Costa Rica Adventure
Costa Rica Adventure
Costa Rica Adventure
15 Days Starting in San José and ending in San José Airport
Visiting: Costa Rica
Tour operator:
Tour code:
AHS
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
4 - 16
Age range:
16-99
Special diets catered:
Please inform Exodus of specific dietary requirements
Tour operated in:
EnglishTour Overview
Take in the wildlife-rich waterways of Tortuguero, marvel at the rainforest on a night walk, hike among unique vegetation in Arenal Volcano National Park and visit the bubbling mud pools and hot springs of Rincón de la Vieja. On this two-week trip, we focus on the natural side of Costa Rica and try plenty of activities to discover the heart of this tropical country. Have a go at zip-lining and take a boat trip to see dolphins off Carrillo Beach, as well as choosing from multiple optional activities. The trip ends with a few days on the Pacific coastline, where the sandy bay is shaded by coconut palms and the water is perfect for swimming.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Start San José
Welcome to San José, the culture-rich capital of Costa Rica. Aim to arrive at the hotel by 5pm so that you can meet your fellow travellers and tour leader, who will give you a warm welcome to Costa Rica. If you miss today’s welcome briefing, the tour leader will give you all relevant information on the afternoon of Day 2.
Accommodation: Studio Hotel (or similar)
Day 2 : To Tortuguero National Park
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Our adventure begins early this morning, leaving San José as we travel to Tortuguero National Park in northeast Costa Rica. Accessible only by boat or light aircraft, the vast network of waterways, canals and swamps in Tortuguero are remarkably tranquil, unspoiled and devoid of noise pollution. On reaching the pier, we board a small motorboat for the journey to our lodge (up to 1hr 30min) , which is a short distance from the main lagoon. Please note the transfer from San José to Tortuguero is not private for Exodus clients.
Our afternoon is spent in Tortuguero village, where it’s possible to visit the Sea Turtle Museum. Tortuguero is probably most famous as a nesting site for the endangered green turtle, which can be seen arriving onto the beach to lay eggs from late July to October (as part of an optional excursion). Hawksbill, loggerhead and giant leatherback turtles also nest in this region; during November to January, baby turtles hatch and head to the ocean. Today’s travel time will be in the region of six hours including a break for breakfast.
Accommodation: Evergreen Lodge (or similar)
Day 3 : Boat Tour Around Tortuguero Waterways
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast we board a small boat that enables us to discover the extraordinary flora and fauna of Tortuguero as we pass serenely along the waterways. At this time of day, wildlife is usually at its most active; with the help of our expert guide, we are likely to encounter monkeys, caiman, iguanas, butterflies and many of the 300-plus bird species recorded here. We return to the lodge for a hearty breakfast near the river. The lodge is a tranquil spot to relax for the rest of the day if you want to take time out to enjoy the facilities. Alternatively, you can join a second boat trip (included but optional) or follow a short walking trail through the forest.
Accommodation: Evergreen Lodge (or similar)
Day 4 : To Sarapiqui; Night Walk To Experience The Rainforest In The Dark
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We leave Tortuguero the same way we arrived, by taking a small boat to the pier. Our bus will be at the pier waiting to drive us to the Sarapiqui region, stopping for lunch en route. Sarapiqui is blessed with abundant vegetation and the beautiful Sarapiqui River. This is one of the main areas of banana production in Costa Rica, although coffee, cardamon, cacao, corn and other fruits are also grown here. In the evening, we take a night walk through Tirimbina Biological Reserve, crossing a suspension bridge for a different perspective on the rainforest and its many inhabitants: see how many eyes you can spot staring back at you! Our guide will focus on nocturnal species, such as insects, frogs and nocturnal mammals, who are active in the dark.
Accommodation: La Quinta Sarapiqui (or similar)
Day 5 : Pineapple Plantation Tour; To La Fortuna Near Arenal
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast at the hotel, we check out and make our way towards an organic pineapple plantation in La Virgen de Sarapiqui. This area is well known for its rich soil and excellent growing conditions. During our morning tour, we have the opportunity to discover the organic philosophy of the farm, learning about crop rotation, companion planting and the concept of rural agritourism. This is a great introduction to Costa Rican heritage. After, we transfer to the area of La Fortuna near Arenal arriving around lunchtime. We have free time to enjoy the hotel facilities or there are some optional excursions for this afternoon/evening.
Accommodation: Arenal Paraiso (or similar)
Day 6 : Farm-To-Table Culinary Experience; La Fortuna Waterfall Walk
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Arenal was the most active volcano in Costa Rica until recently when it entered a resting phase. There is a lot of geothermal activity in this area, with natural hot springs, waterfalls and Lake Arenal. This morning, we have a farm-to-table culinary tour at an organic farm. This is a fun and interactive experience to discover some of the typical produce grown in this area. On arrival, we are greeted with fresh fruits and coffee while we learn about the history of the farm. We usually select some of the produce to be harvested that day (destined for our lunch menu) and have a tour of the greenhouse to see how some Costa Rican staples are grown. This is a great experience to see an authentic farm in wonderful surroundings – look out for the family of sloths living in the neighbouring trees.
Afterwards, we visit La Fortuna Waterfall, a 215ft (65m) cascade plunging into an emerald pool. A short rainforest trail brings us to a relatively steep set of steps that we must descend to reach the waterfall and then ascend to exit – this takes around 20-30 minutes and can be rewarded with a swim in the emerald pool below, if you wish. It is possible to visit the lookout point and wait for the group here if you prefer. Keep an eye out for colourful toucans in the rainforest!
Accommodation: Arenal Paraiso (or similar)
Day 7 : Hike At Arenal Volcano National Park; Free Afternoon For Optional Activities
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning, we take a short scenic hike within Arenal National Park, walking through secondary rainforest and passing lava fields from past eruptions. Walking on the base and flanks of the volcano gives extraordinary views, as our guide explains about the history and recent activity and points out landmarks left over the years. The high vantage points on this walk also provide great views overlooking Lake Arenal and the birdlife is plentiful. This afternoon is free to join one of the optional activities available in this region.
Accommodation: Arenal Paraiso (or similar)
Day 8 : Boat And Transfer To Monteverde In The Tilaran Mountains
Meals Included: Breakfast
From Arenal, we travel to the Tilaran mountain range in the Central Highlands for a taste of the Costa Rican cloud forest. Reaching Monteverde involves a fast boat across Lake Arenal, which is incredibly scenic and will take roughly 30 minutes. Our journey continues by shared land transfer as we ascend the hills towards Monteverde, a forest-cloaked region whose name literally means green mountain, where we meet our private bus. The high altitude supports a complex eco-system where plants thrive, particularly orchids of which there are some 400-plus varieties here. Our total journey time will be about 3hr 30min, including the lake crossing.
Accommodation: Monteverde Country Lodge, Sibu Lodge or Montaña Monteverde (or similar)
Day 9 : Zip-Line Adventure Through The Treetops; Visit The Hanging Bridges And Butterfly Garden
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Today we visit Selvatura Park, 850 acres (345ha) of protected land dedicated to nature and adventure. We begin with the hanging bridges excursion, a system of treetop walkways through the forest designed to let you experience the beauty of the cloud forest and observe its many inhabitants. We also visit the butterfly garden, which has one of the largest exhibitions of butterflies in the world. After, it’s time to try some aerial manoeuvres on a zip-line adventure through the treetops. Before you fly, guides will teach you the proper technique, including how to position yourself and hold the cable correctly, enabling you to safely enjoy this adrenaline-pumping adventure suspended above the trees.
Accommodation: Monteverde Country Lodge, Sibu Lodge or Montaña Monteverde (or similar)
Day 10 : To Rincón De La Vieja; Free Afternoon With Optional Activities
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast at the hotel, we check out and transfer to Rincón de la Vieja, an area that combines dry forest with enchanting waterfalls and is best known for its bubbling mud pots, steaming vents in the earth, hot springs and a whole host of wildlife.
The afternoon is free to relax or enjoy one of the optional activities available in the area such as a hike to the waterfalls with a refreshing swim in the clear waters (approx. 3 hours, payable locally).
Accommodation: Buena Vista del Rincón or Hacienda Guachipelin (or similar)
Day 11 : Hiking In Rincón De La Vieja National Park; Visit The Mud Baths And Choose Between A Canyon Canopy Tour, Tubing Or Horse Riding
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today we discover Rincón de la Vieja National Park and its network of trails during a hike through the exotic dry tropical forest on the Las Pailas Trail. This loop walk twists through jungle around the base of the volcano, passing steam-spitting fumaroles and hopefully encountering wildlife on the way: toucans, spider monkeys and lizards are found here as well as many bird species. After, we visit a hot spring. Heated naturally by the Rincón de la Vieja Volcano, these hot springs feed directly from the Rio Negro and are mineral rich with therapeutic properties. There are 10 human-made pools created to capture the steaming mineral water, surrounded by thick forest. Smooth volcanic clay over yourself, let it dry and wash off with a cool shower or jump in the river before soaking again in the hot pools.
There are three activities to choose between this afternoon: a canyon canopy tour, tubing or horse riding. The cost of joining one activity is included, so it is up to you to decide which you would like to do! The canyon canopy tour is a zip-line adventure involving rappelling, climbing, a Tarzan swing and hanging bridges over a narrow river canyon. Tubing takes place on the Rio Negro, with individual inner tube rafts across 3mi (5km) of class II and III rapids. The horse-riding excursion follows a forest trail leading to a rainforest waterfall. Experience is not needed for any of these activities and you can decide which you prefer once you’re in Costa Rica.
* If your group is staying at Hacienda Guachipelin, the canyon canopy tour, tubing or horse riding activity can take place on Day 10.
Accommodation: Buena Vista del Rincón or Hacienda Guachipelin (or similar)
Day 12 : To The Pacific Coast; Afternoon At Leisure To Enjoy The Beach
Meals Included: Breakfast
We travel to Carrillo on the Pacific Coast, one of the best-kept secrets in Costa Rica. The broad, shady bay is backed by coconut palms and the water is calm and safe for swimming thanks to a coral reef just out to sea on which the normally large, Pacific waves break before reaching the beach. There are plenty of facilities here but there’s a noticeable absence of big resort hotels, which makes for a nice atmosphere. We have a free afternoon here to enjoy the facilities and discover the area.
Accommodation: Nammbú Hotel or Leyenda Hotel (or similar)
Day 13 : Boat Trip To See Dolphins; Have A Go At Snorkelling
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today we take a boat trip in search of dolphins. You could be lucky enough to see spotted dolphins, Central American spinner dolphins or common bottlenose dolphins, which all inhabit this area year-round. Feel the ocean breeze and enjoy the scenery of the coastline as we search for these playful animals who love to swim in the bow wave of the boat. As we make our way back along the coast, we anchor near the shores of Isla Chora, a delightful white-sand beach full of hermit crabs and iguanas. This is a great spot for a refreshing swim and to explore the lively, colourful underwater world with a mask and snorkel. In total, today’s excursion will last around four hours, with the rest of your time at leisure to enjoy the area.
Accommodation: Nammbú Hotel or Leyenda Hotel (or similar)
Day 14 : Wildlife And Mangrove Kayak Tour; Time At Leisure To Enjoy The Pacific Coast
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today, we take a kayaking tour through the mangroves of Sámara Bay (the tour leader will confirm timings locally as it is tide-dependent). Paddle through the stunning ecosystem, surrounded by lush mangrove trees and diverse wildlife. We explore along the Ora River, discovering some of the more remote corners of the forest, passing through mangrove tunnels and heading towards Camaronal Beach. Be on the lookout for native birds, crabs, monkeys, iguanas and more along the way. At the beach, enjoy refreshments while you learn more about the area's ecosystem, before returning to the hotel.
The rest of the day is free for you to relax at the hotel or explore the local area.
Accommodation: Nammbú Hotel or Leyenda Hotel (or similar)
Day 15 : To San José; End San José
Meals Included: Breakfast
A four-hour journey takes us back to San José, where the adventure comes to an end. We advise that you don’t book a flight leaving San José before 4pm today. Of course, if you’d like a little more time to explore, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.
What's Included
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All breakfasts, five lunches and three dinners
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All accommodation
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All transport and listed activities
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Tour leader throughout
What's Not Included
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Travel insurance
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Single accommodation (available on request)
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Visas or vaccinations
Accommodation
We spend 14 nights in hotels and lodges, most have swimming pools.
In San José, we stay at the modern four-star Studio Hotel, conveniently near the airport for an easy arrival transfer at the start of the trip.
In Tortuguero, we usually stay at Evergreen Lodge, just a few minutes by boat from the Tortuguero National Park entrance. This magical area is surrounded by vegetation and our accommodation has a rustic feel with wooden bungalows, comfortable beds and ceiling fans. There is a lovely pool area and the property is set in jungle.
In Sarapiqui, we usually stay at La Quinta Sarapiqui, a lodge with bungalow-style accommodation looking out onto gardens filled with flowers and birdlife.
In Arenal, our accommodation is normally Arenal Paraiso Hotel. This property is close to Arenal Volcano and has large natural grounds with wonderful views of the volcano. Rooms are well equipped. There are several natural pools fed by spring water to relax in.
In Monteverde, we normally stay at the Monteverde Country Lodge, a cosy hotel perfectly positioned to discover the cool of the cloud forest. We also use the Sibu Lodge or the Montaña Monteverde.
In Rincon de la Vieja, our accommodation is either the BuenaVista del Rincon or the Hacienda Guachapelin.
By the Pacific Coast, we plan to stay at the Nammbu Hotel, a beachfront property overlooking Carrillo Beach.
Food
All breakfasts, five lunches and three dinners are included.
Hotel breakfasts are normally buffets. Lunches and dinners at Tortuguero are also buffets. Options for vegetarians are limited, but it’s still possible to eat well. Please inform us before departure of any special dietary requests.
Costa Rican specialities include gallo pinto, a black bean and rice dish considered to be a staple part of the local diet. Soups and stews are also common, and fresh fruit is abundant and will no doubt be one of the highlights of your time in the tropics.
Check out our Q&As
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Are vaccinations required for this tour?
There are no mandatory vaccination requirements, however, if you have travelled to a country at risk of Yellow Fever prior to arriving in Costa Rica you will be required to have a valid Yellow Fever Certificate with you. Recommended vaccinations are: Hepatitis A.
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
Minimum age 16 years old people can go on this people
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What is the standard of the hotels on this tour?
4* Studio Hotel
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes
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Do you require a visa for this holiday?
Holders of British, US, Canadian, Australian, New Zealand and most EU passports can enter Costa Rica for a stay of 90 days without a visa.
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What is the maximum group size?
16
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
If you wish to make any changes to your booking, particularly if you need to alter any flights booked through us, please let us know as soon as possible. There is a booking or flight amendment fee of £40 per change and flight amendments often incur extra airline costs depending on the changes to be made and if the ticket has been issued or not.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Exodus has been trading since 1974
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Your final joining instructions and flight details, if booked with us, will then be sent out 2 to 3 weeks before departure. If you would like a hard copy posted, or if you require these any earlier, please contact the customer operations team. We advise that if you are booking connecting travel before receiving these, please ensure you leave plenty of time.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Travellers are welcome to opt to share a room with a tour member of the same gender for no additional charge. If you'd like your own room, we can request a single supplement so that you will have your own room throughout.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
You are welcome to meet the group after the tour has departed however there is no reduction in rate for joining a tour after the departure date.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Exodus Adventure Travels allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform exodus adventure travels, 43 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Exodus Adventure Travels requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of exodus adventure travels charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
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