Basic Costa Rica: Coastlines & Cloud Forests

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! Arrive in San Jose at any time. There are no planned activities so check into our hotel and enjoy the city.

Included Experiences

• Meet Your CEO and Group: Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
• Connect With New Friends: Connect with new friends on your first night out in a new destination. Only available on 18-to-Thirtysomethings tours.

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. Spend time enjoying the picturesque village of Puerto Viejo de Talamanca. The white and black sand beaches are perfect for lounging about and catching up on some relaxation.

Included Experiences

• Local Bus: Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.
• Free Time: Free time to explore paradise.

Optional Experiences

• Bike Rental: Rent a bike from a local shop and head out to explore.

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.

Included Experiences

• Free Time: Free time to explore paradise.

Optional Experiences

• Snorkelling: Grab a mask and snorkel and head out to explore the marine life off the coast. Check out the beaches of Punta Uva (Grape Point) and Manzanillo for some of the country's best snorkelling. See coral, fish, octopus, sea turtles and harmless nurse sharks.
• Bike Rental: Rent a bike from a local shop and head out to explore.
• Boogie Boarding: Rent a boogie board and enjoy playing in the surf.
• Finca la Isla Botanical Garden Visit: Just outside the town is a tropical farm, part of which is set aside as a botanical garden. Finca la Isla is a working farm and botanical garden built from the remains of an abandoned cacao plantation. Sample homemade natural chocolate, drink tropical fruit drinks, learn about the production of black pepper and nutmeg, as well as ornamental plants. Shoot some colourful photos and be careful where you walk. Visitors are guaranteed to see the red poison dart frog, along with other frogs, reptiles, toucans and birds. (5-10 USD per person)
• Gandoca Manzanillo National Wildlife Refuge Hike: Beginning at the Cocles River south of Puerto Viejo, the Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge extends through beach communities, jungle, marshland, coves and coast all the way to the Sixaola River and the border with Panama. Begin in Manzanillo and wind your way through plantations of cacao, strangler fig and almond trees, look for capuchin and howler monkeys, sloths and raccoons. White sand beaches lead into aquamarine water, filled with 35 species of coral and tropical fish, sea turtles, lobsters and sting rays. Wear light clothing, walking shoes, and bring lots of water and insect repellent.

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.

Included Experiences

• Coope San Juan Homestay: Immerse yourself in local farming culture by staying with a family in the Coope San Juan community in the rainforest of northern Costa Rica. Your presence is supporting this community-owned and operated business. While you're here, practice Spanish, enjoy authentically-cooked fresh food, bike along jungle trails, and try your hand at fishing.

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.

Included Experiences

• Free Time: With so much to see and do here, make the most of your time and get going.

Optional Experiences

• Whitewater Rafting: Pull on your bathing suit and water shoes, don a helmet and prepare to get wet and wild. Guided by expert leaders, paddle through Class II-IV rapids as you raft past spectacular scenery. Feel the burn, work up a sweat, then cool off in the pure river water. Experience the energy and excitement and enjoy! Minimum age: 8-12 depending on rapid class. (61-86 USD per person)
• Gravity Falls Waterfall Jumping: Hold on tight and get ready to rappel down the face of rushing waterfalls. Fear and fun collide in the rainforest as you throw caution to the monkeys and launch yourself into nature. Strapped securely in your harness, descend deep into the canyon, get soaked and feel completely alive. Trek through rivers, wobble across a hanging bridge and keep your eyes peeled for exotic birds and wildlife. Let the action begin! Please note the price listed does not include the IVA Tax. Minimum age: 12.
• Arenal Horseback Riding: Throw on some long pants, grab the reins and hop up on a well-trained horse. Trail ride through the tropical forest and across the area’s most beautiful landscape. Look for toucans in the trees and admire the ocean views. Visit waterfalls and end your journey with a good gallop. (66-68 USD per person)
• La Fortuna Waterfall Swim: Take a walk, taxi, or horse just outside the town of La Fortuna to the nearby waterfall. Once at the gate, pay a fee then start the descent on rough steps (more than 500 of them!) to get to the base of the falls. The water cascades 65m (200 ft) down the side of the dormant Cerro Chato. Sit on the rocks, get sprayed, watch for iridescent blue morpho butterflies and then plunge into the cool waters. Please note the price listed does not include the IVA Tax.
• Mountain Biking: Rent a bike and head off along one of the backroads outside of town. Take the road to San Ramon and turn right on the road toward the waterfall. Or take a guided cycling tour and pick one of three routes of varying difficulty. Please note the price listed does not include the IVA Tax.
• Lost Canyon Adventures Canyoning: Hold on tight and get ready to rappel down the face of rushing waterfalls. Fear and fun collide in the rainforest as you throw caution to the monkeys and launch yourself into nature. Get soaked and feel completely alive. Trek through rivers and keep your eyes peeled for exotic birds and wildlife. Let the action begin! Please note the price listed does not include the IVA Tax. Minimum age: 8.
• Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge Tour: Travel north to Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge near the Nicaraguan border. Take a guided tour by covered boat through one of the world’s most important wetlands; home to a vast array of plants, birds, reptiles, fish, and mammals. Keep your eyes peeled and you may see a three-toed sloth or a Jesus Christ lizard. Please note the price listed does not include the IVA Tax. (65-133 USD per person)
• Ecotermales Hot Springs: Relax in the shadow of the Arenal Volcano immersed in one of the naturally heated pools at Ecotermales. Rejuvenate your muscles, detox your cells, and stimulate all your senses in nature’s thermal spa. Breathe in the pure rainforest air and marvel at the mystic surroundings of these outdoor pools of paradise. Please note the price listed does not include the IVA Tax.
• Costa Rica Adrenaline Bundle: 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.

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.

Included Experiences

• Free Time: With so much to see and do here, make the most of your time and get going.

Optional Experiences

• Gravity Falls Waterfall Jumping: Hold on tight and get ready to rappel down the face of rushing waterfalls. Fear and fun collide in the rainforest as you throw caution to the monkeys and launch yourself into nature. Strapped securely in your harness, descend deep into the canyon, get soaked and feel completely alive. Trek through rivers, wobble across a hanging bridge and keep your eyes peeled for exotic birds and wildlife. Let the action begin! Please note the price listed does not include the IVA Tax. Minimum age: 12.
• Whitewater Rafting: Pull on your bathing suit and water shoes, don a helmet and prepare to get wet and wild. Guided by expert leaders, paddle through Class II-IV rapids as you raft past spectacular scenery. Feel the burn, work up a sweat, then cool off in the pure river water. Experience the energy and excitement and enjoy! Minimum age: 8-12 depending on rapid class. (61-86 USD per person)
• Ecotermales Hot Springs: Relax in the shadow of the Arenal Volcano immersed in one of the naturally heated pools at Ecotermales. Rejuvenate your muscles, detox your cells, and stimulate all your senses in nature’s thermal spa. Breathe in the pure rainforest air and marvel at the mystic surroundings of these outdoor pools of paradise. Please note the price listed does not include the IVA Tax.
• Costa Rica Adrenaline Bundle: 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.
• Stand-Up Paddle and Kayak Combo: Zip up your life jacket, grab a paddle and get ready to be wowed by beauty in every direction. Technics and tricks will be taught for both stand up paddle boarding and kayaking, and there will be time allotted to enjoy both. Admire Arenal Volcano as you kayak the blue-green waters of Lake Arenal, Central America’s second largest lake. Scan the shores for more than 300 species of birds, listen for howler monkeys and fish for sharp-toothed rainbow bass. Take time to float and soak in the stunning scenery of the rolling hills, secret coves and sky that stretches forever.

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. From the central valley, ascend to the Monteverde cloud forest region. Spend a couple of days exploring the town and a cloud forest reserve, truly a bird lover's paradise. This unique community has several cooperatives worth visiting including artist collectives and a cheese factory. Local guides are extremely knowledgeable about the area and passionate about conservation of this precious ecosystem. Optional activities include a walk along suspension bridges through dense forest, a coffee tour, or an adrenaline-filled zipline above the cloud forest on one of the many famous canopy tours.

Included Experiences

• Shared Van: Climb aboard and make friends with your seatmate en route to the next stop.
• Boat: Climb aboard and get your float on.
• Life Monteverde Experience: Enjoy a visit to Life Monteverde, a coffee cooperative made up of 12 local families, dedicated to educating Costa Rica and the world about sustainable farming and conservation. Your visit here directly benefits Life Monteverde's educational programs, which provide free access to local school groups, and training for Costa Ricans. Walk through the plantations of various tropical plants including bananas and pineapples, and learn about coffee growing and production, as well as various sustainable agriculture techniques like converting animal waste to fuel. Also make sure to taste the delicious coffee before you go!

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.

Included Experiences

• Free Time: Get out and explore the misty cloud forest.

Optional Experiences

• Sky Walk: Get up high to see the tree tops of Monteverde’s Cloud Forest from a bird’s eye view. Cross a series of suspension bridges to discover the early ropes and pulleys that early biologists required to glimpse – a lush, green vista accented by bromeliads, vines, and orchids. Wonder at this wet canopy, home to thousands of species of birds, small animals, amphibians and insects (making up 90% of all the organisms in the forest).
• Santa Elena Cloud Forest Guided Tour: Pull on your poncho and boots. It’s time to head into the cloud-covered forest, past over-sized ferns and exotic orchids. Harness your inner Tarzan and Jane as you imagine swinging from the giant vines. Walk along 2 to 3km (about 1.5 mi) of trails at a leisurely pace, watch for wildlife, and trek to the top of the observation tower. Be sure to stop and listen, too. Hear the haunting call of the bellbird and perhaps catch sight of the brilliant green and red resplendent quetzal. Feel good about protecting the forest and sustaining the quality of local schools through payment of your park fees.
• Ziplining : Buckle up your harness, don your helmet, and prepare to launch. Glide along cables suspended high above the cloud forest canopy. Dare to let go and reach top speeds as you zip past stunning scenery. Forget your fear as you spot a toucans or exotic orchids in this adrenaline-filled experience. Minimum age: 6.
• Monteverde Butterfly Garden Visit: Get close to butterflies, bump into giant bugs, and make friends with hairy eight-legged spiders in this collection of gardens nestled in the mountains of Monteverde. Observe caterpillars, take prize-worthy photos of the iridescent blue morpho butterfly, and check out the leaf-cutter ant colony. The nature centre is home to 30 species of butterfly, a whole bunch of insects, and more.
• Monteverde Coffee Plantation Tour: No trip to Costa Rica is complete without visiting a coffee plantation. Head to Café Monteverde and learn how this fair trade coffee goes from crop to cup. Pick ripe berries, watch how the beans are separated from the husk, then observe the drying and roasting process. Sample and buy some of these excellent beans. The Santa Elena coffee co-op prides itself on sustainable practices: it recycles processing water, uses coffee pulp for fertilizer, and sends plant fibers and husks to make paper.
• El Trapiche Tour Monteverde: Step back in time into El Trapiche (the sugar mill), home of three generations of Costa Rican farmers. Explore plantations of sugar cane, coffee, bananas and cacao. Start with a walk through the farm, learn about coffee and cocoa harvesting processes, ride a Costa Rican ox cart, and finally make artisanal sugar cane candy and liquor. Finish the tour with a fragrant cup of coffee made from beans grown right here on the farm!

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

Included Experiences

• Shared Van: Climb aboard and make friends with your seatmate en route to the next stop.
• Ferry: Get to the next spot on your route aboard a convenient and efficient ferry boat.

Optional Experiences

• Swimming: Grab your bathing suit and go for a refreshing swim.

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.

Included Experiences

• Free Time: Get out and explore the southern part of the Nicoya Peninsula.

Optional Experiences

• Santa Teresa Surf Lesson: 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.
• Swimming: Grab your bathing suit and go for a refreshing swim.
• Tortuga Island Snorkelling Tour: Start off with a 45 minute boat ride along the coast with breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean on the right and the beautiful landscape of the Nicoya Peninsula on the left. Be on the lookout for dolphins, manta rays, turtles, or if you are lucky humpback & pilot whales. The boat will anchor near Tortuga Island next to some of the best spots for snorkelling. The volcanic rock reef is surrounded by crystalline waters and home of Angelfish, Porcupinefish, Morays, Needlefish, Spotted Eagle Rays, and many more tropical beauties that will make it for you an extraordinary snorkel experience. Enjoy lunch on board after snorkelling. After lunch, the afternoon will be yours to enjoy. Opt to go for a hike, a swim, rent a kayak, a banana boat, take a little “siesta”, or just chill at the beach. Then, travel back on the boat to Montezuma town.

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.

Included Experiences

• Free Time: Get out and explore the southern part of the Nicoya Peninsula.

Optional Experiences

• Santa Teresa Surf Lesson: 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.
• Swimming: Grab your bathing suit and go for a refreshing swim.
• Tortuga Island Snorkelling Tour: Start off with a 45 minute boat ride along the coast with breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean on the right and the beautiful landscape of the Nicoya Peninsula on the left. Be on the lookout for dolphins, manta rays, turtles, or if you are lucky humpback & pilot whales. The boat will anchor near Tortuga Island next to some of the best spots for snorkelling. The volcanic rock reef is surrounded by crystalline waters and home of Angelfish, Porcupinefish, Morays, Needlefish, Spotted Eagle Rays, and many more tropical beauties that will make it for you an extraordinary snorkel experience. Enjoy lunch on board after snorkelling. After lunch, the afternoon will be yours to enjoy. Opt to go for a hike, a swim, rent a kayak, a banana boat, take a little “siesta”, or just chill at the beach. Then, travel back on the boat to Montezuma town.

Travel back to the capital for a final evening with the group. Return to San José for some last-minute shopping and a final night on the town.

Included Experiences

• Local Bus: Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.

Depart at any time.