Intrepid Travel
Classic Costa Rica
Classic Costa Rica
Discover incredible, lush Costa Rica and understand why this part of the world is called the ‘rich coast’. This 15-day adventure, beginning and ending in lively San Jose, is a journey through the jungles, farmlands, beaches and cities of a pure Central American location. Stay with a local family in Santa Rosa de Pocosol and help your hosts prep a traditional meal. Soak in springs that get their heat from an active volcano in La Fortuna and take on a huge array of nature-based optional activities in the Monteverde Cloud Forest. Spot three-toed sloths in the thickets of the Manuel Antonio National Park, then relax beneath swaying palms on the nearby beaches.
Activities
- Tortuguero – Boat ride to Tortuguero
- Tortuguero – National Park Entrance
- Santa Rosa de Pocosol – Home-cooked Meal
- Santa Rosa de Pocosol – Homestay experience
- Leader-led Informal Spanish Lesson
- Guatuso – Maleku Community Experience
- Monteverde – Cloud Forest Entrance
- Manuel Antonio – Homecooked lunch
- Manuel Antonio National Park – (Entrance fee)
- Manuel Antonio National Park – Tour with a Naturalist Guide
Highlights
- Swap the concrete jungle for real jungle on this journey into the rainforests, waterways, hot springs and the palm-lined beaches of Costa Rica.
- Spot long-nosed tapirs, white-faced capuchin monkeys, ocelots and three-toed sloths on this wildlife adventure – Costa Rica is home to many exotic animals, and this trip puts you in the perfect position to see them all.
- Go deeper than the average tourist with a homestay in a quiet agricultural community – the perfect opportunity to experience local life and practice your Spanish. You’ll even have an informal cooking lesson with the locals to make dinner!
- Refresh yourself after jungle hikes, spotting wildlife in the rejuvenating hot springs of volcanic La Fortuna.
- Visit the indigenous Maleku community to share a traditional meal and learn about their way of life – this small tribe has big ambitions for regenerating local forests and natural habitats.
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 |
Tortuguero means "turtle region". Four species of turtle nest here: the green turtle, the hawksbill, the loggerhead and the giant leatherback. The Tortuguero National Park was established in 1970 to preserve the turtles' nesting area. Freswater turtles, manatees and crocodiles live in the rivers. In the forest you may spot tapirs, anteaters, howler monkeys or any of the 350 bird species. |
Day 3 |
Tortuguero means "turtle region". Four species of turtle nest here: the green turtle, the hawksbill, the loggerhead and the giant leatherback. The Tortuguero National Park was established in 1970 to preserve the turtles' nesting area. Freswater turtles, manatees and crocodiles live in the rivers. In the forest you may spot tapirs, anteaters, howler monkeys or any of the 350 bird species. |
Day 4 |
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Day 5 |
A relatively recent addition to Costa Rica's list of national parks is Tenorio Volcano National Park, home to its namesake Tenorio Volcano as well as its taller sister, Miravalles Volcano, also the highest mountain in the Guanacaste Mountains.
The unique combination of this rugged volcanic landscape, combined with the surrounding tropic forests set the stage for a variety of hot springs, geysers, bubbling mud pools, and the one-of-a-kind Rio Celeste, famous for its sky blue color. It's also an ideal habitat for endangered felines, such as ocelots and the jaguars, and a diverse bird population. |
Day 6 |
Located in the Tenorio Volcano National Park of Costa Rica, borders several hot springs and one large waterfall accessible via an hour-long hike from the park's entrance. Also called the Rio Celeste, the river is notable for its distinctive turquoise color. Science explains the phenomenon as the result of the altered pH level when its sources, the Buenavista River and Sour Creek, are combined, but a local saying gives a more colorful interpretation: "When God finished painting the sky, he washed his brushes in the Rio Celeste." |
Day 7 |
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 8 |
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 9 |
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 10 |
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 11 |
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 12 |
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 13 |
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 14 |
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 15 |
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. |
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04/22/25 - 05/06/25 |
Starting At $2,044 |
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04/26/25 - 05/10/25 |
Starting At $2,367 |
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05/03/25 - 05/17/25 |
Starting At $2,815 |
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05/10/25 - 05/24/25 |
Starting At $2,259 |
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05/17/25 - 05/22/25 |
Starting At $2,218 |
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05/31/25 - 06/14/25 |
Starting At $1,948 |
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06/07/25 - 06/21/25 |
Starting At $2,435 |
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06/26/25 - 07/10/25 |
Starting At $2,540 |
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06/28/25 - 07/12/25 |
Starting At $2,435 |
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07/03/25 - 07/05/25 |
Starting At $2,530 |
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07/10/25 - 07/24/25 |
Starting At $2,404 |
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07/12/25 - 07/26/25 |
Starting At $2,805 |
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07/15/25 - 07/19/25 |
Starting At $2,530 |
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07/26/25 - 08/09/25 |
Starting At $2,705 |
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08/02/25 - 08/16/25 |
Starting At $2,710 |
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08/07/25 - 08/14/25 |
Starting At $2,435 |
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08/16/25 - 08/30/25 |
Starting At $2,485 |
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08/30/25 - 09/13/25 |
Starting At $2,313 |
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09/06/25 - 09/20/25 |
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09/11/25 - 10/21/25 |
Starting At $2,435 |
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10/25/25 - 10/30/25 |
Starting At $2,530 |
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11/01/25 - 11/15/25 |
Starting At $2,630 |
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11/18/25 - 12/18/25 |
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12/20/25 - 01/03/26 |
Starting At $2,555 |
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12/23/25 - 12/30/25 |
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01/01/26 - 03/26/26 |
Starting At $2,760 |
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03/28/26 - 05/21/26 |
Starting At $2,655 |
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05/23/26 - 10/31/26 |
Starting At $2,555 |
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11/01/26 - 12/29/26 |
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12/31/26 - 12/28/27 |
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