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Comfort

Explorer

Best of Costa Rica

10 Days | Wander the rainforests, beaches and coffee farms of Costa Rica

4.8

Excellent

17 reviews

10 days

Start

San Jose, Costa Rica

Finish

San Jose, Costa Rica

Trip Code

QBKR

Min Age

Trip Size

1 - 12

Physical Rating

Meals

9 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 1 dinner

Transport

Private vehicle, Boat

Accommodation

Hotel (7 nights), Lodge (2 nights)

From £2,415(10 days)

Trip Informations

Discover the country that encapsulates ‘pura vida’ (the simple life), on this 10-day exploration of Costa Rica. This laidback paradise, where even the sloths are taking things slow, offers so much to see and do and is perfect for all nature lovers. After soaking up the culture in San Jose, you’ll hit the national parks of Arenal Volcano and Manuel Antonio in search of unspoilt rainforests, waterfalls, scenic views and chill beaches. Search for unique wildlife and soak up loads of free time to choose your own adventure, whether that’s hiking volcanos, soaking in hot springs or searching for local wildlife like howler monkeys, butterflies and caimans. 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.

Why you’ll love this trip

Visit a local indigenous community and meet the Terraba people – a matriarchal community who have lived along the Terraba River for the last 500 years – and learn how to make a traditional wooden mask.

Hike through the scenic landscapes of Manuel Antonio National Park with a local naturalist guide and learn all the hidden secrets of the rainforest, looking out for local wildlife like sloths and iguanas.

Tuck into a super fresh garden-to-table lunch of Costa Rican favourites, including fresh tortillas that you’ll learn how to make from a skilled local woman, with ingredients from her orchard.

Meet the family who run the Tierra Amiga organic coffee farm, and learn the whole process of the coffee bean, from planting to harvesting to tasting. Enjoy a cup fresh from the grinders and tuck into a locally made lunch.

Wander through the incredible Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, home to more than 100 species of mammals and over 400 species of birds. Learn about the biodiversity of the region and look out for quetzal birds and howler monkeys.

By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Tuuur Foundation partner, Eden Reforestation Projects. Donations help them provide local employment opportunities and tackle climate change one tree at a time as they restore forests across 10 different countries.

Is this trip right for you?

Costa Rica can be an expensive destination in many ways, with so many fun optional activities to choose from and meals costing more than in other Central American countries. Your leader will be able to advise on how to have the best value holiday in Costa Rica.

Costa Rica is generally hot and humid year-round, and from May to October can be wet too. At nighttime and in locations at higher elevations it can get chilly. Protect yourself from the sun, bring light clothing you can layer and a waterproof jacket, and stay hydrated. Please carefully consider which time of the year you'll feel most comfortable travelling.

Itinerary

DAY 1
San Jose
Bienvenidos! Welcome to Costa Rica. San Jose is this lush country’s capital, a bustling city flanked by mountains to the south and more mountains to the north, with a few volcanoes thrown in for good measure. This rapidly expanding city contains lively markets, historic neighbourhoods and a chorus of old theatres, with a big chunk of the country’s population within its boundaries. You’ll get things started with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. After, ask your leader for the best spots for a first taste of Costa Rican cuisine in the surrounding streets.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
There are no meals included on this day.
Included activities
Complimentary Arrival Transfer
Special information
The arrival transfer is only valid if arriving on Day 1 or if you have booked pre-trip accommodation through Intrepid. Please provide your flight details at the time of booking, or at a minimum 14 day prior to travel, as we may not be able to confirm a request made within 14 days of travel.
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place. If you can't arrange a flight that will arrive in time, you may wish to arrive a day early so you're able to attend. We'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).
DAY 2
La Fortuna
Head out this morning, bound for La Fortuna – a leafy small town known as the gateway to Arenal Volcano National Park. When you arrive, you’ll learn how to cook traditional Costa Rican tortillas from a local woman who knows all the secret tips. Dona Chela will help you to prepare the dishes with ingredients from her garden, which you can also wander around before and after you cook. You'll make your tortillas in the traditional, old-school way by using the wood-fired stove in the kitchen. Sit down to a lunch of Costa Rican favourites, accompanied by your own handmade tortillas and get to know the family. After, check in to your hotel and enjoy a free afternoon in the lush surroundings. Maybe visit the nearby hot springs for a soak, fed by the thermal Tabacon River.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Lunch
Included activities
La Fortuna - Tortilla making
Add on activities
La Fortuna - Ecotermales Hot Springs (entrance fee) - USD49
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours.
DAY 3
La Fortuna
Today is a free day in La Fortuna. Maybe get active and head to the famed national park, hiking the Arenal Volcano for some gorgeous views. Maybe just wander the rainforest and take one of the trails leading to La Fortuna Waterfall. You can also book a Cano Negro boat tour – this full-day activity will see you visiting the Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge, a wetland system home to varied wildlife like sloths, monkeys, caimans and tropical birds. Look out for the critters as you cruise along the river – you can even hop in a canoe or kayak!
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Add on activities
La Fortuna - Arenal Volcano Base Hike - USD97
La Fortuna- Caño Negro boat tour - USD84
DAY 4
Monteverde
Today's journey to Monteverde is as much about the journey as it is about the destination. You’ll take a boat across Lake Arenal, then take a scenic drive to this major eco-tourism destination. When you arrive, you’ll have a free afternoon to choose your own adventure. Get out and explore the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve on your own, or head to the nearby butterfly garden. Visit the suspension bridges for some leafy views over the area or take on a forest night walk, looking out for local wildlife.
Accommodation
Lodge (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Add on activities
Monteverde - Cloud Forest Night Walk - USD45
Monteverde - Butterfly Garden and Insects Farm (entrance fee) - USD22
Monteverde - Suspension bridges tour - USD58
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours.
DAY 5
Manuel Antonio
Begin the day with a tour of the spectacular Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve – host to more than 100 different species of mammals and 400 species of birds. Your leader will share information on the fascinating biodiversity of the region and lend their expert eye to spotting some wonderful wildlife. Look out for the resplendent quetzal and its quirky hairdo and listen for the sounds of howler monkeys and the unmistakable call of the three-wattled bellbird. With nearly 500 unique species of orchids, the reserve holds the world’s highest diversity of this famed flower. After a morning with your head in the clouds, drive on to Manuel Antonio in the afternoon. When you arrive in this gorgeously lush national park, you’ll have the option to go on a scenic sunset cruise.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Included activities
Monteverde - Cloud Forest Reserve Hike
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.
DAY 6
Manuel Antonio
Take the day to experience the lush national park surrounding Manuel Antonio. Your park entrance fee is included and joining you will be a naturalist guide with all the insider knowledge that you need. Spend some time discovering the park and learning about the beauty of the jungle, keeping an eye out for sloths and iguanas. Wander into the depths of the rainforest and be aware of where your naturalist guide is telling you to look – they know exactly where to find the weird and wonderful that call this place home! Tonight, you’re free to find the best spot to watch the sun go down or to ask your leader for the best local bars and dinner spots.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Included activities
Manuel Antonio National Park - Tour with a Naturalist Guide (entrance fee, guide and transport)
Add on activities
Manuel Antonio - Boogie board rental - USD69
Manuel Antonio - Mangrove Kayak Activity (with lunch) - USD79
Manuel Antonio – Cruise - USD100
Special information
Visitor numbers to Manuel Antonio have been reduced from 3000 per day to 1000. This means it is more difficult to secure entrance tickets for both tour groups and individual visitors. Over school holidays and peak travel season, it is especially difficult. We do our best to secure entrance tickets, but it is possible that on occasion demand will be too high. In these instances, we will include a visit to Carara National Park, home to a variety of animals including crocodiles, monkeys, and two-toed sloths.
DAY 7
Manuel Antonio
Today is a free day to explore this lush region however you wish. You could book yourself a kayak tour of the waterways and mangrove habitat, seeing the park from the water. Maybe head to one of Manuel Antonio's famed beaches, rent a surfboard and spend some time catching waves in the water, or chase the rays on the sand and kick back with a good book.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
DAY 8
Zona de los Santos
Drive to a small indigenous community this morning, saying your goodbyes to Manuel Antonio. The Terraba, or Teribe, are an indigenous group with a rich cultural heritage. Located on approximately 34.7 square miles (9000 hectares) along the Terraba River, they have survived off the land for more than 500 years. The community consider themselves matriarchal, and women are the teachers, responsible for passing information down through the generations. Here, you’ll learn how to carve your own wooden mask, before sharing a local home-cooked lunch with the villagers. This afternoon, travel to Copey de Dota in a private vehicle, where you’ll spend the night.
Accommodation
Lodge (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Included activities
Térraba River - Mask Carving Lesson
Térraba River - Indigenous Community Visit & Lunch
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours.
DAY 9
San Jose
An extra special morning beverage awaits you today! Visit an ecological family-owned farm, where everything is produced organically. Here, you’ll learn how the coffee bean makes its way from cherry to cup. Learn the full process, from planting to harvesting, roasting and grinding, and then prepare your own cup of coffee. Have lunch with the family to reward your hands-on efforts. After, drive back to San Jose where your leader will take you for a stroll to stretch your legs and get a feel for this lively city. You might like to head out for an optional farewell dinner and toast to a trip well-travelled.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Lunch
Included activities
Los Santos - Tierra Amiga Coffee Experience including lunch
San Jose - Leader-led orientation walk
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours.
DAY 10
San Jose
With no further activities planned after breakfast, you’re free to leave any time after check out. If you’d like to extend your stay in Costa Rica, just reach out to your booking agent.
Meals
Breakfast
Add on activities
San Jose - Jade Archaeological Museum (Entrance fee) - USD17
San Jose - Pre-Colombian Gold Museum (Entrance fee) - USD17
San Jose - San Jose By Night: Food and Culture - Urban Adventures - USD78
San Jose - National Museum (entrance fee) - USD12

Inclusions

Meals

9 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 1 dinner

Transport

Private vehicle, Boat

Accommodation

Hotel (7 nights), Lodge (2 nights)

Activities

Complimentary Arrival Transfer

La Fortuna - Tortilla making

Monteverde - Cloud Forest Reserve Hike

Manuel Antonio National Park - Tour with a Naturalist Guide (entrance fee, guide and transport)

Térraba River - Mask Carving Lesson

Térraba River - Indigenous Community Visit & Lunch

Los Santos - Tierra Amiga Coffee Experience including lunch

San Jose - Leader-led orientation walk

Add on activities

La Fortuna - Ecotermales Hot Springs (entrance fee) - USD49

La Fortuna - Arenal Volcano Base Hike - USD97

La Fortuna- Caño Negro boat tour - USD84

Monteverde - Cloud Forest Night Walk - USD45

Monteverde - Butterfly Garden and Insects Farm (entrance fee) - USD22

Monteverde - Suspension bridges tour - USD58

Manuel Antonio - Boogie board rental - USD69

Manuel Antonio - Mangrove Kayak Activity (with lunch) - USD79

Manuel Antonio – Cruise - USD100

San Jose - Jade Archaeological Museum (Entrance fee) - USD17

San Jose - Pre-Colombian Gold Museum (Entrance fee) - USD17

San Jose - San Jose By Night: Food and Culture - Urban Adventures - USD78

San Jose - National Museum (entrance fee) - USD12

Dates and availability

Starting

Ending

Remaining

Prices From

Saturday Jul 05, 2025

Monday Jul 14, 2025

Trip size max: 12 - 12 spaces left

£2,415

Saturday Aug 23, 2025

Monday Sep 01, 2025

Trip size max: 12 - 12 spaces left

£2,415

Saturday Oct 11, 2025

Monday Oct 20, 2025

Trip size max: 12 - 12 spaces left

£2,415

Saturday Nov 08, 2025

Monday Nov 17, 2025

Trip size max: 12 - 12 spaces left

£2,508

Saturday Nov 22, 2025

Monday Dec 01, 2025

Trip size max: 12 - 12 spaces left

£2,508

Saturday Dec 06, 2025

Monday Dec 15, 2025

Trip size max: 12 - 12 spaces left

£2,607

Saturday Dec 20, 2025

Monday Dec 29, 2025

Trip size max: 12 - 11 spaces left

£2,607

Saturday Jan 17, 2026

Monday Jan 26, 2026

Trip size max: 12 - 12 spaces left

£2,739

Saturday Feb 14, 2026

Monday Feb 23, 2026

Trip size max: 12 - 12 spaces left

£2,739

Saturday Mar 07, 2026

Monday Mar 16, 2026

Trip size max: 12 - 12 spaces left

£2,635

Saturday Mar 21, 2026

Monday Mar 30, 2026

Trip size max: 12 - 12 spaces left

£2,635

Saturday Apr 04, 2026

Monday Apr 13, 2026

Trip size max: 12 - 12 spaces left

£2,635

Saturday Apr 25, 2026

Monday May 04, 2026

Trip size max: 12 - 12 spaces left

£2,536

Saturday May 16, 2026

Monday May 25, 2026

Trip size max: 12 - 12 spaces left

£2,536

Saturday Jul 04, 2026

Monday Jul 13, 2026

Trip size max: 12 - 12 spaces left

£2,536

Important notes

1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights on your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.

2. A complimentary airport arrival transfer is included; valid if you are arriving on Day 1 or if you have booked pre-tour accommodation through us. You must provide your flight details to your booking agent at least 14 days prior to travel.

3. Full passport details are required at the time of booking for entrance tickets to Manuel Antonio National Park. Delays in providing this information may result in changes to your itinerary, and we will not be able to guarantee entry.

4. Please be careful when booking flights to/from San Jose; make sure you fly into/out of Juan Santamaria International Airport [SJO]. Please do not book flights to/from Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport [SJC] as this is located in California, United States.

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