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Discover Costa Rica Independent Adventure
8 days, San José to San José
Itinerary
Day 1San José
Arrive in San José at any time, arrival transfer included.
You will be met at San José International Airport and transferred to your hotel for the night. There are no planned activities, so enjoy the city on your own.
Arrival Transfer
You will be met at the airport and transferred to the hotel to start your adventure.
Arrival Day
Begin your adventure today. There are no planned activities so feel free to explore or rest up for the excitement ahead.
Welcome Meeting for Independent Trips
If you arrive between the hours of 9am and 9pm, a G Adventures CEO will meet you for a brief welcome meeting at your hotel before you head out on your own. Should you arrive before or after these hours, a complete welcome packet will be left for you at your hotel.
Day 2San José/Monteverde
Transfer to Monteverde and the cloud forest. Opt to visit the cheese factory or butterfly gardens.
This mountain community is very different from those on the coast, and has several co-operatives worth visiting, including artist collectives, souvenir shops and the Quaker cheese factory, which is definitely worth a visit. Make sure to try their delicious ice cream.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Free Time
Enjoy the afternoon. opt to explore the town.
Optional Activities - Day 2 HideShow
Monteverde Butterfly Garden Visit
20USD per personGet 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.
Monteverde Cheese Factory Visit
12USD per personIn search of a more peaceful lifestyle, a group of Quaker dairy farmers settled in Monteverde and by 1953, incorporated the cheese factory producing the country’s first pasteurized cheese. Now the second largest cheese maker in Costa Rica, learn about the production of its 17 varieties, sample Gouda, Swiss, provolone, as well as caramels, milkshakes and ice cream (with flavours that include coffee, coconut, mango and pineapple) and learn how the factory provides work for more than 300 farmers and families in the central highlands.
Day 3Monteverde
Today is free to visit the Cloud Forest Reserve and/or zip through the treetops on one of the world’s longest zip line systems.
Optional activities include the Sky Walk, a series of suspension bridges through the jungle canopy, a butterfly garden and a thrilling canopy zip line. Or take a guided walk through the reserve. Local guides are extremely knowledgeable about the area and passionate about conservation of this precious ecosystem.
Your Discover Moment
There's plenty to see and do in Monteverde, and we wanted to make sure that you had some time to take it all in. Feel free to relax or try optional activities like ziplining, visiting the hanging bridges, and horseback riding. Your CEO has more ideas if you need them. Just ask!
Optional Activities - Day 3 HideShow
Monteverde Butterfly Garden Visit
20USD per personGet 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.
Ziplining
73USD per personBuckle 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 toucans or exotic orchids in this adrenaline-filled experience. Minimum age: 6.
Monteverde Cheese Factory Visit
12USD per personIn search of a more peaceful lifestyle, a group of Quaker dairy farmers settled in Monteverde and by 1953, incorporated the cheese factory producing the country’s first pasteurized cheese. Now the second largest cheese maker in Costa Rica, learn about the production of its 17 varieties, sample Gouda, Swiss, provolone, as well as caramels, milkshakes and ice cream (with flavours that include coffee, coconut, mango and pineapple) and learn how the factory provides work for more than 300 farmers and families in the central highlands.
Santa Elena Cloud Forest Visit
35-50USD per personPull on your poncho and boots and head into the cloud-covered forest, past over-sized ferns and exotic orchids. Harness your inner Tarzan as you imagine swinging from the forest’s giant vines, trudge along 12 km of trails, watch for wildlife and trek to the top of the observation tower. Be sure to stop and listen too. Hear the haunting hollow call of the bellbird and perhaps catch sight of the brilliant green and red resplendent quetzal. Feel good about protecting the preserve and sustaining the quality of local schools through payment of your park fees.
Sky Walk
55USD per personGet up high to see the tree tops of Monteverde’s Cloud Forest from a bird’s eye view. Cross a series of suspension bridges to discover the early ropes and pulleys that early biologists required to glimpse – a lush, green vista accented by bromeliads, vines, and orchids. Wonder at this wet canopy, home to thousands of species of birds, small animals, amphibians and insects (making up 90% of all the organisms in the forest).
Day 4Monteverde/Quepos
Travel south-west to the lush tropical shores of the Pacific coast.
Shared Van
Climb aboard and make friends with your seatmate en route to the next stop.
Please see your schedule for specific transfer times.
Days 5–6Quepos
Take the day to relax at the beach or opt to hike or visit the town.
If you are interested in activities, opt to visit Manuel Antonio NP. Although this is Costa Rica’s smallest national park, it is also one of the most popular and it won’t take you long to see why. It has fabulous beaches, abundant wildlife, and a great trail system for those who want to spend some time hiking and then cool off in the ocean.
Your Discover Moment
There's plenty to see and do in Quepos, and we wanted to make sure that you had some time to take it all in. Feel free to relax or try optional activities like visiting Manuel Antonio National Park, mangrove kayaking, and surfing. Your CEO has more ideas if you need them. Just ask!
Optional Activities - Days 5–6 HideShow
Boogie Boarding
8USD per personThrow on your bathing suit and head to beaches near Quepos and Manuel Antonio. Rent a boogie board and spend the day bodysurfing the waves. Hang out with the locals and enjoy some saltwater fun in the sun.
Hiking
Pack your sunscreen, snack, and hiking shoes. Head out for a great day in Costa Rica’s smallest national park. Manual Antonio offers four white-sand beaches, separated by jagged rock outcrops and tidal pools. Hike on shaded trails to search for sloths, monkeys, and armadillos. Climb to the lookout to capture views of the pristine Pacific Ocean and the area’s off-shore islands.
Kayaking
70USD per personChoose to kayak the calm waters of the mangroves or paddle the waves of the Pacific. In the Damas Island estuary, the ocean meets fresh water rivers and creates a protected home for birds, snakes, crocodiles, and white face monkeys. For the more adventurous, opt for an open-seat ocean kayak and paddle along the shoreline and nearby islands, keeping an eye out for frigates, boobies, and jumping fish. Minimum age: 6-8 depending on tour type.
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
55-75USD per personSlather 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.
Swimming
Quepos, north of Manuel Antonio, is Costa Rica’s most popular spot for blue water sport fishing. Depending on the season, hope to hook marlin, sailfish, tuna, snook and dorado (mahi mahi). Slather on the sunscreen, strap on your sunglasses, cast out your line and get ready to reel in a big one.
Day 7Quepos/San José
Transfer back to the capital for your last night.
Shared Van
Climb aboard and make friends with your seatmate en route to the next stop.
Day 8San José
Depart at any time. Departure transfer included.
Shared Van
Climb aboard and make friends with your seatmate en route to the next stop.