10 Days | Wander the rainforests, beaches and coffee farms of Costa Rica
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
- 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
- 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.
- 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.
- Costa Rica is generally hot and humid year-round, and from May to October can be wet too. At nighttime and in locations at higher elevations it can get chilly. Protect yourself from the sun, bring light clothing you can layer and a waterproof jacket, and stay hydrated. Please carefully consider which time of the year you'll feel most comfortable travelling.
Itinerary
View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2024 - 28 February 2025
Inclusions
9 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners
Private vehicle, Boat
Hotel (7 nights), Lodge (2 nights)
- Complimentary 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
- La Fortuna - Ecotermales Hot Springs (entrance fee) - USD49
- La Fortuna - Arenal Volcano Base Hike - USD97
- La Fortuna- Caño Negro boat tour - USD84
- Monteverde - Cloud Forest Night Walk - USD45
- Monteverde - Butterfly Garden and Insects Farm (entrance fee) - USD22
- Monteverde - Suspension bridges tour - USD58
- Manuel Antonio - Boogie board rental - USD69
- Manuel Antonio - Mangrove Kayak Activity (with lunch) - USD79
- Manuel Antonio – Cruise - USD100
- San Jose - Jade Archaeological Museum (Entrance fee) - USD17
- San Jose - Pre-Colombian Gold Museum (Entrance fee) - USD17
- San Jose - San Jose By Night: Food and Culture - Urban Adventures - USD78
- San Jose - National Museum (entrance fee) - USD12
Dates and availability
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.
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