Classic Costa Rica

Your adventure begins in San Jose, a bustling hub where over a third of the country’s population lives. This evening you’ll meet your local leader and fellow travellers. If you arrive early, you could check out the National Museum. This canary-yellow gem is packed with exhibits on pre-Colombian history and even has a garden full of native butterflies. Or perhaps visit the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum and the Jade Museum, full fascinating indigenous artefacts (all museums payable locally).  

Hop on the public bus that winds its way down to the Caribbean lowlands, ending at the rustic La Pavona port, your gateway to the amazing Tortuguero National Park. Jump on a small boat and travel into the depths of Costa Rica’s wilderness. Arrive in Tortuguero National Park, a stunning biodiverse area, where freshwater lagoons are nestled under the flourishing rainforest canopy, right by the ocean. Keep an eye (and ear) out for local wildlife like jaguars and turtles, and let their sounds lull you to sleep in your cosy lodge tonight. 

Established in 1970, Tortuguero National Park is home to 13 of Costa Rica’s 16 endangered mammals, including manatees, ocelots, and jaguars, as well as over 300 bird species! It’s also a prime nesting spot for the green turtle, which comes ashore to lay eggs on the sandy beaches. Green turtles are joined by the critically endangered hawksbill turtle, loggerheads, and giant leatherbacks. Today, you’re free to explore the park however you like (optional activities are an additional cost). If the forest birds’ chatter wakes you up, why not roll out of bed for a sunrise canoe trip? It’s a magical way to explore the park’s maze-like canals and maybe even spot some otters and manatees in the soft morning light. During the day, discover the park’s walking trails or simply relax at your lodge. Many species are especially active after dark, so if you’re up for a nighttime adventure, you can join an optional turtle watching tour. Part of the tour cost goes towards a program that helps patrol the beach to protect these amazing creatures from poachers. 

Say goodbye to the lush evergreen rainforest this morning and set off for Santa Rosa de Pocosol for a memorable homestay experience. The family you’re staying with isn’t fluent in English, so your guide will give a fun and informal Spanish lesson during the drive. This afternoon, you’ll have the option to take a soap-making workshop or a guided hike to a nearby waterfall (both additional cost). Later, head back to your homestay for a cooking lesson. You’ll get to sample your creations at dinner tonight.  

After breakfast, head to Tenorio Volcano National Park. Here, you’ll visit the Rio Celeste, a magical river where two different water sources mix to create a stunning light blue colour. Along the way, you will make a stop at an indigenous Maleku community. You’ll get to meet the locals and share a traditional Maleku meal while listening to fascinating stories about their history and culture. With only 650 people left, the Maleku Indian tribe is the smallest in Costa Rica. They are passionate about reforestation and are working on projects to rejuvenate the forests, proving homes for wildlife.  

Today is free for you to spend how you wish – there are plenty of optional activities to choose from (payable locally). You might like to float along Rio Celeste on a guided tubing trip. Or perhaps explore the Rio Tenorio with a guide. You’ll have a chance to spot howler monkeys, crocodiles, river otters, and lots of tropical birds! 

Nestled under the watchful eye of the majestic Arenal Volcano is La Fortuna. This quaint little town that’s brimming with hot springs and natural pools just waiting to be enjoyed! The day is yours to explore however you like. You could wander into town then hop in a taxi to the trailhead of the hike to La Fortuna waterfall for a refreshing swim under the jungle’s towering canopy (additional cost). In the evening, grab a classic local dinner. Chifrijo – a mouthwatering mix of fried pork, salsa, beans, and tortilla chips – is definitely worth a try. 

Take a free day to discover La Fortuna‘s lush forests, rare plants, animals or water sports on the lake. The volcano’s geothermal activity means there are plenty of hot springs – perfect for a relaxing soak, especially since many are surrounded by beautiful greenery. If you’re feeling adventurous, you could try stand-up paddleboarding on Lake Arenal. You’ll be treated to stunning views of the volcano and rolling green hills. Or you might choose to hop on a boat tour of the Cano Negro Reserve where you might spot sloths, monkeys, crocodiles, and even basilisk lizards skimming across the water. (optional activities are an extra cost) 

Travel by bus and boat to the breathtaking Monteverde. This amazing spot was settled by North American Quakers in 1951, who originally created an environmentally conscious farming community. Today, it’s a stunning biological preserve. The forest is often wrapped in cloud cover that brings consistent rainfall, giving it an enchanted feel. Spend this afternoon on a guided nature walk through this magical cloud forest. Keep an eye out for hummingbirds, quetzals, and even the occasional sloth lounging in the mist. And if you want the chance to spot more wildlife, return after dusk in search of the nocturnal creatures that stay hidden during the day (extra cost). 

Today is yours to spend how you wish. Perhaps organise a nature walk with a local guide or watch the butterflies flutter about at the Butterfly Garden. For a different perspective of the forest, explore the canopy on suspension bridges (all optional activities are payable locally). Monteverde is teeming with life, with over 2,000 species of plants, 320 bird species, and 100 types of mammals. So, whatever you choose to do today, keep your eyes peeled for the quetzal – one of the most elusive birds in the world.

Start your day with a leisurely drive to the laidback town of Manuel Antonio, nestled between the Pacific coast and a beautiful national park of the same name. This afternoon, you’ll have the opportunity to meet three generations of Costa Ricans and experience a traditional cooking class with them. Before the pandemic, for nearly 20 years the family ran one of Quepos’ most beloved restaurants. Today, you’ll hear their stories and learn how to create delicious local dishes – and of course, enjoy your creations at lunch together! Later, head to your accommodation for some downtime. You could wander over to Espadilla Beach to catch the sunset over the Pacific Ocean. 

Feel the soft crunch of leaves underfoot as you explore the trails of the Manuel Antonio National Park on a guided nature hike. Keep one eye on the breathtaking views and the other on the lookout for local wildlife – monkeys, armadillos, sloths, and hundreds of birds call this place home. Afterward, lounge on the beaches surrounding the national park. Or, you might want to rent a surfboard and catch some waves at Playa El Ray. If you want to be active while spotting wildlife, take a guided kayak tour through the mangrove forest. Don’t be surprised if curious monkeys climb right onto your boat to say hello! Keep an eye out for snakes, crocodiles, and plenty of birdlife too. As the day winds down, you could take a sunset sail off the coast. Watching the sky fade from blue to orange is simply magical. (all optional activities additional cost, payable locally). 

Today is all yours to do whatever you feel like! You could head back to Manuel Antonio National Park and try spotting the white-faced capuchin monkeys hanging out in the trees. If you’d prefer to relax, slip off your shoes and enjoy the sands of Manuel Antonio Beach. With the lush, green trees offering a cool escape from the sun, it’s the perfect spot to unwind with a good book – and maybe even a guaro sour in hand! 

Say goodbye to the coast and hop on a public bus back to San Jose this morning. Once you arrive, the day is yours to relax or explore the city. In the evening, you could reflect on your incredible adventure over a final dinner with your fellow travellers and group leader.  

Your Costa Rican adventure draws to an end here in San Jose.