Viva Costa Rica

Viva Costa Rica

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Viva Costa Rica

9 Days Starting and ending in San Jose (Costa Rica)

Visiting: San José, Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui, Lake Arenal, Tamarindo, Monteverde, Jaco, Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio

Tour operator:

Contiki

Tour code:

COST19

Recommended For:

18-30 somethings

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Age range:

18-35

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians

Tour operated in:
English
Interests:

Beach Tours

Activities:

Hiking, Snorkeling

This tour is no longer available

Tour Overview

Ready for Costa Rica? From beach towns to dense rainforests, you'll snorkel, scuba dive, zip line, surf and even horseback ride your way around Central America’s most on-trend travel destination. 8 nights of Costa Rica’s teeming coral reefs, awe-inspiring wildlife, dramatic volcanoes and rejuvenating hot springs await.

Highlights

  • 4 Dinner (D)

  • 8 Breakfast (B)

  • Arenal: It's like a dream come true. We finally get to learn how to make chocolate. (And hopefully eat some too).

  • Arenal: Grab your camera, as you’re about to experience a live (and very photogenic) volcano in the Costa Rican rainforest.

  • : Insta-op! Trek around the jungle and admire this sparkling tower of water. Then cool off with a dip in the pool.

  • :

  • Monteverde: Visit a family-run coffee farm and learn more about the source of your Flat White obsession. Side note: they make chocolate here too.

  • Monteverde: A stroll through this misty upper level of the forest canopy is an otherworldly experience. We’re literally on cloud 9 with excitement (soz).

  • Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio: Ah! The place of our wildest travel dreams. Lush jungle with sloths chilling in the trees. Paradise beaches just made for a relaxing beer.

  • : Wanna do your bit to help the planet while out on the road? This is your chance. Join SINAC to help support the local ecosystem. As you work, you’ll learn all about the local trees, and the benefits that replanting them has for the ecosystem and the wildlife that lives here.

Itinerary

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Day 1: San Jose To Arenal

Location: San José, Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui, Lake Arenal

Accommodation: Hotel Arenal Montechiari (or similar)

Meals Included: Dinner

Hola San Jose! After meeting up with your fellow Costa Rican explorers this morning we'll get straight on the road, bound for the biodiverse beauty of Sarapiqui.


Renowned for its fertile lands and gorgeous scenery, we'll stop off here for our first taste of fresh Costa Rican air - not to mention our first dose of adventure for those keen to get a little wet and wild.


How to round off the first day of our adventure? How about catching our first glimpse of one of the most incredible volcanoes in Costa Rica, Arenal. This volcano is near perfectly formed and famed for its hot springs and healing properties (hint hint). Dinner tonight will be a group affair in town, already fully bonded after an action-packed first day. And our accommodation for the night is something special, set within stunning gardens in the shadow of the Arenal Volcano. Take a dip in the pool or watch iguanas bask atop the trees. This is the life.

Day 2: Arenal

Location: Lake Arenal

Accommodation: Hotel Arenal Montechiari (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

Rappelling through a rainforest canyon will be the perfect wake up call this morning. Not keen? How about taking advantage of the regions geothermal properties with a visit to the hot springs this afternoon? Whichever you decide - adventure, wellness or both, the day is going to be one to remember.

Day 3: Arenal To Playa Tamarindo

Location: Lake Arenal, Tamarindo

Accommodation: Best Western Vista Villas Tamarindo (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Leaving Arenal towering behind us this morning we'll move on for a taste of Costa Rican beach life.


Playa Tamarindo has the reputation of being Costa Rica's numero uno surf and party destination, and for good reason. This northern beach town boasts tasty waves and golden sands dotted with lounge bars and awesome restaurants. We'll be staying right by the beach so early morning swims are high on the agenda.

Day 4: Playa Tamarindo

Location: Tamarindo

Accommodation: Best Western Vista Villas Tamarindo (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

The bohemian atmosphere of Playa Tamarindo is utterly infectious, and it won't take long to ease into the pace of life here. Spend the day in the water snorkelling or scuba diving amongst the marine life, or stay above the waves and give surfing a try. This afternoon why not take advantage of our catamaran cruise Add-On, another unique way to experience this beautiful ocean paradise.

Day 5: Playa Tamarindo To Monteverde

Location: Tamarindo, Monteverde

Accommodation: Hotel Montana Monteverde (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

It's goodbye to the beach life for now as we pack up our towels and make for the mountains.


Feel the clean air filling your lungs as we arrive at the misty forests of Monteverde - a sight guaranteed to take your breath away. This leafy wildlife hotspot is home to butterfly gardens, coffee plantations, countless monkey species and passionate locals who work hard to preserve the balance between nature and tourism. We'll also spend some time with our friends at SINAC, helping protect, preserve and regenerate the local forests with a tree planting experience this afternoon. You'll even get to name your tree!

Day 6: Monteverde

Location: Monteverde

Accommodation: Hotel Montana Monteverde (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

You could spend your morning ziplining a 1km line through the treetops today; and the adventures don't stop there. If you're looking for something a bit more tranquil, take a stroll on the hanging bridges amongst the lush cloud forest offering prime sloth spotting opportunities. The afternoon is dedicated to learning about everyone's favourite caffeinated friend - coffee. One of Costa Rica's most famous exports, we'll learn how the plants are cultivated and the entire process of turning delicious little berries into invigorating coffee beans.

Day 7: Monteverde To Jaco

Location: Monteverde, Jaco

Accommodation: Hotel Amapola (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

Monteverde, it's been emotional, but we've got some beach hangs on our horizons. 


Beachside Jaco is known for its surfing, nightlife and its optimal location as a gateway to Costa Rica's national parks. This afternoon it's time to check out the town or get right into some relaxing by the pool (or at the bar) whilst contemplating Costa Rican life, soaking up these last few days in paradise.

Day 8: Jaco

Location: Jaco, Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio, Jaco

Accommodation: Hotel Amapola (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Rise and shine! This morning we'll head over to Manuel Antonio, a spectacular national park.


Manuel Antonio serves up a dizzying mix of ancient rainforest, pristine beaches and dazzling coral reefs. Get your cameras ready and be on the hunt for wildlife as we walk through this hub of mind boggling biodiversity.


After a day of exploration this evening we'll arrive back at our hotel for some poolside relaxation.

Day 9: Jaco To San Jose

Location: Jaco, San José

Meals Included: Breakfast

After a final adventure op in Jaco (kayaking, anyone?) we'll make our way back to San Jose where our trip will come to a close. 


What an adventure it's been. Swap deets, we'll see each other on the road again soon.

Check out our Q&As

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    In 1961, a guy called John Anderson founded Contiki in New Zealand. Whilst later bought by The Travel Corporation, the tour company had already been using the name ‘Contiki’ since its inception.

  • Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

    Contiki trips are designed & operated exclusively for those aged 18-35 years. Your travelling companions will be like-minded adventurers within that age range. The age range is adhered to strictly.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® is our commitment to protect people, wildlife and the incredible planet we all share. Powered by The TreadRight Foundation, a non-profit organisation and Contiki’s guiding hand when it comes to making travel matter.

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    All documentation will be sent via email around 21 days prior to your trip departure. You can also access information on your trip by signing up to My Contiki via the top right icon of the homepage.

Reviews of this Operator

Trusted Customer  

Northern Choice plus Kaikoura

16-Jan-2023

The trip ran so smoothly and was well organised! The extra add ons were amazing and all the services were spot on. Food places were reasonable. I'm definitely booking my next contiki trip again soon!

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Sophie  

Exceptional customer service

14-Jan-2023

Contiki were exceptional in providing customer service. They provided me with lots of information and were quick in responding to all my questions. I found that they were super helpful.

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Trusted Customer  

First time traveling with Contiki. Highly recommend! You’ll have a blast

17-Jan-2023

First time traveling internationally since Covid and glad I spent the trip with Contiki. The travel, lodging, meals, activities everything was planned effortlessly. Going to Greece in may with contiki. Highly recommend

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Trusted Customer  

Amazing trip. Made great friends and memories. Can’t wait for my next trip

15-Jan-2023

I had 24 people on my contiki and I think it was the perfect number, we all got to know each other well and got along great. Our tour guide was fun and knowledgeable, the hotels were nice and in great locations.

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Tanner Stokes  

My amazing trip to Africa

13-Jan-2023

Sherif was an excellent tour guide. He was extremely knowledgeable about every single small detail at each site that we visited. In addition to his great service, he has a glowing spirit that made me feel like I had family with me the entire trip. Anything that I was concerned about, he always had an answer and was there to help. I truly enjoyed my experience and will purchase a tour with him in the future

Feefo Trusted Reviews

Book with Confidence

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    Contiki allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform contiki, 60 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Contiki requires a minimum deposit of 60 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of contiki charges.

    Up to 61 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 25% of booking price.

    At 21 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 7 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.

    At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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