The Costa Rica Experience

Welcome to Costa Rica & San Jose. Upon arrival you'll make your way to your accommodation and check in.

Costa Rica’s capital and the largest city in the country, San Jose is considered to be among the most cosmopolitan cities in Latin America. Downtown San Jose is the busiest part of town. A maze of streets and avenues, here you can find most of the city’s museums as well as several hotels and plazas.

In the center of the city, several attractions can be found, such as the National Theater, the National Museum, and the Jade Museum. Also, several parks like Plaza de La Cultura and Parque Morazan are interesting places to visit. In San Jose exist a wide variety for gastronomic, each corner of the city has great restaurants or the famous Barrio Escalante, a gastronomic center where high-quality food is offered. But for more local and typical food the central market offers tasty food.

If you'd like to pre-book your airport transfer please let us know and we can arrange for you.

Meals: NA

Accommodation: Hotel Villa Tournon or similar

This morning you'll meet your guide for a trip on private transfer to Rio Tarcoles and Crocodile Bridge. The Tarcoles River Bridge is one of the most famous places in the country to observe crocodiles in their natural habitat. This bridge crosses the mighty Tarcoles River, known to harbor a large population of these reptiles.

Afterwards you'll enjoy a private two hour transfer to Manuel Antonio.

Manuel Antonio is home to a namesake national park full of unspoiled beaches and world-class views. Enjoy adventures as diverse as snorkeling and jungle hikes. A great destination for families, there’s something for everyone whether you have young children or college-bound teens. See a variety of Costa Rica’s animals when you peek into tide pools and hike through forests; experience the subtle thrill of birding when you cross a variety of species off of your ‘seen’ list.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Kamuk Best Western Hotel & Casino or similar

Today is a free day with a number of optional activities you may want to take advantage of.

1. Optional Tour, Manuel Antonio National Nature Walk. Prices per person are USD $100 / GBP £80 / AUD $ 160

The pace of this adventure is determined by the consensus of your group’s abilities and interests. There is an abundance of wildlife you will want to stop and observe, all in its natural and breathtaking habitat. Watch sloths and numerous species of monkeys travel through the tree canopy as they hunt for nocturnal silky anteaters and several types of non-poisonous snakes resting in the tropical rainforest. Listen to the songs of the various birds as they glide above your group, curiously looking for adventure. At your convenience and leisure, you can stop and enjoy some local fresh fruits and refreshments as you pause to soak in the beautiful aesthetics. Enjoy some leisure time to swim at the pristine water of the virgin beaches inside of the national park, consider the most beautiful beaches of Costa Rica.

2. Optional Tour, Sea Kayak & Snorkeling / Lunch & Transfer included. Prices per person are USD $100 / GBP £80 / AUD $ 160

As the Manuel Antonio specialist, we encourage you to come experience one of Costa Rica’s most striking coastlines – by open-seated ocean kayak. Whether you are an individual, a group, or an adventurous family, this challenging yet gratifying ocean paddling adventure is just what you’re looking for. The adventure begins near the Marina Pez Vela in Quepos and winds along the Manuel Antonio coastline. From your position in your kayak, you will have the best view over the mountainous city of Manuel Antonio. Our bilingual naturalist guide will tell you what you are seeing in the mountains and tell you more about the beautiful treasures there is along the coastline. Your guide will also direct you to the best snorkeling spots; a great volcanic rock hosting wide variety of fish, crabs and other marine life, very close to the shore of Biezans Bay.

After snorkeling you will make a stop at a beautiful secluded beach, where you can rest your arms, enjoy the water and your guide will provide you with a snack – fruits and cookies. With the new energy in your body, you are now ready to head back and enjoy the magical surroundings you are in. You will now end your adventure with a nice hot lunch in typical Costa Rican flavor at a local hot spot near the beach, before returning to your Costa Rican residence. Overall, this kayaking adventure is a tremendous way to experience the exotic Costa Rican coastline in a way that only Manuel Antonio can show.

3. Optional Tour, Regular Surf Lesson / Transfer included / Regular / Prices per person are USD $120 / GBP £90 / AUD $ 170

Upon arrival at the beach the instructors start with a warm-up including stretching. This includes a detailed safety talk for approximately 15 minutes where we will explain basic surf safety instruction and then demonstrate the main surf positions and correct posture. Then the student and instructor enter the sea to start catching waves.

There are a few breaks throughout during the lesson which fresh fruit and drinks are served. During this break each instructor will provide their student with individualized feedback which the students can use once they return to the water to practice their newly acquired skills. This lesson lasts for approximately three hours.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Kamuk Best Western Hotel & Casino or Similar

During your drive to Monteverde you'll have the chance to stop at a local tropical fruit market.

The local organic fruit markets give you chance to practice some Spanish and try out some local fruits that Costa Rica is known for.

You'll then continue your journey to Monteverde. Home to cool, misty cloud forests, and deep green foliage almost everywhere you look, there’s no mistaking that you’ve stepped away from everyday life. If spending time in nature is at the top of your travel to-do list, then you’ll get your fill of adventure in this part of Costa Rica’s Central Highlands. From zip-lining across a canopy to tours of coffee plantations, there are plenty of activities to keep you moving in the fresh air.

Monteverde is translated as “green mountain”, and once you’ve reached the mountaintop, you’ll first come upon the quaint town of Santa Elena. Here you’ll find gift stores, accommodations, a bus stop, restaurants, cafes, a supermarket, banks and much more. Though Monteverde proper does not have a town center, it is comprised of a dirt road that leads to the Cloud Forest Reserve. Spread out along this walkable road are hotels, cafes, restaurants, galleries, and excellent views

Optional tour, Night Walk Tour / Transportation included / Regular / Price per person USD $60 / GBP £50 / AUD $90

Experience Costa Rica’s spectacular nature on this night-time excursion to the Monteverde Cloud Forest. After a convenient hotel pickup, learn about the region’s wildlife from an informative local guide and watch the forest come alive at night. Spot bats, frogs, and rare creatures like kinkajous, ocelots, porcupines, and olingos.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel Don Taco or similar

There are no activities booked today, instead this is a window of opportunity to explore this amazing area, We have some optional activities you may want to pre-book:

Optional Tour, Hanging Bridges, Guided Walking Tour / Roundtrip included / Regular / Price per person USD $50 / GBP £40 / AUD $75

A bilingual guide will welcome you and accompany you during the whole trajectory helping you discover the animals and the plants more interesting that habit in the exuberant cloud forest. The tour, which is 3 kilometers approximately, consists of a combination of trails and seven bridges where you will have the opportunity to explore all the levels of the cloud forest, as well as the habitats of every single one, starting from the ground and getting to the top of the great trees.

Optional Tour, Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, Guided Walking Tour / Transfer included / Price per person USD $120 / GBP £90 / AUD $180

The Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve is the largest of these private protected areas, with over 25,730 acres (10,415 hectares) of land. More than 500 species of orchids cling to the limbs of enormous trees, while vines, ferns, mosses and lichens fill every other available space.The Cloud Forest of Monteverde house more than 130 species of mammals, 400 species of birds, including the beautiful quetzal, 30 species of hummingbirds, 5000 species of moths and 3000 species of plants. It is a nature lover’s paradise.

Optional Tour, El Trapiche Tour / Transfer included / Regular / Price per personUSD $65 / GBP £55 / AUD $100

The tour begins with a short walk through the farm where you can get a glimpse of plantations as sugar cane, coffee, cocoa and more. Enjoy the entire coffeeprocess, the artisanal cocoa process and sugar cane traditional process. Experience the process of making the traditional sugar cane candy, to finish delight yourself with a fragrant cup of coffee from our farm and a tradicional dish of picadillo de arracache. Also you have free degustations on your tour!

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel Don Taco or similar

La Fortuna is home to the greater Arenal recreation area, the entire region is paradise on Earth for outdoor adventurers. Volcanic views grace the landscape and heat several geothermal hot springs. A lake and rivers beckon you toward aquatic adventure. Refreshing waterfalls reward you after hikes, offering crisp pools and spectacular views.

Arenal Volcano is one of Costa Rica’s most notable natural features. Standing at 5,437 feet (1,657 meters), this volcano has been resting (i.e. not active) since 2010. However, it is no less majestic to behold, as it’s practically a behemoth against the region’s perfect skies. Rising above the rainforest that surrounds its base, Arenal Volcano frames the skyline with near-perfect symmetry.

Optional Tour, In the afternoon, Canyoning in the Lost Canyon / Roundtrip & Lunch included / Regular /Price per person USD $120 / GBP £100 / AUD $190

You'll rappel down huge waterfalls, jump into pools, zip down guided rappels, downclimb the canyon walls and river boulders, and hike up through the rainforest.

Start the rappelling-leg of your canyoning journey with the first waterfall referred to as the “Baby”, a small-sized 10 feet waterfall that allows you to ease your way into learning the ropes. You will soon reach what it’s called the “Big Boy”, the second largest waterfall. About half-way through your rappel, you’ll hear the call to “LET GO!” a few moments later you’ll experience your first guided free fall! Finally, you will get the largest Lost Canyon challenge: an exciting 200 feet waterfall rappel. At the end of this tour, enjoy a delicious lunch.

Optional Tour, Ecotermales Hot Springs / Dinner & Roundtrip included / Regular /Price per person USD $220 / GBP £200 / AUD $400

Ecotermales Hot Springs is a perfect place to relax and blend into nature. It is one of the smallest hot springs in Arenal, which means privacy, it does not accept more than 100 visitors at one time. Ecotermales is a family-run project focused on offering the perfect balance of natural harmony and environmental responsibility together with maximum comfort and luxury.

The resort offers four thermal pools with different temperatures, with the coolest being 91º F (32 C) and the hottest being 105º F (41 C). One of the pools has a refreshing, cascading waterfall that you can stand beneath. Paths laid with volcanic silt run throughout the complex, connecting the pools, changing rooms, and restaurants making it easy and safe for you to navigate the pools and property as a whole.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel San Bosco or Similar

Enjoy exploring Fortuna with walking tours available or maybe take a self guided on foot tour of the local town. There is lots to do here to unless of course you'd like to relax in your surroundings!

Optional tour, Hanging Bridges Nature Walk / Roundtrip included / Regular / Price per Person USD $90 / GBP £80 / AUD $150

A professionally bilingual guide will pick you up in your hotel and drive to one of the best viewpoints of the Arenal Volcano high atop a hill across the valley from the iconic volcano. Some trails and bridges bring you as close as you could ever hope to get to the birds, flowers, and the lush vegetation of this primary rainforest. The trails are designed for all ability levels and cover a total of about 2 miles. Once you are on walking along, you will be able to admire the great diversity of flora and fauna typically found in the tropical rainforest and also have the opportunity to see many different birds and plant species. Walk right into the forest along several stretches of hanging bridges overlooking the tree canopy along easy, safe and beautiful trails with views of the Arenal Volcano.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: San Bosco Inn or Similar

Your last day in the paradise of Fortuna.

Optional Tour, La Fortuna Waterfall Guided Hike / Roundtrip included / Regular / Price per person USD $90 / GBP £80 / AUD $ 150

You will love the hike down to this waterfall near the town of La Fortuna because you can see all of the natural beauty of the rainforest as well as the birds and wildlife that live there. Once you arrive at the La Fortuna Waterfall, prepare to be blown away by the beauty of this impressive waterfall! You will also be able to swim and take amazing photos!

Get ready because there are 500 steps to get down to the waterfall and of course 500 steps to get back up. Many people take breaks on their way to soak up the lush rainforest, tropical birds and variety of wildlife that you may be lucky enough to see. When you reach the bottom, you will be blown away by the beauty of this towering waterfall and have plenty of opportunities to relax on the rocks and admire the views. You can also take a swim in the cool, refreshing clear-water pools along the left-hand side of the waterfall. You can rinse off in the showers and change into dry clothes and take part in a delicious tropical fruit snack with your guide.

Optional Tour, Arenal Volcano Walking Tour / Roundtrip included / Regular / Price per person USD $90 / GBP £80 / AUD $ 150

The trails in Arenal National Park and other nearby Arenal Reserves are generally flat and not very strenuous, perfect for a leisurely and informative guided walk with a professional nature guide. You will hike through well-groomed, easy trails that skirt the base of the Arenal Volcano and Lake Arenal Area. This part of the Arenal Volcano had sections that were devastated by the lava flow of 1968, so some areas have very little vegetation.

This guided walk provides perfect photo opportunities and magnificent views of the impressive Arenal Volcano, the pristine Lake Arenal and the extinct volcano Cerro Chato. There are parts of each trail that has forested areas where your nature guide will try to spot birds, monkeys and other animals in their natural habitat.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: San Bosco Inn or Similar

Sarapiqui is located in the Heredia province and it has gain popularity because of the rich biodiversity as well for the adventure activities that can be done here. Surrounded by lush green forests and banana and cacao plantations, Sarapiqui was once just a small port town. Located at the junction of the Puerto Viejo River and Sarapiqui River. In Sarapiqui, several private reserves can be found such as La Tirimbina, La Selva and many others making a great place to admire nature and wildlife. As one of Costa Rica’s last remaining areas of primary rainforest, Sarapiquí is home to over half of the country’s total species of birds. The species diversity is astounding, with more than 1,850 plants, 448 birds, 70 species of bat and five of Costa Rica’s six felines.

Today you'll enjoy a local cooking class with a chef. In this activity, you can participate in the food preparation and enjoy a delicious lunch or dinner during the process. It’s an opportunity to learn by doing and to get to know more about Costa Rican culture.

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Accommodation: Hotel El Bambu or Similar

Today is a day at your leisure. We'd recommend two tours you may wish to book on to:

Optional Tour, Safari Floating at Sarapiqui River / Roundtrip included / Regular / Price per person USD $90 / GBP £80 / AUD $150

Class I Safari tour is perfect for nature enthusiasts who are looking for a relaxing and educational experience, and who want to experience wildlife in a sustainable way without the disturbance of noisy engines. From iguanas to monkeys and crocodiles, watch all kinds of animals on the riverbanks as you ride on the rafts and enjoy the view. In addition, there is the option to take the trip on a raft where only the guide paddles. This makes the trip suitable for all ages and a fantastic opportunity to learn more about Costa Rica’s fauna and flora. This tour will also allow you to better enjoy the landscape and observe birds with telescopes or binoculars.

Optional Tour, Waterfall Tour / Roundtrip included / Regular / Price per person USD $100 / GBP £90 / AUD $170

Tour begins with three zip line cables that will take you from the starting point to the other side of the Sarapiquí River, where the private reserve La Linda is located, a 282-acre forest conservation area. From there, you will hike for approximately 45 minutes through mountain trails until you reach the banks of the Tirimbina River, and finally, the beautiful 10-foot high waterfall. Throughout the journey, you’ll be accompanied by an experienced guide who will show you the diverse habitats of the rainforest animals. After enjoying the waterfall, you’ll return to La Linda Zip Line with three additional cables, including one that is 2,300 feet long and crosses the Sarapiquí River.

Optional Tour, Reforestation / Roundtrip included / Regular / Price per person USD $90 / GBP £80 / AUD $150

Because we live in a natural paradise, we have to make big efforts to preserve our biodiversity. We have a nice list with people participating and loving the reforestation programs as a way to give back a little what nature gives us every day.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel El Bambu or Similar

The best natural expedition awaits you today. Your expert guide will meet you early at the hotel. You will start traveling northeast to the Caribbean lowlands. You will stop for breakfast at a local restaurant in Guapiles town. After breakfast, you will continue to La Pavona dock, there you will board the special boat that will take you to the lodge immersed in the jungle.

This afternoon, you will have a guided tour to the Village of Tortuguero and walk around the town to learn about the relaxed way of life in the Caribbean. Your guide will explain to you how this village developed and why they changed their minds about turtle conservation.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: El Icaco Hotel or Similar

This morning, after breakfast, you have a boat tour on the Tortuguero National Park with the company of a local expert nature guide. The small boats go deep into the canals of the national park, further beyond where other boats can go. Due to the ability to explore further into the canals, you will have the opportunity to find rarer species of wildlife.

**NOTE: The entrance fee to Tortuguero National Park is not included. It is $15 USD per person. **

This afternoon, your guide will take you to a private nature trail where you have an exploring guided walk inside the jungle. The walk is relaxed and slow pace as this is a flat trail. The rest of the day is at your leisure; you can relax at the swimming pool, take a cocktail admiring the river lagoon or spend the afternoon on the beach.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: El Icaco Hotel or Simialr

Today after breakfast, the guide will meet you at the main dock of the hotel to return by boat to Pavona’s dock; from there continue with land transportation to Guapiles town where you will have another delicious Caribbean lunch. After the meal, a representative will pick you up to take you to the next destination of this journey.

Puerto Viejo de Talamanca is located in the south Caribbean, it´s a perfect destination for beach lover and travelers that want to know about culture and traditions. Puerto Viejo was a small fishing village, that has become a popular destination offering a wide variety of restaurants and bars for vivid nightlife.

With its relaxed atmosphere and its unique blend of Latino, Afro-Caribbean and Bribri indigenous cultures. Popular activities are snorkeling, hikes, cooking classes, surfing or just relax at the white sand beach. In the area, you can find the Cahuita National Park and the Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge both places are ideal to admire the wildlife and the beautiful beaches.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel Escape Caribeño or Similar

Enjoy a guided bike tour through the scenic roads of Puerto Viejo.

Optional Tour, Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge Walking Tour (Min 2 pax) / Roundtrip & Lunch included / Regular / Price per person USD $90 / GBP £80 / AUD $150

This trail has an amazing biodiversity, every corner is full of life in this tropical rainforest, tourists can also enjoy viewpoints overlooking the sea with a scenic beauty that only in the South Caribbean of Costa Rica can be found.

During the tour the trail crosses between beautiful beaches and forests, through giant trees such as fig trees, ceiba trees and sandboxes. It is also possible to see different species of animals such as white-faced monkeys, howler monkeys, sloths, tayras, iguanas, basilisks, eyelash vipers, woodpeckers, toucans, common black hawks and more, depending on what mother nature wants to show us.

During the activity the tourist will always be with one of our naturalist guides who will interpret the trails, explaining to people about the dynamics of the ecosystem present in the refuge, and a little about the history and culture of the South Caribbean of Costa Rica.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel Escape Caribeño ro Simialr

During this journey you will visit the National Theater, also known as “The jewel of San José”, a masterpiece in art and architecture built by Costa Ricans and completed in 1897. Then, the Museum of Gold (an archaeological interest site), then the Central Market, place full of the Costa Rican cultural heritage and traditions, where you will be able to browse and buy some local art crafts. You will also visit the Metropolitan Cathedral. As you travel around the city, your guide will point you out several historically important or main buildings in our city, for example The Costa Rica University, The Old Train Station, The National Liquor Factory, The National Supreme Election Bureau, the Asamblea Legislativa (equivalent to The Congress), The Metallic Building, some parks and various sites of interest. This will be an introduction to the Capital City, and information about the economy, cultural, politics, religion and general current events. Also, you will visit an Art Gallery, where you will be able to get some souvenirs to take back home. NOTE: The entrance fee to the museums or the National Theatre is not included.

The Calle de los Artesanos in Moravia is an emblematic location known for its vibrant cultural and artistic atmosphere. This street has become a hub for local artisans who showcase and sell their creations, ranging from traditional crafts to contemporary works. Additionally, it hosts fairs, workshops, and events that promote interaction between artists and the community. Its colorful ambiance and creativity make it an appealing destination for both locals and tourists.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel Villa Tournon or Similar

We hope you've enjoyed your time in Costa Rica and enjoyed some wonderful experiences. You can make your way to the airport for your flight, either we can pre-book a transfer or you can arrange locally with the hotel reception.