Adventures Abroad Costa Rica Livin' La Pura Vida Various Dates. TOUR CODE: OACR. 14 Days

Click to enlarge image(s)

WELCOME TO COSTA RICA

Discover how Costa Rica earns its reputation as a natural wonderland on this two-week adventure through one of the most exciting, striking, and socially progressive countries in Central America. Literally translated as the 'rich coast', Costa Rica is a land of varied topography and broad spectrum of ecosystem; between its borders, Costa Rica encompasses white-sand Caribbean beaches, volcanic mountainscapes, lush, velveteen jungle, low-lying plains and swampland, all of which combine to house enormous populations of diverse wildlife. A short foray into Nicaragua gives us the opportunity to see historic churches, cathedrals and stone-carved statues, as well as enjoy some first-rate animal sightseeing. We finish at Manuel Antonio National Park where we enjoy some of the most beautiful beaches in the world.

ITINERARY IN BRIEF

Day 1 • Arrive in San Jose, Costa Rica.

Day 2 • Travel through Braulio Carrillo National Park to a working banana plantation. Riverboat excursion to Tortuguero National Park.

Day 3 • Boat ride alongside lush rainforest. Afternoon expedition to Tortuguero to visit the museum and turtle centre.

Day 4 • Travel to the volcanic Arenal area via Baldi Hot Springs. This area may yield the chance to witness explosions and lava flows from safety.

Day 5 • Travel to Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. Guided tour of the Butterfly Garden.

Day 6 • Naturalist-guided tour of Monteverde Cloud Forest. Optional Canopy Walk excursion in afternoon.

Day 7 • Travel to Granada, Nicaragua.

Day 8 • Visit the most interesting sites in Granada on walking tour.

Day 9 • Return to Costa Rica and enter Rincon de la Vieja National Park.

Day 10 • Walk along Las Pailas Trail to view the volcanic activity of Rincon de la Vieja.

Day 11 • Travel to Quepos, gateway to Manuel Antonio National Park.

Day 12 • Leisurely walk through Manuel Antonio National Park.

Day 13 • Return to San Jose.

Day 14 • Departure from San Jose.

INCLUSIONS

Accommodation
Internal transportation
Breakfasts and most dinners
Sightseeing and entrance fees
Tips for hotel, porters, drivers
Transfers (Land/Air)
Services of a Tour Leader

EXCLUSIONS

Lunches and some dinners
Drinks
Items of a personal nature
Air departure taxes/fuel surcharges
Visa fees (if applicable)
Transfers (if early/late)
Transfers (if Land Only)
Tour Leader gratuities

OUT FACTOR

In the past ten years Costa Rica has emerged as one of the world’s premier vacation hot spots. And in disproportionate numbers, gay travellers have descended upon this eco-friendly destination with full force. It's a very comfortable place for gay travellers, and most of the foreigners who have moved there to open inns and accommodations (e.g., Americans, Canadians, Europeans, etc.) tend to be on the left-leaning, eco-conscious, and gay-friendly side.

GROUP SIZE
Maximum 18 plus Tour Leader.

STAFF & SUPPORT
Tour Leader, driver(s), and local step-on guides at various locations.

ACCOMMODATION
Well-located, heated/air-conditioned, mid-range (3-star) hotels with en suite toilet and bath throughout (probably shower only). Single rooms are limited and likely smaller than doubles. Hotel porter service is sometimes available though you should be independent with your luggage. Some hotels have outdoor swimming pools. Sample Hotels

TRANSPORT & TRAVEL CONDITIONS
Road transport by private air-conditioned motor coach, 12-30 seats depending on ultimate group size (see 'group size'). Costa Rica's roads are generally good though we do have some long (though scenic) road journeys. Numerous nature walks and walking tours on uneven surfaces.

WEATHER/SEASONALITY
This tour is offered throughout the year. In the Central Valley, where the main centres of population are located, the average temperature is 22C (72F). In the coastal areas the temperature is much hotter and humid. The "green" season runs May-November. The warm dry season is Dec-May, though temperature differences between summer and winter are slight.

PLEASE NOTE

This itinerary is correct at time of publishing. For a more detailed itinerary, download a PDF here. We reserve the right to make changes as necessary due to reasons beyond our control. For booking terms and conditions, please refer to our Booking Terms.

Search by Keyword

Shopping Basket