Classic Costa Rica

Classic Costa Rica

Stroll through lively markets in San Jose, Explore the jungle in the Tortuguero National Park, Chill out to the sounds of nature in Sarapiqui, Soak off the day in La Fortuna hot springs, Get close to the coalface at Arenal Volcano, Discover the sultry Monteverde cloud forest , Catch a fish 'that big' off the Pacific Coast, Shake your booty to the samba soundtrack of Costa Rica

Every year thousands of tourists travel to Costa Rica but few get to experience this charismatic country's real way of life. On this Classic Costa Rica trip you'll uncover jungle gems in Tortuguero and Sarapiqui; hot springs, waterfalls and a live volcano in La Fortuna; and white sandy beaches at Quepos - all set to a sizzling samba beat. This adventure into the heart of tropical paradise will surely leave you wanting more.

You can arrive at any time on day 1 as there are no activities planned until the important welcome meeting tonight. Your leader will leave a note at reception telling you where and when this important meeting will take place. Please ask a member of reception for this information. After the group meeting there is the option of joining the group for dinner.

If you arrive early and wish to explore, please be aware of pickpockets and keep your valuables out of sight.

 

On day 2 your leader will take you on an orientation walk and show the best known and not so known highlights of San Jose.

 

San Jose sits in the middle of the fertile Meseta Central, ringed by volcanoes and jagged mountains just begging to be explored. The city itself has all the sights and modern conveniences you would expect from a capital city. The main plaza is a good place to start exploring, get comfy and do some people watching. Artisan booths are common here and you never know when there'll be a spontaneous art fair. Have a look at the Gold Museum which has an amazing collection of indigenous gold art. If these cultural gems get you in the mood for a bit of shopping, head to the outdoor market in Plaza de la Cultura or the Central Market where you can pick up some handicrafts, boots or even fish.

 

Arriving in Costa Rica be sure to drink plenty of water (tap water is safe to drink in Costa Rica) and try not to do too much in any one day; you'll soon adjust to the heat and humidity.

 

Included Activities

Optional Activities

You can arrive at any time on day 1 as there are no activities planned until the important welcome meeting tonight. Your leader will leave a note at reception telling you where and when this important meeting will take place. Please ask a member of reception for this information. After the group meeting there is the option of joining the group for dinner.

If you arrive early and wish to explore, please be aware of pickpockets and keep your valuables out of sight.

 

On day 2 your leader will take you on an orientation walk and show the best known and not so known highlights of San Jose.

 

San Jose sits in the middle of the fertile Meseta Central, ringed by volcanoes and jagged mountains just begging to be explored. The city itself has all the sights and modern conveniences you would expect from a capital city. The main plaza is a good place to start exploring, get comfy and do some people watching. Artisan booths are common here and you never know when there'll be a spontaneous art fair. Have a look at the Gold Museum which has an amazing collection of indigenous gold art. If these cultural gems get you in the mood for a bit of shopping, head to the outdoor market in Plaza de la Cultura or the Central Market where you can pick up some handicrafts, boots or even fish.

 

Arriving in Costa Rica be sure to drink plenty of water (tap water is safe to drink in Costa Rica) and try not to do too much in any one day; you'll soon adjust to the heat and humidity.

 

Included Activities

Optional Activities

We travel by bus and boat to Tortuguero National Park (approx. 5 hours).

Established in the 1960s, Tortuguero stretches out over 189 square km (117 square miles) and is filled with thick forests, waterways and beaches. The park is best known as a nesting ground for the green and leatherback turtles who can be seen between July and October.

On day 4, your leader will lead you on a walk around the park's main paths. Keep your eyes peeled to spot monkeys, birds, frogs and perhaps a sloth or two.

Included Activities

•Walking tour of National Park

Optional Activities

Turtle watching night tour, Tortuguero National Park - USD20.00

Tortuguero - Sunrise canoe trip round Tortuguero canals, Tortuguero National Park - Free

Accommodation

Lodge (2 nts)

We travel by bus and boat to Tortuguero National Park (approx. 5 hours).

Established in the 1960s, Tortuguero stretches out over 189 square km (117 square miles) and is filled with thick forests, waterways and beaches. The park is best known as a nesting ground for the green and leatherback turtles who can be seen between July and October.

On day 4, your leader will lead you on a walk around the park's main paths. Keep your eyes peeled to spot monkeys, birds, frogs and perhaps a sloth or two.

Included Activities

•Walking tour of National Park

Optional Activities

Turtle watching night tour, Tortuguero National Park - USD20.00

Tortuguero - Sunrise canoe trip round Tortuguero canals, Tortuguero National Park - Free

Accommodation

Lodge (2 nts)

The budding town is surrounded by virgin forests, banana and pineapple plantations and several key biological reserves including La Selva Biological Station. There is plenty of free time to explore the jungle that surrounds the town by mountain bike or horse, or find a comfy spot to watch the colourful birdlife glide by. Alternatively you may wish to satisfy your sweet tooth on a chocolate tour.

Optional Activities

Accommodation

Hotel (2 nts)

The budding town is surrounded by virgin forests, banana and pineapple plantations and several key biological reserves including La Selva Biological Station. There is plenty of free time to explore the jungle that surrounds the town by mountain bike or horse, or find a comfy spot to watch the colourful birdlife glide by. Alternatively you may wish to satisfy your sweet tooth on a chocolate tour.

Optional Activities

Accommodation

Hotel (2 nts)

A 2 hour trip takes us to La Fortuna, our base for exploring the Arenal Volcano and its wild surrounds.

Set in the plains of Costa Rica, the volcano sits on the shores of Lake Arenal, a large artificial lake.

From La Fortuna, the views are spectacular and the volcano is reflected on the lake for postcard perfect photos. Optional activities include a dip in the chilly La Fortuna waterfall, canyoneering for a wet and wild view of the forest or a full day of adrenaline pumping white water rafting. Otherwise, head out into the beautiful surrounds and explore by bike or horse. At the end of a long day of exploring you can ease into the Baldi Hot Springs and hope the clouds part long enough for the ultimate bathing view, the Arenal Volcano.

Optional Activities 

• La Fortuna - Baldi hot springs, La Fortuna - USD25.00
• La Fortuna - Fortuna waterfall, La Fortuna - USD10.00
• La Fortuna - Hanging bridges, La Fortuna - USD57.00
• La Fortuna - Tabacon Hot Springs (entrance, dinner and transport), La Fortuna - USD99.00

Accommodation

Hotel (2 nts)

 

A 2 hour trip takes us to La Fortuna, our base for exploring the Arenal Volcano and its wild surrounds.

Set in the plains of Costa Rica, the volcano sits on the shores of Lake Arenal, a large artificial lake.

From La Fortuna, the views are spectacular and the volcano is reflected on the lake for postcard perfect photos. Optional activities include a dip in the chilly La Fortuna waterfall, canyoneering for a wet and wild view of the forest or a full day of adrenaline pumping white water rafting. Otherwise, head out into the beautiful surrounds and explore by bike or horse. At the end of a long day of exploring you can ease into the Baldi Hot Springs and hope the clouds part long enough for the ultimate bathing view, the Arenal Volcano.

Optional Activities 

• La Fortuna - Baldi hot springs, La Fortuna - USD25.00
• La Fortuna - Fortuna waterfall, La Fortuna - USD10.00
• La Fortuna - Hanging bridges, La Fortuna - USD57.00
• La Fortuna - Tabacon Hot Springs (entrance, dinner and transport), La Fortuna - USD99.00

Accommodation

Hotel (2 nts)

 

The journey to Monteverde takes about 3 hours along rutted dirt roads.

 

On day 9 your leader will take you on a walking tour of the park's main sights. The following two days are at your leisure.

Monteverde is the ideal opportunity for a ride over the rainforest canopy on a zipline. For more easy going adventures, walk through the canopy on the Sky Walk, learn about Costa Rica's renowned coffee on a coffee tour, or watch butterflies at play in the specially created butterfly garden. Local guides are very knowledgeable about the area and passionate about conservation; local communities have several cooperatives worth visiting. More than 2,000 species of plants, 320 bird species and 100 different types of mammals call Montverde home.

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Accommodation

The journey to Monteverde takes about 3 hours along rutted dirt roads.

 

On day 9 your leader will take you on a walking tour of the park's main sights. The following two days are at your leisure.

Monteverde is the ideal opportunity for a ride over the rainforest canopy on a zipline. For more easy going adventures, walk through the canopy on the Sky Walk, learn about Costa Rica's renowned coffee on a coffee tour, or watch butterflies at play in the specially created butterfly garden. Local guides are very knowledgeable about the area and passionate about conservation; local communities have several cooperatives worth visiting. More than 2,000 species of plants, 320 bird species and 100 different types of mammals call Montverde home.

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Accommodation

The journey to Monteverde takes about 3 hours along rutted dirt roads.

 

On day 9 your leader will take you on a walking tour of the park's main sights. The following two days are at your leisure.

Monteverde is the ideal opportunity for a ride over the rainforest canopy on a zipline. For more easy going adventures, walk through the canopy on the Sky Walk, learn about Costa Rica's renowned coffee on a coffee tour, or watch butterflies at play in the specially created butterfly garden. Local guides are very knowledgeable about the area and passionate about conservation; local communities have several cooperatives worth visiting. More than 2,000 species of plants, 320 bird species and 100 different types of mammals call Montverde home.

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Accommodation

It is about a 7-8 hour journey to Quepos.

Spend your time here enjoying the best of the park. If you have jungle on the brain, head straight to the park for a hike along its many trails. Keep one eye on the great views and the other looking out for the abundant wildlife. Spot monkeys, armadillos, sloths and hundreds of birds. The park also boasts turquoise seas and white sand beaches; it would be easy to spend the whole time here in or by the water. Go swimming, fishing, kayaking, boogie boarding, sailing or surfing.

Optional Activities

Accommodation

Hotel (2 nts)

It is about a 7-8 hour journey to Quepos.

Spend your time here enjoying the best of the park. If you have jungle on the brain, head straight to the park for a hike along its many trails. Keep one eye on the great views and the other looking out for the abundant wildlife. Spot monkeys, armadillos, sloths and hundreds of birds. The park also boasts turquoise seas and white sand beaches; it would be easy to spend the whole time here in or by the water. Go swimming, fishing, kayaking, boogie boarding, sailing or surfing.

Optional Activities

Accommodation

Hotel (2 nts)

It is about a 4 hour journey back to San Jose in time for you to pick up an last minute souvenirs at the city's colourful and vibrant markets. Then we can head out for an optional dinner and a final night on the town sampling the huge variety of nightlife. The perfect way to end our adventure. .

There are no activities planned for day 15 and you are able to depart the hotel at any time.

Accommodation

Hotel (1 nt)

It is about a 4 hour journey back to San Jose in time for you to pick up an last minute souvenirs at the city's colourful and vibrant markets. Then we can head out for an optional dinner and a final night on the town sampling the huge variety of nightlife. The perfect way to end our adventure. .

There are no activities planned for day 15 and you are able to depart the hotel at any time.

Accommodation

Hotel (1 nt)

@variation

Key: (B) = Breakfast, (L) = Lunch, (D) = Dinner