9 Day Journeys: Highlights of Costa Rica

Fully Guided Adventure Small Group

Our Price From 2,672 Per Person

Exclusive Savings 927 Per Person

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Trip Length

9 Days

Trip Starts

San Jose

Trip Finishes

San Jose

9 Day Journeys: Highlights of Costa Rica Itinerary (G Adventures)

Countries Explored: Costa Rica

Trip Operator

G Adventures

102 Reviews

Trip Style

National Geographic Journeys

Departures

Jan 2025 to Dec 2025

Budget

Affordable

Max. Group Size

Pace

Leisurely

Guide Level

Fully Guided

Trip Code

CRNNG

Overview

Book online and enjoy exclusive savings on G Adventures 9 Day Journeys: Highlights of Costa Rica. Home to lush rainforests, pristine beaches, and an astonishing diversity of wildlife, Costa Rica has long been a leader in conservation and the protection of natural heritage. Experience this gorgeous Central American nation on a fun-filled adventure, taking you from the foot of an active volcano to the misty highlands and Pacific coast. Hear from a researcher at the National Geographic–supported Monteverde Institute, learn the art of tortilla-making with a local family, and seek out the country’s...read more

Itinerary

If you arrive early enough, you'll have time to head into the city to visit a museum, shop, or visit the main plaza in the city centre. The plaza is a good place to people-watch. A mime, juggler, marimba band, magician, or storyteller may be performing for whatever is collected when the hat is passed. Artisan booths are common, creating a regular arts and crafts fair atmosphere. Stay: Hotel Radisson San Jose

Awake in the Costa Rican capital and take a tour of a G Adventures–supported coffee cooperative. Meet local farmers, observe shade-grown coffee plants, and gain insight into the process of coffee production, from bean to cup. After a typical lunch—accompanied by an aromatic cup of coffee—continue to the town of La Fortuna, situated at the foot of the majestic Arenal Volcano. This evening, we’ll visit a local home to learn how to make tortillas. Chat with your welcoming hosts and dig into a traditional Costa Rican meal of black beans, plantains, and your own handmade tortillas. Stay: Hotel Monte Real (B/L/D)

Spend the day on your own, exploring La Fortuna and its surrounding areas. In 1968, the Arenal Volcano erupted after centuries of laying dormant, converting this quiet agricultural town into a hot spot for adventure travel. Choose to go stand-up paddleboarding on the tranquil waters of Lake Arenal; relax in the shadow of Arenal Volcano at a naturally heated outdoor spa; take a boat tour of Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge, one of the world’s most important wetlands; and more. Stay: Hotel Monte Real (B)

Travel from La Fortuna to the leafy cloud forests of Monteverde—a nature lover’s paradise. This afternoon, choose to discover Monteverde’s breathtaking wilderness on a zip-lining adventure in the birthplace of the canopy tour, gliding high above the treetops or zooming through the misty foliage at exhilarating speed. Stay: Sibu Lodge (B)

Set out on a hike in the stunning Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve, treading past giant ferns and vibrant orchids. If you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of the resplendent quetzal—a sacred bird in Maya and Aztec cultures. Afterward, visit the Monteverde Institute, a research and educational organization supported by National Geographic. Hear from a researcher about some of the institute's conservation initiatives, including a successful reforestation project. Stay: Sibu Lodge (B/L)

Leaving the cloud forest behind, head to Costa Rica’s sweeping Pacific coast and settle into your hotel in the seaside village of Manuel Antonio. Soak up the laid-back atmosphere of the area, and opt to go surfing, or sailing. You can also spend the rest of the day relaxing on the beach. Stay: Hotel Villas Lirio (B)

The park has fabulous beaches, abundant wildlife, and a great trail system for those who want to spend the day hiking. Look for monkeys, armadillos, coatimundis, sloths, and some 350 species of birds that are present in the park. Stay: Hotel Villas Lirio (B)

Return to San José. Tonight, choose to join the group for a farewell dinner at a popular local restaurant. Stay: Hotel Radisson San Jose (B)

Depart at any time. (B)

Trip Inclusions

Devour a delicious lunch at a G Adventures-supported coffee co-op.
Learn how to make tortillas in a local home.
Listen to a lecture from a Monteverde Institute researcher.
Hike the trails of cloud forest reserves and breathtaking parks.
Search for wildlife while exploring the Pacific coast.

Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Tortilla Making and Home Dinner, La Fortuna
Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Monteverde Institute Lecture, Monteverde
Your G for Good Moment: Mi Cafecito Coffee Cooperative Tour, Sarapiquí
Your Discover Moment: La Fortuna
Arrival transfer
Guided nature walk in the Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve
Guided excursion to Manuel Antonio National Park
All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

Hotels (8 Nights)
Hotels vary greatly throughout Central America and even within Costa Rica depending on the location. We do our best to pick comfortable accommodations, but in popular locations options can be limited and we often use various different hotel depending on seasonality. It also is important to remember that hot water shortages and power outages can be fairly common, even in upgraded hotels. We appreciate your patience and understanding that these occurrences are outside of our control.
Please also note that La Fortuna and Monteverde have fairly small centres with shopping and some great restaurants, but most of the upgraded accommodations in these areas are located outside of the main town/city centre - to take better advantage of the natural beauty of these areas. Taxis are readily available in both areas.

CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides

8 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 1 dinner

Private vehicle, walking, boat

Accommodation, itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included

Brochure

G Adventures National Geographic Journeys (2023-24)

Combining National Geographic’s more than 130 years of global exploration, science, and storytelling, with the fun, responsible, and culturally immersive travel experiences for which G Adventures is a global leader. Support global initiatives, community projects, and enjoy access to exclusive ventures. Dive into a blend of comfort and discovery, just...more

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Note
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you enquire. Additional savings may apply. We guarantee the lowest price in Australia. T&C’s apply.

Journeys: Highlights of Costa Rica

Overview

Itinerary Expand All

Day 1: San José

Day 2: San José - La Fortuna

Day 3: La Fortuna

Day 4: La Fortuna - Monteverde

Day 5: Monteverde

Day 6: Monteverde - Manuel Antonio

Day 7: Manuel Antonio

Day 8: Manuel Antonio - San José

Day 9: San José

Trip Inclusions Expand All

Journey Highlights

Trip Inclusions

Accommodation

Your Tour Guides

Meals Included

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Trip Notes

Brochure

G Adventures National Geographic Journeys (2023-24)

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