Journeys: Explore Costa Rica

14 days
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Small Group Tour
With a quarter of its land covered in national parks and wildlife refuges, Costa Rica is a dream for the nature lover and adventure buff. On this unforgettable journey, discover the country’s diverse and breathtaking landscapes, from the Caribbean coast to the Pacific. Explore the lush waterways of Tortuguero National Park, where thousands of sea turtles come...
$2,859
From$2,324
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Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

    • Hear a lecture from a researcher at the monteverde institute
    • Learn how to make tortillas during a visit to a local family home
    • Spot wildlife while cruising the canals of tortuguero
    • Enjoy spectacular volcano views while soaking in hot springs
    • Learn all about sea turtles at the sea turtle conservancy

What's this trip about?

    With a quarter of its land covered in national parks and wildlife refuges, Costa Rica is a dream for the nature lover and adventure buff. On this unforgettable journey, discover the country’s diverse and breathtaking landscapes, from the Caribbean coast to the Pacific. Explore the lush waterways of Tortuguero National Park, where thousands of sea turtles come to nest every year; assist in a tree-planting program in the cloud forests of Monteverde; and cap off your journey on Manuel Antonio’s pristine beaches, experiencing the true meaning of “pura vida”—the Costa Rican way of life.

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 15 people
Age range12 years and up
Flights and transportAll internal ground transport included
Start CitySan José
End CitySan José

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • Nature & Wildlife
  • National Parks

Destinations

Activities

  • Culture
  • History
  • Nature
  • Wildlife Viewing

Max Group Size

  • Max Group Size: 15

Trip includes

    • Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Sea Turtle Conservancy Experience
    • TortugueroYour Journeys Highlight Moment: Tortilla Making and Home Dinner
    • La FortunaYour Journeys Highlight Moment: Monteverde Institute Lecture & Reforestation ProjectYour G for Good Moment: Mi Cafecito Coffee Cooperative Tour
    • SarapiquíYour Discover Moment: La FortunaYour Discover Moment: MonteverdeYour Discover Moment: Manuel Antonio
    • Arrival transfer
    • Boat tour and wildlife viewing in Tortuguero National Park
    • 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

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1 San José

Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer is included.

If you arrive early enough, you'll have time to head into the city to visit a museum or the main plaza in the city center. The plaza is a good place to people-watch. A mime, juggler, marimba band, magician, or st...

Day 2 San José/Tortuguero

Travel by land and motorized canoe to Tortuguero National Park. Located on the Caribbean coast, Tortuguero—translated as “land of the turtles”—is one of the world’s most important nesting sites for the endangered green sea turtle. Settle into our secluded lodge, then ...

Day 3 Tortuguero

This morning, we’ll explore the wildlife-rich canals of Tortuguero National Park once more, seeking out howler, spider, and capuchin monkeys, sloths, and a variety of birds.

There’s plenty of opportunity to see a variety of birds, monkeys, and other wildlife. In...

Day 4 Tortuguero/La Fortuna

Depart early for the town of La Fortuna, situated at the foot of the majestic Arenal Volcano. En route, visit a G Adventures–supported coffee cooperative to gain insight into the process of coffee production, from bean to cup. After a typical lunch—accompanied by an a...

Day 5 La Fortuna

Spend the day exploring La Fortuna and its surrounding areas on your own. In 1968, the Arenal Volcano erupted after centuries of laying dormant, converting this quiet agricultural town into a hot spot for adventure travel. This evening, visit a local home to learn how...

Day 6 La Fortuna

Enjoy a full free day in La Fortuna. Choose to go stand-up paddleboarding on the tranquil waters of Lake Arenal, or venture into a world of stalactites, stalagmites, and subterranean species on a visit to the Venado Caves. Take a boat tour of the Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge, one of the world’s most important wetlands; and relax in the shadow of Arenal Volcano at a naturally heated outdoor spa.

Day 7 La Fortuna/Monteverde

From La Fortuna, we make our way by road and boat to the misty mountain region of Monteverde. Spend two days exploring this charming little town and the nearby cloud forest reserve—a nature lover’s paradise.

The town of Monteverde is fairly small with shopping a...

Day 8 Monteverde

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. In your free time, embark on a zip-lining adventure, gliding high above the treetops and zooming through the misty foliage.

Day 9 Monteverde

Pay a visit to 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; then roll up your sleeves an...

Day 10 Monteverde/Manuel Antonio

Leaving the cloud forest behind, travel 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 spend the remainder of the day relaxing on the beach.

The...

Day 11 Manuel Antonio

Discover the lush tropical forests and white-sand beaches of Manuel Antonio National Park on a guided day trip. Costa Rica’s smallest national park—yet one of the most spectacular—boasts an abundance of wildlife, including monkeys, armadillos, sloths, iguanas, and cou...

Day 12 Manuel Antonio

Spend a full day exploring Manuel Antonio on your own. Walk along lush jungle trails looking for toucans in the treetops. Opt to take a surfing lesson, or head out for a snorkelling excursion on the nearby reef. Kayak amid the coastal mangroves or in the open sea, keeping an eye out for dolphins and whales.

Day 13 Manuel Antonio/San José

Return to San José. Tonight, choose to join the group for a farewell dinner at a popular local restaurant.

Day 14 San José

Depart at any time.

Departure day, depart at any time.

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Dates & Availability

Price From $2,324
Price per day$166
Last Updated: 3/23/2025
Departure Date
Finish Date
Base Price
Availability
27 Mar 2025
09 Apr 2025
$3,349
Sold Out
30 Mar 2025
12 Apr 2025
$3,349
Sold Out
01 Apr 2025
14 Apr 2025
$3,199
Sold Out
03 Apr 2025
16 Apr 2025
$3,199
1 spots left
06 Apr 2025
19 Apr 2025
$3,199
Sold Out
10 Apr 2025
23 Apr 2025
$3,199
3 spots left
13 Apr 2025
26 Apr 2025
$3,199
3 spots left
15 Apr 2025
28 Apr 2025
$3,199
Sold Out
17 Apr 2025
30 Apr 2025
$3,199
12 spots left
20 Apr 2025
03 May 2025
$3,199
1 spots left

Costa Rica airport exit tax: $29USD

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.

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Logistics

Accommodation

Hotels (11 nts), rustic jungle lodge (2 nts).
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. In Tortuguerro National Park we stay in a remote jungle Lodge that is only reachable by boat. Rooms are simple, with ensuite, electricity and hotel water, but due to this remote location, there can sometimes be interruptions to services. There is no A/C but each room has large-screened windows and ceiling fans to catch the breeze off the Caribbean Sea. While at the lodge during your downtime, you can enjoy the pool, bar or beach. The stunning location, wildlife and natural beauty of the location more than makes up for a few minor inconveniences.

Transportation & Flights

Private vehicle, shuttle van, boat, walking.,

Transportation & flights

Private vehicle, shuttle van, boat, walking.
Guides
CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides.
Requirements
Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for our travellers. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter, and in particular the local people who make the world the special place it is. The exploitation of prostitutes is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our CEOs have the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or if they use prostitutes.,We believe single travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and single travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.
Travel Insurance
Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your CEO, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy please bear in mind that all clients must have medical coverage and that we require a minimum coverage of USD 200,000 for repatriation and emergency rescue. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.
Visa requirements
All countries require a valid passport (with a minimum 6 months validity). Contact your local embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date visa requirements, or see your travel agent. It is your own responsibility to have the correct travel documentation. Visa requirements for your trip will vary depending on where you are from and where you are going. We keep the following information up to date as far as possible, but rules do change and sometimes without warning. While we provide the following information in good faith, it is vital that you check the information yourself and understand that you are fully responsible for your own visa requirements. Visa information specific to your destination and nationality can be found in our Important Pre-Departure Information page here
Health & Safety
Please note inoculations may be required for the country visited. It is your responsibility to consult with your travel doctor for up to date medical travel information well before departure. You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information well before departure. We recommend that you carry a First Aid kit and hand sanitizers / antibacterial wipes as well as any personal medical requirements. Please be aware that quite often we are in remote areas and away from medical facilities, and for legal reasons our leaders are prohibited from administering any type of drug including headache tablets, antibiotics, etc. When selecting your trip please carefully read the brochure and itinerary and assess your ability to cope with our style of travel. Please refer to the Physical and Culture Shock ratings for trip specific information. Like any city where tourism is on the increase, crime also tends to increase and while San José is not a noticeably dangerous city, there are certain precautions you should take. Make sure that you are aware of your things at all times and don't go out carrying expensive gear or jewellery.
Meals Included
13 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 3 dinners
Age Requirements
12 years and up
Additional Information
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Trip ID
gadventure-23739

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