Costa Rica Escape - 9 Days

Your Costa Rican adventure starts today in San José! Arrive in the vibrant capital city framed by stunning volcanoes and mountains. Depending on your arrival time, you can explore the city's unique sights before meeting your tour leader and fellow travellers at the hotel this evening.

We will provide a brief overview of the upcoming itinerary, and then enjoy a welcome dinner at a local restaurant. Savour the flavours of Costa Rican cuisine as you get acquainted with your travel companions.

After breakfast, we depart San José, heading to La Fortuna, the gateway to the remarkable Arenal Volcano National Park. Arriving in the afternoon, we'll join our tour leader for an orientation walking tour of the area. In the evening, you're free to explore independently or you might choose to take part in the optional Hot Springs excursion.

This highly recommended activity allows you to relax in the region's famous thermal waters, known for their tranquillity and healing qualities. While there, admire the stunning crystalline waterfalls before enjoying a delectable buffet dinner.

Today, you have the freedom to explore La Fortuna as you wish. Surrounded by stunning landscapes, there are plenty of activities to enjoy. Consider joining the half-day hike to Arenal, which brings you closer to the majestic volcano.

Led by an expert guide, this rainforest trek will provide a deeper understanding of both the volcano and the national park. This evening, you can opt to take part in a Costa Rican cooking class. It's an excellent opportunity to learn about local cuisine while savouring a delicious meal.

This morning, we bid farewell to La Fortuna and board our coach to Monteverde. As we journey through the breathtaking Cloud Forest, prepare to be captivated by the stunning scenery. Upon our afternoon arrival, we'll embark on an orientation tour of Monteverde town.

After a break for lunch, you have the afternoon to explore at your leisure, unwind at the hotel, or consider joining the optional Coffee Farm Tour. On this tour, discover how Costa Rica's renowned exports—coffee, chocolate, and sugar cane—are cultivated. This evening, enjoy an included dinner at a vibrant local restaurant.

Enjoy a full free day to explore Monteverde, one of Costa Rica's most captivating areas. For an adventurous day out, we highly recommend the optional excursion: traverse the renowned Hanging Bridges for stunning views of the cloud forest from above.

Following this, visit a sloth sanctuary and discover all about these delightful creatures. Alternatively, you can explore Monteverde at your leisure. Stroll through the local streets, sample regional dishes, or visit a butterfly farm. However you choose to spend your day, it promises to be memorable.

After breakfast, we bid farewell to Monteverde and travel to Quepos, a charming town on the Pacific Coast known for its rich biodiversity. We'll spend two nights here, surrounded by stunning marine and wildlife. Upon arrival, we check into our hotel and then you have free time to explore. Perhaps take a swim in the ocean or unwind on the beach.

Alternatively, you might opt for the sunset cruise on a catamaran, offering spectacular views of Manuel Antonio National Park. Depending on the season, keep an eye out for humpback whales, stingrays, and dolphins. You can choose to go snorkelling or enjoy the onboard waterslide, followed by an included dinner.

Prepare for an exciting day! We will explore the diverse landscapes of Manuel Antonio National Park, known for its stunning sandy beaches and verdant forests. The park hosts approximately 109 species of mammals, including sloths, monkeys, and toucans, along with around 184 species of birds.

Make sure your cameras are ready to capture the spectacular wildlife and plant life. You have free time to swim in the clear blue waters or relax on the white-sand shores. This evening is yours to enjoy as you wish.

Today, we return to San José, offering an opportunity to explore this captivating capital. In the afternoon, we embark on a driving tour, admiring the city's striking Spanish colonial architecture. We'll visit key attractions such as Casa Amarilla, the National Theatre, and the bustling main square.

This evening, enjoy a farewell dinner with the group, reflecting on the unforgettable experiences of the past eight days. Toast to Costa Rica and the friendships forged on this journey.

After our final group breakfast, the Costa Rica Escape tour concludes this morning. Make sure to exchange contact details with fellow travellers to keep in touch and share photos. We hope to welcome you on another Expat Explore tour in the near future.