Costa Rica Experience
Costa Rica Experience
Costa Rica Experience
9 Days Starting and ending in San Jose
Visiting: San Jose, Santa Rosa de Pocosol, La Fortuna , Monteverde, Quepos, Quepos - Manuel Antonio NP
Tour operator:
Tour code:
QVSS
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 12
Age range:
15-99 years
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Tour Overview
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.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: San Jose
Location: San Jose
Accommodation: Hotel
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.
Optional Activities:
-
-
Day 2: Santa Rosa De Pocosol
Location: Santa Rosa de Pocosol
Accommodation: Homestay
Meals Included: dinner
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!
Included Activities:
-
-
-
Optional Activities:
-
-
Day 3: La Fortuna
Location: La Fortuna
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast
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.
Optional Activities:
-
-
-
Day 4: Monteverde
Location: Monteverde
Accommodation: Hotel
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.
Included Activities:
-
Optional Activities:
-
Day 5: Monteverde
Location: Monteverde
Accommodation: Hotel
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.
Optional Activities:
-
-
-
-
Day 6: Quepos
Location: Quepos
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: lunch
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.
Included Activities:
-
Day 7: Quepos - Manuel Antonio Np
Location: Quepos - Manuel Antonio NP
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast
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.
Included Activities:
-
-
Optional Activities:
-
-
Day 8: San Jose
Location: San Jose
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast
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
Location: 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.
What's Included
-
Accommodation
Hotel (7 nights), Homestay (1 night) -
Santa Rosa de Pocosol - Home-cooked Meal
-
Santa Rosa de Pocosol - Homestay experience
-
Leader-led Informal Spanish Lesson
-
Monteverde - Cloud Forest Entrance
-
Manuel Antonio - Cooking Class & Lunch
-
Manuel Antonio National Park - (Entrance fee)
-
Manuel Antonio National Park - Tour with a Naturalist Guide
-
Meals
1 breakfasts, 1 lunches, 1 dinners
-
Manuel Antonio - Homecooked lunch
What's Not Included
-
Tipping and Gratuities
-
International Travel
-
Airport Transfers at Destination
Included Activities
Santa Rosa de Pocosol - Cooking classSanta Rosa de Pocosol - Homestay experienceLeader-led Informal Spanish LessonMonteverde - Cloud Forest (entrance fee and transport)Manuel Antonio National Park - (Entrance fee)
Transport
Private vehicle , Boat , Public Transportation
Accommodation
The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation.Throughout the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available.
Important Information
1. Full passport details are required at the time of booking in order to purchase entrance tickets to Manuel Antonio National Park. Delays to provide this information may result in changes to your itinerary and we will not be able to guarantee entry. Details provided must be accurate as per your passport bio page.2. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm on Day 1 in San Jose. There are no activities planned for the final day so you may depart at any time.3. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights on your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.4. Please be careful when booking flights to/from San Jose; make sure you fly into/out of Juan Santamaria International Airport [SJO]. Please do not book flights to/from Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport [SJC] as this is located in California, United States.
Mode of Transport
Private vehicle , Boat , Public Transportation
Check out our Q&As
-
Is this trip right for you
Many of the activities (both included and optional) on this trip take place in the great outdoors. This means you'll need to be prepared to deal with insects and occasionally rustic conditions. It's all part of immersing yourself in this natural paradise.
Costa Rica is generally hot and humid year-round, and from May to October can be wet too. At nighttime and in locations at higher elevations it can get chilly. Protect yourself from the sun, bring light clothing you can layer and a waterproof jacket, and stay hydrated. Please carefully consider which time of the year you'll feel most comfortable travelling.
There are many opportunities to get active on this adventure. Some of the optional activities require a moderate level of fitness and sturdy walking shoes. If you'd prefer to take it easy, however, there are plenty of other things you can do instead.
The homestay is a wonderful opportunity to witness everyday local life. A hearty homecooked dinner and breakfast will be served during your stay, which can be a lot more basic than what you're used to.
With so much to see and do, Costa Rica can sometimes be expensive. Expect to pay more than you would in other Central American countries for a lot of things. -
What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
-
How long has the tour company been trading?
Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years
-
Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
-
What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.
-
Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room
Reviews of this operator
Save on this tour
Request your exclusive discount code now and unlock savings for your next adventure!
Send me one now.1 Select your preferred date
2025 Mar
2025 Apr
2025 May
2025 Jun
2025 Jul
2025 Aug
2025 Sep
2025 Oct
2025 Nov
2025 Dec
2025 Jan
2026 Feb
2026 Mar
2026 Apr
2026 May
2026 Jun
2026 Jul
2026 Aug
2026 Sep
2026 Oct
2026 Nov
2026 Dec
2026
Thursday - Friday
Feb 06, 2025 - Feb 14, 2025Monday - Tuesday
Feb 17, 2025 - Feb 25, 2025Saturday - Sunday
Feb 22, 2025 - Mar 02, 2025Monday - Tuesday
Feb 24, 2025 - Mar 04, 2025Saturday - Sunday
Mar 01, 2025 - Mar 09, 2025Saturday - Sunday
Mar 08, 2025 - Mar 16, 2025Monday - Tuesday
Mar 10, 2025 - Mar 18, 2025Saturday - Sunday
Mar 15, 2025 - Mar 23, 2025Monday - Tuesday
Mar 24, 2025 - Apr 01, 2025Saturday - Sunday
Mar 29, 2025 - Apr 06, 2025Thursday - Friday
Apr 03, 2025 - Apr 11, 2025Saturday - Sunday
Apr 05, 2025 - Apr 13, 2025Monday - Tuesday
Apr 07, 2025 - Apr 15, 2025Monday - Tuesday
Apr 21, 2025 - Apr 29, 2025Thursday - Friday
Apr 24, 2025 - May 02, 2025Saturday - Sunday
Apr 26, 2025 - May 04, 2025Monday - Tuesday
Apr 28, 2025 - May 06, 2025Saturday - Sunday
May 03, 2025 - May 11, 2025Saturday - Sunday
May 10, 2025 - May 18, 2025Saturday - Sunday
May 17, 2025 - May 25, 2025Saturday - Sunday
May 24, 2025 - Jun 01, 2025Saturday - Sunday
Jun 07, 2025 - Jun 15, 2025Saturday - Sunday
Jun 14, 2025 - Jun 22, 2025Saturday - Sunday
Jun 28, 2025 - Jul 06, 2025Saturday - Sunday
Jul 05, 2025 - Jul 13, 2025Monday - Tuesday
Jul 07, 2025 - Jul 15, 2025Saturday - Sunday
Jul 12, 2025 - Jul 20, 2025Saturday - Sunday
Jul 19, 2025 - Jul 27, 2025Saturday - Sunday
Jul 26, 2025 - Aug 03, 2025Saturday - Sunday
Aug 02, 2025 - Aug 10, 2025Saturday - Sunday
Aug 16, 2025 - Aug 24, 2025Saturday - Sunday
Aug 30, 2025 - Sep 07, 2025Saturday - Sunday
Sep 06, 2025 - Sep 14, 2025Saturday - Sunday
Sep 13, 2025 - Sep 21, 2025Saturday - Sunday
Sep 27, 2025 - Oct 05, 2025Saturday - Sunday
Oct 04, 2025 - Oct 12, 2025Saturday - Sunday
Oct 11, 2025 - Oct 19, 2025Saturday - Sunday
Oct 18, 2025 - Oct 26, 2025Saturday - Sunday
Oct 25, 2025 - Nov 02, 2025Saturday - Sunday
Nov 01, 2025 - Nov 09, 2025Saturday - Sunday
Nov 08, 2025 - Nov 16, 2025Monday - Tuesday
Nov 10, 2025 - Nov 18, 2025Saturday - Sunday
Nov 15, 2025 - Nov 23, 2025Monday - Tuesday
Nov 17, 2025 - Nov 25, 2025Saturday - Sunday
Nov 22, 2025 - Nov 30, 2025Monday - Tuesday
Nov 24, 2025 - Dec 02, 2025Saturday - Sunday
Nov 29, 2025 - Dec 07, 2025Monday - Tuesday
Dec 01, 2025 - Dec 09, 2025Saturday - Sunday
Dec 06, 2025 - Dec 14, 2025Saturday - Sunday
Dec 13, 2025 - Dec 21, 2025Monday - Tuesday
Dec 15, 2025 - Dec 23, 2025Thursday - Friday
Dec 18, 2025 - Dec 26, 2025Saturday - Sunday
Dec 20, 2025 - Dec 28, 2025Thursday - Friday
Dec 25, 2025 - Jan 02, 2026Saturday - Sunday
Dec 27, 2025 - Jan 04, 2026Saturday - Sunday
Jan 03, 2026 - Jan 11, 2026Monday - Tuesday
Jan 05, 2026 - Jan 13, 2026Saturday - Sunday
Jan 10, 2026 - Jan 18, 2026Saturday - Sunday
Jan 17, 2026 - Jan 25, 2026Monday - Tuesday
Jan 19, 2026 - Jan 27, 2026Saturday - Sunday
Jan 24, 2026 - Feb 01, 2026Monday - Tuesday
Feb 02, 2026 - Feb 10, 2026Thursday - Friday
Feb 05, 2026 - Feb 13, 2026Saturday - Sunday
Feb 07, 2026 - Feb 15, 2026Saturday - Sunday
Feb 14, 2026 - Feb 22, 2026Monday - Tuesday
Feb 16, 2026 - Feb 24, 2026Saturday - Sunday
Feb 21, 2026 - Mar 01, 2026Monday - Tuesday
Feb 23, 2026 - Mar 03, 2026Saturday - Sunday
Feb 28, 2026 - Mar 08, 2026Monday - Tuesday
Mar 02, 2026 - Mar 10, 2026Saturday - Sunday
Mar 07, 2026 - Mar 15, 2026Monday - Tuesday
Mar 09, 2026 - Mar 17, 2026Saturday - Sunday
Mar 14, 2026 - Mar 22, 2026Monday - Tuesday
Mar 16, 2026 - Mar 24, 2026Saturday - Sunday
Mar 21, 2026 - Mar 29, 2026Monday - Tuesday
Mar 23, 2026 - Mar 31, 2026Saturday - Sunday
Mar 28, 2026 - Apr 05, 2026Thursday - Friday
Apr 02, 2026 - Apr 10, 2026Saturday - Sunday
Apr 04, 2026 - Apr 12, 2026Monday - Tuesday
Apr 06, 2026 - Apr 14, 2026Monday - Tuesday
Apr 20, 2026 - Apr 28, 2026Thursday - Friday
Apr 23, 2026 - May 01, 2026Saturday - Sunday
Apr 25, 2026 - May 03, 2026Monday - Tuesday
Apr 27, 2026 - May 05, 2026Saturday - Sunday
May 02, 2026 - May 10, 2026Saturday - Sunday
May 09, 2026 - May 17, 2026Saturday - Sunday
May 16, 2026 - May 24, 2026Saturday - Sunday
May 23, 2026 - May 31, 2026Saturday - Sunday
Jun 06, 2026 - Jun 14, 2026Saturday - Sunday
Jun 13, 2026 - Jun 21, 2026Saturday - Sunday
Jun 27, 2026 - Jul 05, 2026Saturday - Sunday
Jul 04, 2026 - Jul 12, 2026Monday - Tuesday
Jul 06, 2026 - Jul 14, 2026Saturday - Sunday
Jul 11, 2026 - Jul 19, 2026Saturday - Sunday
Jul 18, 2026 - Jul 26, 2026Saturday - Sunday
Jul 25, 2026 - Aug 02, 2026Saturday - Sunday
Aug 01, 2026 - Aug 09, 2026Saturday - Sunday
Aug 08, 2026 - Aug 16, 2026Saturday - Sunday
Aug 15, 2026 - Aug 23, 2026Saturday - Sunday
Aug 29, 2026 - Sep 06, 2026Saturday - Sunday
Sep 05, 2026 - Sep 13, 2026Saturday - Sunday
Sep 12, 2026 - Sep 20, 2026Saturday - Sunday
Sep 26, 2026 - Oct 04, 2026Saturday - Sunday
Oct 10, 2026 - Oct 18, 2026Saturday - Sunday
Oct 17, 2026 - Oct 25, 2026Saturday - Sunday
Oct 24, 2026 - Nov 01, 2026Saturday - Sunday
Oct 31, 2026 - Nov 08, 2026Saturday - Sunday
Nov 07, 2026 - Nov 15, 2026Monday - Tuesday
Nov 09, 2026 - Nov 17, 2026Saturday - Sunday
Nov 14, 2026 - Nov 22, 2026Monday - Tuesday
Nov 16, 2026 - Nov 24, 2026Saturday - Sunday
Nov 21, 2026 - Nov 29, 2026Monday - Tuesday
Nov 23, 2026 - Dec 01, 2026Saturday - Sunday
Nov 28, 2026 - Dec 06, 2026Monday - Tuesday
Nov 30, 2026 - Dec 08, 2026Saturday - Sunday
Dec 05, 2026 - Dec 13, 2026Monday - Tuesday
Dec 07, 2026 - Dec 15, 2026Saturday - Sunday
Dec 12, 2026 - Dec 20, 2026Monday - Tuesday
Dec 14, 2026 - Dec 22, 2026Thursday - Friday
Dec 17, 2026 - Dec 25, 2026Saturday - Sunday
Dec 19, 2026 - Dec 27, 2026Saturday - Sunday
Dec 26, 2026 - Jan 03, 2027Monday - Tuesday
Dec 28, 2026 - Jan 05, 2027Book with Confidence
-
Free Date Changes
Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.
-
Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.
-
Low Deposit
Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 400 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.
-
Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.
Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
-
Terms and Conditions
Enquire for huge savings
Rated 5* on Trust Pilot & ABTA Protected.