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Glide through tree-lined waterways and relax in thermal pools, sample chocolate made from the world's best cacao, and journey back in time with a native Quaker in Old Town Monteverde. Your Costa Rica tour captures the natural highlights of this biodiverse country.
Glide through tree-lined waterways and relax in thermal pools, sample chocolate made from the world's best cacao, and journey back in time with a native Quaker in Old Town Monteverde. Your Costa Rica tour captures the natural highlights of this biodiverse country.
Learn the secrets of Pura Vida – Costa Rica’s inimitable zest for life that will linger throughout your effortlessly delivered encounter with a land that boasts no artificial ingredients. This evening, join your Travel Director and fellow expeditioners for a Welcome Reception.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Sheraton San Jose
Discover the natural beauty of Tortuguero National Park
Journey to San Isidro de Heredia, where we’ll Dive into Culture with master chocolatiers, Julio Fernandez and George Soriano, to learn about the history of chocolate and how it is produced at this small workshop. Then, it’s on to Siquirres where we’ll embark on a river journey with a Local Specialist through protected wetlands to secluded Tortuguero. Enjoy a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience in the heart of Tortuguero with a visit to the Sea Turtle Conservancy Tortuguero Visitor Center. Later, we enjoy dinner at our hotel this evening accompanied by the enchanting sounds of resident cicadas and tree frogs.
Cruise the canals and streams of the park today with a Local Specialist as howler monkeys watch from the treetops, toucans and egrets fly through the air and crocodiles ply the cool waters. Visit the Village of Tortuguero. If you are here between July and September, take an optional tour to see the sea turtles laying eggs on the beach.
Bid adiós to Tortuguero and head back to the mainland where we’ll enjoy lunch before meeting the Tico family for a Connect With Locals experience at their palm plantation. There you'll learn about and sample the delicate heart of palm. Tonight you'll enjoy a Be My Guest with the owners of your hotel, providing a Connect With Locals experience, as they prepare a special BBQ meal just for you.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - La Quinta Sarapiqui Lodge
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast, Lunch, Be My Guest
Optional Experience
White Water Rafting Level II and III*
This morning excursion on a class II and III river involves navigating nearly 8 miles (13 km) on the Sarapiqui River. It's a great introduction for first-time paddlers and families interested in a fun, wet roller coaster ride. Total duration approximately 4 hours. Gratuity included. (Minimum 2 Guests)
Adult Price: $64.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 5
Mingle with Locals in Saripiqui
Rise with the sun to get up close and personal with Costa Rica's exquisite nature during a leisurely hike. Keep a lookout for the endangered great green macaw and connect with your beautiful natural surroundings. Embark on an optional rafting trip^ later this morning. We Connect With Locals this afternoon, enjoying a Be My Guest lunch at an eco-friendly hacienda built by the Quintana family as a retirement project. Today, it is home to an organic farm and related eco-adventures. Learn how your MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience contributes to the local community. Our journey continues to Arenal Volcano, on whose slopes we spend the afternoon relaxing in our resort's beautifully landscaped thermal pools.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Arenal Paraiso Resort and Spa
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast, Be My Guest
Optional Experience
Arenal Natura Ecological Park
At this wonderful park you will have the opportunity to experience Costa Rica’s wildlife up close and personal where beautiful frogs, birds, reptiles, and their natural habitats will have the starring role. This package includes a frog sanctuary, bird watching, a serpentarium (home to different species of snakes found in Costa Rica), a reptile lagoon (to observe crocodiles) and a heliconia garden. Total duration is approximately 2 hours. Gratuity included. (Minimum 2 Guests)
Adult Price: $50.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Optional Experience
Arenal Volcano Hike
Ever since the 1500s, locals considered Arenal to be just a regular everyday mountain. However, everything changed on the morning of July 29, 1968 when the mountain erupted, spewing ash and lava over the region. Up until 2010, the volcano was still quite active but has settled down in recent years. Your guided hike will allow you to see the areas that were destroyed in the 1968 eruption up close. Hike through recent lava flows and see how Mother Nature has brought life back to the region. Total duration is approximately 4 hours. Gratuity included. (Minimum 2 Guests)
Adult Price: $67.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Optional Experience
Kayak On Lake Arenal*
Arenal Lake is the largest in the country and home to a wide diversity of birds, both resident and migratory, such as flycatchers, kingfishers and great blue herons. Kayaking on Arenal Lake is a great way to take part in an outdoor activity while you enjoy the amazing, one-of-a-kind views of Arenal Volcano. Along the shoreline, watch for howler monkeys enjoying the good life high in the trees. Total duration is approximately 4 hours. Gratuity included. (Minimum 2 guests)
Adult Price: $65.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 6
Immerse in the stories of Monteverde Cloud Forest
Our soul-stirring encounter with Costa Rica’s natural wonders continues after a morning at leisure. Straddle the Continental Divide and touch the sky in Monteverde Cloud Forest, where you’ll have an opportunity to explore this biodiverse sanctuary, renowned for its collection of orchid species – more than in any other single place. Tonight, you will Connect With Locals as you meet a native Quaker, and Local Specialist, who will share stories of Old Town Monteverde and delve into the history of the American Quakers who settled in the area in the 1950s. This evening, relish some of the best views as you enjoy dinner.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - El Establo Mountain
This morning, join your Local Specialist guide for an excursion through the lush rainforests of Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. We ascend to the treetops high above the jungle floor below, treading lightly along the Sky Walk^ suspension bridges amongst the wildlife that find sanctuary in the boughs of the surrounding canopy. As our epic eco-adventure nears its end, we share stories with newfound friends at a Farewell Dinner.
The tour begins with a walk through the farm where you’ll view sugarcane, banana, orange and coffee plantations. Learn about the coffee making process and how liquor is made of out sugarcane. The farm provides an exciting education to visitors about the various crops and farm life in Costa Rica. Total duration is approximately 3 hours. Gratuity included. (Minimum 2 Guests)
Adult Price: $33.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Optional Experience
Horseback Riding Tour*
On your horseback excursion, enjoy sweeping views of the Nicoya Gulf and its islands as you ride your way through coffee and sugarcane plantations, tropical forest and open fields. Be on the lookout for wildlife including toucans, green parrots and white-faced monkeys. Total duration is about 2 ½ hours. Gratuity included. (Minimum 2 Guests.)
Adult Price: $75.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Optional Experience
Sky Tram And Sky Trek*
Board a comfortable gondola and fly among the trees on the lookout for local wildlife. As you glide among the forest, see how the vegetation changes with the elevation level. At the end of the Sky Tram you will be faced with a choice: return to the starting point in the same way you came or you can enjoy the ultimate adrenaline rush on the Sky Trek. With this option, you will fly across the forest in a series of ten zip lines with heights ranging from 100 – 650 feet (30 to 200 meters) and with lengths of over 650 feet (200 meters). All of these zip lines were built to give you a 360° perspective of the rainforest. Gratuity included. (Minimum 2 Guests)
Adult Price: $97.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 8
Depart San José
Transfer back to San José International Airport will be at 11:00 AM approximately.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
All optional experiences for this trip
Book with your travel director when you travel
Available on day 4
White Water Rafting Level II and III*
This morning excursion on a class II and III river involves navigating nearly 8 miles (13 km) on the Sarapiqui River. It's a great introduction for first-time paddlers and families interested in a fun, wet roller coaster ride. Total duration approximately 4 hours. Gratuity included. (Minimum 2 Guests)
Adult Price: $64.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 5
Arenal Natura Ecological Park
At this wonderful park you will have the opportunity to experience Costa Rica’s wildlife up close and personal where beautiful frogs, birds, reptiles, and their natural habitats will have the starring role. This package includes a frog sanctuary, bird watching, a serpentarium (home to different species of snakes found in Costa Rica), a reptile lagoon (to observe crocodiles) and a heliconia garden. Total duration is approximately 2 hours. Gratuity included. (Minimum 2 Guests)
Adult Price: $50.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 5
Arenal Volcano Hike
Ever since the 1500s, locals considered Arenal to be just a regular everyday mountain. However, everything changed on the morning of July 29, 1968 when the mountain erupted, spewing ash and lava over the region. Up until 2010, the volcano was still quite active but has settled down in recent years. Your guided hike will allow you to see the areas that were destroyed in the 1968 eruption up close. Hike through recent lava flows and see how Mother Nature has brought life back to the region. Total duration is approximately 4 hours. Gratuity included. (Minimum 2 Guests)
Adult Price: $67.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 5
Kayak On Lake Arenal*
Arenal Lake is the largest in the country and home to a wide diversity of birds, both resident and migratory, such as flycatchers, kingfishers and great blue herons. Kayaking on Arenal Lake is a great way to take part in an outdoor activity while you enjoy the amazing, one-of-a-kind views of Arenal Volcano. Along the shoreline, watch for howler monkeys enjoying the good life high in the trees. Total duration is approximately 4 hours. Gratuity included. (Minimum 2 guests)
Adult Price: $65.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 7
El Trapiche Tour
The tour begins with a walk through the farm where you’ll view sugarcane, banana, orange and coffee plantations. Learn about the coffee making process and how liquor is made of out sugarcane. The farm provides an exciting education to visitors about the various crops and farm life in Costa Rica. Total duration is approximately 3 hours. Gratuity included. (Minimum 2 Guests)
Adult Price: $33.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 7
Horseback Riding Tour*
On your horseback excursion, enjoy sweeping views of the Nicoya Gulf and its islands as you ride your way through coffee and sugarcane plantations, tropical forest and open fields. Be on the lookout for wildlife including toucans, green parrots and white-faced monkeys. Total duration is about 2 ½ hours. Gratuity included. (Minimum 2 Guests.)
Adult Price: $75.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 7
Sky Tram And Sky Trek*
Board a comfortable gondola and fly among the trees on the lookout for local wildlife. As you glide among the forest, see how the vegetation changes with the elevation level. At the end of the Sky Tram you will be faced with a choice: return to the starting point in the same way you came or you can enjoy the ultimate adrenaline rush on the Sky Trek. With this option, you will fly across the forest in a series of ten zip lines with heights ranging from 100 – 650 feet (30 to 200 meters) and with lengths of over 650 feet (200 meters). All of these zip lines were built to give you a 360° perspective of the rainforest. Gratuity included. (Minimum 2 Guests)
Adult Price: $97.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
All Optional Experiences
The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
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About this trip
About this trip
What's included
Trip Summary Accomodation Icon
7 nights
Accommodation
Trip Summary Meals Icon
17 Meals
1 Farewell Dinner, 1 Welcome Reception, 2 Be My Guests, 3 Dinners, 3 Lunches, 7 Breakfasts
Trip Summary Transport Icon
On-trip Transport
All transport shown
The Trafalgar difference
Connect with Locals
Visit the Quintana family's Hacienda Pozo Azul and discover how they reduce their carbon footprint and support the local community.
Visit a local Tico family's palm plantation to learn about and taste the delicate heart of palm.
Tonight you'll enjoy some time with the owners of your hotel, providing a unique experience, as they prepare a special BBQ meal just for you.
Dive Into Culture
Meet master chocolatiers, Julio Fernandez and George Soriano, to learn about the history of chocolate and how it is produced at this small workshop.
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®
The Sea Turtle Conservancy Tortuguero Visitor Center is an educational center located in the heart of Tortuguero National Park, one of the most important sea turtle nesting sites in the world for green turtles.
Sightseeing highlights
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Visit Tortuguero National Park, Sarapiqui, Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
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Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
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Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
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All transport and transfers shown
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Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
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Optional Experiences and free time
Live, unedited & independent traveller reviews
Costa Rica Eco Adventure End San Jose trip reviews
Our guests are at the heart of everything we do, their feedback fuels our innovation, inspiring us to improve continuously and craft Simply The Best vacations. That's why we ask each of our guests to leave a third-party verified, independent review after every trip. As testament to our commitment we have been given the Trusted Service Award from Feefo, recognising we deliver exceptional experiences as rated by real guests.
Overall rating
4.9
Out of 5
Based on 126 independent reviews
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Customer experience
Trip rating is the overall quality of the itinerary and trip
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5
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22
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Customer experience is the standard of service you receive
4.9
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5
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112
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10
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We had an amazing experience in Costa Rica!
Trip Rating
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5
New and exciting adventures await each day! Loved every accommodation!
Our Costa Rica trip was one of the most amazing trips due to our travel director Jorge and our wellness director Ronnie! It was such an educational and informative trip due to Jorge's immense knowledge and love of his country. We were immersed in the culture of Costa Rica. One evening we asked Ronnie to help us find some frogs that were making amazing noises, and he was just as excited as we were. It was a well planned trip and loved that there were only 22 people which was a wonderful size of group.
Tour director Jorge and wellness director Ronny were both amazing, enthusiastic, and extremely knowledgeable. Saw and did pretty much everything that I would have wanted to do in Costa Rica. Local specials and be my guest experience were definitely highlights!
Victor,Ricardo and their wonderful fearless driver were super knowledgeable about the flora and fauna of Costa Rica. They were lots of fun too.We we’re treated to several off the cuff treats which were delightful
If you are looking even further ahead, this trip is available to book in 2023. Visit our website for dates and today’s best prices.
Room Share is not available on this trip.
When visiting Costa Rica look for the miniature wooden Ox carts souvenirs. These beautiful art pieces are hand painted by local artisans. The Ox cart is a traditional Costa Rican symbol of work. And it´s considered an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO. German Rojas
Note: For the more remote areas of Costa Rica (such as Tortuguero), we use the best available hotel facilities with comfortable but simple guestrooms and eco-friendly amenities perfectly suited to the natural surroundings. This journey requires walking on uneven surfaces and steps and sometimes through heavy showers (rain ponchos provided). This journey is best enjoyed by the experienced traveler in good health and who can take such conditions in stride.
Note: For activities marked with a caret (^) in the day-by-day itinerary, participation is at your own risk and a signed liability waiver will be required.
Luggage: For the two night excursion to Tortuguero National Park guests are permitted to bring a maximum of 25 lbs (11 kg) of luggage. Your primary suitcase will be transferred and securely stored at your Sarapiquí hotel.
Unless otherwise stated, trip prices are per person, land only, based on double occupancy and reflect applicable discount. Discounts are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice.
Trip prices are correct at the time of the products going live, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking. All trip information is correct at time of trips going live, however are subject to change - please confirm all details at time of booking.
Twin-share option not available for trips to South America, Costa Rica, Mexico, Alaska, Hawaii, South Africa, Kenya & Tanzania, Botswana, Zambia or for any holiday & cruise combination, or in Asia and Eastern Mediterranean except Highlights of Turkey (without cruise) & Best of Turkey. It's also not available on Small Group trips. Guided Vacations included in this restriction are Newfoundland and Labrador (DNLA). Does not apply to trips operated by Inspiring Journeys & our Mini-stays.
For trips that are part of our Guaranteed Room Share, please note that there is a no smoking policy in all shared rooms. Solo travel is not accepted on guided Family Experiences holidays unless travelling as part of a family group.
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Your selected departure date will feature some seasonal itinerary changes to what is displayed. Click 'VIEW ITINERARY' below to see full details.
Active Trip Details
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What is an Active Trip? This is an "Active" lifestyle itinerary, with walks and hikes most days. Hikes will range from easy/moderate to strenuous. No technical climbing skills are required but a reasonable level of fitness is required to make the trip more enjoyable. Understanding that not all people want to hike at the same pace or even on the same trail we will, where possible, host map orientation and then let everyone disperse to enjoy the trails best suited to them.
What to Pack Guests should bring lightweight hiking shoes or boots, broad brimmed sun hats, sunglasses, layered clothing, reusable water bottle(s), a hiking day pack and hiking poles (optional)
Weather & Altitude While the itinerary is laid out below, we are at the mercy of the weather and so reserve the right to adjust the program as necessary. Please keep in mind that the higher elevations and possible variations in weather and temperature can increase the perceived level of difficulty of our activities. Elevation ranges up to 9,000 feet for Utah’s Mighty Five and up to 11,000 feet for California High Country Adventure.
Everyone reacts differently to altitude and so if you do have any health issues you should check with your doctor that this trip is suitable for you.
