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Solo-ish Costa Rica

8 days, San José to Manuel Antonio

Map of the route for Solo-ish Costa Rica
Day 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

When arranging your transportation, such as flights, please take into consideration the below time restrictions for joining and departing from your group. With these times, we have taken into account travel time to/from the airport in the given destination and required time for check-in or baggage collection/immigration.

Your flight must arrive by or before: 15:00 on Day 1
Your flight must depart no earlier than: 12:00 on Day 8

Itinerary

Day 1Dinner Party: San José

Please ensure your flight lands in San José prior to 3pm. Enjoy an included arrival transfer to the start hotel where you will attend a welcome briefing with your newest travel pals. Then, experience a hands-on cooking lesson with the whole group. Learn how to prepare a few tasty Costa Rican treats and witness first-hand how the joy of sharing a meal can bring strangers together.

Arrival Transfer
Juan Santamaría International Airport – San José

You will be met at the airport and transferred to the hotel to start your adventure.

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.

Dinner Party: Costa Rican Cooking Experience

Food is a universal language, and there's no better way to get to know a new friend, or a new community, than by breaking bread together and digging in to a delicious meal. Join your fellow Solo-ish travellers in an immersive cooking class at a local spot in San José. The class begins with the group receiving a surprise bag of ingredients. Relying only on touch and smell the group will pull the ingredients out of the bag blindfolded. There will be discussion around each object in the bag. Afterwards, learn how to make and cook tortillas and enjoy them with a delightful Costa Rican 'picadillo'.

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.

Hotel Rincon del Valle (or similar)
Hotel

Meals included:

Dinner

Day 2We Day: Arenal Region

Today is all about the impressive landscapes of Costa Rica. Start by driving to Sarapiquí to visit a G Adventures-supported community coffee plantation. Here, you will learn about the project’s impact on the local community and have a chance to sample some of the products being sold. From here, travel onwards to La Fortuna in the Arenal region known for its dramatic volcano, natural hot springs, and abundance of outdoor activities. Later, deepen those connections with the group during a cocktail demonstration. Discover local ingredients from fresh fruits to herbs and spices native to this landscape, and explore the different flavours that embody this lush jungle region.

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
San José – La Fortuna3h

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

We Day: Tastes and Flavours of the Arenal Region

With your incredible CEO at the helm, get to know the local community and your Solo-ish travel mates on a day packed full of interesting and engaging adventures. After visiting Mi Cafecito, the group will dive into the world of craft Costa Rican cocktails, learning techniques and secrets behind creating a delicious and refreshing drink. Discover local ingredients and the unique combinations of fresh fruits and native herbs and spices that will create a vibrant, flavourful drink that embodies this very enchanting region.

Accommodation

Hotel Sierra Arenal (or similar)
Hotel

Meals included:

Lunch

Day 3G Day: La Fortuna

Prepare to experience what G Adventures does best and enjoy an epic adventurous day in La Fortuna with a surprise G twist occurring somewhere along the way. Feel your heart pound in your chest and the adrenaline surge as you rappel down alongside a waterfall. Hear the rush of the falls, feel the spray hit your face, and smell the fresh air of the La Fortuna rainforest environment. Then, enjoy time for yourself and choose to remain adventurous or relax in your abundantly green surroundings. Who knows where you might end up to cap off this epic G Day.

G Day: The Thrills and Surprises of La Fortuna

With your Solo-ish travel mates and CEO, explore some of the world's coolest activities alongside new friends. It's not just an epic day of fun, its chock full of incredible experiences and a surprise G element along the way to take your day to an 11. Hold tight and get ready for a thrilling adventure as you rappel down the face of a rushing waterfall in La Fortuna. Fear and fun collide as your adrenaline surges and the sounds of the jungle surround you. Get soaked by the rushing water and feel alive and exhilarated. Walk through rivers and keep a look out for exotic birds and wildlife.

Free Time
La Fortuna

Enjoy a few hours to yourself after your adrenaline filled first part of the day and choose to relax or keep the activities going with the options available in destination.

Accommodation

Hotel Sierra Arenal (or similar)
Hotel

Meals included:

Lunch

Day 4La Fortuna/Monteverde

Enjoy a boat ride through the stunning landscape and continue driving up into the cloud forests of Monteverde. Spend the afternoon free to wander the town on your own getting a sense of one of the rarest environments on earth. Meet back up as a group for a guided forest night walk to witness the nocturnal sights, sounds, and smells of this unique habitat.

Shared Van
La Fortuna – Laguna de Arenal30m

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

Boat
Laguna de Arenal – Río Chiquito30m

Climb aboard and get your float on.

Private Vehicle
Río Chiquito – Monteverde2h30m35km

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

Free Time
Monteverde Afternoon

Enjoy a free afternoon to become acquainted with the town of Monteverde on your own. Opt to find a fun local spot to grab some lunch either alone or with a few of your travel mates.

Guided Cloud Forest Night Walk
Monteverde

Join a naturalist guide for a 1.5-2 hour tour in the cloud forest after dark. Learn more about the habits of the area's nocturnal wildlife including mammals, birds, insects, reptiles, and amphibians, and keep your eyes and ears open on this slow-paced walk. You never know what you might see – it depends on the day and your luck!

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Optional Activities - Day 4 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.

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!

Accommodation

Hotel Casa Madonna (or similar)
Hotel

Day 5Me Day: Monteverde

It’s time for a day that belongs to you! The choice really is all yours. From spending the day doing an array of optional activities available like ziplining or a hanging bridges tour, take the itinerary into your own hands. There is also an option to join your CEO for a short, easy walk through the trails of “La Raiz”, a bridge trail formed by a tree that fell, but whose roots continued to grow vertically downward. The small stream that runs underneath is responsible for washing away soil and further exposing the shape of the tree's 'skeleton'. Dinner will be at your leisure this evening.

Me Day: Monteverde Me Day

Traveling solo alongside your new Solo-ish travel mates means there's always something fun to do and new friends to explore with. But the joy of travel can also be about taking time to yourself to recharge, refresh and reflect on the journey. Today, choose to join your CEO for a local activity, or take the time to yourself to enjoy your own company in one of the most incredible places on our planet.

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Optional Activities - Day 5 HideShow

Ziplining
Monteverde3h-4h
73USD per person

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 toucans or exotic orchids in this adrenaline-filled experience. Minimum age: 6.

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.

CASEM Coop Visit
Monteverde

CASEM—the Cooperative of Artisans Santa Elena Monteverde—is an inspiring example of female empowerment and teamwork. By focusing on providing women artisans with the opportunity to gain economic independence and develop new skills, this G for Good Project helps improve the quality of life for its members and strengthens the community. Through the marketing of their products, CASEM Coop not only supports its 90 artisan members, but also promotes the culture and traditions of the Monteverde region. Stop by the restaurant on your way out to try some delicious local food!

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 Casa Madonna (or similar)
Hotel

Day 6Monteverde/Manuel Antonio

Travel away from the misty green hills of Monteverde to the coastal lush jungle of Quepos, just outside Manuel Antonio National Park. Spend a free afternoon relaxing in this fun, lively surf town. Hit the beach, enjoy a night out, or maybe learn how to salsa. It’s all about stepping outside of those comfort zones.

Free Time
Quepos Afternoon

Enjoy free time to play in the waves, explore Quepos, or dance the night away. From kayaking to surfing, there are plenty of options to keep you entertained in such a beautiful setting.

Private Vehicle
Monteverde – Quepos4h220km

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

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Optional Activities - Day 6 HideShow

Fishing
Quepos

Cast a line and (depending on the season) hope to hook a marlin, sailfish, tuna or dorado (mahi mahi). Fishing in Quepos, north of Manuel Antonio, is Costa Rica’s most popular spot for blue water sport fishing.

Kayaking
Manuel Antonio National Park
70USD per person

Choose 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
Manuel Antonio National Park

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
Manuel Antonio National Park1h-5h
55-75USD per person

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.

Accommodation

Hotel Le Priss (or similar)
Hotel

Day 7Manuel Antonio

Enter into Manuel Antonio National Park and then have the opportunity to wander through the park's landscape at your own pace. You can choose to pre-book a catamaran on the ocean, or swim in the warm waters of the Pacific. Other activities available to choose from include kayaking through the mangroves or whitewater rafting.

Pre-book the Manuel Antonio Catamaran Tour on the checkout page to include this optional activity on your tour or ask your GCO or travel agent for assistance.

Manuel Antonio National Park Visit
Manuel Antonio5h 3km

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.

Your Discover Moment
Quepos Full Day

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!

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Optional Activities - Day 7 HideShow

Manuel Antonio Catamaran Tour
Manuel Antonio

Cruise along the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica aboard a 100 ft catamaran, taking in the impressive scenery and lush jungle that has made Manuel Antonio famous. Keep your eyes peeled for playful dolphins who call these waters home before stopping to snorkel, swim, or ride one of the boat's water slides into the ocean. Grab a drink or just sit and watch the gorgeous views of the lush coastline go by.

Whitewater Rafting Manuel Antonio
Manuel Antonio
75-98USD per person

What better way to get from A to B then taking the natural route along a scenic and exciting river? Buckle up your life jacket, grab a paddle and head off to raft some Class II - IV rapids. Minimum age: 6-15 depending on rapid class.

Accommodation

Hotel Le Priss (or similar)
Hotel

Day 8Manuel Antonio

You arrived a solo traveller and are leaving with many new friends. Say goodbye to your fellow Solo-ish travellers and depart at any time.

Your CEO can help you secure transportation back to San José. We advise booking onward travel no earlier than 12pm.

Departure Day

Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.

Solo-ish Costa Rica

| 8 days - San José to Manuel Antonio - from $1049 USD