Hello fellow adventurers! I am thrilled to invite you to join me on an unforgettable journey through the stunning landscapes of Costa Rica in December 2023.
From the vibrant culture of San Jose to the pristine beaches of Manuel Antonio National Park, we’ll embark on a 7-day adventure that will leave you with memories to last a lifetime.
If you’ve never been on a group trip before, check out my post for reasons why you absolutely should!
Summary
When?
December 3rd – 9th 2023
Where?
3 locations within Costa Rica: San José, La Fortuna and Jacó
What’s included?
Local tour guide, transport within Costa Rica, accommodation, most meals and photos from the trip
Included activities:
- Hike at Arenal Volcano
- La Fortuna Waterfall Visit
- Paradise Hot Springs Visit
- Kayaking and Snorkeling
- Local Organic Farm Visit
Optional activities:
- Canyoneering with Lunch
- Ziplining through the forest
- Guided Tour to Manuel Antonio National Park
- Photography workshop (completely free to those who are interested!)
How much?
$1795 (£1550) for the first 8 bookings, $1995 (£1750) standard price.
The trip is payable over time and you just need a deposit to secure your spot!
Details
Day 1 – Arrival!
The first day of our Costa Rica adventure begins with your arrival at the airport, where you’ll be greeted by our friendly local driver for a comfortable transfer to our hotel in San Jose. After settling in, we’ll head out for a delicious dinner in a local restaurant, where you’ll have the opportunity to meet your fellow travellers and get to know each other over a tasty meal of traditional Costa Rican cuisine.
Day 2 – Organic Farm Visit & Arenal Volcano
Day 2 of our adventure is packed with excitement and adventure as we head to La Fortuna, home of the breathtaking Arenal Volcano. After enjoying a delicious breakfast at our hotel, we’ll embark on a tour of a local organic farm. There, we’ll immerse ourselves in Costa Rican rural life as the Elizondo Herrera family takes us on a tour of their farm, teaching us about their different crops and showing us how to make homemade tortillas. After the tour, we’ll enjoy a delicious traditional lunch prepared by our hosts, using ingredients grown right on the farm.
Next up, we’ll lace up our hiking boots for a trek through Arenal Volcano National Park. Along the way, we’ll stroll through hardened lava flows, witness panoramic views of the volcano, and learn about the plant and animal species that call this area home. Don’t forget your camera, as the views are truly spectacular!
After a day of adventure, we’ll check in to our hotel nearby for a well-deserved rest, where we’ll stay for the next 2 nights.
Day 3 – La Fortuna, Canyoneering & Hot Springs
Day 3 of offers you the choice to either enjoy a free morning to relax and refresh, or explore the charming town of La Fortuna. For those looking for an adventure, we have an optional canyoneering tour where you’ll rappel down huge waterfalls, jump into pools, zip down guided rappels, descend the canyon walls, and hike up through the rainforest.
After lunch, we’ll head to the La Fortuna Waterfall for an unforgettable experience. Don’t be intimidated by the waterfall’s 530 step decline, the views, wildlife and lush rainforest make it all worth it! Once we arrive at the waterfall, prepare to be blown away by its towering beauty. If the weather allows, you’ll even be able to take a dip in the crystal blue water.
We’ll end our day with a visit to the Paradise Hot Springs Resort, great for relaxing without the crowds. Spend the rest of the day relaxing in natural thermal water pools and jacuzzis of different temperatures with focused hydromassage for back, legs, and feet. After dinner at the springs, we’ll return to our hotel nearby.
Day 4 – Heading to Jacó
Today, we’ll visit the surf town of Jacó, where you’ll have the rest of the day at your leisure.
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at the hotel, and then we’ll head to Jacó, a lively town on the Pacific coast with stunning beaches, great restaurants, and a bustling nightlife.
For those interested in photography, we have an optional photography workshop suitable for all photography types (from mobiles to DSLRs). I’ll go through some tips and tricks on how to make your photos and videos stand out, from settings you should use to some hints on composition and more. I’ll also be taking photos of everyone throughout the trip which I’ll share with you all once we’re back home!
We’ll be staying in Jacó for the next three nights, giving you plenty of time to explore this beautiful beach town at your own pace. The hotel we’ve chosen is perfectly located near the beach, so you can enjoy all the activities that Jacó has to offer.
Day 5 – Kayaking, Snorkelling & Ziplining
Rise and shine! Today is all about Costa Rican sand and surf. Enjoy the beachy vibes with your fellow travellers as you soak in the natural wonders that surround you.
After breakfast at the hotel, we’ll head to Agujas beach, where you’ll hop on your kayak and paddle out into the turquoise water. Relax on the sand, and when you’re ready, jump in to snorkel! You’ll be able to see a variety of tropical fish and maybe even sea turtles. After working up an appetite, we’ll enjoy a picnic lunch on the beach.
In the afternoon, there’s an optional activity for the adrenaline seekers: ziplining! The zipline adventure starts with a 15-minute ride on a specially designed tractor. Once you reach the top, your adventure will begin. During this activity, you will fly from tree to tree by the system of cables, keep your eyes open for breathtaking views.
Day 6 – Manuel Antonio National Park & Relax Time
Take the day to slow down and soak up the beauty of paradise. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the hotel and then decide how you want to spend your day.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can join a guided tour to Manuel Antonio National Park, where walking trails surrounded by wildlife and resting on paradisiacal beaches are options that promise to captivate your senses. The magic of the beach and the greenery of the forest come together in one place, and the result is a natural paradise. In addition to beaches, the Park offers a very humid tropical forest where species of flora and fauna in danger of extinction coexist, a mangrove, marine environments, islands and a lagoon of 14 hectares
Alternatively, you can simply relax by the hotel’s pool, explore the town, or take a refreshing dip in the turquoise ocean!
In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant and reminisce with your fellow travellers about the unforgettable experiences you’ve shared.
Day 7 – Farewell!
On the last day of your Costa Rican adventure, wake up to one last delicious breakfast at the hotel. Take some time to reflect on the unforgettable experiences you’ve had over the past week.
Sadly, it’s time to say goodbye to this beautiful country and its warm people. A transfer will be waiting for you to take you to the airport, but the memories and new friendships you’ve made will stay with you forever. Don’t forget to take a little bit of Costa Rica’s pura vida spirit with you!
So what are you waiting for? Reserve your spot today and get ready for an unforgettable journey through the breathtaking landscapes of Costa Rica!
Leave a Reply