I had not been on holiday for over a decade before I embarked on this trip, so suffice to say I had high expectations! Costa Rica had been on my list ever since a colleague visited the country two years ago, and it was well worth the wait. We were fortunate enough to only have eight travellers, which meant that our guide, Jonathan, had ample time to answer all of our questions.
If you are looking for a holiday which will give you eight hours of sleep a night then this trip is not for you. We were up for breakfast before 8am every day and despite there being several optional extra activities listed on the trip notes, we didn't have time to do any of them as we were constantly on the go! I felt as though I was away for six months or more, and I enjoyed moving to a new area of the country every few days. Each hotel we stayed at had a different style suited to the area of the country we were in - rainforest lodge, spa resort, mountain hotel, ranch, beach hotel. The food was wonderful - all breakfasts are included and on the days when our lunch and/or dinner weren't included, we never felt hungry.
Adventure
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Lodge, Resort
Age Range
16-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
San Jose, Rincon de la Vieja Vol
San Jose, Rincon de la Vieja Volcano National Park, Playa Carrillo, Tortuguero National Park, Sarapiqui, La Fortuna, Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Preserve
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
GAdventures offer all you need for a convenient and safe vacation time. The sceneries during this tour are quite diverse and always breathtaking. Palenque was my highlight. I highly recommend a jungle hike in the early morning (with termites for breakfast!) and a swim in the waterfalls in the afternoon.
Cultural, religious and historic sites
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Resort, Home-stay
Age Range
12-100 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Antigua, Playa Del Carmen, Cancú
Antigua, Playa Del Carmen, Cancún, Merida, Palenque, San Cristobal De Las Casas, Panajachel, San Juan La Laguna
Overall I loved the trip, and what was offered. Again my only complaint is the accommodations. Basic is fine but cleanliness and pride of ownership should be important. I would definitely consider another G Adventures but the accommodation will weigh heavily on that decision. I love the 18-39 age group, but with upgraded accommodation.
Cultural, religious and historic sites
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Hostel, Resort, Home-stay, Guest House
Age Range
18-39 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
San Jose, Playa Del Carmen, Rio
San Jose, Playa Del Carmen, Rio Dulce, Antigua, Panajachel, San Juan La Laguna, Copan, Suchitoto, La Libertad, Leon, Granada, Lake Nicaragua, Monteverde, La Fortuna, Caye Caulker, San Ignacio, Flores
A new trip that exceeded expectations. Early starts for birds and sunrises and fascinating insights ( and climbs!) into Mayan culture, finishing with Caribbean laid back vibe and a day swimming with nurse sharks and rays!
Cultural, religious and historic sites
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Lodge, Resort
Age Range
16-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Belize City, Hol Chan Marine Res
Belize City, Hol Chan Marine Reserve, Caye Caulker, San Ignacio, Guatemala City, Tikal
A fantastic tour of all the best sites in Costa Rica from coast, to volcanoes, to cloud forests. The tour exactly mirrored what was described in the itinerary and the itinerary delivered lots of opportunity to view not only the tremendous wildlife on offer, but also the different landscapes and eco systems.
WildlifeBird watching
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Lodge, Hotel
Age Range
16-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
San Jose, La Fortuna, Monteverde
San Jose, La Fortuna, Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Preserve, Arenal Volcano, Tortuguero National Park
The trip was great, I've made friends for life but it would be have been nice to know it was three separate trips beforehand.
Explorer
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Guest House, Home-stay, Hostel, Hotel, Resort
Age Range
18-39 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Mexico City, San Jose, Bacalar
Mexico City, San Jose, Bacalar, Valladolid, Tulum, Playa Del Carmen, Caye Caulker, San Ignacio, Flores, Rio Dulce, Antigua, Panajachel, San Juan La Laguna, Oaxaca, Copan, Suchitoto, La Libertad, Lake Nicaragua, Granada, Ometepe, Isla Ometepe, Monteverde, La Fortuna, San Cristobal De Las Casas, Palenque
What an incredible experience of a part of Central America. Guatemala took my breath away and I would highly recommend this tour to anyone considering Latin America. The activities, the pace, the nature and cultural experience was a perfect balance. My only regret is not staying on the second leg of the tour to continue onto Nicaragua, Honduras and El Salvador.
Cultural, religious and historic sites
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Hostel, Home-stay
Age Range
18-39 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Antigua, Playa Del Carmen, Rio D
Antigua, Playa Del Carmen, Rio Dulce, Panajachel, San Juan La Laguna, Caye Caulker, San Ignacio, Flores