Costa Rica North And South: National Parks, Wildlife & Hot Springs

San Jose: Welcome to the Jungle

Feel the warm air hit your face as you step out of the plane in Costa Rica. Fall into the pace of the traffic and beeping car horns as you take in the sights and sounds of this vibrant Central American country en route to the city centre. We welcome you to San Jose, and while technically not quite in the jungle just yet, we invite you to embrace all of the new and exciting things that await.

Arrive to Costa Rica at any time and transfer to the hotel. Meet your fellow group members at the welcome meeting in the evening and get all the important information about the adventure ahead. Afterwards, head to a nearby restaurant for a delicious welcome dinner with new friends.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Arrival Transfer

Juan Santamaria International Airport - San Jose

You will be met at the airport and transferred to the hotel to start your adventure.

Meet Your CEO and Group

Evening

Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.

• Meals Included:
• Dinner

Tortuguero National Park: Kayaking in the Canals

See the landscape dramatically change as you head out of the city and through the lush Braulio Carrillo National Park en route to the coast. Before long you'll be gliding through the canals of Tortuguero in a kayak, keeping a lookout for tropical birds, reptiles and monkeys that call this place home. Settle into the comfortable lodge for the night and fall asleep to the sounds of the jungle.

Travel by minibus and boat from San Jose to Tortuguero National Park. After lunch, take the first of 2 kayaking excursions to the nearby canals to spot wildlife.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Private Vehicle

San Jose - Cano Blanco 2.5h 115km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Boat

Cano Blanco - Tortuguero 1.5h

Sit back and relax as you travel by boat from La Pavona to the lodge in Tortuguero.

Free Time

Tortuguero Evening

Spend a free evening relaxing before dinner at the lodge. Enjoy the various amenities on the property.

Guided Kayak Excursion

Tortuguero 0.25h

Grab a paddle and prepare to witness a parade of tropical birds, reptiles, and mammals as you kayak through the black water canals of Tortuguero. Scan the trees for toucans, watch the shores for caimans, otters, iguanas, frogs, and look up to see monkeys sharing space with sloths. Bring your binoculars and bug spray. Be prepared for hot, humid, and possibly wet weather.

• Meals Included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner

Tortuguero National Park: Coastal Waterways

Wake early and prepare for more exploration of Tortuguero's waterways to spot wildlife. Catch the light glinting off of a Morpho butterfly's blazing blue wings as you paddle along the canals and listen to the calls of the forest. In the evening, you could take an excursion to visit the nesting grounds of green and leatherback turtles for which the national park was named, and perhaps spot the females laying eggs on the beach (seasonal, July to October).

Take an optional morning boat safari to spot wildlife at dawn when things are most active. After breakfast head out again by kayak to explore some of the secondary canals and waterways. Enjoy free time in the afternoon to visit the nearby town or to relax by the pool.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Free Time

Tortuguero Afternoon

The afternoon is free for optional activities in the area or to take advantage of the amenities at the lodge. Later in the evening opt to visit a turtle nesting ground (seasonal, July to October).

Tortuguero Morning Kayaking Excursion

Tortuguero 3h

Hop back into a kayak and set off onto the calm morning waters to explore some secondary canals and waterways in the national park. Try to spot wildlife like, tropical birds, reptiles, and mammals as the sun warms the day. Keep watch for toucans, monkeys and sloths in the canopy above you as you glide through the water.

• Meals Included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
2
Optional Activities for Day 3
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Tortuguero National Park Guided Boat Tour
75USD Per Person
Tortuguero National Park
Hop on board, kick back, and prepare to witness a parade of tropical birds, reptiles, and mammals as we motor through the black water canals of the Tortuguero NP. Scan the trees for toucans, watch the shores for caimans, otters, iguanas and frogs, and look up to see monkeys sharing space with sloths. Bring your binoculars and bug spray. Be prepared for hot, humid, and possibly wet weather.
Turtle Nesting Night Excursion (Seasonal)
51USD Per Person
Tortuguero National Park - Tortuguero
Head out at night to visit the nesting grounds of the green and leatherback turtles (seasonal) on the beaches of Tortuguero National Park. Learn about the turtles' nesting process and hopefully see females lay eggs, during this once-in-a-lifetime wildlife experience. (seasonal, July to October)
If a cost is not listed above for an optional tour, contact us to find out what it is.

Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge

Leaving the coast behind, we'll head inland with a stop at a G Adventures-supported coffee cooperative along the way. Learn all about how coffee is harvested and produced as you sip a delicious cup of one of Costa Rica's most tasty indulgences. Stretch your legs and soak in the scenery on a walk to a nearby waterfall before a typical lunch and then continue onwards towards Cano Negro, one of the most dynamic and biodiverse ecosystems in Costa Rica.

Travel by boat and bus from Tortuguero to Cano Negro with a stop en route at a coffee cooperative. Arrive to Cano Negro in the evening and enjoy an included dinner with the group.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Boat

Tortuguero National Park - La Pavona 1.5h

Climb aboard and get your float on.

Private Vehicle

Cano Blanco - Cano Negro 4.25h 155km

Enjoy the scenery on the drive from Tortuguero to Cano Negro with a stop along the way to Mi Cafecito.

Mi Cafecito Coffee Tour

Sarapiqui

Find out where your cup of java comes from. Visit the Mi Cafecito coffee cooperative in San Miguel de Sarapiqui, see shade-grown coffee plants, learn about everything from harvesting, to husking, drying, and roasting the beans before enjoying the best part - a fresh cup! Before lunch set out on a short hike short hike near Mi Cafecito to a waterfall. Enjoy a typical lunch of plantains, beans, and freshly caught tilapia fish. Feel good about all this eating and drinking knowing that you are supporting a G Adventures for Good project that helps 200 farmers and their families.

• Meals Included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner

Cano Negro: Community & Cuisine

Discover the rich biodiversity and cultural traditions of Cano Negro today. Cruise along the Rio Frio and through the Cano Negro Wetlands in search of wildlife, then visit a local island community to enjoy a traditional Costa Rican lunch and learn about the region's heritage. This evening, delve into the culinary traditions of the Maleku people during an interactive gastronomic demonstration, followed by a tasting dinner featuring the flavours of northern Costa Rica.

Visit the Cano Negro Wetlands on a wildlife-viewing boat excursion, followed by lunch and a cultural visit with a local community. In the evening, learn about Maleku culinary traditions during a gastronomic demonstration and tasting dinner.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Tour of Caño Negro Wetlands

Cano Negro

Set out by boat from the private dock of Hacienda Cano Negro and explore the peaceful waterways of the Rio Frio and Cano Los Patos. As you glide through this rich wetland ecosystem, keep an eye out for the incredible wildlife that calls the region home, including caimans, crocodiles, monkeys, sloths, turtles, iguanas, and a remarkable variety of resident and migratory bird species. Continue to the Cano Negro Wetlands, one of Central America's most important wildlife refuges and biodiversity hotspots. From the observation tower, take in sweeping views of the wetlands while learning about the ecological significance of this unique and thriving ecosystem.

Traditional Lunch and Community Encounter

Cano Negro

Enjoy a traditional Costa Rican lunch on a small island community in the heart of Cano Negro. Prepared by local families using recipes passed down through generations, the meal offers a delicious introduction to the region's culinary heritage. Following lunch, connect with community members as they share stories about the history, traditions, and daily life of Cano Negro. Round out the experience with a visit to a local butterfly garden and a traditional crafts workshop, providing a deeper understanding of the culture and way of life that have shaped this unique corner of Costa Rica.

Maleku Dinner

Cano Negro

Enjoy dinner featuring flavours inspired by the traditions of the Maleku, one of northern Costa Rica's Indigenous communities. The meal highlights local ingredients and culinary influences that have shaped the region's food culture.

• Meals Included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner

Rio Celeste: Tropical Rainforest

Set out for Volcan Tenorio National Park and hike through lush rainforest trails to the stunning turquoise waters of Rio Celeste Waterfall. Continue to Maleku territory to connect with the local community and enjoy a traditional lunch before ending the day in La Fortuna, near the base of Arenal Volcano.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Private Vehicle

Cano Negro - Parque Nacional Volcan Tenorio 2h

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Hike to Rio Celeste Waterfall

Parque Nacional Volcan Tenorio 3h 5km

North of Lake Arenal lies another spectacular protected area called Volcan Tenorio National Park. We'll set off on foot from the main entrance and hike along jungle trails and down a series of stairways to the brilliantly blue Rio Celeste Waterfall. Take in the scenery and watch for wildlife like monkeys and birds in the canopy above before hiking out on the same trail.

Private Vehicle

Parque Nacional Volcan Tenorio - Reserva Maleku 1h

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Community Lunch at Rancho Tojijifuru

Reserva Maleku

Learn about the Maleku community, Costa Rica's smallest Indigenous group with a population of approximately 650 people, and discover their history, traditions, and cultural connection to cacao before enjoying a traditional lunch prepared with local ingredients and recipes.

Private Vehicle

Reserva Maleku - La Fortuna 1.5h

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

• Meals Included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch

La Fortuna: Your OMG Day

Today is all about you. Fly through the lush forest canopy on a series of zip-lines and platforms or hanging bridges, walking along and trying to spot wildlife. Whichever option you choose, your muscles will appreciate a soak in the restorative thermal springs and waterfalls of Eco Termales Resort, a luxurious and relaxing way to spend the evening.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Ziplining or Mistico Hanging Bridges

La Fortuna 4h

Option 1: Soar through the lush jungle forest on ziplines and enjoy the views from the canopy. Option 2: Walk along Hanging Bridges and try to spot wildlife from the canopy. Both excursions begin and end at the hotel in La Fortuna.

Free Time

La Fortuna

Enjoy free time at the hotel in La Fortuna. Relax or find some hot springs to soak in and let the day pass luxuriously.

Eco Termales Hot Springs Resort and Dinner

La Fortuna

Indulge yourself and soak those weary muscles in Costa Rica's largest network of naturally flowing thermal springs surrounded by beautiful gardens. Move from pool to pool of varying temperatures and with cascading waterfalls and get revitalized with the mineral water, naturally heated by the Arenal Volcano. Enjoy a delicious dinner before returning to the hotel.

• Meals Included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner

San Jose: Bikes and Bites

Get to know Costa Rica's capital city like a local today as you set off by bike to explore the sights and to stimulate the senses. Discover some of San Jose's history and architecture in the downtown area while also visiting some local favourite spots and hidden neighbourhood gems along the way with stops for typical snacks and coffee.

Travel from Rio Celeste to San Jose by minibus and have lunch at a local restaurant near the hotel. In the afternoon set off to explore the city by bicycle and on foot with a local guide before meeting up in the evening for dinner.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Private Vehicle

Parque Nacional Volcan Tenorio - San Jose 4h 172km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Bikes & Bites Tour San Jose

San Jose 3h

Explore the city's rich history, architecture, and vibrant culture on two wheels. We'll introduce you to some of our favorite local spots and treat you to delicious empanadas and specialty coffee. Some of the places we'll visit are the National Theater, Barrio Otoya, Barrio Amon, and the Barrio Escalante among others. Stroll through the charming streets of these neighborhoods, and explore other hidden treasures like the Parque Nacional, Parque Espana, and Parque Morazan. Revel in the natural beauty of these parks, each with its own distinctive charm and allure.

Free Time

San Jose Afternoon

Take advantage of a free afternoon in San Jose to explore the area or relax at a nearby cafe.

• Meals Included:
• Breakfast
• Dinner

Mount Chirripo Area: The Central Highlands

Swap the big city energy for stunning natural beauty as you take in the breathtaking views from the walking trails at Irazu Volcano, the highest active volcano in the country. If you're extremely lucky and the skies are clear it is possible to see both the Caribbean and Pacific coasts from the top. The evening provides a respite from the hustle and bustle as you settle into a wellness eco-camp at the foot of Chirripo Mountain, an ideal place to connect with nature and with your senses.

Travel from San Jose to the Chirripo Mountain area with a stop at Irazu Volcano before continuing to the eco-camp glamping retreat for the evening.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Private Vehicle

San Jose - Volcan Irazu 1.5h 50km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Private Vehicle

Volcan Irazu - Chirripo 3h 150km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle on the transfer to Kinkara eco-camp.

Irazu Volcano Hiking Trails

Volcan Irazu

Travel from San Jose to the lush forest of the Irazu Volcano area and go for a hike along the trails near the volcano. Make stops at viewpoints along the route for photos.

• Meals Included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner

Mount Chirripo Area: Your OMG Day

Freedom and choice are the order of the day to get the most out of this incredible part of the country. The nearby Cloudbridge Nature Reserve offers hiking and wildlife-spotting opportunities while closer to camp provides a waterfall hike with a swim and yoga. Allow the landscapes, movement and environment to revitalize your body and mind.

Choose either a wildlife excursion or a waterfall hike and yoga before lunch at the eco-camp. Enjoy a free afternoon for relaxing, on-site wellness activities, or to explore the trails around the camp on foot.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Free Time

Chirripo Afternoon

Spend a free afternoon enjoying the wellness amenities and optional activities at your camp in the Mount Chirripo area.

Wildlife Excursion or Waterfall Hike & Yoga

Chirripo 4h

Option 1: With plenty of wildlife in the area, the nearby Cloudbridge Nature Reserve is perfect for a morning excursion. Hike and explore the jungle environment searching for birds, mammals, and reptiles. Option 2: Remain closer to camp and embark on a waterfall hike with a refreshing swim. Afterwards return to the hotel and take a relaxing yoga class. Allow the serene landscapes and flowing movement revitalize your mind and body.

• Meals Included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
1
Optional Activities for Day 10
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Wellness Activities at Kinkara
Chirripo
Indulge yourself in some of the many wellness activities available on-site at Kinkara. Choose from yoga classes, meditation sessions, a temazcal-inspired ceremony, and more. Your CEO can help to recommend and book the activities depending on your interest.
If a cost is not listed above for an optional tour, contact us to find out what it is.

Puerto Jimenez: The Osa Peninsula

The Osa Peninsula is Costa Rica's final frontier, home to vast wilderness, wildlife and incredible diversity, and it will be our playground for the next couple of days. The journey south provides continuously changing landscapes until reaching the pristine coastal rainforest and stretches of wild ocean as far as the eye can see.

Travel south to the town of Puerto Jimenez. Take an orientation walk around town with the CEO followed by an optional walk to the nearby beach.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Free Time

Puerto Jimenez

Free time to lounge in paradise.

Private Vehicle

Chirripo - Puerto Jimenez 4h 230km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Puerto Jimenez CEO-led Orientation Walk

Puerto Jimenez

Head out with your CEO on an orientation walk of the area. Take in the vast wildness of the Osa Peninsula.

• Meals Included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch

Puerto Jimenez: Corcovado National Park

Set off on an unforgettable expedition into the wilds of Corcovado National Park, a natural treasure of Costa Rica. One of the most biodiverse places on the planet, we will venture in and out by boat to head into the park on foot in search of an array of tropical birds and wildlife like toucans, monkeys and the elusive jaguar. When you hear the distinctive call, turn your eyes skyward to catch a glimpse of colourful macaws, usually flying in pairs and gleaming in the sun.

Embark on a full-day hiking and wildlife excursion into Corcovado National Park with a local naturalist guide.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Corcovado National Park Full-day hiking and Wildlife Excursion

Parque Nacional Corcovado 4h

Spend the day in Corcovado National Park on a hiking and wildlife-spotting excursion with a naturalist guide. Begin with a boat transfer to the entrance and look for wildlife and admire the jungle scenery in one of the most biodiverse places on the planet. After, venture back into the park on foot and look up into the trees for tropical birds. Board a boat transfer back to the hotel.

• Meals Included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch

Manuel Antonio National Park: The Pacific Coast

Beautiful beaches and small towns dot the Pacific coastline from north to south, with hidden coves and surf breaks coming into sight as you round each corner. Take in the sweeping views and hike to a waterfall before descending down to one of Costa Rica's most well-known gems at Manuel Antonio National Park.

Travel from the Osa Peninsula to Manuel Antonio National Park with a stop en route for a hike and a typical rural lunch.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Free Time

Manuel Antonio Evening

Spend a free evening in Manuel Antonio and grab dinner on your own.

Private Vehicle

Parque Nacional Corcovado - Manuel Antonio 4h - 5h 256km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the comfort of your private vehicle between Corcovado and Manuel Antonio. Enjoy a stop at the Cristal Ballena Lodge along the way for a walk through the rainforest and a typical lunch.

Cristal Ballena Rainforest Trail

Ballena

The Cristal Ballena Rainforest Trail takes you through a private reserve located behind the lodge's property. The trail is an approximately 1 1/4 -mile walk through the jungle, during which you will have an opportunity to observe howler and capuchin monkeys, Leafcutter ants, coatimundis, and many other jungle animals.

• Meals Included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch

Manuel Antonio National Park: Wildlife and Beaches

Wildlife, birds and natural beauty abound as you head into Manuel Antonio National Park to walk the coastal jungle trails. Embrace the slower pace like the resident sloths of the forest to appreciate the lush environment packed with wildlife before settling on one of the park's idyllic beaches for a swim.

Take a half-day excursion into Manuel Antonio National Park with a naturalist guide. Free afternoon for relaxing at the beach and optional activities before a farewell dinner in the evening.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Free Time

Manuel Antonio Afternoon

Free afternoon for optional activities in the Manuel Antonio area.

Manuel Antonio National Park Tour

Manuel Antonio

Pack your sunscreen, snack, beach shoes, and prepare for a great day in Costa Rica's smallest yet no less stunning national park. Manual Antonio offers four white-sand beaches, separated by jagged rock outcrops and tidal pools. Swim, snorkel, surf, and sunbathe. When you're all beached out, head to the shade of the nearby hiking trails to search for sloths, monkeys, and armadillos. Climb to the lookout to capture views of the pristine Pacific Ocean and the area's off-shore islands.

• Meals Included:
• Breakfast
• Dinner
2
Optional Activities for Day 14
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Kayaking
70USD Per Person
Manuel Antonio National Park
Choose to kayak the calm waters of the mangroves or paddle the waves of the Pacific. In the Damas Island estuary, the ocean meets fresh water rivers and creates a protected home for birds, snakes, crocodiles, and white face monkeys. For the more adventurous, opt for an open-seat ocean kayak and paddle along the shoreline and nearby islands, keeping an eye out for frigates, boobies, and jumping fish. Minimum age: 6-8 depending on tour type.
Surfing
55USD Per Person
Manuel Antonio National Park
Slather on the sunscreen, strap on a leash, pull on a rash guard, and get ready to hit the waves. Experience the surf at the beaches near Quepos and Manuel Antonio with their left, right, and well-shaped beach breaks. Take a lesson, learn tips and techniques, then hang ten like a local.
If a cost is not listed above for an optional tour, contact us to find out what it is.

San Jose

Leave the coast behind and relive the memories on the return to San Jose and on the onward travels home.

Two departure shuttles will be provided from the Manuel Antonio hotel directly to the San Jose airport, where the tour ends on arrival.

Please note: Departing flights should be booked no earlier than 3pm.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Departure Day

Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.

• Meals Included:
• Breakfast