Pura Vida (Start San Jose, end Playa Tamarindo)

9 days
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4.7/5 Excellent
100+ reviews  
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USTOA

Group Tour
Life is wonderful in Costa Rica, and you’ll see just how good it is with our Pura Vida trip. Meet the local ticas and ticos, and enjoy their laid back vibes and welcoming community. Chill out with spa & mud pool treatments, stay in our unique eco-lodge and chill out on the beach. Or if you don’t want to move at the speed of a sloth, that’s ok too. Canyone...

Overview

Trip type
Group Tour
Lodging level
Basic - 2 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Full schedule

Highlights

    • Guided tour of La Casona & its local industries
    • Learn how traditional products are made & try making some yourself

What's this trip about?

    Life is wonderful in Costa Rica, and you’ll see just how good it is with our Pura Vida trip. Meet the local ticas and ticos, and enjoy their laid back vibes and welcoming community. Chill out with spa & mud pool treatments, stay in our unique eco-lodge and chill out on the beach. Or if you don’t want to move at the speed of a sloth, that’s ok too. Canyoneering, white water rafting, abseiling and Canopy adventures are all ready for the taking.

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeIntimate group - 12 max
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportRound trip airfare and all internal transport included
Start CitySan Jose (Costa Rica)
End CityTamarindo

Travel Themes

  • Local Immersion & Homestays

Destinations

  • Costa Rica
  • South America

Attractions

  • San José

Activities

  • Homestays & Cultural Immersion

Popular Trips

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1: Arrive San José

Meet up with your Trip Manage & fellow Contiki travellers before heading out to explore. Experience daily Costa Rican life at the Plaza & sample local delicacies at the Mercado Central (Central Market).

Day 2: San José to Tortuguero

Say farewell to the big city vibe as we get an early start and depart San José for Tortuguero National Park. We’ll make our way there through Braulio Carrillo National Park, where you’ll check out the beautiful views & native vegetation found here. Tortuguero is o...

Day 3: Tortuguero

In one of the eco-tourism hotspots, pass by plantations and travel through a lush tropical rainforest, meander on the rivers and canals which offer breathtaking views of the Costa Rican forest and mangrove swamps. Finally, visit the stunning coastline and prepare for a once in a lifetime moment as you watch the the turtles nest or give birth!

Day 4: Tortuguero to Sarapiqui

Next up our overnight Eco Camp in Sarapiqui - it's perfect for those who love to relax! You'll discover the rainforest & learn about one of mankind's favourite treats on our chocolate tour in the Tirimbina reserve before a BBQ feast this evening.

Day 5: Sarapiqui to Arenal/La Fortuna

This morning, its all go! We leave it up to you, with choices a canopy tour (zipline) for birds-eye views over the rainforest or rapelling (abseiling) for that adrenalin fix, whatever you’re into is included! With your adrenalin fix had, it’s back on land before headi...

Day 6: Arenal/La Fortuna

This morning get into the adventure that Costa Rica is known for, adventure and nature! Maybe visit La Fortuna waterfall or try canyoneering/rappelling through a rain forest canyon. This afternoon relax by the pool or head into town for a bit of shopping. Later on thi...

Day 7: Arenal/La Foruna to Playa Tamarindo

Today we head to the pacific coast to spend a couple of days in Playa Tamarindo, known for its great surfing beaches & party feel.

Day 8: Playa Tamarindo

Get into the laid back vibe of this beach town, try your hand at surfing, snorkelling or diving. This afternoon join us on an optional catamaran cruise.

Day 9: Depart Tamarindo

It's time to say 'adios' to your travel mate as your trip ends after breakfast

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Dates & Availability

Price From $1,659
Price per day$184
Last Updated: 0/17/2022

Check current availability, prices, specials & more.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

Contiki Reviews & Ratings

4.7/5  Excellent
Excellent
4,713
Great
696
Average
182
Disappointing
58
Terrible
65
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Other Contiki Reviews

R

Reginald Ramirez

Aug 2024

Written on

Trip of a Life Time - Its Been WONDERful

Excellent rating from trip manager, to local tour guides, to the free t...

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Tour Operator

Contiki

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We’re firm believers that life’s greatest experiences are made better by the people you share them with. That’s why Contiki invented group travel for young people in 1962 and we’ve spent the past 53 years perfecting it. You’ll explore amazing destinations with a group of 18-35 year olds from around the world who share your passion for adventure, good times and creating memories that define what it is to be young, wild and free.

No two travellers are the same and we know that, which is why we offer eight unique ways to explore the world. We have a number of options to choose from to create a vacation that’s perfect for you, from budget to accommodation style.

We're all about exploring the world with like-minded people, which is why we only run trips for 18-35 year olds, to celebrate being young, spirited and curious. You can expect to join a group of 18-53 awesome people from around the world on our Europe, Australia, North America and New Zealand trips, and in Asia and Latin America it's all about small group adventures with up to 25 travellers. Don't worry if you're not traveling as a couple or with a friend from home – though there are plenty of pairs, 50% of our travellers set off solo, meaning you'll have a ton of opportunities to make new friends.

With over 270 trips around the world and plenty of departure dates to work into your schedule, you'll never be short of options on where to go for your next great adventure.

About the company:
Contiki are the world leaders in social youth travel. We’ve been providing amazing travel experiences for young travellers, from 18-35 years old, since 1962. Imagine how good you would be at something if you had been doing it for more than 60 years?

Everything about Contiki is deeply rooted in our core values ‘Make Every Moment Count’ and ‘We’re about people’. We don’t just talk the talk, we walk the walk and live by our brand philosophy of ‘Travel.Together.’ which means to travel with one another, the destinations we visit, the cultures we enjoy and the environment, too.

Why we love this operator
Their trips create life-long memories for young people setting off to discover the world.
What they’re known for
Social travel for 18-35 year olds around the world.

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Logistics

Accommodation

An experienced & professional Trip Manager English speaking local guides,
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Meals Included
  • 16 meals (8 B, 3 L & 5 D)
Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Additional Information
Trip ID
contiki-SJPT17N12

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