Basic Costa Rica: Coastlines & Cloud Forests

Stay flexible in Costa Rica on this unique two-week adventure. You'll hit the volcanoes, a cloud forest, and both of the incredible coasts. Chill out on white-sand beaches and explore pristine wildlife reserves. Best of all, this trip gives you the flexibility to create the adventure of a lifetime, so you can soar across the treetops by zipline, rappel down a waterfall, or learn to surf the Pacific breaks. Take a trip that's packed with just the essentials — everything you need to explore the diversity and beauty of Costa Rica.

Day 1 San José
Arrive at any time. Tonight, explore the La California barrio with your fellow travellers. Stop in at one of the many bars to get to know your group over a few drinks. Cheers to new friends and new adventures!

Day 2 San José/Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
Travel to the Caribbean coast and enjoy the tropical seascape.

Day 3 Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
Opt to rent a bike, relax on the beach or hike in Manzanillo National Wildlife Refuge.

Day 4 Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
Opt to rent a bike, relax on the beach or hike in Manzanillo National Wildlife Refuge.

Day 5 Puerto Viejo de Talamanca/San Carlos
Travel north up the Caribbean coastline before heading inland through varied landscapes. Stop at Coope San Juan for a homestay in the local community and cooperative that includes lunch, dinner, and an activity with the community.

Day 6 San Carlos/La Fortuna
After breakfast in San Carlos the group will travel to La Fortuna. Check out this beautiful area at the base of Arenal Volcano. Options abound—soak in Arenal's hot springs or get the adrenaline pumping with whitewater rafting or waterfall rappelling.

Day 7 La Fortuna
Enjoy an entire free day in La Fortuna. Opt to go whitewater rafting, mountain biking, caving, horseback riding, or a tour of the Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge. Like much of Costa Rica, the area is a birders’ paradise, with over 600 species as permanent residents. After a long day of exploring, you can choose to take a relaxing soak at Baldi Hot Springs.

Day 8 La Fortuna/Monteverde
Travel from La Fortuna to Monteverde and into the cool mountain air of the area. Stop at Life Monteverde, a coffee cooperative for coffee tastings, and a tour of their farm to learn about sustainable agriculture. In the afternoon, take time to venture out and explore the mountainous town of Monteverde.

Day 9 Monteverde
Free day to enjoy; opt to tour the cloud forest or visit a coffee plantation.

Day 10 Monteverde / Southern Nicoya Peninsula
Travel to the Pacific coast of the southern Nicoya Peninsula and enjoy the laid-back beach town vibes of Santa Teresa or Montezuma.

Day 11 Santa Teresa / Montezuma
Surf or swim the waves, practice yoga on the beach or chill out in the laid-back beach towns of the area.

Day 12 Santa Teresa / Montezuma
Surf or swim the waves, practice yoga on the beach or chill out in the laid-back beach towns of the area.

Day 13 Southern Nicoya Peninsula / San José
Travel back to the capital for a final evening with the group.

Day 14 San José
Depart at any time.