Compare Costa Rica Experience by Intrepid Travel vs Costa Rica: Jungles and Java by Great Value Vacations

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 is a dynamic atmosphere. If you arrive early, why not wander around at your own pace – a good place to start exploring is the main plaza, perfect for some people watching. Tonight, maybe head out to get to know your group with an optional welcome dinner.

Day 2 Santa Rosa de Pocosol

Travel by private vehicle to Santa Rosa de Pocosol today, where you’ll spend the night in a homestay. Just down the road is the Juanilama agricultural community, where you can get to know the locals, help with farm chores, and take an informal cooking lesson. Several villagers have built comfortable rooms for guests next to their homes, and you’ll stay in one of them this evening. Please note that these rooms use shared facilities. In order to make the most of this homestay experience, it may take a bit of effort from your side to break the ice first. Learn as many Spanish words as you can before you arrive!

Day 3 La Fortuna

Today, continue to La Fortuna – a small town situated just a few minutes away from Costa Rica's famous Arenal Volcano. Besides its panoramic views, the town offers a range of other activities such as the 70-m-high La Fortuna waterfall, stunning lush forest, rare plants, animal watching and water-based activities on the lake. The volcano’s inner workings also mean that the area has a number of thermal springs where lava-heated water gushes to the surface. These springs have been sculpted into several pools and waterfalls, making them the ideal place to relax. Spend the rest of the day as you please in this exciting town, maybe even testing your balance on a stand-up paddleboard.

Day 4 Monteverde

Today, you’ll take the scenic route to Monteverde. Monteverde was founded as an agricultural community in 1951 by a group of North American Quakers – they cleared virgin forests to create verdant pastures ideal for dairy farming. These environmentally aware settlers were conscious of the danger that unrestricted settling and farming could cause to this precious habitat, so they established a small, privately owned wildlife sanctuary, which has grown to become the internationally renowned Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Preserve. More than 2000 species of plants, 320 bird species and 100 different types of mammals call Montverde home. When you arrive, you can choose from a range of outdoor activities to wildlife spot, hike or cruise on the waters.

Day 5 Monteverde

Today is free for you to choose how you'd like to spend your time in this beautiful area. Maybe start your exploration with a tour of the suspension bridges that hang in the trees, or head to the Serpentarium to see some crawly critters. Watch butterflies at play in the specially created garden, hire a local guide to show you around the area, visit a community cooperative or zip-line through the lush canopy. Whatever you do, be sure to keep an eye out for the resplendent quetzal – one of the most elusive birds in the world.

Day 6 Quepos

Travel through the mountains to Quepos by private minibus. Located close to the beautiful Pacific beaches and exotic 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 tuck into a traditional cooking class for lunch with them in their home. Prior to 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 traditional 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 the life.

Day 7 Quepos - Manuel Antonio NP

Spend your time enjoying all that Manuel Antonio National Park has to offer with a free day today. Perhaps head out for a hike along one of the many trails, keeping one eye on the great views and the other looking for the abundant wildlife. Monkeys, armadillos, sloths and hundreds of birds are among the species you can spot here. The park also boasts turquoise seas and white-sand beaches – perfect for swimming, kayaking, sailing and fishing. It would be easy to spend your whole time here in, or by, the water.

Day 8 San Jose

Take a public bus back to San Jose today, arriving back in time for you to pick up some last-minute souvenirs at the city's colourful and vibrant markets. Then, head out for an optional dinner and a night on the town, getting a taste of the huge variety of nightlife on offer here.

Day 9 San Jose

With no further activities planned, your trip comes to an end after breakfast today. If you’d like to extend your stay, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.

Day 1 Welcome to San Jose!

After arriving at Juan Santamaria Int’l Airport (SJO), a Swiss Travel representative will meet you and provide information about your trip. From the airport, drive through the Central Mountain Range heading to your first destination in Naranjo.

After check in, enjoy the rest of the day and evening at leisure in Costa Rica's Central Valley.

Day 2 Naranjo

Wake up this morning with a delicious Costa Rican breakfast and fresh coffee, then go deep into the history and culture of this ancient beverage on a tour of a coffee plantation. See how coffee was once transported on a traditional carreta!

Later in the afternoon, take an ecological walk along the paths of the hotel as you admire the flora and fauna.

Day 3 Naranjo - Arenal Volcano

Mid-morning you will transfer to the northern lowlands, passing through the towns of Zarcero, San Carlos, and Florencia. Depending on the season, you will see pineapple, banana and sugar cane crops on your drive.

Arrive at La Fortuna Village in the late afternoon where the mighty Arenal Volcano will welcome you with its impressive perfect conic shape. This volcano has been active since 1969 and it has become one of the world’s most active volcanoes and one of Costa Rica’s main highlights. In the evening, visit the Tabacon Hot Springs to relax in the mineral-rich thermal waters.

Day 4 Arenal Volcano

Today is yours to explore the area. We highly recommend a visit to Arenal Volcano National Park (extra cost). The attraction of this volcano has helped to develop the area as a prime destination in the country; formerly a small town of cattle and agricultural farms, it is now home to tour attractions, adventure activities, hot springs and water sports.

Day 5 Arenal Volcano - Manuel Antonio

Travel to your next destination on the central Pacific coast - the famous Manuel Antonio National Park. Pass through a scenic mountain road with various climates and elevations until reaching the town of Quepos.

Arrive at Manuel Antonio National Park where you will be greeted by magnificent beaches and Pacific ocean. Check into your resort and spend the rest of the day lounging by the pool or relaxing in your airy room.

Day 6 Manuel Antonio

Have a beach day! The two main beaches inside the park are Playa Espadilla Sur and Playa Manuel Antonio. The latter is best known for its spectacular views, but if you’re looking to escape the crowds, venture a bit further down the main trail to Playa Espadilla Sur.

The park's light sand beaches are popular for relaxing, swimming, snorkeling, and surf lessons.Manuel Antonio's beaches are also known for their stunning, brightly-colored sunsets, so stick around and be treated to a show.

Day 7 Manuel Antonio

While it may be the smallest park in Costa Rica, Manuel Antonio is home to an abundance of wildlife. Capuchin, Howler, and Squirrel Monkeys are some of the most social creatures of the park and you will likely meet a few along the way. Hike the main trail, a 1.3-mile flat, sandy trail that links the park’s beaches. A slightly more challenging trail is Punta Catedral, a beautiful 0.9 mile loop trail with a few steep inclines.

Day 8 Manuel Antonio - San Jose

Today you will be transferred back to San Jose where you will enjoy one final evening at your leisure. Thanks to an influx of artists, foodies, and entrepreneurs, San Jose has become less of a stopover and more of a destination. Head to the downtown area and stop in one of the restaurants to try casado, a dish of meat, rice, plantains and beans. Toast to your last night with a shot of guaro, Costa Rica's national drink!

Day 9 Depart San Jose

Your Costa Rican adventure ends today. After breakfast, you will be transferred to San Jose Int’l Airport for your departure flight back home.