Costa Rica. Jungle, waterfalls and beaches

Price

€2300

Days

Tour description

The biological diversity here is bigger than in Europe and the United States combined, and the standards of living are the highest in Central America. The locals are proud of their piece of paradise!

Hike the slopes of the active Arenal volcano and unwind in the hot springs it heats
Walk on suspension bridges above the wild jungle of Cloud Forest, home to the biggest amount of orchids in the world
Enjoy Mal Pais beaches, which are among the ten most beautiful in the world
Watch rare species of monkeys, brown pelicans, sloths and exotic birds as you sail through the mangroves of the Manuel Antonio Reserve
Explore the capital city of San Jose, and admire the golden treasures of the Indians

Tour departures

11 January 2025 - 23 January 2025

€2300

Book

The price of the tour includes

Accommodation in hotels and eco-lodges throughout the trip
All transportation
Breakfasts in some hotels
Professional guiding services.

What is NOT included

Flight to San Jose and back home. (Let us know if you need help finding the best deals)
Insurance (mandatory)
Food
Entrance fees to national parks
Rafting, surfing and other activities.

Tour map

Tour itinerary

Day 1

San Jose, Avenida Central, National Theater, Museum of Gold

We arrive in the capital San Jose and check into a hotel in the center. After a short break we take off to explore the Avenida Central - probably the best place to observe the local life of the capital. Peeking into colorful shops and cozy cafes, we walk to the National Theater. If you've been to Paris, you can't help but notice the resemblance of this majestic building, built in 1897, to the Paris Opera.

You can also visit Tehe Museum of Gold to see the treasures of the Indians of Costa Rica, or explore the National Museum. It boasts a replica of a pre-Columbian grave which was unearthed on a banana plantation in the 1950s. And the works of contemporary artists can be admired and purchased at the bazaar of folk crafts.

For dinner we head to one of the central restaurants where we will try the main local dish of rice, beans and vegetables, called gallo pinto. Nightlife lovers can explore the famous clubs and bars of the capital and enjoy music and dancing.

Day 2-3

Rio Sarapiqui town, Sarapiqui river cruise, Rafting, Horseback riding, Zip-line

In the morning we leave for the town of Rio Sarapiqui (1.5 hours on the way). We check into a hotel in an eco lodge on the banks of the Sarapiqui River. Local water lovers adore these places. We will explore the winding canyon during a river cruise where our ship will be surrounded only by the eternal noise of water and the wild jungle. Feel like a part of the powerful forces of nature, and you begin to understand why the Indians believed in the soul of trees, water, and all living things that surround us...

Those interested can go rafting, choosing one of the routes, take a horse ride, or enjoy a zip-line between the crowns of mighty trees. In the evening, a little tired but happy, we return to the town to enjoy dinner in soda - a local cuisine cafe.

Day 4-5

Slopes of the Arenal volcano, Hot springs, Waterfalls in the jungle, La Fortuna town

After breakfast we head to the city of La Fortuna (3 hours by taxi and boat). We check into a small private estate at the foot of the Arenal volcano. After some rest we begin an easy 4-hour hike to the park on the slope of the volcano, which is considered one of the ten most active volcanoes in the world. Its quiet fog-covered slopes give the illusion of peace. It is hard to believe that the living heart of the mighty force of nature beats under our feet! We will reach several observation decks to admire the magnificent views of the fog-covered jungle. The top of the conical volcano can only be visible about once a week. Let's try our luck!

We will also cross several suspension bridges over the wild forest, swim in warm waterfalls and enjoy the sounds and fresh air of the pristine jungle. In the evening we head back to the town of La Fortuna, where lava heats dozens of boiling springs and stunning waterfalls, creating places reminiscent of the descriptions of the Garden of Eden. In some sources, the temperature does not exceed 40 degrees Celsius, so we can relax after a hike.

Tour leaders

Sofia Vovk

tour guide

Is this trip for you?

This trip is of an average level of physical activity, does not require special preparation. It cncludes short (up to 4 hours) journeys on rented buses and ferries, two journeys lasting 6 hours with stops at attractions along the way, and two journeys lasting 7 hours each. We will also walk a lot in cities and national parks, travel by boat, swim in the seas and warm waterfalls. Those who wish can go rafting, surfing, ride a horse, ride a Zip-line. Accommodation in double/twin rooms of tourist class hotels of the 3-4 "stars" level.