Best of Costa Rica
Experience Overview
Discover the country that encapsulates ‘pura vida’ (the simple life), on this 10-day exploration of Costa Rica. This laidback paradise, where even the sloths are taking things slow, offers so much to see and do and is perfect for all nature lovers. After soaking up the culture in San Jose, you’ll hit the national parks of Arenal Volcano and Manuel Antonio in search of unspoilt rainforests, waterfalls, scenic views and chill beaches. Search for unique wildlife and soak up loads of free time to choose your own adventure, whether that’s hiking volcanos, soaking in hot springs or searching for local wildlife like howler monkeys, butterflies and caimans. See the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, visit an organic family-owned farm producing some of the best coffee in the world and learn from a local naturalist guide on a hike through lush landscapes.
Highlights
- Visit a local indigenous community and meet the Terraba people – a matriarchal community who have lived along the Terraba River for the last 500 years – and learn how to make a traditional wooden mask.
- Hike through the scenic landscapes of Manuel Antonio National Park with a local naturalist guide and learn all the hidden secrets of the rainforest, looking out for local wildlife like sloths and iguanas.
- Tuck into a super fresh garden-to-table lunch of Costa Rican favourites, including fresh tortillas that you’ll learn how to make from a skilled local woman, with ingredients from her orchard.
- Meet the family who run the Tierra Amiga organic coffee farm, and learn the whole process of the coffee bean, from planting to harvesting to tasting. Enjoy a cup fresh from the grinders and tuck into a locally made lunch.
- Wander through the incredible Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, home to more than 100 species of mammals and over 400 species of birds. Learn about the biodiversity of the region and look out for quetzal birds and howler monkeys.
- By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, Eden Reforestation Projects. Donations help them provide local employment opportunities and tackle climate change one tree at a time as they restore forests across 10 different countries.
Trip Details
Product Code: 2416
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Comfortable
Transport: Private vehicle,Boat
Guide Language: English
Tour Operator:
Intrepid Travel
Supplier Code: QBKR
Starts: San Jose, Costa Rica
Finishes: San Jose, Costa Rica
Duration: 10 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Average
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (9), Lunch (3), Dinner (2)Accommodation: Hotel (7 nights),Lodge (2 nights)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $3,700 ($370 /day)
Itinerary
Bienvenidos! Welcome to Costa Rica. San Jose is this lush country’s capital, a bustling city flanked by mountains to the south and more mountains to the north, with a few volcanoes thrown in for good measure. This rapidly expanding city contains lively markets, historic neighbourhoods and a chorus of old theatres, with a big chunk of the country’s population within its boundaries. You’ll get things started with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. After, ask your leader for the best spots for a first taste of Costa Rican cuisine in the surrounding streets.
Included Activities:
- Complimentary Arrival Transfer
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Head out this morning, bound for La Fortuna – a leafy small town known as the gateway to Arenal Volcano National Park. When you arrive, you’ll learn how to cook traditional Costa Rican tortillas from a local woman who knows all the secret tips. Dona Chela will help you to prepare the dishes with ingredients from her garden, which you can also wander around before and after you cook. You'll make your tortillas in the traditional, old-school way by using the wood-fired stove in the kitchen. Sit down to a lunch of Costa Rican favourites, accompanied by your own handmade tortillas and get to know the family. After, check in to your hotel and enjoy a free afternoon in the lush surroundings. Maybe visit the nearby hot springs for a soak, fed by the thermal Tabacon River.
Included Activities:
- La Fortuna - Tortilla making
Optional Activities:
- La Fortuna - Ecotermales Hot Springs (entrance fee) (49 USD)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Today is a free day in La Fortuna. Maybe get active and head to the famed national park, hiking the Arenal Volcano for some gorgeous views. Maybe just wander the rainforest and take one of the trails leading to La Fortuna Waterfall. You can also book a Cano Negro boat tour – this full-day activity will see you visiting the Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge, a wetland system home to varied wildlife like sloths, monkeys, caimans and tropical birds. Look out for the critters as you cruise along the river – you can even hop in a canoe or kayak!
Optional Activities:
- La Fortuna - Arenal Volcano Base Hike (97 USD)
- La Fortuna- Caño Negro boat tour (84 USD)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Today's journey to Monteverde is as much about the journey as it is about the destination. You’ll take a boat across Lake Arenal, then take a scenic drive to this major eco-tourism destination. When you arrive, you’ll have a free afternoon to choose your own adventure. Get out and explore the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve on your own, or head to the nearby butterfly garden. Visit the suspension bridges for some leafy views over the area or take on a forest night walk, looking out for local wildlife.
Optional Activities:
- Monteverde - Cloud Forest Night Walk (45 USD)
- Monteverde - Butterfly Garden and Insects Farm (entrance fee) (22 USD)
- Monteverde - Suspension bridges tour (58 USD)
Accommodation:
- Lodge (Number of Nights: 1)
Begin the day with a tour of the spectacular Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve – host to more than 100 different species of mammals and 400 species of birds. Your leader will share information on the fascinating biodiversity of the region and lend their expert eye to spotting some wonderful wildlife. Look out for the resplendent quetzal and its quirky hairdo and listen for the sounds of howler monkeys and the unmistakable call of the three-wattled bellbird. With nearly 500 unique species of orchids, the reserve holds the world’s highest diversity of this famed flower. After a morning with your head in the clouds, drive on to Manuel Antonio in the afternoon. When you arrive in this gorgeously lush national park, you’ll have the option to go on a scenic sunset cruise.
Included Activities:
- Monteverde - Cloud Forest Reserve Hike
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Take the day to experience the lush national park surrounding Manuel Antonio. Your park entrance fee is included and joining you will be a naturalist guide with all the insider knowledge that you need. Spend some time discovering the park and learning about the beauty of the jungle, keeping an eye out for sloths and iguanas. Wander into the depths of the rainforest and be aware of where your naturalist guide is telling you to look – they know exactly where to find the weird and wonderful that call this place home! Tonight, you’re free to find the best spot to watch the sun go down or to ask your leader for the best local bars and dinner spots.
Included Activities:
- Manuel Antonio National Park - Tour with a Naturalist Guide (entrance fee, guide and transport)
Optional Activities:
- Manuel Antonio - Boogie board rental (69 USD)
- Manuel Antonio - Mangrove Kayak Activity (with lunch) (79 USD)
- Manuel Antonio – Cruise (100 USD)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Today is a free day to explore this lush region however you wish. You could book yourself a kayak tour of the waterways and mangrove habitat, seeing the park from the water. Maybe head to one of Manuel Antonio's famed beaches, rent a surfboard and spend some time catching waves in the water, or chase the rays on the sand and kick back with a good book.
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Drive to a small indigenous community this morning, saying your goodbyes to Manuel Antonio. The Terraba, or Teribe, are an indigenous group with a rich cultural heritage. Located on approximately 34.7 square miles (9000 hectares) along the Terraba River, they have survived off the land for more than 500 years. The community consider themselves matriarchal, and women are the teachers, responsible for passing information down through the generations. Here, you’ll learn how to carve your own wooden mask, before sharing a local home-cooked lunch with the villagers. This afternoon, travel to Copey de Dota in a private vehicle, where you’ll spend the night.
Included Activities:
- Térraba River - Mask Carving Lesson
- Térraba River - Indigenous Community Visit & Lunch
Accommodation:
- Lodge (Number of Nights: 1)
An extra special morning beverage awaits you today! Visit an ecological family-owned farm, where everything is produced organically. Here, you’ll learn how the coffee bean makes its way from cherry to cup. Learn the full process, from planting to harvesting, roasting and grinding, and then prepare your own cup of coffee. Have lunch with the family to reward your hands-on efforts. After, drive back to San Jose where your leader will take you for a stroll to stretch your legs and get a feel for this lively city. You might like to head out for an optional farewell dinner and toast to a trip well-travelled.
Included Activities:
- Los Santos - Tierra Amiga Coffee Experience including lunch
- San Jose - Leader-led orientation walk
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
With no further activities planned after breakfast, you’re free to leave any time after check out. If you’d like to extend your stay in Costa Rica, just reach out to your booking agent.
Optional Activities:
- San Jose - Jade Archaeological Museum (Entrance fee) (17 USD)
- San Jose - Pre-Colombian Gold Museum (Entrance fee) (17 USD)
- San Jose - San Jose By Night: Food and Culture - Urban Adventures (78 USD)
- San Jose - National Museum (entrance fee) (12 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
Lisa - Traveled, March 2024
The Best of Costa Rica itinerary allowed us to see the highlights all around the country with enough time to explore or relax independently at most stops. The people were very friendly, the exotic flora and fauna ubiquitous, and we found the guided walks in the national parks particularly fantastic - without their eyes and scopes we would never have seen as much as we did. A very comfortable first Intrepid experience, would recommend!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/17/2024
Leigh - Traveled, January 2024
Pura Vida Costa Rica. What a trip, superbly delivered by Sofi, group leader. Just do it
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/15/2024
Maria - Traveled, December 2023
If you're yearning for an adventure that will push you beyond your comfort zone and challenge your limits while leaving behind the extravagance of luxury travel, then this is the perfect trip for you. Get ready to embark on a thrilling journey filled with exciting new experiences and unforgettable memories.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/04/2024
Zenaida - Traveled, December 2023
Not a luxury trip. Great for exploration and stepping out of your comfort zone.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/04/2024
Lesleyanne - Traveled, November 2023
The Best of Costa Rica with our guide Rafa was an exceptional experience with cultural visits, nature walks and leisure time. The day spent at Corcovada was one of the best nature walks I've done over several visits to the country.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/02/2023
Audrey - Traveled, April 2023
What a fantastic trip! Made even better by our excellent tour leader Luz. Her passion, knowledge, and great leadership were incredible. We saw so many animals on our treks in the various parks…epic!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/19/2023
Robin - Traveled, April 2023
I went to Costa Rica hoping to see lots of wildlife and in particularly birdlife. I was blown away by the friendliness of the locals, the culture and food, not to mention the wildlife. This was our 14th trip with Intrepid. Need I say more.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/12/2023
Erin - Traveled, March 2023
This was my first tour of any kind. It was excellent. Really can’t recommend it enough. Our tour guide Lauren was involved and interesting. Overall great trip!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/24/2023
Taline - Traveled, December 2023
Pros: beautiful landscapes and wildlife; good food, interesting indigenous and coffee planation tours. Cons: lack of explanations about the history and culture, hotels very basic and a bit far from the centre and not what I would expect for a “comfort” tour, lack of support in managing the terrain we would be hiking (why not provide rain boots for the very muddy rainforest hikes when the guides were wearing them and where the same guides distributed them for the night tour? My sneakers were destroyed!); our major activity ( manuel antonio forest hike) had not been booked in advance and we nearly missed out!!!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/06/2023
Jodell - Traveled, April 2022
Great itinerary for those who are interested in wildlife and exploring the main national parks! This trip far exceeded my expectations for my first trip outside the US in 25 months. Allan is a knowledgeable and engaging leader.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/13/2022
Alex - Traveled, April 2022
Extremely beautiful country that is a must to visit. Expect western prices
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/26/2022
Katherine - Traveled, April 2022
I had THE BEST time! It was a truly fabulous trip! This was my first Intrepid trip but upon meeting our guide and our group I immediately felt safe, happy and included. Allan was an excellent, experienced tour guide. He made sure we had the best time on the trip, going that extra mile to ensure we got the best service and extra activities along the way. The group dynamic was excellent and I made some great friends. The trip itself takes you to some amazing places you might not easily find on your own - truly the best of Costa Rica. Everyone we came across was extremely helpful and kind, with a fierce pride for and impressive knowledge of their beautiful country; its history and its wildlife. If you are thinking of taking this trip- DO IT!! Thank you Allan and thank you Intrepid!!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/20/2022
Timothy - Traveled, July 2024
The Best of Costa Rica tour was a life changing experience. A true lesson in being present. Esteban was an incredible guide, which made the Costa Rica experience that much better. Pura Vida!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/30/2024
Karen - Traveled, May 2024
Visiting Costa Rica is undoubtedly one of the most memorable and exciting experiences I’ve had. There is beauty everywhere, from the lush green of forests, cloud forests, volcanoes , spectacular beaches and extraordinary flowers. Wildlife abounds, sloths ,monkeys, lizards, birds with spectacular plumage to mention only a few. Our Best of Costa Rica trip had an incredible leader Allan, and teamed with an exciting and varied itinerary including involvement with Indigenous communities made this trip perfect!!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/03/2024
Heather - Traveled, May 2024
If you want to visit Costa Rica, I promise you will not find a better guide than we had for our "Best of Costa Rica" trip through Intrepid. If you are on the fence this is the one to book! Best guide I've ever had! Learned so much and fell in love with the country through his enthusiasm! Thanks Allan!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/31/2024
Stacey - Traveled, April 2024
Enjoyed Costa Rica with some of the coolest people I have ever met! Excellent people, delicious foods, amazing environment!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/25/2024
Share a personalized trip brochure!
Why Choose Us?
We Work for You
Our goal to make you happy! That means ensuring our travel consultants have the best product knowledge and excellent customer service. A positive customer experience is our #1 goal!
Our Products
We offer an broad selection of travel products, including all-inclusive vacation packages, pre-packaged tours, custom travel itineraries, destination weddings, and luxury vacations.
Escapes Cares
We believe in giving back. When you book with us, you are contributing to tree planting through our partners at Veritree, as well ocean conservation though Oceana Canada.
