Costa Rica Extended Trip Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival in Costa Rica

Afternoon
  • Arrive at San Jose's Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) and be ready to start your adventure at 3:00 p.m.
  • Your Trip Leader will pick you up from the airport, and we’ll head to the rainforest! (~3.5-hour drive). 
  • If you are prone to motion sickness we suggest taking any medication before the drive. It’s a beautiful winding drive through the mountains of Costa Rica.
  • Stop for souvenirs and snacks in Los Angeles Cloud Forest as you marvel at all the green and lush mountains around you.
Evening
  • Settle into your amazing rooms surrounded by nature and get ready to meet your new friends as you enjoy your first delicious dinner at the eco-lodge.

Day 2

Eco-Lodge Tour & Adventure

Morning
  • Enjoy your first amazing breakfast at the eco-lodge, fresh coffee, organic vegetables, and homemade bread await you.
  • After breakfast, explore the grounds on a tour of the eco-lodge. Learn about the organic farm and the use of sustainable sources of energy and good ecological practices while taking in the  views of the mountains.
Afternoon
  • After a nice morning walking around the property, enjoy a tasty lunch at the eco-lodge made with the vegetables produced at the farm.
  • Depart to La Fortuna to enjoy more outdoor activities. "La Fortuna" is Spanish for "The Fortune" and was named for the town's fertile lands.
  • Visit the local waterfall in the middle of the rainforest, a local spot where you can freshen up into a natural pool (optional activity).
  • Spend your last afternoon soaking up at the hot springs, warmed naturally at Termalitas del Volcan, and let your muscles relax after a few days filled with incredible adventures (optional activity).
Evening
  • Enjoy another wonderful dinner at the eco-lodge while listening to the sounds of nature at night.
  • Take the evening to get to know your new friends while enjoying a nice tropical drink under the stars.

Day 3

Rainforest Adventure

Morning
  • Enjoy a delightful breakfast at the eco-lodge, get the feel for the true Costa Rican morning flavors with a nice coffee and a plate of tropical fruits.
  • Spend the morning hiking various trails on the property or choose from the following optional adventures: white water rafting, kayaking in Lake Arenal, or enjoy an adventurous horseback riding tour around the farmlands.
Afternoon
  • After lunch, opt for a hike to the Arenal Observatory in search of monkeys, toucans, and other wild animals (optional activity) or relax at the hotel.
Evening
  • Tonight enjoy the closing dinner at the eco-lodge with your new friends where you will all share your best moments of the adventure.
  • Optional night out in La Fortuna to finish your time in this region on a high note with Latin music and cocktails (transportation not included).

Day 4

Monteverde

Morning
  • Enjoy your last delightful breakfast at the eco-lodge
  • There will be a 3 hours drive to Monteverde where we will stop along the way for pictures and snacks
Afternoon
  • After lunch in Monteverde, check in at the hotel and explore town, your guide will help you with suggestions, restaurants o coffee shops
Evening
  • Enjoy dinner at your favorite restaurant in the small town of Santa Elena
  • Walk through our trails with a flashlight in hand observing and learning about different species of flora and fauna from one of our tour guides. Species most commonly observed include sloths, olingos, coatis, agoutis, quetzals, bellbirds, toucans, hummingbirds and a wide variety of reptiles, amphibians and insects

Day 5

Adventure in the Cloud forest

Morning
  • Wake up early to enjoy the views of Monteverde and one more amazing breakfast.
  • Get your heart pounding by taking a zipline ride through the Costa Rican forest canopy; whizz along cables slung between canyons, admire incredible views, fly over and in between trees to feel an adrenaline rush like no other.
Afternoon
  • Enjoy your lunch and visit the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve (Optional activity) or just enjoy the weather and views from the top of the mountains from your bathing suit!
Evening
  • After getting settled in, it's up to you whether you want to relax or hit the town.

Day 6

Depart to the Beach

Morning
  • One more amazing breakfast before you head towards Costa Rica's world-famous beaches.
  • Begin your drive to Manuel Antonio, where you'll find some of the best beaches that Costa Rica has to offer. (~5-hour drive)
Afternoon
  • Make a quick stop at Rio Tarcoles where you can see groups of Costa Rican Crocodiles. These crocs can reach lengths of up to 12 feet!
  • Enjoy your lunch on your way to Manuel Antonio.
  • Along the way, stop to visit the local community of El Cocal where you will learn how to make tortillas, practice your Spanish, and make friendship bracelets.
Evening
  • Make your way from El Cocal to your boutique hotel located in Manuel Antonio (~20 minute drive).
  • After getting settled in, it's up to you whether you want to relax or hit the town.

Day 7

Manuel Antonio National Park

Morning
  • Have a delicious Costa Rican breakfast.
  • For those craving an even further off-the-beaten-path activity, you can spend your morning hiking to the epic Cathedral Point trail in the Manuel Antonio National Park. This trail is a great opportunity to see white-faced monkeys in their natural habitat, especially in the mornings. The trail also has several great viewpoints along the way. If you have a sharp eye, you may be able to find a sloth.
Afternoon
  • Enjoy lunch and the afternoon free for some cocktails on the beach or any optional activities such as kayaking or catamaran.
Evening
  • Enjoy dinner in town and have an optional night out on the town with your new friends.

*During rainy seasons, Day 3 morning and afternoon activities may be swapped to accommodate weather and activity availability.

Day 8

Rappel Down Waterfalls

Morning
  • Enjoy an authentic Costa Rican breakfast right at your hotel.
  • Optional morning of adventure rappelling waterfalls, crossing hanging bridges, and climbing trees.
Afternoon
  • Relax at the local beach with your group and soak in the tropical views of Costa Rica.
  • Sip on a coconut cut straight from the tree as you enjoy these special moments in paradise.
Evening
  • Enjoy the last dinner out at Manuel Antonio.
  • Optional night out or star gazing.

Day 9

Relaxation & Departure

Morning
  • Enjoy one final breakfast in paradise with your group of friends before departing to the airport to catch your flight back home.
  • Transportation is provided back to Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) and you will arrive at 11:30 a.m. We suggest booking a departure flight for a few hours after this time.
  • We look forward to welcoming you into our close-knit Travel Community.

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