Costa Rica

Few places offer the incredible diversity of scenery, climate and vacation pleasures of Costa Rica. One quarter of Costa Rica’s territory is protected by national parks, consisting of tropical rainforests, cloud forests, active volcanoes, grasslands, navigable rivers and tropical beaches. Within these parks are hundreds of species of birds, butterflies and mammals, and more than 1,000 species of orchids.

Your visit may include kayaking and observing sloths and pumas in the Osa Peninsula, panoramic hiking or horseback riding in Arenal, relaxing at Tabacón Hot Springs and sky-walking through Monteverde’s rainforest canopy.

Created by potrace 1.16, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2019

Language

Spanish

Created by potrace 1.16, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2019

Time Zone

GMT -6

Created by potrace 1.16, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2019

Currency

Costa Rican Colón (CRC)

Created by potrace 1.16, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2019

Average Temp

77° F

Costa Rica Expedition

From Rain Forest to Cloud Forest

Costa Rica sloth

Inspire Your Expedition with Our Sample Itinerary

Day 1 – SAN JOSÉ

Arrive in San José

Private transfer to hotel

Accommodations: Hotel Grano de Oro

Days 2-4 – SAN JOSÉ / OSA PENINSULA (PACIFIC COAST)

Transfer to airport for flight to Puerto Jiménez

Transfer by 4×4 to lodge

Activities include: 

  • Guided hikes
  • Canopy observation & zip line tours
  • Horseback riding
  • Kayaking 
  • Birdwatching
  • Dolphin & whale watching
  • Surfing lessons 
  • Optional guided tours into Corcovado National Park 

Activities booked with and payable at the lodge

Accommodations: El Remanso Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5 – OSA PENINSULA / ARENAL NATIONAL PARK

Fly from Puerto Jiménez to San José          

Private transfer to Arenal (approx. 4 hours)

  • Private hiking excursion through Arenal National Park
  • Relax at Tabacón Hot Springs

Accommodations: Amor Arenal Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 6 – ARENAL NATIONAL PARK

Choose between three shared activities:

  • Safari float trip (raft or open seat kayak) down the Peñas Blancas River OR
  • Whitewater rafting on the Rio Balsa River OR
  • Hike along trails & cross Arenal Hanging Bridges overlooking the rainforest canopy

Accommodations: Amor Arenal Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 7 – ARENAL / MONTEVERDE CLOUD FOREST

Choose between two shared activities:

  • Horseback riding excursion to La Fortuna waterfall including hike & swimming  
  • One of the activities not selected on Day 6

Transfer by boat & car to Monteverde Reserve

Accommodations: Senda Monteverde
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 8 – MONTEVERDE CLOUD FOREST

  • Hike through Monteverde Cloud Forest
  • Butterfly Garden

Accommodations: Senda Monteverde
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 9 – MONTEVERDE / SAN JOSÉ

  • “Sky Walk” on suspension bridges through the cloud forest

Private transfer to San José

Accommodations: Hotel Grano de Oro
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 10 – SAN JOSÉ / HOMEWARD BOUND

Private airport transfer for flight home

Meals: Breakfast

Starting at $5,600 per person
(two travelers, double occupancy, airfare not included)

Itineraries are customized to travelers’ interests and preferences.
Final prices will vary based on dates of travel and number of travelers.

I used to be a travel agent and booked all my own travel. Those days are over now that I found NEI for our bucket list trip to the Galapagos! Can’t wait for our next adventure !!! Thanks for everything!!!!

Rozie & Larry D.
Cleveland, Ohio

When to go:

Year-round

What to eat:

Gallo Pinto (rice & beans with egg), Casado (rice, beans, vegetables & meat, fish or chicken), Sopa Negra (black bean soup)

What to pack:

Light-weight clothing; light jacket or sweater; shawl or scarf; swimwear; comfortable walking & hiking shoes; waterproof shoes; sunscreen, sunglasses, hat; insect repellent; camera equipment; binoculars; universal adapter

You May Also Enjoy These Trips: