Compare Costa Rica Experience by Intrepid Travel vs Costa Rica Wonders with Guanacaste Beach by Great Value Vacations
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| Trip |
4.5 | Great
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4 | Great
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| Duration | 9 days | 12 days |
| Price From | $ 1,436 | $ 2,938 |
| Price Per Day | $ 160 | $ 245 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Small group tour | Self-guided tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Standard |
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| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Airfare included |
| Activities |
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| Meals Included | N/A | N/A |
| Description |
Discover a region of natural diversity, cultural riches and laidback vibes on a nine-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. Kick back in the rustic beach town of Quepos, explore the steamy cloud forests of Monteverde and get to know the locals by lending a hand on a rural farmstay near Santa Rosa de Pocosol. Explore the depths of this colourful and vibrant country with plenty of time to make this trip your own. |
Embark on a journey through five diverse regions as you travel through the best of Costa Rica. Trek trough dense rain forests, hike active volcanoes, take drives through banana fields, soak in natural hot springs, and get a taste of the local sips and snacks too!. Start in San Jose where Casado is served up the way its supposed to be and souvenirs await you on streets filled with music. Take a boat to Tortuguero National Park and explore the canals and village there, along with the fantastic wildlife that thrives alongside the people. Climb Arenal Volcano and rest in its hot springs, then cross Arenal Lake to walk through the green landscape of Monteverde. Experience true jungle flora and fauna on a private cloud forest tour and learn about the daily lives of the locals. Finally, you'll spend a few days unwinding in Guanacaste Beach, snorkeling and swimming among colorful schools of fish in beautiful, clear water. |
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!
Arrive in sunny San Jose! Meet your Swiss Travel representative, who will provide you with all necessary documentation, phone numbers, and important information regarding your Costa Rican adventure. Enjoy a convenient transfer to your first luxurious hotel in San Jose. Spend the evening getting to know the city! Stroll through Parque La Sabana, take photos in-front of the National Theater of Costa Rica, and treat yourself to some local favorite foods.
Day 2 San Jose - Tortuguero National Park
Say goodbye to San Jose and head to the North Caribbean Plains, home of breathtaking Tortuguero National Park! Enjoy breakfast on the way, and look out the window at the Central Volcanic mountain range, filled with beautiful waterfalls and the bright green forests of Braulio Carrillo National Park. Your journey will continue through banana fields along rural roads, until you reach a local dock where boats will be waiting to transfer you to Tortuguero! Enjoy a scenic boat ride through canals shaded by the jungle of the rainforest. Gaze out at unique flora and fauna, and keep your eyes peeled for exotic birds! After arriving at your Tortuguero accommodation, embark on a visit to the village of Tortuguero, where you'll become immersed in the lifestyle of local residents.
Day 3 Tortuguero National Park
Today, explore this jungle paradise by boat! Discover the secondary canals of Tortuguero, and observe the natural beauty that surrounds them. The rate of biodiversity is amazingly high in this area, so have fun spotting a variety of birds, turtles, reptiles, and mammals as you float along. Tortuguero National Park is made up of over 76,000 protected hectares, spotted with canals, deltas, wetlands, and beaches.
Day 4 Tortuguero National Park - Arenal Volcano area
At mid-morning, hop aboard a boat and enjoy a scenic ride toward Arenal Volcano. Your journey continues on land, where you'll stop for lunch in the area of Guapiles. En route, feast your eyes on amazing views of mountains and rural towns such as Sarapiqui, Rio Cuarto, and Aguas Zarcas. Keep your eyes out for pineapple, orange, sugar cane, and yucca crops along the way! Upon arrival in La Fortuna de San Carlos, feel welcomed by majestic views of the mighty Arenal Volcano. Settle into your comfortable hotel and get a good night's rest - a full day of adventure awaits you tomorrow!
Day 5 Arenal Volcano area
Ah, a relaxing morning to explore the area. Take a leisurely stroll through the lush grounds, or go birdwatching! If you're more of an adrenaline-junkie, treat yourself to a tour of the breathtaking Arenal Hanging Bridges or a ride on the Sky Tram. For a special morning, consider horseback riding near Fortuna River Waterfall. Get ready for an amazing afternoon! Enjoy visits to the Arenal Volcano, as well as the Tabacon Hot Springs. Take tons of photos, feast your eyes on amazing landscapes, and feel the natural heat of volcanic hot springs!
Day 6 Arenal Volcano area - Monteverde area
Travel through Tilaran Mountain Range until you reach postcard-worthy Monteverde Cloud Forest! Enjoy gorgeous views of sparkling Arenal Lake and sky-high mountains, admire exotic plants, and feel refreshed by the cooler temperatures of the area. Settle into your next hotel, then embark on a visit to El Trapiche, a family-run farm that produces sugar cane, coffee, bananas, and more! Learn all about authentic Costa Rican culture as you live a day-in-the-life of a local.
Day 7 Monteverde area
Grab your camera and get ready for a day filled with stunning landscapes and amazing wildlife. Spend the first half of your day in picturesque Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, then spend the rest of the day at leisure. While in Costa Rica, be sure to try Casado, the country's most traditional and popular dish, consisting of rice, black beans, plantains, salad, tortilla, and meat.
Day 8 Monteverde area - Guanacaste/Langosta Beach area
It's beach day! Today, your journey will veer toward the magnificent pacific beaches of Costa Rica. Watch as the green forests turn into bright blue waters! Settle into your beautiful hotel, then take a walk along the beach and feast your eyes on an amazingly orange sunset over the ocean.
Day 9 Guanacaste/Langosta Beach area
Spend the day leisurely exploring at your own pace. Take advantage of the hotel's facilities, unwind with a drink on the beach, or inquire about snorkeling or scuba diving! Indulge in a delicious outdoor dinner and enjoy the ocean breeze as you taste the local flavors of Costa Rica.
Day 10 Guanacaste/Langosta Beach area
Wake up to the sounds of seagulls cawing and waves softly crashing against the shore. Cherish another day of beach side relaxation, or partake in outdoor activities offered in the area! Consider visiting national parks, taking a boat ride, or river rafting.
Day 11 Guanacaste - San Jose
Enjoy a convenient transfer back to San Jose, where you'll stay for your last night. Explore the city, go sightseeing, and hop around bars and restaurants. Indulge in delicious local food and do some souvenir shopping!
Day 12 Depart Costa Rica
Squeeze all your souvenirs into your luggage, pack your bags, and enjoy a convenient transfer to the airport. Wave goodbye to beautiful Costa Rica and spend your flight home dreaming about your next adventure.
