Pura Vida Costa Rica - Premium Adventure

13 days
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Small Group Tour
Costa Rican culture can be encapsulated by the saying pura vida, meaning pure life. Costa Ricans believe in living life to the full, as well as taking time to slow down and appreciate nature. Join us for a taste of the pura vida lifestyle on this tropical adventure, while staying at handpicked premium hotels. Discover the vast network of canals and wildlife-r...
26%
$10,328
From$7,650
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Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate

Highlights

    • Enjoy the lush rainforest, cloud forest, mangroves, volcanoes and beaches of Costa Rica
    • Float down the Tortuguero waterways searching for monkeys, caiman and birds
    • Take a rainforest volcano hike in Arenal 1968 park, passing eerie lava fields
    • Spend two nights at the beautiful Rio Perdido riverside jungle lodge and swim in natural thermal pools
    • Stay in the Tamarindo Diria beachfront hotel and enjoy sundowners with the best view along the Pacific coast

What's this trip about?

    Costa Rican culture can be encapsulated by the saying pura vida, meaning pure life. Costa Ricans believe in living life to the full, as well as taking time to slow down and appreciate nature. Join us for a taste of the pura vida lifestyle on this tropical adventure, while staying at handpicked premium hotels. Discover the vast network of canals and wildlife-rich waterways of Tortuguero, hike along the flanks of Arenal volcano and swim in the therapeutic natural pools of Rio Perdido – the Lost River – an ancient indigenous gathering place with dramatic topography. We finish at Tamarindo on the Pacific coast, arguably the best beach in the country. Costa Rica will not disappoint, and our team of naturalist guides couldn’t be more excited to welcome you.The best of Costa Rica from the Caribbean to the Pacific 

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeIntimate group - max of 12 people
Age range16 years and up
Flights and transportN/A
Start CitySan Jose
End CitySan Jose

Travel Themes

  • Nature & Wildlife

Destinations

  • Central America
  • Costa Rica

Attractions

  • Monteverde

Activities

  • Nature

Trip includes

    • All breakfasts, three lunches, seven dinners
    • Two boat tours of the waterways in Tortuguero National Park
    • Guided hike in Arenal 1968 Park
    • Guided hike to La Fortuna Waterfall
    • Selvatura Park's treetop hanging bridges excursion
    • Guided nature walk in Monteverde Cloud Forest
    • Guided nature walk in Rio Perdido private reserve
    • Access to hot springs at Arenal Springs Hotel
    • Access to thermal pools at Rio Perdido
    • Sundowners at the Tamarindo Diria
    • Tipping for all hotel, drivers and local staff
    • Named tour leader, chosen for their expertise and great customer feedback
    • Free arrival and departure transfers to/from San Jose Airport

Popular Trips

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1 Start San Jose

Pura vida Costa Rica! Today is our arrival day and our local team is waiting to welcome you. Most flights arrive in San Jose in the afternoon or early evening and there are free transfers to the hotel for all clients. Our centrally located premium hotel is full of his...

Day 2 To Tortuguero National Park

Our adventure begins early this morning, leaving San Jose behind as we travel to the wildly beautiful Tortuguero National Park in northeast Costa Rica. Accessible only by boat or light aircraft, the vast network of waterways, canals and swamps in Tortuguero is remarka...

Day 3 Boat tours around Tortuguero waterways

We rise early this morning to discover the extraordinary flora and fauna of Tortuguero, passing serenely along the waterways of the national park by boat. Wildlife is usually at its most active in the early morning, and with the help of our expert guide we are likely ...

Day 4 To La Fortuna, near Arenal Volcano

We leave Tortuguero by taking a boat back to the main pier. Our transport will be at the pier waiting to drive us to the diverse region of Arenal, passing huge banana, pineapple and sugar cane plantations on the way. Today's travelling time is around 5hr 30min includi...

Day 5 Volcano hike in Arenal 1968

Embark on a guided hike within the fascinating park of Arenal 1968, walking through secondary rainforest and passing lava fields formed by eruptions. Walking on the base and flanks of the volcano gives extraordinary views, and our expert leader explains the history an...

Day 6 La Fortuna Waterfall hike; to Monteverde in the Tilaran Mountains

This morning, witness the immense La Fortuna Waterfall, a 215ft (65m) cascade plunging into an emerald pool. Waterfalls are abundant in Arenal, and their clear pools are perfect for a refreshing dip. We walk through verdant rainforest to a relatively steep set of step...

Day 7 Visit Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve; treetop hanging bridges excursion

Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve is a favourite destination for birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts, where the geographic, topographic and climatic conditions have allowed for a surprising biodiversity to thrive. A walk through the reserve will reveal huge old-growth...

Day 8 To Rio Perdido: the Lost River

This morning we travel towards our next destination, Rio Perdido (Lost River) in the Guanacaste province. Stood upon a raised rocky peninsula where two canyons converge, Rio Perdido Hotel & Thermal River has a vantage point overlooking the forest, canyon and river...

Day 9 Rio Perdido guided walk; afternoon for optional activities

Explore 20mi (32km) of private trails, connected to the Rio Perdido Hotel by a 200ft (61m) hanging bridge, and go in search of exotic wildlife including mammals, reptiles, insects, amphibians and birds. We’ll discover the network of trails during an included guided hi...

Day 10 To Tamarindo

We wave goodbye to the magical Rio Perdido and travel to Tamarindo on the Nicoya Peninsula. Once a fishing village, Tamarindo was discovered by surfers in the late 1980s and has steadily grown a reputation as one of the best beach destinations in the country. Located ...

Day 11 Free day to enjoy the Pacific coast; sunset drinks

Make the most of leisure time today and enjoy the beachfront utopia of Tamarindo. There are plenty of excursions that can be organised locally: have a go at surfing, learn to stand-up paddleboard, book a massage at the hotel spa, or simply enjoy the beach and surround...

Day 12 To San Jose

Spend a few hours this morning enjoying Tamarindo beach or the hotel facilities for the last time, before we check out and transfer back to San Jose, a journey of approximately 4hr 30min. Premium accommodation: Gran Hotel Costa Rica (four-star)

Day 13 End San Jose

The trip comes to an end today after breakfast and it's time to bid Costa Rica and the rest of the group goodbye. Free transfers to San Jose airport are available to all clients today.

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Dates & Availability

Price From $7,650
Price per day$588
Last Updated: 4/23/2024
Start Date
Finish Date
Double Standard
Availability
09 Nov 2024
21 Nov 2024
$7,800
2 spots left
11 Jan 2025
23 Jan 2025
$7,950
8 spots left
08 Feb 2025
20 Feb 2025
$7,950
8 spots left
08 Mar 2025
20 Mar 2025
$7,950
8 spots left
05 Jul 2025
17 Jul 2025
$7,650
8 spots left
08 Nov 2025
20 Nov 2025
$7,950
8 spots left

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Exodus Travels.

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.

Exodus Travels Reviews & Ratings

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Tour Operator

Exodus Travels

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It is all about adventure. That is what Exodus was founded upon and what the company is still all about. Discovering countries, cultures, environments, cities, mountain ranges, deserts, coasts and jungles; exploring this amazing planet we all live on.

At Exodus, we know what makes you tick when it comes to holidays. It’s a desire shared by so many others. A yearning to visit new places and come home with a real sense of what they’re all about. This means delving into local traditions, cultures, cuisine, lifestyles – anything that contributes to its unique identity. At the same time, we always remember that we are only guests. So we travel courteously and respectfully, in smaller groups to minimise our impact, to ensure that every Exodus holiday is a beneficial experience for everyone involved.

This is a philosophy we take with us around the world, helping you reach some incredible destinations on 500 itineraries across over 90 separate countries. We also strive to provide as much flexibility and choice as we possibly can, making it simple for you to experience a very different holiday.

Exodus started life on 4 February 1974 when two friends got together to provide an overland truck to travel to the Minaret of Jam, deep in the heart of the Hindu Kush, the most inaccessible of the world’s great monuments.

All our office staff have a passion for travel and adventure, and between us we’ve notched up experience that spans 171 different countries. That’s not all. In their former lives, our team members have been professional archaeologists, wildlife guides, overland drivers, mountain leaders, diving and ski specialists and mountain bike gurus – so no-one is better placed to create tours that appeal to a wide range of specialist interests.

Their care in putting all the details in place really shines through too. Extensive planning, research, fact-finding and training are a sign of our commitment to providing a holiday where your enjoyment, value for money and safety come first. It’s a telling reason why we remain one of the leading worldwide adventure tour companies. It is no exaggeration to say that our tour leaders can make a world of difference to the enjoyment of your holiday – so we choose them carefully. The result is that, in 2013, 93% of our clients stated that their leader exceeded their expectations. Where possible, we train and employ local leaders because they can provide invaluable insights that enrich the trip. What’s more, this investment in local staff really helps us benefit both them and their community.

Why we love this operator
With a huge range of trip styles and themes, they cater to basically every type of traveler out there- even those with super specific interests.
What they’re known for
Global trips to both classic and exotic destinations with a focus on themed adventures, exciting physical activities and discovery of local culture.

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Logistics

What's excluded

    • International flights
    • Travel insurance
    • Single accommodation (available on request)
    • Visas or vaccinations
    • Tipping for the naturalist guide

Accommodation

,Unwind at the end of each day in our expertly curated, handpicked accommodation on this Premium Adventure. Each property has been chosen for its excellent location, comfort, style and unique characteristics. Please note, on nights 2 and 3 in Tortuguero, we use standard accommodation, which is in a very comfortable and highly rated lodge in this area, which meets three-star standards. Gran Hotel Costa Rica, San Jose, two nights (four-star) Soak up the history of this iconic hotel, which complements the contemporary urban interiors Explore the historic attractions of San Jose from this centrally located accommodation Enjoy a taste of Costa Rican cuisine at the fine-dining restaurant Within walking distance you’ll find the National Theatre, Gold Museum, cafes and shops Arenal Springs Resorts and Spa, Arenal, two nights (four-star) Take in breath-taking views of Arenal Volcano from your room. Relax at one of the three freshwater swimming pools and swim up to the wet bar in one of the four hot-spring pools. Indulge in unique dining experiences Hotel & Spa Poco a Poco, Monteverde, two nights (four-star) Stroll to shops and restaurants in the heart of Monteverde town. Unwind in the heated swimming pool and Jacuzzi. Discover private hiking trails within the hotel grounds. Hotel Rio Perdido & Thermal River, Bagaces, two nights (four-star) All bungalows offer elevated terraces with a hammock. Exclusive access to thermal pools surrounding the hotel. Discover the many hiking trails inside a private 600-acre (243ha) reserve. Tamarindo Diria Beach Resort, Tamarindo, two nights (four-star) Unwind in the beautiful beachfront setting on one of the most famous beaches in Costa Rica. Discover the shops and restaurants of Tamarindo, which are all within walking distance. Take a dip in any of the three swimming pools. Enjoy top-class food and drinks at the four restaurants and bars. The accommodation shown has been booked and agreed in advance; however, we may need to make changes to a property of similar or higher standard after you have booked. We endeavour to inform you of any changes in advance which could, on rare occasions, be at late notice.
Cancellation policy

The cancellation policies of this trip when booked through Travelstride are determined by the stated policies of the tour operator - Exodus Travels.

If you or any other member of your party decides to cancel a confirmed booking you must notify Travelstride in writing. Your notice of cancellation will only take effect when it is received in writing by Travelstride and will be effective from the date on which we receive it.

If You Cancel Your Holiday
You, or any member of your party, may cancel your travel arrangements at any time. Written notification from the lead name or your travel agent must be received at our offices. 

Since we incur costs in canceling your travel arrangements, you will have to pay cancellation charges as follows (see also the exceptions below): 

  • More than 42 days - No cancellation fee. Deposit can be transferred to a new booking departing within 2 years of date of travel of original booking. Any remaining balance will be refundedThis excludes all non-refundable costs as set out in clause 4 above (for example international and domestic flights and local services).
  • Between 41 and 21 days (inclusive) - No cancellation fee. Balance and deposit can be transferred to a new booking departing within 2 years of date of travel of original bookingThis excludes all non-refundable costs as further explained in clause 4 above (for example international and domestic flights and local services).
  • Between 20 and 15 days (inclusive) - 80% of the holiday cost
  • 14 days or less; or failure to join the holiday (inclusive) - 100% of the holiday cost

Certain trips may involve different cancellation charges; you will be advised if this is applicable to your holiday during the booking process.For Polar holidays, the following cancellation charges will be made for all Polar holidays. Period before departure in which you notify us: 

Cancelation charge

  • More than 133 days - Deposit only
  • 133 days or less (or failure to join the holiday) (inclusive) - 100% of the holiday cost

Notes (i) Your deposit is non-refundable, even if the cancellation charge calculated is lower than the deposit amount paid; (ii) If the reason for your cancellation is covered under the terms of your insurance policy, you may be able to reclaim these charges; (iii) certain travel arrangements may be subject to higher cancellation charges and could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements from the moment the booking is confirmed.

If You Change Your Booking

If, after our Booking Confirmation has been issued, you wish to change your travel arrangements in any way, for example your chosen departure date or accommodation, we will do our utmost to make these changes but it may not always be possible. Any request for changes to be made must be in writing from the lead name or your travel agent. You will be asked to pay an administration charge of $60, and any further cost we incur in making this alteration (including those charged by third party suppliers who provide the component parts of your booking).  You should be aware that these costs could increase the closer to the departure date that changes are made and you should contact us as soon as possible. Note: Certain travel arrangements may not be changeable after a reservation has been made and any alteration request could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements.

You can transfer your booking to another person, who satisfies all the conditions that apply to this booking, by giving us notice in writing at least 7 days before departure provided that the new lead passenger accepts the transfer and these Terms and Conditions. Both you and the new traveler are responsible for paying all costs we incur in making the transfer. Please bear in mind that certain airlines and other transport providers treat changes as a cancellation and charge accordingly, up to 100% of the cost for that part of the arrangement. Where applicable these charges will be passed on to you.

If We Cancel Your Booking

Exodus reserves the right to cancel an itinerary before departure for any reason whatsoever, including too few participants ,logistical problems, a Force Majeure Event (as defined in Section 8), or any other circumstances that may make operation of the trip inadvisable. All trip payments received will be promptly refunded, and this refund will be the limit of Exodus’s liability without any further obligation on Exodus’s part. Exodus is not responsible for any expenses incurred by trip members in preparing for the trip, including non-refundable or penalty-carrying airline tickets, special clothing, visa or passport fees, or other trip-related expenses.

If We Change Your Booking

  1. Changes to the price. We can change your holiday price after you’ve booked, only in certain circumstances. Changes in the price of the carriage of passengers resulting from changes to the cost of fuel or other power sources, the level of taxes or fees imposed by third parties including tourist taxes, landing taxes or embarkation or disembarkation fees at ports and airports, or exchange rates mean that the price of your travel arrangements may change after you have booked.

  2. Changes other than the price. It is a term of your booking that we are able to make changes to any aspect of your booking. If the change is insignificant, we will ensure that you are notified about it. Examples of insignificant changes include alteration of your accommodation to another of the same or higher standard. If we are forced by circumstances beyond our control to alter significantly any of the main characteristics of the travel services that make up your package you will have the rights set out below.

    2.1 - We will contact you and you will have the choice of accepting the change or having a refund of all monies paid. You can also accept an alternative holiday, where we offer one (we will refund any price difference if the alternative is of a lower value). We will tell you the procedure for making your choice. Please read any notification of changes carefully and respond promptly as if you do not respond to us within the timescale given your booking may be canceled.

    2.2 - If you choose to accept a refund then that is the only liability we have and we will not be liable for any further sums, compensation or otherwise and you are advised to adequately insure yourselves against cancellation for any reason

Please note that insurance premiums and amendments charges are not refundable in any circumstances. 

Once you have put down a deposit for a tour, you are unable to cancel and re-book within a promotional period and we reserve the right to amend the pricing on any new booking you make within that time. If you cancel a tour and book the same tour under a promotional code, we reserve the right to decline the booking.

Important Note: Certain arrangements may not be amended after they have been confirmed and any alteration or cancellation could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements in addition to the charge above.

If the reason for your cancellation is covered under the terms of your insurance policy, you may be able to reclaim these charges.

Where possible, we will deduct the cancellation charge(s) from any monies you have already paid to us.

For more additional details, see the booking conditions of TruTravels at the following web address: https://www.exodustravels.com/us/about-exodus/exodus-booking-conditions.

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
All breakfasts, three lunches and seven dinners included. Hotel breakfasts are normally buffet-style. Vegetarian and vegan options are limited but food is plentiful and tasty – please inform us before departure of any special dietary requests. Costa Rican specialities include gallo pinto, a black bean and rice dish and a staple part of the local diet. Soups and stews are also common, and fresh fruit is abundant and will no doubt be one of the highlights of your time in the tropics.
Age Requirements
16 years and up
Additional Information
10 nights staying in handpicked premium hotels and lodges, two nights’ standard accommodation Travel by private air-conditioned bus and on open-sided boats around Tortuguero National Park Group normally 4 to 12 plus tour leader. Minimum age: 16
Trip ID
exodus-AHP

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