Costa Rica Active Escape

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Our Price From 3,084 Per Person
Exclusive Savings 193 Per Person
 Trip Length
8 Days
 Trip Starts
San Jose
 Trip Finishes
Liberia
8 Day Costa Rica Active Escape Itinerary (Exodus)
Countries Explored: Costa Rica
Trip Style
Active
Departures
Budget
Affordable
Max. Group Size
16
Pace
Easy / Leisurely
Guide Level
Fully Guided
Trip Code
AHJ

Overview

Book online and enjoy exclusive savings on Exodus 8 Day Costa Rica Active Escape. The many natural wonders of Costa Rica make the perfect setting for your next big-thrills getaway. Over the course of a week, we go white-water rafting on the Balsa River, swim next to a thundering waterfall, meet the nocturnal wildlife of Monteverde on a night walk, and take to the ocean for a dolphin-watching excursion. After all that excitement, the expedition ends peacefully with a few days on the Pacific coastline, where a sandy bay is shaded by coconut palms and the water is perfect for swimming. This action-packed...read more week will leave you refreshed and with a full understanding of Costa Rica's most famous phrase: 'pura vida' or 'pure life'.

Itinerary

A free transfer takes you to our hotel in San José, the busy capital of Costa Rica. Check in and take it easy. There's plenty of excitement on this trip, so today's all about relaxing and easing ourselves into the adventure. To help, there'll be a welcome briefing at the hotel in the evening, in which we'll gather as a group for the first time and meet our guide. Stay: Autentico Hotel (or similar).

We drive to the area surrounding Arenal volcano, which was the most active volcano in Costa Rica until it entered a resting phase in 2010. There is still lots of geothermal activity here, plus natural hot springs, waterfalls and the largest lake in the country, Lake Arenal. Today, we visit La Fortuna Waterfall, a 215ft (65m) cascade plunging into an emerald pool.

A short rainforest trail brings us to steep steps that we must descend to reach the waterfall and then ascend to the exit; this takes around 20 to 30 minutes and will be rewarded with a swim in the pool. You can visit the lookout point to wait for the group if you prefer. There will also be plenty of time to spot forest-dwelling animals along the way; keep an eye out for colourful toucans in the trees. Stay: Eco Arenal (or similar) (B).

After breakfast, we head to the Balsa River for an exhilarating white-water rafting excursion. The rapids here are graded II and III and have nicknames such as Magnetic Rock and Dredges – prepare to get wet and wild on this adventure. No experience of this activity is needed as a full safety briefing and instruction is given before getting into the rafts. Tropical scenery flanks the river and we may spot monkeys, toucans or other animals in the forest.

There will also be a stop for drinks and tropical fruits along the way. On our return to La Fortuna, we stop to enjoy a delicious lunch at Vida Campesina, a traditional country estate that allows visitors to experience typical country life in Costa Rica. Lunch will be made with ingredients harvested on the property and prepared on a wood stove in traditional style. Stay: Eco Arenal (or similar) (B/L).

From Arenal, we travel to the Tilaran mountain range in the Central Highlands for a taste of the Costa Rican cloud forest. Reaching Monteverde involves a fast boat across Lake Arenal, which is incredibly scenic and will take roughly half an hour. Our journey is then completed by private minibus as we ascend the hills towards Monteverde, a forest-cloaked region whose name literally means Green Mountain.

The high altitude supports a complex ecosystem where plants thrive, particularly orchids of which there are some 400-plus varieties here. Our journey time will be about 3hr 30min, including the lake crossing. Around 6pm, we have a night walk to experience the forest in the dark. This gives an entirely new perspective on the cloud forest habitat with many pairs of eyes staring back at you. We may see sloths, armadillos, porcupines, possums and coatis and will likely hear a cacophony of insects and amphibians. Stay: Montaña Monteverde (or similar) (B).

Today we visit Selvatura Park, 850 acres (345ha) of protected land dedicated to nature and adventure. We begin with the hanging bridges excursion, a system of treetop walkways designed to let you experience the beauty of the cloud forest and observe the many inhabitants. We also visit the butterfly garden, one of the largest butterfly exhibitions in the world, and the hummingbird garden, where more than 14 hummingbird species amaze you with their aerial manoeuvres.

In the afternoon, there is time to try aerial manoeuvres of our own on an optional zip line adventure through the tree tops. Before we fly, guides teach us the proper technique, including how to position ourselves and hold the cable correctly, enabling you to safely embark on this adrenaline-pumping adventure above the trees. Stay: Montaña Monteverde (or similar) (B).

We travel to the Samara region on the Pacific Coast, a destination to rival any for beauty in Costa Rica but yet to be discovered by mass tourism. The broad, shady bay is backed by coconut palms and the water is calm and safe for swimming thanks to a coral reef on which the normally large Pacific waves break before reaching the shore. There are plenty of facilities in this area but there's a noticeable absence of big resort hotels, which makes for a nice atmosphere. We have a free afternoon to enjoy the facilities and discover the area. Stay: Leyenda Hotel (or similar) (B).

Today we take a private boat from Carrillo Beach in search of dolphins. You could be lucky enough to see spotted dolphins, Central American spinners or common bottlenoses, which all inhabit this area year round. Feel the ocean breeze and enjoy the coastal scenery as we search for these playful animals who love to swim in the bow wave of the boat.

As we return along the coast, we anchor near the shores of Isla Chora, a white-sand beach full of hermit crabs and iguanas. This is a great spot for a refreshing swim and a chance to observe the underwater world with a mask and snorkel. Beneath the surface teems a lively world with huge marine diversity. In total, today's excursion lasts around four hours, with the rest of your time at leisure to enjoy the area. Stay: Leyenda Hotel (or similar) (B).

A final breakfast at the hotel is your chance to say goodbye to the group, swap numbers, and perhaps start planning your next adventure. (B).

Trip Inclusions

  • Enjoy an exhilarating white-water rafting excursion
  • Join a night walk in Monteverde to see the cloud forest come alive at night
  • Relax on Carrillo Beach and enjoy the Pacific coastline
  • Join a fun-filled boat excursion to see dolphins

  • Travel by minibus, boat and on foot
  • Seven nights in comfortable hotels 
  • All breakfasts and one lunch
  • All transport and listed activities
  • Tour leader throughout

  • Itinerary and inclusions are subject to change
  • Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included
About Exodus Travels
About Exodus Travels

From classic small group tours & family adventures, to walking holidays, cycling trips and self-guided tours. Read more

Exodus Trip Leaders
Exodus Trip Leaders

Exodus chooses their Leaders carefully. Professional, dedicated and are passionate about sharing their home countries. Read more

Accommodation with Personality
Accommodation with Personality

Wherever possible, Exodus chooses properties that are locally owned and that reflect the area you are visiting. Read more

Availability

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Note
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you enquire. Additional savings may apply. We guarantee the lowest price in Australia. T&C’s apply.
Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Prices and trip information are correct at the time at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Exodus. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Exodus. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.

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