Best of Costa Rica

Best of Costa Rica

321 Views
10 Days From

$2656

$2390

Best of Costa Rica

10 Days Starting and ending in San Jose

Visiting: San Jose, La Fortuna, Monteverde, Manuel Antonio, Zona de los Santos

Tour operator:

Intrepid Travel

Tour code:

QBKR

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

1 - 12

Physical rating:

Medium

Age range:

15-99 years

Tour operated in:

English
From: $2656 $2390 Operator discount: -$266

NB: Prices correct on 24-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Discover the country that encapsulates ‘pura vida’ (the simple life), on this 10-day exploration of Costa Rica. This laidback paradise, where even the sloths are taking things slow, offers so much to see and do and is perfect for all nature lovers. After soaking up the culture in San Jose, you’ll hit the national parks of Arenal Volcano and Manuel Antonio in search of unspoilt rainforests, waterfalls, scenic views and chill beaches. Search for unique wildlife and soak up loads of free time to choose your own adventure, whether that’s hiking volcanos, soaking in hot springs or searching for local wildlife like howler monkeys, butterflies and caimans. See the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, visit an organic family-owned farm producing some of the best coffee in the world and learn from a local naturalist guide on a hike through lush landscapes.

Highlights

  • Visit a local indigenous community and meet the Terraba people – a matriarchal community who have lived along the Terraba River for the last 500 years – and learn how to make a traditional wooden mask.

  • Hike through the scenic landscapes of Manuel Antonio National Park with a local naturalist guide and learn all the hidden secrets of the rainforest, looking out for local wildlife like sloths and iguanas.

  • Tuck into a super fresh garden-to-table lunch of Costa Rican favourites, including fresh tortillas that you’ll learn how to make from a local grandmother in her home, with ingredients from her garden.

  • Meet the family who run the Tierra Amiga organic coffee farm, and learn the whole process of the coffee bean, from planting to harvesting to tasting. Enjoy a cup fresh from the grinders and tuck into a locally made lunch.

  • Wander through the incredible Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, home to more than 100 species of mammals and over 400 species of birds. Learn about the biodiversity of the region and look out for quetzal birds and howler monkeys.

  • By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, Eden Reforestation Projects. Donations help them provide local employment opportunities and tackle climate change one tree at a time as they restore forests across 10 different countries.

  • Tuck into a super fresh garden-to-table lunch of Costa Rican favourites, including fresh tortillas that you’ll learn how to make from a skilled local woman, with ingredients from her orchard.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: San Jose

Location: San Jose

Accommodation: Hotel

Bienvenidos! Welcome to Costa Rica. San Jose is this lush country’s capital, a bustling city flanked by mountains to the south and more mountains to the north, with a few volcanoes thrown in for good measure. This rapidly expanding city contains lively markets, historic neighbourhoods and a chorus of old theatres, with a big chunk of the country’s population within its boundaries. You’ll get things started with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. After, ask your leader for the best spots for a first taste of Costa Rican cuisine in the surrounding streets.

Included Activities:
-Complimentary Arrival Transfer

Day 2: La Fortuna

Location: La Fortuna

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch

Head out this morning, bound for La Fortuna – a leafy small town known as the gateway to Arenal Volcano National Park. When you arrive, you’ll learn how to cook traditional Costa Rican tortillas from a local woman who knows all the secret tips. Dona Chela will help you to prepare the dishes with ingredients from her garden, which you can also wander around before and after you cook. You'll make your tortillas in the traditional, old-school way by using the wood-fired stove in the kitchen. Sit down to a lunch of Costa Rican favourites, accompanied by your own handmade tortillas and get to know the family. After, check in to your hotel and enjoy a free afternoon in the lush surroundings. Maybe visit the nearby hot springs for a soak, fed by the thermal Tabacon River.

Included Activities:
-La Fortuna - Tortilla making

Optional Activities:
-La Fortuna - Ecotermales Hot Springs (entrance fee)

Day 3: La Fortuna

Location: La Fortuna

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast

Today is a free day in La Fortuna. Maybe get active and head to the famed national park, hiking the Arenal Volcano for some gorgeous views. Maybe just wander the rainforest and take one of the trails leading to La Fortuna Waterfall. You can also book a Cano Negro boat tour – this full-day activity will see you visiting the Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge, a wetland system home to varied wildlife like sloths, monkeys, caimans and tropical birds. Look out for the critters as you cruise along the river – you can even hop in a canoe or kayak!

Optional Activities:
-La Fortuna - Arenal Volcano Base Hike
-La Fortuna- Caño Negro boat tour

Day 4: Monteverde

Location: Monteverde

Accommodation: Lodge

Meals Included: breaksfast

Today's journey to Monteverde is as much about the journey as it is about the destination. You’ll take a boat across Lake Arenal, then take a scenic drive to this major eco-tourism destination. When you arrive, you’ll have a free afternoon to choose your own adventure. Get out and explore the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve on your own, or head to the nearby butterfly garden. Visit the suspension bridges for some leafy views over the area or take on a forest night walk, looking out for local wildlife.

Optional Activities:
-Monteverde - Cloud Forest Night Walk
-Monteverde - Butterfly Garden and Insects Farm (entrance fee)
-Monteverde - Suspension bridges tour

Day 5: Manuel Antonio

Location: Manuel Antonio

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast

Begin the day with a tour of the spectacular Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve – host to more than 100 different species of mammals and 400 species of birds. Your leader will share information on the fascinating biodiversity of the region and lend their expert eye to spotting some wonderful wildlife. Look out for the resplendent quetzal and its quirky hairdo and listen for the sounds of howler monkeys and the unmistakable call of the three-wattled bellbird. With nearly 500 unique species of orchids, the reserve holds the world’s highest diversity of this famed flower. After a morning with your head in the clouds, drive on to Manuel Antonio in the afternoon. When you arrive in this gorgeously lush national park, you’ll have the option to go on a scenic sunset cruise.

Included Activities:
-Monteverde - Cloud Forest Reserve Hike

Day 6: Manuel Antonio

Location: Manuel Antonio

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast, dinner

Take the day to experience the lush national park surrounding Manuel Antonio. Your park entrance fee is included and joining you will be a naturalist guide with all the insider knowledge that you need. Spend some time discovering the park and learning about the beauty of the jungle, keeping an eye out for sloths and iguanas. Wander into the depths of the rainforest and be aware of where your naturalist guide is telling you to look – they know exactly where to find the weird and wonderful that call this place home! Tonight, you’re free to find the best spot to watch the sun go down or to ask your leader for the best local bars and dinner spots.

Included Activities:
-Manuel Antonio National Park - Tour with a Naturalist Guide (entrance fee, guide and transport)

Optional Activities:
-Manuel Antonio - Boogie board rental
-Manuel Antonio - Mangrove Kayak Activity (with lunch)
-Manuel Antonio – Cruise

Day 7: Manuel Antonio

Location: Manuel Antonio

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast

Today is a free day to explore this lush region however you wish. You could book yourself a kayak tour of the waterways and mangrove habitat, seeing the park from the water. Maybe head to one of Manuel Antonio's famed beaches, rent a surfboard and spend some time catching waves in the water, or chase the rays on the sand and kick back with a good book.

Day 8: Zona De Los Santos

Location: Zona de los Santos

Accommodation: Lodge

Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner

Drive to a small indigenous community this morning, saying your goodbyes to Manuel Antonio. The Terraba, or Teribe, are an indigenous group with a rich cultural heritage. Located on approximately 34.7 square miles (9000 hectares) along the Terraba River, they have survived off the land for more than 500 years. The community consider themselves matriarchal, and women are the teachers, responsible for passing information down through the generations. Here, you’ll learn how to carve your own wooden mask, before sharing a local home-cooked lunch with the villagers. This afternoon, travel to Copey de Dota in a private vehicle, where you’ll spend the night.

Included Activities:
-Térraba River - Mask Carving Lesson
-Térraba River - Indigenous Community Visit & Lunch

Day 9: San Jose

Location: San Jose

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch

An extra special morning beverage awaits you today! Visit an ecological family-owned farm, where everything is produced organically. Here, you’ll learn how the coffee bean makes its way from cherry to cup. Learn the full process, from planting to harvesting, roasting and grinding, and then prepare your own cup of coffee. Have lunch with the family to reward your hands-on efforts. After, drive back to San Jose where your leader will take you for a stroll to stretch your legs and get a feel for this lively city. You might like to head out for an optional farewell dinner and toast to a trip well-travelled.

Included Activities:
-Los Santos - Tierra Amiga Coffee Experience including lunch
-San Jose - Leader-led orientation walk

Day 10: San Jose

Location: San Jose

Meals Included: breaksfast

With no further activities planned after breakfast, you’re free to leave any time after check out. If you’d like to extend your stay in Costa Rica, just reach out to your booking agent.

Optional Activities:
-San Jose - Jade Archaeological Museum (Entrance fee)
-San Jose - Pre-Colombian Gold Museum (Entrance fee)
-San Jose - San Jose By Night: Food and Culture - Urban Adventures
-San Jose - National Museum (entrance fee)

What's Included

  • Accommodation
    Hotel (7 nights), Lodge (2 nights)

  • Complimentary Airport Arrival Transfer

  • La Fortuna - Tortilla making

  • San Jose - Orientation Walk

  • Monteverde - Cloud Forest Reserve Hike

  • Manuel Antonio National Park - Tour with a Naturalist Guide (entrance fee, guide and transport)

  • Térraba River - Mask Carving Lesson

  • Térraba River - Indigenous Community Visit & Lunch

  • Los Santos - Tierra Amiga Coffee Experience including lunch

  • Meals

    9 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 1 dinners

  • Complimentary Arrival Transfer

show more

What's Not Included

  • Tipping and Gratuities

  • International Travel

Transport

  • Private vehicle , Boat

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.

Included Activities

  • Complimentary Airport Arrival Transfer
  • San Jose - Leader-led walking tour
  • Los Santos - Tierra Amiga Coffee Experience including lunch
  • Leader-led Informal Spanish Lesson
  • Palmar Norte - Finca 6 Sphere Museum (entrance)
  • Corcovado - San Pedrillo Station Hike
  • Manuel Antonio National Park - Tour with a Naturalist Guide (entrance fee, guide and transport)

Important Information

  • 1. 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.
  • 2. A complimentary airport arrival transfer is included; valid if you are arriving on Day 1 or if you have booked pre-tour accommodation through us. You must provide your flight details to your booking agent at least 14 days prior to travel.
  • 3. Full passport details (including any middle names listed on your passport) are required at the time of booking for entrance tickets to Manuel Antonio National Park and for booking the flights included on this trip. Delays in providing this information may result in changes to your itinerary, and we will not be able to guarantee entry to the park. Flights wise, fees may apply for amendments to details within 45 days of departure, and in some cases you will be required to cover the cost of issuing new tickets.
  • 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

Check out our Q&As

  • Is this trip right for you

    Costa Rica can be an expensive destination in many ways, with so many fun optional activities to choose from and meals costing more than in other Central American countries. Your leader will be able to advise on how to have the best value holiday in Costa Rica.

    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.

  • 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

Maroochy Dazza (Google Reviewer)  

Just leaving a review to...

24-Aug-2023

Just leaving a review to share how much I enjoyed my Central America trip. I thought the guide, Aura was so knowledgeable and organised and clearly a great ambassador for Intrepid. She gave us lots of information on each region, helped us organise anything we needed and dealt with queries from passengers very well and diplomatically. She made the trip run smoothly. She was also keen to explain the Intrepid vision and how the company values making a difference to locals and is a credit to your company. I did Guatemala and beyond and thoroughly enjoyed it - very fast paced, lots to see and do and a great overview of the region. I would definitely recommend 👍

LivvyGrace 4 (Google Reviewer)  

I just completed my first...

15-Jul-2024

I just completed my first Intrepid tour which was 33 days travelling around Central America - I had the time of my life! It was great to have the benefit of a guide (Fluffy was amazing!) and be able to ask questions at any point, but I also liked the freedom that you were permitted throughout. The group tour made boarder crossings seamless and the whole process felt easy - there was never one hiccup. As a solo female traveller, I felt safe throughout, and I cannot recommend Central America enough - the people, the food, the sun and the activities were just amazing :) Can't wait to book my next adventure soon!

V Open (Google Reviewer)  

I have just come back...

26-Oct-2022

I have just come back home after doing Intrepid's 10-day Vietnam Express Northbound tour. What a SUPERB tour. We saw lots and did lots, it was jam-packed full of sights and activities. Our tour leader, Tam, was the best ever. Very knowledgeable, organised and lots of fun too. The other 10 people on the group were all lovely. The places we visited were very interesting. We even visited local homes and ate just like the local people do. I highly recommend Intrepid to anyone considering touring a new country. This was my 5th tour with them and they have consistently been fantastic.

Jack Edwards (Google Reviewer)  

I have travelled with Intrepid...

03-Jun-2024

I have travelled with Intrepid a number of times now and can't recommend them enough. The trips are always exciting, full of history and immersive in the culture and environment. The office staff are great too and always happy to help with any questions you might have. Everywhere I have gone with the company has been different but the guides and itinerary have always been excellent and full of knowledge and passion for their country. Add in the social responsibility angle the company has and it top quality ethical practice and you can't go wrong

Jo Clayton (Google Reviewer)  

I recently went on an...

15-Mar-2024

I recently went on an 11 day tour of India with Intrepid and was impressed with every aspect of the tour, the tour leader and the organisation behind the scenes. I always travel alone so it was a big deal to join a tour, I didn't want to feel less independent or ferried about. I loved being part of a group and the things we saw and did on the tour, I would never have known about or seen if I had been by myself. I loved it from start to finish. Yes the overnight trains were not easy to sleep on, but I managed. Meeting locals on board was a high light for me. English is widely spoken in India and its amazing who you strike up a chat with. I had two problems on the tour - one my own fault and one hotel related. The support from Intrepid was amazing. I cannot thank them enough for going the extra mile to support me. I recommend Intrepid 100% and have gone from thinking an organised tour is for people who don't know about Lonely Planet and can't do solo stuff, to realising its a faster, better, more fun way to get to know a country truly and deeply whilst on a bit of a budget. I will book again and again with Intrepid. I loved it that much! Big thanks to tour leader Daddy H. Devender for his help on day one, and Nick in the Oz office for his fab customer care skills. Also the person who staffed the emergency whatsapp in India - you saved my sanity helping me get there a day late! THANK YOU ALL X

Nicole  

North American Adventure

12-Oct-2021

This was my first international solo trip, but I never felt “alone” - there was always someone to go shopping, hike, or grab a quick bite with. The itinerary was a great balance between organized activities, while still allowing free time for exploring. Each location was unique and charming in its own way. Spending the night in the holy city of Moulay Idriss and wandering the winding streets of Chefchaouen were especially memorable. Thank you Mustapha and Intrepid for an incredible adventure!

Alice Norton (Google Reviewer)  

I have just completed a...

29-Feb-2024

I have just completed a 12 day food tour of Vietnam, and had an amazing time. Our tour leader was great, knowledgeable and kind, who helped throughout the trip with recommendations for places on our free days, and spas. All the food we tried was delicious. It is a very fast paced tour, and Bon tried to maximise our experiences for the best.

Henry Guy Robinson   United Kingdom

Cambodia Discovery

22-Jan-2024

The overall experience was fantastic. V good tour leader. All places visited had something special to do or see. I would book a tour with this company again. Only one negative tour hub is not I repeat not available to contact direct by phone.

Merouane Harkat   Uk

Explore Southern Africa

08-Mar-2024

Best trip ever was, 2 things I didn't like the black mamba stop was wasting day and village ,so 2 night I think was just wasting, I could do 2 days in Kruger, and one more night in delta

Alan Perrott (Google Reviewer)  

We had a fantastic time...

13-Aug-2024

We had a fantastic time on the Botswana Highlights tour recently. We chose Intrepid because it seemed to suit what we wanted - well planned itinerary, small group, comfortable without being overly luxurious (and pricey), and supportive of the local community and environment. We weren't disappointed, and as we met with other like-minded travellers then we all had a great time. We are already planning our next Intrepid tour - maybe Vietnam & Cambodia :-)

1 Select your preferred date

Saturday - Monday

Dec 07, 2024 - Dec 16, 2024
$3290 $2961

Operator discount: -$329

Saturday - Monday

Jan 04, 2025 - Jan 13, 2025
$2865 $2722

Operator discount: -$143

Saturday - Monday

Jan 18, 2025 - Jan 27, 2025
$3064 $2758

Operator discount: -$306

Saturday - Monday

Feb 15, 2025 - Feb 24, 2025
$2950 $2655

Operator discount: -$295

Saturday - Monday

Mar 08, 2025 - Mar 17, 2025
$2704 $2434

Operator discount: -$270

Saturday - Monday

Mar 22, 2025 - Mar 31, 2025
$2760 $2484

Operator discount: -$276

Saturday - Monday

Apr 05, 2025 - Apr 14, 2025
$2760 $2484

Operator discount: -$276

Saturday - Monday

Apr 26, 2025 - May 05, 2025
$2656 $2390

Operator discount: -$266

Saturday - Monday

May 17, 2025 - May 26, 2025
$2656 $2390

Operator discount: -$266

Saturday - Monday

Jul 05, 2025 - Jul 14, 2025
$2656 $2390

Operator discount: -$266

Saturday - Monday

Aug 23, 2025 - Sep 01, 2025
$2656 $2390

Operator discount: -$266

Saturday - Monday

Oct 11, 2025 - Oct 20, 2025
$2656 $2390

Operator discount: -$266

Saturday - Monday

Nov 08, 2025 - Nov 17, 2025
$2760 $2484

Operator discount: -$276

Saturday - Monday

Nov 22, 2025 - Dec 01, 2025
$2760 $2484

Operator discount: -$276

Saturday - Monday

Dec 06, 2025 - Dec 15, 2025
$2864 $2578

Operator discount: -$286

Saturday - Monday

Dec 20, 2025 - Dec 29, 2025
$2865

Saturday - Monday

Jan 03, 2026 - Jan 12, 2026
$2655

Saturday - Monday

Jan 17, 2026 - Jan 26, 2026
$3010

Saturday - Monday

Feb 14, 2026 - Feb 23, 2026
$3010

Saturday - Monday

Mar 07, 2026 - Mar 16, 2026
$2900

Saturday - Monday

Mar 21, 2026 - Mar 30, 2026
$2900

Saturday - Monday

Apr 11, 2026 - Apr 20, 2026
$2655

Saturday - Monday

Apr 25, 2026 - May 04, 2026
$2785

Saturday - Monday

May 09, 2026 - May 18, 2026
$2655

Saturday - Monday

Jul 04, 2026 - Jul 13, 2026
$2785

Saturday - Monday

Aug 22, 2026 - Aug 31, 2026
$2785

Saturday - Monday

Oct 10, 2026 - Oct 19, 2026
$2785

Saturday - Monday

Nov 07, 2026 - Nov 16, 2026
$2900

Saturday - Monday

Nov 14, 2026 - Nov 23, 2026
$2655

Saturday - Monday

Nov 21, 2026 - Nov 30, 2026
$2900

Saturday - Monday

Dec 05, 2026 - Dec 14, 2026
$3010

Saturday - Monday

Dec 19, 2026 - Dec 28, 2026
$3010

Book 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.

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