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Natural Highlights of Costa Rica
9 days, San José to San José
Itinerary
Day 1San José
Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer 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.
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.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Day 2San José/La Fortuna
This morning visit a G Adventures-supported coffee cooperative with a coffee tour and local lunch. Continue to the adventure hub of Costa Rica, La Fortuna.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Travel time includes lunch and coffee tour.
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.
Meals included:
Breakfast | LunchDay 3La Fortuna
Free day in La Fortuna for optional activities.
Please note that if you booked the Adrenaline Theme Pack, on day 3 you will have an action packed day with both canyoneering and an option of your choice. Canyoneering is approximately 2.5 hours long, with four waterfall repels through the lush rainforests around Costa Rica’s Arenal Volcano.
For your second option, you can choose ONE of the following: Stand up paddle (2 hours), half day hike (3 hours), venado cave (2 hours) or kayak (2 hours).
Free Time
Free day to set out and explore nature near La Fortuna.
Optional Activities - Day 3 HideShow
Lost Canyon Adventures Canyoning
99USD per personHold 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
75USD per personCome 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.
Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge Tour
65-133USD per personTravel north to Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge near the Nicaraguan border. Take a guided tour by covered boat through one of the world’s most important wetlands; home to a vast array of plants, birds, reptiles, fish, and mammals. Keep your eyes peeled and you may see a three-toed sloth or a Jesus Christ lizard. Please note the price listed does not include the IVA Tax.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 4La Fortuna/Monteverde
Travel from La Fortuna to the cloud forest of Monteverde - a nature lovers paradise.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 5Monteverde
Enjoy a nature hike in the Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve. Opt to visit a butterfly garden, zipline through the canopy or go horseback riding.
Please note that if you booked the Adrenaline Theme Pack, on Day 5 you will have a bird’s-eye view of the rainforest canopy as you soar through the trees on a Tarzan swing, a giant rappel and a 450-foot-high zipline. Tour is approx. 2.5 hours long.
Santa Elena Cloud Forest Guided Tour
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.
Optional Activities - Day 5 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 Horseback Riding
45USD per personEnjoy 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.
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).
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 6Monteverde/Manuel Antonio
Continue to the stunning Pacific coast. Enjoy the laid-back atmosphere of the area with options to surf, go horseback riding, catamaran dolphin watching or visit other nearby picturesque beaches.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Optional Activities - Day 6 HideShow
Horseback Riding
69USD per personThrow 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.
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.
Whale and Dolphin Watching
65-80USD per personTake to the open seas in search of spotted dolphins and migrating humpback whales. Costa Rica’s warm waters create ideal conditions to grow plankton – the primary food source for these delightful creatures. Keep your eyes peeled for sea turtles and manta rays as well. Navigate small islands, past jagged cliffs and big boulders, the nesting grounds of marine birds such as pelicans, ibises, and boobies.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 7Manuel Antonio
Take an included day trip to Manuel Antonio National Park.
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.
Manuel Antonio National Park Visit
Pack your sunscreen, snack, and beach shoes and prepare for a great day in Costa Rica’s smallest, yet no less stunning, national park. Manuel Antonio offers four white-sand beaches separated by jagged rock outcrops and tidal pools where you can swim, snorkel, and sunbathe. When you’re all beached out, head to the shade of the nearby hiking 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.
Today's walking distance within the park is 3km and will take about 2-3 hours alongside a local guide.
Optional Activities - Day 7 HideShow
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.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 8Manuel Antonio/San José
Return to San José and enjoy an optional farewell dinner on the town.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 9San José
Depart at any time.
Departure Day
Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.