Costa Rica: Volcanoes, Cloud Forests & Zip-Lines - 6 Days

Frequently asked questions

• What type of accommodation is provided on this tour?

  You will primarily stay in multi-share hostels, typically accommodating 6-8 people per room. There are options for mixed-gender and female-only dorms, with upgrades to twin-share rooms potentially available.

• Are meals included in the tour price?

  The tour includes 5 breakfasts and 1 lunch. Generally, other meals are not included to provide maximum flexibility in choosing where, what, and with whom to eat. Your Chief Experience Officer (CEO) will be able to suggest local restaurants.

• What activities are included as part of the tour?

  Included activities feature a visit to Poás Volcano, a G for Good Moment at the Mi Cafecito Coffee Cooperative with a tortilla-making lesson and typical lunch, zip-lining in Monteverde, and orientation walks in La Fortuna and Monteverde.

• What optional activities are available during the trip?

  In La Fortuna, optional activities include hot springs soaks, rappelling down a waterfall (Lost Canyon Adventures Canyoning), whitewater rafting, paddleboarding on Lake Arenal, Gravity Falls Waterfall Jumping, and a swim at La Fortuna Waterfall. In Monteverde, you can explore hanging bridges, visit a butterfly garden, take a guided Santa Elena Cloud Forest Tour, experience the El Trapiche Tour, or go horseback riding. These activities are at an additional cost.

• What is the typical group size and age range for this tour?

  The tour is designed for travelers between 18 and 35 years old, with a maximum group size of 12 participants.

• What is the physical rating of this tour?

  This tour has a physical rating of 2, indicating a moderate level of activity.

• Will there be a tour guide with the group?

  Yes, a Chief Experience Officer (CEO) will accompany the group throughout the tour, and local guides will be utilized for specific activities.

• What modes of transportation are used during the tour?

  Transportation between destinations and for included activities will be by private vehicle and boat.

• What are the guidelines for tipping service providers on this tour?

  Tipping is customary in Latin America. For local guides and drivers, a recommendation of $5-10 USD per day is suggested. For your Chief Experience Officer, a guideline of $5-7 USD per person per day is appreciated, with any additional amount welcome for exceptional service.

• How should I manage money during the trip, and what about emergency funds?

  It is best to use a combination of US dollars cash (preferably in good condition and smaller denominations) and credit/debit cards (Visa is widely accepted) as a backup. It is also recommended to have access to an additional $200 USD (or equivalent) as an emergency fund for unforeseen circumstances.

• What health precautions and vaccinations are recommended for Costa Rica?

  It is your responsibility to consult with your travel doctor well before departure for up-to-date medical travel information and any required inoculations. You should also carry a First Aid kit and personal medical requirements. Tour leaders are prohibited from administering medication.

• How does accommodation work for solo travelers?

  For solo travelers, our group trips are designed for shared accommodation, and you will be paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. There is no single supplement.

• Is this tour sometimes combined with other tours?

  Yes, this tour may combine with other tours. As such, some staff and travel companions might have been traveling together with the tour operator prior to Day 1 of your tour, or they may continue on another tour after this trip concludes.

• Are airport transfers available upon arrival?

  Arrival transfers can be booked in advance. If you have a transfer booked and it doesn't arrive within 30 minutes of exiting the arrivals area, you should take a taxi to your starting hotel and contact the emergency numbers provided.

• When and where is the welcome meeting for the tour?

  The welcome meeting usually takes place between 5 pm and 7 pm on Day 1 at your joining hotel. Your Chief Experience Officer (CEO) will leave a note or bulletin board message at reception with the specific details.

• What type of accommodation is provided on this tour?

  The tour primarily uses multi-share hostels for 5 nights. Accommodation typically consists of rooms shared by 6-8 people, with options for mixed-gender or female-only dorms. Twin-share room upgrades may be available.

• Which meals are included in the tour price?

  The tour includes 5 breakfasts and 1 lunch. Generally, other meals are not included, providing you with flexibility to choose where and what to eat. Your Chief Experience Officer can suggest local restaurants.

• What are the main activities included in the tour?

  Included activities feature a visit to the active Poás Volcano, a community coffee project tour with tortilla-making and a typical lunch, zip-lining in Monteverde, and orientation walks in La Fortuna and Monteverde. All transportation between destinations and to/from included activities is also covered.

• Are there any optional activities available during the tour?

  Yes, there are many optional activities available at an additional cost, especially in La Fortuna and Monteverde. These include hot springs soaks, stand-up paddleboarding, waterfall jumping (Gravity Falls), whitewater rafting, canyoning, swimming at La Fortuna Waterfall, exploring hanging bridges, horseback riding, visiting a butterfly garden, and guided tours of Santa Elena Cloud Forest or El Trapiche.

• What is the age range for travelers on this tour?

  This tour is designed for travelers between 18 and 35 years old.

• What is the typical group size?

  The group size ranges from a minimum of 1 to a maximum of 12 travelers.

• Who will be leading the tour?

  The tour is accompanied by a Chief Experience Officer (CEO) throughout the trip, who takes care of logistics and provides information. Local guides are also utilized to offer more specific knowledge about the places visited.

• What are the arrangements for solo travelers?

  Solo travelers are welcomed and our group trips are designed for shared accommodation without a single supplement. You will be paired in a twin or multi-share room with another traveler of the same sex.

• Is an emergency fund recommended for this trip?

  Yes, it is recommended to have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an emergency fund. This is for unforeseen circumstances outside of our control, such as a natural disaster requiring a change to the planned route.

• What are the customs for tipping in Costa Rica?

  Tipping service providers, such as waiters, at approximately 10% is customary. For local guides and drivers, a recommendation of $5-10 USD per day is suggested, depending on the service quality and length. Tipping your Chief Experience Officer (CEO) is also appreciated, with a guideline of $5-7 USD per person, per day in the region.

• What is the best way to handle money and currency exchange?

  A combination of US dollars cash and credit/debit cards (Visa is most widely accepted) as backup is recommended. While ATMs are available, their functionality is not guaranteed. Be aware that a fee of 5-10% usually applies to credit card purchases. It is best to bring notes in good condition and in denominations lower than 100 USD.

• What health precautions should I consider before the tour?

  It is your responsibility to consult with your travel doctor for up-to-date medical travel information and required inoculations well before departure. We recommend carrying a First Aid kit, hand sanitizers, and any personal medical requirements. Please note that our leaders are prohibited from administering any type of drug.

• Does this tour combine with other tours?

  Yes, this tour may combine with other tours. As such, some staff and travel companions might have been traveling together prior to Day 1, or may continue on another tour after your trip concludes.