Premium Costa Rica

Premium Costa Rica

9 Days Starting and ending in San Jose

Visiting: San Jose, La Fortuna, Monteverde, Manuel Antonio

Tour operator:

Intrepid Travel

Tour code:

QBPR

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

1 - 12

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

15-99 years

Interests:

Cultural

From: $3695 $3510 Operator discount: -$185

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

Embark on thrilling adventure through Costa Rica’s rainforests, volcanoes and beaches, where wildlife waits around every corner. This nine-day Premium journey will see you uncover the local secrets of San Jose, explore the wild wetlands of Cano Negro, witness the biodiversity of Monteverde and search for sloths in Manuel Antonio. A local leader will take you beneath Costa Rica’s lush surface and show you the country at its very best. Costa Rica’s natural wonders have etched it a place on the map, but you’ll soon discover its cherished traditions and welcoming people are every bit as endearing.

Highlights

  • Visit a project focused on promoting sustainable agricultural practices while preserving ancient traditions. During this Exclusive Experience, tour the farm to learn about their processes and sit down to a farm-fresh lunch.

  • Gain an understanding of Costa Rica’s rich biodiversity and history as you travel with an experienced local leader and explore with expert guides in La Fortuna, the Cano Negro Wetlands and Manuel Antonio National Park.

  • Perched on a scenic hilltop, your Feature Stay offers incredible views of the sparkling ocean and lush jungle terraces. Surrounded by its own wildlife refuge, Si Como No Resort is the perfect base for exploring Manuel Antonio National Park.

  • Board a raft and explore the wild Cano Negro Wetlands with a naturalist guide – this Exclusive Experience will get you up close and personal with monkeys, iguanas, caimans, bats and lizards in their natural environment.

  • Get beneath the surface of San Jose with a visit the workshop of an artisan who makes traditional masquerades – learn about their craft and life in Costa Rica in this Exclusive Experience.

  • 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.

  • Spend a night on a scenic hilltop at your Feature Stay, offering incredible views of the ocean and jungle terraces. Surrounded by its own wildlife refuge, Si Como No Resort is the perfect base for exploring Manuel Antonio National Park.

  • Spend a night on a scenic hilltop at your Feature Stay, offering incredible views of the ocean and jungle terraces. Just a five minute walk from the beach, it is the perfect base for exploring Manuel Antonio National Park.

  • Get beneath the surface of San Jose with a city tour to uncover the best of this underrated city, with a stop for tradition cajeta ice cream.

  • Get beneath the surface of San Jose with a city tour to uncover the best of this underrated city, with a stop for cajetas, a traditional Costa Rican sweet treat.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: San Jose

Location: San Jose

Accommodation: Gran Hotel Costa Rica or similar

Meals Included: dinner

Bienvenidos! Welcome to Costa Rica. Your adventure begins in San Jose, where you’ll be met at the airport by a local representative and transferred to your hotel. Here, you’ll meet your local leader and small group for a welcome meeting at 6 pm. If you arrive early, Costa Rican coffee is some of the best in the world, so maybe set out to sample some of the local brew. After your meeting, head out with your leader and fellow travellers to dine like a local in the heart of San Jose. Your leader will share the history of the area and its famous residents as you taste local specialties.

Included Activities:
-Complimentary Arrival Transfer
-San Jose - Welcome Dinner

Day 2: La Fortuna

Location: La Fortuna

Accommodation: Lomas del Volcan or similar

Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner

Depart San Jose and drive to La Fortuna, known for its mellow atmosphere, bubbling hot springs and the mighty Arenal volcano. When you arrive, visit the Arenal Vida Campesina – a project focused on promoting sustainable agricultural practices while preserving customs and traditions passed down from generation to generation. Tour the property, learn about the process of sugarcane milling then sit down for a farm-fresh lunch. After lunch, visit the Arenal 1968 trails for a gentle walk to the Las Coladas lava field. Along the way, your leader will share the history of the volcano as you look out for howler monkeys, deer and parrots. In the afternoon, check into your hotel which has views of the Arenal Volcano and rooms with a terrace surrounded by tropical gardens filled with birds and butterflies. Spend some time poolside, listening to the songs of birds, then join your group for dinner at a local restaurant.

Included Activities:
-La Fortuna - Arenal Volcano Base Hike
-Arenal Vida Campesina - Sustainable Farm Tour with lunch

Day 3: La Fortuna

Location: La Fortuna

Accommodation: Lomas del Volcan or similar

Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch

Today will be spent exploring the diverse wildlife of the Cano Negro Wetlands with a naturalist guide. Start with a drive through fields of yucca, plantain and papaya before boarding a comfortable raft to explore the Frio River. Travelling this way allows you get up close and personal with this region’s wildlife without having to undertake a strenuous hike. If you’re lucky, you might spot monkeys, iguanas, caimans, bats and common basilisks, also known as Jesus Christ lizards for their ability to walk on water. Your expert guide will be on hand to tell you where to look and share information on the intriguing creatures you discover today. Have lunch at a local restaurant before returning to La Fortuna for a free evening. Maybe visit one of the town’s hot springs for a swim beneath the stars.

Included Activities:
-La Fortuna- Caño Negro boat tour

Day 4: Monteverde

Location: Monteverde

Accommodation: Burbi Lake Lodge or similar

Meals Included: breaksfast, dinner

After breakfast, depart La Fortuna and begin the journey to Monteverde. Drive around Lake Arenal and watch dramatic views of the Arenal volcano unfold in front of you. Your leader will be on hand to point out interesting wildlife along the way. Arrive in Monteverde in the early afternoon. Known for its spectacular cloud forests and rich biodiversity, Monteverde is heaven for nature lovers. This afternoon, you may like to explore the town, or view the cloud forest from overhead on a zipline. Speak to your leader about arranging any optional activities that you’d like.

Day 5: Monteverde

Location: Monteverde

Accommodation: Burbi Lake Lodge or similar

Meals Included: breaksfast

Begin the day with a tour of the 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 wonderful wildlife. Look out for the resplendent quetzal and listen for the sounds of howler monkeys and the unmistakeable call of the three-wattled bellbird. With nearly 500 unique species of orchids, the reserve holds the world’s highest diversity of the flower. After a morning with your head in the clouds, the rest of the day is yours to enjoy your way.

Included Activities:
-Monteverde - Cloud Forest

Optional Activities:
-Monteverde - Canopy Zip Lining (Entrance, Equipment & Transport)

Day 6: Manuel Antonio

Location: Manuel Antonio

Accommodation: Shana by the Beach Hotel (Feature Stay) or similar

Meals Included: breaksfast

After breakfast, depart for Manuel Antonio – home to a wildlife-rich national park and a string of the country’s best beaches. When you arrive, check into your Feature Stay – a beautiful resort situated above the ocean and Manuel Antonio National Park. After a dip in one of the resort pools or a walk along the beach, you might like to join your group for dinner at one of the hotel restaurants.

Day 7: Manuel Antonio

Location: Manuel Antonio

Accommodation: Shana by the Beach Hotel (Feature Stay) or similar

Meals Included: breaksfast

This morning you’ll set off into Manuel Antonio National Park with an expert naturalist guide by your side. Look out for two and three toed sloths, white faced monkeys, anteaters and iguanas. The park offers criss-crossing walking trails and a beach – just keep an eye out for the raccoons! The afternoon is free. Manuel Antonio has plenty for those seeking an adrenaline rush – speak to your leader about arranging ziplining, snorkelling or kayaking. On the other end of the spectrum, there are few better places to sit back, crack open a coconut and watch the waves lap the shore. Be sure to look up, as sloths and monkeys are known to frequent the trees that line the beach.

Included Activities:
-Manuel Antonio - National Park tour with a naturalist guide

Optional Activities:
-Manuel Antonio - Boogie board rental
-Manuel Antonio – Cruise

Day 8: San Jose

Location: San Jose

Accommodation: Gran Hotel Costa Rica or similar

Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner

Depart Manuel Antonio to head back to San Jose. When you arrive, have some lunch, then go on a city tour with your leader of downtown San Jose. Explore the mixture of historic and contemporary with stops at the local museums, government buildings, theatres, parks and markets. Visit the central market for a traditional Costa Rican cajeta (ice cream), an essential part of family lunch or dinner. There are lots of varieties to choose from, from coconut, peanut and macadamia and tapa de dulce (a form of cooked sugar cane). Tonight, you’ll have a farewell dinner with your group so raise a glass and cheers to an excellent adventure!

Included Activities:
-San Jose - Farewell Dinner
-San Jose - City tour

Day 9: San Jose

Location: San Jose

Meals Included: breaksfast

Your adventure comes to an end after breakfast this morning. If you would like to stay in San Jose, just speak to your booking agent to arrange additional accommodation ahead of time.

What's Included

  • Accommodation
    Comfortable hotel (6 nights), Feature Stay (2 nights)

  • Complimentary Airport Arrival Transfer

  • San Jose - Welcome Dinner

  • La Fortuna - Arenal Volcano Hike

  • La Fortuna - Organic farm tour

  • Arenal Vida Campesina - Sustainable Farm Tour with lunch

  • La Fortuna- Caño Negro boat tour

  • Monteverde - Cloud Forest

  • Manuel Antonio - National Park tour with a naturalist guide

  • San Jose - Farewell Dinner

  • San Jose - Masquerade workshop

show more

What's Not Included

  • Tipping and Gratuities

  • International Travel

Transport

  • Private vehicle

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. Full passport details are required at the time of booking in order to purchase entrance tickets to Manuel Antonio National Park. Delays to provide this information may result in changes to your itinerary and we will not be able to guarantee entry. Details provided must be accurate as per your passport bio page.
  • 2. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm on Day 1 in San Jose.
  • 3. 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.
  • 4. 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.

Mode of Transport

  • Private vehicle

Check out our Q&As

  • Is this trip right for you

    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 - Sunday

Jan 04, 2025 - Jan 12, 2025
$4185

Saturday - Sunday

Jan 18, 2025 - Jan 26, 2025
$3695 $3510

Operator discount: -$185

Saturday - Sunday

Feb 01, 2025 - Feb 09, 2025
$3840 $3648

Operator discount: -$192

Saturday - Sunday

Feb 22, 2025 - Mar 02, 2025
$4300 $4085

Operator discount: -$215

Saturday - Sunday

Mar 08, 2025 - Mar 16, 2025
$3805 $3615

Operator discount: -$190

Saturday - Sunday

Mar 22, 2025 - Mar 30, 2025
$4300 $4085

Operator discount: -$215

Saturday - Sunday

Apr 05, 2025 - Apr 13, 2025
$3990 $3790

Operator discount: -$200

Saturday - Sunday

Apr 26, 2025 - May 04, 2025
$3990 $3790

Operator discount: -$200

Saturday - Sunday

May 17, 2025 - May 25, 2025
$3840 $3648

Operator discount: -$192

Saturday - Sunday

Jul 12, 2025 - Jul 20, 2025
$3695 $3510

Operator discount: -$185

Saturday - Sunday

Sep 27, 2025 - Oct 05, 2025
$3695 $3510

Operator discount: -$185

Saturday - Sunday

Oct 18, 2025 - Oct 26, 2025
$3695 $3510

Operator discount: -$185

Saturday - Sunday

Nov 01, 2025 - Nov 09, 2025
$3840 $3648

Operator discount: -$192

Saturday - Sunday

Nov 15, 2025 - Nov 23, 2025
$3990 $3790

Operator discount: -$200

Saturday - Sunday

Nov 29, 2025 - Dec 07, 2025
$3990 $3790

Operator discount: -$200

Saturday - Sunday

Dec 06, 2025 - Dec 14, 2025
$3990 $3790

Operator discount: -$200

Saturday - Sunday

Dec 13, 2025 - Dec 21, 2025
$3990 $3790

Operator discount: -$200

Saturday - Sunday

Jan 03, 2026 - Jan 11, 2026
$4030

Saturday - Sunday

Jan 17, 2026 - Jan 25, 2026
$3880

Saturday - Sunday

Jan 31, 2026 - Feb 08, 2026
$3880

Saturday - Sunday

Feb 21, 2026 - Mar 01, 2026
$4030

Saturday - Sunday

Mar 07, 2026 - Mar 15, 2026
$4030

Saturday - Sunday

Mar 21, 2026 - Mar 29, 2026
$4030

Saturday - Sunday

Apr 04, 2026 - Apr 12, 2026
$4190

Saturday - Sunday

Apr 25, 2026 - May 03, 2026
$4190

Saturday - Sunday

May 16, 2026 - May 24, 2026
$4030

Saturday - Sunday

Jul 11, 2026 - Jul 19, 2026
$3880

Saturday - Sunday

Sep 26, 2026 - Oct 04, 2026
$3880

Saturday - Sunday

Oct 17, 2026 - Oct 25, 2026
$3880

Saturday - Sunday

Oct 31, 2026 - Nov 08, 2026
$4030

Saturday - Sunday

Nov 14, 2026 - Nov 22, 2026
$4190

Saturday - Sunday

Nov 28, 2026 - Dec 06, 2026
$4190

Saturday - Sunday

Dec 05, 2026 - Dec 13, 2026
$4190

Saturday - Sunday

Dec 12, 2026 - Dec 20, 2026
$4190

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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