Costa Rica Explorer image
Operated by G Adventures

Costa Rica Explorer

From
Price on request
Duration
14 days
Countries
Costa Rica
Activity
easy

The adventure

Costa Rica has as many microclimates as it does opportunities for active adventures, and this 2-week journey will bring you the best of both. There's a visit to a cloud forest, but for a bigger jolt, opt to rappel down waterfalls or fly across ziplines above the treetops. For the caffeine connoisseur, we visit a coffee co-op and learn how it gets from bean to your cup. For a different pace, float through the canals of the Tortuguero National Park in search of wildlife. From the Caribbean beaches to the Pacific, this stunning tour embodies some of the best that Costa Rica has to offer.

At a glance

Duration
14 days
Route
San José → San José
Countries
Costa Rica
Activity level
easy
Style
Beach & Islands, National Parks & Wilderness, Trekking & Hiking, Wildlife & Safari
Group size
Ask
Flights
Not included
Solo travellers
Welcome

Where you'll go

Costa Rica Explorer image

Day by day

Scenic view of the verdant hills and lush forests of Monte Verde, Costa Rica.
Your journey through

Costa Rica

Day 1Arrival dayArrivalIf you arrive early enough, you'll have time to head into the city to visit a museum, shop or visit the main plaza in the city centre. The plaza is a good place to people-watch. A mime, juggler, marimba band, magician, or storyteller may be performing for whatever is collected when the hat is passed. Artisan booths are common, creating a regular arts and crafts fair atmosphere.
If you arrive early enough, you'll have time to head into the city to visit a museum, shop or visit the main plaza in the city centre. The plaza is a good place to people-watch. A mime, juggler, marimba band, magician, or storyteller may be performing for whatever is collected when the hat is passed. Artisan booths are common, creating a regular arts and crafts fair atmosphere.
Day 2Travel to Tortuguero National Park and enjoy guided…This morning enjoy a delicious Costa Rican breakfast enroute as we transfer by road then boat through the famous canals of Tortuguero. This tropical eco-paradise is home to countless bird and animal species, and you will have many opportunities to view and photograph wildlife. The tropical rainforest gives way to prime secluded beaches, ideal nesting grounds for Green turtles (nesting July-October) and Loggerhead, Hawksbill and Leatherback Turtles (nesting March-June). We cannot guarantee you will see turtles but odds are fairly good from July through October.
This morning enjoy a delicious Costa Rican breakfast enroute as we transfer by road then boat through the famous canals of Tortuguero. This tropical eco-paradise is home to countless bird and animal species, and you will have many opportunities to view and photograph wildlife. The tropical rainforest gives way to prime secluded beaches, ideal nesting grounds for Green turtles (nesting July-October) and Loggerhead, Hawksbill and Leatherback Turtles (nesting March-June). We cannot guarantee you will see turtles but odds are fairly good from July through October.
Day 3Enjoy a guided boat trip and jungle walk…Plenty of opportunity to see a variety of birds, monkeys and other wildlife. In our downtime, relax at the secluded lodge on a hammock or at the pool or beach. Option to take a zipline excursion or go kayaking.
Plenty of opportunity to see a variety of birds, monkeys and other wildlife. In our downtime, relax at the secluded lodge on a hammock or at the pool or beach. Option to take a zipline excursion or go kayaking.
Day 4Depart early and enjoy an included snack en routeDepart early and enjoy an included snack enroute. This afternoon, visit to a G Adventures-supported coffee cooperative with a tour and local lunch. Arrive in Fortuna this evening and relax at the pool surrounded by jungle and volcano views.
Depart early and enjoy an included snack enroute. This afternoon, visit to a G Adventures-supported coffee cooperative with a tour and local lunch. Arrive in Fortuna this evening and relax at the pool surrounded by jungle and volcano views.
Day 5Explore Fortuna and take a tortilla-making lesson followed…Visit a local home and take a tortilla-making lesson followed by a typical lunch with a local family. Option to visit and soak in local hot springs.
Visit a local home and take a tortilla-making lesson followed by a typical lunch with a local family. Option to visit and soak in local hot springs.
Day 6Free day in La Fortuna
Free day in La Fortuna. Options include rafting, waterfall rappelling, soaking in local hot springs or take a boat tour of the Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge.
Day 7Travel to MonteverdeFrom La Fortuna, we make our way up to the misty mountain air of the Monteverde cloud forest. We spend 2 days exploring the town and nearby Forest Reserve, truly a bird lover’s paradise.
Close-up of a Green-Crowned Brilliant hummingbird perched on a bare branch in Monteverde, Costa Rica.Monteverde
From La Fortuna, we make our way up to the misty mountain air of the Monteverde cloud forest. We spend 2 days exploring the town and nearby Forest Reserve, truly a bird lover’s paradise.
Map showing Monteverde
Day 8Take a guided nature hike in the Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve
Take a guided nature hike in the Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve. Afternoon is free for optional activities.
Day 9Free time to explore MonteverdeFree time to explore all that Monteverde has to offer. Saddle up and go horseback riding. Zip-line through the jungle canopy. Wobble bravely over suspension bridges. Visit the butterfly garden and take close-up photos.
Free time to explore all that Monteverde has to offer. Saddle up and go horseback riding. Zip-line through the jungle canopy. Wobble bravely over suspension bridges. Visit the butterfly garden and take close-up photos.
Day 10Drive to Manuel Antonio and enjoy a guided…The white sand beaches and warm Pacific waters are the ideal atmosphere to relax at the end of your adventure. If you opt to chill out at the beach, be sure to walk out into the sea on the incredible natural sand formation that shapes a whale's tale when the tide goes out.
The white sand beaches and warm Pacific waters are the ideal atmosphere to relax at the end of your adventure. If you opt to chill out at the beach, be sure to walk out into the sea on the incredible natural sand formation that shapes a whale's tale when the tide goes out.
Day 11Take an included day trip to Manuel Antonio National Park
Take an included day trip to Manuel Antonio National Park. After enjoy free time at the public beach.
Day 12Free time to explore Manuel Antonio…
Free time to explore Manuel Antonio and the National Park with option to surf, go horseback riding, or visit nearby picturesque beaches.
Day 13Return to San José for an optional farewell dinner with the groupTravelling across picturesque highlands, we return to San José for one last night in the city.
Vibrant street art in a lively San José alleyway, showcasing Costa Rica's urban culture.San José
Travelling across picturesque highlands, we return to San José for one last night in the city.
Map showing San José
Day 14Departure dayDeparture
Departure day, depart at any time.

Traveller reviews

The entire trip more than exceeded my wildest dreams. There was adventure, excitement and something fantastic every day that would surprise me. Total disbelief that I was actually living this life for 2 weeks.
The tour was amazing. I had such a great time! I literally did not want to leave once it was over. Everyone got along so well and had so much fun together. Bethany was an awesome tour leader. Very knowledgeable about the country and activities and always willing to answer any…
We loved it! The comfort class had more comfort then we expected. Each hotel had its own charm and was very accomodating to G Adventures customers. The tour leader was knowlegable. She was open to all questions and provided great information to activities that were available in…

Discover Costa Rica

A glimpse of the destination you'll explore.

A serene waterfall cascades through dense forest greenery in Guanacaste, Costa Rica.
A stunning landscape of Arenal Volcano with clouds and a serene lake view, capturing nature's beauty.
A breathtaking aerial view of the coastline at Puntarenas, Costa Rica, showcasing pristine beaches and lush greenery.
Breathtaking view of a lush green landscape with a majestic volcanic mountain under a cloudy sky.
A bird soars over lush hills and forests in San Ramón, Costa Rica.
Operated by G Adventures

A TripFinder-trusted operator. We compare the trip and handle your booking with a real advisor — you travel under the operator's terms.

Book my trip →

More Central America adventures

Epic Central America: Seven Countries & the Softest Sand Ever image
G Adventures
Save 15%

Epic Central America: Seven Countries & the Softest Sand Ever

Guatemala, Mexico, Nicaragua, Belize, Honduras, Costa Rica, El Salvador · 45 days · Easy

fromCAD 3,814
Next: 28 Jun
Chichen Itza, Mexico
Intrepid Travel
Deal

Epic Central America

Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua · 45 days · Easy4.0(2)

fromCAD 4,643
Next: 01 Jul
Central American Journey with Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel
Deal

Central American Adventure

Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua · 34 days · Easy4.9(25)

fromCAD 6,651
Next: 01 Jul