Get a taste of Costa Rica on this 7-day, multi-location tour. Explore the real San Jose colonial city and La Fortuna downtown. Then, take an awe-inspiring journey to the Arenal Volcano where you can soak in the natural pools and may even see an eruption! Next, head to the famous "cloud forest" of Monteverde and get your heart racing on a canopy zipline! Finally, head to Tamarindo Beach for sandy relaxation and surf, swim or snorkel. The trip starts and ends in San Jose so be sure you check out the city and get a glimpse of local life.
All accommodations and transport included. Please read more in the detailed itinerary and what's included sections.
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.
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
Tropical cloud forests alive with jungle melodies and native wildlife, vast freshwater lakes and active volcanoes, historic cities and shared moments with locals – this pocket of Central America is a slice of paradise. On this 16-day Central American journey, take in all the must-visit spots like Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua and Costa Rica. You’ll spot colourful birds and see how indigo dying works in Suchitoto, explore the World Heritage-listed ruins of Copan, stand in the shadow of mighty Arenal Volcano and spot sloths among the canopy of Monteverde. This adventure is perfect for those who like to experience a destination 'la forma natural' (the natural way).
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Hut
Age Range
15-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
San Jose, Antigua, Granada, La F
San Jose, Antigua, Granada, La Fortuna, Leon, Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Preserve, Arenal Volcano, Monteverde, Copan, Suchitoto, La Libertad, Granada
27% OFF TODAY
This deal is valid for limited time. Book now to reserve your seats.
Great trip but itinerary could be improved. Only one night in Saraquipi in a lovely lodge which would have been better for 2 nights. One night in Arenal would have been sufficient.
Will still use Explore in the future and recommend
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Lodge, Resort, Eco Lodge
Age Range
16-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
San Jose, La Fortuna, Manuel Ant
San Jose, La Fortuna, Manuel Antonio National Park, Manuel Antonio, San Gerardo De Dota, Savegre Cloud Forest, Turrialba, Pacuare River, Tortuguero National Park, Sarapiqui
17% OFF TODAY
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Explore incredible worlds above and below the water through some of Central America's best on this 45-day adventure. Amble down the Yucatan Peninsula to the island paradise of Caye Caulker, then cut inland to the lush jungle around Tikal, cruise to the wide river Rio Dulce and end up among the clouds in Panajachel and Antigua. Continue to the relaxing beach vibes of the Pacific Coast of El Salvador, spot colourful birds perched on the historic facades of Suchitoto and explore the historic cities of Leon and Granada in Nicaragua. Stand in the shadow of mighty Arenal Volcano and spot sloths among the canopy of Monteverde, then admire the towns and steamy jungles of Costa Rice and Panama, stopping off at the stunning islands of Bocas del Toro. With plenty of moments to meet the locals and try the region’s varied cuisines, you can’t go wrong on this carefree Central American journey.
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Hut, Lodge
Age Range
15-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Panama City, Playa Del Carmen, R
Panama City, Playa Del Carmen, Rio Dulce, Antigua, Quetzaltenango, Panajachel, Tulum, Copan, Suchitoto, La Libertad, Leon, Granada, Monteverde, La Fortuna, San Jose, Sarapiqui, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Bocas Del Toro, Caye Caulker, Boquete, Chitre, San Ignacio, Flores
13% OFF TODAY
This deal is valid for limited time. Book now to reserve your seats.
Get ready for a 27-day adventure through Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama. From oceans teeming with marine life to tropical forests alive with jungle melodies, this pocket of Central America is truly a natural paradise. You’ll explore the intricately carved structures at Copan, the cloud forests of Monteverde and spend three nights in the island paradise of Bocas del Toro. Sample varied cuisines along the way during cooking lessons with locals, giving you a real insight into the heart and soul of Central America.
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Hut
Age Range
15-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Panama City, San Jose, Antigua
Panama City, San Jose, Antigua, Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Preserve, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Cahuita National Park, Granada, Monteverde, La Fortuna, Sarapiqui, Copan, Bocas Del Toro, Boquete, Chitre, Suchitoto, El Cuco, Leon
Dive into Central America on this 48-day adventure, bookended by two chaotic capitals and filled with fun, adventure and culture. Journey through Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua and Costa Rica on an adventure through the tantalising highlights of the region. Get acquainted with Central American cultures, spectacular landscapes and fascinating histories as you explore the wealth of ancient ruins, spot the range of unusual wildlife and relax on idyllic Caribbean shores. This is one of our longest adventures through Central America – a trip that zig-zags from the top of the Yucatan peninsula to the highlands of Costa Rica.
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Hut, Lodge
Age Range
15-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Mexico City, San Jose, Palenque
Mexico City, San Jose, Palenque, Merida, Playa Del Carmen, Chetumal, Caye Caulker, San Ignacio, Flores, Rio Dulce, Antigua, Panajachel, San Juan La Laguna, Puebla, Copan, Suchitoto, El Cuco, Leon, Granada, Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Preserve, La Fortuna, Oaxaca, Tehuantepec, San Cristobal De Las Casas
As mentioned previously this was an ambitious itinerary. Chris the leader made it work, so I feel very grateful to him for this. It was just brilliant to see 3 very different countries in Central America on 2 wheels on a two week trip.
Explore colourful worlds – both on land and underwater – on a vibrant adventure from the sunny beaches of Mexico through jungle and Caribbean coastline to the volcanic mountains of Costa Rica. This 34-day adventure hits Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua and Costa Rica, snaking through all the best spots and introducing you to local haunts as well as traveller hotspots. Discover a diverse marine playground in Caye Caulker, walk through the steamy cloud forests in Monteverde and visit the famous Tikal pyramids, arguably the most stunning of Guatemala’s ruins. Learn ancient Maya secrets and pass through jaw-dropping scenery on this Central American adventure.
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Hut, Lodge
Age Range
15-99 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, El Cuco, Leon, Granada, Granada, Monteverde, Chetumal, La Fortuna, Caye Caulker, San Ignacio, Flores
Embark on an in-depth, 59-day Central American adventure from Mexico’s capital to the home of the Panama Canal. Pass through Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama on a small-group journey through remote villages, historic cities, ancient Maya and Aztec ruins, verdant cloud forests and pure Caribbean beaches. Get acquainted with the local cultures, spectacular landscapes and fascinating histories of Central America as you explore the wealth of tradition, spot the range of unusual wildlife, dive into unique underwater worlds and spend time travelling with like-minded people. Did you hear that? Central America is calling – you better Belize it.
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Hut, Lodge
Age Range
15-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Mexico City, Panama City, Palenq
Mexico City, Panama City, Palenque, Merida, Playa Del Carmen, Chetumal, Caye Caulker, San Ignacio, Flores, Rio Dulce, Antigua, Quetzaltenango, Puebla, Panajachel, Copan, Suchitoto, La Libertad, Leon, Granada, Monteverde, La Fortuna, San Jose, Sarapiqui, Oaxaca, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Bocas Del Toro, Boquete, Chitre, San Cristobal De Las Casas
13% OFF TODAY
This deal is valid for limited time. Book now to reserve your seats.
Raise a glass of mezcal to the diversity of Mexico, then embrace ‘pura vida’ (the simple life) in the rainforests and on the beaches of Costa Rica. Discover history in the ruins of Chichen Itza, then visit a contemporary Maya village to see how ancient Mesoamerican traditions have evolved. Savour simple fare during lunch with a Zapotec family and sip smoky mezcal at a distillery in Oaxaca. See the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, visit an organic family-owned farm producing some of the best coffee in the world and learn from a local naturalist guide on a hike through lush landscapes. Explore sloth country (AKA Manuel Antonio National Park) and match their leisurely pace as you relax among natural splendour of Costa Rica. Ancient cultures, incredible food, wildlife and wilderness – this 24-day trip has it all.
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Lodge
Age Range
15-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Mexico City, San Jose, Palenque
Mexico City, San Jose, Palenque, Merida, Playa Del Carmen, La Fortuna, Monteverde, Manuel Antonio, Copey District, Oaxaca, Salina Cruz, San Cristobal De Las Casas
13% OFF TODAY
This deal is valid for limited time. Book now to reserve your seats.