Compare Costa Rica Experience by Intrepid Travel vs Costa Rica Extended by Under30Experiences
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| Trip |
4.5 | Great
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 9 days | 9 days |
| Price From | $ 1,472 | $ 1,695 |
| Price Per Day | $ 164 | $ 188 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Small group tour | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Standard |
| Physical Level |
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| Travel Themes |
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| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Ground transport included |
| Activities |
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| Meals Included | N/A |
8 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches and 8 Dinners |
| Description |
Discover a region of natural diversity, cultural riches and laidback vibes on a nine-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. Kick back in the rustic beach town of Quepos, explore the steamy cloud forests of Monteverde and get to know the locals by lending a hand on a rural farmstay near Santa Rosa de Pocosol. Explore the depths of this colourful and vibrant country with plenty of time to make this trip your own. |
Welcome to Costa Rica! This tropical paradise accounts for only 0.03 percent of the earth's surface and contains nearly 6 percent of the world's biodiversity! A country where monkeys, jaguars, and panthers can be found throughout the rainforest. Costa Rica is a hub for sustainability and green lifestyle for both expats and locals. Get to explore Costa Rica’s diversity as we venture deep into the rainforest around Arenal Volcano followed by adventure and relaxation at the beautiful beaches in Manuel Antonio. There is no better place to open your mind, take a break and learn about yourself than in the beaches and rainforests of Costa Rica. Discover why Time Magazine calls it the happiest country in the world. |
Day 1 San Jose
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 is a dynamic atmosphere. If you arrive early, why not wander around at your own pace – a good place to start exploring is the main plaza, perfect for some people watching. Tonight, maybe head out to get to know your group with an optional welcome dinner.
Day 2 Santa Rosa de Pocosol
Travel by private vehicle to Santa Rosa de Pocosol today, where you’ll spend the night in a homestay. Just down the road is the Juanilama agricultural community, where you can get to know the locals, help with farm chores, and take an informal cooking lesson. Several villagers have built comfortable rooms for guests next to their homes, and you’ll stay in one of them this evening. Please note that these rooms use shared facilities. In order to make the most of this homestay experience, it may take a bit of effort from your side to break the ice first. Learn as many Spanish words as you can before you arrive!
Day 3 La Fortuna
Today, continue to La Fortuna – a small town situated just a few minutes away from Costa Rica's famous Arenal Volcano. Besides its panoramic views, the town offers a range of other activities such as the 70-m-high La Fortuna waterfall, stunning lush forest, rare plants, animal watching and water-based activities on the lake. The volcano’s inner workings also mean that the area has a number of thermal springs where lava-heated water gushes to the surface. These springs have been sculpted into several pools and waterfalls, making them the ideal place to relax. Spend the rest of the day as you please in this exciting town, maybe even testing your balance on a stand-up paddleboard.
Day 4 Monteverde
Today, you’ll take the scenic route to Monteverde. Monteverde was founded as an agricultural community in 1951 by a group of North American Quakers – they cleared virgin forests to create verdant pastures ideal for dairy farming. These environmentally aware settlers were conscious of the danger that unrestricted settling and farming could cause to this precious habitat, so they established a small, privately owned wildlife sanctuary, which has grown to become the internationally renowned Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Preserve. More than 2000 species of plants, 320 bird species and 100 different types of mammals call Montverde home. When you arrive, you can choose from a range of outdoor activities to wildlife spot, hike or cruise on the waters.
Day 5 Monteverde
Today is free for you to choose how you'd like to spend your time in this beautiful area. Maybe start your exploration with a tour of the suspension bridges that hang in the trees, or head to the Serpentarium to see some crawly critters. Watch butterflies at play in the specially created garden, hire a local guide to show you around the area, visit a community cooperative or zip-line through the lush canopy. Whatever you do, be sure to keep an eye out for the resplendent quetzal – one of the most elusive birds in the world.
Day 6 Quepos
Travel through the mountains to Quepos by private minibus. Located close to the beautiful Pacific beaches and exotic 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 tuck into a traditional cooking class for lunch with them in their home. Prior to 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 traditional 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 the life.
Day 7 Quepos - Manuel Antonio NP
Spend your time enjoying all that Manuel Antonio National Park has to offer with a free day today. Perhaps head out for a hike along one of the many trails, keeping one eye on the great views and the other looking for the abundant wildlife. Monkeys, armadillos, sloths and hundreds of birds are among the species you can spot here. The park also boasts turquoise seas and white-sand beaches – perfect for swimming, kayaking, sailing and fishing. It would be easy to spend your whole time here in, or by, the water.
Day 8 San Jose
Take a public bus back to San Jose today, arriving back in time for you to pick up some last-minute souvenirs at the city's colourful and vibrant markets. Then, head out for an optional dinner and a night on the town, getting a taste of the huge variety of nightlife on offer here.
Day 9 San Jose
With no further activities planned, your trip comes to an end after breakfast today. If you’d like to extend your stay, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.
Day 1: Arrival in Costa Rica
Afternoon
Arrive at Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) before 1:00 pm.
Your Trip Leader will pick you up from the airport and we’ll head to the rainforest! (~3.5 hour drive).
If you are prone to motion sickness we suggest taking any medication before the drive. It’s a beautiful and winding drive through the mountains of Costa Rica.
Stop for souvenirs and snacks in Los Angeles Cloud Forest as you marble at all the green and lush mountains around you.
Visit a local farm where you'll learn about sugar cane, taste fresh fruits, and enjoy your first homemade Costa Rican dinner prepared with organic ingredients.
Evening
Settle into your amazing rooms surrounded by nature and get ready to meet your new friends as you enjoy your first delicious dinner at the eco-lodge
Day 2: Eco-Lodge Tour & Adventure
Morning
Enjoy your first amazing breakfast at the eco-lodge, fresh coffee, organic vegetables and homemade breads await for you.
After breakfast you can hike around the Ranch or fly through the tree tops at one of the World’s best zip-ining tours in Costa Rica (zip-lining is optional and not included).
Afternoon
After a nice morning walking around the property, enjoy a tasty lunch at the eco-lodge made with the vegetables produced at the farm.
Explore the grounds on a tour of the eco-lodge, learn all about the organic farm and the use of sustainable sources of energy and good ecological practices while taking in the great views of the surrounding mountains.
Evening
Enjoy another wonderful dinner at the eco-lodge while listening to the sounds of nature at night.
Take the evening to get to know your new friends while enjoying a nice tropical drink under the stars.
Day 3: La Fortuna
Morning
Start the day with new energy provided by the lush forests of Costa Rica and enjoy another tasty breakfast at the eco-lodge.
Depart to La Fortuna to enjoy more outdoor activities. "La Fortuna" is Spanish for "The Fortune" and was named for the towns fertile lands.
Explore Arenal Lake on a pedal board and visit the local waterfall in the middle of the rainforest, a local spot where you can freshen up into a natural pool.
Afternoon
Get a local and delicious lunch called a “casado” while you are exploring La Fortuna and freshen up with a delicious fruit ice cream.
Spend your last afternoon soaking up at the hot springs, warmed naturally at Termalitas del Volcan and let your muscles relax after a few days filled with incredible adventures (optional activity).
Evening
After a full day of activities, enjoy another wonderful dinner at the eco-lodge and get ready for another day of adventures out in the wild.
Enjoy the hammock in your bungalow and rest while taking in the surrounding landscape.
Day 4: Rainforest Adventure
Morning
Enjoy a delightful breakfast at the eco-lodge, get the feel for the true Costa Rican morning flavors with a nice coffee and a plate of tropical fruits.
Spend the morning hiking various trails on the property or choose from the following optional adventures: white water rafting, kayaking in the Arenal Volcano Lake or enjoy a relaxing yet adventurous horseback riding tour around the lush farmlands.
Afternoon
After lunch, opt for a hike to the Arenal Observatory in search for monkeys, toucans and other wild animals (optional activity) or relax at the hotel.
Evening
Tonight you’ll enjoy the closing dinner at the eco-lodge with your new friends where you will all share your best moments of the adventure you just had.
Optional night out in La Fortuna to finish your amazing trip with a high note, full of latin music and cocktails (transportation not included).
Day 5: Depart to the Beach
Morning
One more amazing breakfast at the eco-lodge before you head towards Costa Rica's world famous beaches.
Pick up several new friends who'll be joining us at the beach and tour the little town of Alajuela.
Afternoon
Make a quick stop at Rio Tarcoles where you can see groups of Costa Rican Crocodiles. These crocs can reach lengths of up to 12 feet!
Arrive at Playa Hermosa. A beautiful black sand beach recognized as having one of the most consistent surf breaks in the world.
Soak in your first sunset in Costa Rica. Remember to bring your bathing suit!
Evening
Enjoy your first dinner (and drinks?) right by one of the coolest black sand beaches in the country.
Depart for our boutique hotel in Manuel Antonio (~1 hour drive).
After getting settled in, it's up to you whether you want to relax or hit the town.
Day 6: Explore + Beach + Adventure
Morning
Enjoy an authentic Costa Rican breakfast right at your hotel.
Depending on the tide and the weather your Trip Leader will take you to our favorite secret beach in the area.
Spend the morning lounging under the Costa Rican sun away from tourists.
Afternoon
Head to the beach for an optional surf lesson.
Learn how to surf from some of Costa Rica’s best surf instructors on one of Costa Rica's best beaches (depending on the tide).
Evening
Enjoy a Costa Rican dinner at our boutique hotel.
Optional night out and salsa lessons. ($10 per person + transportation)
Day 7: Waterfalls and Costa Rican Culture
Morning
Have a delicious Costa Rican breakfast.
For those craving an even further off-the-beaten-path activity, you can spend your day hiking to epic hidden waterfalls in Quepos. Even the drive will be an adventure as we traverse through little known dirt roads.
Afternoon
Take the local bus to the local farmers market in Quepos to sample tropical fruits, cheeses, and much more.
Relax on El Malecon with a perfect view of the sun setting over the ocean.
Evening
Enjoy dinner in town and have an optional night out on the town with your new friends.
Day 8: Cocal Community Cooking Experience
Morning
Immerse yourself in the local community of El Cocal by learning how to cook a delicious Costa Rican meal.
Learn about Costa Rican culture and traditions from local friends.
Afternoon
Have lunch in El Cocal with your new friends.
Enjoy local music and dancing with the community.
Relax at the local beach with your group and soak in the tropical views of Costa Rica.
Evening
Enjoy the last dinner out at Manuel Antonio.
Optional night out or star gazing.
Day 9: Relaxation & Departure
Morning
Enjoy one final breakfast in paradise with your group of friends before departing to the airport to catch your flight back home.
Be sure your flight departs after 1:30 pm. Transportation is provided back to Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO).
