Costa Rica: Wildlife, National Parks & Hidden Gems of the Northwest image

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Operated by G Adventures

Costa Rica: Wildlife, National Parks & Hidden Gems of the Northwest

From

CAD 3,059

Duration

14 days

Countries

Costa Rica

Activity

easy

The adventure

Beloved by all travellers, Costa Rica is a small but mighty gem — and this 14-day adventure from San José to Playa Flamingo shows you why. You'll hit the highlights while veering off the beaten path to uncover local favourites. Soar through the jungle canopy of Monteverde, feel the spray of a waterfall in Manuel Antonio National Park, and marvel at the electric blue waters of Rio Celeste. With visits to three national parks, the gorgeous beaches of Guanacaste, and peaceful rainforest retreats, this trip strikes the perfect balance between adventure and relaxation. Costa Rica like never before!

At a glance

Duration

14 days

Route

San José → Playa Flamingo

Countries

Costa Rica

Activity level

easy

Style

Beach & Islands, Culture & History, National Parks & Wilderness, Sailing & Marine, Trekking & Hiking, Wellness & Yoga, Wildlife & Safari

Group size

Ask

Flights

Not included

Solo travellers

Welcome

Where you'll go

Day by day

Your journey through

Costa Rica

Day 1Arrival dayArrivalThere are no activities planned until an evening welcome meeting.

There are no activities planned until an evening welcome meeting.

Day 2Drive to Sarapiquí to visit the G Adventures-supported…

Drive to Sarapiquí to visit the G Adventures-supported Mi Cafecito Community Coffee Plantation. Learn about the impact this project has had on the community and sample some of the products they sell. Continue on to the Arenal region and take advantage of a free afternoon and a full free day tomorrow to experience the adventure activities and natural wonders of the area.

Day 3Free day in La Fortuna

Free day in La Fortuna. Experience the outdoor adventures, amazing wildlife and natural wonders in this area. There are enough activities here to keep you busy all day long. In the evening opt to soak in one of the many hot springs in the area to cap off an adventurous day.

Day 4Travel by van and boat through the stunning…

Travel by van and boat through the stunning Costa Rican scenery up into the cloud forest. Take an included guided night walk to learn about nocturnal life in the jungle firsthand.

Day 5Enjoy a free day to explore the cloud…

Enjoy a free day to explore the cloud forest region of Costa Rica. Opt to fly across canopy ziplines, walk across suspended bridges through the forest canopy, or go horseback riding in the hills.

Day 6Travel to Quepos

Travel to Quepos, just outside Manuel Antonio National Park. Opt to visit the park or relax on the beach in this fun surf town. Enjoy a night out and perhaps learn how to dance salsa.

Day 7Enjoy an included entrance into Manuel Antonio National Park

Enjoy an included entrance into Manuel Antonio National Park. Then, take advantage of free time to explore. Opt to swim in the Pacific. Or choose to kayak through mangroves and relax on the beach.

Day 8Opt to chill at the beach or sail…Pre-book the Manuel Antonio Catamaran Tour on the checkout page to include this optional activity on your tour or ask your GCO or travel agent for assistance.

Pre-book the Manuel Antonio Catamaran Tour on the checkout page to include this optional activity on your tour or ask your GCO or travel agent for assistance.

Day 9After an early departure from San Jose

After an early departure from San Jose, the group will travel to the famed ethereal blue waters of Rio Celeste. Set off on a CEO-led walk through the area with views of the river along the route before an included lunch. Continue onwards to the Rincon de la Vieja area where you will have dinner at the lodge restaurant before a night walk on the nearby trails.

Day 10Enjoy breakfast at the lodge before transferring…

Enjoy breakfast at the lodge before transferring to Rincón de la Vieja National Park where you will embark on a hike in the area to gain a full sense of the tropical and volcanic landscape, while searching for resident wildlife. Travel back to the hotel in the afternoon for free time on the property. Activity options range from ziplining, hiking in the area, and various cultural experiences.

Day 11Enjoy a full free day in the Rincon…

Enjoy a full free day in the Rincon de la Vieja area with an abundance of optional activities to choose from. Between hiking, bird watching, or spa treatments and a soak in the hot springs, your day can be as leisurely or busy as you’d like.

Day 12After breakfast at the lodge the group will…Playa Flamingo

Playa Flamingo

After breakfast at the lodge the group will travel to Playa Flamingo on Costa Rica’s northern Pacific coast. Enjoy a CEO-led orientation walk upon arrival to get to know this uniquely set up town, whose central area has remained a pristine beach protected by a large mangrove forest. Then, spend a free evening exploring on your own.

Day 13Spend a full free day in paradisePlaya Flamingo

Playa Flamingo

Spend a full free day in paradise. Opt to prebook a Catamaran excursion to get out onto the water for a whole new view of the Playa Flamingo area. Or choose to enjoy the beach on your own with swimming and sunbathing.

Day 14Departure dayDeparturePlease note that while your tour ends in Playa Flamingo, there are taxis/shuttle services available to the Liberia airport. These services depart from the town of Potrero which is 10 minutes from your Finish Point Hotel. It takes one hour to get to the airport in Liberia from Potrero.

Please note that while your tour ends in Playa Flamingo, there are taxis/shuttle services available to the Liberia airport. These services depart from the town of Potrero which is 10 minutes from your Finish Point Hotel. It takes one hour to get to the airport in Liberia from Potrero.