RCGS: Costa Rica Volcanoes and Beaches with Andrew Lovesey

RCGS: Costa Rica Volcanoes and Beaches with Andrew Lovesey

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RCGS: Costa Rica Volcanoes and Beaches with Andrew Lovesey

8 Days Starting in San Jose and ending in Liberia

Visiting: Costa Rica

Tour operator:

Exodus

Tour code:

AUTS

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

9 - 16

Physical rating:

Leisurely / Moderate

Age range:

16 to 99

Special diets catered:

Please inform Exodus of specific dietary requirements

Tour operated in:
English
Activities:

Snorkeling, Walking

This tour is no longer available

Tour Overview

Jump into ‘Pura Vida’ with this epic journey through the crown jewel of Central America, Costa Rica, led by adventure influencer and Director at Canadian Geographic and the RCGS, Andrew Lovesey. Whether he’s coordinating expeditions across the globe or off on his own adventures, Andrew is a modern explorer with more than a few stories to share (ask him about the Order of The Star of Honour of Ethiopia) as you make your way through the Costa Rican rainforest.Go tubing along the magnificently turquoise waters of the Rio Celeste, have a go at surfing on the renowned Tamarindo Beach, fly through the rainforest canopy on a zip-line adventure, and enjoy some well-deserved relaxation with mineral-rich hot springs and mud baths. Home to some of the diverse wildlife in the world, cruise alongside playful dolphins on a catamaran ride and spot nocturnal creatures on a night walk through the forest. Spend your final evening taking in a blockbuster sunset from the sun-soaked Pacific Coast before heading home relaxed and recharged.

Highlights

  • Sunbathe on Tamarindo Beach or opt to take a surfing lesson. 

  • Go tubing on the Rio Celeste, Costa Rica’s famously bright turquoise river.

  • Cruise alongside playful dolphins on a catamaran ride.

  • Relax in hot springs and mud baths in Rincon de la Vieja.

  • Fly through the treetops on a zip-lining adventure.

  • Try your hand at SUP or surfing on Tamarindo Beach.

  • Try your hand at SUP or surfing on Tamarindo Beach.Go tubing on the Rio Celeste, Costa Rica’s famously bright turquoise river.Cruise alongside playful dolphins on a catamaran ride.Relax in hot springs and mud baths in Rincon de la Vieja.Fly through the treetops on a zip-lining adventure.

Itinerary

Expand All
Day 1 : Explore San Jose In Your Own Time

On arrival at San Jose airport, you’ll be met and taken to your hotel,
Studio Hotel in Santa Ana. The rest of the day is yours to shake off the
flight and venture out to San Jose (or Chepe, as the locals call it) at your
own pace. Accommodation: Studio Hotel or similar 

Day 2 : Experience The Vitality Of The Rio Celeste On A River Tubing Adventure
Meals Included: breakfast

You’ll travel 125 miles this morning, headed to the Celeste River in the
Tenorio Volcano National Park. Its rainforest and the magnificently blue
river are highlights of Costa Rica’s natural phenomena.Now the adventure
begins. Brace yourself: you’ll be river tubing, hurtling downstream through
Grade I and II rapids, flanked on each side by tropical rainforest. All to a
soundtrack of monkey calls and birdsong. It’s exhilarating stuff and the
perfect intro to this untamed wilderness.Tonight, you’ll stay at Rio
Celeste Hideaway, a small eco-friendly resort on the slopes of Tenorio
Volcano. Accommodation: Rio Celeste Hideaway or similar 

Day 3 : Marvel At The Incredible Rio Celeste Waterfall
Meals Included: breakfast

After breakfast, you’ll venture further into the ecosystem on a four-hour
hike in Tenorio Volcano National Park. You’ll spot exotic plants and
wildlife before you reach the magnificent Rio Celeste waterfall and the place
where the river acquires its vivid turquoise colour.Later, when the sun goes
down, you’ll follow a forest trail by torchlight to witness some nocturnal
species emerging. Accommodation: Rio Celeste Hideaway or similar 

Day 4 : Wallow In A Riverside Mud Bath In Rincon De La Vieja
Meals Included: breakfast

After breakfast, you’ll head to Rincon de la Vieja, home to two volcanoes
and 32 rivers. Alive with geothermal energy, Rincon de la Vieja effervesces
with fumaroles, warm springs and mud pots.You’ll check into Hacienda
Guachipelin. Near to the hotel is a crystal clear river that feeds ten
riverbank pools with thermal, mineral-rich water. Soak in the pools, then
apply a volcanic mud masque and let it dry before leaping into the cool
stream. And repeat. And repeat. And repeat… Accommodation: Hacienda
Guachipelin or similar 

Day 5 : Swing Through The Tree Canopy On A White-Knuckle Adventure, Then Hike To The Cauldrons
Meals Included: breakfast

Carb-load at breakfast. You’ll need the energy for a zip line tour, where
you’ll fly through the trees on zip lines, rappelling, climbing and
swinging. You’ll cross hanging bridges over a narrow river canyon. Proper
exhilarating stuff.Feet back on solid ground, you’ll hike to the aptly
named Cauldrons, where steam and sulphur belch from the
fumaroles.Accommodation: Hacienda Guachipelin or similar 

Day 6 : Join Pods Of Dolphins On The Pacific Ocean
Meals Included: breakfast, dinner

After breakfast, you’ll head south-west to the paradisiacal coast today.
You’re bound for Tamarindo on the Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica’s
renowned surf spot.The afternoon is yours to explore your new digs – the
beachfront Tamarindo Diria hotel. Take a swim in one of the pools or take a
stroll on the beach. Late afternoon, you’ll board a catamaran to explore
some of the bays. With a suitably tropical drink in hand, scan the sea for
dolphin pods and sea turtles. Perhaps even the odd whale if you’re
particularly lucky. You’ll drop anchor for a snorkel or explore a deserted
beach while the crew prepare a BBQ feast. Accommodation: Tamarindo Diria
Hotel or similar 

Day 7 : Free Day In Tamarindo
Meals Included: breakfast

Today is a free day to enjoy Tamarindo's beachfront utopia before your
thoughts turn to packing up ready for your departure tomorrow.Enjoy swimming
or relaxing by the sapphire waters! Or why not take a surfing or SUP lesson
(optional activites- extra cost). The barrel curls will beckon experienced
surfers, but the instructors are there to guide beginners in riding their
very first wave. Fancy another watersport instead? A Stand Up Paddleboarding
lesson is an alternative choice - a growing phenomenon that’s easy to get
the hang of.  Don’t miss the final sunset – they’re truly out of this
world in these parts. Accommodation: Tamarindo Diria Hotel or similar

Day 8 : Head To Liberia Airport And Wave Goodbye To Costa Rica
Meals Included: breakfast

After a final breakfast, one group transfer will be arranged to Daniel Oduber
International Airport in Liberia.  Alternatively ask us about extending your
stay in Tamarindo and spending a few more days enjoying all that Costa Rica
has to offer.

What's Included

  • Zip-line canopy tour and Catamaran tour to see dolphins

  • All transport and listed activities

  • All breakfasts and 1 dinner 

  • Tour leader throughout & RCGS guide

  • Tubing adventure on Rio Celeste, hike to Rio Celeste Waterfall, night hike in Tenorio, hike in Rincon de la Vieja and hot springs at Rincon de la Vieja

  • Meals

    7 breakfasts, 0 lunches, 1 dinners.

  • All breakfasts and 1 dinner All transport and listed activitiesTour leader throughout & RCGS guideTubing adventure on Rio Celeste, hike to Rio Celeste Waterfall, night hike in Tenorio, hike in Rincon de la Vieja and hot springs at Rincon de la ViejaZip-li

What's Not Included

  • International flights 

  • Travel insurance

  • Visas or vaccinations 

  • Tips for leaders and staff

  • Travel insuranceVisas or vaccinations Tips for leaders and staffInternational flights 

Food

All breakfasts and one dinner includedVegetarians are well-catered for, but let us know of any special dietary requirements before departureCosta 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.

Accommodation

Check out our Q&As

  • 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.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Exodus has been trading since 1974

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

Reviews of this Operator

Gergana Racheva  

Very helpful and prompt service

06-Jan-2023

Very helpful and prompt service. I called to check for an already booked trip and once we sorted this, the agent was ready to help me with another booking as well. He actually waited for me to book my flight tickets, answered all my questions, informed me of all my options. Exodus is a tour company I am using regularly due to the quality of their trips, ease of booking and helpfulness of their customer service team

Trustpilot
Tim Hardy  

Stunning walking. Walking the Amalfi Coast

04-Nov-2021

This trip takes you through the most beautiful parts of the Mediterranean walking with a guide and also discovering the wonders of Pompeii and Vesuvius. The hotel had a nice feel as family run, spotless and comfortable rooms, we were well looked after for breakfasts and dinner each day, and the barmen fixed some mean cocktails for us.!

Paul Green  

It's amazing what you can do in a week! Cycling the Dalmatian Coast.

08-Oct-2021

This holiday was extremely enjoyable. The itinerary is well planned and the route takes you to a variety of destinations. Not having been to Croatia before I didn't know there were so many beautiful small islands and I loved the ferry and catarmaran rides. The coastal route we took was dramatic and the World Heritage sites in Split and Dubrovnik very interesting and worth visiting. The Adriatic Sea was warm, blue and inviting, good for swimming even in October. The hotels we stayed in varied in size from medium to large. I particularly liked the one just outside Dubrovnik as I had a sea view. Tourists were plentiful in Split and Dubrovnik but in the other places we stayed there was an end of season feel and it was quiet on the roads and in the resorts. The food was good and our guide was always able to recommend a nice restaurant for our evening meal. The weather in October was good for cycling - not hot, partly cloudy most days and one day it rained!

Mrs Y Morrison  

Fabulous company and trip

06-Jan-2023

We went overland from Cape Town to Zimbabwe through Botswana and Namibia. What a fantastic trip. Our first time with Exodus although we have travelled extensively around the world. We would highly recommend this company for such a brilliant trip - we got everything and more all at a good price. Thanks to everyone involved. We are looking at our next trip!

Trustpilot
John Edwards (Google Reviewer)  

I went cycling in Albania...

19-Aug-2023

I went cycling in Albania with exodus as my first holiday with them. Such a well organised and wonderful experience where I met multiple fellow travellers who have been advocates of them for many years. You can't argue with happy repeat customers and I'm planning my next adventure with them soon

Rob Burridge (Google Reviewer)  

I'v just come back from...

17-Jul-2022

I'v just come back from an amazing Wildlife & Wilderness trip in Botswana and I highly recommend Exodus Travels. Our guide Brian, was extremely knowledgeable on both the wildlife and history of Botswana and neighbouring countries. The other three staff, Abbis, Chief & Mr T, who accompanied us through out our 2 week trip, put in the hard work and made sure our camp was always prepared and that we we're well fed and looked after. The tour took us to some beautiful places and we saw some amazing wildlife, and on several occasions this was due to Brian's knowledge of the area and wildlife behaviour. Exodus have been very quick to respond to any queries I had, and the whole experience ran smoothly. I was also pleased to hear that during lockdown they provided staff with food packages 👍. I'd normally go on self organised trips, however, with this trip, the tour and guide Brian took us to places not possible otherwise and showed us things that we would'v missed out on. All of which were the highlights of the tour.

Daphne Partridge (Google Reviewer)  

After 14 roup adventure holidays...

26-Nov-2023

After 14 roup adventure holidays with Exofus we would not hesitate to recommend them as an excitingholiday company. They take you off the beaten track but offer great support and expertise :)

Alison Payton (Google Reviewer)  

I've done 8 trips in...

17-May-2023

I've done 8 trips in the last 14 years with Exodus, and have been rewarded with a 10% discount on all future bookings. I feel very confident that I'll receive pleasant, efficient service, and have the unusual holiday experience that I'm looking for each time. I've trekked to the top of snow-capped peaks, wild-camped in the desert, seen amazing spectacles of nature, visited 4 capital cities in a week, and learned about local culture and experienced local hospitality in a way that I simply wouldn't on a conventional holiday. The quality of the accommodation and guides can vary, but this is mainly down to cultural differences and things that Exodus can't control. I've only ever complained once, my complaint was taken seriously, and I was sent a discount voucher - you can't say fairer than that. I remain a loyal customer.

Jacquelyn Moore (Google Reviewer)  

Food came quickly. Staff very...

07-Mar-2024

Food came quickly. Staff very friendly and polite . However the chef or person preparing the food did not seem to read the menu! If it says a meal should come with vegetables, you should not have to ask for them. They served shepherds pie with garlic bread! The munchies ice cream sundae said it should come in a glass with a flake but came in a little bowl with just a few munchies! When asking the staff were happy to replace and correct but customer should get what they order and what menu says first time round!!

johanna leonor (Google Reviewer)  

If you like to be...

07-Sep-2023

If you like to be mistreated Exodus is perfect for you. If you enjoy terrible choices for hotels and pseudo restaurants Exodus is perfect for you. Careless about their clients and loveless about their propositions. Exodus has been a dissatisfaction and disappointment about every dealing i and my group have had with him. Especially a man called Simone who just cares about the money he can get from you couldn’t care less about service.

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  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

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  • Low Deposit

    Exodus 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.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of exodus charges.

    Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

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