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Peregrine Travel Centre

Best of Costa Rica

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Best of Costa Rica

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Description

Discover the country that encapsulates ‘pura vida’ (the simple life) on this 10-day exploration of Costa Rica. Perfect for all nature lovers and wildlife seekers, this trip will have you walking through the national parks of Arenal Volcano and Manuel Antonio for rainforest, waterfall and beach views and joining an Indigenous Terraba community to learn about local culture. Wander through the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, filled with butterflies. Visit an organic family-owned farm producing some of the best coffee in the world. And search for the resplendent quetzal (and maybe a cheeky sloth, too) in Quetzles National Park, getting off the tourist trail with a local naturalist guide.

Trip Name
Best of Costa Rica
Last Updated
1970-01-01
Days
10
Capacity
12
Highlights
  • Wander through the incredible cloud forests of Monteverde – home to more than 100 species of mammals and over 400 species of birds – and the lesser-known Quetzales National Park, where you can look out for the iconic resplendent quetzal.
  • Visit a local indigenous community and meet the Terraba people – a matriarchal community who have lived along the Terraba River for the last 500 years – and learn how to make a traditional wooden mask.
  • Hike through the scenic landscapes of Manuel Antonio National Park with a local naturalist guide and learn all the hidden secrets of the rainforest, looking out for local wildlife like sloths and iguanas.
  • Tuck into a super fresh garden-to-table lunch of Costa Rican favourites, including fresh tortillas that you’ll learn how to make from a skilled local woman, with ingredients from her orchard.
  • Meet the family who run the Tierra Amiga organic coffee farm, and learn the whole process of the coffee bean, from planting to harvesting to tasting. Enjoy a cup fresh from the grinders and tuck into a locally made lunch.

Itinerary

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway and has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if deemed necessary due to safety concerns. , OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk.

Day 1 - San Jose
Bienvenidos! Welcome to Costa Rica. San Jose is this lush country’s capital – a bustling city flanked by mountains to the south and more mountains to the north, with a few volcanoes thrown, too. This rapidly expanding city is home to some great markets, historic neighbourhoods and a chorus of old theatres, with a big chunk of the country’s population within its boundaries. You’ll get things started with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. After, ask your leader for the best spots for a first taste of Costa Rican cuisine in the surrounding streets.
Day 2 - La Fortuna
Head out this morning, bound for La Fortuna – a leafy small town known as the gateway to Arenal Volcano National Park. When you arrive, you’ll learn how to cook traditional Costa Rican tortillas from a local woman who knows all the secret tips. Dona Chela will help you to prepare the dishes with ingredients from her garden, which you can also wander around before and after you cook. You'll make your tortillas in the traditional, old-school way by using the wood-fired stove in the kitchen. Sit down to a lunch of Costa Rican favourites, accompanied by your own handmade tortillas and get to know the family. After, check in to your hotel and enjoy a free afternoon in the lush surroundings. Maybe visit the nearby hot springs for a soak, fed by the thermal Tabacon River.
Day 3 - La Fortuna
Today is a free day in La Fortuna. Maybe get active and head to the famed national park, hiking the Arenal Volcano for some gorgeous views. Maybe just wander the rainforest and take one of the trails leading to La Fortuna Waterfall. You can also book a Cano Negro boat tour – this full-day activity will see you visiting the Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge, a wetland system home to varied wildlife like sloths, monkeys, caimans and tropical birds. Look out for the critters as you cruise along the river – you can even hop in a canoe or kayak!
Day 4 - Monteverde
Today's journey to Monteverde is as much about the journey as it is about the destination. You’ll take a boat across Lake Arenal, then take a scenic drive to this major eco-tourism destination. When you arrive, you’ll have a free afternoon to choose your own adventure. Get out and explore the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve on your own, or head to the nearby butterfly garden. Visit the suspension bridges for some leafy views over the area or take on a forest night walk, looking out for local wildlife.
Day 5 - Manuel Antonio
Begin the day with a tour of the spectacular Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve – host to more than 100 different species of mammals and 400 species of birds. Your leader will share information on the fascinating biodiversity of the region and lend their expert eye to spotting some wonderful wildlife. Look out for the resplendent quetzal and its quirky hairdo and listen for the sounds of howler monkeys and the unmistakable call of the three-wattled bellbird. With nearly 500 unique species of orchids, the reserve holds the world’s highest diversity of this famed flower. After a morning with your head in the clouds, drive on to Manuel Antonio in the afternoon.
Day 6 - Manuel Antonio
Take the day to experience the lush national park surrounding Manuel Antonio. Your park entrance fee is included and joining you will be a naturalist guide with all the insider knowledge that you need. Spend some time discovering the park and learning about the beauty of the jungle, keeping an eye out for sloths and iguanas. Wander into the depths of the rainforest and be aware of where your naturalist guide is telling you to look – they know exactly where to find the weird and wonderful that call this place home! Tonight, dinner is included at your hotel.
Day 7 - Copey District
Drive to a small Indigenous community this morning, saying your goodbyes to Manuel Antonio. The Terraba (or Teribe), are an Indigenous group with a rich cultural heritage. Located on approximately 34.7 sq mi (9000 ha) along the Terraba River, they have survived off the land for more than 500 years. The community consider themselves matriarchal and women are the teachers, responsible for passing information down through the generations. Here, you’ll learn how to paint your own wooden mask, before sharing a local home-cooked lunch with the villagers. This afternoon, travel by private vehicle to your mountain lodge on the edge of Quetzales National Park. Situated in the misty Talamanca Mountains, this remote cloud forest sanctuary serves as your restorative counterpoint to Costa Rica's busier regions. This hidden valley offers genuine solitude and the chance to recharge surrounded by untouched wilderness. After checking in, join your group for an included dinner at the lodge's restaurant.
Day 8 - Copey District
Join a local naturalist guide early this morning for a walk in the cloud forest adjacent to Quetzales National Park – if you’re lucky, you might just spot the resplendent quetzal (yes, this is its official name). This region is recognised as one of the best places to see this colourful bird in its natural habitat, as it’s a highland cloud forest like Monteverde (but with far fewer tourists!). As you walk, talking the opportunity for quiet exploration, look out for the quetzal as well as the hummingbirds, tapirs and sloths that call this area home. When you end up at waterfall, soak up the sounds of birdsong and running water – bliss!
Day 9 - San Jose
Craving a cuppa? Today you’ll visit an ecological family-owned farm, where everything is produced organically. Here, learn how the coffee bean makes its way from cherry to cup. Learn the full process, from planting to harvesting, roasting and grinding, and then prepare your own cup of coffee. Have lunch with the family to reward your hands-on efforts. After, drive back to San Jose where your leader will take you for a stroll to stretch your legs and get a feel for this lively city. You might like to head out for an optional farewell dinner and toast to a trip well-travelled.
Day 10 - San Jose
With no further activities planned after breakfast, you’re free to leave any time after check out. If you’d like to extend your stay in Costa Rica, just reach out to your booking agent.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
21-03-202630-03-2026AUD $ 5,850-
28-03-202606-04-2026AUD $ 5,390-
11-04-202620-04-2026AUD $ 3,395-
25-04-202604-05-2026AUD $ 5,190-
09-05-202618-05-2026AUD $ 4,890-
04-07-202613-07-2026AUD $ 4,520-
22-08-202631-08-2026AUD $ 4,730-
07-11-202616-11-2026AUD $ 5,290-
21-11-202630-11-2026AUD $ 5,760-
28-11-202607-12-2026AUD $ 4,995-
05-12-202614-12-2026AUD $ 5,095-
19-12-202628-12-2026AUD $ 5,095-
02-01-202711-01-2027AUD $ 5,060-
16-01-202725-01-2027AUD $ 5,060-
13-02-202722-02-2027AUD $ 4,915-
06-03-202715-03-2027AUD $ 5,060-
20-03-202729-03-2027AUD $ 4,915-
10-04-202719-04-2027AUD $ 5,305-
24-04-202703-05-2027AUD $ 5,305-
08-05-202717-05-2027AUD $ 5,305-
03-07-202712-07-2027AUD $ 4,915-
21-08-202730-08-2027AUD $ 4,915-
09-10-202718-10-2027AUD $ 5,210-
06-11-202715-11-2027AUD $ 5,305-
13-11-202722-11-2027AUD $ 5,210-
20-11-202729-11-2027AUD $ 5,210-
04-12-202713-12-2027AUD $ 5,210-
18-12-202727-12-2027AUD $ 5,060-
01-01-202810-01-2028AUD $ 4,680-
15-01-202824-01-2028AUD $ 4,680-
12-02-202821-02-2028AUD $ 4,680-
04-03-202813-03-2028AUD $ 4,680-
18-03-202827-03-2028AUD $ 4,680-
08-04-202817-04-2028AUD $ 4,680-
22-04-202801-05-2028AUD $ 4,680-
06-05-202815-05-2028AUD $ 4,680-
01-07-202810-07-2028AUD $ 4,680-
19-08-202828-08-2028AUD $ 4,680-
07-10-202816-10-2028AUD $ 4,680-
04-11-202813-11-2028AUD $ 4,680-
11-11-202820-11-2028AUD $ 4,680-
18-11-202827-11-2028AUD $ 4,680-
02-12-202811-12-2028AUD $ 4,680-
16-12-202825-12-2028AUD $ 4,680-

Accommodation

Hotel (7 nights), Lodge (2 nights)

Transport

Private vehicle, Boat

Map

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