Overview
Book online and enjoy exclusive savings on G Adventures 13 Day Costa Rica Active Adventure. Trekking, biking, horseback riding, kayaking, ziplining. Costa Rica really is the "Adventure Capital of the Americas." Thrill-seekers will find more than enough to keep themselves busy over this trip's 13 action-packed days. After landing in San José, embark on four days of exploration around Monteverde and Arenal Volcano. Raft down the mighty Pacuare River before crossing over to our remote rainforest lodge, surrounded on all sides by the thick, enveloping jungle. End the journey by heading down to the read more beach at Puerto Viejo. Phew! Tired yet? No? Time to book!
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Our Price From
US$1,537 per person
Price shown based on twin share
Save up to $537 per person
Trip Length
13 Days
Trip Starts
San Jose
Trip Ends
San Jose
Departures
May 2026 to Dec 2028
Countries Visited:
Operator
G Adventures
Trip Style
Active
Budget
Affordable
Age Range
6-99 Years
Max. Group Size
16
Pace
Moderate
Guide Style
Fully Guided
Tour Code
CRSM
Itinerary
Arrive at any time. There are no planned activities during the day, so check in to the hotel and explore the city. If you arrive early enough, you'll have time to explore the city.
Accommodation:
Hotel Fleur de Lys
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 through Costa Rica's beautiful countryside to Monteverde to explore the verdant cloud forest and enjoy the surrounding area. Today's ride can be a bumpy ride on some unpaved roads, but the views along the way are spectacular. Opt to prebook the Monteverde Guided Night Walk for a spectacular evening introduction to this magnificent place.
Accommodation:
Hotel Los Jardines
Optional Experiences
- 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 for optional activities in and around Monteverde like ziplining, horseback riding, or touring the cloud forest.
Accommodation:
Hotel Los Jardines
Included Experiences
- Free Time: Spend free time in Monteverde exploring the cloud forest or visiting nearby attractions.
Optional Experiences
- Santa Elena Cloud Forest Visit: Pull on your poncho and boots and head into the cloud-covered forest, past over-sized ferns and exotic orchids. Harness your inner Tarzan as you imagine swinging from the forest’s giant vines, trudge along 12 km of trails, watch for wildlife and trek to the top of the observation tower. Be sure to stop and listen too. Hear the haunting hollow call of the bellbird and perhaps catch sight of the brilliant green and red resplendent quetzal. Feel good about protecting the preserve and sustaining the quality of local schools through payment of your park fees. (35-50 USD per person)
- 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)
- 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.
- 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 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.
- 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 through rolling hills and across a lake to La Fortuna, where there is free time to explore. The town of La Fortuna lies near the base of the Arenal Volcano and is a perfect launch pad to go wild and let the adrenaline flow with a range of adventure sports.
Accommodation:
Hotel Eco Arenal
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.
- Free Time: Free afternoon in La Fortuna. Experience the outdoor adventures, amazing wildlife and natural wonders in this area.
Optional Experiences
- 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.
Enjoy a free day in La Fortuna. Opt to go whitewater rafting, waterfall rappelling, paddleboarding or one of the many other optionals this region has to offer. Spend another day getting your adrenaline pumping, viewing local wildlife, marveling at the Arenal Volcano and getting to know more about La Fortuna's Costa Rica.
Accommodation:
Hotel Eco Arenal
Included Experiences
- Free Time: Free day in La Fortuna. Experience the outdoor adventures, amazing wildlife and natural wonders in this area.
Optional Experiences
- 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.
- 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.
- Kayak Lake Arenal: Zip up your life jacket, grab a paddle and get ready to be wowed by beauty in every direction. 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.
- 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)
Cycle the area around La Fortuna on a guided half-day biking tour. At night, opt to relax and soak in hot springs at the base of Arenal Volcano.
Accommodation:
Hotel Eco Arenal
Included Experiences
- Arenal Cycling Trip: Ride on a mixture of rocky dirt and paved roads through small towns, past farms and with mountains in the distance. Total distance is approximately 15 kilometers.
Optional Experiences
- Los Lagos Hot Springs: The natural hot springs at the Los Lagos Hotel, Spa & Resort are fed directly from pristine rainforest springs. Soak in the healing pools, feel your muscles relax as you luxuriate in the warm water heated by the Arenal Volcano. Enjoy the tropical jungle setting and let your senses soar.
Enjoy a two-day guided rafting expedition along the Pacuare River, stopping at times to explore on foot, then stay the night in rustic cabins built along the river. In the morning, transfer from La Fortuna to the put-in point for rafting on the Pacuare River. On this first day, stop down river for a short hike to explore waterfalls, and scenic, hidden canyons. In the evening, stay at a jungle lodge on the banks of the Pacuare River in a scenic, but remote location.
Accommodation:
Ave Sol Sanctuary Lodge
Included Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Experiences
- Pacuare Guided Rafting Expedition – Day 1: Raft down class II-III rapids on the Pacuare River toward our remote jungle lodge. Explore the surrounding rainforest and waterfalls on a network of hiking trails and enjoy the beauty and tranquility of the untouched natural environment. Continue paddling past waterfalls and through canyons. Stop for the first of two nights for a well-deserved rest.
Get off the river for the day to explore the jungle by foot.
Accommodation:
Ave Sol Sanctuary Lodge
Included Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Experiences
- Pacuare Rainforest Guided Hike: Explore the surrounding rainforest on foot. Hike with local guides to see waterfalls, swim in small streams and learn about the natural environment that is home to the Cabecar indigenous peoples. Relax in a hammock and enjoy the sounds of tropical birds calling above the roar of the rushing river.
Continue down river to the take-out point, then travel to the Caribbean coastal town of Puerto Viejo.
Accommodation:
Hotel Cabinas Guarana
Included Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch
Included Experiences
- Pacuare Guided Rafting Expedition – Day 2: Get back on the river for a final morning of rafting Pacuare's class III-IV rapids. Take a long look, jump out for a swim, then paddle to the put out point and head back to base camp.
- Free Time: Take some time by the shore of the Caribbean Sea in Puerto Viejo. There's plenty of activities to enjoy, or take the time simply to relax.
The Caribbean is famous for its sun, sand and surf. Hop on a bike and take a ride to the beach, then pull on a rash guard, grab a big board and get ready to hang ten like a local with an included surf lesson. The picturesque village of Puerto Viejo de Talamanca is known for its incomparable white- and black-sand beaches surrounded by exotic tropical vegetation. Rent a bike or hire a boat to Manzanillo. Try snorkelling or take it easy and and explore La Isla Botanical Gardens.
Accommodation:
Hotel Cabinas Guarana
Included Experiences
- Biking Puerto Viejo: This morning, jump on a bike and take a ride around to a nearby beach with your CEO. You'll be out exploring and enjoying the scenery all day around Puerto Viejo. Start time: 9 AM End time: 5 PM
- Surfing Lesson: Grab your swimsuit and get ready to hang ten! Learn how to find and ride the waves with surfing lessons from local experts. Enjoy the fresh sea air, and try to spot local marine life while enjoying the waters.
- Free Time: Free time to enjoy the beach and laid-back Afro-Caribbean town of Puerto Viejo. Don't worry, be happy.
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.
- 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)
Enjoy free time in Puerto Viejo and soak up the sun on the Caribbean. The warm turquoise water is ideal for swimming, fishing, kayaking, boogie boarding, and surfing. Opt to take a boat trip, snorkel the nearby reefs, or cycle down the coast.
Accommodation:
Hotel Cabinas Guarana
Included Experiences
- Free Time: Free time in Puerto Viejo. There are beautiful white sand beaches and the warm turquoise water is ideal for swimming, fishing, kayaking, boogie boarding or surfing.
Optional Experiences
- 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.
- 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.
- 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)
- Kayak in Puerto Viejo: Punta Uva is known as one of the world's best 'fun fest' beaches. You decide! Grab a paddle and hop into a kayak for a relaxing trip along a river. Spot a zoo full of wildlife, including monkeys (howler, whiteface, spider), turtles, spiders, sloths, lizards, iguanas, and birds, as well as several medicinal plants and trees, such as the big fig tree, indio desnudo, bread fruit, ylang ylang and more.
Return to San José and take advantage of a final day to shop for souvenirs (coffee anyone?).
Accommodation:
Hotel Fleur de Lys
Included Experiences
- Local Bus: Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Depart at any time.
Trip Inclusions
- Paddle through world-class rapids on the Pacuare River.
- Mountain bike in the shadow of Arenal Volcano.
- Chill out to the sounds of crashing Caribbean waves.
- Stand up on a surfboard in Puerto Viejo.
- Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group
- Your Discover Moment: La Fortuna
- Your Hands-On Moment: Surfing Lesson
- Your Discover Moment: Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
- Overnight Pacuare River rafting trip
- Guided hike (Pacuare River)
- Guided cycling excursion (La Fortuna)
- Bike ride (Puerto Viejo)
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
- Public bus, private vehicle, bicycle, boat, raft, hiking
- CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides
- Hotels (10 Nights), Jungle Lodge (2 Nights)
- Our accommodation for the Pacuare Rafting Expedition is in a rustic lodge which has multi-share dormitory-style rooms, with shared bathroom facilities.
- 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners
- 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: Active
For travelers who prefer their adventures powered by motion - G's Active tours offer an immersive way to explore the world. Whether it’s hiking rugged trails, biking scenic routes, or kayaking along rivers and coastlines, all you'll need to bring is your energy, enthusiasm, and a love for active adventure. Our expert guides provide all the gear and logistical support needed so you can focus on the journey.
Dates & Pricing
USD
Saturday
25 Apr 2026
25 Apr 26
San Jose
Thursday
07 May 2026
07 May 26
San Jose
Details
Definite Departure
Our Price
US$2,149
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sold Out
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.
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