Group Travel Costa Rica
You definitely cannot miss living the “Pura Vida” experience by joining one of our groups with fixed departures, on an 8-day trip you will discover the beauties of Costa Rica and of course not only having an unforgettable experience of beach and tropical forest, you will also be able to meet people from different parts of the world, who, like you, we are sure will fall in love with this tropical Paradise. Everything is ready for your arrival… do you already have your ticket?
Welcome to Costa Rica!
Day 1 Arrive to San José. Arrive on your own to the hotel
The arrival transfer from the Juan Santamaria International Airport to the Hotel will be on your own. If you wish, our agency can organize your arrival transfer. Just let us know and we’ll be sending you recommendations and prices. Otherwise, Hotel selected in San José offers free airport shuttle service leaving out from Arrivals Terminal.
At 7:00 p.m., all participants are invited to join the guide at the hotel lobby. You will receive information from the guide about departure times and guidelines in order to ensure the success of this trip. This bilingual guide will accompany you for the next 7 days.
Day 3: Depart to Arenal/Fortuna with your guide
The Northern Plains of Costa Rica showcases some very scenic countryside towns. Small agriculture communities and cattle ranches cover rolling hills and deep valleys. The plains, rainforests and rivers make the north central a must-see in any Costa Rica program. The main attraction is the iconic Arenal Volcano. The Arenal Volcano area is Costa Rica’s premier region of exploration and excitement: Arenal is synonymous to adventure and Eco-discovery, where you can embark in a wide variety of activities. Enjoy the thrill of whitewater rafting or canyoning, or combine adventure with ecological discovery in a canopy tour. Hike the volcano or explore the rainforest strolling through hanging bridges.
Evening visit to Arenal Hot Springs
Evening visit to Arenal Hot Springs (from 6pm to 9pm)
Enjoy the largest network of natural hot springs in Arenal, amid the lush vegetation to symphony of rushing waterfalls. Ensure a perfect close to the day with a relaxing thermal bath and a delicious dinner.
Included: Entrance fee to Hot Springs and dinner. Drinks not included.
Day 3 Arenal Volcano National Park Hike & La Fortuna Waterfall
We begin the tour by heading to Arenal Volcano National Park to get as close as possible to the base of the volcano. Next, we will walk approximately 1.5 kilometer along a volcanic stone path with a moderate degree of difficulty, until we reach the viewpoint, the closest point to volcano permitted to access.
At the viewpoint, our guide will provide relevant information on the formation of the Arenal Volcano, its periods of activity, as well as unpublished details of its first eruption in 1968. You can also enjoy the excellent views of the Green Lagoon and Lake Arenal. On the guide’s indication, we will begin our descent back.
Part of the trail around the Arenal Volcano features patches of regenerating forest that were originally affected by ancient eruptions. With a little luck, this 1.5 km (1 mi) trail will provide us with the opportunity to see a wide variety of plants and birds that inhabit the rainforest.
After this hike, you will continue to La Fortuna Waterfall.
We will begin our descent on a downhill trail of approximately 500 m (1640 ft.) with more than 480 steps surrounded by the impressive rainforest until we reach the base of the fall. The waterfall is renowned for its 70 m (230 ft.) fall of crystal-clearwater which originates in the Children’s Eternal Rainforest. With a little luck, we will spot animals like coatis, butterflies, toucans, orioles, among other species. Once at the base, you can take a swim in its refreshing waters, take pictures, or simply rest and admire the beauty of the La Fortuna Waterfall and the surrounding nature.
Included: Entrance fees.
Day 4 Continue to Monteverde
Located in the Cordillera de Tilarán, Monteverde is home to some of the most endangered species in the planet. Its elevation is from 600 meters to 1800 meters above sea level in some isolated areas. It currently houses about 2,000 plant & tree species, 400 bird species, 100 species of mammals and around 1,200 amphibians and reptiles as well as hundreds of unique fern and orchid species. Birds are one of the main attractions in Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve as a lot of them would migrate there and a variety of species are for everyone to see alive and freely hovering. Some of the famed birds found in the cloud forest are the bare-necked umbrella birds, the endangered Bellbird, quetzals and over 30 species of hummingbirds.
As the weather here is quite chilly and misty, due to the village being high up in the Tilaran Mountain Range, do bring some thick clothes and a light jacket to stay warm.
Day 5 Zipline and Hanging Bridges at Selvatura Park
Zipline and hanging bridges at Selvatura Park
Our tour is the only zip-line tour built entirely inside the cloud forest. In this tour, visitors cross through the unique cloud forest canopy suspended over the forest while attached to high weight-capacity cables and using the specialized climbing gear. This provides wonderful experience and sensations only comparable to flying through the forest. This tour not only combines the thrill of one of Costa Rica’s most safe and popular adventures, but also provides a unique vantage point of the cloud forest which in the past was reserved only to certain scientists brave enough to climb up to the forest canopy.
Selvatura’s Tree Top Walkways consist of a 1.9 mile (approximately 3 kilometer) trail that leads you through the Monteverde Cloud Forest. Here visitors will walk on eight different bridges with various lengths ranging between 150 feet (50 meters) and 510 feet (170 meters) and altitudes ranging between 36 feet (12 meters) and 180 feet (60 meters). Each bridge has a capacity of up to 80 people which makes them both the longest and strongest bridges in the Monteverde Cloud Forest. The Tree Top Walkways are suitable for people of all ages.
Included: Equipment and specialized zipline guide.
Day 6 Continue to Quepos/Manuel Antonio
A place of swaying palms and playful monkeys, sparkling blue water and a riot of tropical birds, Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio is the country’s smallest and most popular national park. It’s a truly lovely place; the clearly marked trail system winds through rainforest-backed white-sand beaches and rocky headlands, the wildlife (iguanas, sloths, monkeys) is plentiful, and the views across the bay to the pristine outer islands are gorgeous. From Manuel Antonio you can experience whitewater rafting, guided rainforest waterfall walks, horseback riding, snorkeling and sports fishing.
***Note that Manuel Antonio National Park is closed on Tuesday
Day 7 Guided walk at Manuel Antonio National Park
Explore the pristine natural beauty of this world-famous Manuel Antonio National Park filled with exotic wildlife such as monkeys, sloths, birds, reptiles and butterflies. Experience the lush rainforest behind you, sandy beaches below, and crystalline blue waters during this refreshing 20-minute beach stop. Have your camera ready, as your knowledgeable guide sets his trained eyes on diverse flora and fauna for you to capture along the way.
Additionally, take advantage of the Pentax and Swarovski telescopes guides are equipped with to make those images in your memories and photographs even crisper.
Includes: Park entrance fee.
Day 8 Departure from Manuel Antonio to the International Airport OR Extend your stay in Costa Rica
After an amazing time of absolute highlights in our beautiful Costa Rica, it is time to return home. Share your stories and photos with family and friends, make sure to recommend us and make plans to come visit us again soon!
The tour ends today at the San José International Airport. It is important that your return flight departs from San Jose after 2:00 p.m. Otherwise, we advise you to sleep in San José and book your departure flight for the next day. Accommodation in San José and departure transfer to the Airport are at your own expense. If you prefer, our agency can organize your lodging and the transfer out. Just let us know and we’ll be sending you recommendations and prices.
Beach extension or jungle extension
After two-night stay in Manuel Antonio you have the option to extend your stay in this beach town or add a jungle extension in Corcovado. Our agency will be more than pleased to assist you with recommendations and prices of lodging and transportation.
Hotels Costa Rica
• San José – Presidente Hotel or similar (1 Night)
• Arenal – Montaña de Fuego Hotel or similar (2 Nights)
• Monteverde – El Establo Mountain Hotel & Private Reserve or similar (2 Nights)
• Manuel Antonio – Tabulia Hotel or similar (2 Nights)
New group tours, departure dates and more information will be listed here soon!
Travel in international company, comfortable hotels and transportation and a top notch English speaking expert guide!
Included
- Local Travel Program Support, 24-hour emergency service.
- 7 nights of accommodation in rooms with private bathroom and hot water.
- Daily Breakfast at all hotels and taxes included.
- 1 dinner included on day 2
- 7 days of English speaking guide (from day 2 to day 8)
- 7 days of private transportation (from day 2 to day 8)
Excursions included:
- Evening visit to Hot Springs including entrance fee and dinner. Drinks not included.
- Arenal Volcano National Park hike, entrance fee included
- Visit La Fortuna Waterfall, entrance fee included
- Zipline at Selvatura Park in Monteverde including equipment and specialized guide
- Hanging Bridges at Selvatura Park in Monteverde including entrance fee
- Manuel Antonio National Park hike, entrance fee included
Not Included
- Arrival transfer
- San Jose accommodation and transfer out (if needed on day 8 and 9)
- Beach extension or jungle extension (from day 8)
- Other meals than indicated as included.
- Other excursions tours and activities indicated as optional or not included
- International flights.
- Personal expenses.
- Tips and extras at hotels.
- Travel insurance
- Airport taxes (US$ 29.00 per person not included).