Costa Rica Experience
Experience Overview
Discover a region of natural diversity, cultural riches and laidback vibes on an eight-day jungle jaunt through Costa Rica. Thanks to a longstanding tradition of preserving its natural assets, much of the country’s primary rainforest still stands. Opportunities for nature-based activities are endless here and the beaches on both coasts are well worth your free time. Spot monkeys and sloths in the cloud forests of Monteverde, hike to hidden waterfalls and kick back on the beach at Manuel Antonio. Explore the depths of this vibrant country with plenty of time to make this trip your own.
Highlights
- Try to spot the elusive resplendent quetzal as you explore Monteverde’s cloud forests. Better yet, why not consider a jungle zip-line to get high in the sky for the best views?
- Explore a maze of mangroves on a kayaking trip on Damas Island. The best part? You’ll paddle alongside a local naturalist and get insider knowledge of the ecosystems and creatures that live here – including white-faced capuchins who often make an appearance.
- Take a (fffresh) plunge beneath the cascades of Tesoro Escondido Waterfall. The hike there is half the fun, with river crossings and suspension bridges.
- Take in the size and stature of the mighty Arenal Volcano, maybe while soaking in one of La Fortuna’s lava-heated thermal springs.
- With plenty of time to chill out at your own pace, Quepos’ surf vibe is ideal for catching some waves, lazing on the white-sand beaches or hiking the trails of Manuel Antonio with your travel pals.
Trip Details
Product Code: 2515
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: Private vehicle,Boat,Public Transportation
Guide Language: English
Tour Operator:
Intrepid Travel
Supplier Code: QVSS
Starts: San Jose, Costa Rica
Finishes: San Jose, Costa Rica
Duration: 8 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Light
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (4), Lunch (2),Accommodation: Hotel (7 nights)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $1,368 ($171 /day)
Itinerary
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.
Optional Activities:
- San Jose - Pre-Colombian Gold Museum (Entrance fee) (17 USD)
- San Jose - National Museum (entrance fee) (Closed Sunday & Monday) (11 USD)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
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?
Included Activities:
- Alajuela - Tesoro Escondido Waterfall
Optional Activities:
- La Fortuna - Paradise Hot Springs (entrance fee) (47 USD)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
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.
Optional Activities:
- Monteverde - Cloud Forest Night Walk (45 USD)
- La Fortuna - La Fortuna Waterfall (Entrance only) (25 USD)
- La Fortuna - Arenal 1968 Volcano View and Lava Trails (Entrance fee) (25 USD)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
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.
Included Activities:
- Monteverde - Monteverde Cloud Forest - Visit
Optional Activities:
- Monteverde - Butterfly Garden and Insects Farm (entrance fee) (22 USD)
- Monteverde - Coffee & Chocolate tour (47 USD)
- Monteverde - Canopy Zip Lining (Entrance, Equipment & Transport) (101 USD)
- Monteverde - Suspension bridges tour (55 USD)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
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.
Included Activities:
- Quepos - Lunch with Rojas Family
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
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.
Included Activities:
- Manuel Antonio National Park - (Entrance fee)
- Manuel Antonio National Park - Tour with a Naturalist Guide
Optional Activities:
- Manuel Antonio – Cruise (Inc transport, guide, lunch and drinks onboard) (95 USD)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
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.
Included Activities:
- Quepos - Mangrove kayaking with local guide
Optional Activities:
- San Jose - The Art of Craft Beer in San Jose - Urban Adventures (69 USD)
- San Jose - San Jose By Night: Food and Culture - Urban Adventures (74 USD)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
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.
Optional Activities:
- San Jose - San Jose By Night: Food and Culture - Urban Adventures (74 USD)
- San Jose - The Art of Craft Beer in San Jose - Urban Adventures (69 USD)
Similar Tours
Tour Operator
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.
In Business Since 1989
Reviews
Rachel - Traveled, April 2024
We've just come back from a fantastic tour with Intrepid. Our guide Marvin Jose Lopez Martinez was excellent and extremely knowledgeable of the history, culture and flora/fauna of Costa Rica. He organised our group with all our different activities. We mostly ate out together as a group in the evenings - was fab to have Marvin's recommendations.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/25/2024
Jon - Traveled, April 2024
Definitely the best way to see Costa Rica. We saw so many animals thanks to Marvin our guide. There is so much to do but also plenty of time to rest and relax. We ended up spending alot of time as a group including Marvin, going out to eat in the evenings to local places he recommended. It really felt like we go the real Costa Rica - pura vida!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/25/2024
Shauna - Traveled, April 2024
Could not have better things to say! This was my first trip with a tour group and I will definitely be using Intrepid again. Our guide Marvin was incredible and the activities were very well organized. There were plenty of opportunities to personalize the trip as we travelled depending on whether we wanted to relax or do more activities. Absolutely amazing experience!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/25/2024
Pamela - Traveled, April 2024
Had a wonderful trip! My group was excellent, and tour guide Leo’s expertise on Costa Rica’s wildlife and history enhanced the experience. The itinerary was full but not overwhelming, and we were able to see all the highlights while still building in time for other activities.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/22/2024
Rebecca - Traveled, April 2024
This trip gave us an incredible glimpse of Costa Rica. We experienced cities, mountains, beaches and farms all in one short week. Our guide Leo was outstanding and his knowledge of Costa Rican birds, animals, plants, culture, and history were so valuable to our experience. He absolutely went the extra mile to make sure we had the best time and got everything we wanted out of the trip.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/23/2024
Emily - Traveled, April 2024
This was one of the best trips i’ve ever taken. The comfortable private vans made traveling easy, and we saw so many animals that i would have definitely not seen if it were not for our local guide Leo. The activities were so unique (for ex. Ziplining and homestay) and this trip was just so much fun. I’m in my late 20’s early 30’s so i wasnt sure what the ages would be, but there were people my age. Since i had such an amazing experience i’m going to book another with intrepid
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/23/2024
Alex - Traveled, April 2024
This was the most amazing trip. So well organised and thought through. Every element was just perfect. Our Guide Pedro (&Kenneth) were just the best. Their knowledge patience and organisation superb.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/14/2024
Helen - Traveled, April 2024
Fantastic tour with Raquel, a great guide. We were immersed in the community and wildlife of beautiful Costa Rica.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/12/2024
Lucinda - Traveled, April 2024
We had an amazing time in Costa Rica. The locations were beautiful and the included activities were enjoyable and ensured that we saw incredible wildlife and experienced the culture of Costa Rica. Particular highlights included the homestay, the cloud forest and the beach at Manuel Antonio. Our tour guide Raquel was excellent - very informative and made sure that everyone got to do and experience what they wanted. Her recommendations for activities, places to visit and eat were great too. I highly recommend this trip!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/14/2024
Michelle - Traveled, March 2024
¡Pura vida! Costa Rica is a must see & experience. Beautiful country & people.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/24/2024
Michael - Traveled, March 2024
The Costa Rice Experience was incredible - its a beautiful country, full of rich culture and food. I really enjoyed that there were so many different options we could choose from, whether it was with the whole group or separately. Also, our tour guide, Marvin, was super cool and knowledgeable. I cannot recommend this trip enough.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/24/2024
Emily - Traveled, March 2024
This trip goes through several parts of Costa Rica, showing off the country's diversity. The included and add on optional activities were excellent, and our guide, Marvin, was amazing. Would highly recommend this trip. The homestay was a definite highlight, and something you can't really do travelling on your own.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/25/2024
Irene - Traveled, March 2024
My second intrepid tour and I have to give it to them for their guides, thoughtful itineraries and care for the environment.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/28/2024
Patrick - Traveled, March 2024
We travelled to Costa Rica as part of our honeymoon and opted for the nine-day Intrepid group tour which started in the capital, San Jose. Our tour leader, Marvin Jose Lopez was a brilliant tour guide and make our trip very relaxed , memorable and enjoyable. We got to experience a large part of what of Costa Rica has to offer, with the homestay with a family near Santa Rosa de Pocosol, waterfall in La Fortuna and hanging bridges and Zip Lining in Monteverde being some of the highlights. I would definitely recommend the trip to friends and families and will return one day in the future.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/01/2024
Carolina - Traveled, March 2024
An excellent trip, from beginning to end. We got to see amazing places and meet amazing people. Allan Alfaro (our guide) made it unforgettable, he is the best guide I have ever had on a trip and he made us feel like family. It was a big struggle to leave the group we traveled with and this beautiful country behind. Looking forward to booking our next adventure with Intrepid!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/19/2024
Laura - Traveled, March 2024
I was so impressed with our guide. I hoped for seeing a new place but he was such a great teacher I learned so much that I hadn’t even anticipated
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/20/2024
Fiona - Traveled, March 2024
This was my first trip with Intrepid and doubt it will be my last. Overall it was an amazing experience and I quickly fell in love with Costa Rica. Our amazing guide Allan was very knowledgeable and shared really interesting facts & insight into Costa Rica. He also managed to spot an amazing amount of wildlife that we would not have seen otherwise and he was happy to recommend nice places to visit, restaurants etc. In addition, even when we had free time, he was available for any questions & help as required. The included activities were all excellent and I really enjoyed the homestay and spending time with the local community!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/21/2024
Jessica - Traveled, March 2024
Great trip to a great place with a great leader :)
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/25/2024
Allie - Traveled, March 2024
Intrepid introduced me to some of the most amazing people I’ve ever met from all over the world. We became so close-knit and had so much fun together exploring Costa Rica’s beautiful environments and communities. Our group leader was genuine, passionate, and dedicated to us and our experience. It was easy to tell how much he cared for his country and how excited he was to share his culture.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/17/2024
Eric - Traveled, March 2024
We had a very professional and knowledgeable tour leader on this Costa Rica trip. Ale was also very passionate about her country and made a point to educate us about the history and culture of her country. It was a small group of young and senior travelers but we all got along super well and had a great time!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/18/2024
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