Highlights of Costa Rica

8 days
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4.6/5 Excellent
100+ reviews  
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Small Group Tour
From San Jose to Manuel Antonio, get closer to the landscapes and wildlife of Costa Rica on our highlights tour. Witness the country's unreal scenery, where volcanoes loom over wild rivers and stretches of beach curb luscious, green forests, with wildlife to spot at every turn. Our week-long trip provides the perfect introduction to the country's varied ecosy...
$1,993
From$1,620
See departure dates

Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate

Highlights

    • Discover Costa Rica's incredible nature and wildlife
    • Explore unspoilt tropical rainforest and look down into volcanic craters
    • Search for birdlife in the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve

What's this trip about?

    From San Jose to Manuel Antonio, get closer to the landscapes and wildlife of Costa Rica on our highlights tour. Witness the country's unreal scenery, where volcanoes loom over wild rivers and stretches of beach curb luscious, green forests, with wildlife to spot at every turn. Our week-long trip provides the perfect introduction to the country's varied ecosystems - a must for nature lovers. Discover Monteverde - Delve into the forest trails of this cloud forest reserve, a biodiverse paradise for nature enthusiasts. Wildlife river cruise - Float down the Penas Blancas river, spotting rare species along the banks and in the tree canopies. Explore Manuel Antonio - Share the stunning white-sand beaches of this national park with sun-bathing iguanas and capuchin monkeys.

Details

Itinerary focusOff the Beaten Path
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 20 people
Age range16 to 85 years
Flights and transport
Start CitySan Jose
End CitySan Jose

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • Hiking & Walking

Destinations

Attractions

  • La Fortuna
  • Manuel Antonio National Park
  • Monteverde
  • Pacific Coast

Activities

  • Hiking

Min Group Size

  • Min Group Size: 20

Max Group Size

  • Max Group Size: 20

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1 Join trip in San Jose

Our tour starts today in San Jose, Costa Rica's cosmopolitan capital. Lying in a fertile valley, at an altitude of 1,150 metres, coffee and sugar are big industries here - coffee is even planted between buildings and along the roadsides on the outskirts of the city. ...

Day 2 Visit the active Poas Volcano, drive to Arenal

This morning, we'll head to Poas Volcano National Park (a one-hour drive away), where you can spot the smoke from one of Costa Rica's most active volcanos rising majestically from the tropical rainforest. At almost a mile in diameter and 314 metres deep, the main crat...

Day 3 Wildlife float trip on the Penas Blancas river, free afternoon with optional activities including a waterfall hike

The Arenal area is well known for its diverse wildlife, and this morning we'll set out on a tranquil rafting safari to spot some of the most sought-after species. There is no white water here, we'll simply be floating down with a local guide, who will scour the water ...

Day 4 Drive to Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, night walk through the forest

Today we'll travel around Arenal Lake up into the cloud forest region of Monteverde - one of the most well-known places in Costa Rica to see wildlife. Perched on the Continental Divide between the Pacific and the Caribbean, it's thought that there has been indigenous ...

Day 5 Drive to Manuel Antonio National Park

We'll leave Monteverde by mid morning. If you'd like to pack in more nature before we leave, there's the optional activity to revisit the cloud forest reserve in the early morning. The paths here wind their way through gigantic ferns, underneath the lichen and moss th...

Day 6 Explore Manuel Antonio's wildlife and beaches

Manuel Antonio National Park is famous for its beautiful beaches and rich wildlife. We'll spend the morning exploring the park, where white-faced capuchin monkeys swing from the trees, and poison-dart frogs hide under the protection of lush tropical plantlife. Coatimu...

Day 7 Free morning in Manuel Antonio National Park, return by vehicle to San Jose

This morning is free to relax in Manuel Antonio. You could choose to revisit the park (depending on the day of the week) or relax on the beaches around the town. Around midday, we'll leave the Pacific Coast, driving back inland to San Jose - around a four to five hour drive.

Meals Provided : Breakfast

Day 8 Trip ends in San Jose

The trip ends this morning at our hotel in San Jose. There are no activities planned today, so you're free to depart at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day, luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you'd like an airport transfer to...

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Dates & Availability

Price From $1,620
Price per day$203
Last Updated: 3/26/2025
Departure Date
Finish Date
Base Price
Single Room (Optional)
Availability
12 Apr 2025
19 Apr 2025
$2,230
$2,910
1 spots left
03 May 2025
10 May 2025
$1,620
$2,300
9 spots left
24 May 2025
31 May 2025
$1,620
$2,300
12 spots left
31 May 2025
07 Jun 2025
$2,230
$2,910
10 spots left
26 Jul 2025
02 Aug 2025
$1,830
$2,510
15 spots left
16 Aug 2025
23 Aug 2025
$1,760
$2,440
14 spots left
04 Oct 2025
11 Oct 2025
$2,030
$2,700
13 spots left
18 Oct 2025
25 Oct 2025
$1,760
$2,440
15 spots left
01 Nov 2025
08 Nov 2025
$1,760
$2,440
13 spots left
12 Nov 2025
19 Nov 2025
$2,030
$2,700
16 spots left

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.

Explore! Reviews & Ratings

4.6/5  Excellent
Excellent
10,427
Great
3,358
Average
527
Disappointing
158
Terrible
80
T

Tammera

Feb 2025

Written on

Highlights of Costa Rica

I just left this on google reviews: This tour exceeded all expectations! Our guide went above and beyond to ensure we had as many adventures as possible, making ever...

L

Lauren

Feb 2025

Written on

Highlights of Costa Rica

Such an amazing holiday, the hotels were all great and the tour guide ...

T

Trusted Customer

Jan 2025

Written on

Highlights of Costa Rica

Whilst the weather was poor (it rained for four days), The guide did not help the situation. His briefs for what was to follow later in the day or the next day were ...

T

Trusted Customer

Dec 2024

Written on

Highlights of Costa Rica

I had expected abundant wildlife and good weather. The wildlife was elusive and it rained for most of the week. I appreciate that the weather could not have been pre...

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Other Explore! Reviews

T

Trusted Customer

Mar 2025

Written on

Efficient, timely and cordial

Quick to answer the phone

T

Trusted Customer

Mar 2025

Written on

Upgraded - Discover Vietnam

Great locations and a fantastic guide

Write a Review

Tour Operator

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Logistics

Accommodation

Transportation & Flights

Bus,

Transportation & flights

Bus
Guides
Explore Tour Leader
Cancellation policy
These conditions are applicable to Discovery & Wildlife, Cycling, Walking and Family Trips. These conditions were updated November 2022. Booked a Polar trip? Please refer to our Polar booking conditions. To make it easy to know the detail of our flexibility, we’ve put it in a grid (these terms apply to all trips apart from our Polar Voyages.) Standard cancellations or changes within 69 days of travel If you’re getting closer to your trip, cancellation charges will apply as follows: For trips confirmed by 31st December 2022: 59-42 days before trip start date – 30%, or loss of deposit if higher 41-28 days before trip start date – 60% 27-14 days before trip start date – 90% Less than 14 days before trip start date – 100% For trips confirmed from 1st January 2023: 69 -42 days before trip start date – 30%, or loss of deposit if higher 41-28 days before trip start date – 60% 27-14 days before trip start date – 90% Less than 14 days before trip start date – 100%
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
\red5\green99\blue193; Costa Rica: Citizens from the UK, US, Canada and most EU countries do not require a visa for a stay up to 90 days. Citizen of Australia, New Zealand and the Republic of Ireland do not require a visa for stays up to 30 days. All other nationalities must enquire at their own embassies. USA: If your flights pass through the USA, even if only in transit, you will require either a visa or an ESTA (an e-visa). Please read on for more information. Citizens of the UK, New Zealand, Australia, Canada and passport holders from several EU countries can apply for an ESTA under certain conditions. This applies if you enter the country by sea or by air, and this must be done online via \ul \ulnone , no later than 72 hours prior to travel. Travellers who have not registered before their trip are likely be refused boarding. You must have a biometric passport to apply for an ESTA. UK passports which are biometric feature a small gold symbol (camera) at the bottom of the front cover. If you have visited Iran, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen since 2011 or are dual nationals of these countries, you cannot travel with an ESTA and instead you will need to apply for a visa from the nearest US Embassy or Consulate. If you are unable to provide a valid visa before boarding flights to the US, or entering via another method, you may not be permitted to travel. You should also be aware that if you have travelled to or have been in Cuba since the 12th of January 2021, you will not be eligible for an ESTA visa waiver and will need to apply for a US visa. You should consult the US State Department website to determine which you will need. Your ESTA application will ask for Point of Contact information. Please note that if you're only transiting through the USA then this is not required. If you're visiting or staying in the USA on an Explore trip, then our USA contact information will be listed on your final documentation which you will receive approximately 3-4 weeks before departure. Entry requirements for the USA can change regularly, therefore, please ensure you have the most up to date information before you travel by checking the US embassy website. Visa applications - \ul \ulnone Canada: An electronic travel authorisation (ETA) is required by British citizens transiting via Canada. For more information see the official Canadian government website: \ul \ulnone Other nationalities should consult their local embassy or consular office
Health & Safety
Nothing compulsory, but we recommend protection against typhoid, infectious hepatitis and polio. Please consult your travel clinic for the latest advice on Malaria, Dengue and Zika Virus. Please take preventative measures to avoid mosquito bites - these include mosquito repellent as well as long trousers and long sleeve shirts to cover up when necessary. Please note many countries in Central America, South America and the Caribbean require a yellow fever vaccination certificates if travelling from infected areas. A detailed list of these countries can be found on the NaTHNaC website - http://travelhealthpro.org.uk/countries. Also on the NaTHNaC site there is a list of Countries (and specific areas within a country) which are at risk of infection and a vaccination is therefore recommended. Please check the latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure. The above is not an exhaustive list. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at <a href="https://www.explore.co.uk/essential-information/know-before-you-go/travel-health">Explore Travel Health</a> and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed by you before travelling.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast : 7
Age Requirements
16 to 85 years
Additional Information
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Trip ID
explore-BCC

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