COSTA RICA
Multisport Adventure
Highlights
San Jose, Monteverde, Arenal
Pacific beaches at Samara
Hike, Snorkel, Kayak, Raft
Amazing Wildlife & Birdlife
Friendly Tico Hospitality
Summary
The best Costa Rica highlights in a multisport crafted just for you! So many different ecosystems, so many different ways to have fun. Hike in Arenal Volcano National Park; Tackle Class III-IV whitewater rapids on the Pacuare River; Soak in natural hot springs; Search for critters on a night jungle walk in Monteverde Cloud Forest; Get high in the tree top canopy walkways; Finish with kayaking, snorkeling and relaxation at the beach of Playa Samara – one of only five of the world’s Blue Zones. All this while experiencing famous Tico hospitality!
At-a-Glance
Vaccinated travelers welcomed
Days: 9
Group Date: Jan 20 – 28, 2024
Private Dates arranged for groups of 6-8
Land Cost: $1,650 (airfare extra)
Single Supplement: $400
Group Size: 4 – 9
Minimum Age: 12
Level: Moderate
Overview
Day 1: Arrive San Jose
Day 2: Raft Pacuare River
Day 3: Hike Arenal Volcano and Paradise Hot Springs
Day 4: Monteverde night safari
Day 5: Hanging bridges or zipline
Day 6: To Samara. Beach time
Day 7: Kayak & snorkel
Day 8: To San Jose
Day 9: Depart
Day 1 - San Jose, Bienvenidos a Costa Rica
One of our friendly drivers will pick you up at the airport and transfer you to the hotel while giving a brief introduction to Costa Rica. Rest up for your exciting week in Costa Rica! San Jose, Costa Rica’s capital, is considered to be among the most cosmopolitan cities in Latin America. Downtown San Jose is a maze of streets and avenues, where you can find the city’s museums, hotels, restaurants, and plazas. Several notable sights are: the National Theater, National Museum, Jade Museum, Plaza de La Cultura and Parque Morazan. San Jose’s elevation is 3,835’ and temperatures are in the mid-70’s.
Meals: none. Hotel: Palma Real (or Similar)
Day 2 - Whitewater Rafting on Pacuare River.
Rafting a Costa Rican river is one of the best ways to combine nature and adventure! And today, we’ll tackle one of the most renowned rivers in Latin America, the Pacuare River.
Transfer from hotel to the rafting center in Siquirres, and enjoy a traditional Costa Rican breakfast, after which, we change into our rafting gear. Paddle.. check! Life jacket.. check! Professional guide.. check! Safety talk and instruction.. check! Adrenaline.. oh, heck yeah, check! Vamos! The Pacuare cuts through the heart of one of Costa Rica’s most impressive primary forests. Paddle through exciting Class III and IV whitewater marveling at cascading waterfalls, lush forest, exotic plants, and keeping an eye out for monkeys, iguanas, birds and other amazing Costa Rican wildlife. After rafting, return to the raft center for a delicious lunch, shower and change of clothes. Our group then transfers to La Fortuna near Arenal. La Fortuna and the Arenal region with its volcanic landscape, geothermal hot springs, lake, rivers, and waterfalls is paradise on Earth for outdoor adventurers.
(Meals: breakfast and lunch. Hotel: La Pradera or similar, 2 Nights)
Day 3 - Arenal Volcano Hike and Paradise Hot Springs
Arenal Volcano is one of Costa Rica’s most notable natural features. Its been resting since its last eruption back in 2010. It rises 5,437 feet majestically above the rainforest that surrounds its base. Take an afternoon guided hike through lava fields of Arenal Volcano National Park. We hike in the area called 1968 Park which gets its name from Arenal’s 1968 eruption. Hike through forest and boulder-strewn landscape to great panoramic views of Arenal Volcano and Lake Arenal. Our naturalist guide will point out the interesting plants, birds and other wildlife along the way to a breathtaking observation point.
Who wants to relax? Me too! Let’s head to the natural thermal pools of Paradise Hot Springs! There are showers, massages and body treatments service, food and drink, as well as reclinable beds, sun umbrellas, and relaxing music along the pool areas. Dinner is included here tonight.
(Meals: breakfast, dinner) (Lodging: La Pradera)
Day 4 - Monteverde Cloud Forest and Night Jungle Walk
After breakfast, take a shared Jeep-Boat-Jeep transfer to get to Montverde. Taking a boat across Lake Arenal gives us great views of the volcano and the Tilaran Mountain range and saves us 2-3 hours of bumpy driving. Bird-lovers will want to look for a variety of wetland birds such as kingfishers, flycatchers, waders and other exotic species that abound on the lakeshore. After the 45-minute lake crossing, we switch to a van and drive an hour and half up the mountainside enjoying stunning views of the lush, green valley on our way to our Monteverde area hotel. The Monteverde Cloud Forest is home to an amazing variety of plants and animals. Enjoy free time to explore. In the evening, take an interesting, guided night jungle safari through a cloud forest reserve to search for sloths, tree frogs, night birds, snakes and all sorts of interesting critters.
(Meals: breakfast. Hotel: Monteverde Villa Lodge, 2 Nights)
Day 5 - Monteverde Hanging Bridges or Zipline
Get ‘high’ in the forest at a hanging bridge park. Enjoy spectacular trails and seven hanging bridges that cut through the high forest canopy as you birdwatch and look for other fauna. Those adrenaline-seekers in our group can choose the exciting zip line course with 15 heart-pumping cables and a Tarzan swing!. Back in the town of Santa Elena, enjoy a free afternoon. Optional activities may include: visiting the Orchid Garden, the Butterfly Gardens, take a coffee tour, get a massage, or relax at the hotel.
(Meals: Breakfast) (Lodging: Monteverde Villa Lodge)
Day 6 - Samara Beaches and Free Time
After breakfast practice your Spanish as we transfer by van 3 hours to Playa Samara and the warmth and sun of the Nicoya Peninsula and Pacific coast. Temps here are in the mid to upper 80’s. Samara beach, one of the most beautiful beaches in Costa Rica, sits inside a long crescent-shaped bay. It is known for its breathtaking sunsets, great surfing waves and a healthy atmosphere. Did you know, the Nicoya Peninsula is one of the five Blue Zones found around the world – known for their healthy living and longevity. Along the beach and small town you will find surf lessons, beach lounges, massages stands, dolphin tours, restaurants and bars.
(Meals: breakfast. Hotel: Hotel Giada, 2 Nights)
Day 7 - Kayak and Snorkel at Isla Chora
The waters off Playa Samara offer some of the best kayaking and snorkeling in Costa Rica. Starting right from Samara beach, kayak across the bay to a deserted white sand beach on Isla Chora. Here, you can snorkel the underwater world, splash in clear waters or simply soak up the sun. Tonight, let’s have a celebration dinner together and toast our ‘Puda Vida’!
Day 8 - Free morning. Afternoon return to San Jose
Enjoy morning beach or pool relaxing before our private 4 hour van transfer back to San Jose. Hotel tonight is included. Anyone wishing to fly home on a late night/ midnight flight is welcome to use their room to shower and rest before their late flight. Otherwise, an overnight in San Jose hotel and depart the next day.
(Meals: breakfast. Hotel: San Jose Palma Real Hotel)
Day 9 - Transfer back to San Jose Airport
Depart at any time. Those with later flights can store their luggage at the hotel, enjoy San Jose sights, then retrieve luggage and transfer to airport.
Note on Itinerary
Although we do our best to adhere to the schedule listed above, this itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control.
Additional Information
Please be sure to scroll through website tabs for information on: Pricing, What’s Included, General Information, FAQ’s and How to Reserve.
Your Meaningful Trip awaits. Space is limited. Click to reserve today.
Note on Itinerary:
Although we do our best to adhere to the schedule listed above, this itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control.
Additional Information:
Please be sure to scroll through website tabs for information on:
- Pricing,
- What’s Included,
- General Information,
- FAQ’s
- How to Reserve.
Your Meaningful Trip awaits. Space is limited. Click to reserve today.
$1,550 land price.
International airfare is NOT included. (Rates quoted are per person, based on sharing double hotel).
Single Supplement: $400
Single Supplement is for those specifically requesting their own room throughout, based on availability. Meaningful Trips will pair same-gender participants as roommates. If a roommate can not be found, you will be requested to pay a reduced Single Supplement Fee of $300.
SAVE Big!
Gather your friends, when 3 or more persons join our set tours together, each person saves $100. (not combinable with other discounts). Family and friends groups of 6-10 can pick a private departure of this tour, based on availability and each person saves $100.
Payment Schedule and Cancellation Policy:
Payment
Deposit of $500 due at time of reservation, via check, E-check or Zelle.
Final Balance due 90 days prior to trip departure, via check, E-check or credit card (credit card payment thru WeTravel secure gateway incurs a 2.9% service fee)
Cancellation
Deposits are fully refundable for cancellations for any reason more than 90 days in advance. If you cancel prior to departure (with written notice), cancellation fees are:
91 or more days… $0
61 to 90 days… $500
31 to 60 days… 50% of Trip Cost
0 to 30 days… 100% of Trip Cost
Included:
- Airport transfers
- 8 nights in hotels
- Private and shared transportation
- Guided whitewater rafting and all gear
- Guided Arenal Volcano hike
- Paradise Hot Springs with dinner
- Guided night Jungle walk
- Hanging bridges or Zipline in Monteverde
- Guided kayaking and snorkeling in Samara
- Meals as per itinerary
NOT included:
- International Airfare
- Travel Insurance
- Drinks
- Meals as per itinerary
- Guide and staff gratuites
In Costa Rica, we use modern, comfortable hotels with wifi, buffet breakfast, all amenities, and friendly Tico staff. Here are several of the hotels we use:
Hotel Palma Real, San Jose
Comfortable and spacious rooms, free breakfast buffet and Wi-Fi. Casino on premises. Walkable to central San Jose. The Palma Real hotel has obtained the Sustainability Certificate, which helps to preserve one of the most virgin destinations in the world.
Hotel La Pradera (or Similar)
Hotel La Pradera del Arenal is in the town of La Fortuna. Rooms offer a flat screen TV, air conditioning, free internet access, and a gorgeous waterfall pool. Pradera del Arenal puts the best of La Fortuna de San Carlos at your fingertips, making your stay both relaxing and enjoyable.
Monteverde Villa Lodge (or similar)
Monteverde Villa Lodge nestled in the heart of Santa Elena Monteverde steps away from adventure tours, banks, restaurants, and the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. Monteverde Villa Lodge boasts 8 rooms designed with distinctive charm using precious woods and great family-style ambiance.
Hotel Giada, Playa Samara (or similar)
The charming Hotel Giada in Playa Samara is the perfect place to explore Costa Rica’s Guanacaste region. It’s located just a short walk from the beautiful Samara Beach, offers comfortable rooms, Italian-Tico charm, amazing cuisine and a vast variety of tours and excursions to explore Samara surrounding beaches.
Visa and passport
Must have a US Passport valid for 6 months from the tour end date. Visa is not required for USA citizens.
Safety
Costa Rica is one of the safest Central American countries. As with all trips, do not leave cameras or valuables lying around, be mindful at ATM’s, and don’t travel alone at night.
Trip Insurance
Meaningful Trips highly recommends the purchase of comprehensive travel insurance that covers trip cancellation, delays, medical matters, and emergency evacuation. See our Link for Travel Insurance
Flights to Costa Rica
Our starting and ending airport is Juan Santamaria Airport (SJO) in Alajuela, 12 miles outside San Jose. Please do not purchase any airfare until you have received word form Meaningful Trips that your trip is confirmed with the necessary minimum number of passengers.
Weather
The best times to visit Costa Rica are the dry season from January to April, and also in July, November, and December. May, June, August, September and October are the wettest months. Weather varies by region. On the Caribbean coast and Northern Plains, expect high humidity and temperatures ranging between the 70s and high 80’s year-round. The Pacific coast and beaches have lower humidity and warmer temperatures, reaching into the 90’s. San Gerado de Dota is in the mountains, around 7,300′ elevation, with temperatures in the mid-50’s.
Lodging
This trip includes 7 nights in a comfortable hotels with all amenities. See the ‘Hotel’ tab for hotel pictures and descriptions.
Activity Level: Moderate
This is an active trip offering a mix of activities including hiking, easy kayaking, snorkeling and swimming. The duration of activities ranges from 3 – 4 hours. All activities are suitable for active novices. For snorkeling and swimming, participants should be able to swim and be comfortable in the water. Minimum age is 8.
Food in Costa Rica
The food on this trip is fresh and amazing! Hotels offer bountiful buffet breakfasts. Some ubiquitous dishes are: Gallo Pinto (rice and beans), Sopa Negra (black bean soup), Ceviche, Plantains, and tons of fresh fruit. A typical lunch or dinner dish is Casado, which is a dish of rice, beans, salad, and plantains served with a protein such as beef, chicken or fish. Vegetarians will enjoy all of Costa Rica’s variety.
Additional Trip Information
Prior to reserving your tour, please carefully review our ‘Pricing’, ‘How to Reserve’ and ‘FAQ’ sections for helpful information on topics such as cancellation penalties, inclusions, food, water, and more.
This trip is subject to the booking information set forth in the Meaningful Trips Terms and Conditions. Please read this information carefully. Additional pre-departure information including a Packing List, Medical Form, and Liability Release Form is emailed upon sign-up.
Your Meaningful Trip awaits. Space is limited. Click to reserve today.
Some answers to common questions. Upon Sign-up, travelers receive a Packing List, Pre-Departure Info and Important Forms
Do I Need a Passport for Costa Rica?
Yes, a passport is needed and must be valid for 6 months after your trip date.
Do I Need a Visa for Costa Rica?
No. As a tourist with a US Passport. No visa required.
Are any vaccinations required for Costa Rica?
No.
We highly recommend that all persons who travel internationally should be current on these three routine immunizations: Annual Influenza (flu) shot; Tetanus Booster (Tdap) (good for 10 years); and Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR). Additionally, Hepatitis A is highly recommended for all international travelers. Meaningful Trips are not medical experts. Always consult your own doctor and always refer to the CDC website for updated vaccination and country-specific information.
Is Costa Rica Safe?
Costa Rica is one of the safest Central American countries. As with all trips, it is always prudent to check with US Dept of State for country-specific safety information. And, follow these basic safety precautions: make copies of important documents, be wary of public Wi-Fi, use caution when using ATM, use hotel safes when available, do not walk alone at night, and be aware of your surroundings.
Do I need Travel Insurance?
Meaningful Trips always highly recommends the purchase of comprehensive travel insurance that covers trip cancellation, delays, medical matters, and emergency evacuation.
When is the best time to go to Costa Rica?
The best times to visit Costa Rica are the dry season from January to April, and also in July, November, and December. May, June, August, September and October are the wettest months. Weather varies by region. On the Caribbean coast and Northern Plains, expect high humidity and temperatures ranging between the 70s and high 80’s year-round. The Pacific coast and beaches have lower humidity and warmer temperatures, reaching into the 90’s. San Gerado de Dota is in the mountains, around 7,300′ elevation, with temperatures in the mid-50’s.
How active is this Costa Rica Adventure Tour?
This trip is rated Moderate. This is an active trip, all persons with a spirit of adventure are welcome. Being comfortable in the water is helpful. Each day may feature a different activity, typically 3 – 4 hours. Hiking, kayaking, snorkeling, hanging bridges. There will be 2 days that will include 3 hours of driving.
What are hotels like in Costa Rica?
In Costa Rica, we use modern, comfortable hotels with wifi, buffet breakfast, all amenities, and friendly Tico staff.
What is the food like in Costa Rica?
The food on this trip is fresh and amazing! Hotels offer bountiful buffet breakfasts. Some ubiquitous dishes are: Gallo Pinto (rice and beans), Sopa Negra (black bean soup), Ceviche, Plantains, and tons of fresh fruit. A typical lunch or dinner dish is Casado, which is a dish of rice, beans, salad, and plantains served with a protein such as beef, chicken or fish. Vegetarians will enjoy all of Costa Rica’s variety.
Is the water safe to drink in Costa Rica?
Except for remote regions on the Caribbean coast, hotel water, tap water, and juices are safe for drinking.
What is a Tico?
Ticos are native Costa Ricans, and they are renown for being friendly and welcoming.
STEP 1 – Click ‘Book Now’ and Complete Reservation Form to Hold Your Space(s)
STEP 2 – Mail $500 Deposit via Check.
Reservation is guaranteed upon receipt of a $500 deposit per person. Deposits are held in Trust Account. Deposits are fully refundable for any reason if you cancel before Dec 31, 2020. After Jan 01, 2021, regular cancellation policy applies. Final Payment is due 90-days prior to departure and payable by Check, Zelle, Stripe, ApplePay, Visa, Mastercard.
Mail Check Deposit to:
Meaningful Trips
1416 NW 46th St
Suite 105-343
Seattle, WA 98107
Upon reserving a trip and submitting a deposit, each traveler will receive:
- A Confirmation email
- Invoice
- Pre-departure Information
- Trip Application with Liability Release and Assumption of Risk
- Travel Insurance Information
- Packing List
- Medical Form
Terms & Conditions and Liability Release
At the time of Deposit, participants must read and agree to Meaningful Trips Terms and Conditions and Liability Release Form. Please read this information carefully.
Your Meaningful Trip awaits. Space is limited. Click to reserve today.