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
This trip was excellent. The itinerary was well thought out. I could not have imagined that Trafalgar had done such a unique job……. Special mention to the Tour Director Herman Rojas. He was a great part of what made this trip so good. He is a asset to Trafalgar.
Eco toursNational parks
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel, Lodge, Resort
Age Range
5-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
San Jose, Tortuguero National Pa
San Jose, Tortuguero National Park, La Paz Waterfall, Tortuguero, Arenal Volcano, Monteverde, Liberia City
I booked this trip for my daughter and me. She wanted action and adventure, every day, and this trip delivered. I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the hotels. Much nicer than I expected, given the low cost of this to her. Most of the transportation was fairly high-quality as well. The bus too, and from the rafting was nothing fancy, but certainly nothing to worry about.
Be prepared to spend a little more time than you might expect in transit. That's a function of Costa Rican infrastructure. Lots of one lane roads means travel between cities can be really slow. But the scenery is gorgeous. If you just consider it part of the adventure, and enjoy it, it's not a problem.
I highly recommend this trip. It had everything we wanted.
Rafting
Tour Type
Private Tour
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
12-79 yrs
Operated in
English
Destinations
San Jose, Monteverde Cloud Fores
San Jose, Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Preserve, Pacuare River, Samara Beach, Arenal Volcano, Arenal
We loved the La Paz Waterfall Gardens and Sarapiqui River tour! La Paz is beyond beautiful with orchids, hummingbirds, frogs, toucans, scarlet macaws, parrots, coatis, sloths, ocelots, margays, and a jaguar. The gardens and waterfalls are exquisite. A wonderful buffet lunch was included.
Our trip down the Sarapiqui River in a covered boat was so much fun! We saw two caimans, iguanas, Anhingas, swallows, butterflies, and five troops of Mantled Howler monkeys.
Oscar and Armando, our guide and driver were so kind and taught us so much. We stopped at a lovely coffee finca to see the beans ripening, a sopa (local restaurant) in the mountains to take in spectacular waterfall and hummingbird views, we watched whitewater rafters, and sampled fresh pineapple at a farmstand.
Oscar and Armando treated us like family and made our first day in Costa Rica amazing!
National parksRaftingVolcanoes
Tour Type
Private Tour
Accommodation
Hotel, Lodge, Eco Lodge, Resort
Age Range
8-79 yrs
Operated in
english, spanish
Destinations
San Jose, Tortuguero National Pa
San Jose, Tortuguero National Park, Arenal Volcano, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Orosi, La Fortuna, Cahuita National Park
Outstanding trip. Oldemar was our contact person and itinerary organizer. He did a phenomenal job. he took care of all the logistics and they were excellent. I would recommend this trip to anyone
National parksVolcanoes
Tour Type
Private Tour
Accommodation
Hotel, Lodge, Eco Lodge, Resort
Age Range
6-79 yrs
Operated in
english, spanish
Destinations
San Jose, Manuel Antonio Nationa
San Jose, Manuel Antonio National Park, Tortuguero National Park, Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Preserve, Arenal Volcano, Cahuita National Park
Its the second time in Costa Rica, the people are nice and its so beautiful here! Dont want to leave.
National parks
Tour Type
Private Tour
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
10-79 yrs
Operated in
English
Destinations
San Jose, Manuel Antonio Nationa
San Jose, Manuel Antonio National Park, Tortuguero National Park, Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Preserve, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Arenal Volcano, Pacuare River, Arenal
I wanted to start by saying thank you so much for such a thorough, comprehensive plan for our stay in your lovely country. From the start of working with you, I felt as though everything was covered. Your itinerary to us was easy to read, easy to share, and filled with enough information to get us excited about the visit. Then, the pacing of the entire trip seemed to be a perfect fit for my family. I already foresee us returning to experience Costa Rica again, based solely on the trip you crafted for us. We are quite grateful.
AdventureNational parks
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel, Resort
Age Range
12-65 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Manuel Antonio National Park, La
Manuel Antonio National Park, La Fortuna, Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Preserve, San Jose, Arenal, Arenal Volcano, Monteverde, Manuel Antonio, Juan Santamaria