Classic Costa Rica

Welcome to Costa Rica. Your adventure begins in San José, a bustling city home to over a third of the country's population, rich in culture and life. You'll join your group for a welcome meeting at 6 pm and meet your local leader and fellow travellers. If you arrive early, why not check out the National Museum, known for its exhibits on pre-Colombian history and its butterfly garden.

Leave the hotel in the morning and travel to the Caribbean lowlands, ending at La Pavona port. From there, board a boat to Tortuguero National Park, a biodiverse area with freshwater lagoons and rainforest. Home to jaguars, turtles, and more, you'll hear the local wildlife as you settle into your lodge for the night. The following morning, enjoy free time to explore the park at your leisure. You can visit the walking trails or relax at your lodge. As many species are more active after dark, consider joining a turtle watching tour in the evening, with part of the proceeds going toward a program that patrols the beach to protect against poaching.

Say goodbye to the lush rainforest this morning as you travel to Santa Rosa de Pocosol. Today, you'll enjoy a unique homestay experience. In the afternoon, choose between a soap-making workshop or a guided hike to a nearby waterfall. In the evening, return to your homestay for a cooking class, where you'll prepare dishes that will be served at dinner.

After breakfast, drive to Tenorio Volcano National Park to visit the Rio Celeste, a river with striking light blue water from two merging sources. En route, stop at a Maleku indigenous community to meet the locals and enjoy a traditional meal. Learn about their history, culture, and challenges in modern Costa Rica.

Today offers plenty of optional activities, so you’ll have no shortage of things to do! You can join a guided tubing adventure on Rio Celeste or join your guide for nature walk through the forest spotting wildlife.

After a bus and boat ride, arrive in the stunning Monteverde, a biological preserve settled by North American Quakers in 1951. Originally an eco-friendly agricultural community, it’s now known for its cloud forest and magical atmosphere. In the afternoon, join a nature walk to spot hummingbirds, quetzals, and sloths. For a different experience, return after dark to discover the nocturnal wildlife and insects.

Make the most of your time in Monteverde by joining a nature walk with a local guide. Explore nearby cooperatives, walk through the forest canopy on suspension bridges, or visit the Butterfly Garden.

Manuel Antonio, nestled between the Pacific coast and national park, is a laidback town. Head there this morning, with a stop in Quepos and this afternoon, join a local family for a traditional cooking class and lunch in their home, learning the secrets behind their famous dishes. Afterward, relax at your accommodation or head to Espadilla Beach to catch the sunset. The folowing morning, enjoy a leader-led nature hike through the national park, spotting wildlife like monkeys, sloths, and birds. Spend the afternoon on the park's beaches or try surfing at Playa El Ray. For more wildlife, take a guided kayak tour through the mangroves, where monkeys, crocodiles, and birds are common. In the evening, consider a sunset sail along the coast. You'll also have free time to spend however you wish.

Say goodbye to the coast and take a bus back to San Jose this morning. Once you arrive, enjoy some free time to relax or explore the city at your leisure. In the evening, consider joining your fellow travellers and group leader for a celebratory dinner to mark the end of a great trip. The next morning you're free to leave whenever you want or if you'd like to extend your travels, just speak to one of our consultants who will be happy to help tailor-make your holiday.