Classic Costa Rica
From £1225 for 15 days
Trip Overview
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, stay with a local family in Santa Rosa de Pocosol and get your hands dirty on a nearby farm. 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 salsa beat. This adventure into the heart of tropical paradise will surely leave you wanting more.
2019 CHANGES: From 1 January 2019 this trip will change. These changes come as a result of our traveller’s feedback that they prefer more time at a beach destination over an inland destination. We have replaced 1 night in Monteverde with an extra night in Manuel Antonio. We have also replaced the destination Sarapiqui with Rio Celeste. 2019 departures are not guaranteed for this reason as yet.
Essential Info
Starts: San Jose
Ends: San Jose
Ages: Min 15
Ends: San Jose
Ages: Min 15
Theme: Discovery
Trip Code: IQVSR
Activity Level:
Trip Code: IQVSR
Activity Level:
What's Included
Meals
5 Breakfasts included
1 Dinners included
Transport
Private minibus,local bus,boat
Accommodation
Hotel (11 nights),Lodge (2 nights),Homestay (1 night)
Trip Highlights
• 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
Dates & Availability
Start date
End date
Price
Availability
Departing: 29th Sep 2018
Returning: 13th Oct 2018
£1,225pp
Fully Booked
Show more dates
Itinerary & Notes
Hola! Welcome to Costa Rica!
Your adventure begins with a Welcome Meeting at 6pm on Day 1. Please look for a note in the hotel lobby or ask the hotel reception where it will take place. If you can't arrange a flight that will arrive in time, you may wish to arrive a day early so you're able to attend. We'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability). If you're going to be late, please inform the hotel reception. We'll be collecting your insurance details and next of kin information at this meeting, so please ensure you have all these details to provide to your leader.
With over half the country's population living within its parameters, San Jose is a bustling city with lively markets, intriguing museums and a dynamic atmosphere. A good place to start exploring is the main plaza, a fantastic place to 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 out door market in Plaza de la Cultura or the Central Market where you can buy anything from handicrafts to seafood.
Additional Activities
San Jose - Irazu Volcano, Orosi Valley & Lankester Botanical Garden (full-day tour)
90 USD
San Jose - Butterfly farm
27 USD
San Jose - Gold Museum
11 USD
San Jose - Jade Museum
10 USD
San Jose - National Museum
12 USD
We leave San Jose and descend to the Caribbean lowlands by local bus (approx 4 hours). The final section of our journey to the port at La Pavona is on an unsealed road. Then take a boat to Tortuguero National Park (approx. 1.5 hours).
This area has long been associated with the catching of turtle (tortuguero means turtle-catcher). The original indigenous inhabitants used turtles as a sustainable resource, but the arrival of Europeans led to major exploitation. Tortuguero National Park, established in 1970, is now home to 13 of Costa Rica’s 16 endangered mammals. Among them are manatees, ocelots and jaguars, as well as over 300 bird species. First and foremost, however, it is the nesting ground of the green turtle, which comes ashore between July and October to lay its eggs on the sandy beaches. Lesser numbers of the critically endangered hawksbill turtle, plus loggerheads, and giant leatherback turtles also nest within the park at different times of year.
Additional Activities
Tortuguero National Park - Walking tour
Included in Price
Tortuguero - Turtle watching night tour
20 USD
Tortuguero - Sunrise canoe trip around canals
25 USD
Today 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.
Early in the morning we travel to Sarapiqui in the heart of Costa Rica's banana growing region. First, transfer back to the port by boat (approx 1.5 hours), then continue to Sarapiqui by private minibus (approx 3 hours).
On the banks of the Puerto Viejo River and next to the Braulio Carrillo National Park, this budding town is surrounded by virgin forests, and banana and pineapple plantations. Sarapiqui is also known as one of the richest areas in Costa Rica for bird watching. The diversity of lowland bird life is impressive. A biological research station and several nearby forest lodges have made this undisturbed habitat accessible to scientists and travellers.
Additional Activities
Sarapiqui - La Selva Biological Station
35 USD
Sarapiqui - Bird watching
20 USD
Sarapiqui - Chocolate tour at Tirimbina
31 USD
There is plenty of free time to explore the jungle that surrounds the town by mountain bike or on foot, 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.
Travel by private minibus to Santa Rosa de Pocosol (approx 2 hours) where we spend the night in a homestay. Just down the road is the Juanilama agricultural community where we have the option to get to know the local villagers, help with farm chores or take a cooking lesson. Several villagers have built comfortable rooms for guests next to their homes. All rooms have 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 and get ready for some serious hand language signals.
Additional Activities
Santa Rosa de Pocosol - Agricultural tour
Included in Price
Santa Rosa de Pocosol - Cooking class
10 USD
Santa Rosa de Pocosol - Soap-making workshop
10 USD
Santa Rosa de Pocosol - Waterfall hike
10 USD
Continue by private minibus to La Fortuna (approx 2 hours).
This small town is situated just a few minutes away from Costa Rica's most famous volcano - the majestic Arenal.
Additional Activities
La Fortuna - Hot springs
45 USD
La Fortuna - Arenal hanging bridges
56 USD
La Fortuna - La Fortuna Waterfall
15 USD
La Fortuna - Cano Negro boat tour
67 USD
La Fortuna - Stand up paddle board
65 USD
La Fortuna - Tabacon Hot Springs (entrance, dinner and transport)
99 USD
Besides the spectacular views, La Fortuna offers a range of activities such as the 70-metre-high La Fortuna waterfall, stunning lush forest, rare plants, animal watching and watersports on the lake.
The volcano’s inner workings also mean that the area has a number of thermal springs where hot, lava-heated water gushes to the surface. These springs have been turned into a number of thermal pools and waterfalls, often surrounded by foliage, an ideal chance to relax.
Today take the scenic route to Monteverde (approximately 4 hours in total). Travel by shared minibus to Lake Arenal, which we'll cross by boat. On a clear day you'll see fantastic views of the surrounding area. On the other side of the lake, re-board the minibus and continue on to our destination.
Monteverde was founded as an agricultural community in 1951 by a group of North American Quakers; they cleared virgin forest 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. Consequently they established a small privately-owned wildlife sanctuary, which has since grown to become the internationally-renowned Monteverde Cloudforest Biological Preserve. These forests are similar to rainforests, but instead of relying on rain for essential moisture, adequate water comes from the semi-permanent cloud that covers the region. It is lush and full of wildlife. This is truly a nature lover's paradise. More than 2,000 species of plants, 320 bird species and 100 different types of mammals call Montverde home.
Your leader will take you on a walking tour through the Monteverde National Park. More than 2,000 species of plants, 320 bird species and 100 different types of mammals call Monteverde home. Be sure to keep an eye out for the resplendent quetzal, one of the most elusive birds in the world. You may choose to return after dusk to seek the animals and insects that are largely hidden in the day.
Additional Activities
Monteverde - Cloud Forest (Entrance fee & Transport)
Included in Price
Monteverde - Night walk
35 USD
Today, perhaps walk through the canopy on suspension bridges or watch butterflies at play in the specially created butterfly garden. The local guides are very knowledgeable about the area and passionate about conservation and in the local communities there are several cooperatives worth visiting.
Additional Activities
Monteverde - Coffee & Chocolate tour
35 USD
Monteverde - Butterfly garden and insects farm
15 USD
Monteverde - Serpentarium
15 USD
Monteverde - Zip lining
90 USD
Monteverde - Suspension bridges tour
47 USD
Travel to Manuel Antonio by private minibus (approx 5 hours).
Wedged between the beautiful Pacific coast and the National Park. Manuel Antonio is a laidback town with a vibrant nightlife and exotic wildlife.
Additional Activities
Manuel Antonio - Sunset sail
80 USD
Manuel Antonio - Mangrove tour by kayak (with lunch)
80 USD
Manuel Antonio - Surf/boogie board rental
10 USD
Spend your time here enjoying all that Manuel Antonio NP has to offer. Head out for a hike along its 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 maybe be able to spot. The park also boasts turquoise seas and white sand beaches, perfect for swimming, kayaking, sailing or fishing. It would be easy to spend your whole time here in, or by, the water.
Additional Activities
Manuel Antonio National Park - (Entrance fee)
Included in Price
Take a local bus back to San Jose (approx 4 hours). The buses in this region of hte country are a little more basic but this is a great opportunity to mix with Costa Ricans and get a feel for local life.
Arrive back in time for you to pick up some 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 the final day and you are able to depart the accommodation at any time.
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TRIP CODE
IQCFR 
GROUP TOUR from £1885 for 15 days
HIGHLIGHTS
- Dive into the heart of one of the world’s most biologically diverse countries, through rivers, dense rainforest, misty cloud forest, past towering volcanoes and to blissful beaches on a journey that will leave you in love with nature
- Glide through the waterways of Tortuguero NP, seek out monkeys and turtles by foot and boat, and drift off to sleep surrounded by the sounds of wildlife
- Get active on an incredible range of outdoor pursuits, from battling rapids while whitewater rafting to galloping through forest on horseback, hiking through jungle to waterfalls, walking high up in the canopy, and whizzing from tree to tree on a zipline
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HIGHLIGHTS
- Highlights of Costa Rica in nine days
- Arenal Volcano
- Monteverde Cloud Forest
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