Excellent
Costa Rica Adventure & Beach
Discover the wild delights of Costa Rica on this 11 day tour, taking in breath-taking national parks, volcanoes, rainforests and pristine beaches. Gaze down into the craters of Irazu and enjoy the spectacular view from Costa Rica's tallest, active volcano. Hike to the famous Arenal Volcano and encounter incredible wildlife. Eiexperience the thrill of white-water rafting along Pacuare River and soar above the tree tops on a zipline in Rincon de la Vieja National Park. End your adventure relaxing on beautiful Samara beach, in the picturesque province of Guancaste, before returning to San Jose.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more download our Trip Notes
Tour Overview
Duration
11 daysStarts
San JoseEnds
San JoseRange
PrivateTour Guide
Yes - for all included sightseeingGroup Size
Minimum age
15 yrs, accompanied by an adultDeparts
Any day of the yearHotel Rating
4 starCountries
Costa RicaArrival Transfer
YesDeparture Transfer
YesMeals included
Breakfast: 10, Lunch: 3Excellent
4.4 out of 5 based on
275 reviews
Tour Highlights
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Day 1 - San Jose
Day 1 - San Jose
At San Jose international airport you will be met by our tour director, transferred to your hotel and given information about your tour. The rest of the day is free for you to explore Costa Rica's charming capital.
Day 2 - Irazu Volcano National Park
Day 2 - Irazu Volcano National Park
A morning excursion takes you out of the capital to visit Irazu Volcano National Park, the Orosi Valley and Lankester Garden. The tour starts with a short and scenic walk from the park entrance up to the summit of Irazu - the highest volcano in Costa Rica. On a clear day you can see down into the crater of the volcano and enjoy an unforgettable bird’s eye view of both the Atlantic and Pacific Ocean! On the descent, visit the Virgin of the Angels Basilica, a revered pilgrimage site, with large vaulted ceilings and exquisite stained glass windows. A stop will also be make at Lankester Garden, which has a world class collection of more than 800 species of orchids. Continuing on to the picturesque Valley of Orosi, you can visit one of the few remaining colonial churches before enjoying a tasty traditional lunch at one of the local restaurants. Returning to San Jose, spend the rest of the day at leisure.
Day 3 - Pacuare River Rafting
Day 3 - Pacuare River Rafting
San Jose - La Fortuna. Travel to the Pacuare River this morning for an exhilarating rafting excursion on one of the top 10 white water rivers in the world! Upon arrival meet your certified rafting guides who will instruct you on paddling basics and give a safety briefing. Then, you and your group will begin to paddle deep into the heart of one of Costa Rica’s most impressive primary rainforests. It’s an adrenaline-packed day running the Pacuare’s thrilling rapids. A picnic lunch, prepared by your guides, will be served at one of the beautiful riverside beaches. After this exciting adventure you can shower and change before travelling on to La Fortuna, home of the majestic Arenal Volcano.
Please note: Rafting the Pacuare River is available year-round. The water is highest and therefore running its fastest October – December. The water is the lowest March – April, although still challenging. If you do not want to river raft, alternative arrangements can be made on request.
Day 4 - Arenal Volcano NP
Day 4 - Arenal Volcano NP
This morning embark on a guided hike to Costa Rica's famous Arenal Volcano. Begin the tour by heading to the El Silencio Private Reserve, to get as close to the base of the Arenal volcano as possible by vehicle. Then enjoy a scenic walk for 1km along trails marked with the remains of previous lava flows, to reach the best volcano view point. Learn all about this remarkable volcano and on a clear day enjoy wonderful views of the volcano, the Green Lagoon and Lake Arenal. The walk back takes you through lush rainforest located along the edge of the Arenal Volcano, where you will discover abundant flora and fauna. At the end of the morning tour enjoy a delicious snack of tropical fruit before returning to your hotel.
The afternoon is free to explore the area or partake in optional activities. We recommend a relaxing visit to the hot springs, where the water is naturally heated by the volcano.
Days 5-6 - Rincon de la Vieja Ziplining
Days 5-6 - Rincon de la Vieja Ziplining
La Fortuna - Rincon de la Vieja National Park. On day 5 travel to Rincon de la Vieja National Park, in northern province of Guanacaste. This lesser-visited national park has a lot to offer, with lush tropical forest, relaxing hot springs, fabulous waterfalls and stunning river canyons. Spend the rest of the day at leisure.
The next day soar through the trees of one of the lushest tropical forests in Guanacaste, on a thrilling zip-line and rappelling tour. Have exhilarating fun on seven zip line cables, one hanging bridge, two Tarzan swings, a controlled 20-meter (65-foot) rappel, natural rock climbing wall and via ferrata traverses and climbs. The course usually takes 1.5 - 2 hours to complete.
Days 7-9 - Samara Beach
Days 7-9 - Samara Beach
Rincon de la Vieja National Park - Playa Samara. It's time for some rest and relaxation on one of Costa Rica's beautiful Pacific Coast beaches. Travel to Playa Samara, on the picturesque Nicoya Peninsula, where you'll spend the next three days at leisure. The laid-back town of Samara remains wonderfully undeveloped and has a gorgeous 4km stretch of sandy bay. Here you can relax on the beach, soak up the sunshine and perhaps partake in some of the optional activities on offer, such as snorkelling and kayaking. A visit to neighbouring Carrillo Beach, with its pristine waters, is also recommended.
Days 10-11 - San Jose
Days 10-11 - San Jose
Travel back to San Jose on day 10 where you can spend your final night at leisure, exploring the capital. Arrangements end on the morning of day 11 with a transfer back to the airport for your onward flights.
Tour Reviews
Extras and add-ons
If you'd like to add extras or add-ons to your booking, you can do this easily during checkout. Just review the available options and select any additional services or upgrades you'd like before completing your purchase.
Pre and Post Tour Accommodation
Extend your tour with us by booking pre and post-accommodation, available at a per-person, per-night rate.
Pre Accommodation San Jose
Double
Twin
Single
Post Accommodation San Jose
Double
Twin
Single
Additional Excursions
Enhance your tour with these optional extras, helping you to get the most from your adventure.
San Jose Hotel to Airport Departure Transfer
Only book this airport departure transfer in conjunction with San Jose post tour accommodation.
$185
per passengerHotels
If you are interested in booking pre or post-tour accommodation, here are some of the hotels we typically use.
Prices & Dates
Prices shown are per person when there are 2 persons sharing a room. The 'Single' price is applicable when a single room is required, based on a travelling party of at least 2 adults. If travelling solo, an additional ‘1-person’ supplement will apply, contact us for details.
Prices may vary depending on hotel availability. If you wish to travel on a date not listed please contact us for pricing. High season supplements will apply for travel during local festivals, Easter, Christmas and New Year dates.
Similar Tours
Explore more exciting tours in Costa Rica to discover even more unforgettable adventures!
Our customers say
Excellent
4.4 out of 5 based on 275 reviews