Embark on a captivating journey through Costa Rica's diverse landscapes and vibrant culture with this meticulously crafted itinerary. Begin your adventure with a private transfer from Juan Santamaria International Airport to your hotel in San Jose, where you'll receive a warm welcome and an introduction to the country's rich heritage. Explore Costa Rica's cosmopolitan capital, San Jose, home to bustling streets, iconic landmarks, and a myriad of gastronomic delights.
Next, venture into the misty cloud forests of Monteverde, where exhilarating horseback riding tours and guided walks through the renowned Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve await. Immerse yourself in the breathtaking natural beauty and abundant wildlife of this verdant region.
Continue your journey to Manuel Antonio, a paradise of unspoiled beaches and lush rainforests. Spend your days snorkeling, hiking, or simply basking in the sun-kissed tranquility of this coastal haven. With a variety of optional tours available, including mangrove boat tours, horseback riding adventures, and guided walks through national parks, there's something for every adventurer to enjoy.
As your unforgettable Costa Rican odyssey draws to a close, bid farewell to this enchanting country and its warm-hearted people with a private transfer back to Juan Santamaria International Airport for your departure.
Prepare to be captivated by the beauty, biodiversity, and boundless adventure that await you in Costa Rica.
AdventureTrekking and Hiking
Tour Type
Private Tour
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
1-79 yrs
Operated in
english, spanish
Destinations
San Jose, Manuel Antonio Nationa
San Jose, Manuel Antonio National Park, Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Preserve, Monteverde, Manuel Antonio
Calling all nature lovers, solo travellers and young adventurers! Spend a week in Costa Rica beginning in San Jose – the thriving urban centre with colourful markets, vibrant nightlife and spontaneous art fairs. Explore Monteverde’s Cloud Forest at your own pace, keeping your eye out for sloths and the elusive quetzal bird. Head to La Fortuna, shadowed by the immense Arenal Volcano, and enjoy free time to chase waterfalls and soak away your worries in the natural thermal hot springs. Explore Cahuita National Park with a hike and a swim, then enjoy some beach time on the Caribbean coast in Puerto Viejo. If you're lucky, spot sloths, hummingbirds, iguanas, monkeys, toucans, coatimundis, quetzals and racoons, then take a cooking class to learn the local cuisine. With a local leader with insider knowledge and a likeminded group of travellers – what better way to dive into Costa Rica?
Adventure
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
18-35 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
San Jose, Monteverde, La Fortuna
San Jose, Monteverde, La Fortuna, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
It’s clear why the pristine and remote Torres del Paine National Park is Patagonia’s crown jewel. On this 11-day trekking trip, you’ll explore one of the most stunning wilderness areas in the world from the perspective of the Paine O Circuit. This trail highlights the best features of the park, hitting most of the sites of the famous W-Trek but on the longer road, less travelled. Circumnavigate the whole mountain massif as you take in dramatic granite towers, glacial lakes and electric blue icebergs. Witness the Southern Patagonian Ice Cap, climb the mighty Grey Glacier with trained experts, hike through grassland towards turquoise lakes, kayak through ice floes on Lake Grey and stay in comfortable backcountry huts (or Refugios) when you’re not camping under an untouched sky .
Trekking and Hiking
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Camping, Hotel, Hut, Lodge, Tent
Age Range
15-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Puerto Natales, Torres Del Paine
Puerto Natales, Torres Del Paine, Dickson Lake, Camp Los Perros, Grey Glacier, French Valley
Immerse yourself in the Patagonian wilderness, on this six-day hiking trip in the Torres del Pain National Park of Chile. Coined one of the most beautiful and popular treks in the world, the W Trek traverses through rolling grasslands and mountainous peaks, alongside lakes, rivers and streams. You’ll stay at Refugios by night and walk the ever-changing landscape by day. Along the way, see jagged icebergs on Lake Grey, diverse flora and fauna (look out for Andean condors and grazing guanacos) and the famous Los Cuernos del Paine (The Horns of Blue) and Torres del Paine (Towers of Blue) distinctive to Patagonia. If you’re looking for a challenge, this multi-day trek is for you.
Trekking and Hiking
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Hut, Camping
Age Range
15-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Puerto Natales, Torres del Paine National Park
Puerto Natales, Torres del Paine National Park
18% OFF TODAY
This deal is valid for limited time. Book now to reserve your seats.
Travel from the heaving streets of Buenos Aires to the remote wilderness of Argentina and Chile on this 15-day trekking trip. Hike to the clear waters of Laguna de Los Tres and see a glacial lake surrounded by jagged peaks when you explore Laguna Torre. Spend a few days deep in the wilds of Torres del Paine National Park, hiking past glaciers and watching rhea birds and pink flamingos preen in front of a mountain backdrop. Finish with a lagoon hike in Ushuaia and a night in Buenos Aires – the perfect end to an active adventure through the wilderness of South America.
Trekking and Hiking
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Camping, Hotel, Hut
Age Range
15-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Buenos Aires, Punta Arenas, Ushu
Buenos Aires, Punta Arenas, Ushuaia, El Chalten, Torres del Paine National Park
13% OFF TODAY
This deal is valid for limited time. Book now to reserve your seats.
Discover this short trek and visit to the famed, epic Macchu Picchu. This tour is different from what other conventional Salkantay Trek tour operators offer; our style includes staying in proper tents in the wilderness—away from crowds—to ensure that you get a chance to savor experience the natural environment and have a genuine adventure to Machu Picchu.
Witness the great Salkantay Mountain, whose name means “untamed.” Embrace the majestic scenery as you make your way to the sacred city of Machu Picchu. Trek the picturesque routes that go from the highlands to the Amazon jungle, in the shadows of this impressive mountain.
Encounter wildlife up close and personal on a voyage to the Galapagos Islands for an experience like no other. On this 10-day adventure, you’ll spend seven nights cruising around the islands, snorkelling with sea lions, white-tipped reef sharks, sea turtles and penguins. Look to the skies in North Seymour or Caleta Bucanero to spot boobies, pelicans and other seabirds soaring above. Wander across the volcanic landscapes of Punta Espinosa and see land iguanas and flightless cormorants. A paradise for nature-lovers, you’ll discover the beauty of the Galapagos all with a naturalist guide by your side to show you the way.
Wildlife
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
12-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Quito, Las Bachas, Isla Isabela
Quito, Las Bachas, Isla Isabela, Urbina Bay, Punta Vicente Roca, Isla Santiago, Isla Sombrero Chino, Isla Santa Cruz
19% OFF TODAY
This deal is valid for limited time. Book now to reserve your seats.
This was my 5th Contiki and it was another unforgettable experience. The trip manager () was excellent, a true expert in all things South American. My only constructive comment is linked to the number of days spent in Buenos Aires. The add ons and city were disappointing compared to the rest of the trip. I can't believe we spent so long there. I would have much rather spend more time in the Amazon or in Rio.
Beach
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel, Lodge, Home-stay
Age Range
18-35 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Rio de Janeiro, Lima, Cusco, Jun
Rio de Janeiro, Lima, Cusco, Jungle Lodge, Buenos Aires, Iguazu Falls, Arequipa, Colca Canyon, Puno, Sacred Valley, Aguas Calientes
Initially before booking the trip I thought it was extremely overpriced.
However(our tour guide) was fantastic. He made the trip worth every penny and was extremely organised and knowledgeable. The locations were great, and the activities were really cool.
was a fantastic character, and became a friend by ensuring we all had fun. He looked after and catered for everyone’s needs and requirements, promoting safety above all else, and more than once went the extra mile to ensure we all had a great time (joining myself at CrossFit and his traditional dance moves were personal highlights).
I hope he gets the recognition he deserves, as I would love to book a similar trip with Contiki in future because of this great experience.
I would also recommend that you include huacachina in future - I went there on my own and it was one of the coolest experiences - maybe this could be added as an extra at the beginning of the trip.
Adventure
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel, Lodge, Home-stay
Age Range
18-35 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Lima, Cusco, Puerto Maldonado, S
Lima, Cusco, Puerto Maldonado, Sacred Valley, Aguas Calientes, Arequipa, Puno
Arturo was a fantastic leader and guide. Knowledgable, helpful, caring, experienced and amusing. This was my 11th Explore holiday and Arturo is up there with the best guides. The porters and cooks are heroes - we were very happy to tip them generously. The itinerary was perfect, though no one should underestimate the challenge of around ten hours walking on day three. Cusco hotel staff were fine but the layout around a central atrium means the rooms are very noisy. The hotel near Machu Picchu was lovely but the staff were rude, unhelpful and disinterested. Overall I’d fully recommend this trip - but be sure to get into shape beforehand and consider your kit carefully.
Active and outdoor
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Embark on an immersive 13-day adventure cruise through the Galapagos Islands and experience the natural world, both on land and sea. Encounter diverse wildlife, from lumbering giant tortoises and sunbathing sea lions to scuttling crabs and blue-footed boobies. Wander through lava flow on Las Tintoreras, snorkel in the waters of protected cove Punta Carrion and stick your toes in the olivine-crystal sands of Punta Cormorant. This trip allows plenty of time to absorb the spoils of these unique, wildlife-rich islands, so you can cruise into another world while your naturalist guide sorts out the rest.
Sailing, yachting and motor boating
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
12-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Quito, Bartolome Island, Isla Sa
Quito, Bartolome Island, Isla Santiago, Isla Santa Cruz, Baltra Island, Isla Isabela, Punta Cormorant, Santa Fe Island, South Plaza Island, Espanola Island, San Cristobal Island
30% OFF TODAY
This deal is valid for limited time. Book now to reserve your seats.
Cruise the Galapagos and discover the native wildlife on this seven-day sailing adventure around the southern end of the archipelago. Meet giant tortoises that inhabit Isla San Cristobal, watch blue-footed boobies dance the booby two-step and wander the unfamiliar environment that characterises these far-flung islands. Every day you’ll wake up to a different view out the window from the comforts of the M/Y Grand Queen Beatriz. Sail past the volcanic Punta Pitt, swim with sea lions at Bahia Gardner, and hike past prickly pear cacti on Isla Santa Fe. Prepare to head on the adventure of a lifetime and become a Galapagos explorer!
Sailing, yachting and motor boating
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
12-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Quito, Baltra Island, Santa Fe I
Quito, Baltra Island, Santa Fe Island, Punta Suárez, San Cristobal Island
28% OFF TODAY
This deal is valid for limited time. Book now to reserve your seats.
Experience the unique wildlife of the Galapagos Islands as you drift across the Pacific Ocean on this 10-day sailing adventure. The beauty of these Ecuadorian isles is something to behold from aboard the M/Y Grand Queen Beatriz and you’ll retrace the 180-year-old voyage of Charles Darwin by sea with a naturalist guide by your side. Witness the giant tortoises that call these lands home and go birdwatching for blue-footed boobies and frigate birds. Each day, a new view will greet you out your cabin window, with a new array or wildlife to see up above and down below (snorkel, anyone?).
Sailing, yachting and motor boating
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
12-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Quito, Baltra Island, Isla Isabe
Quito, Baltra Island, Isla Isabela, Floreana Island, Isla Santa Cruz, Santa Fe Island, Punta Suárez, Isla Lobos
29% OFF TODAY
This deal is valid for limited time. Book now to reserve your seats.