Costa Rica - Coast to Coast

15 days
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Small Group Tour
Journey from the Caribbean to the Pacific Coast on our tour through vibrant Costa Rica. Spot wildlife from a boat on Tortuguero's untamed waterways, hike in unspoilt tropical rainforests and unwind on golden beaches, all whilst recouping in premium accommodation. This two-week holiday ticks off the best of Costa Rica's diverse landscapes and even more diverse...
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$5,535
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Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Full schedule

Highlights

    • Discover Costa Rica's diverse nature and wildlife, plus stay in a series of premium hotels
    • Explore the Monteverde cloudforest and the 'mini amazon' of Tortugero
    • Spend time on the Pacific Coast and visit Corcovado National Park on the Osa Peninsula

What's this trip about?

    Journey from the Caribbean to the Pacific Coast on our tour through vibrant Costa Rica. Spot wildlife from a boat on Tortuguero's untamed waterways, hike in unspoilt tropical rainforests and unwind on golden beaches, all whilst recouping in premium accommodation. This two-week holiday ticks off the best of Costa Rica's diverse landscapes and even more diverse wildlife. Tortuguero - Cruise the jungle waterways and explore the rainforest in search of its abundant wildlife. Arenal - Walk the flanks of this picture-perfect conical volcano and learn about its most recent eruptions. Monteverde - Search for the rare quetzal and walk the treetops in this unreal cloud forest reserve. Corcovado National Park - Delve into the heart of this luscious National Park and unwind on its pristine beaches.

Details

Itinerary focusOff the Beaten Path
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 20 people
Age range16 to 85 years
Flights and transportN/A
Start CitySan Jose
End CitySan Jose Airport

Travel Themes

  • Birding
  • Cultural
  • Hiking & Walking
  • Nature & Wildlife

Destinations

  • Central America
  • Costa Rica

Attractions

  • Caribbean
  • Central America
  • Corcovado National Park
  • La Fortuna
  • Manuel Antonio National Park
  • Monteverde
  • Pacific Coast
  • Pacific Ocean
  • Tortuguero National Park

Activities

  • Hiking

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1 Start trip in San Jose

Our tour starts today in San Jose, Costa Rica's cosmopolitan capital. Lying in a fertile valley, at an altitude of 1,150 metres, coffee and sugar are big industries here - coffee is even planted between buildings and along the roadsides on the outskirts of the city. ...

Day 2 Visit the Irazu volcano and try cheese at a local dairy farm

We'll drive east out of San Jose this morning, towards the Irazu Volcano. Situated at 3,432m altitude, the drive to the volcano opens up to fantastic views of the valley below, before slowly transforming into a barren windswept moonscape. There are two crater viewpoin...

Day 3 Free day; optional white water rafting

There are no set plans today so you're free to explore as you wish. You might like to try your hand at white-water rafting on the Pacuare River. Famous for its scenery, the river has calm stretches of Class III-IV rapids that give you time to appreciate the rainforest...

Day 4 Journey by bus and boat to Tortuguero National Park

We have a thrilling journey ahead of us this morning. First, we'll drive to Cano Blanco or Pavona pier via extensive banana plantations before boarding a boat to take us to our lodge in the Tortuguero National Park, where we'll spend the next two nights. Its complex c...

Day 5 Full day to explore the park searching for wildlife

Today we'll delve into Tortuguero National Park. For early risers, there's the optional activity to kick off the day with a dawn birdwatching boat trip. Water birds such as herons, egrets and kingfishers are among the birds that you might be lucky enough to spot, a...

Day 6 Drive to Sarapiqui, visit La Tirimbina for a chocolate tour

Leaving our lodge this morning, we'll travel by boat back to Cano Blanco, before heading on to Puerto Viejo Sarapiqui. After lunch, we'll plan to visit La Tirimbina for a chocolate tour. On the two-and-a-half-hour tour, we'll learn the secrets and wonders of one of...

Day 7 Walk in Sarapiqui's rainforest, drive to Arenal

This morning, we'll take a nature walk on the rainforest trails around our lodge. Sarapiqui's rainforest area is rich in nature and is home to more than 54% of all birds found in Costa Rica. We'll be on the lookout for endemic species, including the Spotted Antbird an...

Day 8 Search for wildlife in Arenal, afternoon cooking lesson

The Arenal area is well known for its diverse wildlife. Some of the most sought-after species are the multicoloured toucan, the poisonous blue jeans dart frog and, of course, the lazy sloth. This morning, we'll keep our eyes peeled to spy these three wonderful spec...

Day 9 Free day to explore Arenal

Today is free for you to explore the Arenal area at your own pace. There are local treks to waterfalls and along lava trails as well as the chance to enjoy relaxing in one of the many hot springs. It's also possible to go white water rafting or take a more relaxed flo...

Day 10 Drive to Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, evening night walk

Today we'll travel around Arenal Lake up into the cloud forest region of Monteverde, one of the best places in Costa Rica to see wildlife. The final leg of our journey takes us along some bumpy roads, but the bumps are well worth it to enjoy the lushness of the cloud ...

Day 11 Nature walk in the cloud forest searching for wildlife, optional zip wire

The famous, but now very rare, resplendent quetzal is fairly commonly seen in Monteverde, one of the last remaining places in Central America where its habitat has been preserved. Sacred to the ancient Maya and Aztec peoples, it's considered one of the most beautiful ...

Day 12 Drive south to the Pacific Coast

Leaving the cloud forest behind us this morning, we'll descend to the Pacific Coast with staggering views over the Gulf and Peninsula of Nicoya. Heading south, we'll pause at the Carara Biological Reserve, famed for the scarlet macaws and abundant birdlife which popul...

Day 13 Full-day trip to explore the wildlife haven of Corcovado National Park on the Osa Peninsula

This morning, we'll travel into the heart of the Osa Peninsular, famed for its beautiful beaches and rich wildlife. Travelling a short distance to Punta Uvita, we'll board a boat for a thrilling ninety-minute crossing to San Pedrillo Ranger Station in Corcovado Nat...

Day 14 Free morning, return to San Jose by bus

This morning is free for a final chance to relax on the Pacific Coast before we return to San Jose. You might like to head to the beach for a last dip in the sea or make the most of the hotel's facilities. This afternoon, we'll leave the Pacific Ocean at about midday and head back to the capital, around four hours away.

Meals Provided : Breakfast

Day 15 Trip ends in San Jose

Our trip ends this morning at our hotel in San Jose. There are no activities planned today, so you're free to depart at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day, luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you'd like an airport transfer ...

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Dates & Availability

Price From $4,500
Price per day$300
Last Updated: 5/21/2024
Departure Date
Finish Date
Base Price
Single Room (Optional)
Availability
07 Sep 2024
21 Sep 2024
$4,500
$6,100
28 Sep 2024
12 Oct 2024
$4,770
$6,370
12 Oct 2024
26 Oct 2024
$4,500
$6,100
16 Nov 2024
30 Nov 2024
$4,770
$6,370
23 Nov 2024
07 Dec 2024
$4,770
$6,370
11 Jan 2025
25 Jan 2025
$4,980
$6,650
25 Jan 2025
08 Feb 2025
$4,980
$6,650
08 Feb 2025
22 Feb 2025
$4,980
$6,650
08 Mar 2025
22 Mar 2025
$4,980
$6,650
22 Mar 2025
05 Apr 2025
$4,980
$6,650

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Explore!.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Explore! Reviews & Ratings

4.6/5  Excellent
Excellent
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S

Susan

Feb 2024

Written on

Costa Rica - Coast to Coast

The itinerary was a perfect blend of full-on activities with some down time for relaxation. The wildlife was incredible - especially the birdlife. Our guide was a pa...

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Tour Operator

Explore!

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About Explore

We've been taking small groups on adventure vacations for over 41 years. Our authentic adventure travel experiences explore the sights and culture of a country, with hand-picked accommodation that balances comfort and location. Our average group tour size is just 11; perfect for meeting new people and getting to the heart of our destinations. Explore is one of the world's most trusted adventure travel companies with over 350 trips to more than 100 countries. We are passionate about travel and have developed a wide range of unique activities and adventures which give our customers an unforgettable experience with a team of award-winning Explore leaders. With Explore, you'll get to see your destination from a whole new perspective that takes you away from the typical well-trodden tourist track. You'll have the chance to meet, dine and stay with local people, rest in authentic accommodation with other like-minded explorers and travel to must-see destinations with a unique Explore twist. From family holidays to trips for solo travelers; cycling tours to wildlife safaris; trekking on mountains or exploring miles of scenic coastline, there is something for every kind of traveler with Explore. We will provide our expert knowledge, exciting itineraries and outstanding service as part of our sustainable travel experiences which take you under the skin of the country you're visiting for the adventure of a lifetime.


Why we love this operator
They explore a place beyond the typical tourist traps and offer exciting activities that bring the “wow factor” intrepid travelers want.
What they’re known for
Famous for our expert local guides that help ease the unknowns of adventure travel while bringing a unique richness and spontaneity to each and every

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Logistics

Transportation & Flights

Bus, Boat,

Transportation & flights

Bus, Boat
Guides
Explore Tour Leader, Boat Crew
Cancellation policy
These conditions are applicable to Discovery & Wildlife, Cycling, Walking and Family Trips. These conditions were updated November 2022. Booked a Polar trip? Please refer to our Polar booking conditions. To make it easy to know the detail of our flexibility, we’ve put it in a grid (these terms apply to all trips apart from our Polar Voyages.) Standard cancellations or changes within 69 days of travel If you’re getting closer to your trip, cancellation charges will apply as follows: For trips confirmed by 31st December 2022: 59-42 days before trip start date – 30%, or loss of deposit if higher 41-28 days before trip start date – 60% 27-14 days before trip start date – 90% Less than 14 days before trip start date – 100% For trips confirmed from 1st January 2023: 69 -42 days before trip start date – 30%, or loss of deposit if higher 41-28 days before trip start date – 60% 27-14 days before trip start date – 90% Less than 14 days before trip start date – 100%
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Costa Rica: Citizens from the UK, US, Canada and most EU countries do not require a visa for a stay up to 90 days. Citizen of Australia, New Zealand and the Republic of Ireland do not require a visa for stays up to 30 days. Other nationalities should consult the relevant consulate. USA: If your flights pass through the USA, even if only in transit, you will require either a visa or an ESTA (an e-visa). Please read on for more information. Citizens of the UK, New Zealand, Australia, Canada and passport holders from several EU countries can apply for an ESTA under certain conditions. This applies if you enter the country by sea or by air, and this must be done online via https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov, no later than 72 hours prior to travel. Travellers who have not registered before their trip are likely be refused boarding. You must have a biometric passport to apply for an ESTA. UK passports which are biometric feature a small gold symbol (camera) at the bottom of the front cover. If you have visited Iran, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen since 2011 or are dual nationals of these countries, you cannot travel with an ESTA and instead you will need to apply for a visa from the nearest US Embassy or Consulate. If you are unable to provide a valid visa before boarding flights to the US, or entering via another method, you may not be permitted to travel. You should also be aware that if you have travelled to or have been in Cuba since the 12th of January 2021, you will not be eligible for an ESTA visa waiver and will need to apply for a US visa. You should consult the US State Department website to determine which you will need. Your ESTA application will ask for Point of Contact information. Please note that if you're only transiting through the USA then this is not required. If you're visiting or staying in the USA on an Explore trip, then our USA contact information will be listed on your final documentation which you will receive approximately 3-4 weeks before departure. Entry requirements for the USA can change regularly, therefore, please ensure you have the most up to date information before you travel by checking the US embassy website. Visa applications - http://london.usembassy.gov/niv/apply.html Canada: An electronic travel authorisation (ETA) is required by British citizens transiting via Canada. For more information see the official Canadian government website: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/eta.asp Other nationalities should consult their local embassy or consular office
Health & Safety
Nothing compulsory, but we recommend protection against typhoid, infectious hepatitis and polio. Please consult your travel clinic for the latest advice on Malaria, Dengue and Zika Virus. Please take preventative measures to avoid mosquito bites - these include mosquito repellent as well as long trousers and long sleeve shirts to cover up when necessary. Please note many countries in Central America, South America and the Caribbean require a yellow fever vaccination certificates if travelling from infected areas. A detailed list of these countries can be found on the NaTHNaC website - http://travelhealthpro.org.uk/countries. Also on the NaTHNaC site there is a list of Countries (and specific areas within a country) which are at risk of infection and a vaccination is therefore recommended. Please check the latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure. The above is not an exhaustive list. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at <a href="https://www.explore.co.uk/essential-information/know-before-you-go/travel-health">Explore Travel Health</a> and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed by you before travelling.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast : 14
  • Dinner : 3
  • Lunch : 3
Age Requirements
16 to 85 years
Additional Information
Trip ID
explore-DCC

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