G Adventures
Save 15%Total Central America: Two Months of Wild
Guatemala, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Belize, Honduras, Costa Rica, El Salvador · 62 days · Easy
fromCAD 7,799
Next: 23 Aug
Operated by G Adventures
Costa Rica North and South: National Parks, Wildlife & Hot Springs
From
Price on request
Duration
15 days
Countries
Costa Rica
Activity
moderate
Group size
Max 16
The adventure
Experience Costa Rica to the fullest on this comprehensive 15-day exploration into the country's spectacular, diverse landscapes. Featuring a perfect blend of essential highlights like La Fortuna and Manuel Antonio National Park, venture even deeper into the unspoiled jungle and beaches of the Osa Peninsula in search of wildlife and adventure. Stay in motion with kayaking and hiking, with time for kicking back in regenerative natural hot springs. Costa Rica is calling—be sure to pick up.
Feel the warm air hit your face as you step out of the plane in Costa Rica. Fall into the pace of the traffic and beeping car horns as you take in the sights and sounds of this vibrant Central American country en route to the city centre. We welcome you to San José, and while technically not quite in the jungle just yet, we invite you to embrace all of the new and exciting things that await.
See the landscape dramatically change as you head out of the city and through the lush Braulio Carrillo National Park en route to the coast. Before long you'll be gliding through the canals of Tortuguero in a kayak, keeping a lookout for tropical birds, reptiles and monkeys that call this place home. Settle into the comfortable lodge for the night and fall asleep to the sounds of the jungle.
Wake early and prepare for more exploration of Tortuguero's waterways to spot wildlife. Catch the light glinting off of a Morpho butterfly's blazing blue wings as you paddle along the canals and listen to the calls of the forest. In the evening, you could take an excursion to visit the nesting grounds of green and leatherback turtles for which the national park was named, and perhaps spot the females laying eggs on the beach (seasonal, July to October).
Leaving the coast behind, we'll head inland with a stop at a G Adventures-supported coffee cooperative along the way. Learn all about how coffee is harvested and produced as you sip a delicious cup of one of Costa Rica's most tasty indulgences. Stretch your legs and soak in the scenery on a walk to a nearby waterfall before a typical lunch and then continue onwards towards Caño Negro, one of the most dynamic and biodiverse ecosystems in Costa Rica.
Discover the rich biodiversity and cultural traditions of Caño Negro today. Cruise along the Rio Frio and through the Caño Negro Wetlands in search of wildlife, then visit a local island community to enjoy a traditional Costa Rican lunch and learn about the region's heritage. This evening, delve into the culinary traditions of the Maleku people during an interactive gastronomic demonstration, followed by a tasting dinner featuring the flavours of northern Costa Rica.
Set out for Volcán Tenorio National Park and hike through lush rainforest trails to the stunning turquoise waters of Rio Celeste Waterfall. Continue to Maleku territory to connect with the local community and enjoy a traditional lunch before ending the day in La Fortuna, near the base of Arenal Volcano.
Today is all about you. Fly through the lush forest canopy on a series of zip-lines and platforms or hanging bridges, walking along and trying to spot wildlife. Whichever option you choose, your muscles will appreciate a soak in the restorative thermal springs and waterfalls of the hot springs resort, a luxurious and relaxing way to spend the evening.
Get to know Costa Rica's capital city like a local today as you set off by bike to explore the sights and to stimulate the senses. Discover some of San José's history and architecture in the downtown area while also visiting some local favourite spots and hidden neighbourhood gems along the way with stops for typical snacks and coffee.
Swap the big city energy for stunning natural beauty as you take in the breathtaking views from the walking trails at Irazú Volcano, the highest active volcano in the country. If you're extremely lucky and the skies are clear it is possible to see both the Caribbean and Pacific coasts from the top. The evening provides a respite from the hustle and bustle as you settle into a wellness eco-camp at the foot of Chirripó Mountain, an ideal place to connect with nature and with your senses.
Freedom and choice are the order of the day to get the most out of this incredible part of the country. The nearby Cloudbridge Nature Reserve offers hiking and wildlife-spotting opportunities while closer to camp provides a waterfall hike with a swim and yoga. Allow the landscapes, movement and environment to revitalize your body and mind.
The Osa Peninsula is Costa Rica's final frontier, home to vast wilderness, wildlife and incredible diversity, and it will be our playground for the next couple of days. The journey south provides continuously changing landscapes until reaching the pristine coastal rainforest and stretches of wild ocean as far as the eye can see.
Set off on an unforgettable expedition into the wilds of Corcovado National Park, a natural treasure of Costa Rica. One of the most biodiverse places on the planet, we will venture in and out by boat to head into the park on foot in search of an array of tropical birds and wildlife like toucans, monkeys and the elusive jaguar. When you hear the distinctive call, turn your eyes skyward to catch a glimpse of colourful macaws, usually flying in pairs and gleaming in the sun.
Beautiful beaches and small towns dot the Pacific coastline from north to south, with hidden coves and surf breaks coming into sight as you round each corner. Take in the sweeping views and hike to a waterfall before descending down to one of Costa Rica's most well-known gems at Manuel Antonio National Park.
Wildlife, birds and natural beauty abound as you head into Manuel Antonio National Park to walk the coastal jungle trails. Embrace the slower pace like the resident sloths of the forest to appreciate the lush environment packed with wildlife before settling on one of the park's idyllic beaches for a swim.
Leave the coast behind and relive the memories on the return to San Jose and on the onward travels home.
At a glance
Duration
15 days
Route
San José → San José
Countries
Costa Rica
Activity level
moderate
Style
Active & Multi-Sport, Beach & Islands, Culture & History, Cycling, Food & Drink, National Parks & Wilderness, Trekking & Hiking, Wellness & Yoga, Wildlife & Safari
Group size
Max 16
Flights
Not included
Solo travellers
Welcome
Where you'll go
Day by day
Your journey through
Costa Rica
Showing Days 1-7
15-day itinerary
Day 1Feel the warm air hit your face as…San José
San JoséFeel the warm air hit your face as you step out of the plane in Costa Rica. Fall into the pace of the traffic and beeping car horns as you take in the sights and sounds of this vibrant Central American country en route to the city centre. We welcome you to San José, and while technically not quite in the jungle just yet, we invite you to embrace all of the new and exciting things that await.
Day 2See the landscape dramatically change as you head…San José
San JoséSee the landscape dramatically change as you head out of the city and through the lush Braulio Carrillo National Park en route to the coast. Before long you'll be gliding through the canals of Tortuguero in a kayak, keeping a lookout for tropical birds, reptiles and monkeys that call this place home. Settle into the comfortable lodge for the night and fall asleep to the sounds of the jungle.
Day 3Wake early and prepare for more exploration…
Wake early and prepare for more exploration of Tortuguero's waterways to spot wildlife. Catch the light glinting off of a Morpho butterfly's blazing blue wings as you paddle along the canals and listen to the calls of the forest. In the evening, you could take an excursion to visit the nesting grounds of green and leatherback turtles for which the national park was named, and perhaps spot the females laying eggs on the beach (seasonal, July to October).
Day 4Leaving the coast behind
Leaving the coast behind, we'll head inland with a stop at a G Adventures-supported coffee cooperative along the way. Learn all about how coffee is harvested and produced as you sip a delicious cup of one of Costa Rica's most tasty indulgences. Stretch your legs and soak in the scenery on a walk to a nearby waterfall before a typical lunch and then continue onwards towards Caño Negro, one of the most dynamic and biodiverse ecosystems in Costa Rica.
Day 5Discover the rich biodiversity and cultural traditions…
Discover the rich biodiversity and cultural traditions of Caño Negro today. Cruise along the Rio Frio and through the Caño Negro Wetlands in search of wildlife, then visit a local island community to enjoy a traditional Costa Rican lunch and learn about the region's heritage. This evening, delve into the culinary traditions of the Maleku people during an interactive gastronomic demonstration, followed by a tasting dinner featuring the flavours of northern Costa Rica.
Day 6Set out for Volcán Tenorio National Park…
Set out for Volcán Tenorio National Park and hike through lush rainforest trails to the stunning turquoise waters of Rio Celeste Waterfall. Continue to Maleku territory to connect with the local community and enjoy a traditional lunch before ending the day in La Fortuna, near the base of Arenal Volcano.
Day 7Today is all about you
Today is all about you. Fly through the lush forest canopy on a series of zip-lines and platforms or hanging bridges, walking along and trying to spot wildlife. Whichever option you choose, your muscles will appreciate a soak in the restorative thermal springs and waterfalls of the hot springs resort, a luxurious and relaxing way to spend the evening.
1 / 3
Discover Costa Rica
A glimpse of the destination you'll explore.
Operated by G Adventures
TripFinder compares the available catalog facts and can help with the booking. You travel under the operator's terms; final price and availability are confirmed before purchase.
Book my trip →More Central America adventures
Intrepid Travel
DealEpic Central America
Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua · 45 days · Easy4.0(2)
fromCAD 5,262
Next: 12 Aug
G Adventures
Save 15%Epic Central America: Seven Countries & the Softest Sand Ever
Guatemala, Mexico, Nicaragua, Belize, Honduras, Costa Rica, El Salvador · 45 days · Easy
fromCAD 5,449
Next: 02 AugFrom
Price on request