Costa Rica boasts stunning rainforests, crystal-clear beaches, and an incredible array of wildlife that make it a leader in conservation and natural heritage protection. Immerse yourself in this Central American paradise on a fun-filled adventure that takes you from the foot of an active volcano to the misty highlands and Pacific coast.
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC JOURNEYS by G Adventures
- Greater exploration, insider access, and the freedom to roam – all without sacrificing comfort.
- SERVICE LEVEL: UPGRADED
- Quality accommodations and more inclusions than on other G Adventures tours, like meals, private transport, and activities.
- PHYSICAL RATING: 2 - LIGHT
- Light walking and hiking suitable for most fitness levels. Nothing too challenging.
- TRIP TYPE: SMALL GROUP
- Small group experience; Max 16, Avg 12.
- AGE REQUIREMENT: 12+
- All travellers under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
HIGHLIGHTS FROM NATURAL HIGHLIGHTS OF COSTA RICA
MI CAFECITO COFFEE COOPERATIVE TOUR
Visit the Mi Cafecito coffee cooperative in San Miguel de Sarapiqui, see shade-grown coffee plants, learn about everything from harvesting, to husking, drying, and roasting the beans before enjoying the best part – a fresh cup! Feel good about all this eating and drinking knowing that you are supporting a G Adventures for Good project that helps 200 farmers and their families.
MONTEVERDE INSTITUTE LECTURE
The Monteverde Institute has served as the base for numerous National Geographic explorers and researchers studying the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. Visit the institute and learn about its trees, wildlife, and conservation efforts.
TORTILLA MAKING AND HOME DINNER
Learn the art of tortilla-making from Doña Mara in her home. Grind the corn, then mix the dough and bake it in a wood-burning stove. When the tortillas are ready, sit down to a tasty casado (traditional Costa Rican dish) prepared with the tortillas you’ve made.
ITINERARY
DAY 1 SAN JOSÉ
Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer is included.
DAY 2 SAN JOSÉ/LA FORTUNA
Awake in the Costa Rican capital and take a tour of a G Adventures–supported coffee cooperative. Meet local farmers, observe shade-grown coffee plants, and gain insight into the process of coffee production, from bean to cup. After a typical lunch—accompanied by an aromatic cup of coffee—continue to the town of La Fortuna, situated at the foot of the majestic Arenal Volcano. This evening, we’ll visit a local home to learn how to make tortillas. Chat with your welcoming hosts and dig into a traditional Costa Rican meal of black beans, plantains, and your own handmade tortillas.
Exclusive Inclusions: Your G for Good Moment Mi Cafecito Coffee Cooperative Tour| Your Journeys Highlight Moment Tortilla Making and Home Dinner
Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
DAY 3 LA FORTUNA
Spend the day on your own, exploring La Fortuna and its surrounding areas. In 1968, the Arenal Volcano erupted after centuries of laying dormant, converting this quiet agricultural town into a hot spot for adventure travel. Choose to go stand-up paddleboarding on the tranquil waters of Lake Arenal; rappel down a rushing waterfall on a canyoning excursion; relax in the shadow of Arenal Volcano at a naturally heated outdoor spa; take a boat tour of Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge, one of the world’s most important wetlands; and more.
Exclusive Inclusions: Your Discover Moment
Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 4 LA FORTUNA/MONTEVERDE
Travel from La Fortuna to the leafy cloud forests of Monteverde—a nature lover’s paradise. This afternoon, choose to discover Monteverde’s breathtaking wilderness on a zip-lining adventure in the birthplace of the canopy tour, gliding high above the treetops or zooming through the misty foliage at exhilarating speed.
Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 5 MONTEVERDE
Set out on a hike in the stunning Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve, treading past giant ferns and vibrant orchids. If you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of the resplendent quetzal—a sacred bird in Maya and Aztec cultures. Afterward, visit the Monteverde Institute, a research and educational organization supported by National Geographic. Hear from a researcher about some of the institute's conservation initiatives, including a successful reforestation project.
Exclusive Inclusions: Your Journeys Highlight Moment Monteverde Institute Lecture
Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch
DAY 6 MONTEVERDE/MANUEL ANTONIO
Leaving the cloud forest behind, head to Costa Rica’s sweeping Pacific coast and settle into your hotel in the seaside village of Manuel Antonio. Soak up the laid-back atmosphere of the area, and opt to go surfing, or dolphin watching on a catamaran. You can also spend the rest of the day relaxing on the beach.
Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 7 MANUEL ANTONIO
Discover the lush tropical forests and white-sand beaches of Manuel Antonio National Park. Costa Rica’s smallest national park—yet one of the most spectacular—boasts an abundance of wildlife, including monkeys, armadillos, sloths, iguanas, and countless species of birds. Hike through the dense forest, climb up to rocky outcrops for views of the dazzling Pacific Ocean, and go swimming in the park’s lovely lagoons and tidal pools. Opt to take a surfing lesson, or head out for a snorkelling excursion on the nearby reef.
Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 8 MANUEL ANTONIO/SAN JOSÉ
Return to San José. Tonight, choose to join the group for a farewell dinner at a popular local restaurant.
Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 9 SAN JOSÉ
Depart at any time.
Meals included: Breakfast
WHAT'S INCLUDED
Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Tortilla Making and Home Dinner, La Fortuna
Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Monteverde Institute Lecture, Monteverde
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
ACCOMMODATIONS
Hotels (8 nts).
MEALS
8 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 1 dinner
Allow USD340-445 for meals not included.
TRANSPORTATION
Private vehicle, walking, boat.
STAFF & EXPERTS
CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides.
AVAILABLE EXTRAS (Add these to your tour when you book)
COSTA RICA ADRENALINE BUNDLE - FROM $149.00
CANYONING (Half-day Arenal) Rappel, down-climb, river-trace, and descend huge waterfalls in the rugged mountains and lush rainforests around Costa Rica’s Arenal Volcano. ZIPLINING (Half-day Monteverde) Get a true bird’s-eye view of the rainforest canopy as you soar through the trees on a Tarzan swing, a giant rappel, and a 137-meter-high (450-foot) zipline. Please note the prices listed does not include the IVA Tax. Please note that passengers must weigh between 45-100kg (100 – 220 lbs) and be at least 130cm (4'3 ft) tall to participate in these activities.
MANUEL ANTONIO CATAMARAN TOUR - FROM $80.00
Cruise along the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica aboard a 100 ft catamaran, taking in the impressive scenery and lush jungle that has made Manuel Antonio famous. Keep your eyes peeled for playful dolphins who call these waters home before stopping to snorkel, swim, or ride one of the boat's water slides into the ocean. Grab a drink or just sit and watch the gorgeous views of the lush coastline go by.
GUIDED CLOUD FOREST NIGHT WALK - FROM $30.00
Join a naturalist guide for a 1.5-2 hour tour in the cloud forest after dark. Learn more about the habits of the area's nocturnal wildlife including mammals, birds, insects, reptiles, and amphibians, and keep your eyes and ears open on this slow-paced walk. You never know what you might see – it depends on the day and your luck!
Costa Rica has one of the most diverse ecosystems in the world and is a top destination for nature lovers. As such, there is a lot of rain, regardless of the season, allowing for its lush green rain forests and cloud forest, in which flora and fauna thrive. Please come prepared for the possibility of wet weather and variations in temperature.
FOR FULL ITINERARY AND MORE INFORMATION CLICK HERE
Pricing and availability upon request - from $2099 with certain last minute dates eligible for additional 20-25% discount.
For Booking information - Claire Maguire +1 714-822-8647 Claire.Maguire@Cruiseplanners.com