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Trek Hidden Costa Rica
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Length
12 Days
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Quality
This indicates the overall quality of the tour operator's products. A low rating does not mean it is not good - it just means that it does not include as much, or perhaps is of a more standard quality than the higher quality tours. For example, a 3 star quality rating means that it is a more standard/economical tour, while 5 stars is a very luxurious tour that often includes a lot of amenities. -
Starts in
San Jose (Costa Rica)
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Ends in
San Jose (Costa Rica)
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Available Tour Start Dates
NOV 7, 2026 to JAN 3, 2029
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Activity Level
Challenging
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Style
Fully-Guided
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Guaranteed Date(s)
Yes means that there is at least one tour date that the vendor guarantees will occur. No means that there is not at least one tour date that the vendor guarantees will occur, which usually means that the vendor wants a certain amount of reservations on each tour in order for each one to occur. Of course, the terms and conditions of the vendor do allow for the vendor to cancel guaranteed tour dates for certain reasons (for example, a natural disaster).Yes
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Special Interest(s)
Active
Hiking, trekking, biking, rafting, and kayaking adventures all over the world, made for outdoor types., Small GroupGroup trips average 12 travellers per departure, depending on the adventure. The maximum is usually no more than 16, but some can be smaller or bigger, depending on the trip. Check individual trips for details.
From
Pricing listed is per person, based on double occupancy, and is the least expensive price for at least one departure date of this tour. Price is for the tour only. Additional items, including but not limited to, airfare (unless noted otherwise), travel insurance, and more, are additional.
$1,599.20
Contact Us for a Special Price!
Overview
Think you know Costa Rica? Trade in the same old settings for the real deal. Trek into the heart of the jungle to live with three families in a remote village. Discover the emerald core of a diverse land amid the beauty of the jungle. Learn about the medicinal plants native to these parts and how to make sugarcane candy. This is a spectacular country with opportunities for hiking, surfing, and whitewater rafting. This is what adventure is all about.
Visited During Tour
Esquipulas (Costa Rica) | Piedras Blancas (Costa Rica) | San Isidro (Costa Rica) | San Jose (Costa Rica) | Uvita (Costa Rica)
Dates, Offers & Prices
Tour Itinerary
Accommodations
More Details
Dates, Offers & Prices
The following are Trek Hidden Costa Rica tour dates available from G Adventures. Select a bonus offer graphic to view its details, including its terms.
There is at least one departure that the vendor is advising is Not Available for the selected year. Click here if you would like such tours to be included below.
Tour Itinerary
G Adventures Tour Code CRAC-11067
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Day
1San Jose
Arrive at any time.
There are no planned activities during the day, so check into the hotel and explore the city. As it is located in the central highlands, San Jose enjoys a moderate climate. Amid the hustle and bustle, San Jose has beautiful parks, museums and the ornate Costa Rica National Theatre downtown. Enjoy the view of the surrounding mountains from the downtown streets. The central plaza is a good place to people-watch. A mime, juggler, marimba band, magician, or storyteller may be performing for whatever is collected when the hat is passed. Artisan booths are common, creating a regular arts and crafts fair atmosphere.
Exclusive Inclusions:
Meet Your CEO and Group
Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to 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.
Accommodations: Boutique Hotel Casa Las Orquideas -
Day
2San Jose/San Isidro
Travel by local bus over the highest mountain pass in the country. Arrive in the valley of San Isidro de El General and take a walk in the main plaza.
Spend the day visiting some shops and stock up before the next day's trek into the jungle. Located near three rivers and Costa Rica's highest mountain, Mt Chirripo, this region is well-known but few travelers stay to find out why.
Please note it will be necessary to repack your bags according to the packing list provided for our excursion to Piedras Blancas as it is an early departure on the morning of Day 3.
Exclusive Inclusions:
Local Bus
Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Free Time
A free afternoon allows you the chance to explore the main square, located around three kilometres from the hotel, and get geared up for tomorrow's hiking adventure.
Accommodations: San Isidro Hotel -
Day
3San Isidro/Piedras Blancas
Embark on a three-day, three-night excursion with a locally owned and operated adventure company to the community of Piedras Blancas, found in the heart of the Zona de los Santos region.
The journey is always half the fun! Travel in the back of a pickup truck through lush green landscapes and end in the small town of Brujo. Enjoy a 4-hour hike to a jungle homestay while spotting tropical fauna and plenty of wildlife along the way.
We will be welcomed with open arms and a much needed home-cooked meal at a local family home. The night will be spent eating, sharing stories of the day's trek, and playing cards with the family members around the stove.
- Meals Included:
- Lunch
- Dinner
Exclusive Inclusions:
Pickup Truck
Hop into the back and ride along to the next destination.
Jungle Trekking to Piedras Blancas
Ready for a challenge? Gear up and head off for a six-hour trek through the jungle. Local English-speaking guides will point out flora and fauna and spot birds and wildlife in the thick forest canopy. Trek up, down, and around rocks and roots. During rainy season (May-Nov), bring walking sticks to support you in the slippery mud. Save your energy for 'la cuesta roja' (the red hill) -- 20-30 minutes of an uphill slog. The payoff? Howler monkeys and toucans as travel companions.
Accommodations: Lopez Homestay -
Day
4Piedras Blancas
Experience life in a remote community in and around a local family farm.
Wake up with the sun today and get ready for loads of activities. Enjoy a delicious traditional Costa Rican breakfast to start the day off right. In small groups, make 'dulce' (candy) at the family's traditional 'trapiche' (sugar cane mill). Cool off in the river that flows right by the house while the sugar simmers over the fire and lunch is being prepared.Hike one hour to another household and stay the night. While there, local guides and members of the family will explain how to make fresh cheese and breads, play card games and enjoy tasty traditional Tico cooking. Once the evening winds down, head to bed for a well-deserved rest.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Exclusive Inclusions:
Sugarcane Candy Making
Roll up your sleeves and get ready for a nice arm workout! Using the traditional 'trapiche', a mill made of wooden rollers that helps draw out juices from the sugarcane, work those muscles to feed through the homegrown sugarcane and extract the sweet sugar. Let the sugar simmer over the fire and take a much-deserved break to cool down in the river and explore a 100-foot waterfall nearby. Towel off and get ready for lunch and try some of the sweet candy your hard work went into for a tasty treat afterwards.
Bread Making
Enter a traditional community kitchen and get to know the techniques and practises involved in making local style bread as well as getting to sample the results of the the hard work at the stove.
Accommodations: Granados Homestay1Optional Activities for Day 4
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Day
5Piedras Blancas
Travel across the Savegre River to the next homestay with an included medicinal plant walk.
Start the day with a delicious home-cooked breakfast and fortify for the two-hour hike through the rainforest to tonight's home stay retreat. Enjoy the sights and sounds of the rushing waterfall directly in front of the dining area. Watch wildlife and hummingbirds up close. Reward yourself homemade chocolate made from cocoa beans collected right from the garden.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Exclusive Inclusions:
Hike to a local family home stay
Hike through the rainforest for two hours to reach the home of tonight's host family. Stop along the watch to bird-watch, learn about unique plants and breathe in the pure jungle air.
Chocolate Making
There are few things more delicious in the world than chocolate. See this coveted treat produced from bean to bar. From the nearby cacao plant to your mouth, enjoy the tasty benefits of 'eating local'.
Accommodations: Fonseca Homestay -
Day
6Piedras Blancas/Esquipulas
Walk through the jungle from the homestay and raft the Savegre River. Then, relax at the end of the day at camp and enjoy an included dinner.
Today is a full, action-packed day. Set your alarm for an early morning start and a two-hour hike back to Brujo where we jump into rafts and head off on the Savegre River. Paddle toward the Pacific coast, then take a van to Esquipulas. Spend the rest of the day relaxing at camp before an included dinner.
Bags are taken to our overnight stop in Esquipulas , while the activities continue with a rafting excursion.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Exclusive Inclusions:
Hiking
Wave 'adios' to your home stay host family and trek for two hours back through the jungle to the town of Brujo.
Savegre River Whitewater Rafting
What better way to get from A to B then taking the natural route along a scenic and exciting river? Buckle up your life jacket, grab a paddle and head off to raft the Class II - IV rapids of the Savegre River. Its water is considered some of cleanest in all of the Americas. Enjoy a natural high!
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Accommodations: Esquipulas Rainforest Camping -
Day
7Manuel Antonio
Enjoy a day trip to explore beautiful Manuel Antonio Park. In the afternoon the group will transfer back to Esquipulas for a relaxing evening and included dinner.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Exclusive Inclusions:
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Manuel Antonio National Park Tour
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.
Free Time
There's plenty to see and do in the area, and we wanted to make sure that you had some time to take it all in. Feel free to relax or try optional activities like a guided visit to Manuel Antonio National Park, mangrove kayaking, and surfing. Your CEO has more ideas if you need them. Just ask!
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Accommodations: Esquipulas Rainforest Camping2Optional Activities for Day 7
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Day
8Quepos
Enjoy a free day in the area for optional activities. Be as active or relaxed as you'd like.
A free day for exploring the area, there are a number of activities to choose from depending on the group's interest and energy levels.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
Exclusive Inclusions:
Free Time
Enjoy a full day to explore the area at your own pace.
Accommodations: Esquipulas Rainforest Camping1Optional Activities for Day 8
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Day
9Esquipulas/Uvita
Enjoy a morning at your leisure before travelling to beautiful seaside Uvita. Opt to surf, whale-watch, horseback-ride or kick back and relax.
After a slow morning, hop in a private van and enjoy the ride to Uvita, a small beach town on the southwestern Pacific coast. Take some much deserved time to rest and relax.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
Exclusive Inclusions:
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Free Time
Get out and explore the atmosphere of Uvita on your own.
Accommodations: Hotel Luz De Luna -
Day
10Uvita
Spend the morning swimming, relaxing, and watching humpback whales off the coast of Ballena Marine National Park, before enjoying free time in Uvita.
This is a perfect day for some quality hammock time. Still need to move? There's lots to do. Take a surf lesson, horseback ride, snorkel, SCUBA dive or take a trip to nearby Cano Island.
Exclusive Inclusions:
Ballena Marine National Park Visit
Ballena Marine National Park is set along a 15km stretch of coastline on the Pacific, with incredible water for snorkelling and swimming. With the largest coral reef on the Pacific Coast in Central America, this is the perfect spot to grab some fins or enjoy time to relax on the beach. This park also has prime humpback whale viewing as they migrate through the region between Dec and April.
Free Time
Unwind on the beach or try one of the many activities available in Uvita.
Accommodations: Hotel Luz De Luna4Optional Activities for Day 10
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Day
11Uvita/San Jose
Transfer back to the capital for a final evening with the group.
Exclusive Inclusions:
Local Bus
Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Accommodations: Boutique Hotel Casa Las Orquideas -
Day
12San Jose
Depart at any time.
Depart from San Jose at any time.
Accommodations
Select a destination below to to view the hotel(s) included by G Adventures in their Trek Hidden Costa Rica tour:
Piedras Blancas
Lopez Homestay
Location
Piedras Blancas, Costa Rica
Other Details
- Hotel as shown or similar (G Adventures may replace it with a similar property)
Granados Homestay
Location
Piedras Blancas, Costa Rica
Other Details
- Hotel as shown or similar (G Adventures may replace it with a similar property)
Fonseca Homestay
Location
Piedras Blancas, Costa Rica
Other Details
- Hotel as shown or similar (G Adventures may replace it with a similar property)
Quepos
Esquipulas Rainforest Camping
Location
Unnamed Road, San José, Naranjito
Quepos, Costa Rica
Other Details
- Hotel as shown or similar (G Adventures may replace it with a similar property)
San Isidro
San Isidro Hotel
Location
Contiguo al INA
Villa Ligia, Pérez Zeledón
San Isidro, Costa Rica
Other Details
- Hotel as shown or similar (G Adventures may replace it with a similar property)
San Jose
Boutique Hotel Casa Las Orquideas
Location
Avenida Central, Calles 35 y 37 75 metros al oeste del Auto Mercado Los Yoses
San Jose, Costa Rica-11501
Other Details
- Hotel as shown or similar (G Adventures may replace it with a similar property)
Uvita
Hotel Luz De Luna
Location
Calle 33 entre avenidas 3 y 5
Uvita, Costa Rica
Other Details
- Hotel as shown or similar (G Adventures may replace it with a similar property)
More Details
G Adventures is informing us of the following additional details regarding their Trek Hidden Costa Rica tour:
Group Size
Max 16, avg 10.
What's Included
Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and GroupYour Foodie Moment: Bread Making, Piedras BlancasYour Foodie Moment: Chocolate Making, Piedras Blancas. Hiking excursion to Piedras Blancas (4 days). Whitewater rafting on the Savegre River. Trapiche demonstration. Ballena Marine National Park visit. Manuel Antonio National Park Entrance. Free time in Esquipulas and Uvita. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.
Highlights
Trek into a remote community to live with the locals, Explore the Costa Rican jungle, Make your own sugarcane candy, Whitewater raft on the Savegre River
Optional Activities
G Adventures is offering the following optional activities at an additional cost, subject to availability:
Piedras Blancas- SwimmingManuel Antonio National Park- Kayaking (80-90USD per person)Manuel Antonio- Whitewater Rafting Manuel Antonio (95-130USD per person)Quepos- FishingIsla del Cano- Cano Island Visit (120-140USD per person)Uvita- Horseback Riding (35-45USD per person)- Scuba Diving (180USD per person)- Snorkelling
What are the mandatory travel insurance requirements for this trip?
Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your leader, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy we require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency evacuation and repatriation. A minimum coverage of USD200,000 is required. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. Some tours include adventure activities that require extra coverage (e.g. crampon use); please review your itinerary and make sure that you are covered for all included activities. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.
Accommodation Summary
Hotels (5 nts), Jungle Homestay (3 nts), Camping (3 nts).
Meals Included
6 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 5 dinners
What are the meals like on this trip?
Eating is a big part of traveling. Travelling with G Adventures you experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available out in the world. Generally meals are not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating options, to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. It also gives you more budgeting flexibility, though generally food is cheap. Our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There is no obligation to do this though. Your CEO will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip. The above information applies to G Adventures group trips. For Independent trips please check the itinerary for details of meals included. For all trips please refer to the meals included and budget information for included meals and meal budgets.
Group Leader
CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides.
What is the role of the group leader during this trip?
Chief Experience Officer (CEO) throughout, local guides
International Flights
No, international flights are generally not included in the price of your tour. However, on some tours travelling between two different countries, international flights are included as part of the itinerary and price of the tour. Please speak to your GCO or booking agent for further details. In addition, check-in times and baggage allowances/restrictions vary by airline and can change at any time. For the most up-to-date information for your flight, please contact your airline. We recommend checking in online in advance to avoid potential delays at the airport.
Transportation
Local bus, pickup truck, private vehicle, raft, hiking.
Minimum Age
You must be 18 to travel unaccompanied on a G Adventures tour. For minors travelling with a guardian over 21 years old, the minimum age is 12.
Checklist
Costa Rica Water Activities:o Drybag (Will help keep cameras and essentials dry)o Sport Sandals or Water Shoes (if you plan to do waterfall rappelling and/or rafting)Documents:o Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)o Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)o Passport (required) (With photocopies)o Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)o Visas or vaccination certificates (With photocopies)Essentials:o Footwear (required) (Closed toe suggested)o Toiletries (required) (Shampoo, bodywash, soap, etc.)o Binoculars (optional)o Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)o Cash, credit and debit cardso Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights)o Ear plugso First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)o Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal)o Fleece top/sweatero Hato Headphones (Noise-cancelling recommended)o Locks for bagso Long pants/jeanso Moneybelto Outlet adaptero Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.)o Reusable water bottleo Shirts/t-shirtso Sleepwearo Small travel towelo Sunglasseso Swimwearo Watch and alarm clocko Waterproof backpack covero Windproof rain jacketHealth & Safety:o Face masks (Clients will be only be required to wear a face mask where it is mandated by local regulations.)o Hand sanitizero Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)Hiking/Trekking:o Gloveso Hato Hiking boots/sturdy walking shoeso Hiking pants (Convertible/Zip-off and quick dry recommended)o Snacks (Protein bars, chocolate, dried fruits, candies, energy sweets)o Socks (Trekking socks - woollen or synthetic, not cotton)o Thermal base layer (Woollen or synthetic, not cotton)o Walking poles (Highly recommended)Warm Weather:o Sandals/flip-flopso Shorts/skirts (Longer shorts/skirts are recommended)o Sturdy water shoes/sandalso Sun hat/bandanao SwimwearNote: Please bring a day pack large enough to fit two days worth of clothing.
Packing Note
Please bring a day pack large enough to fit two days worth of clothing.
What are the packing guidelines and luggage restrictions?
We recommend using a backpack for your convenience, or a medium-sized suitcase if you prefer. A daypack is also essential for carrying everyday items. Space is limited on transportation, so there is a limit of one main piece of luggage per person. You will be responsible for carrying and handling your own luggage.
Service Level
Basic: Simple and clean hotels and hostels; affordable public and private transport; lots of optional activities.
What are the tipping guidelines for this trip?
It is customary in Latin America to tip service providers such as waiters, at approximately 10%, depending on the service. Tipping is an expected - though not compulsory - component of your tour program and an expression of satisfaction with the persons who have assisted you on your tour. Although it may not be customary to you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels. There are several times during the trip where there is opportunity to tip the local guides or drivers we use. Recommendations for tipping drivers and local guides would range from $5-10 USD per day depending on the quality and length of the service; ask your CEO for specific recommendations based on the circumstances and culture.Tipping of your G Adventures Chief Experience Officer is very much appreciated. The amount is entirely a personal preference; however as a guideline $6-10 USD per person, per day is our recommendation in the region. However, if you felt your CEO did an especially outstanding job, any additional amount will always be welcome.
Pricing and availability are subject to change and must be confirmed by one of our travel advisors, who can contact the vendor to do so. Intra-vacation air (also referred to as internal air) is usually based on economy class seating (do not assume otherwise, unless explicity noted otherwise) and may be 100% non-refundable at time of final payment. Air quotes (including intra-vacation airfare) may be subject to change until final payment has been received by the vendor. Flight confirmation may be based on availability. Air reservations may not be able to be confirmed until a passport copy is received by the vendor. The following charges are not included in the vacation price unless otherwise noted: airfare to and from the start of your vacation; airline baggage fees including checked and/or excess baggage fees; Federal inspection fees for the Federal U.S. Customs and Immigrations; International Air Transportation tax; agricultural tax; other per person taxes imposed by government entities; airport taxes and fees, including the September 11th Security fee, passenger facility charges, Federal domestic flight segment fees, and U.S. and international arrival and departure and other government-imposed fees added by the airline and applicable at time of booking; port taxes; passports; visas and vaccinations; tips to your Cruise Director, Local Host, driver, Local Guides, and/or ship's crew; gratuities on ferries, trains, and cruise ships; laundry; telephone; minibar; alcohol, beverages, and food outside of the contracted menu as presented at a hotel or restaurant or onboard your vessel (these extra items will be billed to you before leaving the hotel, ship, or restaurant); airport transfers on non-qualifying flights; optional excursions; additional activities and excursions purchased online; porterage at airports and train stations; Travel Protection; and all other items of a personal nature. Itinerary details are provided by the vendor. Vendors may reserve the right to change itineraries, even on existing reservations. There may be instances where the name of a tour contains a tour length in it, but where there is a version of the tour that is a different number of days in length. You can check the true length of a tour by referring to the length value listed in association with that tour. Destination images displayed on this web page, some which are supplied by the related vendor and some which are not, are intended to simply give a general representation of the region of the world being visited during the tour. Such images are not necessarily of the exact areas being visited during the tour. Hotel details (including, but not limited to: rating/class, descriptions, images, amenities and addresses) are provided by G Adventures. Hotel amenities may be communicated in shorthand by G Adventures (for example, if "Laundry" is listed that may only mean that the hotel has an optional fee-based service that would allow for your laundry to be done by their staff). We reserve the right to correct errors.