Costa Rica Adventure

Beinvenidos – welcome to Costa Rica! Your adventure begins in San Jose, the country’s flourishing capital.

On arrival, you will be collected from the airport and transferred to your hotel. Here you will meet your local leader and small group for an important welcome meeting at 6pm. Costa Rican coffee is some of the best in the world, with great cafes to match, so if you arrive with time to spare perhaps set out to sample some of the local brew. After your meeting, head out with your leader and fellow travellers to dine like a local during a welcome meal in Barrio Escalante, one of San Jose’s trendy gastronomic neighbourhoods. Your
leader will share the history of the area and its famous residents as you taste local specialties.

Included Activities:

– Arrival transfer from San Jose’s International Airport to hotel

Meals: Dinner

Accommodation:Hotel Urban Green or similar

Today you’ll take the scenic route to Monteverde. Monteverde was founded as  an agricultural community in 1951 by a group of North American Quakers – they cleared virgin forest to create verdant pastures ideal for dairy farming. These environmentally aware settlers were conscious of the danger that unrestricted settling and farming could cause to this precious habitat. Consequently, they established a small, privately owned wildlife sanctuary, which has since grown to become the internationally renowned Monteverde Cloudforest Biological Preserve. Perhaps start your exploration with a tour of the suspension bridges that hang in the trees, or head to the Serpentarium to see some crawly critters. More than 2000 species of plants, 320 bird species and 100 different types of mammals call Montverde home.

Included Activities:
– Monteverde – Cloud Forest Entrance

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Historias Lodge or similar

Today you will see the forest from a different perspective on an included canopy walk across the suspended bridges of Monteverde. The variety of bird life in Monteverde is enough to make an ornithologist out of anyone, while you’re up among the treetops, look (or listen) out for the reclusive quetzal, the blue-crowned motmot or the emerald toucanet. The rest of the day is free to relax or partake in some optional activities. You could visit an orchid farm or whizz through the trees on ziplines. If conditions are right, there might be a chance to hike through the forest at dusk – a unique opportunity to see the area’s nocturnal creatures begin to stir.

Included Activities:

• Monteverde – Sky tram + trek

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Historias Lodge or similar

Let’s get on road for the next adventure, Bahia Ballena, also known as the Whale Bay, is a scenic bay located on the southern Pacific coast of Costa Rica. It is named after the humpback whales that migrate to the area during certain times of the year. The bay is characterized by its beautiful beaches, clear turquoise waters, and the iconic whale tail-shaped sandbar that emerges during low tide. Bahia Ballena is a popular destination for beach lovers, nature enthusiasts, and those seeking a tranquil coastal experience.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Bahia Azul Hotel or similar

Today, get ready to explore Bahia Ballena National Park, a beautiful park located on the southern Pacific coast of Costa Rica. The park is known for its stunning beaches, diverse wildlife, and unique whale tail-shaped sandbar. Explore the park’s beautiful beaches, such as Playa Uvita and Playa Ventanas. Relax on the sandy shores, soak up the sun, and take in the breathtaking coastal scenery. Visitors can enjoy activities such as swimming, snorkeling, and hiking while taking in the natural beauty of the area.

Included Activities:

• Bahia Ballena – Bahia ballena National park entrance.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Bahia Azul Hotel or similar

Today, we journey to Dota, renowned for its breathtaking natural landscapes and rich biodiversity, including the elusive Resplendent Quetzal bird found in the Los Quetzales National Park. The region is also celebrated for its coffee production, with numerous small-scale farms dotting the area. Dota is a sought-after destination for ecotourism and adventure enthusiasts, offering activities like hiking, birdwatching, and whitewater rafting.

Our day includes a visit to an ecological family farm where organic practices are paramount. Lucidia’s family extends a warm welcome, with Minor and their two-year-old daughter, Ruth, serving as excellent hosts. The family resides in an 80-year-old wooden house where Minor was born, and their daughter is carrying forward the traditions. Their mission is to preserve the cultural roots and practices of their ancestors. They cultivate various agricultural products, such as chayote, corn, and natural condiments, all nurtured with homemade organic fertilizers. They prepare traditional meals on a wood stove, including homemade bread, soups, and rice. The farm also serves as a hub for organic coffee production, where you’ll learn to harvest, roast, and grind coffee as per age-old traditions. Lunch is enjoyed in a rustic setting reminiscent of the past, complete with a dirt floor, a traditional stove, and corn hanging from the zinc roof trusses.

Included Activities:

• Dota – Organic coffee tour

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Suria Hotel or similar

Time to go back to San Jose, on arrival, head out on an orientation walk with your leader to see the main highlights. Once you’ve got your bearings, you may like to visit the Gold Museum, which has an amazing collection of pre-Spanish gold art. If you’re in the mood for a bit of shopping, head to the outdoor market
in the Plaza de la Cultura or the city’s Central Market, where you can buy anything from handicrafts to
seafood.

Included Activities:

• San Jose – Leader-led orientation walk.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel Urban Green or similar

As our Costa Rican adventure comes to a close, you have the choice to either take advantage of our complimentary airport transfer or continue your personal exploration of this captivating land. On this final day, take a moment to reflect on the bonds forged with fellow travelers and the incredible journey you’ve undertaken. From delving into the country’s history, culture, and culinary treasures to exploring its diverse landscapes, you’ve woven a tapestry of unforgettable memories in Costa Rica. Your adventure may conclude, but the echoes of this vibrant and enchanting nation will linger with you forever.