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Latin America
Costa Rica Adventure

Costa Rica Adventure

10 days, 4 cities701
See dates and prices

From $1919 without flightsPayments as low as $42

A person walking along a suspension bridge with green trees surrounding the bridge
A person walking along a suspension bridge with green trees surrounding the bridge
A waterfall falling into blue water surrounded by trees
A large volcano surrounded by a forest on a cloudy day
A Capuchin monkey resting on a large leaf
Trip Type:
or
Activity Level:
Special Departures:

Why go?

In Costa Rica, you’ll discover a new way of life — la pura vida. Experience lush rainforests, rich biodiversity and unspoiled beaches on an adventure to reconnect with nature — and hey, maybe even yourself.

Picture yourself

  • Sipping the best coffee you’ve ever had, right at the source

  • Basking in the sun next to turquoise-blue waters

  • Snapping selfies with sloths, monkeys, and dolphins

  • Ziplining high above the lush Santa Elena Cloud Forest

  • Paddling through the rapids of the Sarapiqui River

What you'll get

  • Round-trip flights & airport transfers (or book 'em yourself)

  • 9 nights in handpicked accommodations

  • 9 breakfasts

  • 2 dinners

  • Kayaking tour and hot springs experience in Arenal

  • Waterfall and cloud forest hikes

  • Beach days at Playa Manta and Manuel Antonio National Park

  • Expert Tour Director

  • 24/7 support

Map for the Costa Rica Adventure tour
Full trip itinerary

Itinerary

  • Day 1: Fly to San José

    Welcome to San José, Costa Rica, the cultural and political capital of this vibrant, thriving nation. Crack open a coconut and crank up the calypso music, you’re about to get tropical for the next 10 days.

    Today's highlights:

    • Land at the airport and meet a waiting EF representative.
    • Transfer to your hotel to check in and check out your room.
    • Explore the area as you meet up with your fellow travelers, arriving one-by-one.
  • Day 2: Travel to Arenal Region + Kayak Lake Arenal + Welcome Dinner

    The rainforest is filled with secrets and today you get to be its closest confidant; Travel by bus to the Arenal region of Costa Rica, a quaint tropical town known for it’s not-so-quaint andesitic stratovolcano. Keep your eyes and ears open as you explore all of Arenal’s mysterious landforms, wildlife, and waters.

    In the evening, enjoy a Welcome Dinner of local cuisine and drinks with fellow travelers at an authentic local spot. Afterwards, you’re free to take the party elsewhere!

    Today's highlights:

    • Travel by bus from San Jose to your next Costa Rican destination
    • Kayak the pristine waters of Lake Arenal and take in volcanic views of the surrounding dormant magma-makers
    • Enjoy an included Welcome Dinner in Arenal at a local spot
  • Day 3: Free Day in the Arenal Region or Optional White Water Rafting, & Evening Hot Springs

    Wake up and smell that fresh jungle air. They don’t make it like that back home, do they? After a full first day in the Arenal region, take the day to swim, explore, and enjoy the beautiful volcano-lined skyline of inner-Costa Rica on your own schedule. If you need a little adventure before you relax, spend the day on the Sarapiqui rapids with the optional White Water Rafting excursion before joining your group in some natural hot springs to cap off the night.

    Today's highlights:

    • Enjoy a free day in the Arenal region
    • For an additional cost, traverse the rapids of Sarapiqui with the White Water Rafting optional excursion
    • Kick back and soak in the springs with an included natural hot springs experience this evening

    Free time suggestions

    Orchid hunting: Admire the crazy-vibrant flora of the Arenal Region, including nearly 500 breeds of orchid.

    Imperial: Help yourself to an Imperial or two, a tasty lager beloved by beer drinkers across Costa Rica.

    White Water Rafting the Sarapiqui River (extra cost)

    Give your legs a break during an adrenaline-pumping Sarapiqui River adventure. Hop in a raft with a local river guide, and work together to navigate the rapids. Experience the rainforest from a whole new perspective.

    Why wait? Save money by booking this optional excursion before your trip departs.

  • Day 4: La Fortuna Waterfall + Travel to Monteverde + Optional Night Hike

    Today is full of highs and lows… geographically, of course. Before taking to the cloud forests of Monteverde, spend your morning at one of Costa Rica’s most sought-after natural wonders: La Fortuna Waterfall. See La Fortuna up close and personal as you hike to the base and cool off with a plunge its famous pool. Once you’ve had your La Fortuna fill, hop on the bus to Monteverde, a jumping off point for Costa Rica’s surreal cloud forests. The fun continues!

    Today's highlights:

    • Hike to the base of La Fortuna Waterfall, one of the most spectacular sights in Central America.
    • Cool off with a swim in the waterfall’s plunge pool
    • Board your bus bound for the village of Monteverde—founded as a Quaker farming settlement, now the go-to hub for Costa Rican adventure seekers.

    Monteverde Night Hike (extra cost)

    Hit the trails when the sun goes down. Follow your guide to see Monteverde after-dark, and listen up as they point out nocturnal critters like armadillos, silky anteaters, and even cute little kinkajous.

    Why wait? Save money by booking this optional excursion before your trip departs.

  • Day 5: Explore the Santa Elena Cloud Forest

    Today, you’ll experience a whole different rainforest habitat: the Santa Elena Cloud Forest. High altitude and moisture (12 feet of rain per year) combine to make this a one-of-a-kind ecosystem—oh, and did we mention there’s ziplining?

    Today's highlights:

    • Find out what clouds are really made of as you walk through them—yes, through them— in the densely vegetated, misty trails of the Costa Rican rainforest.
    • Soar high above the rainforest canopy, zooming from one platform to the next at speeds of up to 60 mph on a zipline.
    • Return to Monteverde as the town turns up for the night.
  • Day 6: Beach Day in Puntarenas

    After a day of adrenaline in the heart of the jungle, you could use some time to lay on a beach and bask in the sun. Today you’ll trade leafy rainforest greens for sandy scenes as you head from Monteverde to Puntarenas for a little beachside R&R at Playa Mantas.

    Today's highlights:

    • Let the lush scenery blow your mind as you travel via bus from Monteverde to Puntarenas.
    • Take that Pura Vida attitude out to sea with some stand-up paddleboarding at the beach.
  • Day 7: Explore Manuel Antonio National Park + Beach Time

    There’s two kinds of people in the world: beach people and mountain people. Oh, and swamp people—but we won’t get into that now. The breathtaking Manuel Antonio National Park somehow has both mountains and beaches. See Costa Rica’s most beautiful, most visited national park today up close and personal.

    Today's highlights:

    • Trek through cliff-side rainforest and soak up the sun at the two main immaculate white-sand beaches of the park: Espadilla Sur Beach and Playa Manuel Antonio.
    • Keep an ear out for howler monkeys, the only land animal louder than your 8am Calculus professor.
    • Spot other amazing animals like capuchins, coati, iguanas, and dolphins.
  • Day 8: Free Day in Quepos + Optional Catamaran Cruise

    Quepos may be small, but it makes up for it in spirit. Today is yours to explore the tiny town, consider grabbing a Guaro Sour (the national drink made from distilled sugar cane), or heading down to the docks to hear the fishermen swap sport fishing stories.

    Free time suggestions

    Soda: Chow down at a soda—you heard that correctly. Costa Rican lunch cafés are called sodas, and they’re an absolutely delicious way to eat authentically and affordably.

    Costa Rican Catamaran Cruise (extra cost)

    Cruise on a catamaran through the Pacific Ocean, kick back and admire the coastline, and try and spot manta rays, reef sharks, sea turtles, and even dolphins in the crystal clear waters.

    Why wait? Save money by booking this optional excursion before your trip departs.

  • Day 9: Travel to San José via Sarchí + Farewell Dinner

    On your way back to San José, stop for a guided tour of a coffee plantation. Toast your trip goodbye with your Farewell Dinner, then time for dancing, drinks, or heck, maybe even creating a detailed scrapbook to commemorate your time in paradise.

    Farewell Dinner

    Share some last laughs and revisit the best moments of the trip at this included farewell dinner with the group.

    Today's highlights:

    • Stop off for a coffee plantation tour on your way back to San José.
    • Watch as the little red berries become morning buzz brew right before your eyes, then sample the freshest coffee of your life.
    • Return to San José and enjoy an included farewell dinner with your new travel BFFs
  • Day 10: Fly Home

    ¡Adiós, amigos!

    Your next destination awaits—home. Before you head to the airport, make sure to take one more group photo and grab that final drink. But this isn’t goodbye because you can always get the gang back together for another trip soon. Or if you’re feeling adventurous, we have a couple ways to keep your vacation going.

    EXTEND YOUR TRIP 2 WAYS

    1. Double the fun
    A lot of our trips line up back to back! Give us a call—we can help you add another and save big while you're at it.

    2. Go ahead or stay behind
    Extending your trip is easy! During checkout, you'll have the option to fly to (or from) the gateway of your choice for an additional fee. We'll adjust your flights accordingly, but you'll be responsible to take care of your transportation, hotels, and other logistics outside of tour.

    Note: Depending on your desired gateways, additional fees may apply.

Reviews


Overall rating: 4.9 out of 5
Based on 701 authentic traveler reviews
  • PURA VIDA!!!

      Sabrina, traveled Sep. 2021

    This was my first trip thru EF and it was BEYOND amazing! Just got back and ready to book my next trip! We did SO much and learned a lot from our tour director, Erick. We learned alot about the culture and the country, so beautiful . The waterfall was breathtaking. The whitewater rafting and zip lining was exhilarating!! I won’t ever stop talking about this ... See more

  • SO FUN!!! GORGEOUS VIEWS!

      Anonymous, traveled Aug. 2021

    Where do I even begin??? Honestly I had no idea what I was getting myself into since it was my first EF tour ever, however I am extremely glad I chose Costa Rica. The views, the food, the rain! Don't get me started on our tour guide Johnathan P. He is from Costa Rica so he knows it all. Not only is he knowledgeable but a very easy going guy to get along with... See more

  • First EF trip was breathtaking and a blast!

      Anonymous, traveled Nov. 2023

    This was an amazing first trip, and highly recommend to anyone looking to experience Costa Rica! We traveled to multiple cities, did a million things, and I still left the trip feeling well rested, reset, and whole. Ziplining, paddle boarding, kayaking and hiking were so much fun! The hot springs are beautiful and relaxing, the culture in each region is deli... See more

  • Best First Solo trip Ever!!! Friendships for life were made

      Jaylon, traveled Nov. 2023

    Jorge was amazing, he was like our tour dad but treated us like adults. He was very knowledgeable but also full of life and energy. Jorge and the entire group made my first solo trip memorable and life changing and in the best way. I believed I have definitely made some life long friends because of everyone involved in the trip. Thank you Jorge!!!!!❤️❤️❤️❤... See more

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Travel year:
Dates
  • Dec 24Jan 2Sold out$3,619Essential tour
  • Dec 26Jan 4Sold out$3,779Plus tour
  • Dec 28Jan 6Sold out$3,719Essential tour
  • Jan 4Jan 13Call to book$3,629Plus tour
  • Jan 11Jan 20Call to book$3,399Plus tour
  • Feb 2Feb 11Almost Full$3,349Plus tour
  • Feb 12Feb 21Almost Full$3,349Plus tour
  • Feb 23Mar 3Almost Full$3,349Plus tour
  • Mar 1Mar 10Almost Full$100 offWas $3,349Now $3,249Plus tour
  • Mar 25Apr 3Filling Fast$100 offWas $3,299Now $3,199Plus tour
  • Apr 11Apr 20Filling Fast$200 offWas $3,299Now $3,099Plus tour
  • Apr 25May 4Filling Fast$200 offWas $3,299Now $3,099Plus tour
  • May 10May 19$100 offWas $3,299Now $3,199Plus tour
  • May 13May 22Filling Fast$200 offWas $3,249Now $3,049Plus tour
  • May 24Jun 2Filling Fast$200 offWas $3,249Now $3,049Plus tour
  • May 27Jun 5$100 offWas $3,249Now $3,149Plus tour
  • Jun 6Jun 15Filling Fast$3,249Plus tour
  • Jun 10Jun 19Filling Fast$200 offWas $3,249Now $3,049Plus tour
  • Jun 16Jun 25Filling Fast$200 offWas $3,399Now $3,199Plus tour
  • Jul 5Jul 14Almost Full$3,399Plus tour
  • Jul 31Aug 9Filling Fast$3,399Plus tour
  • Aug 9Aug 18Filling Fast$200 offWas $3,399Now $3,199Plus tour
  • Sep 13Sep 22Filling Fast$200 offWas $3,249Now $3,049Plus tour
  • Sep 27Oct 6Filling Fast$200 offWas $3,249Now $3,049Plus tour
  • Oct 7Oct 16$3,069Plus tour
  • Oct 24Nov 2$3,069Plus tour
  • Nov 15Nov 24Filling Fast$3,069Plus tour
  • Nov 29Dec 8$3,069Plus tour
  • Dec 10Dec 19$3,069Plus tour
  • Dec 16Dec 25$3,219Plus tour
  • Dec 24Jan 2Filling Fast$150 offWas $3,069Now $2,919Essential tour
  • Dec 28Jan 6Filling Fast$3,069Essential tour
  • Jan 31Feb 9$3,109Plus tour
  • Feb 7Feb 16$3,109Plus tour
  • Feb 28Mar 9$3,109Plus tour
  • Mar 7Mar 16Filling Fast$3,109Plus tour
  • Mar 14Mar 23$3,309Plus tour
  • Apr 4Apr 13$3,309Plus tour
  • Apr 10Apr 19$3,309Plus tour
  • Apr 24May 3$3,259Plus tour
  • May 2May 11$3,259Plus tour
  • May 9May 18$3,259Plus tour
  • May 23Jun 1$3,179Plus tour
  • Jun 5Jun 14$100 offWas $3,229Now $3,129Plus tour
  • Jun 18Jun 27$100 offWas $3,379Now $3,279Plus tour
  • Jun 30Jul 9$100 offWas $3,379Now $3,279Plus tour
  • Jul 8Jul 17$3,349Plus tour
  • Jul 22Jul 31$3,349Plus tour
  • Aug 12Aug 21$3,349Plus tour
  • Aug 26Sep 4$3,109Plus tour
  • Sep 12Sep 21$3,109Plus tour
  • Sep 26Oct 5$3,109Plus tour
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