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Tropical Tranquility: Costa Rica's Coast
Destination: San Jose, Costa Rica
| Activities: Hiking, Snorkeling, Swimming
Embark on an exciting 8-day adventure along the coast of Costa Rica, starting with a guided tour of Carara National Park, famous for its birdlife, including the Scarlet Macaw. Afterward, enjoy a relaxing catamaran cruise and snorkeling, followed by time to explore the beaches of Marino Ballena National Park. Experience the incredible biodiversity of Corcovado National Park with scenic hikes, and cool off at Nauyaca Waterfall, where you can swim in its refreshing natural pools. Your journey culminates with a visit to Manuel Antonio National Park, offering breathtaking views, vibrant rainforests, and abundant wildlife. This trip combines nature, adventure, and relaxation in one of the most biodiverse places on Earth. Maximum group size: 14
Highlights
- Explore Carara National Park, a worldwide known birding destination
- Snorkel and cruise off of Playa Biezans
- Hike at Marino Ballena National Park
- Look for wildlife at Corcovado National Park
- Swim at Nauyaca Waterfall
- Experience the tranquility of Manuel Antonio National Park
Departures and Prices
| February 21 to February 28, 2026 |
| $4495.00 - Available |
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| Make It Your Adventure |
| Turn any trip into a private experience for your group, or let us design a custom itinerary just for you! Whether it’s friends, family, or colleagues, we’ll make your journey unforgettable. |
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Inclusions
- A naturalist Costa Rican guide and an AGC guide (If trip is not full, there may not be an AGC guide)
- Seven nights double occupancy lodging
- All activities specified on the itinerary
- Private transportation within Costa Rica
- All meals from dinner the first night through breakfast the last day
- Airport transfer to and from San Jose (on day of arrival and departure at scheduled times)
- Gratuities for drivers and incidental guides
Not included: Airfare to and from San Jose, guide gratuities, Costa Rica departure taxes ($29 - usually included in your airfare), alcoholic beverages, travel insurance
Trip Documents
Trip Info
This trip is rated 1 and is designed for active women who want to immerse themselves in the natural history of this fascinating country. While the trip is active, none of the activities are strenuous and all are designed to give you different perspectives on the flora and fauna. Rating: [1] 2 3 4 5
This trip includes hiking, walking, swimming, and snorkeling. Led by a local naturalist guide, we will immerse ourselves in the natural history of this country that is amazingly diverse.
We are staying at a variety of accommodations, from a well-situated and modern hotel in downtown San Jose to smaller family owned lodges in other places. Every place we stay is clean and comfortable, with double-occupancy rooms and ensuite bathrooms. Four single rooms are available for an additional cost.
Below is the proposed itinerary for the trip. As is true on any adventure travel trip, plans for any specific day may be modified due to weather considerations, unforeseen circumstances, new opportunities, and group interests.
DAY 1
It's time to shake off those winter blues and revel in the wonders of the tropics. Plan to arrive in San José, Costa Rica and be through customs by 4 PM local time. Upon arrival you will be welcomed by our team of friendly leaders; our AGC guide and local partner. From the airport, we'll drive 30 minutes to our hotel in the bustling Capital. During our group orientation at 5:30 PM we'll learn more about this incredible country that hosts more than 5% of the world's biodiversity and then we'll learn about the delicious cuisine over a shared group dinner.
Included Meals: Dinner
Accommodations: Irazu Hotel & Studios or similar
Travel: Driving (30 minutes)
DAY 2
We will make our way from San José to Esterillos Beach, a stunning coastal area on Costa Rica's Pacific Coast, known for its beautiful beaches, lush landscapes, and tranquil atmosphere. Esterillos offers a mix of relaxation and adventure, with nearby attractions like the lively town of Jacó; and the renowned Manuel Antonio National Park. After a local lunch, we will explore Carara National Park, famous for its unique transition forest and rich birdlife, including the endangered Scarlet Macaw. Carara National Park is a worldwide known birding destination and a haven for nature lovers.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Costa Pacifica Hotel or similar
Daily Activities: Guided Tour at Carara National Park
Travel: Driving (2-2.5 hours)
DAY 3
We'll have the morning to soak up the sun on the stunning nearby beaches and explore the lively beach town of Jacó where you'll have the opportunity to do some shopping for souvenirs. In the afternoon, we'll embark on a Catamaran Cruise and snorkeling adventure at the secluded Playa Biezans, where you can see vibrant marine life, including humpback whales, dolphins, and stingrays. On board, you'll feast on a delicious local lunch, fresh fruits, and refreshing natural juices, just what you need to fuel up after all that snorkeling!
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Costa Pacifica Hotel or similar
Daily Activities: Catamaran Cruise and Snorkeling (4 hours)
Travel: Driving (2.5-3 hours roundtrip)
DAY 4
In the morning, we'll embark on a guided hiking tour of Marino Ballena National Park, a haven for whale and dolphin sightings. The park is famous for its unique "whale tail" sandbar and rocky formation, where humpback whales and various dolphin species come to breed and play. Afterward, we'll refuel with a delicious lunch at a local restaurant. The afternoon is yours to relax and explore the laid-back town of Uvita and enjoy Playa Uvita. The beach here is less crowded and surrounded by lush rainforest which creates a serene and picturesque place to unwind after our morning hike.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Cristal Ballena Boutique Hotel & Spa
Daily Activities: Tour of Marino Ballena National Park (2-3 hours)
Travel: Driving (40 minutes)
DAY 5
Get ready for an epic adventure with the Corcovado National Park Day Tour, where you'll explore one of the most biodiverse places on Earth! Start your journey at the San Pedrillo Ranger Station and dive into two thrilling guided hikes through lush, wild trails. On the first 3-hour hike, you'll be on the lookout for monkeys, sloths, coatis, and tapirs, while marveling at towering trees and rare plants. The second shorter trail will give you the chance to see even more wildlife, including birds, crocodiles, and a stunning waterfall. To top it off, the boat ride to the park offers incredible views of the Osa Peninsula, and if you're lucky, you might spot dolphins, turtles, or even whales! It's a day packed with nature's wonders and unforgettable moments.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Cristal Ballena Boutique Hotel & Spa
Daily Activities: Hiking (4.5 hours)
Travel: Driving (5 hours roundtrip) Boating (1 hour roundtrip)
DAY 6
Nauyaca Waterfall is truly a sight to behold. To get to this iconic waterfall, we’ll take a scenic hike through the jungle taking in the diversity of plants, flowers, and wildlife along the way. The falls are divided into two levels, with water cascading down from a height of about 150 feet at the top and then dropping another 65 feet to form a deep, natural pool at the base. The force of the water creates a misty spray that creates a cool and refreshing atmosphere, making it an ideal place for a swim. Surrounded by lush rainforest and mountains, the backdrop is just as impressive as the waterfall itself, offering plenty of photo opportunities.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Cristal Ballena Boutique Hotel & Spa or similar
Daily Activities: Hiking (3-4 hours, ~7 miles roundtrip)
Travel: Driving (1.5 hours roundtrip)
DAY 7
Start your day with a guided tour of Manuel Antonio National Park, where lush walking trails lead you through vibrant rainforests and past serene, paradisiacal beaches. This natural haven is a unique blend of tropical forest, mangroves, and marine environments, home to endangered species and abundant wildlife. As you explore, you'll be treated to breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, with opportunities to spot monkeys, sloths, and exotic birds. After lunch, we will head back to Costa Rica's capital where we will enjoy a final dinner together.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Irazu Hotel & Studios or similar
Daily Activities: Hiking (~3-4 hours)
Travel: Driving (4 hours)
DAY 8
Adios! Today we bid farewell to the tropics and head home. We will be transferred as a group to the international airport at 9 AM and you can plan to leave any time after 12 PM.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Travel: Driving (30 minutes)
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- Where do we eat?
Your breakfasts will be buffets at the hotels where you're staying. Dinner is in restaurants with typically a choice of vegetarian or non-vegetarian entree. Lunches may either be picnics or in restaurants. -
What dietary preferences or restrictions can you accommodate on this trip?
If we know well in advance, we can accommodate vegetarian, lactose-free, and gluten-sensitive diets. We cannot guarantee a completely gluten-free diet and we cannot provide a kitchen guaranteed to be free of cross-contamination. If you are vegan, we ask that you bring some additional protein bars; and if you are gluten-sensitive, please bring some gluten-free snacks. If you have severe allergies, Celiac disease and/or other significant dietary restrictions, please call the office before you register. -
I will be coming by myself. Do I need to pay a single supplement?
You only need to pay a single supplement if you want to guarantee you have your own room. Otherwise we'll pair you up with someone and then switch roommates every time we switch lodging.
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