Costa Rica Experience

9 Days | Travel to a jungle-clad and beach-lined natural paradise.

4.9 out of 5 based on 212 reviews submitted.
Explorer
Wildlife
From
USD $1,107
View dates and book

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 adventures are endless and the beaches on both coasts are nothing short of picturesque. 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.

Trip overview

Map of Costa Rica Experience including Costa Rica
Start
San Jose, Costa Rica
Finish
San Jose, Costa Rica
Theme
Explorer, Wildlife
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
Original
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1 - Max 12
Trip code
QVSS
This trip generates 13.07 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
  • San Jose is Costa Rica’s cultural heart. Spend time wandering through the artisan stalls of the main Plaza de la Cultura, with plenty of time to stop for a refresco (smoothie) and to do some people watching.
  • 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, perhaps taking a soak and relaxing in La Fortuna’s lava-heated thermal springs.
  • 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?
  • 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.

Is this trip right for you?
  • 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 year-round, and from May to October can be pretty wet too. Of course, you wouldn't get that gorgeous, emerald-green rainforest without the rain, but 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.

Itinerary

Map of Costa Rica Experience including Costa Rica

Inclusions

Meals

1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner

Transport

Private vehicle, Boat, Public Transportation

Accommodation

Hotel (7 nights), Homestay (1 night)

Activities
  • Santa Rosa de Pocosol - Home-cooked Meal
  • Santa Rosa de Pocosol - Homestay experience
  • Leader-led Informal Spanish Lesson
  • Monteverde - Cloud Forest Entrance
  • Manuel Antonio - Cooking Class & Lunch
  • Manuel Antonio National Park - (Entrance fee)
  • Manuel Antonio National Park - Tour with a Naturalist Guide
Add on activities
  • San Jose - Pre-Colombian Gold Museum (Entrance fee) - USD16
  • San Jose - National Museum (entrance fee) - USD11
  • Santa Rosa de Pocosol - Soap-making workshop - USD19
  • Santa Rosa de Pocosol - Waterfall hike - USD10
  • La Fortuna - Ecotermales Hot Springs (entrance fee) - USD45
  • La Fortuna - La Fortuna Waterfall (Entrance only) - USD18
  • La Fortuna - Arenal 1968 Volcano View and Lava Trails (Entrance fee) - USD25
  • Monteverde - Suspension bridges tour - USD50
  • Monteverde - Cloud Forest Night Walk - USD35
  • Monteverde - Butterfly Garden and Insects Farm (entrance fee) - USD21
  • Monteverde - Coffee & Chocolate tour - USD45
  • Monteverde - Canopy Zip Lining (Entrance, Equipment & Transport) - USD62
  • Manuel Antonio - Mangrove Kayak Activity (with lunch) - USD75
  • Manuel Antonio – Cruise - USD95

Dates and availability

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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.

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 212 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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Margaret · Traveled August 2023
I can highly recommend using intrepid after experience Costa Rica with them. Guides are all very knowledgeable, helpful and approachable
Review submitted 22 Aug 2023

John · Traveled August 2023
I really enjoyed the Costa Rican expiration trip it was great. I saw a lot of the country. Dance with the locals. Climb mountains. Boat trips, jungle hikes, and ate at great restaurants all throughout the country.
Review submitted 22 Aug 2023

Louise · Traveled August 2023
Absolutely loved the Costa Rica experience….. Pedro was the perfect guide and I would highly recommend this trip to anyone. My highlight was the home stay …. It was an amazing experience to spend time in the home of a wonderful Costa Rican family. This whole trip is a once in a lifetime experience and one I will cherish .
Review submitted 23 Aug 2023

Charlie · Traveled August 2023
A wonderful trip! Fascinating insight into the local culture on the homestay, and some amazing wildlife seen all along the way, with a fantastic guide.
Review submitted 23 Aug 2023

Liane · Traveled August 2023
This was a great trip to get a general feel for Costa Rica. The included activities were wonderful and there were a lot of additional options for the energetic.
Review submitted 24 Aug 2023
Costa Rica Experience
From
USD $1,107