Costa Rica Experience - 8 Days

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 has a dynamic atmosphere. If you arrive early, why not wander around at your own pace – a good place to start is the main plaza, perfect for some people watching. Tonight, maybe head out to get to know your group with an optional welcome dinner.

Head to Tesoro Escondido Waterfall this morning. Meaning ‘hidden treasure’, this 46-m-high waterfall plunges into turquoise pools and is the perfect place for a dip. The trail to get there involves hiking through the forest, over a hanging bridge and across a rock-strewn river. Don’t worry if you work up a sweat, as you’ll cool right down when you jump in! Have lunch at a nearby restaurant, then continue to La Fortuna – a small town just a few minutes from the famous Arenal Volcano. Spend the rest of the day as you please. Maybe make another splash at the 70-m-high La Fortuna waterfall, hike the lava field of the 1968 Arenal Volcano eruption or test your balance on a stand-up paddle board on the volcano’s namesake lake. There are also several geothermal hot springs in the area, so why not relax your muscles with a soothing soak?

You have a free morning in La Fortuna. In the afternoon, take a minibus to Lake Arenal where you'll hop on a scenic boat ride across the water. Another minibus will be waiting to take you to Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve. Monteverde was founded as an agricultural community in 1951 by a group of North American Quakers who cleared virgin forests to create pastures for dairy farming. These environmentally aware settlers were conscious of the dangers of unrestricted farming, so they established a small, privately owned wildlife sanctuary, which has grown to become an internationally renowned reserve with over 2000 species of plants, 320 bird species and 100 different types of mammals. Check into your hotel, then maybe do a night walk to spot some of the area’s nocturnal critters.

Join your leader for a guided walk in the Monteverde Cloud Forest this morning. Keep your eyes peeled (and your camera handy) for monkeys, toucans, sloths and coatis. You’re free to explore for the rest of the afternoon. Maybe get closer to the creatures who dwell in the trees on a suspension bridge tour – or if you’re feeling extra adventurous, zip line through the canopies! You could also head to the Serpentarium to check out some crawly critters, see up to 30 species of butterfly in specially created gardens or get your caffeine fix on a coffee and cacao farm tour. Whatever you do, be sure to watch out for the resplendent quetzal – one of the most elusive birds in the world.

Travel through the mountains to Quepos by private minibus this morning. Located close to the Pacific beaches and 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 do a traditional cooking class in their home. Before 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 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 pura vida.

Spend your morning exploring Manuel Antonio National Park with a naturalist to understand its incredible ecosystems. Monkeys, armadillos, sloths and hundreds of species of birds are among the wildlife you can spot here. The park also has turquoise seas and white-sand beaches – perfect for swimming and kayaking. It would be easy to spend your whole time here in or by the water – and with a free afternoon, you can do just that! Or continue to explore the park’s trails.

This morning, head to a mangrove forest on Damas Island near Quepos for a kayaking adventure. This activity is run by a naturalist near their home along the canals, so you’ll be exploring with someone who really knows the twists and turns of these protected tropical wetlands. If you’re lucky, you might spot a troop of curious white-faced capuchins in the trees above. Take a public bus back to San Jose, then head out for an optional farewell dinner and maybe raise a glass to a great trip.

With no further activities planned, your trip comes to an end after breakfast. If you’d like to extend your stay in Costa Rica, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.