Costa Rica Holidays

Book now

This unique adventure holiday in Costa Rica puts you right in the heart of the exquisite beauty of this Central American paradise. Start off with an adrenalin-fueled "Survivor" course before venturing north to world-renowned nature reserves and a guided walking tour of Rincon de la Vieja National Park. Zip-line in the cloud forest of Monteverde, listen to the rumble of Arenal Volcano, and enjoy the long white-sand beaches of Samara. With the chance to view wildlife and snorkel the blue waters of the Pacific, you'll make the most of every moment.

• Mountain biking US$25-$35
• Horseback riding US$15-$75
• Surfing lessons US$45
• Snorkelling US$35-$60
• Sea kayaking US$40-$60
• Canopy zipline tour US$60
• Hanging bridges US$65
• Canyoning/Rappelling US$25-$65

Our Costa Rica tours are open aged departures jointly operated by TrekAmerica and Grand American Adventures.

Want even more adventure? Book one our 3 day jungle lodge packages after your tour, from US$769. Contact us for more information or click here to view more >

Stay in Sámara for a few more dayts to soak up this amazing tropical paradise before returning to San Jose. Prices from US$309. Contact us for more information or click here to view more >

With active volcanoes, beautiful beaches and pristine rain forests, you're sure to take away a wealth of incredible experiences from any of our Costa Rican adventures, but you now have opportunity to give something back by adding one of the following volunteering experiences to the end of your tour.

> Volunteer Building Homes for Families
> Volunteer Conservation & Surf
> Volunteer Turtle Conservation

Why not arrange your own Grand American Adventures departure? For groups of 8 or more, we can offer private departures on any of our published itineraries enabling friends, families or organizations to enjoy our style of travel at special rates. Although tours will run as per our standard itinerary shown here, slight modifications may be considered and dates can be chosen to suit your needs. (Subject to seasonal/operational restrictions). So contact us today and start planning your own adventure.

Book now

Trip Itinerary

Our routes have been carefully chosen to include the best night stops and highlights. However, as local and operational conditions may vary and unforeseen circumstances can arise, the following itinerary should be used as a guideline.

As this tour departs at 0730 we recommend that you book pre-tour accommodation. Please request hotel details at the time of booking.

Day 1: San Jose, Carara National Park & Tajo Alto de Miramar

Start today's adventure with a walk at Carara National Park; then continue to Tajo Alto de Miramar for a truly unique experience, the Survivor Adventure workshop through the jungle. There will also be time for optional activities. You finish the night in Tajo Alto de Miramar, a beautiful setting surrounded by green on every side.
Accommodation: Camping with meals included

Day 2-3: Monteverde Biological Cloud Forest Reserve

Next up is Monteverde with its incredible biodiversity and fun nightlife. Try an exciting zipline tour through the cloud forest; it literally hums with life! The Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve was established in 1972 and initially only covered 810 acres of forested land, this has now extended to over 35,089 acres of protected land and encompasses eight life zones atop the Continental Divide. Often taking the form of fog, these clouds hover around the upper canopy of the forest before condensing onto the leaves of trees and dripping onto the plants below. Understandably, the sun has a hard time breaking through this thick veil of clouds. This causes a slower rate of evaporation and thus provides the plants with endless life-giving moisture helping to promote huge amounts of growth.

Monteverde Cloud Forest is home to over 100 species of mammals, 400 species of birds, and 1,200 species of amphibians and reptiles living within its boundaries. Cloud forests also tend to host a large number of endemic species, as their unique climates and specialized ecosystems create habitats that are not found anywhere else on Earth.
Accommodation: Hotel included. Meals paid locally.

Day 4-5: Arenal Volcano National Park

Hike or horse ride to hidden waterfalls and relax in the natural hot springs. Watch the night skies for a chance to see Arenal Volcano's almost perfect cone. Positioned within Costa Rica's fertile northern lowlands, the Arenal Volcano is tall and imposing and has a reputation that precedes itself. Arenal's perfectly symmetrical shape makes it a photographers dream and until recently was Costa Rica's most active volcano and it spewed enormous amounts of lava, gas and ash on a regular basis. Although this has now ceased, visitors can still enjoy its bountiful sights, sounds and activities.
Accommodation: Camping with meals included

Day 6-7: Rincon de la Vieja National Park

Travel northwest to the undiscovered Parque Nacional Rincon de la Vieja, a barren lunar landscape marking the rim of a smoking cauldron and surrounded by lowland forest. This 34,800 acre national park is home to an incredible combination of volcanic geological wonders and pristine tropical forests which span six life zones. The main attraction is the smooth cinder cone volcano, Rincon de la Vieja (1895 m), comprises of nine contiguous craters that dot the volcanic national park. This collection of volcanic peaks are the most active in the Guanacaste Mountains (Cordillera de Guanacaste), where major volcanic activity occurred during the latter half of the 1960's. The Von Seebach crater is still currently active, continually venting steam and the occasional volcanic hiccup.
Tropical forests, including sections of montane and dwarf cloud forest, span the park's base, providing safe haven for a host of flora and fauna. Mammals include pumas, jaguar, monkeys-howler, spider, and white-faced-kinkajous, sloths, and tapirs.

With two days to explore this beautiful park on foot, admiring the boiling and bubbling volcanic activity and searching for wildlife you are sure to fall in love with this National Park.
Accommodation: Camping with meals included

Day 8-9: Samara Beach

Head south to the beautiful town of Samara where the Pacific Ocean lays on some fantastic sea kayaking and surfing. Situated around a half-moon cove, the small village of Samara can be walked from one end to the other in under 15 minutes, with delicious fresh seafood restaurants and palm fringed beaches. Playa Samara is an ideal place for swimming, due to the large coral reef protecting its bay. Isla Chora, a tiny island a mile offshore, is a must see for adventurers eager to make the two-hour kayak journey. Those who complete the often strenuous excursion are rewarded with a private pink sand beach, interesting caves, and some of the best snorkelling and scuba diving in the region. When the waters are calm, a variety of fish, rays, and sea turtles can be spotted among live coral reefs close to shore.
Accommodation: Hotel included. Meals paid locally.

Day 10: San Jose

Last stop San José, the capital city and cultural hotspot of Costa Rica!

This tour ends at approximately 17:00 on day 10. We can book you post-tour accommodation at our gateway hotel if required.

If you are planning to fly tonight, please do not book a flight that departs before 21:00.

You can easily book your trip online using our secure booking engine. You only need to pay a 10% deposit or (whichever is greatest) with full payment due 8 weeks before departure. We are members of ABTA (Association of Britsh Travel Agents) and are fully financially bonded so your money is 100% safe & protected at all times whether you pay by debit, bank or credit card. If you prefer to book by telephone, please contact our sales office and speak to one our friendly travel consultants.

Prices below are land only . For customers departing from the United Kingdom please call us on 0844 576 1370 for a flight inclusive quote.

Book now

Click an image to see an enlarged version.

Book now

Connect with other travellers on this tour, leave a short trip review or comment or just "Like" us.

It's simple...

1). Log into your Facebook account and leave your message.
2). To connect with upcoming travellers please ensure you add your departure date!
3). If you leave a comment, please tick the box to share with your friends.
4). To contact a fellow traveller simply click on their name and contact via Facebook.