Viva Costa Rica 2026 - 9 Days

From £1,565£174 per day Save 6%

Who is this trip for

Age range

18 - 35

Start / End

  • San Jose
  • San Jose

Physical rating

1/5

Group size

1 - 50

Meals included

12

Highlights

  • 4 Dinner (D)
  • 8 Breakfast (B)
  • Arenal: Grab your camera, as you’re about to experience a live (and very photogenic) volcano in the Costa Rican rainforest.
  • Insta-op! Trek around the jungle and admire this sparkling tower of water. Then cool off with a dip in the pool.
  • Arenal: It's like a dream come true. We finally get to learn how to make chocolate. (And hopefully eat some too).
  • Monteverde: A stroll through the misty upper level of the forest is an otherworldly experience. We’re literally on cloud 9 with excitement (soz).
  • Wanna do your bit to help the planet while out on the road? This is your chance. Join SINAC to help support the local ecosystem. As you work, you’ll learn all about the local trees, and the benefits that replanting them has for the ecosystem and the wildlife that lives here.
  • Manuel Antonio National Park: Ah! The place of our wildest travel dreams. Lush jungle with sloths chilling in the trees. Paradise beaches just made for a relaxing beer.
  • Monteverde: Visit a family-run coffee farm and and dive deep into the world of Costa Rican coffee. You'll see the entire coffee production process (from seed to cup). Get ready to have an unique sensorial experience, where all your senses will be captivated by the aromas, flavours, and landscapes of an authentic coffee plantation.

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Summary

Ready for Costa Rica? From beach towns to dense rainforests, you'll snorkel, zip line and surf your way around Central America’s most on-trend travel destination. 8 nights of Costa Rica’s teeming coral reefs, awe-inspiring wildlife, dramatic volcanoes and rejuvenating hot springs await.

Itinerary

  • Day 1

    San Jose to Arenal via Sarapiqui

    Hola San Jose! After meeting up with your fellow Costa Rican explorers this morning we'll get straight on the road, bound for the biodiverse beauty of Sarapiqui. Renowned for its fertile lands and gorgeous scenery, we'll stop off here for our first taste of fresh Costa Rican air - and our first dose of adventure for those keen to get a little wet and wild. How to round off the first day of our adventure? How about catching our first glimpse of one of the most incredible volcanoes in Costa Rica, Arenal. This volcano is near perfectly formed and famed for its hot springs and healing properties. Dinner tonight will be a group affair in town after an action-packed first day. And our accommodation for the night is something special, set within stunning gardens in the shadow of the Arenal Volcano. Take a dip in the pool or watch iguanas bask atop the trees. This is the life.

  • Day 2

    Arenal

    Rappelling through a rainforest canyon will be the perfect wake up call this morning. Not keen? How about taking advantage of the regions geothermal properties with a visit to the hot springs this afternoon? Whichever you decide - adventure, wellness or both, the day is going to be one to remember.

  • Day 3

    Arenal to Playa Tamarindo

    Leaving Arenal towering behind us this morning we'll move on for a taste of Costa Rican beach life. Playa Tamarindo has the reputation of being Costa Rica's numero uno surf and party destination, and for good reason. This northern beach town boasts tasty waves and golden sands dotted with lounge bars and awesome restaurants. We'll be staying right by the beach so early morning swims are high on the agenda.

  • Day 4

    Playa Tamarindo

    The bohemian atmosphere of Playa Tamarindo is utterly infectious, and it won't take long to ease into the pace of life here. Spend the day in the water snorkelling amongst the marine life, or stay above the waves and give surfing a try. This afternoon, why not take advantage of our catamaran cruise Add-On, another unique way to experience this beautiful ocean paradise.

  • Day 5

    Playa Tamarindo to Monteverde

    It's goodbye to the beach life for now as we pack up our towels and make for the mountains. Feel the clean air filling your lungs as we arrive at the misty forests of Monteverde - a sight guaranteed to take your breath away. This leafy wildlife hotspot is home to butterfly gardens, coffee plantations, countless monkey species and passionate locals who work hard to preserve the balance between nature and tourism. We'll also learn about everyone's favourite caffeinated friend - coffee. One of Costa Rica's most famous exports, we'll learn how the plants are cultivated and the entire process of turning delicious little berries into invigorating coffee beans.

  • Day 6

    Monteverde

    The adventures don't stop. And there's so much for you to choose from. First option? An exhilarating adventure at Selvatura Park for one of Costa Rica's most renowned ziplines. (Think: soaring through the misty treetops and catching unparalleled views of the forest below!). Looking for something a bit more tranquil? Choose to walk over the hanging bridges amongst the lush cloud forest. Wow.

  • Day 7

    Monteverde to Jaco

    Monteverde, it's been emotional, but we've got some beach hangs on our horizons. But first, we'll spend some time with our friends at SINAC, helping protect, preserve and regenerate the local forests with a tree planting experience. You'll even get to name your tree! Beachside Jaco is known for its surfing, nightlife and its optimal location as a gateway to Costa Rica's national parks. This afternoon it's time to check out the town or get right into some relaxing by the pool (or at the bar) whilst contemplating Costa Rican life, soaking up these last few days in paradise.

  • Day 8

    Jaco

    Rise and shine! This morning we'll head over to Manuel Antonio, a spectacular national park. Manuel Antonio serves up a dizzying mix of ancient rainforest, pristine beaches and dazzling coral reefs. Get your cameras ready and be on the hunt for wildlife as we walk through this hub of mind boggling biodiversity. After a day of exploration, we'll arrive back at our hotel this evening for some poolside relaxation.

  • Day 9

    Jaco to San Jose

    After a final adventure op in Jaco (kayaking, anyone?) we'll make our way back to San Jose where our trip will come to a close.  What an adventure it's been. Swap deets, we'll see each other on the road again soon.

What's Included

  • Accommodation

    Hotel Arenal Montechiari (or similar), Best Western Vista Villas Tamarindo (or similar), Hotel Montana Monteverde (or similar), Hotel Amapola (or similar)

  • Meals

    Breakfasts: 8, Lunches: 0, Dinners: 4

    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

  • Jan 26

    from £1,565
  • Feb 26

    from £1,565
  • Mar 26

    from £1,565
  • Apr 26

    from £1,565
  • May 26

    from £1,565
  • Jun 26

    from £1,565
  • Aug 26

    from £1,565
  • Sep 26

    from £1,565
  • Dec 26

    from £1,565
  • Save 6%
    Sat 3 Jan 2026 > Sun 11 Jan 2026
    6+ spaces of 50 leftPay Monthly
    £1,665Best offer£1,565Book for£150 today, pay the rest later
    Solo Room from +£498

Customer reviews & ratings

  • This trip was beyond anything I could have imagined from the amazing adventures - surfing, canyoning, zip lining, hanging bridges to the beautiful sights and people of Costa Rica. Contiki and our tour manager *Personal information removed by Feefo* did an amazing job of planning very was so smooth and I loved the balance between rainforest and beach days. Our group was amazing we are already planning our reunion trip!!!

    Danielle May, 2025 Verified
  • Best of the 4 contikis I have done. I found the group very intimate with a slightly smaller number than most of the European trips. There are quite alot of activities that keep you busy and serve as great opportunities to bond with your group Super adventurous and outdoors Good blend between forests and beaches. Accommodation In most places were absolutely amazing particularly in Tamarindo which felt like paradise. Some activities I felt required some degree of fitness. Although it is reportedly more expensive than other Latin American countries, it hadn't been as bad as expected It was a very balanced trip Very little travel time and thus spent most of the time at the destinations Great nights out Shout out to out Trip Manager *Personal details removed by Feefo* Who was absolutely fantastic and efficient. This trip set the bar so high

    Anonymous May, 2025 Verified

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.

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The Adventure People has been rated excellent by its customers