Epic Costa Rica: Craters, Rainforests & Hanging-10

11 days, San José to Tamarindo

Map of the route for Epic Costa Rica: Craters, Rainforests & Hanging-10
Day 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

Itinerary

Day 1San José

Arrive at any time, and choose to kick back at the hostel, or head out to explore the city before meeting up with fellow Roamies in the evening. Later, head out in the San Pedro neighborhood with your CEO and new mates in search of food and drink at one of the nearby happening spots. Buckle up, it's on!

Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group

Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.

Accommodation

Below is an example of the hotel we may use in this city. For the actual hotel your specific departure will be using, please check your voucher.

Costa Rica Backpackers (or similar)
Hostel

Day 2San José/La Fortuna

Set off today bound for La Fortuna with plenty to do along the way. First stop, the active Poás Volcano for epic views and photo opportunities by the crater. Next, head to a community coffee project to sample a cup and to learn about coffee production. Hungry? Sit down for a delicious typical lunch of freshly-caught tilapia from the local fish farm with plantains and the ever-present rice and beans. Then get hands-on with a tortilla-making lesson, full points for the best one! Roll into La Fortuna in the afternoon with time to settle into the hostel and grab a drink at the bar, and in the evening maybe treat yourself to a long soak in one of the many local hot springs. Hey, you deserve it right?

Private Vehicle
San José – Poas National Park50km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Private Vehicle
Poas National Park – Sarapiquí70km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Your G for Good Moment: Mi Cafecito Coffee Cooperative Tour

Find out where your cup of java comes from. Visit the Mi Cafecito coffee cooperative in San Miguel de Sarapiqui, see shade-grown coffee plants, learn about everything from harvesting, to husking, drying, and roasting the beans before enjoying the best part – a fresh cup! Enjoy a typical lunch of plantains, beans, and freshly caught tilapia fish. Feel good about all this eating and drinking knowing that you are supporting a G Adventures for Good project that helps 200 farmers and their families.

Private Vehicle
Sarapiquí – La Fortuna100km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

La Fortuna Orientation Walk
La Fortuna

Breathe in the fresh air and get your bearings in this scenic place.

1

Optional Activities - Day 2 HideShow

Hot Springs Soak
La Fortuna
42-84USD per person

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.

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch

Day 3La Fortuna

Ready for Adventure? There’s so much to do in La Fortuna that we've given you an entire free day to choose for yourself, you'll thank us for it later. Maybe it's something active that's your jam like rappelling down a waterfall, whitewater rafting, or paddleboard on Lake Arenal. Otherwise, hanging out in the hostel with friends and a cold beverage is never a bad option either. A combination of these things you say? Sounds perfect!

6

Optional Activities - Day 3 HideShow

Stand Up Paddle (Lesson and Tour)
La Fortuna
65USD per person

Grab a long wide board and show those surfer dudes how it’s done without waves on Lake Arenal with the volcano looming above. Tour picks up from the hotel and includes a tour of the west-end of the Lake while you’re getting the hang of the paddle board. Enjoy the amazing view, with chances to spot wild birds like Great Blue Herons or even Howler Monkeys. Learn more about the area while exploring the lake and snack on some tropical fruit before heading back to the hotel. Please note the price listed does not include the IVA Tax.

Gravity Falls Waterfall Jumping
La Fortuna
125USD per person

Hold on tight and get ready to rappel down the face of rushing waterfalls. Fear and fun collide in the rainforest as you throw caution to the monkeys and launch yourself into nature. Strapped securely in your harness, descend deep into the canyon, get soaked and feel completely alive. Trek through rivers, wobble across a hanging bridge and keep your eyes peeled for exotic birds and wildlife. Let the action begin! Please note the price listed does not include the IVA Tax. Minimum age: 12.

Whitewater Rafting
La Fortuna
61-86USD per person

Pull on your bathing suit and water shoes, don a helmet and prepare to get wet and wild. Guided by expert leaders, paddle through Class II-IV rapids as you raft past spectacular scenery. Feel the burn, work up a sweat, then cool off in the pure river water. Experience the energy and excitement and enjoy! Minimum age: 8-12 depending on rapid class.

Lost Canyon Adventures Canyoning
La Fortuna
99USD per person

Hold on tight and get ready to rappel down the face of rushing waterfalls. Fear and fun collide in the rainforest as you throw caution to the monkeys and launch yourself into nature. Get soaked and feel completely alive. Trek through rivers and keep your eyes peeled for exotic birds and wildlife. Let the action begin! Please note the price listed does not include the IVA Tax. Minimum age: 8.

Hanging Bridges
Arenal1h30m-2h 3km
75USD per person

Come join the monkeys and perhaps spot a sloth lazing in the treetops of this protected rainforest that’s set in the shadows of the Arenal Volcano. Trek 3km (2 mi) of winding trails up, down, across, and over 16 different bridges. One of higher suspended bridges overlooks a gorgeous gorge and 60m (37 mi) waterfall. Look up and down to spot birds, snakes, frogs, lizards, howler monkeys, and more. Don’t forget to bring binoculars, bug spray, and a long lens as you reach new heights in the canopy of Costa Rica. Please note the price listed does not include the IVA Tax.

La Fortuna Waterfall Swim
La Fortuna
20USD per person

Take a walk, taxi, or horse just outside the town of La Fortuna to the nearby waterfall. Once at the gate, pay a fee then start the descent on rough steps (more than 500 of them!) to get to the base of the falls. The water cascades 65m (200 ft) down the side of the dormant Cerro Chato. Sit on the rocks, get sprayed, watch for iridescent blue morpho butterflies and then plunge into the cool waters. Please note the price listed does not include the IVA Tax.

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 4La Fortuna/Monteverde

If variety of transport is something you're looking for then you're going to love today. We'll make our way from La Fortuna by bus then boat across Lake Arenal then by bus again to the cloud forest of Monteverde. Scenery galore, keep the camera handy! Once we get to Monteverde don't get too comfortable yet as we'll head into the forest to fly across the canopy on zip lines for an adrenaline rush. Phew!

Shared Van
La Fortuna – Laguna de Arenal30m

Climb aboard and make friends with your seatmate en route to the next stop.

Boat
Laguna de Arenal45m

Climb aboard and get your float on.

Shared Van
Arenal – Monteverde2h

Climb aboard and make friends with your seatmate en route to the next stop.

Canopy Zipline
Monteverde

Buckle up your harness, don your helmet and prepare to launch. Glide along cables suspended high above the cloud forest canopy. Dare to let go and reach top speeds as you zip past stunning scenery. Forget your fear as you spot a toucan or exotic orchid as you whizz by on one of the world’s longest zip line systems.

Monteverde Orientation Walk
Monteverde

Get to know this prime destination for ecotourism and take in the scenery of lush rainforests and an impressive array of flora and fauna. Located in the heart of the Cordillera de Tilaran mountain range Monteverde is famous for its Cloud Forest Reserve.

Accommodation

Hotel Quetzal Inn Monteverde (or similar)
Hotel

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 5Monteverde

Today is all about you, to do as much (or as little) as you want, it's all good! Maybe check out the hanging bridges in the canopy to look for birds and wildlife, go horseback riding, visit a butterfly garden or just kick back at the cozy hostel and relax with a local craft beer in hand.

5

Optional Activities - Day 5 HideShow

Monteverde Butterfly Garden Visit
Monteverde
20USD per person

Get close to butterflies, bump into giant bugs, and make friends with hairy eight-legged spiders in this collection of gardens nestled in the mountains of Monteverde. Observe caterpillars, take prize-worthy photos of the iridescent blue morpho butterfly, and check out the leaf-cutter ant colony. The nature centre is home to 30 species of butterfly, a whole bunch of insects, and more.

Hanging Bridges Monteverde
Monteverde
56-60USD per person

Get up high to see the tree tops of Monteverde’s Cloud Forest from a bird’s-eye view. Cross a series of hanging bridges to discover what biologists once required (ropes and pulleys) to glimpse the lush, green vista accented by bromeliads, vines, and orchids. Wonder at this wet canopy, home to 90% of all the organisms in the forest, including thousands of species of birds, small animals, amphibians, and insects.

Santa Elena Cloud Forest Guided Tour
Monteverde – Santa Elena 2-3km
50USD per person

Pull on your poncho and boots. It’s time to head into the cloud-covered forest, past over-sized ferns and exotic orchids. Harness your inner Tarzan and Jane as you imagine swinging from the giant vines. Walk along 2 to 3km (about 1.5 mi) of trails at a leisurely pace, watch for wildlife, and trek to the top of the observation tower. Be sure to stop and listen, too. Hear the haunting call of the bellbird and perhaps catch sight of the brilliant green and red resplendent quetzal. Feel good about protecting the forest and sustaining the quality of local schools through payment of your park fees.

El Trapiche Tour Monteverde
Monteverde2h-3h
33USD per person

Step back in time into El Trapiche (the sugar mill), home of three generations of Costa Rican farmers. Explore plantations of sugar cane, coffee, bananas and cacao. Start with a walk through the farm, learn about coffee and cocoa harvesting processes, ride a Costa Rican ox cart, and finally make artisanal sugar cane candy and liquor. Finish the tour with a fragrant cup of coffee made from beans grown right here on the farm!

Monteverde Horseback Riding
Monteverde2h30m-3h
45USD per person

Enjoy Monteverde’s breath-giving wilderness by horseback. Spot toucans, bellbirds, and parrots as you ride through private mountain trails along the primary and secondary forest. Meet monkeys, see sloths, and possibly glimpse the Gulf of Nicoya through the clouds. Take photos, inhale the pure air, and let your horse lead you on this memorable meander in misty Monteverde.

Accommodation

Hotel Quetzal Inn Monteverde (or similar)
Hotel

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 6Monteverde/Liberia

More great scenery and volcanoes you ask for? Sure thing, we've got you covered. Set off in your private ride to the Volcán Tenorio National Park where we'll hike through the jungle to a brillant blue pool and waterfall of the Rio Celeste. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife and birds! Carry on to Liberia in the afternoon and have time to relax after checking into the hostel in the evening before setting off to the Nicoya Peninsula the next day.

Private Vehicle
Monteverde – Parque Nacional Volcan Tenorio125km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Hike to Rio Celeste Waterfall
Parque Nacional Volcan Tenorio 5-6km

North of Lake Arenal lies another spectacular protected area called Volcán Tenorio National Park. We'll set off on foot from the main entrance and hike along jungle trails and down a series of stairways to the brilliantly blue Rio Celeste Waterfall. Take in the scenery and watch for wildlife like monkeys and birds in the canopy above before hiking out on the same trail.

Private Vehicle
Parque Nacional Volcan Tenorio – Liberia100km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Liberia Orientation Walk
Liberia

Find your bearings and get to know Liberia, the capital of the northwestern province of Guanacaste in Costa rica.

Accommodation

Hotel Wilson Anexo (or similar)
Hotel

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 7Liberia/Nosara

Check a hidden gem off those travel lists today as the group heads for Poza Los Coyotes. This lesser known spot in Costa Rica allows for living out those jungle fantasies while you swim and explore the trails around the incredibly turquoise waters of the area’s natural pools. Choose to go all in during your time there and rent an inflatable tube to float through the caves and in the natural pools. Or take a short stroll to see a waterfall and canyon. Next, continue down the Nicoya Peninsula to the laid-back beach town of Nosara to settle into the hostel. Take the rest of the afternoon to explore or get your beach on if you're feeling it. Is it beer o'clock yet?

Private Vehicle
Liberia – Cañas Dulces30m17km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Visit to Poza Los Coyotes
Cañas Dulces1h-1h30m

Poza Los Coyotes is a firm favorite with the locals, but it has only been open to the public since 2020. During the group’s visit here you can swim and explore the trails in the area. The uniquely colored water comes from the Rincón de la Vieja and when the weather permits it turns a mesmerizing turquoise color. The dazzlingly blue shade comes from the water’s high mineral content. There are options to rent inflatable tubes and float down through the caves and natural pools, the perfect way to relax and enjoy this unique, hidden gem just 20 minutes from Liberia.

Private Vehicle
Cañas Dulces – Nosara3h-3h15m138km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Accommodation

Travel 506 Hostel (or similar)
Hostel

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 8Nosara

We only have one thing actually planned today but it's a good one. Hop in the van for a visit to one of the most picturesque beaches in all of Costa Rica; Playa Guiones. Think of this beach as the love child between a three-mile stretch of flat sand and incredible surf waves. You’ll miss out on the big crowds some of the other beaches are known for in the area, and be able to both surf and swim in the warm waters. This is the kind of beach where you can goof around on a boogie board and also read a book, the vibes fit all your needs. Envision our day trip here as a secret paradise no one knew they needed. Afterwards, enjoy the rest of the day back in Nosara hanging out at the hostel with friends and a cold beverage, or watching the sunset with your toes in the sand.

Private Vehicle
Nosara

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Playa Guiones Visit
Nosara

Spend part of today exploring one of the most picturesque beaches in all of Costa Rica. Idyllic white sands stretching for three miles and some of the best waves a surfer will see along this stretch of coastline. Activities available are surfing, bike riding during low-tide, and swimming. It's the perfect place to stretch out on a towel, read a book, play some frisbee, and relax in the warm sun.

2

Optional Activities - Day 8 HideShow

Surfing at Playa Guiones
Nosara

Catch a wave during our trip to Playa Guiones. This beach near Nosara is home to some of the best waves along this stretch of coastline. From boogie boarding to surfing there's an opportunity for everyone to experience the epic waves.

Swimming at Playa Guiones
Nosara

Hop in the warm waters of Playa Guiones and swim for as long as you like. The waves break farther away from shore so you will be able to enjoy relatively calm waters as you float around and enjoy the views of surfers catching some action.

Accommodation

Travel 506 Hostel (or similar)
Hostel

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 9Nosara/Tamarindo

Ok ok, we know the beaches in Nosara are great, but today we will leave the sand behind and head north along the coast to Guaitil, a small village famous for their Chorotega style pottery products. It will be like learning a new hobby that also gives you a deep appreciation for family traditions and creating something beautiful using the natural environment. What’s not to love about that? Learn what’s up from the owner of a small shop, and see how the pottery is made. Choose to grab some lunch and walk through the showrooms to see some of the finished products before we carry on to our hostel in Tamarindo for more beach vibes and great nightlife.

Private Vehicle
Nosara – Guaitil1h30m-1h45m45km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Visit to Guaitil Pottery Shop
Guaitil

Guaitil is a beautiful, quaint town nestled in the hills southeast of the town of Santa Cruz. The town is quiet and peaceful and the atmosphere makes you feel as if you are stepping back in time. The pottery is made by hand with ingredients solely from the earth through a process that has been handed down through generations for thousands of years. Learn what’s up from Jesus, the owner of a small pottery shop and see how the pottery is made. Learn from Jesus, the owner of a small pottery shop, and see first-hand how the Chorotega-style pottery is made and maybe pick up some souvenirs before you go.

Private Vehicle
Guaitil – Tamarindo1h30m-2h55km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Accommodation

Tamarindo Backpacker (or similar)
Hostel

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 10Tamarindo

Surf's up! Take an included surf class in the morning and then the rest of the day is all yours. Feeling active? Try zip-lining, kayaking in the nearby national park or take a snorkelling trip. Can’t get enough of the beach? Stay local and take to the sand and sea. Still want more? Chilling out at the hostel with friends is always a great option too.

Surf Lesson - Tamarindo
Tamarindo

Hit the beach and get ready to hang ten with a surf lesson from trained surf instructors. Spend some time in the water getting friendly with the waves, practice paddling, then pop up to balance on the wider, softer beginner boards.

Accommodation

Tamarindo Backpacker (or similar)
Hostel

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 11Tamarindo

Depart at any time, or maybe decide to add on a few more nights at the beach.

Meals included:

Breakfast

Epic Costa Rica: Craters, Rainforests & Hanging-10

| 11 days - San José to Tamarindo - from $862 USD