From $1,495
Guarantee
Small Group
Light
Rating
(20 reviews)
Experience Overview
Discover a region of natural diversity, cultural riches and laidback vibes on a nine-day jungle jaunt through Costa Rica. Thanks to a longstanding tradition of preserving its natural assets, much of the country’s primary rainforest still stands. Opportunities for nature-based activities are endless here and the beaches on both coasts are well worth your free time. Kick back in the rustic beach town of Quepos, explore the steamy cloud forests of Monteverde and get to know the locals by lending a hand on a rural farmstay near Santa Rosa de Pocosol. Explore the depths of this colourful and vibrant country with plenty of time to make this trip your own.
Highlights
- Try to spot the elusive resplendent quetzal when you’re exploring Monteverde’s steamy cloud forests. Better yet, why not consider a jungle zip-line to get high in the sky for the best views?
- Spend time wandering through the Mercado Municipal de Artesanias artisan stalls in San Jose – Costa Rica’s cultural heart. With plenty of time to stop for a refresco (smoothie), this is a good opportunity to people-watch.
- Lend a hand at a farmstay outside of Santa Rosa de Pocosol and learn some home-cooked recipes and techniques from the locals on a visit to the Juanilama agricultural community.
- Marvel at the size and stature of the Arenal Volcano on the horizon, maybe taking a soak and relaxing in La Fortuna’s lava-heated thermal springs.
- With plenty of time to chill out at your own pace, Quepos’ surf vibe is ideal for catching some waves, lazing on the white-sand beaches or hiking the lush trails of Manuel Antonio with your travel pals.
Trip Details
Product Code: 2515
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: Private vehicle,Boat,Public Transportation
Guide Language: English
Supplier Code: QVSS
Starts: San Jose, Costa Rica
Finishes: San Jose, Costa Rica
Duration: 9 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical rating:
Light
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (1), Lunch (1), Dinner (1)Accommodation: Hotel (7 nights),Homestay (1 night)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) $1,495 ($166 /day)
Itinerary
Hola! Welcome to Costa Rica. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm today in San Jose. With over half the country's population living within its parameters, San Jose is a dynamic atmosphere. If you arrive early, why not wander around at your own pace – a good place to start exploring is the main plaza, perfect for some people watching. Tonight, maybe head out to get to know your group with an optional welcome dinner.
Optional Activities:
- San Jose - Pre-Colombian Gold Museum (Entrance fee) (17 USD)
- San Jose - National Museum (entrance fee) (12 USD)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Travel by private vehicle to Santa Rosa de Pocosol today, where you’ll spend the night in a homestay. Just down the road is the Juanilama agricultural community, where you can get to know the locals, help with farm chores, and take an informal cooking lesson. Several villagers have built comfortable rooms for guests next to their homes, and you’ll stay in one of them this evening. Please note that these rooms use shared facilities. In order to make the most of this homestay experience, it may take a bit of effort from your side to break the ice first. Learn as many Spanish words as you can before you arrive!
Included Activities:
- Santa Rosa de Pocosol - Home-cooked Meal
- Santa Rosa de Pocosol - Homestay experience
- Leader-led Informal Spanish Lesson
Optional Activities:
- Santa Rosa de Pocosol - Soap-making workshop (20 USD)
- Santa Rosa de Pocosol - Waterfall hike (11 USD)
Accommodation:
- Homestay (Number of Nights: 1)
Today, continue to La Fortuna – a small town situated just a few minutes away from Costa Rica's famous Arenal Volcano. Besides its panoramic views, the town offers a range of other activities such as the 70-m-high La Fortuna waterfall, stunning lush forest, rare plants, animal watching and water-based activities on the lake. The volcano’s inner workings also mean that the area has a number of thermal springs where lava-heated water gushes to the surface. These springs have been sculpted into several pools and waterfalls, making them the ideal place to relax. Spend the rest of the day as you please in this exciting town, maybe even testing your balance on a stand-up paddleboard.
Optional Activities:
- La Fortuna - Ecotermales Hot Springs (entrance fee) (49 USD)
- La Fortuna - La Fortuna Waterfall (Entrance only) (21 USD)
- La Fortuna - Arenal 1968 Volcano View and Lava Trails (Entrance fee) (26 USD)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Today, you’ll take the scenic route to Monteverde. Monteverde was founded as an agricultural community in 1951 by a group of North American Quakers – they cleared virgin forests to create verdant pastures ideal for dairy farming. These environmentally aware settlers were conscious of the danger that unrestricted settling and farming could cause to this precious habitat, so they established a small, privately owned wildlife sanctuary, which has grown to become the internationally renowned Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Preserve. More than 2000 species of plants, 320 bird species and 100 different types of mammals call Montverde home. When you arrive, you can choose from a range of outdoor activities to wildlife spot, hike or cruise on the waters.
Included Activities:
- Monteverde - Cloud Forest Entrance
Optional Activities:
- Monteverde - Cloud Forest Night Walk (45 USD)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Today is free for you to choose how you'd like to spend your time in this beautiful area. Maybe start your exploration with a tour of the suspension bridges that hang in the trees, or head to the Serpentarium to see some crawly critters. Watch butterflies at play in the specially created garden, hire a local guide to show you around the area, visit a community cooperative or zip-line through the lush canopy. Whatever you do, be sure to keep an eye out for the resplendent quetzal – one of the most elusive birds in the world.
Optional Activities:
- Monteverde - Butterfly Garden and Insects Farm (entrance fee) (22 USD)
- Monteverde - Coffee & Chocolate tour (47 USD)
- Monteverde - Canopy Zip Lining (Entrance, Equipment & Transport) (65 USD)
- Monteverde - Suspension bridges tour (58 USD)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Travel through the mountains to Quepos by private minibus. Located close to the beautiful Pacific beaches and exotic wildlife of Manuel Antonio National Park, Quepos is a laidback town with a vibrant nightlife. This afternoon, you'll get the chance to meet three generations of Costa Ricans and tuck into a traditional cooking class for lunch with them in their home. Prior to the pandemic, the family ran one of the most popular restaurants in Quepos for almost 20 years. Now, you're lucky to learn the secret flavours and spices of their traditional dishes and get to know the whole family. Once the sun goes down, why not grab a spot at a waterfront restaurant and sink your teeth into some fresh seafood with your travel crew – this is the life.
Included Activities:
- Manuel Antonio - Homecooked lunch
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Spend your time enjoying all that Manuel Antonio National Park has to offer with a free day today. Perhaps head out for a hike along one of the many trails, keeping one eye on the great views and the other looking for the abundant wildlife. Monkeys, armadillos, sloths and hundreds of birds are among the species you can spot here. The park also boasts turquoise seas and white-sand beaches – perfect for swimming, kayaking, sailing and fishing. It would be easy to spend your whole time here in, or by, the water.
Included Activities:
- Manuel Antonio National Park - (Entrance fee)
- Manuel Antonio National Park - Tour with a Naturalist Guide
Optional Activities:
- Manuel Antonio - Mangrove Kayak Activity (with lunch) (79 USD)
- Manuel Antonio – Cruise (100 USD)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Take a public bus back to San Jose today, arriving back in time for you to pick up some last-minute souvenirs at the city's colourful and vibrant markets. Then, head out for an optional dinner and a night on the town, getting a taste of the huge variety of nightlife on offer here.
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
With no further activities planned, your trip comes to an end after breakfast today. If you’d like to extend your stay, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.
Tour Operator
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.
In Business Since 1989
Reviews
Rachel - Traveled, April 2024
We've just come back from a fantastic tour with Intrepid. Our guide Marvin Jose Lopez Martinez was excellent and extremely knowledgeable of the history, culture and flora/fauna of Costa Rica. He organised our group with all our different activities. We mostly ate out together as a group in the evenings - was fab to have Marvin's recommendations.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/25/2024
Jon - Traveled, April 2024
Definitely the best way to see Costa Rica. We saw so many animals thanks to Marvin our guide. There is so much to do but also plenty of time to rest and relax. We ended up spending alot of time as a group including Marvin, going out to eat in the evenings to local places he recommended. It really felt like we go the real Costa Rica - pura vida!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/25/2024
Shauna - Traveled, April 2024
Could not have better things to say! This was my first trip with a tour group and I will definitely be using Intrepid again. Our guide Marvin was incredible and the activities were very well organized. There were plenty of opportunities to personalize the trip as we travelled depending on whether we wanted to relax or do more activities. Absolutely amazing experience!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/25/2024
Pamela - Traveled, April 2024
Had a wonderful trip! My group was excellent, and tour guide Leo’s expertise on Costa Rica’s wildlife and history enhanced the experience. The itinerary was full but not overwhelming, and we were able to see all the highlights while still building in time for other activities.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/22/2024
Rebecca - Traveled, April 2024
This trip gave us an incredible glimpse of Costa Rica. We experienced cities, mountains, beaches and farms all in one short week. Our guide Leo was outstanding and his knowledge of Costa Rican birds, animals, plants, culture, and history were so valuable to our experience. He absolutely went the extra mile to make sure we had the best time and got everything we wanted out of the trip.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/23/2024
Emily - Traveled, April 2024
This was one of the best trips i’ve ever taken. The comfortable private vans made traveling easy, and we saw so many animals that i would have definitely not seen if it were not for our local guide Leo. The activities were so unique (for ex. Ziplining and homestay) and this trip was just so much fun. I’m in my late 20’s early 30’s so i wasnt sure what the ages would be, but there were people my age. Since i had such an amazing experience i’m going to book another with intrepid
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/23/2024
Alex - Traveled, April 2024
This was the most amazing trip. So well organised and thought through. Every element was just perfect. Our Guide Pedro (&Kenneth) were just the best. Their knowledge patience and organisation superb.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/14/2024
Helen - Traveled, April 2024
Fantastic tour with Raquel, a great guide. We were immersed in the community and wildlife of beautiful Costa Rica.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/12/2024
Lucinda - Traveled, April 2024
We had an amazing time in Costa Rica. The locations were beautiful and the included activities were enjoyable and ensured that we saw incredible wildlife and experienced the culture of Costa Rica. Particular highlights included the homestay, the cloud forest and the beach at Manuel Antonio. Our tour guide Raquel was excellent - very informative and made sure that everyone got to do and experience what they wanted. Her recommendations for activities, places to visit and eat were great too. I highly recommend this trip!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/14/2024
Michelle - Traveled, March 2024
¡Pura vida! Costa Rica is a must see & experience. Beautiful country & people.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/24/2024
Michael - Traveled, March 2024
The Costa Rice Experience was incredible - its a beautiful country, full of rich culture and food. I really enjoyed that there were so many different options we could choose from, whether it was with the whole group or separately. Also, our tour guide, Marvin, was super cool and knowledgeable. I cannot recommend this trip enough.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/24/2024
Emily - Traveled, March 2024
This trip goes through several parts of Costa Rica, showing off the country's diversity. The included and add on optional activities were excellent, and our guide, Marvin, was amazing. Would highly recommend this trip. The homestay was a definite highlight, and something you can't really do travelling on your own.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/25/2024
Irene - Traveled, March 2024
My second intrepid tour and I have to give it to them for their guides, thoughtful itineraries and care for the environment.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/28/2024
Patrick - Traveled, March 2024
We travelled to Costa Rica as part of our honeymoon and opted for the nine-day Intrepid group tour which started in the capital, San Jose. Our tour leader, Marvin Jose Lopez was a brilliant tour guide and make our trip very relaxed , memorable and enjoyable. We got to experience a large part of what of Costa Rica has to offer, with the homestay with a family near Santa Rosa de Pocosol, waterfall in La Fortuna and hanging bridges and Zip Lining in Monteverde being some of the highlights. I would definitely recommend the trip to friends and families and will return one day in the future.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/01/2024
Carolina - Traveled, March 2024
An excellent trip, from beginning to end. We got to see amazing places and meet amazing people. Allan Alfaro (our guide) made it unforgettable, he is the best guide I have ever had on a trip and he made us feel like family. It was a big struggle to leave the group we traveled with and this beautiful country behind. Looking forward to booking our next adventure with Intrepid!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/19/2024
Laura - Traveled, March 2024
I was so impressed with our guide. I hoped for seeing a new place but he was such a great teacher I learned so much that I hadn’t even anticipated
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/20/2024
Fiona - Traveled, March 2024
This was my first trip with Intrepid and doubt it will be my last. Overall it was an amazing experience and I quickly fell in love with Costa Rica. Our amazing guide Allan was very knowledgeable and shared really interesting facts & insight into Costa Rica. He also managed to spot an amazing amount of wildlife that we would not have seen otherwise and he was happy to recommend nice places to visit, restaurants etc. In addition, even when we had free time, he was available for any questions & help as required. The included activities were all excellent and I really enjoyed the homestay and spending time with the local community!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/21/2024
Jessica - Traveled, March 2024
Great trip to a great place with a great leader :)
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/25/2024
Allie - Traveled, March 2024
Intrepid introduced me to some of the most amazing people I’ve ever met from all over the world. We became so close-knit and had so much fun together exploring Costa Rica’s beautiful environments and communities. Our group leader was genuine, passionate, and dedicated to us and our experience. It was easy to tell how much he cared for his country and how excited he was to share his culture.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/17/2024
Eric - Traveled, March 2024
We had a very professional and knowledgeable tour leader on this Costa Rica trip. Ale was also very passionate about her country and made a point to educate us about the history and culture of her country. It was a small group of young and senior travelers but we all got along super well and had a great time!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/18/2024
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