One Week In Costa Rica

Intrepid Travel · 8 days

4.6

5 Reviews

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Duration

8 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Basic

Physical Rating

Light

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

Calling all nature lovers, solo travellers and young adventurers! Spend a week in Costa Rica beginning in San Jose – the thriving urban centre with colourful markets, vibrant nightlife and spontaneous art fairs.

Highlights

Explore Cahuita National Park on a hike through the lush vegetation and coastal beaches (where you can take a dip) and look out for the abundant wildlife on the land and in the sky.
Take part in a Caribbean cooking class in Puerto Viejo de Talamanca and sit down for lunch with the locals – a blend of African, Indigenous and Spanish flavours mixed with coconut milk, spices, fruits, curry and seafood.
Enjoy plenty of free time to choose your own adventure – maybe hike through the lush forest of La Fortuna, go wildlife spotting near Arenal Volcano or explore Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve looking out for sloths.
Kick back on the Caribbean coast in Puerto Viejo, surrounded by vibrant coral reefs – the perfect spot for some swimming, snorkelling or relaxing under the shade of palm trees.
Start and end your trip in San Jose, the urban centre of Costa Rica, to balance out the outdoor adventure with some nightlife, bar hopping, markets and museums.

Trip Details

Duration

8 days

Transportation

Shared Vehicle,Private Vehicle,Public Bus,Boat,Taxi

Tour Type

Small Group

Guide Language

English

Starts

San Jose, Costa Rica

Finishes

San Jose, Costa Rica

Accommodations

Basic

Travel Style

18 - 39 Year Olds Only

Physical Rating

Light

Itinerary

Day 1: San Jose

Hola! Welcome to Costa Rica. Your adventure begins in San Jose, home to a lively cultural atmosphere and heaps to do. If you arrive early (it’s recommended that you stay an extra few days), maybe explore the markets – you might even be lucky enough to see a spontaneous art fair! If history is your thing, maybe head to the Gold Museum to see the collection of Indigenous gold art. Perhaps visit Arte Contemporaneo if you’re an art lover or get your first taste of the rich coffee that Costa Rica is known for in a nearby coffee shop. You’ll have a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight at your hotel. After, maybe head out to a local restaurant or the Central Market where you can pick up some fresh seafood.

Optional Activities:

San Jose – Bites and Sights Urban Adventure (49 USD)
San Jose - San Jose By Night: Food and Culture - Urban Adventures (74 USD)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 2: Monteverde

Take an early public bus to Monteverde this morning – this area was initially used as an environmentally conscious agricultural community and has now been transformed into the internationally recognised Cloud Forest Reserve. Make the most of your free time in lush Monteverde, maybe exploring the cloud forest at night with a local guide or heading out on a zip lining adventure. There are also several local communities that operate co-ops here, which are well worth the visit. Maybe walk through the canopy on suspension bridges or watch butterflies in the Butterfly Garden and Insects Farm. If food and coffee are more your thing, maybe head out on a chocolate and coffee tour.

Optional Activities:

Monteverde - Butterfly Garden and Insects Farm (entrance fee) (22 USD)
Monteverde - Canopy Zip Lining (Entrance, Equipment & Transport) (101 USD)
Monteverde - Coffee & Chocolate tour (47 USD)
Monteverde - Suspension bridges tour (55 USD)
Monteverde - Cloud Forest Night Walk (45 USD)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 3: La Fortuna

If you're an early bird, maybe head out on a nature hike and look out for hummingbirds, sloths and the infamous (and seldom seen) quetzal birds. Today you’ll drive to Lake Arenal and take a boat to La Fortuna – a small but vibrant town with abundant hot springs and natural pools. Sitting under the shadow of a towering volcano, this spot is the perfect place to relax, explore or get active. Tonight, maybe grab dinner with your fellow travellers at a local restaurant and try some sopa negra (black bean soup) or pozole (a stew made from pork, hominy, cilantro, bell peppers and achiote).

Optional Activities:

Monteverde - Cloud Forest Entrance (26 USD)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 4: La Fortuna

Enjoy a free day to explore La Fortuna today. Maybe you’d like to take a day trip out of town and go white water rafting. Costa Rica is renowned for its natural beauty, so an adrenaline-filled adventure on the action-packed rivers is highly recommended. Alternatively, stay in La Fortuna and head out on a hike through the lush surrounding forest or go stand-up paddleboarding on Lake Arenal to enjoy the incredible backdrop of Arenal Volcano from a new perspective. If you’re an animal lover, look out for coatimundis, racoons and toucans across the water on a boat tour of Cano Negro Reserve. Soaking in the local thermal hot springs is a popular activity here – these natural springs are fed by the volcano that overlooks the city and are the perfect spot to relax and enjoy the surrounding scenery.

Optional Activities:

La Fortuna - Ecotermales Hot Springs (entrance fee) (49 USD)
La Fortuna - La Fortuna Waterfall (Entrance only) (25 USD)
La Fortuna- Caño Negro boat tour (94 USD)
La Fortuna - Stand up paddle board (75 USD)
La Fortuna - Arenal 1968 Volcano View and Lava Trails (Entrance fee) (25 USD)
La Fortuna - Arenal hanging bridges (inc entrance fee, guide and shared transport) (75 USD)
La Fortuna - Arenal Volcano Base Hike (97 USD)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 5: Cahuita National Park - Puerto Viejo de Talamanca

This morning, leave the volcano behind and take a private transfer to Cahuita National Park, where you’ll explore the lush landscape on a 2-hour hike with your leader. You’ll also visit the beach here, where you can cool off with an ocean swim or go wildlife spotting, looking out for paca, iguanas, giant blue crabs, racoons, opossums, porcupines and the capuchin monkey. This is a great day for photos, so keep your camera or phone on you! Carry on to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, where you’ll spend the night. On the Caribbean seaside, you can spend tonight hopping to different reggae bars and watching the sunset on the palm-fringed beaches.

Included Activities:

Cahuita National Park - Entrance
Cahuita National Park - Hike

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 6: Puerto Viejo de Talamanca

Explore the area on a bike ride along the palm-fringed coastal road, stopping at various beaches and inlets as you make your way south. Visit Punta Uva Beach, where you can find a little hidden cave with a gorgeous view. This afternoon, you can opt to head to Manzanillo for an immersive forest therapy session, where you'll learn about sustainable eating practices and the medicinal uses of local plants with a guided tour through the gardens. Learn more about local Afro-Caribbean culture, taste breadfruit and take a brief Spanish lesson. Finish your day by watching a Caribbean cooking demonstration. Experience a melting pot of culinary traditions using a mix of spices and fruits influenced by local Indigenous, African and Spanish cuisines. Then, return to Puerto Viejo for the evening to hit the bars with your fellow travellers for a drink.

Included Activities:

Puerto Viejo de Talamanca - Coastal Bicycle ride
Puerto Viejo de Talamanca - Caribbean Cooking Demonstration

Optional Activities:

Manzanillo - Medicinal Plants Experience (45 USD)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 7: San Jose

Journey back to San Jose and explore the historic buildings and artisan markets on an orientation walk with your leader. When you're done with the morning adventure, the afternoon is all yours. You can go café-hopping, hit up some local bars or just wander around soaking in the local scene. Tonight, maybe get your fellow travellers together for a final group dinner to say your goodbyes, and after that, dive into the vibrant nightlife scene to wrap up this epic journey on a high note.

Included Activities:

San Jose - Leader-led orientation walk

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 8: San Jose

After breakfast, there are no activities planned and your trip comes to an end. If you’d like to explore San Jose in more depth, why not book an Urban Adventures tour like the San Jose Bites & Sights tour. Unmask the beauty and culture of contemporary Costa Rican life on this San Jose walking tour that takes you through the busy streets, bustling markets and tranquil parks. If you want to spend more time in San Jose, 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 – Bites and Sights Urban Adventure (49 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 $1,040

(Tour only)

Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 8 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Light

Check Availability Brochure

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 18 Jul 2026

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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

5.0

Prince

Traveled, April 2024

04/23/2024

Worth every penny.

5.0

Elizabeth

Traveled, March 2024

03/23/2024

Costa Rica met and exceeded my expectations and this trip helps you cram in all of the different sides of Costa Rica in such a short time. The nature and wildlife is incredible, the thermal spas in La Fortuna are brilliant and the vibe on the Caribbean side in Puerto Viejo is amazing. If you only have a week available, I definitely recommend this trip.

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

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