Epic Costa Rica: Craters, Rainforests & Hanging-10
Experience Overview
Volcanoes! Jungles! Beaches! Costa Rica has it all — and this 11-day hostel-fuelled adventure will smack you in the face (in a good way) with the best of it. You’ll stare in awe at the active crater of the Poás Volcano en route to La Fortuna, where waterfalls, rivers, and hot springs await. After that, you’ll be zip-lining over the cloud forest in Monteverde, hiking through the jungle to the idyllic waterfall at Rio Celeste, and then heading to the beach towns on the Nicoya Peninsula for surfing, nightlife, and non-stop good times.
Highlights
- Look across the active crater of Poás Volcano
- Learn about coffee production and support a local community
- Zip-line above the cloud forest canopy in Monteverde
- Hike through the jungle to the deep blue waterfall of Rio Celeste
- Go surfing in Tamarindo
- Enjoy free time to choose from optional activities or hang out at the hostels.
Trip Details
Product Code: 1865
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Basic
Transport: Private vehicle, boat.
Guide Language: English
Tour Operator:
G Adventures
Supplier Code: CRSTHW
Starts: San José, Costa Rica
Finishes: Tamarindo, Costa Rica
Duration: 11 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Light
Includes
Activities
- Your G for Good Moment: Mi Cafecito Coffee Cooperative Tour, Sarapiquí Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
- Visit to Poás Volcano
- Tortilla-making lesson and typical lunch at Mi Cafecito community project
- Zip-lining in Monteverde
- Hike to Rio Celeste Waterfall in Volcán Tenorio National Park
- Walk to a waterfall and swim in Poza Los Coyotes
- Excursion to Playa Guiones from Nosara
- Pottery demonstration in Guaitil
- Surf Lesson at Tamarindo
- Orientation walks in La Fortuna, Monteverde, and Liberia
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
Accommodation
- Hostels (9 nts), Hotel (1 nt)
- 10 breakfasts, 1 lunch
Transport
- Private vehicle, boat.
Group Leader
- CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides.
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $1,617 ($147 /day)
Itinerary
Day 1: San José
Arrive at any time, and choose to kick back at the hostel, or head out to explore the city before meeting up with fellow Roamies in the evening. Later, head out in the San Pedro neighborhood with your CEO and new mates in search of food and drink at one of the nearby happening spots. Buckle up, it's on!
Day 2: San José/La Fortuna
Set off today bound for La Fortuna with plenty to do along the way. First stop, the active Poás Volcano for epic views and photo opportunities by the crater. Next, head to a community coffee project to sample a cup and to learn about coffee production. Hungry? Sit down for a delicious typical lunch of freshly-caught tilapia from the local fish farm with plantains and the ever-present rice and beans. Then get hands-on with a tortilla-making lesson, full points for the best one! Roll into La Fortuna in the afternoon with time to settle into the hostel and grab a drink at the bar, and in the evening maybe treat yourself to a long soak in one of the many local hot springs. Hey, you deserve it right?
Day 3: La Fortuna
Ready for Adventure? There's so much to do in La Fortuna that we've given you an entire free day to choose for yourself, you'll thank us for it later. Maybe it's something active that's your jam like rappelling down a waterfall, whitewater rafting, or paddleboard on Lake Arenal. Otherwise, hanging out in the hostel with friends and a cold beverage is never a bad option either. A combination of these things you say? Sounds perfect!
Day 4: La Fortuna/Monteverde
If variety of transport is something you're looking for then you're going to love today. We'll make our way from La Fortuna by bus then boat across Lake Arenal then by bus again to the cloud forest of Monteverde. Scenery galore, keep the camera handy! Once we get to Monteverde don't get too comfortable yet as we'll head into the forest to fly across the canopy on zip lines for an adrenaline rush. Phew!
Day 5: Monteverde
Today is all about you, to do as much (or as little) as you want, it's all good! Maybe check out the hanging bridges in the canopy to look for birds and wildlife, go horseback riding, visit a butterfly garden or just kick back at the cozy hostel and relax with a local craft beer in hand.
Day 6: Monteverde/Liberia
More great scenery and volcanoes you ask for? Sure thing, we've got you covered. Set off in your private ride to the Volcán Tenorio National Park where we'll hike through the jungle to a brillant blue pool and waterfall of the Rio Celeste. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife and birds! Carry on to Liberia in the afternoon and have time to relax after checking into the hostel in the evening before setting off to the Nicoya Peninsula the next day.
Day 7: Liberia/Nosara
Check a hidden gem off those travel lists today as the group heads for Poza Los Coyotes. This lesser known spot in Costa Rica allows for living out those jungle fantasies while you swim and explore the trails around the incredibly turquoise waters of the area's natural pools. Choose to go all in during your time there and rent an inflatable tube to float through the caves and in the natural pools. Or take a short stroll to see a waterfall and canyon. Next, continue down the Nicoya Peninsula to the laid-back beach town of Nosara to settle into the hostel. Take the rest of the afternoon to explore or get your beach on if you're feeling it. Is it beer o'clock yet?
Day 8: Nosara
We only have one thing actually planned today but it's a good one. Hop in the van for a visit to one of the most picturesque beaches in all of Costa Rica; Playa Guiones. Think of this beach as the love child between a three-mile stretch of flat sand and incredible surf waves. You'll miss out on the big crowds some of the other beaches are known for in the area, and be able to both surf and swim in the warm waters. This is the kind of beach where you can goof around on a boogie board and also read a book, the vibes fit all your needs. Envision our day trip here as a secret paradise no one knew they needed. Afterwards, enjoy the rest of the day back in Nosara hanging out at the hostel with friends and a cold beverage, or watching the sunset with your toes in the sand.
Day 9: Nosara/Tamarindo
Ok ok, we know the beaches in Nosara are great, but today we will leave the sand behind and head north along the coast to Guaitil, a small village famous for their Chorotega style pottery products. It will be like learning a new hobby that also gives you a deep appreciation for family traditions and creating something beautiful using the natural environment. What's not to love about that? Learn what's up from the owner of a small shop, and see how the pottery is made. Choose to grab some lunch and walk through the showrooms to see some of the finished products before we carry on to our hostel in Tamarindo for more beach vibes and great nightlife.
Day 10: Tamarindo
Surf's up! Take an included surf class in the morning and then the rest of the day is all yours. Feeling active? Try zip-lining, kayaking in the nearby national park or take a snorkelling trip. Can't get enough of the beach? Stay local and take to the sand and sea. Still want more? Chilling out at the hostel with friends is always a great option too.
Day 11: Tamarindo
Depart at any time, or maybe decide to add on a few more nights at the beach.
Similar Tours
Tour Operator
G Adventures
G Adventures is an operator of small-group escorted tours. It is based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada with 28 offices worldwide. It offers more than 700 itineraries in more than 100 countries, and carries 200,000 travelers from 160 countries each year.
In Business Since 1990
Reviews
Rony M. - Traveled, December 2023
Great organization
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/29/2023
Johanna H. - Traveled, December 2023
Everything went really good and I didn't need to think about anything.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/29/2023
Tyler B. - Traveled, December 2023
Had a fun trip, well planned and well run.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/29/2023
Camille G. - Traveled, December 2023
I feel like this particular trip was a good value for the money at it's sale price with a good amount of things included. However, not everyone will like sharing dorm rooms so only if they don't mind would I recommend it to them.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/29/2023
Megan G. - Traveled, December 2023
it's a great way to meet like minded people
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/29/2023
Jennifer P. - Traveled, December 2023
Had a great time on the tour
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/29/2023
Kaitlyn K. - Traveled, December 2023
I really enjoyed the connections I made and experiences I had on this trip.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/29/2023
Klara L. - Traveled, December 2023
Because we had the best CEO, Jorge Montero. I have traveled with G Adventures before but Jorge was amazing.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/29/2023
Lauren C. - Traveled, November 2023
Wonderful experience overall. from the beginning initially calling to inquire about the trip customer service was extremely helpful and knowledgeable. The trip was better than I could have imagined from the adventures to our tour guide Natalie. She made it a fantastic experience.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/15/2023
Lauren H. - Traveled, November 2023
Our CEO Natalie was the most friendliest, knowledgeable and helpful. She made the trip amazing. She went above and beyond any expectations to make everyone feel safe and happy on their trip.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/15/2023
Maaike v. - Traveled, November 2023
Hostels were fine for the most part. Showers were not the greatest but wifi was better than expected overall.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/15/2023
Christina S. - Traveled, November 2023
It was an exceptional trip and our guide, Natalie, went above and beyond to give us the best experience possible. The country, activities, and organization was great and I would highly recommend the trip to others.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/15/2023
Sophie B. - Traveled, November 2023
Meet new people, very well organized trip. Great weather, beautiful beaches, guide was very good
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/15/2023
Arseniy K. - Traveled, November 2023
I had an amazing experience! I haven't travelled much, and this allowed me to explore new things and meet so many new great people all with the safety of the group. I'd recommend anyone who's looking to travel go with this option as it makes it quick and easy, less planning for me and more focus on travelling and having a good time
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/15/2023
Rebecca S. - Traveled, November 2023
It was a really nice trip, you can explore many things and it was fun. The CEO was really nice and caring. On my opinion there was to much you have to book afterwards, which was expensive. The group was a bit to big, also I didn't like that there are people coming and leaving during the trip, this kind of separated the group. For me it was a bit being to much on the main tourist parts, which i normally don't do.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/15/2023
Alexandra H. - Traveled, November 2023
I would highly likely recommend this type of tour, depending on the TYPE of individual. For instance, my mum would not like staying in hostels, but an 18 year old would be fine with this. Overall, it was an excellent tour, budget friendly and awesome guides.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/01/2023
Klara Anna Julia N. - Traveled, November 2023
Was overall a great experience, well planned, balanced, and great guides
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/01/2023
Ina F. - Traveled, November 2023
Great experience in a Great Country. I Like that you are in a group but can nevertheless decide on your own what you would like to do nearly watch day.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/01/2023
Maisie L. - Traveled, November 2023
it's the best way to get the most out of a country with such a good price.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/01/2023
Javier G., - Traveled, November 2023
Friendly, professional, looks for every Problem, very good knowledge about animals, poison and emergency health care. Tried to include everyone in the group.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/17/2023
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