Discover the true meaning of Pura Vida with a 7-day excursion through some of the most pristine environments anywhere on the planet. Volcanoes, rainforests, beaches, and more await those ready to escape city life for Costa Rica’s natural wonders and the warm embrace of its culture. This itinerary will take you from the mountains and forests to the beach and back and you will hike to incredible views, swim in beautiful waterfall pools, and snorkel the clear coastal waters. If your idea of a perfect trip means heading home with tired legs, a full heart, and a happy soul, this is the adventure for you!
7 days
8 - 20 spots
Double occupancy in 3-star hotels (limited single rooms available)
6 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches and 3 Dinners
Welcome! Please be ready to meet in the lobby at 5:30pm to depart for your welcome dinner. The exact dinner reservation time will be confirmed closer to your trip date. If you are arriving today, we recommend flying into Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO).
Welcome dinner at a local restaurant is included. The meal will typically consist of a three-course set menu, with one non-alcoholic beverage included, subject to change. To reach the restaurant, you will take a 40-minute transfer.
Overnight in San Jose.
Wake up feeling refreshed and ready for your first full day in Costa Rica! After enjoying a hearty breakfast, you’ll leave the city behind and head into the rainforest towards La Fortuna. Along the way, you'll stop at an organic farm nestled in the hills to learn about the rural life of Costa Rica. There, you’ll enjoy a traditional Costa Rican lunch before continuing on to the Arenal Volcano for a hike along the lava flows from the famous 1968 eruption. After the hike, you’ll check into your hotel to freshen up, then have the evening free to relax and enjoy dinner at your leisure. For today’s activities, be sure to bring bug spray, sunscreen, a hat, hiking shoes or boots, a water bottle, and car sickness medication if needed.
Breakfast at the hotel is included. Hotel breakfasts typically offer continental, full/American, or buffet-style options. The specific breakfast menu will be determined by your confirmed hotel.
APPROX. 3 HOURS
Enjoy a private transfer from San José to the Organic Farm. En route, there will be stops for restrooms as needed, with a final stop 30 minutes before reaching the farm.
APPROX. 2 HOURS
Experience authentic Costa Rican rural life as the Elizondo Herrera family guides you on a tour of their farm. Enjoy a short 30-minute walk as you explore the farm and learn about the various plants and fruits grown there, including the iconic pineapple. Afterward, you’ll have the opportunity to learn how to make homemade tortillas, before sitting down to savor a traditional lunch prepared by the Herreras.
Lunch at the Organic Farm is included. You’ll enjoy a traditional Costa Rican casado, made with fresh, seasonal ingredients that may vary. One juice beverage is also included with your meal.
APPROX. 1 HOUR
Continue your journey with a private transfer to the Arenal Volcano.
APPROX. 2 HOURS
Lace up your boots—it’s time to explore! You’ll cross hardened lava flows, take in panoramic views, and discover the diverse plant and animal life thriving in this National Park. There are two trails to choose from, beginner and intermediate, and your guide will select the best one based on the group's needs for the day. Trail 1 (beginner) – Distance: 1.8 mile / Elevation: 312 feet / Duration: 1-2 hours | Trail 2 (intermediate) – Distance: 3.1 miles / Elevation: 312 feet / Duration: 2-3 hours.
Overnight in La Fortuna.
This morning, you have the option to sleep in, enjoy a leisurely breakfast, and explore the La Fortuna area at your own pace. For the more adventurous, you can sign up for a thrilling morning of canyoneering. If you choose not to participate in the optional canyoneering, you'll have time to explore the town and enjoy lunch on your own before rejoining the group for an afternoon visit to the stunning La Fortuna Waterfall. At the waterfall, you can take a scenic walk down to the base, enjoy breathtaking views, and swim in the refreshing waters. Afterward, you'll head to a natural hot springs resort to relax in pools of varying temperatures before finishing the day with a delicious meal. Be sure to wear your swimsuit for the waterfall, and bring a towel, sunscreen, a hat, a water bottle, comfortable walking shoes, and slip-on shoes for the hot springs.
Breakfast at the hotel is included. Hotel breakfasts typically offer continental, full/American, or buffet-style options. The specific breakfast menu will be determined by your confirmed hotel.
APPROX. 2 HOURS
In the morning, you'll take a shared transfer for about 30 minutes to the base of the hill, where you'll switch to an off-road truck that will take you up to the starting point of your Canyoneering adventure. Prepare for an exciting experience as you rappel down waterfalls, enjoy a guided freefall, dive into natural pools, and explore the rainforest. The waterfalls range in height from 10 feet to an exhilarating 200 feet for those seeking a challenge. For this activity, wear water shoes or sneakers that can get wet, along with your swimsuit (under a shirt and shorts is recommended). Be sure to bring a towel, sunscreen, a hat, and a water bottle. Safety equipment, including a helmet, gloves, and harness, will be provided, as well as a locker and an extra towel. Lunch is included as part of the Canyoneering tour. Please note: the activity has a weight limit of 220 lbs, and the maximum harness size fits a waist up to 42 inches.
APPROX. 2 HOURS
In the afternoon, you'll enjoy a short, half-hour private transfer to the entrance of the La Fortuna Waterfall. To reach the waterfall, you'll descend 530 steps—don’t let the climb intimidate you! The stunning rainforest views and the chance to spot wildlife along the way make it well worth the effort. If the weather permits, you’ll have the opportunity to swim in the crystal-clear waters at the base of the waterfall. After soaking in the breathtaking views and drying off, take your time to walk back up the steps to the entrance. There are restroom facilities at the main entrance if you'd like to change out of your wet clothes.
APPROX. 3 HOURS
This evening, unwind in natural thermal pools and jacuzzis with varying temperatures, offering focused hydromassage for your back, legs, and feet—the perfect reward after a day of waterfall adventures. Soak in the pools, with temperatures ranging from 91º F (32º C) to 105º F (41º C), and let the soothing waters relax you. After your rejuvenating soak, you’ll have time to change and enjoy an included dinner. Towels and lockers are provided for your convenience.
Dinner at the hot springs resort is included. The meal will typically be a buffet, with one non-alcoholic beverage included, subject to change.
Overnight in La Fortuna.
Say farewell to the rainforest and head to the beach! Today, you’ll enjoy a half-day transfer to Jaco, a town known for its world-class surfing beaches and abundant wildlife. Along the way, you’ll stop for lunch on your own before arriving in Jaco in the mid-afternoon. After checking into your hotel, you’ll have the rest of the afternoon and evening free to relax and explore at your leisure. If you’re prone to car sickness, be sure to bring your medication!
Breakfast at the hotel is included. Hotel breakfasts typically offer continental, full/American, or buffet-style options. The specific breakfast menu will be determined by your confirmed hotel.
APPROX. 4 HOURS
Take a private transfer from La Fortuna to Jaco, with stops for restrooms and snacks along the way as needed. Around noon, you'll stop at a location where your guide will suggest restaurant options for you to enjoy lunch on your own.
Overnight in Jacó.
Wake up to the refreshing sea breeze and enjoy a hearty breakfast. Afterward, take a short transfer to begin your kayaking adventure along the Pacific Coast. If conditions are ideal, you'll also have the chance to snorkel in the calm waters and spot some incredible wildlife. Enjoy a delicious picnic lunch before returning to the pick-up point. For those looking for more excitement, you can opt to add a ziplining tour and soar through the skies! The rest of the afternoon and evening are yours to explore and enjoy at your leisure. Be sure to wear your swimsuit and bring a towel, hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a camera to capture the memories.
Breakfast at the hotel is included. Hotel breakfasts typically offer continental, full/American, or buffet-style options. The specific breakfast menu will be determined by your confirmed hotel.
APPROX. 2 HOURS
Travel just 30 minutes to Agujas Beach, where you'll paddle in the crystal-clear turquoise waters, home to vibrant tropical fish and even groups of sea turtles. Conditions permitting, you may be able to snorkel to see the marine life up close. After working up an appetite, you'll enjoy a delicious picnic lunch. Life jackets, masks, snorkels, and paddles are provided for your convenience. Please note: kayaking has a weight limit of 275 lbs, and no prior experience is necessary.
A picnic lunch is included as part of the Sea Kayak and Snorkeling activity. The typical lunch includes fresh fruits, vegetables, bread, meat, chips, and juice, with vegetarian sandwich options available.
APPROX. 2 HOURS
For those craving an adrenaline rush, hop on a 30-minute transfer straight to the ziplining location. The adventure kicks off with a 15-minute tractor ride to the top, where the thrill begins. After a brief safety briefing, you’ll soar through the sky on a series of 12 platforms and 10 cables, covering a total of 2.2 miles. Harnesses, helmets, and gloves are provided, and no prior experience is necessary. Bathrooms are available at the starting point in case you need to change out of wet clothes. Be sure to wear comfortable clothes, closed-toe shoes, and bring sunscreen. Please note that this activity has a weight limit of 250 lbs.
Overnight in Jacó.
For your last day, unwind and relax by the beach in Jaco, or, if you’d like to experience the stunning blend of rainforest and ocean, join a guided tour of Manuel Antonio National Park. Explore the park on foot, where you’ll witness the unique beauty of both the rainforest and the beach. In the evening, enjoy a memorable farewell dinner with your group to cap off your adventure.
Breakfast at the hotel is included. Hotel breakfasts typically offer continental, full/American, or buffet-style options. The specific breakfast menu will be determined by your confirmed hotel.
APPROX. 5 HOURS
After a scenic 1.5-hour transfer, you'll arrive at Manuel Antonio National Park, where the magic of the beach and forest converge. The park features a variety of walking trails, each offering stunning views of both natural landscapes. Your guide will lead you on a hike, highlighting the incredible wildlife and plant species that call the park home, including rare plants, animals, mangroves, islands, and a 35-acre lagoon. Distance: 1.4 miles one-way (2.8 miles round trip) / Elevation Gain: 525 feet / Duration: 1.5 - 2 hours / Difficulty: Moderate. Please note Manuel Antonio National Park is closed on Tuesdays.
Farewell dinner at a local restaurant is included. The meal will typically feature a 3-course set menu, with one non-alcoholic beverage included, subject to change.
Overnight in Jacó.
All good things must come to an end—until your next adventure! Enjoy your final breakfast and then continue on your journey. If you're departing directly from the hotel, we recommend flying out of Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO).
Breakfast at the hotel is included. Hotel breakfasts typically offer continental, full/American, or buffet-style options. The specific breakfast menu will be determined by your confirmed hotel.
Itineraries may change throughout the year due to several factors
including logistical issues, Traveler feedback, or operational changes.
The provided itinerary, including estimated times, serve as guidelines
only. As your date of travel approaches, our Operators will amend the
itinerary to include more details, adjust activities and provide updated
information.
TrovaTrip and our Operators reserve the right to alter itineraries as we
deem necessary before and during your experience in-destination.
In partnership with The Cool Effect, 1% of your booking will be donated to reduce carbon emissions through community-based initiatives around the globe. Learn more at cooleffect.org.
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