Costa Rica Adventure
Experience Overview
Take in the wildlife-rich waterways of Tortuguero, marvel at the rainforest on a night walk, hike among unique vegetation in Arenal Volcano National Park and visit the bubbling mud pools and hot springs of Rincón de la Vieja. On this two-week trip, we focus on the natural side of Costa Rica and try plenty of activities to discover the heart of this tropical country. Have a go at zip-lining and take a boat trip to see dolphins off Carrillo Beach, as well as choosing from multiple optional activities. The trip ends with a few days on the Pacific coastline, where the sandy bay is shaded by coconut palms and the water is perfect for swimming.
Profile
— Accommodation: 6 Superior nights (4 hotel, 2 lodge), 8 Classic nights (6 hotel, 2 lodge) — Travel by minibus and boat — Turtle-nesting season at Tortuguero (Caribbean coast): July to October — Turtle-nesting season at Camaronal (Pacific coast): May to November
At a Glance
— Accommodation: 6 Superior nights (4 hotel, 2 lodge), 8 Classic nights (6 hotel, 2 lodge) — Travel by minibus and boat — Turtle-nesting season at Tortuguero (Caribbean coast): July to October — Turtle-nesting season at Camaronal (Pacific coast): May to November
Trip For You
This trip has been graded Activity Level 2 (Easy & Moderate). For more information on our trip gradings please visit the Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip please do not hesitate to contact us.
Most of the roads we travel on are good quality. However, the road that leads to the river on the way to and from Tortuguero has a poor surface and this can result in slow driving times, particularly following heavy rain. There are also some longer drives on the itinerary; when rest stops and meal breaks are taken into account, a 4-hour drive may take 6-7 hours in total.
There are some nature walks on the itinerary, which occasionally involve walking on rough paths. During times of heavy rain, trails can be muddy and slippery and extra care should be taken. Many of the areas visited on the trip are hot and humid and there is the chance of heavy rain year-round – this is why Costa Rica is so green!
The sea in the Tortuguero region has very strong rip currents and is not suitable for swimming from the beach.
Eating Drinking
All breakfasts, five lunches and three dinners are included.
Hotel breakfasts are normally buffets. Lunches and dinners at Tortuguero are also buffets. Options for vegetarians are limited, but it’s still possible to eat well. Please inform us before departure of any special dietary requests.
Costa Rican specialities include gallo pinto, a black bean and rice dish considered to be a staple part of the local diet. Soups and stews are also common, and fresh fruit is abundant and will no doubt be one of the highlights of your time in the tropics.
Transportation
Most of our travel is in an air-conditioned 16-seater minibus or a larger 20-seat vehicle depending on the group size, but we also use small motorboats to access remote parts of the itinerary, such as Tortuguero and for the boat transfer across Lake Arenal. Due to the type of vehicles we use, it’s common for luggage to be transported on the roof, covered by tarpaulin. There is a shared transfer to Tortuguero on Day 2 of the itinerary in a larger coach.
Joining Instructions
Key information
Start hotel: Studio Hotel, 50 metros Norte de la Cruz Roja, San José, Santa Ana, 10901
Phone: +506 2282 0505
Recommended arrival time: Aim to arrive in the afternoon/evening
Airport: San José Airport (SJO)
Getting to the start hotel
The start hotel is approximately 35 minutes’ drive from the airport. We provide free arrival transfers to the start hotel from the airport for all customers. If you would like further information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative.
Catching your return flight
The trip ends at San José Airport (SJO) at a time that coincides with a chosen flight to London, UK. If you wish to join the group transfer, you must book a flight that departs San José after 4pm.
Please note, unless specified otherwise, the arrival transfer is to the start (or pre-tour) hotel on the date on which the tour starts; transfers to other hotels in the same city and/or on different dates may attract an extra charge. Your transfer should be booked with your sales representative at least two weeks before the tour starts.
FLYING VIA THE USA
The US is known to have lengthy immigration queues which must be navigated by all passengers, including those in transit. We only book flights that meet the minimum valid connection time and wherever possible we will ensure there is at least a two-hour window between connecting flights. If your flight to the US is delayed and the connection becomes particularly tight, we advise you to make your way as quickly as you can from the plane to immigration where you should make yourself known to an official in an attempt to move closer to the front of the queue.
Weather Information
Costa Rica is 10 degrees north of the equator and has a tropical climate. The average annual temperature is around 26C (79F) in the lowlands and 10C (50F) in the highest mountain regions. However, it’s essential you prepare for the time of year in which your departure takes place.
Dry season (December to April): This is the driest period of the year and can get incredibly hot; on the Pacific side, temperatures may exceed 37C (98F). If passing through areas of dry tropical forest it can be hot, dusty and dry. Prepare for some rain even during this time of year.
Rainy season (May to November): Expect daily downpours, although these are usually quite short and there is still plenty of sunshine. Typically, there are sunny conditions until approximately 1pm-2pm and then a build-up of cloud from around 3pm, resulting in late afternoon rain (most likely showers between 3pm-5pm). Usually, the sky clears by 6pm.
Spending Money
US dollars are widely accepted; however, change will likely be given in Costa Rican colón and the exchange rate will fluctuate. We suggest taking some US dollars with you but then using ATMs to withdraw the rest of your money in local currency while you’re there.
You should allow extra to cover the cost of meals not included in the price of the trip. Snack lunches are approximately US$15-US$18 and evening meals US$25-US$32 per meal (excluding drinks).
Average costs for drinks (in restaurants) are US$2-US$3 for mineral water or soft drinks, US$4-US$5 for a bottle of beer, US$7-US$10 for cocktails and US$7-US$10 for a glass of wine.
There are various optional activities available during the trip (bookable locally), as follows:
Tortuguero
— Turtle-nesting tour: from US$50 (July to October only)
Arenal
— Ecotermales hot springs: from US$45 — Arenal Natura night walk: from US$73 — Sky tram/sky trek: from US$120 — Zip-line ecoglide: from US$55 — Hanging bridges: from US$74 — Rainforest Chocolate tour: from US$50 — Don Juan Coffee & Chocolate tour: from US$55
Monteverde
— Monteverde night walk: from US$70 — Don Juan coffee & chocolate tour: from US$46 — Selvatura Sloth Sanctuary: from US$40
Carrillo beach
— Stand-up paddleboard mangrove tour: from US$53 — Ocean kayak to Isla Chora: from US$53 — Turtle-nesting tour (night): from US$53 visits Camaronal, Corozalito or Ostional beach depending on season
Optional excursions can be paid for by cash (preferably), credit or debit card.
Tipping
Our local staff are paid fairly for their work. However, it is usual for groups to tip tour leaders and drivers, and it would be reasonable for each group member to contribute US$90 for the tour leader and US$65 for the driver. You may wish to tip more if travelling in a small group.
The tour leader may organise a tipping kitty to facilitate tips for other staff members including porters, local guides and restaurant waiting staff, which will be collected at the start of the trip. The amount may vary per departure, but we recommend a starting point of US$130 per group member.
Highlights
— Go wild in Costa Rica on an active adventure through animal-rich habitats — Navigate the Tortuguero waterways in search of monkeys, caiman and more — Eat lunch at an organic farm and visit a pineapple plantation to see rural Costa Rica — Soar above the cloud forest on a zip-lining excursion — Discover Rincón de la Vieja with its bubbling mud pools and hot springs — Relax on the Pacific Coast with three nights in a hotel overlooking the beach
Trip Details
Product Code: 4218
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: er coach.
Guide Language: English
Tour Operator:
Exodus Travel
Supplier Code: AHS
Starts: San José, Arenal Volcano
Finishes: San José, Arenal Volcano
Duration: 15 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Unknown
Includes
— All breakfasts, five lunches and three dinners — All accommodation — All transport and listed activities — Tour leader throughoutAccommodation
Hotels & LodgesWe spend 14 nights in hotels and lodges, most have swimming pools. In San José, we stay at the modern four-star Studio Hotel, conveniently near the airport for an easy arrival transfer at the start of the trip. In Tortuguero, we usually stay at Evergreen Lodge, just a few minutes by boat from the Tortuguero National Park entrance. This magical area is surrounded by vegetation and our accommodation has a rustic feel with wooden bungalows, comfortable beds and ceiling fans. There is a lovely pool area and the property is set in jungle. In Sarapiqui, we usually stay at La Quinta Sarapiqui, a lodge with bungalow-style accommodation looking out onto gardens filled with flowers and birdlife. In Arenal, our accommodation is normally Arenal Paraiso Hotel. This property is close to Arenal Volcano and has large natural grounds with wonderful views of the volcano. Rooms are well equipped. There are several natural pools fed by spring water to relax in. In Monteverde, we normally stay at the Monteverde Country Lodge, a cosy hotel perfectly positioned to discover the cool of the cloud forest. We also use the Sibu Lodge or the Montaña Monteverde. In Rincon de la Vieja, our accommodation is either the BuenaVista del Rincon or the Hacienda Guachapelin. By the Pacific Coast, we plan to stay at the Nammbu Hotel, a beachfront property overlooking Carrillo Beach.
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $7,185 ($479 /day)
Itinerary
Welcome to San José, the culture-rich capital of Costa Rica. Aim to arrive at the hotel by 5pm so that you can meet your fellow travellers and tour leader, who will give you a warm welcome to Costa Rica. If you miss today’s welcome briefing, the tour leader will give you all relevant information on the afternoon of Day 2. Accommodation: Studio Hotel (or similar)
Our adventure begins early this morning, leaving San José as we travel to Tortuguero National Park in northeast Costa Rica. Accessible only by boat or light aircraft, the vast network of waterways, canals and swamps in Tortuguero are remarkably tranquil, unspoiled and devoid of noise pollution. On reaching the pier, we board a small motorboat for the journey to our lodge (up to 1hr 30min) , which is a short distance from the main lagoon. Please note the transfer from San José to Tortuguero is not private for our groups. Our afternoon is spent in Tortuguero village, where it’s possible to visit the Sea Turtle Museum. Tortuguero is probably most famous as a nesting site for the endangered green turtle, which can be seen arriving onto the beach to lay eggs from late July to October (as part of an optional excursion). Hawksbill, loggerhead and giant leatherback turtles also nest in this region; during November to January, baby turtles hatch and head to the ocean. Today’s travel time will be in the region of six hours including a break for breakfast. Accommodation: Evergreen Lodge (or similar)
After breakfast we board a small boat that enables us to discover the extraordinary flora and fauna of Tortuguero as we pass serenely along the waterways. At this time of day, wildlife is usually at its most active; with the help of our expert guide, we are likely to encounter monkeys, caiman, iguanas, butterflies and many of the 300-plus bird species recorded here. We return to the lodge for a hearty breakfast near the river. The lodge is a tranquil spot to relax for the rest of the day if you want to take time out to enjoy the facilities. Alternatively, you can join a second boat trip (included but optional) or follow a short walking trail through the forest. Accommodation: Evergreen Lodge (or similar)
We leave Tortuguero the same way we arrived, by taking a small boat to the pier. Our bus will be at the pier waiting to drive us to the Sarapiqui region, stopping for lunch en route. Sarapiqui is blessed with abundant vegetation and the beautiful Sarapiqui River. This is one of the main areas of banana production in Costa Rica, although coffee, cardamon, cacao, corn and other fruits are also grown here. In the evening, we take a night walk through Tirimbina Biological Reserve, crossing a suspension bridge for a different perspective on the rainforest and its many inhabitants: see how many eyes you can spot staring back at you! Our guide will focus on nocturnal species, such as insects, frogs and nocturnal mammals, who are active in the dark. Accommodation: La Quinta Sarapiqui (or similar)
After breakfast at the hotel, we check out and make our way towards an organic pineapple plantation in La Virgen de Sarapiqui. This area is well known for its rich soil and excellent growing conditions. During our morning tour, we have the opportunity to discover the organic philosophy of the farm, learning about crop rotation, companion planting and the concept of rural agritourism. This is a great introduction to Costa Rican heritage. After, we transfer to the area of La Fortuna near Arenal arriving around lunchtime. We have free time to enjoy the hotel facilities or there are some optional excursions for this afternoon/evening. Accommodation: Arenal Paraiso (or similar)
Arenal was the most active volcano in Costa Rica until recently when it entered a resting phase. There is a lot of geothermal activity in this area, with natural hot springs, waterfalls and Lake Arenal. This morning, we have a farm-to-table culinary tour at an organic farm. This is a fun and interactive experience to discover some of the typical produce grown in this area. On arrival, we are greeted with fresh fruits and coffee while we learn about the history of the farm. We usually select some of the produce to be harvested that day (destined for our lunch menu) and have a tour of the greenhouse to see how some Costa Rican staples are grown. This is a great experience to see an authentic farm in wonderful surroundings – look out for the family of sloths living in the neighbouring trees. Afterwards, we visit La Fortuna Waterfall, a 215ft (65m) cascade plunging into an emerald pool. A short rainforest trail brings us to a relatively steep set of steps that we must descend to reach the waterfall and then ascend to exit – this takes around 20-30 minutes and can be rewarded with a swim in the emerald pool below, if you wish. It is possible to visit the lookout point and wait for the group here if you prefer. Keep an eye out for colourful toucans in the rainforest! Accommodation: Arenal Paraiso (or similar)
This morning, we take a short scenic hike within Arenal National Park, walking through secondary rainforest and passing lava fields from past eruptions. Walking on the base and flanks of the volcano gives extraordinary views, as our guide explains about the history and recent activity and points out landmarks left over the years. The high vantage points on this walk also provide great views overlooking Lake Arenal and the birdlife is plentiful. This afternoon is free to join one of the optional activities available in this region. Accommodation: Arenal Paraiso (or similar)
From Arenal, we travel to the Tilaran mountain range in the Central Highlands for a taste of the Costa Rican cloud forest. Reaching Monteverde involves a fast boat across Lake Arenal, which is incredibly scenic and will take roughly 30 minutes. Our journey continues by shared land transfer as we ascend the hills towards Monteverde, a forest-cloaked region whose name literally means green mountain, where we meet our private bus. The high altitude supports a complex eco-system where plants thrive, particularly orchids of which there are some 400-plus varieties here. Our total journey time will be about 3hr 30min, including the lake crossing. Accommodation: Monteverde Country Lodge, Sibu Lodge or Montaña Monteverde (or similar)
Today we visit Selvatura Park, 850 acres (345ha) of protected land dedicated to nature and adventure. We begin with the hanging bridges excursion, a system of treetop walkways through the forest designed to let you experience the beauty of the cloud forest and observe its many inhabitants. We also visit the butterfly garden, which has one of the largest exhibitions of butterflies in the world. After, it’s time to try some aerial manoeuvres on a zip-line adventure through the treetops. Before you fly, guides will teach you the proper technique, including how to position yourself and hold the cable correctly, enabling you to safely enjoy this adrenaline-pumping adventure suspended above the trees. Accommodation: Monteverde Country Lodge, Sibu Lodge or Montaña Monteverde (or similar)
After breakfast at the hotel, we check out and transfer to Rincón de la Vieja, an area that combines dry forest with enchanting waterfalls and is best known for its bubbling mud pots, steaming vents in the earth, hot springs and a whole host of wildlife. The afternoon is free to relax or enjoy one of the optional activities available in the area such as a hike to the waterfalls with a refreshing swim in the clear waters (approx. 3 hours, payable locally). Accommodation: Buena Vista del Rincón or Hacienda Guachipelin (or similar)
Today we discover Rincón de la Vieja National Park and its network of trails during a hike through the exotic dry tropical forest on the Las Pailas Trail. This loop walk twists through jungle around the base of the volcano, passing steam-spitting fumaroles and hopefully encountering wildlife on the way: toucans, spider monkeys and lizards are found here as well as many bird species. After, we visit a hot spring. Heated naturally by the Rincón de la Vieja Volcano, these hot springs feed directly from the Rio Negro and are mineral rich with therapeutic properties. There are 10 human-made pools created to capture the steaming mineral water, surrounded by thick forest. Smooth volcanic clay over yourself, let it dry and wash off with a cool shower or jump in the river before soaking again in the hot pools. There are three activities to choose between this afternoon: a canyon canopy tour, tubing or horse riding. The cost of joining one activity is included, so it is up to you to decide which you would like to do! The canyon canopy tour is a zip-line adventure involving rappelling, climbing, a Tarzan swing and hanging bridges over a narrow river canyon. Tubing takes place on the Rio Negro, with individual inner tube rafts across 3mi (5km) of class II and III rapids. The horse-riding excursion follows a forest trail leading to a rainforest waterfall. Experience is not needed for any of these activities and you can decide which you prefer once you’re in Costa Rica. * If your group is staying at Hacienda Guachipelin, the canyon canopy tour, tubing or horse riding activity can take place on Day 10. Accommodation: Buena Vista del Rincón or Hacienda Guachipelin (or similar)
We travel to Carrillo on the Pacific Coast, one of the best-kept secrets in Costa Rica. The broad, shady bay is backed by coconut palms and the water is calm and safe for swimming thanks to a coral reef just out to sea on which the normally large, Pacific waves break before reaching the beach. There are plenty of facilities here but there’s a noticeable absence of big resort hotels, which makes for a nice atmosphere. We have a free afternoon here to enjoy the facilities and discover the area. Accommodation: Nammbú Hotel or Leyenda Hotel (or similar)
Today we take a boat trip in search of dolphins. You could be lucky enough to see spotted dolphins, Central American spinner dolphins or common bottlenose dolphins, which all inhabit this area year-round. Feel the ocean breeze and enjoy the scenery of the coastline as we search for these playful animals who love to swim in the bow wave of the boat. As we make our way back along the coast, we anchor near the shores of Isla Chora, a delightful white-sand beach full of hermit crabs and iguanas. This is a great spot for a refreshing swim and to explore the lively, colourful underwater world with a mask and snorkel. In total, today’s excursion will last around four hours, with the rest of your time at leisure to enjoy the area. Accommodation: Nammbú Hotel or Leyenda Hotel (or similar)
Today, we take a kayaking tour through the mangroves of Sámara Bay (the tour leader will confirm timings locally as it is tide-dependent). Paddle through the stunning ecosystem, surrounded by lush mangrove trees and diverse wildlife. We explore along the Ora River, discovering some of the more remote corners of the forest, passing through mangrove tunnels and heading towards Camaronal Beach. Be on the lookout for native birds, crabs, monkeys, iguanas and more along the way. At the beach, enjoy refreshments while you learn more about the area's ecosystem, before returning to the hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to relax at the hotel or explore the local area. Accommodation: Nammbú Hotel or Leyenda Hotel (or similar)
A five-hour journey takes us back to San José, where the adventure comes to an end. We advise that you don’t book a flight leaving San José before 4pm today. Of course, if you’d like a little more time to explore, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.
Similar Tours
Tour Operator
Exodus Travel
It’s all about adventure That is what Exodus was founded upon 50 years ago, and what the company is still all about. Discovering countries, cultures, environments, cities, mountain ranges, deserts, coasts and jungles; exploring this amazing planet we all live on. At Exodus, we know what makes you tick when it comes to holidays. It’s a desire shared by so many others. A yearning to visit new places and come home with a real sense of what they’re all about. This means delving into local traditions, cultures, cuisine, lifestyles – anything that contributes to its unique identity. At the same time, we always remember that we are only guests. So we travel courteously and respectfully, in smaller groups to minimise our impact, to ensure that every Exodus holiday is a beneficial experience for everyone involved. This is a philosophy we take with us around the world, helping you reach some incredible destinations on 500 itineraries across over 90 separate countries. We also strive to provide as much flexibility and choice as we possibly can, making it simple for you to experience a very different holiday. Exodus started life on 4 February 1974 when two friends got together to provide an overland truck to travel to the Minaret of Jam, deep in the heart of the Hindu Kush, the most inaccessible of the world’s great monuments. See our history page for more details about how we began and how we have grown over the past 50 years. Never travelled with Exodus before? Visit our New to Exodus page for some useful, first-timer information.
In Business Since 1974
Reviews
Alison Earnshaw - Traveled, April 2024
Simply the best time ever! The most amazing holiday filled with wildlife, fun and culture Most Inspirational Moment Finding out that the anteater was my new favourite animal Thoughts on Group Leader Glenda had the eyes of an eagle and the knowledge of David Attenborough, she was so enthusiastice about her country, culture and wildlife Advice for Potential Travellers This trip contained way more than the amazing items on the itinerary. Bring a good camera and a waterproof case for it. Just enjoy!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/08/2024
Ann Holmes - Traveled, April 2024
Pura Vida: what an amazing trip We travelled over 1000 miles with the tour taking us on the canals of Tortuguero on the Caribbean side of the country : over the hills into the Cloud Forest of Monteverde and finishing in Camara on the Pacific. On route we saw a vast amount of amazing birds, reptiles, insects and mammals. This adventure trip included many trips in boats, zip wiring, tubing down the river, bathing in hot springs. We walked to waterfalls, volcanoes, and through a Tropical Rain forest. Most Inspirational Moment So many on this trip. I loved the sounds especially in the morning of the howler monkeys and the cacophony of bird song. I also loved the zip wiring : flying through and over the tree tops: 14 zip wires in all. Thoughts on Group Leader Our group leader was Adriana Costa and was very organised and had a vast knowledge of the wildlife of Costa Rica. She was a lot of fun. Our driver Randall should also get a mention : his driving was exceptional and bus always immaculate, and always accommodating. They were a great team together. Advice for Potential Travellers Our trip was in March… take some sort of waterproof jacket, waterproof walking shoes (boots not needed) A jumper for the Cloud Forest as the temperature drops but otherwise a mixture of shorts: long trousers and tee shirts. A few items to change into for the evening. Plenty of insect repellent (containing 50%deet) didn’t need Colones as everywhere we visited accepted dollars and in most places prices were written in US $. I would recommend taking binoculars for spotting all the amazing wildlife and a torch for the nighttime walk. Suggestions If you like a mixture of sightseeing and adventure then this is a holiday for you.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/05/2024
Roger Heward - Traveled, December 2023
Awesome wildlife & adventure trip Amazing tour from Caribbean coast to Pacific coast with outstanding tour guide Most Inspirational Moment So difficult to pick one! Overcame my fears and completed zip wire and tubing ?? Thoughts on Group Leader Glenda was fantastic and delivered over and above what was required of her Advice for Potential Travellers No need to take local currency and take plenty of mosquito spray Poncho & rain jackets are essential Suggestions I know times are tight but I would have appreciated Exodus luggage tags and maybe a pre tour guide with checklist of birds & wildlife likely to be seen …nothing to
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/13/2024
Mary Gottwald - Traveled, January 2024
Costa Rica Adventure A brilliant trip, travelling from the East Coast and the rainforest to the West Coast and the sea. Fantastic birds, monkeys, crocodile, caiman, sloths, humpback whales, dolphins, great flora and fauna. Also lots of activities such as zip lining, horse riding, tubing, hanging bridges to name but a few. Most Inspirational Moment Beautiful colourful birds, whales and dolphins Thoughts on Group Leader Brilliant, enthusiastic and so knowledgeable. Advice for Potential Travellers Relax and enjoy!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/14/2024
Heather Derham - Traveled, December 2023
good title Very varied scenery and wildlife. good amount of adventure with lots of different activities Most Inspirational Moment Swimming with turtles Thoughts on Group Leader Excellent Advice for Potential Travellers look closely at details
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/04/2024
Silpa Shah - Traveled, December 2023
Pura Vida! The trip was a melange of nature, activity, adventure, culture, history, economics, lushness, the smells, the sounds and much much more. Mind blowing. Get involved in everything. Leave nothing to chance. Most Inspirational Moment Everything was inspirational but the two things I most wanted happened. I saw baby turtle hatchlings and sloths. It was a great moment to see the hatchlings and safely guiding them to the sea, I felt very protective of them. We saw two varieties of sloth: 2 toed and 3 toed, amazing and how lucky. The zip line in Cloud Forest is a must, especially the Superman zip which you have to pay extra for but worth it. You're literally flying through the air, it's safe as you're fastened securely and so comfortable, and the views are amazing. It was a once in a lifetime for me as were most things in CR. Also loved the zip line in La Hacienda, hanging bridges, butterfly dome, swimming at the base of the waterfall, descending and ascending 500 steps down to/from the waterfall, chocolate tour, pineapple tour, humming bird tour, forest walks, baby turtle hatchlings, dolphin tour, swimming in the sea, thermal pools, volcanic mud pools, more waterfalls. List is endless. Thoughts on Group Leader I would describe Mayer as amazing, dedicated, passionate, authentic, organised, great sense of humour, peoples person, patient, kind, enthusiastic and lastly he really captured, through photos, the essence of our group and the activities we did. He's definitely the best tour lead 10/10, the worst being Michled in Jordan! He falls in the minus rating. Mayer tweaked the itinerary a couple of times which benefited us as we got to try/see things we may have otherwise missed. He also gave us enough free time to relax and reset as the tour was pretty full on. Advice for Potential Travellers Just go with the flow. Itinerary is hectic, a lot of walking but that's what you're there for. You can easily get away with wearing trainers on the tour so no need for heavy walking boots. Suggestions I love the way CR looks after its eco-system. The inhabitants are so passionate about the welfare of its wildlife and biodiversity. They don't even smoke, how refreshing. Just wish other countries would follow suit. All the activities listed on the day to day itinerary are included in the price of the trip. I only paid for a couple of optional trips, which didn't break the bank. Accommodation was all very satisfactory, clean and safe. Let's put it this way, it was hell of an improvement on Jordan! ENJOY!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/24/2024
Kirsty Storr - Traveled, October 2022
Experiencing Pura Vida adventure in Costa Rica Just back from this brilliant holiday – we’ve had an exceptional time exploring Costa Rica’s flora and fauna with plenty of adventure and activities to keep us entertained over the two week holiday. Our group spotted at least 125 different species of birds, animals and other creatures, from colourful butterflies and birds of every shape and size to adorable sloths, from poisonous frogs to killer tarantulas and scorpions, from humpback whales to dolphins and flying fish. Our tour of Costa Rica took in wet, dry and damp rain forests, incredible scenery, amazing sights and sounds, very rainy rain, beautiful hot sunshine, captivating night tours including a magical, breath-taking experience watching baby turtles hatching and making their first journey out to sea, wildlife walks and hikes, plus fabulous food from pineapple plantations and organic farms. Other activities included flying through the rain forest by zip line, tubing down rapids and horse riding through a wildlife rich ranch, basking in volcanic thermal springs under the stars. We added in a couple of optional adventures: surf lessons at the beach and a coffee, chocolate and sugar cane tour at the base of the Arenal volcano. Our excellent tour leader, Mayer Jimenez brought expert wildlife and bird knowledge to the holiday, a huge bonus for our group. This holiday comes highly recommended. Most Inspirational Moment Standing on a beach at night in the pitch dark, watching tiny baby turtles no bigger than a satsuma emerge from their sandy nest and making their way down the beach towards the sea. Thoughts on Group Leader Our group leader, Mayer was exceptional. His extensive knowledge of flora, fauna and birdlife really made our trip even better as we spotted more than 125 different species. Advice for Potential Travellers Rain forests are damp! Don't unpack anything you don't need: keep as much stuff as possible zipped up in your waterproof duffle bag or suitcase, including all clothes you aren't currently wearing. Quick-dry clothing is a great idea. And if you don't want to put on a soggy swimsuit, bring at least 3 sets with you, and watershoes if you plan on going tubing.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/12/2022
Nicola Bennett - Traveled, May 2022
Incredible What a superb and wonderful 2 weeks. So much to see and be amazed by, something new every day and so many wonderful birds and animals to try and photograph. Good accommodation and we were never hungry. Costa Rica is a very forward thinking and developed country and they are rightly very caring of their wildlife and forests. We had a wonderful guide (Carlos) and driver (Mau) and they helped us see everything that we would have completely missed without their help. It was all so wonderful that it is hard to pick out highlights but loved the day out looking for dolphins, the boat trips at Tortuguero (and Tortuguero itself) and the zip lines. Most Inspirational Moment Not possible to pick out a moment - the first two days were so brilliant that we would have been happy if that had been our entire holiday Thoughts on Group Leader Carlos was incredibly knowledgeable, helpful, organised, thoughtful.......just made our trip brilliant Advice for Potential Travellers take a mini umbrella, buy a telephoto lens, do your washing in a service laundrette in La Fortuna, be quiet on walks so you can hear everything, do everything offered - do the zip line, ride the horses, swim in the waterfalls.. . Prepare to really appreciate what is happening to the rainforests and the animals that rely on them Suggestions Book and go - don't think about it.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/28/2022
Louisa Green - Traveled, December 2019
Life-changing! I had not been on holiday for over a decade before I embarked on this trip, so suffice to say I had high expectations! Costa Rica had been on my list ever since a colleague visited the country two years ago, and it was well worth the wait. We were fortunate enough to only have eight travellers, which meant that our guide, Jonathan, had ample time to answer all of our questions. If you are looking for a holiday which will give you eight hours of sleep a night then this trip is not for you. We were up for breakfast before 8am every day and despite there being several optional extra activities listed on the trip notes, we didn’t have time to do any of them as we were constantly on the go! I felt as though I was away for six months or more, and I enjoyed moving to a new area of the country every few days. Each hotel we stayed at had a different style suited to the area of the country we were in – rainforest lodge, spa resort, mountain hotel, ranch, beach hotel. The food was wonderful – all breakfasts are included and on the days when our lunch and/or dinner weren’t included, we never felt hungry. Most Inspirational Moment I thoroughly enjoyed our turtle nesting tour in Samara and after three hours of walking up and down the same stretch of beach, we finally witnessed a female Lora turtle making her way up the beach, dig her nest, lay her eggs, cover them up again and return to the ocean. Thoughts on Group Leader Jonathan, our tour guide, was absolutely brilliant. He even managed to squeeze in a few extra activities which weren't on our itinerary such as a visit to a fruit market with a tasting session, a stop in Nicoya town en route to Samara, a trip to the man who produces "the best coffee in Costa Rica" and also a slight detour to another of his friends who has their own pottery business. He knew the calls, English and Latin names of every bird we saw, gave a debrief at the end of each day, made sure we knew the plans for tomorrow, took us to local restaurants for the not-included meals and consistently went above and beyond for us. He made an incredible trip into an unforgettable one. Advice for Potential Travellers This trip is currently (Dec 2019) tagged as a culture trip, but in reality it is definitely a wildlife adventure. Some days we saw in excess of 30 different types of birds and reptiles, and were very lucky to find sloths, howler monkeys, white-faced monkeys, spider monkeys, spiders, frogs, snakes, toucans, macaws, crocodiles, turtles, caimen, lizards and iguanas every single day. The trip notes state that the average lunch is around $15 and $35 for a dinner - in practise we found that we paid nowhere near this much. Hotel meals are expensive, but local restaurants often charge half the price for a more authentically Costa Rican meal. Suggestions If I could give this trip 10 stars, I would, and I will be booking all my future adventure holidays with Exodus :)
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/30/2019
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