Exotic Costa Rica

Exotic Costa Rica

155 Views
8 Days From

$2400

$2160

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Discover Costa Rica’s exotic side during this eight-day nature-filled adventure. Visit the most predominant natural areas of western Costa Rica, seeing an active volcano, a cloud forest high up in the canopy, verdant rainforests and beautiful beaches. Keep on the lookout for an extensive variety of wild animals, bugs, and fascinating plants. Accommodation is in eco-friendly, sustainable properties to enhance the trip’s natural experience. ...more ...less

Highlights

  • Rincon de la Vieja:  Enjoy the volcanic views this idyllic national park offers and let the steaming mud pots and boiling water amaze you

  • Bijagua: With a system of sustainable tourism that helps the local community protect and preserve the surrounding natural environment, this captivating rural retreat is a leader in eco-tourism

  • Monteverde: Settled by American Quakers in the 1950s, this primary cloud forest is made up of six unique ‘life zones’ and is home to endangered species and an enormous variety of plant life

  • Manuel Antonio: Though it is Costa Rica’s smallest national park, the picturesque Manuel Antonio is full of wild animals, lush vegetation and beautiful beaches

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Arrival Liberia – Rincon De La Vieja (35Km – 1 Hr)

Accommodation: Hotel

Your Costa Rican adventure begins on arrival at Daniel Oduber Quiros International Airport in Liberia, in the north-western part of the country. Here, a Destination Services representative awaits to greet you before you depart to the region of Rincon de la Vieja for your first night in Costa Rica. 

  • Overnight in Rincon de la Vieja .

Day 2 : Rincon De La Vieja – Bijagua (100Km – 2 Hrs)

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

After a luscious breakfast, visit the Rincon de la Vieja National Park in the section known as Las Pailas. The Las Pailas area, which means ‘the cauldrons’ in Spanish, spectacularly showcases the awesome power of the Rincon de la Vieja Volcano, the largest and most active volcano in the region. Steam and sulphur pour out of the rust-coloured ground from natural fumaroles while coffee-coloured pools boil with hot volcanic water and grey volcanic mud bubbles, exploding in large pits. This special volcano experience is like no other in Costa Rica. Accompanied by your bilingual naturalist guide, hike the 3.5 kilometre Las Pailas loop trail through the dry tropical forest to discover spectacular nature, mesmerising volcanic activity, and impressive wildlife. The park is home to more than 300 bird species and other animals like armadillos, collared peccaries, iguanas, snakes, white-nosed coatis, and white-faced howler and spider monkeys. After your park visit, walk back to the hotel to collect your bags. In the early afternoon, transfer from Rincon de la Vieja to Bijagua,  a small town located between two volcanoes, Miravalles and Tenorio. There are many activities to enjoy, such as hiking, natural hot springs, horseback riding, agricultural tours, bird-watching or butterfly spotting. Rincon de la Vieja National Park entrance fee is not included.

  • Overnight in Bijagua.

Day 3 : Bijagua

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Begin your day with a tasty breakfast at the hotel, and then enjoy a horseback ride and hike to Rio Celeste, translated as ‘Light Blue River’. The mysterious colour of the sky-blue waters is one of the most extraordinary natural phenomena in the country. As you follow the river’s trail, encounter hot springs, an abundance of tranquillity, and a remarkable waterfall. Horseback riding lasts one and a half hour each way, followed by a three-hour hike to arrive at Rio Celeste. Later, return to the hotel to relax.

  • Overnight in Bijagua

Day 4 : Bijagua – Monteverde (110Km – 3 Hrs)

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Have a delectable with breakfast at the hotel before you are transferred to mystical Monteverde. Located in the Puntarenas province, this is a place of cloud forests and mist, coffee plantations, monkeys, and friendly locals. The town of Santa Elena is small and quaint, filled with tasty restaurants and folksy artisan shops, while the nearby rainforest hosts a remarkable amount of biodiversity. Enjoy the day at leisure to explore on your own or participate in an exciting optional activity like the Selvatura Treetop Walkway guided tours. The Selvatura Treetop Walkway guided tour takes you through and above the rainforest. A series of eight suspension bridges, connected by trails for a total 3 km in length, provides a bird’s-eye view of the rainforest canopy! 

If adventure is not something you are interested in, join the interesting Don Juan Coffee Tour to understand Costa Rica´s coffee, chocolate and sugar cane production (with the emphasis on coffee!). The tour offers an interesting opportunity to learn about coffee and its production as well as to get close to the fascinating Costa Rican folklore. Selvatura Treetop Walkaway and Don Juan Coffee tours are not included.

  • Overnight in Monteverde.

Day 5 : Monteverde

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

After a nourishing breakfast at the hotel, enjoy a hike through the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. Founded in 1972, the Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve is world-renowned for its incredible biodiversity, conservation actions and contributions, as well as scientific research. The reserve’s 3,500 hectare of land hosts 2.5% of the world’s biodiversity, and it is one of the most important private reserves in the world. It has four ecological ‘life zones’ with different ecosystems and hundreds of species of mammals, birds, butterflies, amphibians, reptiles, insects, and arachnids, as well as a large variety of flora, such as mosses, vines or the autochthonous trees of the cloud forest. You can enhance today´s experience by joining one of the memorable tours you missed yesterday. Whether you choose to explore the cloud forest during the Selvatura Treetop Walkway guided tour, or you prefer getting closer to the fascinating Costa Rican culture while on the Don Juan Coffee tour, your day will be unforgettable. Sky Walk, Selvatura Treetop Walkaway and Don Juan Coffee tours are not included.

  • Overnight in Monteverde.

Day 6 : Monteverde – Manuel Antonio (190Km – 4 Hrs)

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

This morning after breakfast, descend towards the Quepos area, proud home of the Manuel Antonio National Park, one of the most visited natural parks of all Costa Rican National System of Conservation Areas. Manuel Antonio National Park is a small biological peninsula found within an area devoted to different economic activities, such as agriculture, cattle and tourism development. It is one of the country’s most scenic and beautiful national parks as it covers pristine beaches, mangroves, and spectacular forests. Once you are checked into your hotel, take the rest of the day at leisure or participate in an optional excursion like the Catamaran Relaxing or the Ocean Kayaking Tours. The catamaran will depart from Quepos and glide around the back of the Manuel Antonio National Park, touring the beautiful coastline. Afterwards, your captain will set anchor at Biesanz Bay, giving you the freedom to snorkel or simply rest on board. And if you want an adventure, choose the thrilling Ocean Kayaking Tour and venture out on a kayak from Quepos Pier for a 2.5-hour journey. The tour allows you to discover stunning examples of nature, above and below the ocean’s surface, from pelicans to flying fish. Round-trip transportation from the hotel will be provided. The Catamaran Relaxing and Ocean Kayaking Tours are not included.

  • Overnight in Manuel Antonio.


Day 7 : Manuel Antonio National Park

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast, you will be picked up from your hotel to transfer to the Manuel Antonio National Park. During today’s tour of the park, your knowledgeable nature guide will walk you through the park and explain the mysteries of the rainforest. The trail is flat, picturesque and loops through the park, making your course about two miles long. Throughout your hike, your guide will stop and narrate the park’s natural history, which includes thorough descriptions of the plants and animals that can be observed along the way. The park is a great place to take pictures or just to admire the impressive views. One of the highlights of this tour is that Manuel Antonio is home to three of the four existing tropical primates living in Costa Rica. Halfway through the hike, enjoy a leisurely stop at the world-famous ‘Third Beach’. Take a rest on the soft sand or play in the waves. The stop will last around 20 minutes.

Throughout the hike, it is common to see sloths, birds and reptiles as well as admire wild orchids, butterflies and tropical vegetation. Your guides are equipped with Pentax and Swarovski monocular/telescopes, so you can observe wildlife and take pictures from a different perspective. Once the tour is over, transportation is provided back to your hotel and you can spend the day at leisure or join an optional tour. You have again the great opportunity to unwind while enjoying the Catamaran Relaxing Tour or feel the thrills given by the exciting Ocean Kayaking tour. The Catamaran Relaxing and Ocean Kayaking Tours are not included.

  • Overnight in Manuel Antonio.

Day 8 : Manuel Antonio – Depart Liberia (270Km – 4.5 Hrs)

Location: Liberia

Meals Included: Breakfast

Begin your last day in spectacular Costa Rica with a delicious breakfast. Then, at the appropriate time, you will be privately transferred from Manuel Antonio to Daniel Oduber International Airport, for your flight back home. 

  • Breakfast included.

What's Included

TOUR GUIDE:

  • Operated with Bilingual Spanish and English-speaking licensed local guides on a shared basis. Please note you will be accompanied by local guides for the activities only. There is no guarantee that you will be part of a group, or part of the same group during the tour.

ACCOMMODATION:

  • 7 nights' accommodation

ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS

Day 1 Rincon de la Vieja: 

Standard Hotel Category = Cañon de la Vieja or similar 3*

Superior Hotel Category = Hacienda Guachipelin or similar 5*

Deluxe Hotel Category = Hacienda Guachipelin or similar 5*

Day 2,3 Bijagua: 

Standard Hotel Category = Celeste Mountain Lodge or similar 3*

Superior Hotel Category =  Celeste Mountain Lodge or similar 3*

Deluxe Hotel Category = Rio Celeste Hideaway or similar 5*

Day 4,5 Monteverde: 

Standard Hotel Category  = Monteverde Country Lodge or similar 3*

Superior Hotel Category =  Poco a Poco or similar 4*

Deluxe Hotel Category = Monteverde Gardens & Lodge or similar 4*

Day 6,7 Manuel Antonio:

Standard Hotel Category = Villa Bosque or similar 3*

Superior Hotel Category = San Bada or similar 4*

Deluxe Hotel Category = Parador Resort or similar 5*

MEALS:

  • 7 breakfasts, 

TRANSPORT:

  • Air-conditioned transportation as indicated in the itinerary on a shared basis
  • Private return transfer from/to the Liberia airport
  • Tour guides do not accompany guests during transport

ENTRANCE FEES AND ACTIVITIES:

  • All monuments and visits as indicated: Guide during a hike in Rincon de la Vieja National Park, hike to Río Celeste, Hike in Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve, Hike in Manuel Antonio National Park

OTHER:

  • Meet and greet on Day 1
  • Hotel Taxes

What's Not Included

  • Expenditures of a personal nature, drinks and meals if not stated explicitly in the programme
  • Airport taxes 
  • Airport porterage
  • Optional tours 
  • International / domestic flight tickets or visa fees and local taxes
  • Gratuities for drivers and guides 

Requirements

Comfortable and light clothing is the most suitable for travelling in Costa Rica. Visitors should not wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts or skimpy clothing when visiting temples, religious or official buildings. Sun protection, sunglasses, a hat and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay.r>
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Please Note

  • No refund for unused services. Splitting of package is not allowed
  • Recommended arrival time before 15:00 hrs.
  • Recommended departure time from 15:00 hrs onwards.


Accommodation options

ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS

Day 1 Rincon de la Vieja: 

  • Standard Hotel Category = Cañon de la Vieja or similar 3*
  • Superior Hotel Category = Hacienda Guachipelin or similar 4*
  • Deluxe Hotel Category = Hacienda Guachipelin or similar 4*

Day 2,3 Bijagua: 

  • Standard Hotel Category = Celeste Mountain Lodge or similar 3*
  • Superior Hotel Category =  Celeste Mountain Lodge or similar 3*
  • Deluxe Hotel Category = Rio Celeste Hideaway or similar 5*

Day 4,5 Monteverde: 

  • Standard Hotel Category  = Monteverde Country Lodge or similar 3*
  • Superior Hotel Category =  Poco a Poco or similar 4*
  • Deluxe Hotel Category = Monteverde Gardens & Lodge or similar 4*

Day 6,7 Manuel Antonio:

  • Standard Hotel Category = Villa Bosque or similar 3*
  • Superior Hotel Category = San Bada or similar 4*
  • Deluxe Hotel Category = Parador Resort or similar 5*

Accommodation options

ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS

Day 1 Rincon de la Vieja: 

  • Standard Hotel Category = Cañon de la Vieja or similar 3*
  • Superior Hotel Category = Hacienda Guachipelin or similar 4*
  • Deluxe Hotel Category = Hacienda Guachipelin or similar 4*

Day 2,3 Bijagua: 

  • Standard Hotel Category = Celeste Mountain Lodge or similar 3*
  • Superior Hotel Category =  Celeste Mountain Lodge or similar 3*
  • Deluxe Hotel Category = Rio Celeste Hideaway or similar 5*

Day 4,5 Monteverde: 

  • Standard Hotel Category  = Monteverde Country Lodge or similar 3*
  • Superior Hotel Category =  Poco a Poco or similar 4*
  • Deluxe Hotel Category = Monteverde Gardens & Lodge or similar 4*

Day 6,7 Manuel Antonio:

  • Standard Hotel Category = Villa Bosque or similar 3*
  • Superior Hotel Category = San Bada or similar 4*
  • Deluxe Hotel Category = Parador Resort or similar 5*

Check out our Q&As

  • Is a Meet & Greet Service provided by a company representative included in the tour?

    Yes, Meet and greet on Day 1

    A Destination Services representative awaits to greet you before you depart

  • Will there be an escort accompanying this tour?

    Operated with Bilingual Spanish and English-speaking licensed local guides on a shared basis. Please note you will be accompanied by local guides for the activities only. There is no guarantee that you will be part of a group, or part of the same group during the tour.

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  • Are flights included in this tour?

    No, nternational / domestic flights are not included

  • Are airport transfers included in this tour?

    Yes, Private return transfer from/to the Liberia airport

  • Are children permitted to take part in the tour?

    Yes, 10 years and above

  • Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?

    Operated with Bilingual Spanish and English-speaking licensed local guides on a shared basis.

  • Are all entrance fees included in the price?

    All monuments and visits as indicated: Guide during a hike in Rincon de la Vieja National Park, hike to Río Celeste, Hike in Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve, Hike in Manuel Antonio National Park

  • What do I need to bring?

    Comfortable and light clothing is the most suitable for travelling in Costa Rica. Visitors should not wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts or skimpy clothing when visiting temples, religious or official buildings. Sun protection, sunglasses, a hat and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay.



  • Do you offer any travel insurance?

    We do not offer Travel Insurance but would strongly recommend that you purchase a comprehensive Travel Insurance Policy prior to departure. 

  • Are flights included in the tour?

    No, they are not included

  • When are there specific hotel names confirmed?

    Confirmed hotel names are informed latest 10 days prior to client´s arrival

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Booking confirmation with Itinerary and confirmation vouchers

  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    You can change it by logging into your profile and click on Bookings. Please check your cancellation policy.

  • Is there any option for solo traveller?

    Yes of course. Please note that the default selection shows the price per person per double room. For solo travellers, you will have to select a single room when available.

  • What does the price include?

    What is included is stated specifically on the product Description. Gratuities are at your discretion. Prices do not include (unless stated otherwise) - gratuities to the guide, driver or tour manager.

  • Are Visa fees included in the price?

    No, visa fees are not included

Reviews from travellers on this tour

Jean Walsh  

Great

This trip was much anticipated and lived up to all

This trip was much anticipated and lived up to all of our expectations. We had a wonderful experience. If we had questions, Andres was immediately responsive. It was such a nice feeling to know we could reach him.

Brian  

Excellent company, would use again and again

We were delayed a couple of times in getting to Co

We were delayed a couple of times in getting to Costa Rica and our tour operator, Roy, was extremely accommodating of the changes. The trip was partially guided, so though lodging and transportation were covered there were a few days where I could have used help coordinating afternoon activities. ...more ...less

1 Select your preferred date

Sunday - Sunday

Mar 16, 2025 - Mar 23, 2025
$2400 $2160 (USD)

Operator discount: -$240 (USD)

Monday - Monday

Mar 17, 2025 - Mar 24, 2025
$2400 $2160 (USD)

Operator discount: -$240 (USD)

Tuesday - Tuesday

Mar 18, 2025 - Mar 25, 2025
$2400 $2160 (USD)

Operator discount: -$240 (USD)

Wednesday - Wednesday

Mar 19, 2025 - Mar 26, 2025
$2400 $2160 (USD)

Operator discount: -$240 (USD)

Thursday - Thursday

Mar 20, 2025 - Mar 27, 2025
$2400 $2160 (USD)

Operator discount: -$240 (USD)

Friday - Friday

Mar 21, 2025 - Mar 28, 2025
$2400 $2160 (USD)

Operator discount: -$240 (USD)

Saturday - Saturday

Mar 22, 2025 - Mar 29, 2025
$2400 $2160 (USD)

Operator discount: -$240 (USD)

Sunday - Sunday

Mar 23, 2025 - Mar 30, 2025
$2400 $2160 (USD)

Operator discount: -$240 (USD)

Monday - Monday

Mar 24, 2025 - Mar 31, 2025
$2400 $2160 (USD)

Operator discount: -$240 (USD)

Tuesday - Tuesday

Mar 25, 2025 - Apr 01, 2025
$2400 $2160 (USD)

Operator discount: -$240 (USD)

Wednesday - Wednesday

Mar 26, 2025 - Apr 02, 2025
$2400 $2160 (USD)

Operator discount: -$240 (USD)

Thursday - Thursday

Mar 27, 2025 - Apr 03, 2025
$2400 $2160 (USD)

Operator discount: -$240 (USD)

Friday - Friday

Mar 28, 2025 - Apr 04, 2025
$2400 $2160 (USD)

Operator discount: -$240 (USD)

Saturday - Saturday

Mar 29, 2025 - Apr 05, 2025
$2400 $2160 (USD)

Operator discount: -$240 (USD)

Sunday - Sunday

Mar 30, 2025 - Apr 06, 2025
$2400 $2160 (USD)

Operator discount: -$240 (USD)

Monday - Monday

Mar 31, 2025 - Apr 07, 2025
$2400 $2160 (USD)

Operator discount: -$240 (USD)

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Destination Services Costa Rica requires a minimum deposit of 20% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of destination services costa rica charges.

    At 21 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 15 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

Exotic Costa Rica

8 Days Starting in Liberia and ending in Liberia

Visiting: Liberia, Costa Rica

Tour code:

32966

Guide Type:

Partially Guided

Group size:

15 - 30

Physical rating:

VERY_EASY

Age range:

10-99

Tour operated in:

English , Spanish

Trip Styles:

Active

Activities:

Hiking, Trekking

From: $2400 $2160 (USD) Operator discount: -$240

NB: Prices correct on 15-Feb-2025 but subject to change.

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