If you’re looking for a taste of Costa Rica’s world-class highlights but want to keep things spicy with a sampling of hidden treasures, this action-packed adventure tops the menu. In spite of its small size, Costa Rica is one of the most biologically diverse countries in the world with volcanoes, wildlife, rainforests, and beaches to explore. This adventure offers a great balance of guided excursions and free time. Optional activities abound — choose to get your adrenaline pumping or take it easy with a stroll through a butterfly garden.
What's Included
Your G for Good Moment: Mi Cafecito Coffee Cooperative Tour, Sarapiquí
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
Your Discover Moment: Quepos
Your Discover Moment: Monteverde
Your Discover Moment: La Fortuna
Your Foodie Moment: Cooking Demonstration, Sarapiquí Rainforest
Visit to Manuel Antonio National Park
Jungle lodge stay
Nature trail walk with swim (Sarapiquí)
Bike ride (Puerto Viejo)
All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
Accommodation
Meals
4 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 dinners
Transportation
Private vehicle, public bus, boat, walking.
Day 1 - San José
Arrive at any time.
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - 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.
Day 2 - San José/Quepos
Travel from San José to the coast and the city of Quepos, located just outside of Manuel Antonio Nationanl Park. Enjoy a couple of days in the area with plenty of time to explore and to relax on the beach.
The small town of Quepos is on the Pacific Coast and this region of Costa Rica is a great place to relax and enjoy the sun and nearby sea. A short distance away, Manuel Antonio National Park offers beautiful white-sand beaches and warm turquoise water, ideal for swimming, fishing, kayaking, boogie boarding, sailing or surfing.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Free Time
Spend the afternoon getting your bearings, or head over to Manuel Antonio National Park and hit the beach.
Optional Activities
Surfing ($)
Slather on the sunscreen, strap on a leash, pull on a rash guard, and get ready to hit the waves. Experience the surf at the beaches near Quepos and Manuel Antonio with their left, right, and well-shaped beach breaks. Take a lesson, learn tips and techniques, then hang ten like a local.
Day 3 - Quepos
Discover the lush tropical forests and white-sand beaches of Costa Rica’s smallest national park. Hike through the dense forest, climb up to rocky outcrops for views of the dazzling Pacific Ocean, and go swimming in the park’s lovely lagoons and tidal pools. Later, enjoy some free time at the beach. Opt go kayaking through mangroves, take a surf lesson or cruise along the coast on a dolphin-spotting sunset sailing excursion.
Pre-book the Manuel Antonio Catamaran Tour on the checkout page to include this optional activity on your tour or ask your GCO or travel agent for assistance.
Manuel Antonio National Park Visit
Pack your sunscreen, snack, and beach shoes and prepare for a great day in Costa Rica’s smallest, yet no less stunning, national park. Manual Antonio offers four white-sand beaches separated by jagged rock outcrops and tidal pools where you can swim, snorkel, and sunbathe. When you’re all beached out, head to the shade of the nearby hiking trails to search for sloths, monkeys, and armadillos. Climb to the lookout to capture views of the pristine Pacific Ocean and the area’s off-shore islands.
Your Discover Moment
There's plenty to see and do in Quepos, and we wanted to make sure that you had some time to take it all in. Feel free to relax or try optional activities like visiting Manuel Antonio National Park, mangrove kayaking, and surfing. Your CEO has more ideas if you need them. Just ask!
Optional Activities
Fishing ($)
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.
Surfing ($)
Slather on the sunscreen, strap on a leash, pull on a rash guard, and get ready to hit the waves. Experience the surf at the beaches near Quepos and Manuel Antonio with their left, right, and well-shaped beach breaks. Take a lesson, learn tips and techniques, then hang ten like a local.
Whitewater Rafting Manuel Antonio ($)
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.
Manuel Antonio Catamaran Tour ($)
Cruise along the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica aboard a 100 ft catamaran, taking in the impressive scenery and lush jungle that has made Manuel Antonio famous. Keep your eyes peeled for playful dolphins who call these waters home before stopping to snorkel, swim, or ride one of the boat's water slides into the ocean. Grab a drink or just sit and watch the gorgeous views of the lush coastline go by.
Kayaking ($)
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.
Day 4 - Quepos/Monteverde
Travel from Quepos to Monteverde and into the cool mountain air of the area. Upon arrival you will have free time to relax from the long day of travel or opt to go on a guided night walk in the cloud forest to learn all about nocturnal life.
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.
Optional activities include the Sky Walk, a series of suspension bridges through the jungle canopy, a butterfly garden, a thrilling canopy zipline, and a guided walk through the cloud forest at night.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Free Time
Enjoy free time in Monteverde this evening. Opt to go on a guided night walk in the cloud forest to learn all about nocturnal life.
Optional Activities
Guided Cloud Forest Night Walk ($)
Join a naturalist guide for a 1.5-2 hour tour in the cloud forest after dark. Learn more about the habits of the area's nocturnal wildlife including mammals, birds, insects, reptiles, and amphibians, and keep your eyes and ears open on this slow-paced walk. You never know what you might see – it depends on the day and your luck!
Day 5 - Monteverde
Enjoy a free day to explore the cloud forest region of Costa Rica. Opt to fly across canopy ziplines or tour a coffee plantation.
Get your adrenaline pumping and pre-book the Costa Rica Adrenaline Bundle on the checkout page to include this optional activity on your tour or ask your GCO or travel agent for assistance.
Your Discover Moment
There's plenty to see and do in Monteverde, and we wanted to make sure that you had some time to take it all in. Feel free to relax or try optional activities like ziplining, visiting the hanging bridges, and horseback riding. Your CEO has more ideas if you need them. Just ask!
Optional Activities
Monteverde Butterfly Garden Visit ($)
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, as well as white-faced monkeys, coatis, motmots, and more.
Hanging Bridges Monteverde ($)
Get up high to see the tree tops of Monteverde’s Cloud Forest from a bird’s-eye view. Cross a series of hanging bridges to discover what biologists once required (ropes and pulleys) to glimpse the lush, green vista accented by bromeliads, vines, and orchids. Wonder at this wet canopy, home to 90% of all the organisms in the forest, including thousands of species of birds, small animals, amphibians, and insects.
El Trapiche Tour Monteverde ($)
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!
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.
Costa Rica Adrenaline Bundle ($)
CANYONING (Half-day Arenal)
Rappel, down-climb, river-trace, and descend huge waterfalls in the rugged mountains and lush rainforests around Costa Rica’s Arenal Volcano.
ZIPLINING (Half-day Monteverde)
Get a true bird’s-eye view of the rainforest canopy as you soar through the trees on a Tarzan swing, a giant rappel, and a 137-meter-high (450-foot) zipline.
Day 6 - Monteverde/La Fortuna
Travel from Monteverde to La Fortuna. Enjoy free time for optional activities such as whitewater rafting, waterfall rappelling, or relaxing in local hot springs.
La Fortuna, the town near the foot of Arenal Volcano is an excellent base for adventure. Hike the area’s nature trails, swim in chilly La Fortuna waterfall or go canyoning (rappelling) and catch a bird’s eye view of the forest greenery.
Shared Van
Climb aboard and make friends with your seatmate en route to the next stop.
Boat
Climb aboard and get your float on.
Free Time
After settling in, check out some of the optional activities on offer around La Fortuna.
Optional Activities
Kayaking ($)
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.
Mountain Biking ($)
Rent a bike and head off on a side road along the edge of the Arenal Volcano National Park (toward the town of El Castillo). Bump your way along rough roads, breathe in the clean air, and soak in the spectacular scenery.
La Fortuna Waterfall Swim ($)
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.
Baldi Hot Springs ($)
Relax in the shadow of the Arenal Volcano immersed in one of the naturally heated pools at Baldi Hot Springs Hotel and Spa. Rejuvenate your muscles, detox your cells, and stimulate all your senses in nature’s thermal spa. Breathe in the pure rainforest air and marvel at the mystic surroundings of these outdoor pools of paradise. Please note the price listed does not include the IVA Tax.
Stand Up Paddle (Lesson and Tour) ($)
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.
Venado Caves Exploration ($)
Duck your head and enter an underground world formed some 15 million years ago. The Venado Caves are 45 min NW of Fortuna. Ford rivers, crawl through caverns, and marvel at the strange stalactites, stalagmites and subterranean inhabitants including bats, frogs, and spiders. Not ideal if you get anxious in closed spaces. Great for those who want to channel their inner Indiana Jones. Please note the price listed does not include the IVA Tax.
Lost Canyon Adventures Canyoning ($)
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.
Days 7–8 - La Fortuna
Enjoy two free days in La Fortuna. Optional activities abound.
Optional activities include full-day whitewater rafting on the Toro or Arenal Rivers, 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. Finally, after a long day of exploring, you can choose to take a relaxing soak at Baldi Hot Springs.
Your Discover Moment
There's plenty to see and do in La Fortuna, and we wanted to make sure that you had some time to take it all in. Feel free to relax or try optional activities like canyoneering, whitewater rafting, and paddleboarding. Your CEO has more ideas if you need them. Just ask!
Optional Activities
Day 9 - La Fortuna/Sarapiquí Rainforest
Enjoy an included visit to a G Adventures-supported coffee cooperative with a local lunch before heading to a jungle oasis in the Sarapiquí Rainforest.
Visit a coffee cooperative in the small village of San Miguel de Sarapiquí and take a traditional coffee tour. Enjoy a local lunch here— there's even fresh tilapia farmed on site— and then tour the grounds of the cooperative to learn about the coffee process from bean to cup.
Accommodation is in a rustic lodge with multi-share sleeping arrangements, and shared bathroom facilities.
Private Vehicle
Includes a stop at the Mi Cafecito Coffee Cooperative with lunch.
Your G for Good Moment: 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.
Sarapiquí Jungle Lodge Stay
Spend the night immersed in the rainforest at a unique jungle oasis. The Sarapiquí Valley is home to hundreds of species of animals, birds, and butterflies, and our jungle lodge brings us into the heart of it all. With a variety of included activities offered by the lodge, spend time hiking, swimming in the river, learning to make empanadas, or just lounging in a hammock surrounded by the stunning Costa Rican countryside.
Meals included: Lunch | Dinner
Day 10 - Sarapiquí Rainforest
Enjoy a day in the beautiful Sarapiquí Valley. Optional activities (all included in our overnight package, weather-depending) include swimming in the river, night walks, an empanada-making lesson or relax and listen to the sounds of the surrounding rainforest.
Free Time
Enjoy time in this beautiful location.
Sarapiquí Jungle Lodge Stay
Spend the night immersed in the rainforest at a unique jungle oasis. The Sarapiquí Valley is home to hundreds of species of animals, birds, and butterflies, and our jungle lodge brings us into the heart of it all. With a variety of included activities offered by the lodge, spend time hiking, swimming in the river, learning to make empanadas, or just lounging in a hammock surrounded by the stunning Costa Rican countryside.
Swimming
Grab your bathing suit and go for a refreshing swim.
Your Foodie Moment: Cooking Demonstration
Get your hands covered in corn flour and learn to make tasty tortillas, tamales or empanadas, staples of most Latin American cuisine.
Sunrise Birding Hike
Wake up and head into the Sarapiquí Rainforest on the search for some of the 400 plus birds that call this region home. Led by a local guide, keep your eyes peeled for rare species and learn tricks to spot birds that are hiding in plain sight.
Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Day 11 - Sarapiquí Rainforest/Tortuguero
Head to Tortuguero. Opt to visit the nesting grounds of the green and leatherback turtles at night (seasonal).
The journey to Tortuguero is half the adventure. Board a private van, and finish it off with a journey by boat.
Tortuguero is a fantastic place to see wildlife even when turtles aren't in season.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Boat
Climb aboard and get your float on.
Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Day 12 - Tortuguero
Enjoy free time to explore Tortuguero. Opt to kayak through the canals and view the wildlife, wake up early and head to the beach to watch turtle eggs hatch (seasonal), or just wander through the town.
Free Time
There's plenty exploring to do here— get going.
Optional Activities
Tortuguero National Park Guided Boat Tour ($)
Hop on board, kick back, and prepare to witness a parade of tropical birds, reptiles, and mammals as we motor through the black water canals of the Tortuguero NP. Scan the trees for toucans, watch the shores for caimans, otters, iguanas and frogs, and look up to see monkeys sharing space with sloths. Bring your binoculars and bug spray. Be prepared for hot, humid, and possibly wet weather.
Turtle Nesting Night Excursion (Seasonal) ($)
Head out at night to visit the nesting grounds of the green and leatherback turtles (seasonal) on the beaches of Tortuguero National Park. Learn about the turtles' nesting process and hopefully see females lay eggs, during this once-in-a-lifetime wildlife experience.
Turtle Hatching Morning Excursion (Seasonal) ($)
Wake up early and head down to the beach to (hopefully) watch newly hatched green and leatherback sea turtles scramble their way from the nesting grounds in Tortuguero National Park to the ocean (seasonal). This is one that's worth waking up for!
Guided Kayak Excursion ($)
Grab a paddle and prepare to witness a parade of tropical birds, reptiles, and mammals as you kayak through the black water canals of the Tortuguero National Park. Scan the trees for toucans, watch the shores for caimans, otters, iguanas, frogs, and look up to see monkeys sharing space with sloths. Bring your binoculars and bug spray. Be prepared for hot, humid, and possibly wet weather.
Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Day 13 - Tortuguero/Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
Head to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca. Enjoy free time to explore paradise. Opt to go snorkelling in the Caribbean or take it easy and explore La Isla Botanical Gardens before hitting the beach.
A morning boat ride and drive ends in Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, with spectacular scenery en route. This seaside town is perfect for relaxing or exploring the Manzanillo National Wildlife Refuge.
The picturesque village of Puerto Viejo de Talamanca’s 14 kms of incomparable white- and black-sand beaches are surrounded by exotic tropical vegetation.
Opt to go snorkelling or take it easy and explore La Isla Botanical Gardens.
Boat
Climb aboard and get your float on.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Free Time
Free time to explore paradise.
Optional Activities
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.
Surf Lesson ($)
Grab a board and hit the waves. With knowledge and tips from a certified instructor you'll be hanging ten in no time.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 14 - Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
Hop on a bike and ride to the beach with our CEO. Enjoy a full day exploring this slice of paradise in Puerto Viejo. In the evening, opt to find the best place to watch the sunset and don't forget to try some fantastic Afro-Caribbean cuisine.
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
Day 15 - Puerto Viejo de Talamanca/San José
Enjoy free time in the morning before heading back to San Jose for the final night with the group.
Take a bus ride over the mountains back to the capital.
Free Time
Make the most of your time in paradise.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Day 16 - San José
Depart at any time.
"Costa Rica Adventure"
