Costa Rica Experience

















From AUD $1800
Small Group
Light
Rating
(20 reviews)

Costa Rica Experience
8 days
Small Group
Moderate
Light
English
Experience Overview
Discover a region of natural diversity, cultural riches and laidback vibes on an eight-day jungle jaunt through Costa Rica.
Discover a region of natural diversity, cultural riches and laidback vibes on an eight-day jungle jaunt through Costa Rica. Thanks to a longstanding tradition of preserving its natural assets, much of the country’s primary rainforest still stands. Opportunities for nature-based activities are endless here and the beaches on both coasts are well worth your free time. Spot monkeys and sloths in the cloud forests of Monteverde, hike to hidden waterfalls and kick back on the beach at Manuel Antonio. Explore the depths of this vibrant country with plenty of time to make this trip your own.
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
8 days
Private vehicle,Boat,Public Transportation
Small Group
English
San Jose, Costa Rica
San Jose, Costa Rica
Moderate
Explorer
Light
Itinerary
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)
Included Activities:
- Alajuela - Tesoro Escondido Waterfall
Optional Activities:
- La Fortuna - Paradise Hot Springs (entrance fee) (47 USD)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
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)
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)
Included Activities:
- Quepos - Lunch with Rojas Family
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
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)
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)
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)
- 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.
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.
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.
Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.
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).
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.
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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!
04/25/2024
Could not have better things to say! This was my first trip with a tour group and I will definitely be using Intrepid again. Our guide Marvin was incredible and the activities were very well organized. There were plenty of opportunities to personalize the trip as we travelled depending on whether we wanted to relax or do more activities. Absolutely amazing experience!
04/22/2024
Had a wonderful trip! My group was excellent, and tour guide Leo’s expertise on Costa Rica’s wildlife and history enhanced the experience. The itinerary was full but not overwhelming, and we were able to see all the highlights while still building in time for other activities.
04/23/2024
This trip gave us an incredible glimpse of Costa Rica. We experienced cities, mountains, beaches and farms all in one short week. Our guide Leo was outstanding and his knowledge of Costa Rican birds, animals, plants, culture, and history were so valuable to our experience. He absolutely went the extra mile to make sure we had the best time and got everything we wanted out of the trip.
04/23/2024
This was one of the best trips i’ve ever taken. The comfortable private vans made traveling easy, and we saw so many animals that i would have definitely not seen if it were not for our local guide Leo. The activities were so unique (for ex. Ziplining and homestay) and this trip was just so much fun. I’m in my late 20’s early 30’s so i wasnt sure what the ages would be, but there were people my age. Since i had such an amazing experience i’m going to book another with intrepid
04/14/2024
This was the most amazing trip. So well organised and thought through. Every element was just perfect. Our Guide Pedro (&Kenneth) were just the best. Their knowledge patience and organisation superb.
04/12/2024
Fantastic tour with Raquel, a great guide. We were immersed in the community and wildlife of beautiful Costa Rica.
04/14/2024
We had an amazing time in Costa Rica. The locations were beautiful and the included activities were enjoyable and ensured that we saw incredible wildlife and experienced the culture of Costa Rica. Particular highlights included the homestay, the cloud forest and the beach at Manuel Antonio. Our tour guide Raquel was excellent - very informative and made sure that everyone got to do and experience what they wanted. Her recommendations for activities, places to visit and eat were great too. I highly recommend this trip!
03/24/2024
¡Pura vida! Costa Rica is a must see & experience. Beautiful country & people.
03/24/2024
The Costa Rice Experience was incredible - its a beautiful country, full of rich culture and food. I really enjoyed that there were so many different options we could choose from, whether it was with the whole group or separately. Also, our tour guide, Marvin, was super cool and knowledgeable. I cannot recommend this trip enough.
03/25/2024
This trip goes through several parts of Costa Rica, showing off the country's diversity. The included and add on optional activities were excellent, and our guide, Marvin, was amazing. Would highly recommend this trip. The homestay was a definite highlight, and something you can't really do travelling on your own.
03/28/2024
My second intrepid tour and I have to give it to them for their guides, thoughtful itineraries and care for the environment.
04/01/2024
We travelled to Costa Rica as part of our honeymoon and opted for the nine-day Intrepid group tour which started in the capital, San Jose. Our tour leader, Marvin Jose Lopez was a brilliant tour guide and make our trip very relaxed , memorable and enjoyable. We got to experience a large part of what of Costa Rica has to offer, with the homestay with a family near Santa Rosa de Pocosol, waterfall in La Fortuna and hanging bridges and Zip Lining in Monteverde being some of the highlights. I would definitely recommend the trip to friends and families and will return one day in the future.
03/19/2024
An excellent trip, from beginning to end. We got to see amazing places and meet amazing people. Allan Alfaro (our guide) made it unforgettable, he is the best guide I have ever had on a trip and he made us feel like family. It was a big struggle to leave the group we traveled with and this beautiful country behind. Looking forward to booking our next adventure with Intrepid!
03/20/2024
I was so impressed with our guide. I hoped for seeing a new place but he was such a great teacher I learned so much that I hadn’t even anticipated
03/21/2024
This was my first trip with Intrepid and doubt it will be my last. Overall it was an amazing experience and I quickly fell in love with Costa Rica. Our amazing guide Allan was very knowledgeable and shared really interesting facts & insight into Costa Rica. He also managed to spot an amazing amount of wildlife that we would not have seen otherwise and he was happy to recommend nice places to visit, restaurants etc. In addition, even when we had free time, he was available for any questions & help as required. The included activities were all excellent and I really enjoyed the homestay and spending time with the local community!
03/25/2024
Great trip to a great place with a great leader :)
03/17/2024
Intrepid introduced me to some of the most amazing people I’ve ever met from all over the world. We became so close-knit and had so much fun together exploring Costa Rica’s beautiful environments and communities. Our group leader was genuine, passionate, and dedicated to us and our experience. It was easy to tell how much he cared for his country and how excited he was to share his culture.
03/18/2024
We had a very professional and knowledgeable tour leader on this Costa Rica trip. Ale was also very passionate about her country and made a point to educate us about the history and culture of her country. It was a small group of young and senior travelers but we all got along super well and had a great time!

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