Great trip. Full on pace, would have to skip activities to slow down! A cultural and nature trip. Guatemala was my favourite country; the Mayan history and culture. The archeological site at Copan adds to the diversity of experiences on this trip. As well the more recent history of regime change in Nicaragua. The Spanish colonial architecture was highlighted at all destinations, quaint hotels. Nature’s beauty and wild life was showcased throughout. Overall, a diversity of experiences filled the two weeks!
Active and outdoorWildlife
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Villa
Age Range
16-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
San Jose, Antigua, Suchitoto, Co
San Jose, Antigua, Suchitoto, Copan, Guatemala City, Panajachel, Monteverde, Granada, Lake Nicaragua, Leon, Cerro Negro
Enjoy the best of Costa Rica with this special multiday vacation package visiting San José, Tortuguero Park, Arenal Volcano, Monteverde and Manuel Antonio Beaches. This includes a great mix of nature and adventure tours, high quality hotels, deluxe transportation services and professional tour guides.
Explore Tortuguero National Park with a professional naturalist tour guide and in a private transportation from San Jose. This unique tour will allow you to see lots of wildlife species along the canals and during the boat tour. Hike the Tortuguero Hill and admire the beauty of this amazing region.
Later on, in Arenal Volcano, you can choose one tour from the multiple options provided. Hike to La Fortuna Waterfall and swim in the cristal clear river pool, go zip-linning, rafting, visit the hanging bridges or take a chocolate tour. Stay overnight in La Fortuna town.
Explore Monteverde and its unique cloud forest and relax in the pristine beaches of Manuel Antonio National Park.
Adventure
Tour Type
Private Tour
Accommodation
Eco Lodge, Hotel, Lodge
Age Range
1-89 yrs
Operated in
english, spanish
Destinations
San Jose, Manuel Antonio, Tortug
San Jose, Manuel Antonio, Tortuguero National Park, Arenal Volcano, Arenal, Monteverde
Enjoy the best of Costa Rica with this six-day trip and cover destinations like San José, La Paz Waterfall Gardens, Tortuga Island, Irazu Volcano and Cartago city. Discover the lush, incredible beauty of Costa Rica and learn more about why this part of the world is also called the ‘Rich Coast.’
This adventure takes you into the heart of a country whose people are all about ‘pura vida’ (pure life). To ensure that you never get bored during your Costa Rica stay, we have included a variety of activities during this trip, ranging from a national park visit to a catamaran ride.
Scroll down to the itinerary section for more details.
This was my first Contiki trip & I'm not sure that any holiday will ever be the same! I had the most amazing time in Costa Rica with the best group of people. From chill beach days to zip lining over the rainforest we did such a variety of things but still had plenty of free time (in Monteverde we used our free time to go & do the highest bungee in Central America!). Our trip manager & driver were incredible & really made the trip unforgettable with crazy knowledge of the local areas & wildlife. Pura Vida!
From the Guatemalan highlands to the cloud forests of Costa Rica (and all the surf spots in between), you’ll join a new group of soon-to-be friends and roll through four Central American countries for a taste of this diverse region. Discover tropical forests alive with jungle melodies, vast freshwater lakes and active volcanoes – this wildlife-rich pocket of Central America is ready to be explored. Turn your eyes to a volcanic crater in Cerro Verde, spot colourful birds on the facades of Granada, stand in the shadow of the mighty Arenal Volcano and search for sloths among the canopy of Monteverde Cloud Forest. This trip through Guatemala, El Salvador, Nicaragua and Costa Rica is perfect for those who like their adventures 'la forma natural'.
Adventure
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Hostel, Camping
Age Range
18-35 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
San Jose, Antigua, San Jorge La
San Jose, Antigua, San Jorge La Laguna, Ometepe Island, Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Preserve, La Fortuna, Suchitoto, El Tunco, El Cuco, Leon, Granada
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.
City sightseeing
Tour Type
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, Merida, I
Mexico City, San Jose, Merida, Izamal, Playa Del Carmen, San Gerardo De Dota, Drake Bay, Manuel Antonio, Oaxaca, San Cristobal De Las Casas, Palenque
We loved our trip to Costa Rica/Panama and it was a perfect mix of tours and time on our own. The guides were all great and the hotels (including breakfast) all good -- one less so but not bad... Highly recommend this trip!
National parksWildlife
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Villa
Age Range
8-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Panama City, San Jose, Panama Ca
Panama City, San Jose, Panama Canal, Soberanía National Park, Arenal, Monteverde, Manuel Antonio
Ready to bounce from beach to jungle to crater town? This 13-day trip kicks off in Costa Rica and cruises into the wild beauty of Panama, where laid-back vibes meet epic adventure. Chill out on the Caribbean coast in Puerto Viejo, snorkel through starfish-studded waters in Bocas del Toro, and hike cloud forest trails to hidden waterfalls in Boquete. You’ll get up close with local culture, learn how chocolate is made from the source, and hang out in Valle de Antón — an actual town inside a volcanic crater. Wrap it up with a night out in Panama City, and you’ve got a Central American escape that’s anything but basic.
Explorer
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Guest House, Hostel, Hotel
Age Range
18-39 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Panama City, San Jose, Valle De
Panama City, San Jose, Valle De Antón, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Bocas Del Toro, Boquete
The greatest wildlife-watching destinations in Costa Rica? They’re the ones you haven’t heard about… yet. So, journey through untouched rainforests, jungle hillsides and concealed coastlines to search for sloths, monkeys and more with the help of our expert guides. The highlights are plentiful. Go deep into the Osa Peninsula, one of the most biologically intense places on Earth, immerse yourself in a remote mountain community, and stay in handpicked Premium accommodation each night – because going remote doesn’t mean giving up the luxuries!
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, La Fortuna, Quepos, Es
San Jose, La Fortuna, Quepos, Esquipulas, Osa Peninsula, Corcovado National Park, San Gerardo De Rivas
GROUP TOUR (FOR AGES 18 to 39): Journey from Playa del Carmen on Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula to San Jose in Costa Rica on this 30-day tour that also takes in Belize and Guatemala. Take in some of Central America's best ancient treasures, including Chichen Itza, Tulum and Tikal. Hike up the Arenal and Acatenango volcanoes, spot wildlife in national parks like Manuel Antonio, Rio Celeste and Rincon de la Vieja. Cruise Lake Atitlan, meet local families across the region, and enjoy guided sightseeing in cities like San Jose, Antigua. With plenty of time for relaxation and swimming on the beaches of Playa del Carmen, Caye Caulker, Samara and more!
Explorer
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Home-stay, Hotel
Age Range
18-39 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
San Jose, Playa Del Carmen, Coba
San Jose, Playa Del Carmen, Coban, Panajachel, San Juan La Laguna, Antigua, La Fortuna, Rincon de la Vieja Volcano National Park, Playa Samara, Esterillos, Bacalar, Caye Caulker, Flores
Volcanic eruptions, ancient Mayan heritage, the world’s second-largest barrier reef, and an abundance of wildlife – Central America truly has it all! Embark on our 40 day adventure through this natural wonderland, where you'll hike, snorkel, and indulge in the local food, plus some epic unique local experiences that will take you off the beaten path. From the lively streets of Mexico City to the palm-lined shores of the Yucatán Peninsula, one day you’ll be marvelling at towering volcanoes, and the next soaking up the sun and sea in beach towns. Oh, and did we mention you’ll be doing all this with an experienced group leader and an instant crew of new mates? The trip of a lifetime just got even better. The jungle awaits…
Local cultureHot springs
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Home-stay, Hotel
Age Range
18-55 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Mexico City, San Jose, Isla Holb
Mexico City, San Jose, Isla Holbox, Playa Del Carmen, Chichen Itza, Tulum, Bacalar, Caye Caulker, Hol Chan Marine Reserve, Flores, Tikal, Coban, Semuc Champey, Chichicastenango, San Juan La Laguna, Antigua, Acatenango, La Fortuna, Oaxaca, Arenal, Rincon de la Vieja Volcano National Park, Playa Samara, Esterillos, Manuel Antonio National Park, Tehuantepec, San Cristobal De Las Casas, Cancún
Just finished my Costa Rica Trip and had the best time ever!! If you are considering it DO IT!!!
I’ve been on many many group tours and this was by far the best I have done to date! The group leader - Elmer, honestly made the trip and just went above and beyond in every possible way to ensure we were having a good time! Will definitely be booking another Intro trip soon as it was the best two weeks ever!
Hot springsWalking
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
18-55 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
San Jose, Esterillos, Manuel Ant
San Jose, Esterillos, Manuel Antonio National Park, La Fortuna, Arenal Volcano, Rincon de la Vieja Volcano National Park, Playa Samara
Volcanic eruptions, ancient Mayan heritage, the world’s second-largest barrier reef, and an abundance of wildlife – Central America truly has it all! Embark on our 30 day adventure through this natural wonderland, where you'll hike, snorkel, and indulge in the local food, plus some epic unique local experiences that will take you off the beaten path. One day you’ll be marvelling at towering volcanoes, and the next soaking up the sun and sea in beach towns. Oh, and did we mention you’ll be doing all this with an experienced group leader and an instant crew of new mates? The trip of a lifetime just got even better. The jungle awaits…
Hot springsNational parks
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Home-stay, Hotel
Age Range
18-55 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
San Jose, Playa Del Carmen, Coba
San Jose, Playa Del Carmen, Coban, Semuc Champey, Lake Atitlan, San Juan La Laguna, Antigua, Acatenango, La Fortuna, Chichen Itza, Arenal Volcano, Rincon de la Vieja Volcano National Park, Playa Samara, Esterillos, Manuel Antonio National Park, Tulum, Bacalar, Caye Caulker, Hol Chan Marine Reserve, Flores, Tikal