About the trip
Experience Costa Rica's diverse geography and incredible wildlife on on this compact adventure, taking you from the foot of an active volcano to cloud forests and finishing off on the beaches of Manuel Antonio National Park. Hear about conservation initiatives from a researcher at Monteverde Institute, learn the art of tortilla-making with a local family, and spot monkeys, sloths and birds in the jungles and forests of this incredible country that will leave you wanting to come back for more.
Highlights
- Visit a G Adventures-supported coffee co-op, Learn how to make tortillas in a local home, Soak in a hot spring fed by an active volcano, Hear about forest conservation at the Monteverde Institute, Go birdwatching in Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve, Spot monkeys and sloths while exploring Manuel Antonio National Park.
Meals
Accommodation
Included in the price
San Jose
- Your G for Good Moment: Mi Cafecito Coffee Cooperative Tour, Sarapiquí
- Your Discover Moment: La Fortuna. Arrival transfer. Guided nature walk in the Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve. Guided excursion to Manuel Antonio National Park. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.
San Jose
- Your G for Good Moment: Mi Cafecito Coffee Cooperative Tour, Sarapiquí
- Your Discover Moment: La Fortuna. Arrival transfer. Guided nature walk in the Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve. Guided excursion to Manuel Antonio National Park. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.
Day-wise Itinerary
ExpandDay 1: San José
- 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.
Day 2: San José/la Fortuna
Depart San José by private vehicle and stop a G Adventures–supported coffee cooperative to lear about the process of coffee production from bean to cup. After a typical lunch, continue to the town of La Fortuna, situated at the foot of the Arenal Volcano. This evening, visit a local home to learn how to make tortillas and dig into a traditional Costa Rican meal of black beans and plantains.
Day 3: La Fortuna
Enjoy a full free day to explore La Fortuna and its surrounding areas. Choose from a variety of optional activities like stand-up paddleboarding on Lake Arenal, take a canyoning excursion, soak in some local hot springs, take a boat tour of Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge, and more.
Day 4: La Fortuna/monteverde
Travel by van and boat to the cloud forests of Monteverde, a nature lover’s paradise. Take the afternoon for yourself and choose to go zip-lining in the forest canopy, go horseback riding, or just relax in the pool at the hotel.
Day 5: Monteverde
Hike in the lush Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve, looking out for birds and wildlife. Afterward, visit the Monteverde Institute to hear from a researcher about some of the institute's conservation initiatives, including a successful reforestation project. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon to choose from more optional activities like a visit to the hanging bridges in the canopy, horseback riding or a visit to the Monteverde Butterfly Farm, to name a few.
Day 6: Monteverde/manuel Antonio
Depart Monteverde and head to Costa Rica’s Pacific coast, near Manuel Antonio National Park. Opt to go surfing, horseback riding, dolphin watching on a catamaran or just spend the rest of the day relaxing on the beach.
Day 7: Manuel Antonio
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.
Day 8: Manuel Antonio/san José
Return to San José and enjoy one final night on the town.
Day 9: San José
Depart at any time.
