Essential Costa Rica
Essential Costa Rica
Essential Costa Rica
9 Days Starting and ending in San José
Visiting: Costa Rica
Tour operator:
Tour code:
AHI
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
4 - 16
Age range:
16-99
Special diets catered:
Vegans, Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTour Overview
Go in search of wildlife and wild rides on this essential introduction to Costa Rica. Adopting the national motto, pura vida (pure life), we delve into the astonishing diversity of the country with our expert guide leading the way. We spend time in the shadow of Arenal volcano, swim next to a jungle waterfall, and trek through the Monteverde cloud forest at night. We also take the Pan-Am Highway to Manuel Antonio, where we have a guided tour of the national park in search of mischievous monkeys and sedate sloths. By the end of our adventure, you will fully understand why Costa Rica was named the happiest country on the planet.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Start San José
A free transfer takes you to our hotel in San José, the busy capital of Costa Rica. Check in and take it easy, there is plenty of excitement on this trip, so today is all about easing into the adventure. To help, there is a welcome briefing at the hotel in the evening (aim to arrive at the hotel by 5pm), in which we gather as a group for the first time and meet our guide. If you miss today’s welcome briefing, the tour leader will give you all relevant information on the morning of Day 2.
Accommodation: Auténtico Hotel or Rincon del Valle (or similar)
Day 2 : To Arenal; La Fortuna Waterfall Walk
Meals Included: Breakfast
We drive towards Arenal, which was the most active volcano in Costa Rica until it entered a resting phase in 2010. There is still lots of geothermal activity in the region, plus natural hot springs, waterfalls and the largest lake in the country, Lake Arenal.
Today, we visit La Fortuna Waterfall, a 215ft (65m) jungle cascade plunging into an emerald pool. A short rainforest trail brings us to steep steps that we must descend to reach the waterfall and then ascend to the exit; this takes around 20 to 30 minutes and will be rewarded with a swim in the pool. You can visit the lookout point to wait for the group if you prefer. There will also be plenty of time to spot forest-dwelling animals along the way too; keep an eye out for colourful toucans in the trees.
Accommodation: Eco Arenal (or similar)
Day 3 : Free Day To Explore And Discover The Wonders Of The Arenal Region
Meals Included: Breakfast
We have free time today to explore the wonders around Arenal, one of the top adventure and nature destinations in the world. Options include hiking the base and flanks of the volcano, crashing down the Balsa River on a white-water rafting adventure, and relaxing in the Ecotermales hot springs. Your leader can provide suggestions on what to do and help you book.
Accommodation: Eco Arenal (or similar)
Day 4 : To Monteverde In The Tilaran Mountains; Night Walk In The Cloud Forest
Meals Included: Breakfast
We travel to Monteverde, a forest-cloaked region in the Tilaran Mountains. To get there, we take a 30-minute fast-boat ride across Lake Arenal, where we can admire the volcano from a different perspective. Our journey continues by shared land transfer as we climb into the hills towards Monteverde, whose name literally means Green Mountain. Finally, we meet our private bus for the last leg. The high altitude in this Central Highlands region supports a complex ecosystem where plants thrive, particularly orchids of which there are some 400-plus varieties here. Our journey takes about 3hr 30min in total, including the lake crossing.
Around 6pm, we head into the cloud forest, where the eyes of the diverse wildlife that lives here shine through the dark. We may see sloths, armadillos, porcupines, possums and coatis and will undoubtedly hear a cacophony of insects and amphibians.
Accommodation: Montaña Monteverde or Heliconia (or similar)
Day 5 : Free Day To Explore Monteverde
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today is free for you to choose from the many activities on offer in Monteverde. You may want to brave the hanging bridges of Selvatura Park, a 1.9mi (3km) trail of treetop walkways that provide a unique perspective of the cloud forest and its many inhabitants, followed by a peaceful moment in the Butterfly Garden, where more than 30 butterfly species flap around a flower-filled dome.
Alternatively, if you’re feeling adventurous, you may want to whizz through the treetops on a zip line adventure. Other options include a nature walk in the Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve or a chocolate and coffee tour.
Accommodation: Montaña Monteverde or Heliconia (or similar)
Day 6 : To Manuel Antonio
Meals Included: Breakfast
Our journey takes a southeasterly turn today as we follow the Pan-Am Highway along the coastline to Manuel Antonio, passing African oil palm and teak plantations on the way. Here lies Manuel Antonio National Park, a vast marine reserve and 1,700-acre (690ha) region of mangrove swamp, primary and secondary rainforest. The forest vegetation stretches as far as the high-tide line and provides a picture-perfect backdrop to the expansive sandy beaches, forested islands and dramatic rocky headlands. Our drive to Manuel Antonio takes around four hours.
Accommodation: Hotel Villabosque or Tabulia Tree Hotel (or similar)
Day 7 : Visit To Manuel Antonio National Park; Free Time For Optional Activities
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today, we have a guided tour of the national park, which should bring close wildlife encounters. Here, white-faced capuchin monkeys play in the trees and are frequently sighted on the beaches, while noisy howler monkeys are usually heard before they are seen. Endangered titi monkeys (squirrel monkeys) are fewer in number but can also sometimes be spotted here. Iguanas, agouti (a tropical rodent) and two- and three-toed sloths are also commonly sighted in the national park.
The rest of the day is free to relax at the beach or select an optional activity. There are various activities available, including a boat tour of Isla Damas, on which you explore the mangroves while an experienced guide points out the local wildlife, including anteaters, kingfishers and monkeys.
Alternatively, get your heart pumping and zoom through the rainforest on a zip line or enjoy a cultural cooking experience where you stop a farmers market to pick up ingredients with your guide before heading into the kitchen to create classic Costa Rican cuisine, including corn tortillas and ceviche.
Accommodation: Hotel Villabosque or Tabulia Tree Hotel (or similar)
Day 8 : To San José
Meals Included: Breakfast
A journey of four to five hours takes us back to San José, where we have time to explore the modern capital. (This journey can take longer with the stops en route.)
Accommodation: Auténtico Hotel or Rincon del Valle (or similar)
Day 9 : End San José
Meals Included: Breakfast
The trip comes to an end today after breakfast, and it's time to bid Costa Rica and the rest of the group goodbye. Free transfers to San José Airport are available to all clients today, please make sure to book in advance. Alternatively, speak to your sales representative to join our post-trip extension to the palm tree-lined beaches of Tamarindo.
What's Included
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All accommodation
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All breakfasts
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All transport and listed activities
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Tour leader throughout
What's Not Included
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Travel insurance
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Single accommodation (available on request)
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Visas or vaccinations
Food
All breakfasts are included in the price of the tour.
Hotel breakfasts are normally buffets. Vegetarian and vegan options are limited but food is plentiful and tasty – please inform us before departure of any special dietary requests.
Costa Rican specialities include gallo pinto, a black bean and rice dish that’s 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 here.
Accommodation
We spend eight nights in hotels and lodges, most of which have a swimming pool. The accommodations were chosen for their location and we aim to use family-run establishments as much as possible. Our list of preferred hotels is below:
San José: Auténtico Hotel (nights 1 and 8)
Our first and last nights in Costa Rica are usually spent at the Auténtico, which is just 25 minutes’ drive from the airport. There’s a courtyard pool for a post- or pre-flight dip and a breakfast buffet every morning (normally with the national favourite gallo pinto). There’s also a happy hour at the bar (5pm-7pm) – you might like to try a guaro sour, a Costa Rican classic.
La Fortuna: Eco Arenal (nights 2-3)
There’s a view of Arenal volcano right from the restaurant at Eco Arenal. And thanks to the river that borders the hotel, there are also plenty of other things to spot, including sloths, plenty of birdlife and exotic frogs. Head to the gardens and you’ll find a swimming pool lined with sun loungers and palm trees.
Monteverde: Montaña Monteverde (nights 4-5)
Right next to a private forest with trails to explore, Montaña Monteverde has 42 rooms and some wonderful views. There’s also a bar and restaurant serving homecooked Costa Rican cuisine.
Manuel Antonio: Villa Bosque Hotel or Tabulia Tree Hotel (nights 6-7)
Just 655ft (200m) from Manuel Antonio National Park, the 19-room Villa Bosque Hotel (above) has a small pool, bar and restaurant. It also runs various projects to help the local community, including beach clean-ups, reforestation and environmental education. On some departures, we stay at the Tabulia Tree Hotel instead. It also has a swimming pool and is home to the Bambu Jam restaurant-bar, where you can sip cold beers, guaro-based cocktails and fruit smoothies.
Worth knowing
One or several of the named properties might be substituted for similar alternatives to secure hotel availability. Please discuss with your sales representative if you require more details regarding your specific departure date.
Check out our Q&As
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Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?
We are happy to assist with pre and post tour accommodation. Please enquire for detailed information.
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes, our local guides are English speaking.
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
The minimum age for this tour is 16 years old.
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Is there a supplement for solo travellers?
If you would like to be paired with a tour member of the same gender, there is no additional charge. A single supplement can be requested if you would like your own room.
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Who is Exodus Travels?
At Exodus Travels, we've been exploring the world for nearly 50 years. From Walking and Trekking, Cultural and Cycling, Responsible Wildlife, to Polar and our new Premium Adventures, we are proud to offer award-winning small group and self-guided tours to 100+ countries worldwide.
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Are flights included in this tour?
International flights are not included with this tour.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
If you wish to make any changes to your booking, particularly if you need to alter any flights booked through us, please let us know as soon as possible. There is a booking or flight amendment fee of £40 per change and flight amendments often incur extra airline costs depending on the changes to be made and if the ticket has been issued or not.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Exodus has been trading since 1974
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Your final joining instructions and flight details, if booked with us, will then be sent out 2 to 3 weeks before departure. If you would like a hard copy posted, or if you require these any earlier, please contact the customer operations team. We advise that if you are booking connecting travel before receiving these, please ensure you leave plenty of time.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Travellers are welcome to opt to share a room with a tour member of the same gender for no additional charge. If you'd like your own room, we can request a single supplement so that you will have your own room throughout.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
You are welcome to meet the group after the tour has departed however there is no reduction in rate for joining a tour after the departure date.
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Exodus Adventure Travels allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform exodus adventure travels, 43 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Exodus Adventure Travels requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of exodus adventure travels charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
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