Essential Upgraded Costa Rica

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Fully Guided Small Group
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 Trip Length
9 Days
 Trip Starts
San Jose
 Trip Finishes
San Jose
9 Day Essential Upgraded Costa Rica Itinerary (G Adventures)
Countries Explored: Costa Rica
Trip Style
Classic
Budget
Affordable
Max. Group Size
16
Pace
Leisurely
Guide Level
Fully Guided
Trip Code
CRNJ

Overview

Book online and enjoy exclusive savings on G Adventures 9 Day Essential Upgraded Costa Rica. 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.

Itinerary

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.

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. (B/L/D)

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. (B)

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. (B)

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. (B/L)

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. (B)

The park has fabulous beaches, abundant wildlife, and a great trail system for those who want to spend the day hiking. Look for monkeys, armadillos, coatimundis, sloths, and some 350 species of birds that are present in the park. (B)

Return to San José and enjoy one final night on the town. (B)

Depart at any time. (B)

Trip Inclusions

  • Visit a G Adventures-supported coffee co-op.
  • Learn how to make tortillas in a local home.
  • Soak in a hot spring fed by an active volcano.
  • Hear about forest conservation at the Monteverde Institute.
  • Go birdwatching in Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve.
  • Spot monkeys and sloths while exploring Manuel Antonio National Park.

  • Your G for Good Moment: Mi Cafecito Coffee Cooperative Tour, Sarapiquí
  • Your Discover Moment: La Fortuna
  • Arrival transfer
  • Guided nature walk in the Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve
  • Guided excursion to Manuel Antonio National Park
  • All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

  • Hotels (8 Nights)
  • Hotels vary greatly throughout Central America and even within Costa Rica depending on the location. We do our best to pick comfortable accommodations, but in popular locations options can be limited and we often use various different hotel depending on seasonality. It also is important to remember that hot water shortages and power outages can be fairly common, even in upgraded hotels. We appreciate your patience and understanding that these occurrences are outside of our control.
  • Please also note that La Fortuna and Monteverde have fairly small centres with shopping and some great restaurants, but most of the upgraded accommodations in these areas are located outside of the main town/city centre - to take better advantage of the natural beauty of these areas. Taxis are readily available in both areas.

  • CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides

  • 8 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 1 dinner

  • Private vehicle, walking, boat

  • Accommodation, itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
  • Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included
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Brochure

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G Adventures Earth (2023-24)

We’ve been the leaders in small-group adventure travel since 1990. How’d we get here? By listening to our travellers and giving them what they want: flexible itineraries, freedom to explore, smaller groups, safety and peace of mind, and locally based guides who show you your destination in a way you’d miss travelling any other way. Check out how we’re l...moreeading the world when it comes to travel.

Prices & Dates

There are currently no departures available on this trip. Either it's the end of the season and new departures will be released shortly, or this itinerary has been changed and will no longer continue. Feel free to contact us for information about when next seasons dates will be released or click here to view the general release dates for all destinations.

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 G Adventures. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from G Adventures. 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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