Best of Mexico & Costa Rica

Best of Mexico & Costa Rica

24 Days Starting in Mexico City and ending in San Jose

Visiting: Mexico City, Puebla, Oaxaca, Salina Cruz, San Cristobal de las Casas, Palenque, Merida, Playa del Carmen, San Jose, La Fortuna, Monteverde, Manuel Antonio, Zona de los Santos

Tour operator:

Intrepid Travel

Tour code:

QBKPC

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

1 - 12

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

15-99 years

Tour operated in:

English

Interests:

Cultural

From: $7785

NB: Prices correct on 05-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

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

Tour Overview

Raise a glass of mezcal to the diversity of Mexico, then embrace ‘pura vida’ (the simple life) in the rainforests and on the beaches of Costa Rica. Discover history in the ruins of Chichen Itza, then visit a contemporary Maya village to see how ancient Mesoamerican traditions have evolved. Savour simple fare during lunch with a Zapotec family and sip smoky mezcal at a distillery in Oaxaca. 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. Explore sloth country (AKA Manuel Antonio National Park) and match their leisurely pace as you relax among natural splendour of Costa Rica. Ancient cultures, incredible food, wildlife and wilderness – this 24-day trip has it all.

Highlights

  • 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.

  • Discover the colourful, fantastical world of alebrijes – folk art sculptures of mythical creatures – during a visit to a women-run workshop outside Oaxaca. The artists will share their process and stories of how they came to specialise in these artworks.

  • 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.

  • Get a taste of Maya culture during a homecooked Pibil lunch with a local family, sampling this traditional method of cooking which involves barbecuing food underground.

  • By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, Gastromotiva. Donations help them provide nutritious, balanced meals for vulnerable people in Mexico.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Mexico City

Location: Mexico City

Accommodation: Hotel

Bienvenidos! Welcome to Mexico. When you arrive at the airport, you’ll be met by a local representative for a complimentary transfer to your hotel. You'll meet your leader and other members of your group this evening for a welcome meeting at 6 pm – until then, the day is yours. Perhaps take a stroll to get a feel for this vibrant capital where the ancient and modern collide. After the meeting, you might like to head out with your leader for an optional group dinner, an opportunity to get stuck straight into the many local culinary delights.

Included Activities:
-Complimentary Arrival Transfer

Optional Activities:
-Mexico City - Palace of Fine Arts (Palacio de Bellas Artes) (entrance fee) (Closed Mondays)

Day 2: Mexico City

Location: Mexico City

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast

Get to know Mexico City during a guided tour with your leader. Visit the Metropolitan Cathedral – the largest and one of the oldest cathedrals in Latin America. You’ll also explore Zocalo, the city’s main square, and the remains of Tenochtitlan – the capital city of the Aztec empire. Check out famous Mexican painter Diego Rivera’s Mural Museum at the Alameda Central. Your tour includes a visit to the Museum of Anthropology – home to an impressive collection of 600,000 pieces of Mexican art and artifacts. After, the day is yours to spend as you please. The Leon Trotsky and Frida Kahlo (La Casa Azul) museums are famous sights worth checking out as an optional activity. Otherwise, maybe visit the colourful floating gardens of Xochimilco just outside the city.

Included Activities:
-Mexico City - Diego Rivera Murals in the Mural Museum (Entrance Fee)
-Mexico City - Metropolitan Cathedral (entrance fee)
-Mexico City - Leader-led orientation walk
-Mexico City - National Museum of Anthropology (entrance fee) (Closed Mondays)

Optional Activities:
-Mexico City - Frida Kahlo Museum (entrance fee)
-Mexico City - Leon Trotsky Museum (entrance fee)
-Mexico City - Boat ride through Floating Gardens of Xochimilco (Approx. per boat per hour)

Day 3: Puebla

Location: Puebla

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast

Depart Mexico City this morning and visit the ancient Teotihuacan ruins, once one of the biggest cities in the world. Meet with a local guide and discover the ruins known as the Pyramid of the Sun and the Pyramid of the Moon which dominate the skyline. Stroll down The Avenue of the Dead and get a sense of what life was like here nearly 2000 years ago. Continue to the colourful city of Puebla, joining your leader for an orientation walk to get your bearings around the beautifully preserved city centre. Puebla is known for its delicious food scene and your leader will have tips on the best places to dine on local specialties this evening.

Included Activities:
-Puebla - Leader-led orientation walk
-Teotihuacan - Archaeological site (Entrance fee, Guide & Transport)
-Teotihuacan - Local Guide

Optional Activities:
-Cholula – Cholula Pyramid (entrance fee)

Day 4: Puebla

Location: Puebla

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast

This morning, get to know Cholula, a city close to Puebla, by joining your leader on an orientation walk. As Cholula has the most churches in Mexico, you’ll stop at a few on your journey, like Santuario de la Virgen de los Remedios, located on the top of the Great Pyramid of Cholula. Head back to Puebla after to explore the historic city at your own pace in the afternoon – maybe sit down for a dish of mole pueblano, the speciality of Puebla.

Included Activities:
-Cholula - leader led orientation walk
-Free time in Puebla in the afternoon

Day 5: Oaxaca

Location: Oaxaca

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast, dinner

Today you’ll journey to Oaxaca (pronounced wa-ha-ca), the city best known for its mole and mezcal. You’ll see the rest of its best bits on an orientation walk with your leader. Maybe see the main square with its architecture dating back to the 16th century or the 20 de Noviembre Market – a food market loved by the locals. Tonight, maybe join your group for a dinner, where you can try some of the regional specialities, such as tlayudas (Oaxacan pizza) or one of its seven varieties of mole.

Included Activities:
-Oaxaca - Leader-led orientation walk
-Dinner in Oaxaca
-Oaxaca - Alebrijes workshop visit

Day 6: Oaxaca

Location: Oaxaca

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast

Learn about the traditional skill of crafting alebrijes – brightly coloured folk art sculptures of mythical creatures – in a women-run workshop in San Martin Tilcajete. They’ll walk you through the history of the art and how the crafting process works. Then, enjoy a free afternoon in Oaxaca – maybe visit the nearby archaeological site of Monte Alban. A UNESCO World Heritage site, this place was inhabited for over 1500 years by the Olmecs, Zapotecs and Mixtecs. The terraces, dams, canals, pyramids and artificial mounds of Monte Alban were carved out of the mountain and are now the symbols of a sacred topography. Have your camera ready to go because you can get a fantastic view across the three legs of the valley of Oaxaca. Season-depending, a folkloric ballet performance is also a great optional activity, or the Santo Domingo Cultural Centre is also well worth a visit. Otherwise, enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of the streets and take the opportunity to feast on some regional delicacies.

Included Activities:
-Zooologico Magic Alebrijes visit - Tilcajete
-Free afternoon

Optional Activities:
-Oaxaca - Folkloric ballet (seasonal)
-Oaxaca - Cooking class
-Oaxaca - Monte Alban archaeological site (entrance fee)
-Oaxaca - Santo Domingo Cultural Centre (entrance fee)

Day 7: Salina Cruz

Location: Salina Cruz

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch

Set off with your leader this morning, first stopping at the famous Tule Tree, a 1500-year-old Montezuma cypress with a 36 m circumference, making it one of the widest in the world. Travel on to the Mitla archaeological ruins – once the religious centre for the Zapotec people. Lunch today will be at the home of a local Zapotecan family, where you’ll have the chance to try traditional dishes and learn about their culture. Visit a woman-owned mezcal farm and tour the cacti plantation – sampling some of the different mezcals rounds out your day of exploration. Relax on the bus as you travel to Salina Cruz for the night.

Included Activities:
-Oaxaca - Zapotecan home-cooked lunch
-Mitla - Archaeological site (Entrance fee, Guide & Transport)
-Oaxaca - Mezcaleria visit
-Oaxaca - Tule Tree

Day 8: San Cristobal De Las Casas

Location: San Cristobal de las Casas

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast

Your journey continues as you drive to the Sumidero Canyon, a gigantic natural canyon with walls reaching as high as 1000 m. Here, you’ll hop aboard a boat for an up close and personal tour of this remarkable landscape. Be sure to keep an eye (or an ear) out for howler monkeys along the way! After your boat trip, drive to the charming city of San Cristobal de las Casas. When you arrive in 'San Cris', take a walk and soak up the strong old-world atmosphere of this town, which is due to the grand Spanish architecture, prominent Indigenous cultures and winding cobblestone streets. Your leader will help orientate you with a walk around the town centre, and then you’re free to venture wherever your heart desires.

Included Activities:
-Sumidero Canyon - Boat Excursion (entrance and transport)
-San Cristobal de las Casas - Leader-led orientation walk

Day 9: San Cristobal De Las Casas

Location: San Cristobal de las Casas

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast

This morning, your leader will take you on another orientation walk of the city, passing impressive churches, green plazas and countless museums before bringing you to the nearby Maya village of San Juan Chamula. Sitting in the highlands, this village serves as a marketplace and religious ceremonial centre for the Indigenous communities who live in the surrounding hills. The local people have retained their traditional way of life and can often be seen wearing their own distinctive clothes. Make the short drive to the next town of Zincantan. As you explore with your leader, you'll learn more about these mostly Maya communities. Later, during free time back in San Cris, perhaps rent a bike to explore the town further.

Included Activities:
-San Juan Chamula - Maya Church (entrance fee)
-Zinacantan - Maya Church (entrance fee)

Optional Activities:
-San Cristobal de Las Casas - Bicycle rental (per hour)
-San Cristobal de las Casas - Na Bolom Museum
-San Cristobal de las Casas - Jade Museum

Day 10: Palenque

Location: Palenque

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast

Say goodbye to San Cristobal de Las Casas as you head for Palenque and its surrounding jungle. It will be an early start to minimise the chance of hitting road closures, which are common in the area. Stretch your legs on the stop or two along the way, before landing at the low and wide Agua Azul Waterfalls, which flow slowly over limestone rocks. Enjoy your lunch in nature and then cool off with a quick dip. Otherwise, take a scenic stroll around the grounds before continuing to Palenque.

Included Activities:
-Agua Azul - Waterfall Visit

Day 11: Palenque

Location: Palenque

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast

Set out this morning to the archaeological site of Palenque. Located on a hilltop in an area of hot jungle, these are some of the most astounding Maya ruins in the region, dating back as far as AD 600. Some of the ruins remain unexcavated and are hidden in the surrounding forest. Enjoy a guided tour of the site and listen out for the calls of howler monkeys as you explore this lost city. After, head back to your hotel in the more modern city of Palenque and perhaps spend the afternoon relaxing by the pool.

Included Activities:
-Palenque - Archaeological site (Guide, Transport & Entrance fee)

Day 12: Merida

Location: Merida

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch

Settle in for another driving day as you travel from Palenque to the historic city of Merida. Your drive will be broken up with short stops and an included lunch stop. Lunch will be a moreish selection of local seafood, with alternatives available. Founded in 1542, Merida is the capital of the Yucatan state and has retained much of its old-world charm. After the drive, stretch your legs with an orientation walk with your leader where you’ll have the chance to learn about its Maya heritage.

Included Activities:
-Merida - Leader-led orientation walk

Day 13: Merida

Location: Merida

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast

Today is a free day to explore the many sights of Merida. Perhaps visit some of the museums, including the impressive Regional Anthropology Museum of the Yucatan, and stroll the city streets, which are alive with art and culture. Hang out in the green and shady Plaza Grande, with the 16th-century cathedral on one side and City Hall, State Government Palace and Casa Montejo on the other. The outdoor market is another essential visit, with an array of hammocks and Mayan replicas for sale, plus a selection of enticing local cuisine, including the dish cochinita pibil ('little pig') or the incredibly spicy El Yucateco hot sauce. If you can't visit enough Maya sites, you may want to head for the ancient ruins of Uxmal. Here, you'll see the amazing Palace of the Governors, considered by many to be the best example of classic Maya architecture.

Optional Activities:
-Merida - Celestun Bird Sanctuary (entrance and transport)
-Merida - Uxmal Ruins tour (inc. shared transport and guide)
-Merida - Fernando Garcia Ponce-Macay Contemporary Art Museum (entrance fee) - Free

Day 14: Playa Del Carmen

Location: Playa del Carmen

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch

Your first stop today is Chichen Itza, possibly the most famous Maya site in Mexico and one of the new Seven Wonders of the World. You'll see the marvellous Temple of Kukulkan standing over the ruins and not far from the temple is the ‘ball court’, where many disputes are known to have been settled by way of a ball game that employed only the elbows, hips and wrists. Stone carvings depicting violence suggest it was not such a casual sport. Following a guided tour of the site, enjoy a special lunch with a family in the town of Piste. Tuck into a traditional pibil feast – a Maya style of cooking that involves barbecuing underground, which the family have perfected over generations. Finally, continue to the popular seaside town of Playa del Carmen, where you may like to join your group for a final dinner together.

Included Activities:
-Chichen Itza - Archaeological site (Entrance fee, Guide & Transport)
-Chichen Itza - Home-cooked pibil lunch

Day 15: 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 16: 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 17: 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 18: 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 19: 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 20: 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 21: 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 22: 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 23: 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 24: 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 (21 nights), Lodge (2 nights)

  • Complimentary Airport Arrival Transfer

  • Mexico City - National Museum of Anthropology (entrance fee) (Closed Mondays)

  • Mexico City - Diego Rivera Murals in the Mural Museum (Entrance Fee)

  • Mexico City - Metropolitan Cathedral (entrance fee)

  • Mexico City - Leader-led orientation walk

  • Teotihuacan - Archaeological site (Entrance fee, Guide & Transport)

  • Puebla - Leader-led orientation walk

  • Oaxaca - Leader-led orientation walk

  • Oaxaca - Alebrijes workshop visit

  • Oaxaca - Tule Tree

show more

What's Not Included

  • Tipping and Gratuities

  • International Travel

Included Activities

  • Mexico City - National Museum of Anthropology (entrance fee) (Closed Mondays)
  • Mexico City - Leader-led City Tour of Historic Center
  • Mexico City - Diego Rivera Murals in the National Palace (entrance fee)
  • Mexico City - Metropolitan Cathedral (entrance fee)
  • Teotihuacan - Archaeological site (Entrance fee, Guide & Transport)
  • Leader-led Informal Spanish Lesson
  • Oaxaca - Leader-led Orientation Walk
  • Mitla - Archaeological site (Entrance fee, Guide & Transport)
  • Oaxaca - Guided full-day tour including the Tule Tree, a Mezcal distillery, and lunch in a Zapoteca family home
  • San Cristobal de las Casas - Leader-led orientation walk
  • San Cristobal de Las Casas - Leader-led City Tour
  • San Juan Chamula - Maya Church (entrance fee)
  • Zinacantan - Maya Church (entrance fee)
  • Agua Azul - Waterfall Visit (entrance fee)
  • Merida - Leader-led Orientation Walk
  • Palenque - Archaeological site (Guide, Transport & Entrance fee)
  • Izamal - Convento de San Antonio de Padua (Entrance)
  • Izamal - Leader-led walking tour
  • Chichen Itza - Archaeological site (Entrance fee, Guide & Transport)
  • 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)

Transport

  • Private vehicle , Plane , Shared 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.

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 are required at the time of booking for entrance tickets to Manuel Antonio National Park. Delays in providing this information may result in changes to your itinerary, and we will not be able to guarantee entry.
  • 4. Take care when booking flights from San Jose; make sure you fly out of Juan Santamaria International Airport [SJO]. Please do not book flights from Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport [SJC] as this is located in California, United States.

Mode of Transport

  • Private vehicle , Plane , Shared boat

Check out our Q&As

  • Is this trip right for you

    Some included activities, such as guided tours of archaeological sites can involve a lot of walking. Please ensure you bring sturdy walking shoes and comfortable clothes. To make the most of the trip, it's best if you have at least a moderate level of fitness.

    This trip includes time spent travelling in a private vehicle with your group. Extra space can be tight, and conditions may feel a little cramped. It's all part of the adventure and a great way to get to know your fellow travellers. There are a few long days of travel, as you'll be covering a lot of ground. You will, however, make stops at interesting locations to break up the longer drives. Please read the itinerary carefully for travel time estimates.

    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

Nov 23, 2024 - Dec 16, 2024
$8690

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Jan 04, 2025 - Jan 27, 2025
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Feb 01, 2025 - Feb 24, 2025
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Saturday - Monday

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$8755

Saturday - Monday

Jan 31, 2026 - Feb 23, 2026
$8755

Saturday - Monday

Feb 21, 2026 - Mar 16, 2026
$9110

Saturday - Monday

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$9110

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Mar 21, 2026 - Apr 13, 2026
$9110

Saturday - Monday

Apr 11, 2026 - May 04, 2026
$8755

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May 02, 2026 - May 25, 2026
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Saturday - Monday

Jun 20, 2026 - Jul 13, 2026
$9110

Saturday - Monday

Aug 08, 2026 - Aug 31, 2026
$9110

Saturday - Monday

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$9455

Saturday - Monday

Nov 07, 2026 - Nov 30, 2026
$9455

Saturday - Monday

Nov 21, 2026 - Dec 14, 2026
$9455

Saturday - Monday

Dec 05, 2026 - Dec 28, 2026
$9455

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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