Intrepid Travel
Best of Costa Rica
Best of Costa Rica
Discover the country that encapsulates ‘pura vida’ (the simple life), on this 10-day exploration of Costa Rica. This laidback paradise, where even the sloths are taking things slow, offers so much to see and do and is perfect for all nature lovers. After soaking up the culture in San Jose, you’ll hit the national parks of Arenal Volcano and Manuel Antonio in search of unspoilt rainforests, waterfalls, scenic views and chill beaches. Search for unique wildlife and soak up loads of free time to choose your own adventure, whether that’s hiking volcanos, soaking in hot springs or searching for local wildlife like howler monkeys, butterflies and caimans. See the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, visit an organic family-owned farm producing some of the best coffee in the world and learn from a local naturalist guide on a hike through lush landscapes.
Activities
- Complimentary Arrival Transfer
- La Fortuna – Tortilla making
- Monteverde – Cloud Forest Reserve Hike
- Manuel Antonio National Park – Tour with a Naturalist Guide (entrance fee, guide and transport)
- Térraba River – Mask Painting Lesson
- Térraba River – Indigenous Community Visit & Lunch
- Los Santos – Tierra Amiga Coffee Experience including lunch
- San Jose – Leader-led orientation walk
Highlights
- Visit a local indigenous community and meet the Terraba people – a matriarchal community who have lived along the Terraba River for the last 500 years – and learn how to make a traditional wooden mask.
- Hike through the scenic landscapes of Manuel Antonio National Park with a local naturalist guide and learn all the hidden secrets of the rainforest, looking out for local wildlife like sloths and iguanas.
- Tuck into a super fresh garden-to-table lunch of Costa Rican favourites, including fresh tortillas that you’ll learn how to make from a skilled local woman, with ingredients from her orchard.
- Meet the family who run the Tierra Amiga organic coffee farm, and learn the whole process of the coffee bean, from planting to harvesting to tasting. Enjoy a cup fresh from the grinders and tuck into a locally made lunch.
- Wander through the incredible Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, home to more than 100 species of mammals and over 400 species of birds. Learn about the biodiversity of the region and look out for quetzal birds and howler monkeys.
Day 1 |
San Jose is the capital city of Costa Rica and is located in the province of San Jose, which is in the Central Valley. The city is surrounded by high green mountains. There are numerous museums as well as art galleries, theaters, exhibitions, parks and garden in the city. All regions in Costa Rica are accessible from the capital city of San Jose, which makes its an ideal starting point for touring the country. |
Day 2 |
With its calm atmosphere and beautiful landscapes, La Fortuna, scenically located beneath the Arenal Volcano, has gained popularity in recent years as a wellness destination. Activities include nature hikes, horseback riding, hot springs, and whitewater rafting. |
Day 3 |
With its calm atmosphere and beautiful landscapes, La Fortuna, scenically located beneath the Arenal Volcano, has gained popularity in recent years as a wellness destination. Activities include nature hikes, horseback riding, hot springs, and whitewater rafting. |
Day 4 |
Monteverde, which means "green mountain," is nestled high in the Tilarán mountain range of Costa Rica. The Cloud Forest is the home to a myriad of plants, mammals, insects, reptiles, and over 400 species of exotic birds. |
Day 5 |
Nestled along Costa Rica's Pacific coast, Manuel Antonio National Park is a jewel of biodiversity and natural beauty that enchants every traveler who steps into its lush embrace. Renowned for its pristine beaches, dense rainforests, and remarkable wildlife, the park offers a unique combination of adventure and relaxation. Hike along the park's well-maintained trails, like the Punta Catedral trail, which winds through the jungle and offers stunning panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean. As you explore, you'll likely encounter curious white-faced capuchin monkeys, slow-moving sloths, and vibrantly colored birds, creating an immersive wildlife experience that's hard to match. This extraordinary blend of beach and rainforest is what makes Manuel Antonio a must-see destination for nature enthusiasts and beach lovers alike. The park's beaches, like Playa Manuel Antonio and Playa Espadilla Sur, are consistently ranked among the best in the world, providing soft white sands, turquoise waters, and opportunities for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing. With the jungle right up against the shoreline, it's easy to see wildlife even while relaxing on the beach. Beyond the beach, adventurous visitors can embark on guided tours through the rainforest, where expert naturalists share insights into the rich flora and fauna of this incredible ecosystem. The park is home to over 100 mammal species and nearly 200 bird species, making it one of Costa Rica's most biodiverse regions. For those who crave a bit more adrenaline, Manuel Antonio offers activities like zip-lining through the rainforest canopy, kayaking through mangrove estuaries, or surfing the Pacific waves. After a day of adventure, the town of Manuel Antonio, located just outside the park, provides charming accommodations and local restaurants where you can savor Costa Rican specialties like gallo pinto or fresh seafood while enjoying sunset views. This combination of outdoor adventure and laid-back coastal living creates an unparalleled experience that keeps visitors coming back year after year. Fun fact: Despite being one of Costa Rica's smallest national parks, Manuel Antonio is among the most visited due to its breathtaking beauty and diverse ecosystems. In 2011, Forbes even named it one of the world's most beautiful national parks—a testament to its captivating allure. |
Day 6 |
Nestled along Costa Rica's Pacific coast, Manuel Antonio National Park is a jewel of biodiversity and natural beauty that enchants every traveler who steps into its lush embrace. Renowned for its pristine beaches, dense rainforests, and remarkable wildlife, the park offers a unique combination of adventure and relaxation. Hike along the park's well-maintained trails, like the Punta Catedral trail, which winds through the jungle and offers stunning panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean. As you explore, you'll likely encounter curious white-faced capuchin monkeys, slow-moving sloths, and vibrantly colored birds, creating an immersive wildlife experience that's hard to match. This extraordinary blend of beach and rainforest is what makes Manuel Antonio a must-see destination for nature enthusiasts and beach lovers alike. The park's beaches, like Playa Manuel Antonio and Playa Espadilla Sur, are consistently ranked among the best in the world, providing soft white sands, turquoise waters, and opportunities for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing. With the jungle right up against the shoreline, it's easy to see wildlife even while relaxing on the beach. Beyond the beach, adventurous visitors can embark on guided tours through the rainforest, where expert naturalists share insights into the rich flora and fauna of this incredible ecosystem. The park is home to over 100 mammal species and nearly 200 bird species, making it one of Costa Rica's most biodiverse regions. For those who crave a bit more adrenaline, Manuel Antonio offers activities like zip-lining through the rainforest canopy, kayaking through mangrove estuaries, or surfing the Pacific waves. After a day of adventure, the town of Manuel Antonio, located just outside the park, provides charming accommodations and local restaurants where you can savor Costa Rican specialties like gallo pinto or fresh seafood while enjoying sunset views. This combination of outdoor adventure and laid-back coastal living creates an unparalleled experience that keeps visitors coming back year after year. Fun fact: Despite being one of Costa Rica's smallest national parks, Manuel Antonio is among the most visited due to its breathtaking beauty and diverse ecosystems. In 2011, Forbes even named it one of the world's most beautiful national parks—a testament to its captivating allure. |
Day 7 |
Nestled along Costa Rica's Pacific coast, Manuel Antonio National Park is a jewel of biodiversity and natural beauty that enchants every traveler who steps into its lush embrace. Renowned for its pristine beaches, dense rainforests, and remarkable wildlife, the park offers a unique combination of adventure and relaxation. Hike along the park's well-maintained trails, like the Punta Catedral trail, which winds through the jungle and offers stunning panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean. As you explore, you'll likely encounter curious white-faced capuchin monkeys, slow-moving sloths, and vibrantly colored birds, creating an immersive wildlife experience that's hard to match. This extraordinary blend of beach and rainforest is what makes Manuel Antonio a must-see destination for nature enthusiasts and beach lovers alike. The park's beaches, like Playa Manuel Antonio and Playa Espadilla Sur, are consistently ranked among the best in the world, providing soft white sands, turquoise waters, and opportunities for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing. With the jungle right up against the shoreline, it's easy to see wildlife even while relaxing on the beach. Beyond the beach, adventurous visitors can embark on guided tours through the rainforest, where expert naturalists share insights into the rich flora and fauna of this incredible ecosystem. The park is home to over 100 mammal species and nearly 200 bird species, making it one of Costa Rica's most biodiverse regions. For those who crave a bit more adrenaline, Manuel Antonio offers activities like zip-lining through the rainforest canopy, kayaking through mangrove estuaries, or surfing the Pacific waves. After a day of adventure, the town of Manuel Antonio, located just outside the park, provides charming accommodations and local restaurants where you can savor Costa Rican specialties like gallo pinto or fresh seafood while enjoying sunset views. This combination of outdoor adventure and laid-back coastal living creates an unparalleled experience that keeps visitors coming back year after year. Fun fact: Despite being one of Costa Rica's smallest national parks, Manuel Antonio is among the most visited due to its breathtaking beauty and diverse ecosystems. In 2011, Forbes even named it one of the world's most beautiful national parks—a testament to its captivating allure. |
Day 8 |
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Day 9 |
San Jose is the capital city of Costa Rica and is located in the province of San Jose, which is in the Central Valley. The city is surrounded by high green mountains. There are numerous museums as well as art galleries, theaters, exhibitions, parks and garden in the city. All regions in Costa Rica are accessible from the capital city of San Jose, which makes its an ideal starting point for touring the country. |
Day 10 |
San Jose is the capital city of Costa Rica and is located in the province of San Jose, which is in the Central Valley. The city is surrounded by high green mountains. There are numerous museums as well as art galleries, theaters, exhibitions, parks and garden in the city. All regions in Costa Rica are accessible from the capital city of San Jose, which makes its an ideal starting point for touring the country. |
Travel Dates | Price | ||
---|---|---|---|
05/17/25 - 05/26/25 |
Starting At $2,538 |
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07/05/25 - 10/11/25 |
Starting At $2,655 |
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11/08/25 - 11/17/25 |
Starting At $2,815 |
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11/22/25 - 12/01/25 |
Starting At $2,950 |
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12/06/25 - 12/20/25 |
Starting At $2,865 |
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01/03/26 - 02/14/26 |
Starting At $3,010 |
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03/07/26 - 03/21/26 |
Starting At $2,900 |
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04/11/26 - 10/10/26 |
Starting At $2,785 |
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11/07/26 - 11/21/26 |
Starting At $2,900 |
Get A Quote | |
12/05/26 - 12/19/26 |
Starting At $3,010 |
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01/02/27 - 12/18/27 |
Starting At $2,785 |
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Offer subject to availability and change without notice. Some restrictions may apply.