at the time of booking for entrance tickets to Manuel Antonio National Park. Delays in providing this information may result in changes to your itinerary, and we will not be able to guarantee entry.
4. Please be careful when booking flights to/from San Jose; make sure you fly into/out of Juan Santamaria International Airport [SJO]. Please do not book flights to/from Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport [SJC] as this is located in California, United States.

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.

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Reviews

4.9 out of 5 based on 14 reviews submitted.
Reviews are from travellers who have completed their trip and want to share their experience. We show all reviews, but may remove any that include profanity or inappropriate content, are unrelated to the trip or reveal personal details.

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Audrey · Traveled April 2023
What a fantastic trip! Made even better by our excellent tour leader Luz. Her passion, knowledge, and great leadership were incredible. We saw so many animals on our treks in the various parks…epic!
Review submitted 19 Apr 2023

Robin · Traveled April 2023
I went to Costa Rica hoping to see lots of wildlife and in particularly birdlife. I was blown away by the friendliness of the locals, the culture and food, not to mention the wildlife. This was our 14th trip with Intrepid. Need I say more.
Review submitted 12 Apr 2023

Erin · Traveled March 2023
This was my first tour of any kind. It was excellent. Really can’t recommend it enough. Our tour guide Lauren was involved and interesting. Overall great trip!
Review submitted 24 Mar 2023

Taline · Traveled December 2022
Pros: beautiful landscapes and wildlife; good food, interesting indigenous and coffee planation tours. Cons: lack of explanations about the history and culture, hotels very basic and a bit far from the centre and not what I would expect for a “comfort” tour, lack of support in managing the terrain we would be hiking (why not provide rain boots for the very muddy rainforest hikes when the guides were wearing them and where the same guides distributed them for the night tour? My sneakers were destroyed!); our major activity ( manuel antonio forest hike) had not been booked in advance and we nearly missed out!!!
Review submitted 06 Jan 2023

Alex · Traveled April 2022
Extremely beautiful country that is a must to visit. Expect western prices
Review submitted 26 Apr 2022
Best of Costa Rica
From
CHF  1,921