Costa Rica Experience

Intrepid Travel · 8 days
Costa Rica Experience
Costa Rica Experience
Costa Rica Experience
Costa Rica Experience
Costa Rica Experience
Costa Rica Experience
Costa Rica Experience
Costa Rica Experience
Costa Rica Experience
Costa Rica Experience
Costa Rica Experience
Costa Rica Experience
Costa Rica Experience
Costa Rica Experience
Costa Rica Experience
Costa Rica Experience
Costa Rica Experience
8 Days
From AUD $1800
Trip Type
Small Group
Activity Level
Light

Rating


(20 reviews)

Costa Rica Experience

Costa Rica Experience

Intrepid Travel · 8 days
Duration

8 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Moderate

Physical Rating

Light

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

Discover a region of natural diversity, cultural riches and laidback vibes on an eight-day jungle jaunt through Costa Rica.

Highlights

  • Try to spot the elusive resplendent quetzal as you explore Monteverde’s cloud forests. Better yet, why not consider a jungle zip-line to get high in the sky for the best views?
  • Explore a maze of mangroves on a kayaking trip on Damas Island. The best part? You’ll paddle alongside a local naturalist and get insider knowledge of the ecosystems and creatures that live here – including white-faced capuchins who often make an appearance.
  • Take a (fffresh) plunge beneath the cascades of Tesoro Escondido Waterfall. The hike there is half the fun, with river crossings and suspension bridges.
  • Take in the size and stature of the mighty Arenal Volcano, maybe while soaking in one of La Fortuna’s lava-heated thermal springs.
  • With plenty of time to chill out at your own pace, Manuel Antonio’s surf vibe is ideal for catching some waves, lazing on the white-sand beaches or hiking the trails of Manuel Antonio with your travel pals.

Trip Details

Duration

8 days

Transportation

Private vehicle,Boat,Public Transportation

Tour Type

Small Group

Guide Language

English

Starts

San Jose, Costa Rica

Finishes

San Jose, Costa Rica

Accommodations

Moderate

Travel Style

Explorer

Physical Rating

Light

Itinerary

1
Day 1: San Jose
Hola! Welcome to Costa Rica. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm today in San Jose. With over half the country's population living within its parameters, San Jose has a dynamic atmosphere. If you arrive early, why not wander around at your own pace – a good place to start is the main plaza, perfect for some people watching. Tonight, maybe head out to get to know your group with an optional welcome dinner.

Optional Activities:

  • San Jose - Pre-Colombian Gold Museum (Entrance fee) (17 USD)
  • San Jose - National Museum (entrance fee) (Closed Sunday & Monday) (11 USD)

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
2
Day 2: La Fortuna
Head to Tesoro Escondido Waterfall this morning. Meaning ‘hidden treasure’, this 46-m-high waterfall plunges into turquoise pools and is the perfect place for a dip. The trail to get there involves hiking through the forest, over a hanging bridge and across a rock-strewn river. Don’t worry if you work up a sweat, as you’ll cool right down when you jump in! Have lunch at a nearby restaurant, then continue to La Fortuna – a small town just a few minutes from the famous Arenal Volcano. Spend the rest of the day as you please. Maybe make another splash at the 70-m-high La Fortuna waterfall, hike the lava field of the 1968 Arenal Volcano eruption or test your balance on a stand-up paddle board on the volcano’s namesake lake. There are also several geothermal hot springs in the area, so why not relax your muscles with a soothing soak?

Included Activities:

  • Alajuela - Tesoro Escondido Waterfall

Optional Activities:

  • La Fortuna - Paradise Hot Springs (entrance fee) (47 USD)

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
3
Day 3: Monteverde
You have a free morning in La Fortuna. In the afternoon, take a minibus to Lake Arenal where you'll hop on a scenic boat ride across the water. Another minibus will be waiting to take you to Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve. Monteverde was founded as an agricultural community in 1951 by a group of North American Quakers who cleared virgin forests to create pastures for dairy farming. These environmentally aware settlers were conscious of the dangers of unrestricted farming, so they established a small, privately owned wildlife sanctuary, which has grown to become an internationally renowned reserve with over 2000 species of plants, 320 bird species and 100 different types of mammals. Check into your hotel, then maybe do a night walk to spot some of the area’s nocturnal critters.

Optional Activities:

  • Monteverde - Cloud Forest Night Walk (45 USD)
  • La Fortuna - La Fortuna Waterfall (Entrance only) (25 USD)
  • La Fortuna - Arenal 1968 Volcano View and Lava Trails (Entrance fee) (25 USD)

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
4
Day 4: Monteverde
Join your leader for a guided walk in the Monteverde Cloud Forest this morning. Keep your eyes peeled (and your camera handy) for monkeys, toucans, sloths and coatis. You’re free to explore for the rest of the afternoon. Maybe get closer to the creatures who dwell in the trees on a suspension bridge tour – or if you’re feeling extra adventurous, zip line through the canopies! You could also head to the Serpentarium to check out some crawly critters, see up to 30 species of butterfly in specially created gardens or get your caffeine fix on a coffee and cacao farm tour. Whatever you do, be sure to watch out for the resplendent quetzal – one of the most elusive birds in the world.

Included Activities:

  • Monteverde - Monteverde Cloud Forest - Visit

Optional Activities:

  • Monteverde - Butterfly Garden and Insects Farm (entrance fee) (22 USD)
  • Monteverde - Coffee & Chocolate tour (47 USD)
  • Monteverde - Canopy Zip Lining (Entrance, Equipment & Transport) (101 USD)
  • Monteverde - Suspension bridges tour (55 USD)

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
5
Day 5: Manuel Antonio
Travel through the mountains to Quepos by private minibus this morning. Located close to the Pacific beaches and wildlife of Manuel Antonio National Park, Quepos is a laidback town with a vibrant nightlife. This afternoon, you'll get the chance to meet three generations of Costa Ricans and do a traditional cooking class in their home. Before the pandemic, the family ran one of the most popular restaurants in Quepos for almost 20 years. Now, you're lucky to learn the secret flavours and spices of their dishes and get to know the whole family. Once the sun goes down, why not grab a spot at a waterfront restaurant and sink your teeth into some fresh seafood with your travel crew – this is pura vida.

Included Activities:

  • Quepos - Lunch with Rojas Family

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
6
Day 6: Manuel Antonio National Park
Spend your morning exploring Manuel Antonio National Park with a naturalist to understand its incredible ecosystems. Monkeys, armadillos, sloths and hundreds of species of birds are among the wildlife you can spot here. The park also has turquoise seas and white-sand beaches – perfect for swimming and kayaking. It would be easy to spend your whole time here in or by the water – and with a free afternoon, you can do just that! Or continue to explore the park’s trails.

Included Activities:

  • Manuel Antonio National Park - (Entrance fee)
  • Manuel Antonio National Park - Tour with a Naturalist Guide

Optional Activities:

  • Manuel Antonio – Cruise (Inc transport, guide, lunch and drinks onboard) (95 USD)

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
7
Day 7: San Jose
This morning, head to a mangrove forest on Damas Island near Quepos for a kayaking adventure. This activity is run by a naturalist near their home along the canals, so you’ll be exploring with someone who really knows the twists and turns of these protected tropical wetlands. If you’re lucky, you might spot a troop of curious white-faced capuchins in the trees above. Take a public bus back to San Jose, then head out for an optional farewell dinner and maybe raise a glass to a great trip.

Included Activities:

  • Quepos - Mangrove kayaking with local guide

Optional Activities:

  • San Jose - The Art of Craft Beer in San Jose - Urban Adventures (69 USD)
  • San Jose - San Jose By Night: Food and Culture - Urban Adventures (74 USD)

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
8
Day 8: San Jose
With no further activities planned, your trip comes to an end after breakfast. If you’d like to extend your stay in Costa Rica, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.

Optional Activities:

  • San Jose - San Jose By Night: Food and Culture - Urban Adventures (74 USD)
  • San Jose - The Art of Craft Beer in San Jose - Urban Adventures (69 USD)
Exclusions
  • Flights to and from origin and destinations
  • Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
  • Anything else not explicitly listed in tour inclusions
  • Recommended gratuities/tipping
  • Optional activities/tours
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel insurance
  • Visas, meals and beverages not stated in the list of inclusions.
Important Information
Meals

When meals are not included, your tour leader (where available) will be happy to help with restaurant recommendations, bookings, and directions. Please let us know if you have any dietary needs or preferences. We willdo our best to accommodate these, though we cannot guarantee that every request can be met.

Luggage

You are responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. You will need to carry your own bags between the vehicle and your hotel room. Drivers will assist with loading and unloading luggage from the vehicle.

Mobility

Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.

Fitness Level

This tour requires an Average level of fitness. Activities are paced gently and include leisure time. You may be expected to join guided walks of up to one hour, navigate short stairways and mild inclines, and manage your own luggage. You should also be able to board and exit all transport without assistance.

Travellers are expected to be self-sufficient and capable of handling all aspects of their journey. Please discuss your circumstances and support needs with your booking agent to confirm this trip is suitable.

If you are unsure, we recommend consulting your doctor before booking or travelling. (Note: I assume each tour has a different description depending on level of fitness required).

Sightseeing

If a planned site visit is unavailable due to changes in operating hours or holiday closures, the itinerary may be altered, or a comparable activity will be substituted where possible and subject to availability.

Visas

Visa conditions can change. Once you receive your travel documents, check with the relevant embassy, consulate, or immigration office of your destination for the latest information.

  • It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct and valid travel documents and to comply with all entry requirements.
  • Non-Australian citizens must also confirm visa and identification requirements with the appropriate consulate or visa agency.
  • Certain occupations (for example, journalists, government officials, or those working in charities) may face additional restrictions when applying for visas, which could affect the type of application required.
Departure Dates & Surcharges: See checkout for live dates and availability.
AUD $1,800
(Tour only)
Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 8 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Light

Discover a region of natural diversity, cultural riches and laidback vibes on an eight-day jungle jaunt through Costa Rica.

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 27 Jun 2026

Customer Reviews

Overall Rating
Excellent
4.5
Guide
Excellent
4.5
Itinerary
Excellent
4.5
Accommodations
Excellent
4.5
Transportation
Excellent
4.5
Tour Operator
Excellent
4.5
Food
Excellent
4.5
4.5
Rachel
Traveled, April 2024

04/25/2024

We've just come back from a fantastic tour with Intrepid. Our guide Marvin Jose Lopez Martinez was excellent and extremely knowledgeable of the history, culture and flora/fauna of Costa Rica. He organised our group with all our different activities. We mostly ate out together as a group in the evenings - was fab to have Marvin's recommendations.

4.5
Jon
Traveled, April 2024

04/25/2024

Definitely the best way to see Costa Rica. We saw so many animals thanks to Marvin our guide. There is so much to do but also plenty of time to rest and relax. We ended up spending alot of time as a group including Marvin, going out to eat in the evenings to local places he recommended. It really felt like we go the real Costa Rica - pura vida!

Tour Operator

Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.

In Business Since 1989