Costa Rica Experience
Travel through the jungles and beaches of Costa Rica – a real natural paradise
Discover a region of natural diversity, cultural riches and laidback vibes on a nine-day jungle jaunt through Costa Rica. Thanks to a longstanding tradition of preserving its natural assets, much of the country’s primary rainforest still stands. Opportunities for nature-based activities are endless here and the beaches on both coasts are well worth your free time. Kick back in the rustic beach town of Quepos, explore the steamy cloud forests of Monteverde and get to know the locals by lending a hand on a rural farmstay near Santa Rosa de Pocosol. Explore the depths of this colourful and vibrant country with plenty of time to make this trip your own.
4.9
334 reviewsStart: San Jose, Costa Rica
End: San Jose, Costa Rica
- Duration
- 9 days
- Group size
- 1 to 12
- Minimum age
- 15 years old
- Style
Basix: Simple accommodation, local transport and lots of free time
Original: Tourist-class hotels, some meals included and a great mix of included activities and free time
Comfort: Comfortable accommodation, with a relaxed pace of travel and many included meals and activities
Premium: Our best accommodation, exclusive inclusions and our most experienced leaders
- Original
- Theme
Our themes categorise trips based on a common interest or activity, while showcasing the highlights of a destination.
- Wildlife
- 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
Why you'll love this trip
- Try to spot the elusive resplendent quetzal when you’re exploring Monteverde’s steamy cloud forests. Better yet, why not consider a jungle zip-line to get high in the sky for the best views?
- Spend time wandering through the Mercado Municipal de Artesanias artisan stalls in San Jose – Costa Rica’s cultural heart. With plenty of time to stop for a refresco (smoothie), this is a good opportunity to people-watch.
- Lend a hand at a farmstay outside of Santa Rosa de Pocosol and learn some home-cooked recipes and techniques from the locals on a visit to the Juanilama agricultural community.
- Marvel at the size and stature of the Arenal Volcano on the horizon, maybe taking a soak and relaxing in La Fortuna’s lava-heated thermal springs.
- With plenty of time to chill out at your own pace, Quepos’ surf vibe is ideal for catching some waves, lazing on the white-sand beaches or hiking the lush trails of Manuel Antonio with your travel pals.
View the itinerary for departures between 01 March 2026 - 31 December 2026
Itinerary
Hola! Welcome to Costa Rica. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm today in San Jose. With over half the country's population living within its parameters, San Jose is a dynamic atmosphere. If you arrive early, why not wander around at your own pace – a good place to start exploring is the main plaza, perfect for some people watching. Tonight, maybe head out to get to know your group with an optional welcome dinner.
- Hotel (1 night)
There are no meals included on this day.
- San Jose - Pre-Colombian Gold Museum (Entrance fee) - USD17
- San Jose - National Museum (entrance fee) (Closed Sunday & Monday) - USD11
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.
Travel by private vehicle to Santa Rosa de Pocosol today, where you’ll spend the night in a homestay. Just down the road is the Juanilama agricultural community, where you can get to know the locals, help with farm chores, and take an informal cooking lesson. Several villagers have built comfortable rooms for guests next to their homes, and you’ll stay in one of them this evening. Please note that these rooms use shared facilities. In order to make the most of this homestay experience, it may take a bit of effort from your side to break the ice first. Learn as many Spanish words as you can before you arrive!
- Homestay (1 night)
- Dinner
- Santa Rosa de Pocosol - Home-cooked Meal
- Santa Rosa de Pocosol - Homestay experience
- Leader-led Informal Spanish Lesson
- Santa Rosa de Pocosol - Soap-making workshop (cash only) (requires a minimum of 3 travellers to operate) - USD20
- Santa Rosa de Pocosol - Waterfall hike (Cash Only) - USD19
Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.
Today, continue to La Fortuna – a small town situated just a few minutes away from Costa Rica's famous Arenal Volcano. Besides its panoramic views, the town offers a range of other activities such as the 70-m-high La Fortuna waterfall, stunning lush forest, rare plants, animal watching and water-based activities on the lake. The volcano’s inner workings also mean that the area has a number of thermal springs where lava-heated water gushes to the surface. These springs have been sculpted into several pools and waterfalls, making them the ideal place to relax. Spend the rest of the day as you please in this exciting town, maybe even testing your balance on a stand-up paddleboard.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- La Fortuna - La Fortuna Waterfall (Entrance only) - USD25
- La Fortuna - Arenal 1968 Volcano View and Lava Trails (Entrance fee) - USD25
- La Fortuna - Paradise Hot Springs (entrance fee) - USD47
Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours.
Some of the above optional activity prices include an entrance fee only. Transportation will need to be paid in addition to the entrance fee and is subject to change depending on the number of participants.
Due to limited accommodation availability in La Fortuna, rooms will occasionally be on a multi-share basis (single gender).
Today, you’ll take the scenic route to Monteverde. Monteverde was founded as an agricultural community in 1951 by a group of North American Quakers – they cleared virgin forests to create verdant pastures ideal for dairy farming. These environmentally aware settlers were conscious of the danger that unrestricted settling and farming could cause to this precious habitat, so they established a small, privately owned wildlife sanctuary, which has grown to become the internationally renowned Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Preserve. More than 2000 species of plants, 320 bird species and 100 different types of mammals call Montverde home. When you arrive, you can choose from a range of outdoor activities to wildlife spot, hike or cruise on the waters.
- Hotel (1 night)
There are no meals included on this day.
- Monteverde - Cloud Forest Entrance
- Monteverde - Cloud Forest Night Walk - USD45
Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.
Some of the above optional activity prices include an entrance fee only. Transportation will need to be paid in addition to the entrance fee and is subject to change depending on the number of participants.
Today is free for you to choose how you'd like to spend your time in this beautiful area. Maybe start your exploration with a tour of the suspension bridges that hang in the trees, or head to the Serpentarium to see some crawly critters. Watch butterflies at play in the specially created garden, hire a local guide to show you around the area, visit a community cooperative or zip-line through the lush canopy. Whatever you do, be sure to keep an eye out for the resplendent quetzal – one of the most elusive birds in the world.
- Hotel (1 night)
There are no meals included on this day.
- Monteverde - Butterfly Garden and Insects Farm (entrance fee) - USD22
- Monteverde - Coffee & Chocolate tour - USD47
- Monteverde - Canopy Zip Lining (Entrance, Equipment & Transport) - USD101
- Monteverde - Suspension bridges tour - USD55
Travel through the mountains to Quepos by private minibus. Located close to the beautiful Pacific beaches and exotic wildlife of Manuel Antonio National Park, Quepos is a laidback town with a vibrant nightlife. This afternoon, you'll get the chance to meet three generations of Costa Ricans and tuck into a traditional cooking class for lunch with them in their home. Prior to the pandemic, the family ran one of the most popular restaurants in Quepos for almost 20 years. Now, you're lucky to learn the secret flavours and spices of their traditional dishes and get to know the whole family. Once the sun goes down, why not grab a spot at a waterfront restaurant and sink your teeth into some fresh seafood with your travel crew – this is the life.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Lunch
- Manuel Antonio - Homecooked lunch
Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours.
Spend your time enjoying all that Manuel Antonio National Park has to offer with a free day today. Perhaps head out for a hike along one of the many trails, keeping one eye on the great views and the other looking for the abundant wildlife. Monkeys, armadillos, sloths and hundreds of birds are among the species you can spot here. The park also boasts turquoise seas and white-sand beaches – perfect for swimming, kayaking, sailing and fishing. It would be easy to spend your whole time here in, or by, the water.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Manuel Antonio National Park - (Entrance fee)
- Manuel Antonio National Park - Tour with a Naturalist Guide
- Manuel Antonio - Mangrove Kayak Activity (with lunch) - USD75
- Manuel Antonio – Cruise (Inc transport, guide, lunch and drinks onboard) - USD95
Take a public bus back to San Jose today. On arrival, head out for an optional dinner and a night on the town, getting a taste of the huge variety of nightlife on offer here.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.
With no further activities planned, your trip comes to an end after breakfast today. If you’d like to extend your stay, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.
There are no meals included on this day.
Inclusions and activities
3 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 dinner
Private vehicle, Boat, Public Transportation
Hotel (7 nights), Homestay (1 night)
- Santa Rosa de Pocosol - Home-cooked Meal
- Santa Rosa de Pocosol - Homestay experience
- Leader-led Informal Spanish Lesson
- Monteverde - Cloud Forest Entrance
- Manuel Antonio - Homecooked lunch
- Manuel Antonio National Park - (Entrance fee)
- Manuel Antonio National Park - Tour with a Naturalist Guide
- San Jose - Pre-Colombian Gold Museum (Entrance fee) - USD17
- San Jose - National Museum (entrance fee) (Closed Sunday & Monday) - USD11
- Santa Rosa de Pocosol - Soap-making workshop (cash only) (requires a minimum of 3 travellers to operate) - USD20
- Santa Rosa de Pocosol - Waterfall hike (Cash Only) - USD19
- La Fortuna - La Fortuna Waterfall (Entrance only) - USD25
- La Fortuna - Arenal 1968 Volcano View and Lava Trails (Entrance fee) - USD25
- La Fortuna - Paradise Hot Springs (entrance fee) - USD47
- Monteverde - Cloud Forest Night Walk - USD45
- Monteverde - Butterfly Garden and Insects Farm (entrance fee) - USD22
- Monteverde - Coffee & Chocolate tour - USD47
- Monteverde - Canopy Zip Lining (Entrance, Equipment & Transport) - USD101
- Monteverde - Suspension bridges tour - USD55
- Manuel Antonio - Mangrove Kayak Activity (with lunch) - USD75
- Manuel Antonio – Cruise (Inc transport, guide, lunch and drinks onboard) - USD95
This trip generates 15 kg of CO2-e per person per day
Learn more about our climate commitment.
When you travel with us, The Intrepid Foundation gives you more opportunities to support important causes in destinations you visit.
Before you book you should know
- Many of the activities (both included and optional) on this trip take place in the great outdoors. This means you'll need to be prepared to deal with insects and occasionally rustic conditions. It's all part of immersing yourself in this natural paradise.
- 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.
- There are many opportunities to get active on this adventure. Some of the optional activities require a moderate level of fitness and sturdy walking shoes. If you'd prefer to take it easy, however, there are plenty of other things you can do instead.
- The homestay is a wonderful opportunity to witness everyday local life. A hearty homecooked dinner and breakfast will be served during your stay, which can be a lot more basic than what you're used to.
- With so much to see and do, Costa Rica can sometimes be expensive. Expect to pay more than you would in other Central American countries for a lot of things.
The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation.
Throughout the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available.
Autentico Hotel
Ave 5 and 7 40 st.
East Sabana,
San Jose
10108
COSTA RICA
Phone: +506 22225266
Description
This streamlined modern hotel is a 15-minute walk from Contraloria train station. Unfussy rooms with warm decor offer free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs and coffeemakers, as well as safes and ceiling fans. Breakfast and parking are complimentary. Other amenities include a landscaped garden with an outdoor pool and seating, and an understated restaurant and bar that hosts regular themed buffets.
Instructions
Intrepid offers a pre-arranged arrival transfer service from San Jose International Airport [SJO] at an additional fee. If you have pre-booked this service, please ensure you provide your flight details to your booking agent at least 14 days prior to travel so the transfer can be organized. If you plan to arrive earlier, this transfer can only be offered in conjunction with pre-tour accommodation booked through Intrepid.
If you have pre-booked this service; you will be met after exiting the terminal building to the outside near Malinche Restaurant. Please look for the Intrepid sign with your name on it.
If you have any problems and cannot locate your driver on arrival, please call our Intrepid Emergency number listed under the ‘Problems and emergency contact information’ section of your Essential Trip Information document. If you don’t have a device or mobile coverage, San Jose Airport has a free Wi-Fi connection so you can call that same number via an online application such as Skype. There are also several information desks and tourist information desks around if you require further assistance.
Otherwise, you can travel from the San Jose Airport to the hotel by taxi. We recommend you use either the authorized taxi services organized from inside the terminal, or the authorized orange taxis outside the terminal building. They will charge you approximately USD$30 for a trip to downtown. The drive to where the hotel is located is approximately 35-45 minutes depending on traffic.
Alternate joining points
Alternate joining point 1
For trips departing on the following dates, use this joining point.
01 Nov 2025 (QVSS251101), 08 Nov 2025 (QVSS251108), 22 Nov 2025 (QVSS251122), 01 Dec 2025 (QVSS251201), 06 Dec 2025 (QVSS251206), 25 Dec 2025 (QVSS251225), 05 Jan 2026 (QVSS260105)
Hotel Le Bergerac
Av 0 Y 8 Calle 35,
San Jose
10101
COSTA RICA
Phone: +506 22347850
Description
Hotel Le Bergerac is a cozy and intimate hotel built in a small French Inn style and surrounded by beautiful tropical gardens. All rooms feature cable TV, a telephone, a safe and a private bathroom with a hairdryer. Wi-Fi is available and free on common areas. It is situated in Los Yoses, in the old district of San José Embassies and just minutes from all major downtown attractions.
Instructions
Hotel Le Bergerac
Calle35, Av. 8, San José, 1011
Phone: 2234 7850
Alternate joining point 2
For trips departing on the following dates, use this joining point.
21 Feb 2026 (QVSS260221)
Parque Del Lago Boutique Hotel
Avenue 2nd, between streets 40-42,
Paseo Colon
San Jose
624-1007
COSTA RICA
Phone: +506 25472000
Description
Parque de Lago Boutique Hotel is located in central San José. It features an on-site restaurant, free WiFi access and facilities to host meetings and banquets. The modern and fully appointed rooms are air conditioned, plus they feature flat-screen cable TV, safe and a private bathroom that includes a hairdryer.. Other facilities include a tour desk and luggage storage. Free parking is also available on site.
Instructions
Hotel Parque del Lago
50 meters east from main entrace Paseo Colón Street, San José. Costa Rica.
Alternate joining point 3
For trips departing on the following dates, use this joining point.
20 Dec 2025 (QVSS251220), 14 Feb 2026 (QVSS260214)
Urban Green Hotel
Main Avenue, Streets 1st & 3rd
San Jose
COSTA RICA
Phone: +506 40806262
Description
Urban Green Hotel is a modern and comfortable hotel located just a 5-minute walk from National Theatre of Costa Rica, and around 3.5 km from La Sabana Metropolitan Park. Rooms are equipped with free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, and tea and coffeemakers.
Instructions
Intrepid offers a pre-arranged arrival transfer service from San Jose International Airport [SJO] at an additional fee. If you have pre-booked this service, please ensure you provide your flight details to your booking agent at least 14 days prior to travel so the transfer can be organized. If you plan to arrive earlier, this transfer can only be offered in conjunction with pre-tour accommodation booked through Intrepid.
If you have pre-booked this service; you will be met after exiting the terminal building to the outside. As you exit please look for the Intrepid sign with your name on it. There is no designated area for transfer drivers to wait inside the building so please take your time to look around after exiting to the outside through the last glass automatic door.
If you have any problems and cannot locate your driver on arrival, please call our Intrepid Emergency number listed under the ‘Problems and emergency contact information’ section of your Essential Trip Information document. If you don’t have a device or mobile coverage, San Jose Airport has a free Wi-Fi connection so you can call that same number via an online application such as Skype. There are also several information desks and tourist information desks around if you require further assistance.
Otherwise, you can travel from the San Jose Airport to the hotel by taxi. We recommend you use either the authorized taxi services organized from inside the terminal, or the authorized orange taxis outside the terminal building. They will charge you approximately USD$30 for a trip to downtown. The drive to where the hotel is located is approximately 35-45 minutes depending on traffic.
Alternate joining point 4
For trips departing on the following dates, use this joining point.
24 Jan 2026 (QVSS260124), 07 Feb 2026 (QVSS260207), 28 Feb 2026 (QVSS260228)
Balmoral Hotel
Central Avenue, between Calle 7 and 9
San Jose
3344 -1000
COSTA RICA
Phone: +506 22225022
Description
The newly renovated Balmoral Hotel is a very special and unique hotel. It combines the essence of Costa Rican friendly and caring hospitality with a vast array of convenient and pleasant facilities and services, all offered in the best location in San Jose. Enjoy beautifully reimagined rooms and suites designed to serve as reenergizing urban oases. Savor authentic Costa Rican dishes, international cuisine and drinks in our stunning tropical garden overlooking Avenida Central at our award-winning El Patio del Balmoral Restaurant, Bar & Café . El Patio del Balmoral is a lively gathering spot for enjoying tasty food, delicious cocktails and even free live music.
Instructions
Intrepid offers a pre-arranged arrival transfer service from San Jose International Airport [SJO] at an additional fee. If you have pre-booked this service, please ensure you provide your flight details to your booking agent at least 14 days prior to travel so the transfer can be organized. If you plan to arrive earlier, this transfer can only be offered in conjunction with pre-tour accommodation booked through Intrepid.
If you have pre-booked this service; you will be met after exiting the terminal building to the outside near Malinche Restaurant. Please look for the Intrepid sign with your name on it.
If you have any problems and cannot locate your driver on arrival, please call our Intrepid Emergency number listed under the ‘Problems and emergency contact information’ section of your Essential Trip Information document. If you don’t have a device or mobile coverage, San Jose Airport has a free Wi-Fi connection so you can call that same number via an online application such as Skype. There are also several information desks and tourist information desks around if you require further assistance.
Otherwise, you can travel from the San Jose Airport to the hotel by taxi. We recommend you use either the authorized taxi services organized from inside the terminal, or the authorized orange taxis outside the terminal building. They will charge you approximately USD$30 for a trip to downtown. The drive to where the hotel is located is approximately 35-45 minutes depending on traffic.
Alternate joining point 5
For trips departing on the following dates, use this joining point.
17 Jan 2026 (QVSS260117)
Hotel Palma Real
Sabana Norte, 200 mts norte del ICE
San Jose
COSTA RICA
Phone: +506 22905060
Instructions
Intrepid offers a pre-arranged arrival transfer service from San Jose International Airport [SJO] at an additional fee. If you have pre-booked this service, please ensure you provide your flight details to your booking agent at least 14 days prior to travel so the transfer can be organized. If you plan to arrive earlier, this transfer can only be offered in conjunction with pre-tour accommodation booked through Intrepid.
If you have pre-booked this service; you will be met after exiting the terminal building to the outside please look for the Intrepid sign with your name on it.
If you have any problems and cannot locate your driver on arrival, please call our Intrepid Emergency number listed under the ‘Problems and emergency contact information’ section of your Essential Trip Information document. If you don’t have a device or mobile coverage, San Jose Airport has a free Wi-Fi connection so you can call that same number via an online application such as Skype. There are also several information desks and tourist information desks around if you require further assistance.
Otherwise, you can travel from the San Jose Airport to the hotel by taxi. We recommend you use either the authorized taxi services organized from inside the terminal, or the authorized orange taxis outside the terminal building. They will charge you approximately USD$30 for a trip to downtown. The drive to where the hotel is located is approximately 35-45 minutes depending on traffic.
Dates and prices
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. There are no activities planned for the final day so you may depart at any time.
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. 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.
5. Starting in March 2026, this trip will be 8 days instead of 9 days. Please check the itinerary for your specific departure date by clicking the appropriate link above the itinerary.
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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