Costa Rica Adventure

Welcome to Costa Rica! Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm today in San Jose to meet your trip leader and the community of fellow travelers. San Jose is the lively heart of the Costa Rica and over half the country’s population lives within its parameters, so it’s a great place to start getting to know the culture and local energy of the people who call this place home. If you arrive early, why not wander around at your own pace – a good place to start is the main plaza where you can watch daily life unfold. If you’re feeling up to it tonight, maybe join your group for an optional welcome dinner – a relaxed way to start getting to know your crew.

After breakfast, you’re off to the Tesoro Escondido Waterfall. As part of an ecological waterfall project committed to conserving the natural environment, you’ll escape the crowds as you watch the impressive waterfall tumble almost 160 ft into an old volcanic crater. After, you’ll grab lunch at a local restaurant before heading to La Fortuna – a laid-back town just minutes from Arenal Volcano. The rest of the day is yours to adventure your own way. Feel like chasing waterfalls? La Fortuna’s 230-ft cascade is calling. Want something a little more active? Try stand-up paddleboarding on Lake Arenal with volcano views all around. Or, if you’d rather take is slow, the area’s geothermal hot springs are perfect for a long, relaxing soak.

Today starts with a trek on the Arenal 1968 trail – a living reminder of the powerful 1968 eruption. Explore the scenic terrain as you cross lava fields, getting a firsthand look at how volcanic activity has shaped the landscape. Vibrant flora and fauna have flourished in the area, making this spot feel both rugged and full of life with its resilient ecosystem. In the afternoon, take a minibus to Lake Arenal where you'll hop on a scenic boat ride across the water. Another minibus will be waiting to take you to Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve.  Check into your hotel, then maybe do a night walk to spot some of the area’s nocturnal critters.

Join your leader this morning for a guided walk through the Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve – a place where conservation and community come together in a big way. To protect the land, Monteverde has grown into a world-renowned sanctuary home to thousands of plant species, hundreds of birds and plenty of mammals. Keep an eye (and camera) ready for monkeys, toucans, sloths and coatis as you wander beneath the misty canopy. The afternoon is yours to explore. Ease into nature on suspension bridges, zip through the treetops, visit butterfly gardens or see what’s slithering in the Serpentarium. You can even dive into Costa Rica’s coffee and cacao culture on a local farm tour. And if luck’s on your side, you might just spot the rare resplendent quetzal – one of the most elusive birds in the world.

Travel through the mountains by private minibus to the laidback surf town of Manuel Antonio with a stop along the way to visit a local family. Step into their home, help prepare a traditional Costa Rican lunch and get to know your hosts over a fresh cup of local coffee – a warm, hands-on taste of everyday life here. Jump in, learn a few techniques and share a meal made together. After lunch, you’ll settle into your accommodation and have some downtime. This evening, you might wander down to the coast to catch the sun setting in the Pacific, maybe go for a dip, or grab a table at a waterfront restaurant to wrap up the day in true pura vida style.

Spend your morning exploring Manuel Antonio National Park with a naturalist guide who’ll help you uncover the magic of its diverse ecosystems. Keep your eyes open – monkeys, armadillos, sloths and hundreds of species of birds call this place home. With its turquoise waters and white-sand beaches, the park is also the spot for swimming and kayaking. You’ll have a free afternoon to make the day your own. Stay by the water, jump in for a swim, paddle along the shore or simply relax in the shade. And if you’re still feeling energized, you can hit the park’s trails and keep the adventure going.

Kick off the morning with a kayaking adventure through the mangrove forests of Damas Island. You’ll be guided by a local naturalist who knows these protected wetlands like the back of their hand, pointing out the twists, turns and hidden corners along the way. If you’re lucky, you might spot a troop of playful white-faced capuchins swinging through the trees above. After your paddle, you’ll head back to San Jose by private vehicle. This evening, gather for an optional farewell dinner with your group to celebrate the trip, trade stories and favorite moments and raise a glass to the adventures and connections you’ve made along the way.

After breakfast, your adventure comes to a close. If you’re wanting to spend more time in this area, just chat with your booking agent ahead of time to keep the adventure going a little longer.