Journeys: Highlights of Costa Rica

5.0Based on

Carbon neutral

9 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

Devour a delicious lunch at a G Adventures-supported coffee co-op.

Learn how to make tortillas in a local home.

Listen to a lecture from a Monteverde Institute researcher.

Hike the trails of cloud forest reserves and breathtaking parks.

Search for wildlife while exploring the Pacific coast

Itinerary

Costa Rica’s lush rainforests and diverse wildlife take center stage on the Journeys: Highlights of Costa Rica tour—a 9-day adventure designed for experienced travelers and seniors seeking comfortable exploration. From active volcanoes to the misty Monteverde highlands, you’ll meet local families, learn tortilla-making, and spot creatures like blue morpho butterflies and howler monkeys. A special session with a National Geographic–supported researcher adds depth to your journey. The USP: meaningful local encounters paired with easy-paced, expertly guided wildlife exploration, making this trip ideal for those who value learning and leisure.

day 1 - San José

Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer is included.
If you arrive early enough, you'll have time to head into the city to visit a museum, shop, or visit the main plaza in the city centre.

The plaza is a good place to people-watch. A mime, juggler, marimba band, magician, or storyteller may be performing for whatever is collected when the hat is passed. Artisan booths are common, creating a regular arts and crafts fair atmosphere.

Accomodation:Hotel Radisson San Jose (or similar)

Transport:Private Vehicle

Included Activity:Arrival Day and Welcome Meeting Duration : 1.0 hr

day 2 - San José/La Fortuna

Awake in the Costa Rican capital and take a tour of a G Adventures–supported coffee cooperative. Meet local farmers, observe shade-grown coffee plants, and gain insight into the process of coffee production, from bean to cup. After a typical lunch—accompanied by an aromatic cup of coffee—continue to the town of La Fortuna, situated at the foot of the majestic Arenal Volcano. This evening, we’ll visit a local home to learn how to make tortillas. Chat with your welcoming hosts and dig into a traditional Costa Rican meal of black beans, plantains, and your own handmade tortillas.

Meal:Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accomodation:Hotel Monte Real (or similar)

Transport:Private Vehicle Duration : 3.0 hr

Included Activities:Mi Cafecito Coffee Cooperative Tour, Tortilla Making and Home Dinner Duration : 2.0 hr

day 3 - La Fortuna

Spend the Day on your own, exploring La Fortuna and its surrounding areas. In 1968, the Arenal Volcano erupted after centuries of laying dormant, converting this quiet agricultural town into a hot spot for adventure travel. Choose to go stand-up paddleboarding on the tranquil waters of Lake Arenal; relax in the shadow of Arenal Volcano at a naturally heated outdoor spa; take a boat tour of Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge, one of the world’s most important wetlands; and more.

Meal:Breakfast

Accomodation:Hotel Monte Real (or similar)

Optional Activities:Stand Up Paddle (Lesson and Tour) Must be over 12 years old to participate., Mountain Biking , Ecotermales Hot Springs , La Fortuna Waterfall Swim , Hanging Bridges Suitable for all ages, Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge Tour

day 4 - La Fortuna/Monteverde

Travel from La Fortuna to the leafy cloud forests of Monteverde—a nature lover’s paradise. This afternoon, choose to discover Monteverde’s breathtaking wilderness on a zip-lining adventure in the birthplace of the canopy tour, gliding high above the treetops or zooming through the misty foliage at exhilarating speed.

Meal:Breakfast

Accomodation:Sibu Lodge (or similar)

Transport:Private Vehicle Duration : 1.0 hr, Boat Duration : 1.0 hr, Private Vehicle Duration : 2.0 hr

Optional Activities:CASEM Coop Visit , Ziplining , Monteverde Guided Cloud Forest Night Walk , Monteverde Horseback Riding Moderate difficulty.

day 5 - Monteverde

Set out on a hike in the stunning Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve, treading past giant ferns and vibrant orchids. If you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of the resplendent quetzal—a sacred bird in Maya and Aztec cultures. Afterward, visit the Monteverde Institute, a research and educational organization supported by National Geographic. Hear from a researcher about some of the institute's conservation initiatives, including a successful reforestation project.

Meal:Breakfast and Lunch

Accomodation:Sibu Lodge (or similar)

Included Activities:Santa Elena Cloud Forest Guided Tour Duration : 2.0 hr Distance : 2 km, Monteverde Institute Lecture

Optional Activities:Ziplining , Monteverde Horseback Riding Moderate difficulty.

day 6 - Monteverde/Manuel Antonio

Leaving the cloud forest behind, head to Costa Rica’s sweeping Pacific coast and settle into your hotel in the seaside village of Manuel Antonio. Soak up the laid-back atmosphere of the area, and opt to go surfing, or sailing. You can also spend the rest of the Day relaxing on the beach.

Meal:Breakfast

Accomodation:Hotel Villas Lirio (or similar)

Transport:Private Vehicle Duration : 6.0 hr Distance : 267 km

Optional Activities: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 - Manuel Antonio

Discover the lush tropical forests and white-sand beaches of Manuel Antonio National Park. Costa Rica’s smallest national park—yet one of the most spectacular—boasts an abundance of wildlife, including monkeys, armadillos, sloths, iguanas, and countless species of birds. Hike through the dense forest, climb up to rocky outcrops for views of the dazzling Pacific Ocean, and go swimming in the park’s lovely lagoons and tidal pools. Opt to take a surfing lesson, go horseback riding, or kayak through the mangroves.
The park has fabulous beaches, abundant wildlife, and a great trail system for those who want to spend the day hiking. Look for monkeys, armadillos, coatimundis, sloths, and some 350 species of birds that are present in the park.

Meal:Breakfast

Accomodation:Hotel Villas Lirio (or similar)

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

Optional Activities:Horseback Riding Throw on some long pants, grab the reins, and hop up on a well-trained horse. Trail ride through the tropical forest and rivers and across the area’s most beautiful landscape. Look for toucans in the trees and admire the ocean views. End your horseback journey with the opportunity to swim under a beautiful waterfalls., Kayaking , 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 8 - Manuel Antonio/San José

Return to San José. Tonight, choose to join the group for a farewell dinner at a popular local restaurant.

Meal:Breakfast

Accomodation:Hotel Radisson San Jose (or similar)

Transport:Private Vehicle Duration : 5.0 hr Distance : 190 km

day 9 - San José

Depart at any time.

Meal:Breakfast

Included Activity:Departure Day

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What's Included

Accommodation

Hotels – 8 nts.

Meals

8 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 1 dinner
Note: Allow USD340-445 for meals not included.

Transport

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

Guide

National Geographic Expedition Leader throughout, local guides.

Included activities

Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Tortilla Making and Home Dinner, La FortunaYour Journeys Highlight Moment: Monteverde Institute Lecture, MonteverdeYour G for Good Moment: Mi Cafecito Coffee Cooperative Tour, SarapiquíYour Discover Moment: La FortunaArrival transferGuided nature walk in the Santa Elena Cloud Forest ReserveGuided excursion to Manuel Antonio National Park

What's Excluded

Customer Reviews

Read what other travelers have to say about Journeys: Highlights of Costa Rica

5.0

based on 13 reviews

Tour Availability

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Excellent based on 816 customer reviews from

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Booking process was easy and quick confirmation. I particularly liked the ability to hold the reservation for more than 48 hours to confirm flights and hotel accommodations afterwards.

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