Costa Rica: Wildlife, National Parks & Hidden Gems of the Northwest Tour with 2 Reviews by G Adventures

14 daysDuration

Small Group TourUsually 8-12 participants, maximum 18 travelers

16 peopleMaximum group size

12 - 100 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

Search for the elusive quetzal bird in the cloud forest.

Learn about sugarcane and coffee production at a local plantation.

Enjoy entrance into and free time in Manuel Antonio National Park.

Visit the sky-blue coloured Rio Celeste in Parque Nacional Volcan Tenorio.

Hike along the jungle trails in the wildlife-rich Rincon de la Vieja National Park.

Spend a few days on the lovely beaches of Costa Rica’s northern pacific coast

Itinerary

Discover why Costa Rica is a favorite among seasoned travelers on the "Costa Rica: Wildlife, National Parks & Hidden Gems of the Northwest" tour package. Over 14 days, journey from San José to Playa Flamingo, weaving through Monteverde’s cloud forests, La Fortuna’s volcano vistas, and the vibrant rainforests of Rincon de la Vieja. Easy-paced adventures include ziplining, guided wildlife walks, and tranquil beach escapes in Guanacaste. The unique selling point? This trip’s masterful balance between adventure and relaxation—providing both iconic highlights and secluded gems for a truly well-rounded Costa Rican experience.

day 1 - San José

Arrive at any time.
There are no activities planned until an evening welcome meeting.

Accomodation:Hotel El Sesteo (or similar)

Included Activity:Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group Duration : 1.0 hr

day 2 - San José/La Fortuna

Drive to Sarapiquí to visit the G Adventures-supported Mi Cafecito Community Coffee Plantation. Learn about the impact this project has had on the community and sample some of the products they sell. Continue on to the Arenal region and take advantage of a free afternoon and a full free Day tomorrow to experience the adventure activities and natural wonders of the area.
La Fortuna is an excellent base for adventure. Opt to hike the area’s nature trails, swim in chilly La Fortuna waterfall or go canyoning.

Meal:Lunch

Accomodation:Hotel Eco Arenal (or similar)

Transport:Private Vehicle Duration : 4.0 hr Distance : 150 km

Included Activity:Mi Cafecito Coffee Cooperative Tour

Optional Activities:Stand Up Paddle (Lesson and Tour) Must be over 12 years old to participate., Whitewater Rafting , Lost Canyon Adventures Canyoning

day 3 - La Fortuna

Free Day in La Fortuna. Experience the outdoor adventures, amazing wildlife and natural wonders in this area. There are enough activities here to keep you busy all Day long. In the evening opt to soak in one of the many hot springs in the area to cap off an adventurous day.
Spend the day getting your adrenaline pumping, viewing local wildlife, marvelling at the Arenal Volcano and getting to know more about Costa Rica in La Fortuna. There are enough activities here to keep you busy all day long.

Accomodation:Hotel Eco Arenal (or similar)

Optional Activities:Stand Up Paddle (Lesson and Tour) Must be over 12 years old to participate., Gravity Falls Waterfall Jumping , Whitewater Rafting , Lost Canyon Adventures Canyoning , Costa Rica Adrenaline Bundle , Hanging Bridges Suitable for all ages, Hot Springs Soak After a long day of exploring, take a relaxing soak in the hot springs around La Fortuna. Situated at the base of the Arenal Volcano, immerse yourself in therapeutic waters heated by earth’s magma and infused with healing minerals and salts. Rejuvenate your muscles, detox your cells, and stimulate all your senses in nature’s thermal spa. Breathe in the pure rainforest air and marvel at the mystic surroundings of these outdoor pools of paradise., La Fortuna Waterfall Swim

day 4 - La Fortuna/Monteverde

Travel by van and boat through the stunning Costa Rican scenery up into the cloud forest. Take an included guided night walk to learn about nocturnal life in the jungle firsthand.
Travel across Lake Arenal into the mountains and on to Monteverde Cloud Forest.

Arrive to spend time enjoying this nature-lover's paradise.

Accomodation:Hotel Historias Lodge (or similar)

Transport:Shared Van Duration : 0.5 hr, Boat Duration : 0.75 hr, Shared Van Duration : 2.0 hr

Included Activity:Guided Cloud Forest Night Walk

day 5 - Monteverde

Enjoy a free Day to explore the cloud forest region of Costa Rica. Opt to fly across canopy ziplines, walk across suspended bridges through the forest canopy, or go horseback riding in the hills.

Accomodation:Hotel Historias Lodge (or similar)

Optional Activities:Ziplining , Monteverde Butterfly Garden Visit , Santa Elena Cloud Forest Guided Tour , CASEM Coop Visit , Hanging Bridges Monteverde Easy, El Trapiche Tour Monteverde This tour leaves twice daily 10:00 and 15:00. Tour includes: bilingual guide, artisanal candy making workshop, beverage., Monteverde Horseback Riding Moderate difficulty.

day 6 - Monteverde/Quepos

Travel to Quepos, just outside Manuel Antonio National Park. Opt to visit the park or relax on the beach in this fun surf town. Enjoy a night out and perhaps learn how to dance salsa.
Travel to the Pacific Coast. Enjoy Quepos. Opt to swim, fish, kayak, surf or take a sailing trip.

Accomodation:Hotel Le Priss (or similar)

Transport:Private Vehicle Duration : 5.0 hr Distance : 220 km

Optional Activities:Fishing Cast a line and (depending on the season) hope to hook a marlin, sailfish, tuna or dorado (mahi mahi). Fishing in Quepos, north of Manuel Antonio, is Costa Rica’s most popular spot for blue water sport fishing. , Kayaking , Sailing Slap on some sunscreen and hop aboard as we set sail along the rugged Pacific Coast of Manuel Antonio National Park on a catamaran. Bask in the beauty of the white-sand beaches and small islands that accent the shoreline. Keep watch for dolphins, rays, and migrating whales. Hop into the warm water and snorkel with more than 50 species of colourful tropical fish., Surfing Slather on the sunscreen, strap on a leash, pull on a rash guard, and get ready to hit the waves. Experience the surf at the beaches near Quepos and Manuel Antonio with their left, right, and well-shaped beach breaks. Take a lesson, learn tips and techniques, then hang ten like a local.

day 7 - Quepos

Enjoy an included entrance into Manuel Antonio National Park. Then, take advantage of free time to explore. Opt to swim in the Pacific. Or choose to kayak through mangroves and relax on the beach.

Accomodation:Hotel Le Priss (or similar)

Included Activity:Manuel Antonio National Park Visit Duration : 5.0 hr Distance : 3 km

Optional Activities:Kayaking , Whitewater Rafting Manuel Antonio

day 8 - Quepos/San José

Opt to chill at the beach or sail the Pacific in the morning before the journey by private vehicle back to the capital.
Pre-book the Manuel Antonio Catamaran Tour on the checkout page to include this optional activity on your tour or ask your GCO or travel agent for assistance.

Accomodation:Hotel El Sesteo (or similar)

Transport:Private Vehicle Duration : 3.0 hr Distance : 166 km

Optional Activities:Manuel Antonio Catamaran Tour

day 9 - San José to Rincón de la Vieja

After an early departure from San Jose, the group will travel to the famed ethereal blue waters of Rio Celeste. Set off on a CEO-led walk through the area with views of the river along the route before an included lunch. Continue onwards to the Rincon de la Vieja area where you will have dinner at the lodge restaurant before a night walk on the nearby trails.

Meal:Lunch and Dinner

Accomodation:Hotel Buena Vista del Rincon (or similar)

Transport:Private Vehicle Duration : 3.5 hr, Private Vehicle Duration : 2.5 hr

Included Activities:Rio Celeste Visit & Walk Duration : 2.0 hr, Night Walk Duration : 1.0 hr

day 10 - Rincón de la Vieja National Park Area

Enjoy breakfast at the lodge before transferring to Rincón de la Vieja National Park where you will embark on a hike in the area to gain a full sense of the tropical and volcanic landscape, while searching for resident wildlife. Travel back to the hotel in the afternoon for free time on the property. Activity options range from ziplining, hiking in the area, and various cultural experiences.

Meal:Breakfast and Dinner

Accomodation:Hotel Buena Vista del Rincon (or similar)

Included Activity:Rincón de la Vieja Hiking Duration : 2.0 hr - 3.0 hr Distance : 3 km

Optional Activities:Hike on trails in the area , Ziplining - Rincon de la Vieja

day 11 - Rincón de la Vieja Volcano National Park Area

Enjoy a full free Day in the Rincon de la Vieja area with an abundance of optional activities to choose from. Between hiking, bird watching, or spa treatments and a soak in the hot springs, your Day can be as leisurely or busy as you’d like.

Meal:Breakfast and Dinner

Accomodation:Hotel Buena Vista del Rincon (or similar)

Optional Activities:Jungle Waterslide , Hike on trails in the area , Ziplining - Rincon de la Vieja

day 12 - Rincón de la Vieja Volcano National Park Area to Playa Flamingo

After breakfast at the lodge the group will travel to Playa Flamingo on Costa Rica’s northern Pacific coast. Enjoy a CEO-led orientation walk upon arrival to get to know this uniquely set up town, whose central area has remained a pristine beach protected by a large mangrove forest. Then, spend a free evening exploring on your own.

Meal:Breakfast

Accomodation:Hotel Casas del Toro (or similar)

Transport:Private Vehicle Duration : 2.0 hr Distance : 82 km

Included Activity:Playa Flamingo Orientation Walk Duration : 1.0 hr

day 13 - Playa Flamingo

Spend a full free Day in paradise. Opt to prebook a Catamaran excursion to get out onto the water for a whole new view of the Playa Flamingo area. Or choose to enjoy the beach on your own with swimming and sunbathing.

Accomodation:Hotel Casas del Toro (or similar)

Optional Activities:Playa Flamingo Catamaran

day 14 - Playa Flamingo

Depart at any time.
Please note that while your tour ends in Playa Flamingo, there are taxis/shuttle services available to the Liberia airport. These services depart from the town of Potrero which is 10 minutes from your Finish Point Hotel. It takes one hour to get to the airport in Liberia from Potrero.

Included Activity:Departure Day

Costa Rica: Wildlife, National Parks & Hidden Gems of the Northwest

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What's Included

Accommodation

Hotels (13 nts).

Meals

3 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 3 dinners
Note: Allow USD500-650 for meals not included.

Transport

Private vehicle, boat, shared van, walking.All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

Guide

CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides.

Included activities

Your G for Good Moment: Mi Cafecito Coffee Cooperative Tour, SarapiquíYour Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and GroupYour Discover Moment: La FortunaYour Discover Moment: MonteverdeYour Discover Moment: QueposGuided cloud forest night walk (Monteverde)Entrance fee to Manuel Antonio National ParkRio Celeste visit and short hikeNight walk on the trails near the lodge in Rincon de la ViejaEntrance and guided hike in Rincon de la Vieja National ParkOrientation walk in Playa FlamingoFree time in the rainforest area and Playa Flamingo

What's Excluded

Customer Reviews

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based on 2 reviews

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