Basic Costa Rica: Coastlines & Cloud Forests in Costa Rica, Central America

Map of the route for Basic Costa Rica: Coastlines & Cloud Forests

Places visited

Costa Rica

Itinerary

Day 1San José

Arrive at any time. Tonight, explore the La California barrio with your fellow travellers. Stop in at one of the many bars to get to know your group over a few drinks. Cheers to new friends and new adventures!

Exclusive Inclusions:

Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group|Connect With New Friends

Day 2San José/Puerto Viejo de Talamanca

Today begin with an incredible bus ride over the mountains to the Caribbean coast. The group will be travelling to the picturesque village of Puerto Viejo de Talamanca to enjoy the tropical seascape and sandy beaches surrounded by exotic tropical vegetation.

Days 3–4Puerto Viejo de Talamanca

It's a full free day in absolute paradise! What are you waiting for? Opt to rent a bike, relax on the beach, or hike in Manzanillo National Wildlife Refuge.

Day 5Puerto Viejo de Talamanca/San Carlos

Travel north up the Caribbean coastline before heading inland through varied landscapes. Stop at Coope San Juan for a homestay in the local community and cooperative that includes lunch, dinner, and an activity with the community.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Coope San Juan Homestay

Meals included:

Dinner

Day 6San Carlos/La Fortuna

After breakfast in San Carlos the group will travel to La Fortuna. Check out this beautiful area at the base of Arenal Volcano. Options abound—soak in Arenal's hot springs or get the adrenaline pumping with whitewater rafting or waterfall rappelling.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 7La Fortuna

Enjoy an entire free day in La Fortuna. Opt to go whitewater rafting, mountain biking, caving, horseback riding, or a tour of the Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge. Like much of Costa Rica, the area is a birders’ paradise, with over 600 species as permanent residents. After a long day of exploring, you can choose to take a relaxing soak at Baldi Hot Springs.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Day 8La Fortuna/Monteverde

Travel from La Fortuna to Monteverde and into the cool mountain air of the area. Stop at Life Monteverde, a coffee cooperative for coffee tastings, and a tour of their farm to learn about sustainable agriculture. In the afternoon, take time to venture out and explore the mountainous town of Monteverde.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Life Monteverde Experience

Day 9Monteverde

There's so much to see and do in Monteverde and you'll have plenty of time on this free day to explore on your own. Opt to wander the cloud forest or visit a coffee plantation.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Day 10Monteverde / Southern Nicoya Peninsula

Travel to the Pacific coast along the southern Nicoya Peninsula. Enjoy the laid-back beach town vibes of Santa Teresa or Montezuma.

Days 11–12Santa Teresa / Montezuma

Fill your days with as much or as little as you like. Start off with an early yoga class or sleep in before setting off to explore nearby beaches in search of a perfect, tranquil spot for a day of relaxing along the beautiful Pacific coast.

Day 13Southern Nicoya Peninsula / San José

Travel back to the capital for a final evening with the group.

Day 14San José

Depart at any time.

View full itinerary

What's Included

Your G for Good Moment: Coope San Juan Homestay, Cantón de San Carlos
Your G for Good Moment: Life Monteverde Experience, Monteverde
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
Your First Night Out Moment: Connect With New Friends
Your Discover Moment: La Fortuna
Your Discover Moment: Monteverde
Beach time in Puerto Viejo and Santa Teresa
Free time in La Fortuna and Monteverde
All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

Accommodations

Simple hotels (3 nts), hostels (9 nts, multi-share), local homestay (1 nt).

Meals

1 breakfast, 1 dinner
Allow USD470-615 for meals not included.

Transportation

Local bus, boat, taxi, private vehicle, walking.

Staff & experts

CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout.

Available extras (Add these to your tour when you book)

Costa Rica Adrenaline Bundle - From $1179.00

CANYONING (Half-day Arenal) Rappel, down-climb, river-trace, and descend huge waterfalls in the rugged mountains and lush rainforests around Costa Rica’s Arenal Volcano. ZIPLINING (Half-day Monteverde) Get a true bird’s-eye view of the rainforest canopy as you soar through the trees on a Tarzan swing, a giant rappel, and a 137-meter-high (450-foot) zipline. Please note the prices listed does not include the IVA Tax. Please note that passengers must weigh between 45-100kg (100 – 220 lbs) and be at least 130cm (4'3 ft) tall to participate in these activities.

Guided Cloud Forest Night Walk - From $239.00

Join a naturalist guide for a 1.5-2 hour tour in the cloud forest after dark. Learn more about the habits of the area's nocturnal wildlife including mammals, birds, insects, reptiles, and amphibians, and keep your eyes and ears open on this slow-paced walk. You never know what you might see – it depends on the day and your luck!

Santa Teresa Surf Lessons - From $589.00

Grab a board and start riding waves with a surf lesson on the beach. Start off by learning the basics: getting up and staying on the board. Once you're ready, take your new skills out into the water and put them to the test. After your surf lesson, relax on the beach and enjoy some lunch while watching the waves.