Classic Costa Rica

4.0Based on

Carbon neutral

15 daysDuration

Small Group TourUsually 8-12 participants, maximum 18 travelers

16 peopleMaximum group size

15 - 99 yearsAge range for participants

EnglishGuide language

Easy

Light physical activity suitable for most people with average fitness levels.

Starts

San Jose, Costa Rica

Ends

San Jose, Costa Rica

Highlights

Swap the concrete jungle for real jungle on a journey across waterways, hot springs, palm-lined beaches and rainforests to spot Costa Rica’s creatures such as capuchins, ocelots and sloths.

Spot long-nosed tapirs, white-faced capuchin monkeys, ocelots and three-toed sloths on this wildlife adventure – Costa Rica is home to many exotic animals, and this trip puts you in the perfect position to see them all.

Go deeper than the average tourist with a homestay in a quiet agricultural community – the perfect opportunity to experience local life and practice your Spanish. You’ll even have an informal cooking lesson with the locals to make dinner!

Hop aboard a riverboat to Tortuguero, a region popular for its canals that attract both human and wildlife visitors, most notably local green turtles, which come at night to nest on the sandy beaches.

Visit the indigenous Maleku community to share a traditional meal and learn about their way of life – this small tribe has big ambitions for regenerating local forests and natural habitats.

Itinerary

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.

day 1 - San Jose

Hola! Welcome to Costa Rica. Your adventure starts in San Jose – with over a third of the country's population living within its parameters, San Jose is packed with both people and culture. You’ll have a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight to meet your local leader and fellow travellers. If you arrive early, why not visit the National Museum. This canary-yellow building houses everything from exhibits on pre-Colombian history to a garden filled with native butterflies. Early bird history buffs might be interested in the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum or the Jade Museum – both of which display a wealth of indigenous artefacts.

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

day 2 - Tortuguero National Park

Leave the hotel this morning and descend to the Caribbean lowlands on a private transport that ends at the port of La Pavona. This rustic port is your entry point to Tortuguero National Park. When you arrive, hop aboard a small boat and take a ride into the depths of the Costa Rican wilderness. Arrive in the middle of this biodiverse area, where freshwater lagoons rest under the canopy of rainforest bordering the ocean. Many animals call this place home, including jaguars and turtles, so listen out for the sounds of the local wildlife as you fall asleep in your lodge tonight.

included:Tortuguero - Boat ride to Tortuguero

accommodation:Lodge

meals:1 Breakfast

day 3 - Tortuguero National Park

Today, you're free to explore the park at your own pace. If you're woken by the chattering of the forests birds, why not haul yourself out of bed for a sunrise canoe trip? It’s a magical way to see the maze-like canals of the park, and you can look out for otters and manatees in the morning light. Tortuguero National Park was established in 1970 and is now home to 13 of Costa Rica’s 16 endangered mammals. Among them are manatees, ocelots and jaguars, as well as over 300 bird species. This is also the nesting ground of the green turtle, which comes ashore to lay its eggs on the sandy beaches, and the critically endangered hawksbill turtle, loggerheads and giant leatherbacks. During the day, you might want to return to the park’s walking trails or relax in your lodge. Many species are particularly active at night, so if you wish, you can head out in the evening on a turtle watching tour, with part of the cost supporting a program aimed to patrol the beach for poachers.

included:Tortuguero - National Park Entrance

accommodation:Lodge

day 4 - Santa Rosa de Pocosol Homestay

Bid farewell to the evergreen rainforest this morning and make the journey to Santa Rosa de Pocosol. Today, you’ll have a memorable homestay experience, but as the family you'll be staying with doesn’t speak much English, your leader will conduct an informal Spanish lesson on the drive. This afternoon, you’ll have the option to take a soap-making workshop or a guided hike to a nearby waterfall. In the evening, head back to your homestay for a cooking lesson – some of the dishes you make will be part of tonight’s dinner!

included:Santa Rosa de Pocosol - Home-cooked Meal, Santa Rosa de Pocosol - Homestay experience, Leader-led Informal Spanish Lesson

accommodation:Homestay

meals:1 Dinner

day 5 - Tenorio Volcano National Park Area - Rio Celeste Area

After having breakfast with your host family, continue your journey to the Rio Celeste region, which is part of the Guatuso town. This northern part of the country is characterized by rural community-based tourism. Before reaching this next paradise of birds and tranquil surroundings, make a stop to visit an indigenous Maleku community. Here, you'll meet the locals and share a traditional Maleku meal with them. Listen to stories about their history, culture, and the challenges the community faces in modern Costa Rica. With only 650 people left, the Maleku Indigenous community is the smallest in Costa Rica. Both the community and the country share a common goal of reforestation, working together to regenerate forests and plant fruit trees, which help encourage animals to return to their natural habitats.

included:Guatuso - Maleku Community Experience

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch

day 6 - Rio Celeste

Today is as clear as the Costa Rica air, and with plenty of optional activities available, you won’t be short of things to do! How about a guided tubing excursion at Rio Celeste? The light-blue waters of the river are generally off-limits to travellers, but you’ll have the opportunity to float along the water in an inflatable doughnut and spend the day lazing along the river. Those who prefer a nature tour on foot might like to take a 3-hour hike along the Rio Celeste through the jungle, with a guide who will help you spot howler monkeys, crocodiles, and an abundance of tropical birds.

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

meals:1 Breakfast

day 7 - La Fortuna

Beneath the watchful eye of the immense Arenal Volcano lies La Fortuna – a sleepy town with an abundance of hot springs and natural pools to enjoy. This is your destination today and when you arrive, you’re free to choose your own activities. Perhaps grab some fresh fruit in town, hop in a taxi to the entrance and then hike to La Fortuna waterfall for a swim beneath the cascading waters that spill out of the towering jungle. In the evening, why not grab a classic local dinner with your travel buddies? Chifrijo (fried pork, salsa, beans and tortilla chips) is a great dish to try.

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

meals:1 Breakfast

day 8 - La Fortuna

Enjoy a free day to explore La Fortuna as you wish. The region offers a range of sights such as stunning lush forest, rare plants, animal watching and water-based sports on the lake. The volcano’s inner workings also mean that the area has plenty of thermal springs where hot, lava-heated water gushes to the surface. These springs, often surrounded by foliage, make the ideal place to relax. Active types could try stand-up paddleboarding on Lake Arenal with the incredible backdrop of the volcano and rolling green hills. Animal lovers will have a good chance of spotting sloths, monkeys, crocodiles and basilisk lizards skipping across the water on a boat tour of Cano Negro Reserve. Have a chat with your leader about the options available.

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

day 9 - Lake Arenal – Monteverde

A morning of travel by bus and boat leads to incredible Monteverde. Settled by North American Quakers in 1951, this area was initially used as an environmentally conscious agricultural community and is now a biological preserve. The forest has near-constant cloud cover, providing consistent rainfall, which also gives the area an enchanted feel. After checking in to your hotel, join your leader on a nature walk through the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, looking out for hummingbirds, quetzals, monkeys and even lazy sloths among the mist.

included:Monteverde - Cloud Forest Entrance

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

day 10 - Monteverde

Make the most of your free time in lush Monteverde. Maybe see a different perspective on the forest by walking through the canopy on suspension bridges, or perhaps watch butterflies at play in the Butterfly Garden. More than 2000 species of plants, 320 bird species and 100 different types of mammals call Monteverde home, and no matter what you choose to do, you should keep an eye out for the quetzal – one of the most elusive birds in the world. This evening, journey into the jungle for a wildlife excursion focused on the nocturnal animals. Meet with Intrepid Foundation partner, The Monteverde Conservation League, to explore the Children's Eternal Rain Forest – a private reserve founded in 1986 through fundraising efforts by children worldwide. Join up with a naturalist guide who’ll lead you through the forest and educate you on everything from the sounds to the species while also helping you spot the various frogs, insects and night birds among the trees.

included:Monteverde - Children's Eternal Rain Forest (The Intrepid Foundation Partner) Night wildlife walk

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

day 11 - Manuel Antonio

Wedged between the beautiful Pacific coast and the national park, Manuel Antonio is a laidback town. Make your way there this morning, stopping along the way to join a local family in their home to prepare a traditional lunch and sip on local Costa Rican coffee. You'll have the chance to jump in and help, learning traditional techniques as the meal comes together! After lunch arrive at your accommodation and enjoy some downtime. Perhaps head to Espadilla Beach to watch the sunset over the Pacific Ocean.

included:Manuel Antonio - Homecooked lunch

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

meals:1 Lunch

day 12 - Manuel Antonio

Today, feel the soft crunch of foliage underfoot while you hike the trails of the national park on a leader-led nature hike. Keep one eye on the scenic views and the other looking out for the abundant wildlife. Monkeys, armadillos, sloths and hundreds of birds all live here. Later, spend some time on the beaches surrounding the national park, and maybe hire a surfboard to catch some waves at Playa El Ray. If you want to spot wildlife and keep active at the same time, consider paddling through the mangrove forest on a guided kayak tour. It’s not unusual for curious monkeys to climb right onto the boat to say hello, and you’ll likely see snakes, crocodiles and plenty of birdlife too. Just remember your insect repellent! In the evening, maybe take a sunset sail off the coast – watching the blue sky turn orange is a spectacular sight.

included:Manuel Antonio National Park - (Entrance fee), Manuel Antonio National Park - Tour with a Naturalist Guide

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

day 13 - Manuel Antonio

Today is free for you to do as you please. If you wish, you could return to Manuel Antonio National Park and continue your search for the solemn, white faces of the capuchin monkeys who live in the trees. Alternatively, why not kick-off your shoes and feel the sands of Manuel Antonio Beach between your toes? It’s easy to spend a whole day on this calm coastline. The towering green trees that line the coast provide solace from the sun, so this is a great place to sit by with a book (and maybe a guaro sour).

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

day 14 - San Jose

Bid farewell to the coast and return to San Jose via public bus this morning. When you arrive, you’ll be free to relax or wander the city at your own pace. In the evening, you might like to head for dinner with your fellow travellers and group leader and toast to a trip well travelled.

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

day 15 - San Jose

With no further activities planned, your trip comes to an end today and you’re free to leave at any time after checking out. If you’d like to extend you stay, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.

meals:1 Breakfast

Get Trip Brochure & Exclusive Discount

Download a detailed PDF brochure and unlock an exclusive discount for this tour

What's Included

Accommodation

Hotel (11 nights), Lodge (2 nights), Homestay (1 night)

Meals

5 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 1 Dinner

Transport

Private vehicle, Public Transportation, Boat

Guide

An expert tour leader

Included Activities

Tortuguero - Boat ride to TortugueroTortuguero - National Park EntranceSanta Rosa de Pocosol - Home-cooked MealSanta Rosa de Pocosol - Homestay experienceLeader-led Informal Spanish LessonGuatuso - Maleku Community ExperienceMonteverde - Cloud Forest EntranceMonteverde - Children's Eternal Rain Forest (The Intrepid Foundation Partner) Night wildlife walkManuel Antonio - Homecooked lunchManuel Antonio National Park - (Entrance fee)Manuel Antonio National Park - Tour with a Naturalist Guide

What's Excluded

Customer Reviews

Read what other travelers have to say about Classic Costa Rica

4.0

based on 2 reviews

Tour Availability

Select your preferred departure date and secure your spot

Loading availability...

Monthly Price Comparison

Good to Know

Cancellation

Payment

Travel Insurance

Visa

Other Practical Information

Do you need help from our trip consultants?

If you have any question about this tour or need help with planning a trip, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us.

Our travel experts are ready to help.

Why Book with Bookmundi

Earn USD 77+ in travel credits.

Best price guaranteed.

No credit card or booking fees.

100% financial protection.Bookmundi is a member of the Danish Travel Fund which guarantees for any payment made via us. Our guarantee covers all travelers, irrespective of nationality.

Carbon neutral tours.Algorithms and machine learning enables Bookmundi to calculate the carbon footprint for each tour. We then subsequently offset carbon emissions for all tour bookings on Bookmundi via investments in carbon reduction projects to help combat climate change.

25,000+ trip reviews, with an average rating of 4.8 out of 5.

What are customers saying about Bookmundi

4.67/5

Excellent based on 809 customer reviews from

Anonymous

I had an easy experience booking a tour with bookmundi. The website is very intuitive and easy.

1 week ago

Similar Tours You Might Like

Discover our top tours similar to Classic Costa Rica that you might like.

Discover Costa Rica

4.9(378 reviews)

Costa Rica’s wild heart is yours to explore on this 15-day "Discover Costa Rica" wildlife tour, meticulously crafted for seniors seeking adventure with comfort. Traverse lush rainforests, relax on both Caribbean and Pacific shores, and spot captivating wildlife—from sloths and howler monkeys to green turtles and toucans—with the help of expert guides. The itinerary includes San Jose, Tortuguero National Park, La Fortuna, and more, balancing active exploration with moments of relaxation. The tour’s unique feature: access to some of the world’s richest biodiversity, all while traveling in a well-supported, small-group setting, ensuring a seamless and unforgettable nature getaway.

15 days

Costa Rica Adventure

4.6(29 reviews)

What happens when you blend Costa Rica’s iconic wonders with hidden wild corners? The "Costa Rica Adventure" tour delivers a dynamic 16-day wildlife trip, ideal for young adults, experienced travelers, and anyone drawn to nature’s wildest playgrounds. Beginning and ending in San Jose, this adventure winds through lush rainforests, volcanic landscapes, and idyllic beaches, covering Monteverde Cloud Forest, Tortuguero National Park, and six other vibrant destinations. Expect a moderate activity level—perfect for those who love to stay active but appreciate flexibility. Guided excursions are balanced with ample free time, letting you set your own pace. Hike through misty cloud forests, spot monkeys and sloths in dense jungle, or glide by boat through crocodile-filled canals. Optional adrenaline-boosting experiences abound, from zip-lining to white-water rafting, or you can take it easy with a peaceful stroll through a butterfly garden. What sets this trip apart is the sheer biodiversity and the variety of experiences on offer. Encounter rare wildlife, marvel at dramatic volcanoes, and soak up the relaxed pura vida lifestyle. Friendly guides share their deep local knowledge, ensuring you get the most out of each stop—whether you’re seeking adventure or moments of quiet connection with nature. If you’re searching for a tour package that’s as rich in wildlife encounters as it is in adventure options, this Costa Rican journey promises both excitement and discovery at every turn.

16 days

Trek Hidden Costa Rica

4.8(13 reviews)

Think Costa Rica is all about beaches and resorts? Think again. The "Trek Hidden Costa Rica" tour is your ticket to authentic adventure, plunging young adults and intrepid travelers into the emerald heart of this wild country over 12 unforgettable days. This challenging itinerary is designed for those seeking more than just a holiday—it’s for explorers hungry for real connection, adrenaline, and discovery. Venture on foot through dense jungles, where you’ll stay with local families in a remote village, learning their traditions and savoring home-cooked meals. Sleep behind a thundering waterfall in a secret cave, and let the sounds of nature lull you to sleep. Your trek will introduce you to medicinal plants, the craft of making sugarcane candy, and the pulse of true Costa Rican life far from the crowds. This trip isn’t just about trekking—it’s about pushing boundaries. Rappel down waterfalls, try your hand at surfing, or tackle the rapids with whitewater rafting. Every day offers new challenges and rewards, and the camaraderie forged with fellow travelers and locals alike is unmatched. The unique selling point? A rare chance to live, learn, and adventure in places most only dream of, guided by those who call these jungles home. For those ready to trade the ordinary for the extraordinary, this is the tour package that delivers the real Costa Rica.

12 days

Best of Costa Rica

4.7(9 reviews)

Adventurous spirits and nature lovers will be swept away by the Best of Costa Rica tour, a 13-day guided journey that dives deep into the country’s wild heart. Starting in San Jose, this action-packed exploration visits four national parks and conservation areas before winding down on the sun-drenched shores of Manuel Antonio. Glide through the wildlife-rich canals of Tortuguero, hike and snorkel in Cahuita’s tropical paradise, and feel the power of Arenal Volcano as you navigate its rugged terrain by off-road vehicle. Soar above the cloud forest canopy in Monteverde and unwind on Manuel Antonio’s pristine beaches. This tour’s unique edge is its blend of adrenaline-pumping activities and opportunities to experience Costa Rica’s remarkable biodiversity firsthand. With accommodation, transport, meals, and expert guides included, this tour package is the gateway to discovering Costa Rica’s wild wonders and relaxed pura vida lifestyle.

13 days

From the Caribbean Coast to the Pacific Side

4.9(9 reviews)

From misty jungles to sun-kissed beaches, the "From the Caribbean Coast to the Pacific Side" tour unlocks the wild heart of Costa Rica over 13 days. Crafted for young and adventurous souls, this guided trip covers everything from wildlife-rich Tortuguero National Park to adrenaline-filled whitewater rafting on the Pacuare River—one of the world’s top spots for rafting. Experience the awe of Arenal Volcano, soar above Monteverde’s cloud forests on ziplines, and unwind on the pristine sands of Manuel Antonio Beach. A hands-on cooking class in Puerto Viejo adds a delicious local twist. Free time in San Jose lets you soak up the city’s energy before your journey wraps up. The standout feature? This tour package’s thrilling blend of natural wonders and active adventures, all carefully orchestrated for those who crave both discovery and excitement.

13 days

Costa Rica's Coastal Secrets

4.8(81 reviews)

Costa Rica’s wild coasts come alive on the "Costa Rica's Coastal Secrets" tour, a 15-day moderate-activity journey designed with seniors in mind. Explore hidden animal hotspots from the Caribbean to the Pacific, guided by expert wildlife leaders. Cruise Tortuguero’s waterways for monkeys and birds, trek through Corcovado’s rainforests seeking sloths and scarlet macaws, and snorkel the vibrant reefs of Caño Island. The USP? This small group tour package is a rare chance to access Costa Rica’s best-kept wildlife secrets, blending relaxed exploration with unforgettable close encounters in one of the world’s richest biodiversity hotspots.

15 days

Supersaver | Discovering Costa Rica, 14 Days

4.0(1 review)

Enjoy the many highlights of Costa Rica on this 14-day itinerary, including wonderful rainforests, volcano, cloud forests and the exotic North Caribbean side of Costa Rica. Discover a country of great natural beauty, whether you are watching the Arenal volcano whilst bathing in hot springs, walking in the canopy of Monteverde's cloud forest, relaxing on the pristine jungle of Tortuguero or enjoying the warm waters of the Pacific Coast. This is the real nature lover's paradise.

14 days

Keep Exploring Costa Rica

Europe

Asia

South America

Africa

North America

Oceania

Polar

Food, wine, events and nightlife

Adventure and sport

Wildlife, landscapes and nature

Boat tours, water sports and marine wildlife

Sightseeing, attractions, culture and history

Air tours, road trips and transfers

Beach, romance, getaways and relaxation

Special interests and hobbies

Hi there

Highlights