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> Signature: Costa Rica's Monteverde, Arenal & Guanacaste
Overview
Book online and enjoy exclusive savings on G Adventures 9 Day Signature: Costa Rica's Monteverde, Arenal & Guanacaste. Traverse the highlands of Costa Rica on an expedition from the cloud forests of Monteverde to the Pacific coast. Immerse yourself in the volcanic landscapes of Arenal, the mist of Bajos del Toro, and the dry tropical forests of Guanacaste. Guided by experts, explore a world where conservation, culture, and biodiversity converge.
Our Price From
US$7,759 per person
Price shown based on twin share
Save up to $267 per person
Trip Length
9 Days
Trip Starts
San José
Trip Ends
Liberia
Departures
Jan 2027 to Dec 2027
Countries Visited:
Operator
G Adventures
Trip Style
National Geographic Signature
Accommodation
4.5 - 5 Star
Budget
Premium
Age Range
6-99 Years
Max. Group Size
22
Pace
Leisurely
Guide Style
Fully Guided
Tour Code
CRSLNS
Itinerary
Welcome to Costa Rica. Your expedition begins upon arrival at San José Airport, where you will be met and whisked away from the city toward the cool, mist-shrouded peaks of the Bajos del Toro region. Check into your comfortable lodge, surrounded by the sounds of the cloud forest. In the evening, gather with your National Geographic Expedition Leader and fellow travellers. An engaging presentation from a National Geographic Expedition Expert sets the scene for the biodiversity you will encounter, followed by a welcome dinner. Stay: Hotel El Silencio Lodge (D)
Immerse yourself in the cloud forest silence on a morning walk to a dramatic waterfall. Guided by a naturalist, scan the moss-draped trees for birdlife while feeling the cool spray of the cascade. Later, connect with local traditions at a family home–feel the texture of the masa as you learn to shape corn tortillas by hand, then share a rustic lunch with your hosts. Enjoy a free afternoon to explore the lodge trails before an evening talk on the geology of the Arenal Volcano. Stay: Hotel El Silencio Lodge (B/L/D)
Travel to La Selva Biological Station for a behind-the-scenes moment with a resident anthropologist, go beyond the visitor trails to inspect insect traps and observe real-time biodiversity monitoring. Continue to Mi Cafecito Coffee Cooperative to witness the transformation of the coffee bean, understanding its vital role in the local economy. Arrive in La Fortuna and settle into your hotel, ending the day with a soak in natural hot springs heated by the earth’s volcanic core. Stay: Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa (B/L/D)
Trace the path of ancient eruptions on a guided hike through Arenal Volcano National Park. Walking over solidified lava flows, your guide reveals how the forest has reclaimed the rock, offering spectacular views of the volcano’s perfect cone. Spend the afternoon at leisure, perhaps returning to the thermal waters. As night falls, follow the scent of woodsmoke to a hands-on cooking class at a woman-owned restaurant, preparing a traditional dinner over an open flame. Stay: Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa (B/D)
Navigate the waters of Lake Arenal by private boat, watching the landscape shift from volcanic lowlands to the rolling green hills of the divide, before ascending into the cool air of the Monteverde cloud forest. Visit the Monteverde Institute, a research and educational organization supported by National Geographic. Learn how they balance community growth with conservation, including a fascinating look at the impact of artificial light on nocturnal wildlife. Stay: Monteverde Lodge (B/L/D)
Beat the crowds to the canopy on a private, early-morning tour along the hanging bridges before they open to the public. Suspended high above the forest floor, watch the mist clear and listen for the waking calls of howler monkeys. Continue the search for wildlife in the Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve, treading softly on fern-lined trails in hopes of spotting the brilliant emerald plumage of the resplendent quetzal. Enjoy a free afternoon before dinner at a local restaurant. Stay: Monteverde Lodge (B/D)
Leave the clouds behind and descend toward the dry tropical forests of Guanacaste. Stop in Rincón de la Vieja National Park to witness clean energy in action at a geothermal project, surrounded by the hissing steam of volcanic vents. Keep an eye out for wildlife adapting to this rugged and lush terrain. Pause at the Rio Negro Waterfalls for a gourmet picnic lunch in the shade of the canyon before completing the drive to your hotel on the Pacific coast. Stay: JW Marriot Guanacaste (B/L/D)
Venture into the mangroves of Las Baulas National Marine Park on a guided boat excursion. Drift quietly through the Tamarindo Estuary, scanning the tangled roots for crocodiles and watching for iguanas and squirrel monkeys in the branches above. Spend the afternoon relaxing by the pool or walking the beach. In the evening, regroup for a final expert talk summarizing the week’s discoveries, followed by a celebratory farewell dinner with your travel companions. Stay: JW Marriot Guanacaste (B/D)
Your expedition to Costa Rica concludes today. After a final breakfast overlooking the Pacific, transfers are provided to the Liberia airport at any time during the day. (B)
Trip Inclusions
- Go behind the scenes at a leading research station to track tropical insects with experts.
- Trace the journey of coffee from bean to cup at a sustainable community-run cooperative.
- Meet researchers at the Monteverde Institute to learn how they protect the cloud forest.
- Walk the hanging bridges of Monteverde before the crowds watching the forest wake up.
- Visit a local family home to learn the art of making traditional corn tortillas by hand.
- Your G for Good Moment: Mi Cafecito Coffee Experience, Alajuela
- Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your Expedition Leader and Group, Bajos del Toro
- Your Local Living Moment: Home Made Tortilla Lunch with a Local Family, Bajos del Toro
- Signature Moment: "The World of Insects" at La Selva Biological Station, Sarapiquí
- Your Foodie Moment: El Fogón de Chela Cooking Class, La Fortuna
- Signature Moment: Monteverde Institute Visit, Monteverde
- Arrival transfer
- Naturalist Guided Walking Tour in Bajos del Toro
- Arenal Volcano Lecture
- Arenal Walk and Guided Tour
- Private Canopy Tour in Monteverde
- Naturalist Guided Tour in Santa Elena Reserve
- Visit to Las Pailas Geothermal Project I & II
- Santa Maria Wind Project
- Picnic Lunch at Rio Negro Waterfalls
- Tamarindo Estuary Excursion
- Free time in Bajos del Toro, La Fortuna, Monteverde, and Guanacaste
- Departure transfer
- Engaging Discussions with the National Geographic Expedition Expert Throughout
- Porterage at hotels and when getting on and off of vehicles
- Tips are included for all activities, meals and porterage, except for your Expedition Leader and Expert
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
- Hotels (4 Nights), Lodges (4 Nights)
- National Geographic Expedition Leader and National Geographic Expedition Expert throughout
- 8 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 8 dinners
- Private vehicle, motorized boat (canal & ferry), walking
- 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, giving you meaningful more 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: National Geographic Signature
These ultra-premium journeys combine deep cultural immersion with five-star comfort and the authority of National Geographic. Created in collaboration with G Adventures, each experience offers rare access, meaningful connections with communities, and expert insight from leading specialists. With world-class service, thoughtfully curated inclusions, and unforgettable Signature Moments throughout, these journeys are designed for travelers who seek refined luxury without losing a sense of purpose or discovery.
Dates & Pricing
USD
Saturday
09 Jan 2027
09 Jan 27
San José
Sunday
17 Jan 2027
17 Jan 27
Liberia
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $8,499
US$8,244
Save $255
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 Inquire. 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 Inquire. 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.
