As an ex trolley dolly I would consider myself a seasoned traveller used to travelling independently. Taking my 11 year old daughter on this trip of a lifetime gave me back my sense of adventure and has inspired her to globe trot. I met an American on a rickety boat in Thailand 20 years ago - he told me to visit Costa Rica as it was beautiful - well he was wrong, it is the most beautiful and magical country I have ever visited!!!!!!!!!!
WildlifeCruise
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel, Lodge
Age Range
9-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
San Jose, Manuel Antonio Nationa
San Jose, Manuel Antonio National Park, Tortuguero National Park, Arenal Volcano, Cahuita National Park, Arenal Volcano National Park, Manuel Antonio, La Paz Waterfall, Sarapiqui, La Fortuna
Costa Rica’s wild heart awaits on this Classic Costa Rica adventure trip—a 15-day exploration from lively San Jose to the misty Monteverde Cloud Forest and sun-kissed Pacific beaches. Perfect for those eager for easy-paced discovery, this small group tour immerses you in the country’s lush jungles, bustling farmlands, and pristine parks. Savor local hospitality with a homestay in Santa Rosa de Pocosol, where you’ll help prepare a traditional meal. Unwind in volcanic hot springs at La Fortuna, spot sloths and monkeys in Manuel Antonio National Park, and enjoy optional activities ranging from canopy walks to river rafting. The unique selling point? Authentic connection with Costa Rican culture and nature at every turn, ensuring your trip is as enriching as it is relaxed.
AdventureNational parks
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Lodge, Home-stay
Age Range
15-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
San Jose, Manuel Antonio Nationa
San Jose, Manuel Antonio National Park, La Fortuna, Sarapiqui, Arenal Volcano, Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Preserve, Manuel Antonio, Tortuguero National Park, Santa Rosa De Pocosol, Rio Celeste
A wonderful voyage of discovery which takes you to each region of Costa Rica ...all made up of unique climate zones with varying birdlife and wildlife. I would hardly identify myself as someone who usually goes out searching for birdlife or wildlife, but this trip captivates you to get involved and go searching ...often early in the morning or in the evening. Costa Rica is incredibly lush with a small population and a government appearing to work hard on sustainability and protection of the environment. There were a lot of roadworks in evidence! All the accommodation was excellent and all the Lodges, each one different, were a delight. They allowed you the luxury of sitting on your own veranda allowing the birdlife and wildlife to 'come to you' as you were in their environment. Our trip spent its last night miles outside of San Jose centre which, although the hotel was lovely, was a disappointment for me as I'd wanted to spend the free afternoon exploring the vibrant downtown area with its parks, local shops, lovely buildings, museums etc but this wasn't feasible from Santa Ana. I've mentioned this to Exodus. We had a few downpours...mainly late afternoons, but only were out on a trip during one downpour and the Lodge provided everyone with huge ponchos...the rain didn't spoil the delight of the boat trip. Suggest a waterproof jacket, strong trainers or walking shoes and a camera with a good zoom lens should be priorities for packing!
WildlifeBird watching
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Lodge
Age Range
16-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
San Jose, Manuel Antonio, Marino
San Jose, Manuel Antonio, Marino Ballena National Park, Savegre Cloud Forest, Savegre River, Tortuguero National Park, La Fortuna, Monteverde, Santa Elena
The timing, the excursions and activities, the restaurants, accommodations and travels were all so amazing, and there was never a dull moment. No wait I take that back. The dull moments is when we went to bed. I never wanted the day to end and I never wanted this trip to end. From the ceo to the new friends I made in our group, it was absolutely amazing. The wildlife, the beaches, the food, the parties, the home stay, I can’t even get started on the home stay. What a wholesome moment. The families were so sweet and welcoming.
I wanted to thank G Adventures and I wanted to especially thank Aaron, our ceo for always being organized and making this tour educational and fun.
Wildlife
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Hostel, Home-stay, Resort
Age Range
18-39 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
San Jose, La Fortuna, Nicoya Pen
San Jose, La Fortuna, Nicoya Peninsula, Montezuma, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, San Carlos, Monteverde
Excellent trip with Gracie, I did things I never would have tried by myself such as rappelling down waterfalls and ziplining 1.5km. Saw some amazing wildlife and met some great people.
Explorer
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
18-100 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
San Jose, Manuel Antonio Nationa
San Jose, Manuel Antonio National Park, Arenal, La Fortuna, Monteverde, Manuel Antonio
We originally looked at booking the longer Costa Rica Family Adventure as we thought the Family Escape (at 7 nights) may be too much of a whirlwind. However, we liked the fact that there were less distances to travel (as the Family Escape does not include a visit to the Caribbean coast), and that there were more activities included, plus, on enquiry, we found out that on the dates we wished to travel the families booked onto this trip had children of similar ages to our own (16 and 12). We are so pleased we went for this option! From being met at the airport by our wonderful guide, Eduardo, and driver, Cesar, to being waved off as we boarded our transfer on the last day, we enjoyed every minute of our holiday!
Costa Rica is an incredible country and this trip gives you a sense of its diverstiy - from the volcanic landscape around Arenal, to the Cloud Forest at Monteverde, and the tropical beaches of Carillo. The mix of activities is great - from the high adrenaline rafting and zip wire course at Monteverde, to fascinating nature walks and wildlife spotting. The itinery is quite pacy - there are activities most days, however, you get at least 2 nights at each hotel (apart from in San Jose) so you do get chance to unpack a little and enjoy some downtime.
The hotels all offer something different: Los Lagos at La Fortuna is set in lush tropical gardens with its own resident crocodile and butterfly and insect houses. Plus, it has its own hot springs complete with water slides which our children loved. The Country Lodge at Monteverde is a little more basic, but charming, whilst the Nammbu Beachfront Bungalows are super stylish with spacious rooms and a stunning pool area.
Trekking and Hiking
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel, Lodge, Resort
Age Range
9-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
San Jose, La Fortuna, Monteverde
San Jose, La Fortuna, Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Preserve, Carrillo Beach