Classic Costa Rica Adventure

  • 6 Days
  • Avg Group Size: 12
  • Activity Level 2
    • Activity Level 2

      Hikes on our Level 2 adventures are considered easy to moderate in difficulty.

    Read more about the Active Range

  • Trip Start: San José
  • Trip End: San José
Classic Costa Rica intro block

Six days of pura vida! Enjoy hiking, horseback riding, zip lining thorugh jungle, and relaxing at the beautiful beaches

You won't believe how much you can see and experience in 6 days until you come on the Classic Costa Rica Adventure! Vibrant wildlife, lush rainforests, white-sanded beaches, and a warm, welcoming culture. You will love hiking, zip lining, rafting, canyoneering, horseback riding, snorkeling, and more as you're immersed in this unique destination. Create lifelong memories when you experience la pura vida!

Download Our Handy Trip Itinerary

Our Trip Itinerary contains all the exciting details you can expect to do on our trips. Get a clear picture of the adventures on this trip.

DOWNLOAD ITINERARY PDF

Classic Costa Rica Adventure ~ Itinerary

Trip Start: San José Trip End: San José

Download our Handy Trip itinerary

Our Trip Itinerary contains all the exciting details you can expect to do on our trips. Get a clear picture of the adventures on this trip

  • Day 1Arrive, Hike through La Paz Waterfall Gardens, Organic Farm Tour

  • Day 2Whitewater Rafting, Hike to La Fortuna Waterfall

  • Day 3Horseback Riding, Zip Lining tour

  • Day 4Danaus Nature Reserve & Playa Hermosa

  • Day 5Hike the El Encanto, Zip Lining & Outrigger Canoe Adventures

  • Day 6Depart for home

  • Day 1

    Arrive, Hike through La Paz Waterfall Gardens, Organic Farm Tour

    #83784

    Welcome to Costa Rica! We'll meet with your guide this morning for a trip orientation over breakfast. Our first stop on our adventure is a hike through a lush tropical rainforest ending with lunch at La Paz Waterfall Gardens.

    Afterwards, we will make our way to Arenal Vida Campesina Organic Farm to learn about traditional Costa Rican farming and the growing of coffee, followed by an authentic locally sourced dinner. 
    Accommodation: Arenal Observatory Lodge
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

     

  • Day 2

    Whitewater Rafting, Hike to La Fortuna Waterfall

    #83785

    After breakfast, we'll meet with our river guide before a short drive to to the Balsa River, where our whitewater rafting experience awaits us! This adventure is perfect for all ages and provides two experiences of exhilarating white water action on this beautiful tropical river.

    After getting off the river, we'll enjoy lunch before our afternoon hike to the Fortuna River waterfall. Part of the Arenal Volcano National Park, the waterfall tumbles amidst a biological reserve of 210 acres of transition premontane tropical wet forest.  The waterfall itself was formed by the old lava flow of the Cerro Chato volcano. We'll hike along the path to the 70-meter-high waterfall, and have the opportunity to take a refreshing swim in the clear waters of the Fortuna River, in one of the two natural pools.

    We'll return to the lodge to enjoywith plenty of time to enjoy the hot springs before dinner together.  
    Accommodation: Arenal Observatory Lodge
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    Hiking: 0.6 miles (1 kilometer), 1 hour
    Elevation Gain/Loss: 216 feet (65 meters) ascent, 216 feet (65 meters) descent

  • Day 3

    Horseback Riding, Zip Lining tour

    #83786

    Start the day early with an optional bird walk through the surrounding forest, where you could spot tanagers, parrots, toucans, honeycreepers, and Oropendolas. After breakfast back at the hotel, we'll take a short drive to the Arenal Conservation Area where we'll mount our horses, and ride off into the picturesque hills of Arenal Volcano, through cattle fields, and beautiful primary forest along the way. We'll visit the lagoon crater, and take in impressive views of the Arenal Volcano, dense forests, and the vast Arenal Lake. Afterward, we'll enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

    Our next activity, is zip lining through the Arenal Conservation Area, which will take us high into the trees, flying above canyons, mountains, farmlands, and lush rainforests. We'll glide down ten separate cables, stopping for the popular Tarzan Swing along the way!

    After a full day of adventuring, we'll return to the lodge to relax at the hot springs before dinner. 
    Accommodation: Arenal Observatory Lodge
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  • Day 4

    Danaus Nature Reserve & Playa Hermosa

    #83787

    This morning we'll explore the Danaus Nature Reserve enjoying the diverse local fauna on a guided nature hike. The reserve is home to an impressive variety of mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and colorful birds. Savor the sweet smell of orchids and ferns, keeping an eye out for resident sloths, iguanas, basilisks, bats, frogs, and butterflies.

    In the afternoon we'll make our way to Hermosa Beach on the Pacific Coast, stopping for lunch on the way. We'll then check into our accommodation for the next two nights, Fuego del Sol Beachfront Hotel, surrounded by tropical forests and endless waves. You're on your own for dinner this evening-  ask your guide for their favorite restaurant recommendations!
    Accommodation: Fuego del Sol, Playa Hermosa
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

    Hiking: 0.6 miles (1 kilometer), 2 hours

  • Day 5

    Hike the El Encanto, Zip Lining & Outrigger Canoe Adventures

    #83788

    This morning we'll head out to a private reserve for a hike along the river, encountering waterfalls, as well as plenty of swimming opportunities, along the way. The trail is inhabited by wildlife, and leads us to the top of the El Encanto Waterfall, falling 180 feet (55 meters) down to the rainforest canyon below.

    Our adventure continues on a zip line tour, soaring over rainforest canopies, rivers, and the beautiful valley below. With over 1.2 miles (2,000 meters) and eight platforms, we'll encounter breathtaking mountain and ocean views.

    After a hearty lunch, we're back to the coast for an afternoon on an Outrigger Canoe at Playa Agujas. The canoes are more efficient than kayaks, and we'll glide past spectacular cliffs filled with frigate birds and pelicans. We can then snorkel from the beach, or perhaps do some monkey and bird watching while relaxing on the beach.

    After a full day of adventure, we'll get back to the hotel in time for a sunset dinner. 
    Accommodation: Fuego del Sol
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    Hiking: 2 hours

  • Day 6

    Depart for home

    #83789

    After breakfast at the hotel, it is a two-hour trip to the San Jose airport to make your post-trip connections home or continue your Costa Rica adventure. 
    Accommodation: Not applicable
    Meals: Breakfast

Classic Costa Rica Adventure Departure Dates

Active Adventures

This trip is operated by our sister brand Active Adventures

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Included

  • 5 nights’ accommodation
  • 6 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 4 dinners
  • Our own highly experienced trip leader, with you from start to finish
  • Industry leading Guest-to-Guide ratio (averaging 6:1)
  • Your own ‘Account’, an online space with everything required for your adventure
  • Our knowledgeable Customer Service Team to answer your queries - just a phone call, email or chat away
  • Customer Service pre-trip phone calls to ensure you’re 'trip ready'
  • Unlimited snacks to keep you fuelled
  • All activities outlined in the itinerary
  • All necessary equipment (well-maintained and safe) for activities
  • Transportation in our air-conditioned vans - safe, clean, modern and comfortable!

What Our Guests Say

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Book Now With Our Price Promise

Our Price Promise is designed to give you complete confidence when booking your unforgettable adventure. Here's how it works...

  • Book your next adventure now (no need to wait for any Black Friday sales and risk missing out on your preferred departure date!)
  • If the price of your trip drops within 60 days of booking, we promise to honor the lower price and apply it to your trip

With our Price Promise you don't have to wait for future sales to get the best price.

So go for it - secure your preferred trip and departure date by booking your dream adventure now!

*Terms and conditions apply - see below

 

*Price Promise is available for bookings made on or after October 16, 2024. If the advertised price of your booked future trip decreases within 60 days of your original booking date, you can contact us to request the lower price be applied to your existing booking. You must contact us no later than 60 days from your original booking date and provide details of the available price/discount you wish to avail. The price of your trip can be changed only once and only if you contact us during the time at which the lower price is advertised/available. Price Promise cannot be combined with any other offers, promotions, or discounts. The company reserves the right to amend these terms and conditions at any time in its sole discretion. Other restrictions may apply.  

 

Useful Info

Where does the trip start

On the first day of the trip we’ll meet you at Hotel Parque Del Lago at 8am. You are welcome to book your pre-trip stay at this hotel directly or any other hotel in San Jose, though you must make your own way to Hotel Parque Del Lago at the pre-designated time.

Where does the trip end?

Your trip ends with a drop-off at either the San Jose Mineta International Airport in time for flights below or anywhere in Central San Jose around 2:30pm.

What flights would you recommend?

Arrival: We recommend arriving in San Jose at least the day before your trip starts. Many guests like to arrive a day or two early to accommodate potential flight delays and/or explore the city prior to your trip start.

Departure: Flying out on the last day of the trip, we recommend departing from San Jose after 4pm. Earlier flight times will require a separate transfer booked at your own expense.

How much luggage can I bring on this trip?

You are allowed one piece of luggage on your trip, plus a daypack. Your main piece of luggage should not exceed 50 pounds (23 kilograms) and can be anything from a duffle bag to a sports bag with wheels or a suitcase. You'll also want a good quality backpack sized 25-30 liters (2000 cubic inches) to use throughout the days.

What are the accommodations we stay at on this trip?

We have selected the accommodation on your trip for the stunning settings, unique character and adventuresome feel – it’s not designed as a tour of the fanciest hotels in Costa Rica. We prefer to stay in unique and comfortable hotels, with history and balance between infrastructure and nature.

Sitting pretty at the base of Arenal Volcano, Volcano Lodge boosts swimming pools, hot springs and panoramic views. An amazing place to stay near to the most active and spectacular volcano of Costa Rica.

Then relax and unwind at Fuego del Sol Hotel, offering tranquil views of Playa Hermosa, waking up every morning to the sound of the waves, with the warmth and colors of the sun at dawn.

While there are laundry facilities at all locations, they may not be convenient or there may only be one machine to service your entire group. We recommend bringing enough clothing to only have to do laundry a one time during your trip. The best time will be during your stay in Fuego del sol.

How fit do I need to be for this trip?

You’ll need a reasonable level of fitness. While you don’t have to be extremely fit, you should be in the habit of doing regular aerobic exercise. With a little preparation before your trip begins, you’ll enjoy the active and outdoor nature of your trip all the more.

Please head to our Fitness Guide for great tips on how to prepare along with a workout plan!

Is tipping expected in Costa Rica?

Most people do choose to tip their Active Adventures guides and we recommend USD$20 per day, per guest, per guide. You are welcome to tip an equivalent amount in the local currency. There are plenty of ATM’s and banks in the larger towns of Costa Rica. During your Active Adventures trip, your guides will take care of all included restaurants and service tips for you. For other restaurants or services during your time in Costa Rica, 5-10% is a typical gratuity amount.

How do rooming arrangements work?

Trip prices are based on shared arrangements (typically two guests per room), unless otherwise stated. For solo travelers, we’ll pair you with another person of the same gender to share rooms and if there’s no one suitable to share with, there’s no forced single supplement. However, if you specifically request your own rooms, you can opt to pay the single supplement. Solo travelers who book within 120 days of departure, where there are no other solo travelers willing to share, will be required to pay the single supplement.

For Family Vacation bookings, families consisting of four guests traveling with children aged 17 and under will be automatically assigned one shared room. However, the following alternative rooming allocations are available:

  • Families consisting of four guests with all children aged 13 and above are welcome to opt for additional rooms as per advertised double occupancy adult rates.
  • Families consisting of four guests with at least one child aged 12 and under are automatically assigned a shared room. However, families can opt to pay the adult rates for all guests in their family to have an additional room.
  • The same principles apply for families consisting of more than four guests.

Rooming preferences are subject to availability and must be communicated in writing at time of booking. Automatic assignments as per this policy will be applied in the absence of any specification provided by guests. Any request for additional rooms during trips will be at guests’ own expense and subject to rates made available by the accommodation provider at the time. All minors (guests aged 17 and under) must be accompanied by at least one adult.

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