Essential Upgraded Costa Rica

The adventure

Experience Costa Rica's diverse geography and incredible wildlife on on this compact adventure, taking you from the foot of an active volcano to cloud forests and finishing off on the beaches of Manuel Antonio National Park. Hear about conservation initiatives from a researcher at Monteverde Institute, learn the art of tortilla-making with a local family, and spot monkeys, sloths and birds in the jungles and forests of this incredible country that will leave you wanting to come back for more.

At a glance

Where you'll go

Day by day

Your journey through

Costa Rica

Showing Days 1-7

9-day itinerary

Day 1Arrival dayArrivalIf you arrive early enough, you'll have time to head into the city to visit a museum, shop, or visit the main plaza in the city centre. The plaza is a good place to people-watch. A mime, juggler, marimba band, magician, or storyteller may be performing for whatever is collected when the hat is passed. Artisan booths are common, creating a regular arts and crafts fair atmosphere.

If you arrive early enough, you'll have time to head into the city to visit a museum, shop, or visit the main plaza in the city centre. The plaza is a good place to people-watch. A mime, juggler, marimba band, magician, or storyteller may be performing for whatever is collected when the hat is passed. Artisan booths are common, creating a regular arts and crafts fair atmosphere.

Day 2Depart San José by private vehicle and stop…

San José

Depart San José by private vehicle and stop a G Adventures–supported coffee cooperative to lear about the process of coffee production from bean to cup. After a typical lunch, continue to the town of La Fortuna, situated at the foot of the Arenal Volcano. This evening, visit a local home to learn how to make tortillas and dig into a traditional Costa Rican meal of black beans and plantains.

Day 3Enjoy a full free day to explore La…

Enjoy a full free day to explore La Fortuna and its surrounding areas. Choose from a variety of optional activities like stand-up paddleboarding on Lake Arenal, take a canyoning excursion, soak in some local hot springs, take a boat tour of Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge, and more.

Day 4Travel by van and boat to the cloud…

Travel by van and boat to the cloud forests of Monteverde, a nature lover’s paradise. Take the afternoon for yourself and choose to go zip-lining in the forest canopy, go horseback riding, or just relax in the pool at the hotel.

Day 5Hike in the lush Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve

Hike in the lush Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve, looking out for birds and wildlife. Afterward, visit the Monteverde Institute to hear from a researcher about some of the institute's conservation initiatives, including a successful reforestation project. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon to choose from more optional activities like a visit to the hanging bridges in the canopy, horseback riding or a visit to the Monteverde Butterfly Farm, to name a few.

Day 6Depart Monteverde and head to Costa Rica’s Pacific coast

Depart Monteverde and head to Costa Rica’s Pacific coast, near Manuel Antonio National Park. Opt to go surfing, horseback riding, dolphin watching on a catamaran or just spend the rest of the day relaxing on the beach.

Day 7Take a guided tour along the jungle trails…

Take a guided tour along the jungle trails and and white-sand beaches of Manuel Antonio National Park, keeping an eye out for wildlife like monkeys, sloths, iguanas, and countless species of birds. Go swimming in the park’s lagoons and tidal pools and then enjoy free time to take an optional surfing lesson, head out for a snorkelling excursion or just relax on the beach.

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