Overview
Nature called you to Costa Rica — now here you are, suspended in the jungle canopy, locking eyes with a curious monkey. This action-packed tour of Costa Rica’s highlights is perfect for the adventurer with limited time who wants to explore the region’s diversity. Get your adrenaline pumping, follow a trail to the base of a waterfall, melt away in thermal springs, or relax on a beach — your CEO will help you find the secluded spots only the locals know.
Trip Length
9 Days
Trip Starts
San Jose
Trip Ends
San Jose
Departures
1 Trip Review
Trip Style
Classic
Budget
Affordable
Age Range
12-99 Years
Max. Group Size
16
Pace
Leisurely
Guide Style
Fully Guided
Tour Code
CRQ
Countries Visited:
Itinerary
Arrive at any time. There are no activities planned until an evening welcome meeting.
Accommodation:
Boutique Hotel Casa Las Orquideas
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.
Drive to Sarapiquí to visit the G Adventures-supported Mi Cafecito Community Coffee Plantation. On the way to the project, make a scenic stop at the iconic La Paz Waterfall. This breathtaking viewpoint is the perfect place to admire Costa Rica's natural beauty. Proceed to the G for Good project to learn about the impact this project has had on the community and sample some of the products they sell. Continue on to the Arenal region and take advantage of a free afternoon and a full free day tomorrow to experience the adventure activities and natural wonders of the area. La Fortuna is an excellent base for adventure. Opt to hike the area’s nature trails, swim in chilly La Fortuna waterfall or go canyoning.
Accommodation:
Hotel Eco Arenal
Included Meals:
Lunch
Included Experiences
- La Paz Waterfall: Watch crystal-clear waters plunge 37 meters (121 feet) into a lush tropical canyon, surrounded by dense tropical vegetation, creating one of Costa Rica's most iconic natural landmarks. Capture unforgettable photos and take in the breathtaking scenery during this short stop.
- Mi Cafecito Coffee Cooperative Tour: Find out where your cup of java comes from. Visit the Mi Cafecito coffee cooperative in San Miguel de Sarapiqui, see shade-grown coffee plants, learn about everything from harvesting, to husking, drying, and roasting the beans before enjoying the best part – a fresh cup! Enjoy a typical lunch of plantains, beans, and freshly caught tilapia fish. Feel good about all this eating and drinking knowing that you are supporting a G Adventures for Good project that helps 200 farmers and their families.
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)
- Stand Up Paddle (Lesson and Tour): Grab a long wide board and show those surfer dudes how it’s done without waves on Lake Arenal with the volcano looming above. Tour picks up from the hotel and includes a tour of the west-end of the Lake while you’re getting the hang of the paddle board. Enjoy the amazing view, with chances to spot wild birds like Great Blue Herons or even Howler Monkeys. Learn more about the area while exploring the lake and snack on some tropical fruit before heading back to the hotel. 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.
Free day in La Fortuna. Experience the outdoor adventures, amazing wildlife and natural wonders in this area. There are enough activities here to keep you busy all day long. In the evening opt to soak in one of the many hot springs in the area to cap off an adventurous day. Spend the day getting your adrenaline pumping, viewing local wildlife, marvelling at the Arenal Volcano and getting to know more about Costa Rica in La Fortuna. There are enough activities here to keep you busy all day long.
Accommodation:
Hotel Eco Arenal
Included Experiences
- Free Time: Experience the outdoor adventures, amazing wildlife and natural wonders in this area.
Optional Experiences
- Stand-up Paddle Board on Lake Arenal: Paddle across the waters of Lake Arenal on a guided stand-up paddle board excursion in the beautiful El Fósforo area. As you glide beneath views of the volcano and take in the scenic shoreline, keep an eye out for kingfishers, herons, toucans, and the occasional monkey. Throughout the experience, your naturalist guide will give insight on the lake, the volcano, and any wildlife you might be lucky enough to spot. Transportation is included.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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)
- Hot Springs Soak: After a long day of exploring, take a relaxing soak in the hot springs around La Fortuna. Situated at the base of the Arenal Volcano, immerse yourself in therapeutic waters heated by earth’s magma and infused with healing minerals and salts. 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. (42-84 USD per person)
- 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.
- Hanging Bridges: Come join the monkeys and perhaps spot a sloth lazing in the treetops of this protected rainforest that’s set in the shadows of the Arenal Volcano. Trek 3km (2 mi) of winding trails up, down, across, and over 16 different bridges. One of higher suspended bridges overlooks a gorgeous gorge and 60m (37 mi) waterfall. Look up and down to spot birds, snakes, frogs, lizards, howler monkeys, and more. Don’t forget to bring binoculars, bug spray, and a long lens as you reach new heights in the canopy of Costa Rica. Please note the price listed does not include the IVA Tax.
- Stand Up Paddle (Lesson and Tour): Grab a long wide board and show those surfer dudes how it’s done without waves on Lake Arenal with the volcano looming above. Tour picks up from the hotel and includes a tour of the west-end of the Lake while you’re getting the hang of the paddle board. Enjoy the amazing view, with chances to spot wild birds like Great Blue Herons or even Howler Monkeys. Learn more about the area while exploring the lake and snack on some tropical fruit before heading back to the hotel. Please note the price listed does not include the IVA Tax.
Travel by van and boat through the stunning Costa Rican scenery up into the cloud forest. Take an included guided night walk to learn about nocturnal life in the jungle firsthand. Travel across Lake Arenal into the mountains and on to Monteverde Cloud Forest. Arrive to spend time enjoying this nature-lover's paradise.
Accommodation:
Hotel Historias Lodge
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.
- Guided Cloud Forest Night Walk: Join a naturalist guide for a 1.5-2 hour tour in the cloud forest after dark. Learn more about the habits of the area's nocturnal wildlife including mammals, birds, insects, reptiles, and amphibians, and keep your eyes and ears open on this slow-paced walk. You never know what you might see – it depends on the day and your luck!
Enjoy a free day to explore the cloud forest region of Costa Rica. Opt to fly across canopy ziplines, walk across suspended bridges through the forest canopy, or go horseback riding in the hills.
Accommodation:
Hotel Historias Lodge
Included Experiences
- Free Time: Spend free time in Monteverde exploring the cloud forest or visiting nearby attractions.
Optional Experiences
- 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.
- CASEM Coop Visit: CASEM—the Cooperative of Artisans Santa Elena Monteverde—is an inspiring example of female empowerment and teamwork. By focusing on providing women artisans with the opportunity to gain economic independence and develop new skills, this G for Good Project helps improve the quality of life for its members and strengthens the community. Through the marketing of their products, CASEM Coop not only supports its 90 artisan members, but also promotes the culture and traditions of the Monteverde region. Stop by the restaurant on your way out to try some delicious local food!
- 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.
- Hanging Bridges Monteverde: Get up high to see the tree tops of Monteverde’s Cloud Forest from a bird’s-eye view. Cross a series of hanging bridges to discover what biologists once required (ropes and pulleys) to glimpse the lush, green vista accented by bromeliads, vines, and orchids. Wonder at this wet canopy, home to 90% of all the organisms in the forest, including thousands of species of birds, small animals, amphibians, and insects. (56-60 USD per person)
- 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 Horseback Riding: Enjoy Monteverde’s breath-giving wilderness by horseback. Spot toucans, bellbirds, and parrots as you ride through private mountain trails along the primary and secondary forest. Meet monkeys, see sloths, and possibly glimpse the Gulf of Nicoya through the clouds. Take photos, inhale the pure air, and let your horse lead you on this memorable meander in misty Monteverde.
- 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 Quepos, just outside Manuel Antonio National Park. Opt to visit the park or relax on the beach in this fun surf town. Enjoy a night out and perhaps learn how to dance salsa. Travel to the Pacific Coast. Enjoy Quepos. Opt to swim, fish, kayak, surf or take a sailing trip.
Accommodation:
Hotel Le Priss
Included Experiences
- Free Time: Enjoy free time to play in the waves, explore Quepos, or dance the night away.
Optional Experiences
- Kayaking: Choose to kayak the calm waters of the mangroves or paddle the waves of the Pacific. In the Damas Island estuary, the ocean meets fresh water rivers and creates a protected home for birds, snakes, crocodiles, and white face monkeys. For the more adventurous, opt for an open-seat ocean kayak and paddle along the shoreline and nearby islands, keeping an eye out for frigates, boobies, and jumping fish. Minimum age: 6-8 depending on tour type.
- Surfing: Slather on the sunscreen, strap on a leash, pull on a rash guard, and get ready to hit the waves. Experience the surf at the beaches near Quepos and Manuel Antonio with their left, right, and well-shaped beach breaks. Take a lesson, learn tips and techniques, then hang ten like a local. (55-75 USD per person)
- Fishing: Cast a line and (depending on the season) hope to hook a marlin, sailfish, tuna or dorado (mahi mahi). Fishing in Quepos, north of Manuel Antonio, is Costa Rica’s most popular spot for blue water sport fishing.
- Sailing: Slap on some sunscreen and hop aboard as we set sail along the rugged Pacific Coast of Manuel Antonio National Park on a catamaran. Bask in the beauty of the white-sand beaches and small islands that accent the shoreline. Keep watch for dolphins, rays, and migrating whales. Hop into the warm water and snorkel with more than 50 species of colourful tropical fish.
Enjoy an included entrance into Manuel Antonio National Park. Then, take advantage of free time to explore. Opt to swim in the Pacific. Or choose to kayak through mangroves and relax on the beach.
Accommodation:
Hotel Le Priss
Included Experiences
- Free Time: Spend a free day of exploring Quepos, or head to Manuel Antonio to enjoy a full-day of wildlife spotting or kayaking.
- Manuel Antonio National Park Visit: Pack your sunscreen, beach shoes, and prepare for a great day in Costa Rica’s smallest yet no less stunning national park. Manual Antonio offers four white-sand beaches, separated by jagged rock outcrops and tidal pools. Swim, sunbathe, and when you’re all beached out, head to the shade of the nearby hiking trails to search for sloths, monkeys, and armadillos. Climb to the lookout to capture views of the pristine Pacific Ocean and the area’s off-shore islands.
Optional Experiences
- Kayaking: Choose to kayak the calm waters of the mangroves or paddle the waves of the Pacific. In the Damas Island estuary, the ocean meets fresh water rivers and creates a protected home for birds, snakes, crocodiles, and white face monkeys. For the more adventurous, opt for an open-seat ocean kayak and paddle along the shoreline and nearby islands, keeping an eye out for frigates, boobies, and jumping fish. Minimum age: 6-8 depending on tour type.
- Whitewater Rafting Manuel Antonio: What better way to get from A to B then taking the natural route along a scenic and exciting river? Buckle up your life jacket, grab a paddle and head off to raft some Class II - IV rapids. Minimum age: 6-15 depending on rapid class. (75-98 USD per person)
Opt to chill at the beach or sail the Pacific in the morning before the journey by private vehicle back to the capital.
Accommodation:
Boutique Hotel Casa Las Orquideas
Included Experiences
- Free Time: Enjoy a final morning at the beach. Do as much or as little as you'd like.
Optional Experiences
- Manuel Antonio Catamaran Tour: Cruise along the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica aboard a 100 ft catamaran, taking in the impressive scenery and lush jungle that has made Manuel Antonio famous. Keep your eyes peeled for playful dolphins who call these waters home before stopping to snorkel, swim, or ride one of the boat's water slides into the ocean. Grab a drink or just sit and watch the gorgeous views of the lush coastline go by.
Depart at any time.
Trip Inclusions
- Search for the elusive Quetzal bird in the cloud forest.
- Watch the sunset over the Pacific.
- Learn about sugar cane and coffee production at a local plantation.
- Enjoy free entrance into Manuel Antonio National Park.
- Your G for Good Moment: Mi Cafecito Coffee Cooperative Tour, Sarapiquí
- Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group
- Your Discover Moment: La Fortuna
- Your Discover Moment: Monteverde
- Your Discover Moment: Quepos
- Guided cloud forest night walk (Monteverde)
- Entrance fee to Manuel Antonio National Park
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
- Private vehicle, boat, shared van, walking
- CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides
- Hotel (8nts)
- 1 lunch
- Accommodation, itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included.
Operator
G Adventures came from a desire to deliver authentic and responsible small group travel adventures that were equally life-changing for travellers and the communities they visit. And we’re been doing just that for almost 30 years. Our award-winning trips span seven continents and over 100 countries, more giving you meaningful experiences with people, cultures, landscapes and wildlife, as well as offering you the freedom and flexibility to explore on your own.
On all of our tours, you get to know locals every step of the way, from the places you visit and stay to where you eat and drink. You’ll also get to experience our ‘G for Good’ social impact initiatives on-trip, including our industry-leading ‘Ripple Score’. This score measures, as a percentage, the amount of money that stays in the local community through on-trip services like accommodation, restaurants and transport.
On all of our tours, you get to know locals every step of the way, from the places you visit and stay to where you eat and drink. You’ll also get to experience our ‘G for Good’ social impact initiatives on-trip, including our industry-leading ‘Ripple Score’. This score measures, as a percentage, the amount of money that stays in the local community through on-trip services like accommodation, restaurants and transport.
Trip Style: Classic
Get the best of both worlds with G's Classic trips as your knowledgeable CEO (Chief Experience Officer) leads you to iconic highlights and hidden gems, while ample free time lets you discover what excites you most. Enjoy included meals showcasing local flavours, plus opportunities to dive deeper into the food scene independently. Stay in comfortable hotels, authentic homestays, and unique accommodations that capture the spirit of each destination.
Trip Reviews (1)
Costa Rica Quest 2
Christine, New Zealand, Jun 2024
Our tour leader was very good and the first hotel was very nice. The next one not so nice and so on. The hotel Mimos in Quepos was just about the worst hotel I have ever stayed in. I found the activities to be very expensive and thought some were definitely overpriced. I was not the only one in the group to feel this way. Based on my experience in Costa read more Rica, I would not book with G Adventures again .
Dates & Pricing
AUD
Thursday
06 Aug 2026
06 Aug 26
San Jose
Friday
14 Aug 2026
14 Aug 26
San Jose
Details
Definite Departure
Our Price
A$2,119
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sold Out
Saturday
08 Aug 2026
08 Aug 26
San Jose
Sunday
16 Aug 2026
16 Aug 26
San Jose
Details
Definite Departure
Our Price
A$2,119
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sold Out
Thursday
13 Aug 2026
13 Aug 26
San Jose
Friday
21 Aug 2026
21 Aug 26
San Jose
Details
Definite Departure
Our Price
A$2,119
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sold Out
Saturday
15 Aug 2026
15 Aug 26
San Jose
Sunday
23 Aug 2026
23 Aug 26
San Jose
Details
Definite Departure
Our Price
A$2,119
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sold Out
Thursday
20 Aug 2026
20 Aug 26
San Jose
Friday
28 Aug 2026
28 Aug 26
San Jose
Details
Definite Departure
Our Price
A$2,119
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sold Out
Saturday
22 Aug 2026
22 Aug 26
San Jose
Sunday
30 Aug 2026
30 Aug 26
San Jose
Details
Definite Departure
Our Price
A$2,119
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sold Out
Thursday
27 Aug 2026
27 Aug 26
San Jose
Friday
04 Sep 2026
04 Sep 26
San Jose
Details
Definite Departure
Our Price
A$2,119
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sold Out
Saturday
29 Aug 2026
29 Aug 26
San Jose
Sunday
06 Sep 2026
06 Sep 26
San Jose
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,119
A$2,077
Save $42
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
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. T&C’s apply.
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. 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. Pricing and trip details are correct 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 the cruise-line and 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.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct 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 the cruise-line and 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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