Costa Rica: Wildlife, National Parks & Hidden Gems of the Northwest - 14 Days

From £1,871£134 per day Save 3%

Who is this trip for

Genders

  • Female64%
  • Male36%

Average age

32
12 Min100 Max

Start / End

  • San José
  • Playa Flamingo

Physical rating

2/5

Group size

1 - 16

Meals included

8

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Summary

Beloved by all travellers, Costa Rica is a small but mighty gem — and this 14-day adventure from San José to Playa Flamingo shows you why. You'll hit the highlights while veering off the beaten path to uncover local favourites. Soar through the jungle canopy of Monteverde, feel the spray of a waterfall in Manuel Antonio National Park, and marvel at the electric blue waters of Rio Celeste. With visits to three national parks, the gorgeous beaches of Guanacaste, and peaceful rainforest retreats, this trip strikes the perfect balance between adventure and relaxation. Costa Rica like never before!

Itinerary

  • Day 1

    San José

    There are no activities planned until an evening welcome meeting.

  • Day 2

    San José/La Fortuna

    La Fortuna is an excellent base for adventure. Opt to hike the area’s nature trails, swim in chilly La Fortuna waterfall or go canyoning.

  • Day 3

    La Fortuna

    Spend the day getting your adrenaline pumping, viewing local wildlife, marvelling at the Arenal Volcano and getting to know more about Costa Rica in La Fortuna. There are enough activities here to keep you busy all day long.

  • Day 4

    La Fortuna/Monteverde

    Travel across Lake Arenal into the mountains and on to Monteverde Cloud Forest.

    Arrive to spend time enjoying this nature-lover's paradise.

  • Day 5

    Monteverde

    Enjoy a free day to explore the cloud forest region of Costa Rica. Opt to fly across canopy ziplines, walk across suspended bridges through the forest canopy, or go horseback riding in the hills.

  • Day 6

    Monteverde/Quepos

    Travel to the Pacific Coast. Enjoy Quepos. Opt to swim, fish, kayak, surf or take a sailing trip.

  • Day 7

    Quepos

    Enjoy an included entrance into Manuel Antonio National Park. Then, take advantage of free time to explore. Opt to swim in the Pacific. Or choose to kayak through mangroves and relax on the beach.

  • Day 8

    Quepos/San José

    Pre-book the Manuel Antonio Catamaran Tour on the checkout page to include this optional activity on your tour or ask your GCO or travel agent for assistance.

  • Day 9

    San José to Rincón de la Vieja

    After an early departure from San Jose, the group will travel to the famed ethereal blue waters of Rio Celeste. Set off on a CEO-led walk through the area with views of the river along the route before an included lunch. Continue onwards to the Rincon de la Vieja area where you will have dinner at the lodge restaurant before a night walk on the nearby trails.

  • Day 10

    Rincón de la Vieja National Park Area

    Enjoy breakfast at the lodge before transferring to Rincón de la Vieja National Park where you will embark on a hike in the area to gain a full sense of the tropical and volcanic landscape, while searching for resident wildlife. Travel back to the hotel in the afternoon for free time on the property. Activity options range from ziplining, hiking in the area, and various cultural experiences.

  • Day 11

    Rincón de la Vieja Volcano National Park Area

    Enjoy a full free day in the Rincon de la Vieja area with an abundance of optional activities to choose from. Between hiking, bird watching, or spa treatments and a soak in the hot springs, your day can be as leisurely or busy as you’d like.

  • Day 12

    Rincón de la Vieja Volcano National Park Area to Playa Flamingo

    After breakfast at the lodge the group will travel to Playa Flamingo on Costa Rica’s northern Pacific coast. Enjoy a CEO-led orientation walk upon arrival to get to know this uniquely set up town, whose central area has remained a pristine beach protected by a large mangrove forest. Then, spend a free evening exploring on your own.

  • Day 13

    Playa Flamingo

    Spend a full free day in paradise. Opt to prebook a Catamaran excursion to get out onto the water for a whole new view of the Playa Flamingo area. Or choose to enjoy the beach on your own with swimming and sunbathing.

  • Day 14

    Playa Flamingo

    Please note that while your tour ends in Playa Flamingo, there are taxis/shuttle services available to the Liberia airport. These services depart from the town of Potrero which is 10 minutes from your Finish Point Hotel. It takes one hour to get to the airport in Liberia from Potrero.

What's Included

  • Accommodation

    Hotels (13 nts).

  • Meals

    Breakfasts: 3, Lunches: 2, Dinners: 3

    Vegetarian options are available on all meals throughout the adventure.

    Vegetarian options available

  • Local Guide

    Guided

    This adventure is led by a local guide throughout. The main language of this adventure is English. Please contact us for other languages available.

  • Wifi

    Wifi is available during the adventure. In some areas and / or accommodation / transport Wifi may be free.

Dates & Prices

  • Nov 25

    from £1,871
  • Dec 25

    from £2,172
  • Jan 26

    from £2,172
  • Feb 26

    from £1,988
  • Mar 26

    from £1,988
  • Apr 26

    from £2,172
  • Jun 26

    from £1,871
  • Jul 26

    from £1,988
  • Aug 26

    from £2,172
  • Sep 26

    from £1,871
  • Oct 26

    from £1,871
  • Nov 26

    from £1,871
  • Dec 26

    from £1,988
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Essential trip information

Our Important Notes and Packing List cover all essentials, from necessary equipment to inclusions, ensuring you're fully equipped and informed for this extraordinary adventure and more.

Frequently asked questions

  • What is the main focus of this tour?

    This 14-day adventure, 'Costa Rica: Wildlife, National Parks & Hidden Gems of the Northwest,' focuses on exploring the country's highlights while veering off the beaten path. You'll experience jungle canopies, waterfalls, electric blue waters, and beautiful beaches, balancing adventure and relaxation with visits to three national parks.
  • What is included in the tour price?

    The tour includes a 'Mi Cafecito Coffee Cooperative Tour,' a welcome meeting, guided cloud forest night walk in Monteverde, entrance to Manuel Antonio National Park, a Rio Celeste visit and hike, a night walk and guided hike in Rincon de la Vieja National Park, an orientation walk in Playa Flamingo, free time in various locations, and all transport between destinations and to/from included activities.
  • What type of accommodation will I have on this tour?

    Accommodation throughout the tour will be in hotels for all 13 nights. Please note that properties with only two stories may not have elevators, requiring you to carry your luggage up stairs.
  • How many meals are included with the tour?

    The tour includes 3 breakfasts, 2 lunches, and 3 dinners. Generally, other meals are not included to offer flexibility in dining choices, but groups often choose to eat together.
  • What is the physical rating for this tour?

    This tour has a physical rating of 2, indicating a moderate level of activity.
  • Are there any age restrictions for participants?

    Yes, the tour has a minimum age requirement of 12 years old and a maximum age of 100 years old.
  • What is the typical group size for this tour?

    The group size for this tour ranges from a minimum of 1 participant to a maximum of 16 participants.
  • Who will be leading the tour?

    The tour will be accompanied by a Chief Experience Officer (CEO) throughout the trip, who will provide information and suggestions. Local guides are also used to offer more specific knowledge in certain areas.
  • What optional activities can I partake in during the tour?

    Optional activities include canyoning, stand-up paddleboarding, whitewater rafting, hot springs, and waterfall swims in La Fortuna; ziplining, hanging bridges, butterfly garden visits, and horseback riding in Monteverde; fishing, kayaking, sailing, and surfing in Quepos/Manuel Antonio; hiking, ziplining, and a jungle waterslide in Rincon de la Vieja; and catamaran excursions in Playa Flamingo.
  • What is the recommended amount for an emergency fund?

    It is recommended to have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an emergency fund, to be used in case of unforeseen circumstances outside of the tour's control.
  • How are solo travelers accommodated on this tour?

    Solo travelers on group trips are generally paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex. If you opt for the 'My Own Room' option, you will have a single room for all night stops.
  • What are the guidelines for tipping?

    Tipping is customary in Latin America. For service providers like waiters, approximately 10% is recommended. For local guides and drivers, a guideline of $5-10 USD per day is suggested. Tipping your Chief Experience Officer (CEO) is also appreciated, with a guideline of $5-7 USD per person per day.
  • What modes of transportation are used during the tour?

    The tour utilizes various forms of transportation including private vehicles, boats, shared vans, and walking.
  • What is Costa Rica's entry requirement regarding departure tickets?

    Costa Rica requires proof of a departure ticket (bus, airplane, boat, etc.) for anyone entering the country. If you are traveling through multiple countries, you will need to show your full itinerary and a departure ticket from your final destination.
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