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Peregrine Travel Centre

Premium Costa Rica

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Premium Costa Rica

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Description

Embark on a thrilling adventure through Costa Rica’s rainforests, volcanoes and beaches, where wildlife waits around every corner. On this nine-day Premium journey, you’ll uncover the local secrets of San Jose, visit a coffee plantation near the mighty Poas Volcano, witness the biodiversity of Monteverde and search for sloths in Manuel Antonio. A local leader will take you beneath Costa Rica’s lush surface and show you the country at its very best. Costa Rica’s natural wonders have etched it a place on the map, but you’ll soon discover its cherished traditions and welcoming people are every bit as endearing.

Trip Name
Premium Costa Rica
Last Updated
1970-01-01
Days
9
Capacity
12
Highlights
  • Stay just a short stroll from the beach at Parador Resort and Spa – your Feature Stay, where both relaxation and adventure await, with five pools, a swim-up bar and a range of optional onsite activities like night hikes.
  • Learn about local coffee farming at a boutique coffee plantation located near the slopes of Poas Volcano. See coffee harvesting, roasting and brewing techniques on a guided tour with the farmers.
  • Explore the scenic landscapes of Manuel Antonio National Park with a local naturalist guide. Look out for wildlife like sloths and iguanas, then choose from optional activities like ziplining, snorkelling or kayaking to keep the adventure going.
  • Uncover the incredible biodiversity of Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve – home to more than 100 species of mammals and 400 species of birds – on a hike with an expert local guide.
  • Get beneath the surface of San Jose with a city tour to uncover the best of this underrated city, with a stop for traditional cajeta ice cream.

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. Your adventure begins in San Jose, where you’ll be met at the airport by a local representative and transferred to your hotel. Here, you’ll meet your local leader and small group for a welcome meeting at 6 pm. If you arrive early, Costa Rican coffee is some of the best in the world, so maybe set out to sample some of the local brew. After your meeting, head out with your leader and fellow travellers to dine like a local in the heart of San Jose. Your leader will share the history of the area and its famous residents as you taste local specialties.
Day 2 - La Fortuna
Depart San Jose and drive to La Fortuna, known for its mellow atmosphere, bubbling hot springs and the mighty Arenal volcano. During your scenic drive, you’ll take in impressive views of Poas Volcano National Park. Along the way, make a stop at Bitzu, a boutique coffee plantation located near the slopes of Poas Volcano. During your guided tour, you’ll see how this coffee farm focuses on small-scale production and learn about coffee cultivation, harvesting, roasting and brewing from the coffee farmers themselves. After the tour, have lunch with your group, then continue to La Fortuna, arriving in the late afternoon. Check into your hotel which has views of the Arenal Volcano and rooms with a terrace surrounded by tropical gardens filled with birds and butterflies. Spend some free time poolside, listening to the songs of birds, then join your group for dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 3 - La Fortuna
This morning, venture into the treetops on a visit to the Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park. As you walk across the six hanging bridges, learn about the forest’s diverse ecosystem, take in panoramic views of the region from this excellent vantage point and spot colourful birds – more than 350 bird species call this park home! Have lunch at a local restaurant before returning to La Fortuna for a free afternoon. Maybe visit one of the town’s hot springs for a swim beneath the stars or get active with a hike along the Arenal 1968 trails to reach the Las Coladas lava field, looking out for howler monkeys, deer and parrots along the way.
Day 4 - Monteverde
After breakfast, depart La Fortuna and begin the journey to Monteverde. Drive around Lake Arenal and watch dramatic views of the Arenal volcano unfold in front of you. Your leader will be on hand to point out interesting wildlife along the way. Arrive in Monteverde in the early afternoon. Known for its spectacular cloud forests and rich biodiversity, Monteverde is heaven for nature lovers. This afternoon, take a tour of the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve with an expert local guide. The reserve is host to more than 100 different species of mammals and 400 species of birds, and your guide will share information on the fascinating biodiversity of the region and lend their expert eye to spotting wonderful wildlife. Look out for the resplendent quetzal and listen for the sounds of howler monkeys and the unmistakeable call of the three-wattled bellbird. With nearly 500 unique species of orchids, the reserve holds the world’s highest diversity of the flower.
Day 5 - Monteverde
After a relaxing morning, the day is yours to enjoy however you wish. You may like to explore the town or view the cloud forest from overhead on a zipline. Speak to your leader about arranging any optional activities that you’d like to do. Gather again in the evening for a rainforest night walk with Intrepid Foundation partner, The Monteverde Conservation League, to explore the Children's Eternal Rain Forest. This private reserve was founded in 1986 through fundraising efforts by children worldwide and is home to an incredible diversity of flora and fauna. Join up with a naturalist guide who’ll lead you through the forest and educate you on everything from the sounds to the species while also helping you spot the various frogs, insects and nocturnal birds among the trees.
Day 6 - Manuel Antonio
After breakfast, depart for Manuel Antonio – home to a wildlife-rich national park and a string of the country’s best beaches. When you arrive, check into your Feature Stay – Parador Resort and Spa, located a short walk from Biesanz Beach and featuring five pools, a swim-up bar and a range of optional onsite activities like night hikes and a monkey trail.
Day 7 - Manuel Antonio
This morning you’ll set off into Manuel Antonio National Park with an expert naturalist guide by your side. Look out for two and three toed sloths, white faced monkeys, anteaters and iguanas. The park offers criss-crossing walking trails and a beach – just keep an eye out for the raccoons! The afternoon is free. Manuel Antonio has plenty for those seeking an adrenaline rush – speak to your leader about arranging ziplining, snorkelling or kayaking. On the other end of the spectrum, there are few better places to sit back, crack open a coconut and watch the waves lap the shore. Be sure to look up, as sloths and monkeys are known to frequent the trees that line the beach.
Day 8 - San Jose
Depart Manuel Antonio and head back to San Jose. When you arrive, have some lunch, then go on a city tour in downtown San Jose with your leader. Explore the area’s blend of historic and contemporary with stops at the local museums, government buildings, theatres, parks and markets. Visit the central market for a traditional Costa Rican cajeta (ice cream), an essential part of family lunch or dinner. There are lots of varieties to choose from, including coconut, peanut and macadamia and tapa de dulce (a type of cooked sugar cane). Tonight, you’ll have a farewell dinner with your group, so raise a glass and cheers to an excellent adventure!
Day 9 - San Jose
Your adventure comes to an end after breakfast this morning. If you would like to stay in San Jose, just speak to your booking agent to arrange additional accommodation ahead of time.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
15-08-202623-08-2026AUD $ 4,608-
07-11-202615-11-2026AUD $ 5,296-
14-11-202622-11-2026AUD $ 5,296-
28-11-202606-12-2026AUD $ 5,296-
05-12-202613-12-2026AUD $ 5,181-
12-12-202620-12-2026AUD $ 5,181-
02-01-202710-01-2027AUD $ 7,230-
16-01-202724-01-2027AUD $ 7,230-
30-01-202707-02-2027AUD $ 7,230-
06-02-202714-02-2027AUD $ 7,230-
13-02-202721-02-2027AUD $ 7,230-
20-02-202728-02-2027AUD $ 7,095-
06-03-202714-03-2027AUD $ 7,095-
20-03-202728-03-2027AUD $ 7,095-
03-04-202711-04-2027AUD $ 6,895-
24-04-202702-05-2027AUD $ 6,895-
15-05-202723-05-2027AUD $ 6,695-
12-06-202720-06-2027AUD $ 6,695-
10-07-202718-07-2027AUD $ 6,695-
14-08-202722-08-2027AUD $ 6,695-
16-10-202724-10-2027AUD $ 6,695-
06-11-202714-11-2027AUD $ 6,895-
13-11-202721-11-2027AUD $ 6,895-
27-11-202705-12-2027AUD $ 6,895-
04-12-202712-12-2027AUD $ 7,095-
11-12-202719-12-2027AUD $ 7,095-
18-12-202726-12-2027AUD $ 7,095-
01-01-202809-01-2028AUD $ 7,590-
15-01-202823-01-2028AUD $ 7,590-
29-01-202806-02-2028AUD $ 7,590-
05-02-202813-02-2028AUD $ 7,590-
12-02-202820-02-2028AUD $ 7,590-
19-02-202827-02-2028AUD $ 7,450-
04-03-202812-03-2028AUD $ 7,450-
18-03-202826-03-2028AUD $ 7,450-
01-04-202809-04-2028AUD $ 7,240-
22-04-202830-04-2028AUD $ 7,240-
13-05-202821-05-2028AUD $ 7,030-
10-06-202818-06-2028AUD $ 7,030-
08-07-202816-07-2028AUD $ 7,030-
12-08-202820-08-2028AUD $ 7,030-
14-10-202822-10-2028AUD $ 7,030-
04-11-202812-11-2028AUD $ 7,240-
11-11-202819-11-2028AUD $ 7,240-
25-11-202803-12-2028AUD $ 7,240-
02-12-202810-12-2028AUD $ 7,450-
09-12-202817-12-2028AUD $ 7,450-
16-12-202824-12-2028AUD $ 7,450-

Accommodation

Comfortable hotel (6 nights), Feature Stay (2 nights)

Transport

Private vehicle

Map

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