Highlights of Costa Rica + Beach Extension

10 days
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Small Group Tour
From San Jose to Manuel Antonio, get closer to the landscapes and wildlife of Costa Rica on our highlights tour. Witness the country's unreal scenery, where volcanoes loom over wild rivers and stretches of beach curb luscious, green forests, with wildlife to spot at every turn. Our extended highlights trip provides the perfect introduction to the country's va...
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$2,399
From$2,030
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Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate

Highlights

    • Explore Costa Rica's diverse nature and wildlife, plus enjoy the beaches of Manuel Antonio
    • Explore unspoilt tropical rainforest and look down into volcanic craters
    • Search for birdlife in the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve

What's this trip about?

    From San Jose to Manuel Antonio, get closer to the landscapes and wildlife of Costa Rica on our highlights tour. Witness the country's unreal scenery, where volcanoes loom over wild rivers and stretches of beach curb luscious, green forests, with wildlife to spot at every turn. Our extended highlights trip provides the perfect introduction to the country's varied ecosystems, capped off with free time to enjoy the tranquil beaches in Manuel Antonio. Discover Monteverde - Delve into the forest trails of this cloud forest reserve, a biodiverse paradise for nature enthusiasts. Wildlife river cruise - Float down the Penas Blancas river, spotting rare species along the banks and in the tree canopies. Explore Manuel Antonio - Share the stunning white-sand beaches of this national park with sun-bathing iguanas and capuchin monkeys.

Details

Itinerary focusOff the Beaten Path
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 20 people
Age range16 to 85 years
Flights and transport
Start CitySan Jose
End CitySan Jose

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • Hiking & Walking

Destinations

Attractions

  • La Fortuna
  • Manuel Antonio National Park
  • Monteverde
  • Pacific Coast

Activities

  • Hiking

Min Group Size

  • Min Group Size: 20

Max Group Size

  • Max Group Size: 20

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1 Join trip in San Jose

Our tour starts today in San Jose, Costa Rica's cosmopolitan capital. Lying in a fertile valley, at an altitude of 1,150 metres, coffee and sugar are big industries here - coffee is even planted between buildings and along the roadsides on the outskirts of the city. ...

Day 2 Visit the active Poas Volcano, drive to Arenal

This morning, we'll head to Poas Volcano National Park (a one-hour drive away), where you can spot the smoke from one of Costa Rica's most active volcanos rising majestically from the tropical rainforest. At almost a mile in diameter and 314 metres deep, the main crat...

Day 3 Wildlife float trip on the Penas Blancas river, free afternoon with optional activities including a waterfall hike

The Arenal area is well known for its diverse wildlife, and this morning we'll set out on a tranquil rafting safari to spot some of the most sought-after species. There is no white water here, we'll simply be floating down with a local guide, who will scour the water ...

Day 4 Drive to Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, night walk through the forest

Today we'll travel around Arenal Lake up into the cloud forest region of Monteverde - one of the most well-known places in Costa Rica to see wildlife. Perched on the Continental Divide between the Pacific and the Caribbean, it's thought that there has been indigen...

Day 5 Drive to Manuel Antonio National Park

We'll leave Monteverde by mid morning. If you'd like to pack in more nature before we leave, there's the optional activity to revisit the cloud forest reserve in the early morning. The paths here wind their way through gigantic ferns, underneath the lichen and moss th...

Day 6 Explore Manuel Antonio's wildlife and beaches

Manuel Antonio National Park is famous for its beautiful beaches and rich wildlife. We'll spend the morning exploring the park, where white-faced capuchin monkeys swing from the trees, and poison-dart frogs hide under the protection of lush tropical plantlife. Coatimu...

Day 7 Free day in Manuel Antonio National Park

This morning, we'll say goodbye to the tour leader and the rest of the group, who will be travelling back to San Jose for their flight home today. Those of you who have chosen to extend your stay with some time at the beach will remain at your hotel. Please note, w...

Day 8 Free day, optional activities

You'll have another free day in Manuel Antonio today. You might choose to revisit the park, or spend the day on the beaches around the town of Manuel Antonio. If you want to get out on the water, you could try one of the white-water rafting or boat trip excursions.

Meals Provided : Breakfast

Day 9 Free morning, travel back to San Jose

This morning, you have more free time in Manuel Antonio. In the early afternoon, we'll leave the Pacific Coast, driving back inland to San Jose - around a four to five hour drive.

Meals Provided : Breakfast

Day 10 Trip ends in San Jose

The trip ends this morning at our hotel in San Jose. There are no activities planned today, so you're free to depart at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day, luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you'd like an airport transfer ...

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Dates & Availability

Price From $2,030
Price per day$203
Last Updated: 3/15/2025
Departure Date
Finish Date
Base Price
Single Room (Optional)
Availability
12 Apr 2025
21 Apr 2025
$2,440
$3,330
03 May 2025
12 May 2025
$2,030
$2,950
24 May 2025
02 Jun 2025
$2,030
$2,950
31 May 2025
09 Jun 2025
$2,640
$3,540
26 Jul 2025
04 Aug 2025
$2,230
$3,150
16 Aug 2025
25 Aug 2025
$2,170
$3,090
04 Oct 2025
13 Oct 2025
$2,440
$3,330
18 Oct 2025
27 Oct 2025
$2,170
$3,090
01 Nov 2025
10 Nov 2025
$2,170
$3,090
12 Nov 2025
21 Nov 2025
$2,440
$3,330

Check current availability, prices, specials & more.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Explore! Reviews & Ratings

4.6/5  Excellent
Excellent
10,321
Great
3,322
Average
522
Disappointing
158
Terrible
79
K

Kate

Feb 2025

Written on

Highlights of Costa Rica + Beach Extension

Terrific trip for a quick look at the wildlife of CR. The itinerary was not physically challenging and there was plenty of choice for optional activities. The tour l...

T

Trusted Customer

Feb 2025

Written on

Highlights of Costa Rica + Beach Extension

The trip really packed in some iconic elements of Costa Rica, and lived up to its name in terms of seeing the highlights. It was great to experience the contrast of ...

T

Trusted Customer

Jan 2025

Written on

Highlights of Costa Rica + Beach Extension

A good experience meeting new people & enjoying their company travelling from place to place. However, the travelling by minibus was rather lengthy to each desti...

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Very well organised trip, to a beautiful part of the world. Suitable for those who love natural beauty, remoteness, lots of trekking and a cool climate. we were luck...

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Logistics

Accommodation

Transportation & Flights

Bus,

Transportation & flights

Bus
Guides
Explore Tour Leader
Cancellation policy
These conditions are applicable to Discovery & Wildlife, Cycling, Walking and Family Trips. These conditions were updated November 2022. Booked a Polar trip? Please refer to our Polar booking conditions. To make it easy to know the detail of our flexibility, we’ve put it in a grid (these terms apply to all trips apart from our Polar Voyages.) Standard cancellations or changes within 69 days of travel If you’re getting closer to your trip, cancellation charges will apply as follows: For trips confirmed by 31st December 2022: 59-42 days before trip start date – 30%, or loss of deposit if higher 41-28 days before trip start date – 60% 27-14 days before trip start date – 90% Less than 14 days before trip start date – 100% For trips confirmed from 1st January 2023: 69 -42 days before trip start date – 30%, or loss of deposit if higher 41-28 days before trip start date – 60% 27-14 days before trip start date – 90% Less than 14 days before trip start date – 100%
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
\red5\green99\blue193; Costa Rica: Citizens from the UK, US, Canada and most EU countries do not require a visa for a stay up to 90 days. Citizen of Australia, New Zealand and the Republic of Ireland do not require a visa for stays up to 30 days. All other nationalities must enquire at their own embassies. USA: If your flights pass through the USA, even if only in transit, you will require either a visa or an ESTA (an e-visa). Please read on for more information. Citizens of the UK, New Zealand, Australia, Canada and passport holders from several EU countries can apply for an ESTA under certain conditions. This applies if you enter the country by sea or by air, and this must be done online via \ul \ulnone , no later than 72 hours prior to travel. Travellers who have not registered before their trip are likely be refused boarding. You must have a biometric passport to apply for an ESTA. UK passports which are biometric feature a small gold symbol (camera) at the bottom of the front cover. If you have visited Iran, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen since 2011 or are dual nationals of these countries, you cannot travel with an ESTA and instead you will need to apply for a visa from the nearest US Embassy or Consulate. If you are unable to provide a valid visa before boarding flights to the US, or entering via another method, you may not be permitted to travel. You should also be aware that if you have travelled to or have been in Cuba since the 12th of January 2021, you will not be eligible for an ESTA visa waiver and will need to apply for a US visa. You should consult the US State Department website to determine which you will need. Your ESTA application will ask for Point of Contact information. Please note that if you're only transiting through the USA then this is not required. If you're visiting or staying in the USA on an Explore trip, then our USA contact information will be listed on your final documentation which you will receive approximately 3-4 weeks before departure. Entry requirements for the USA can change regularly, therefore, please ensure you have the most up to date information before you travel by checking the US embassy website. Visa applications - \ul \ulnone Canada: An electronic travel authorisation (ETA) is required by British citizens transiting via Canada. For more information see the official Canadian government website: \ul \ulnone Other nationalities should consult their local embassy or consular office
Health & Safety
Nothing compulsory, but we recommend protection against typhoid, infectious hepatitis and polio. Please consult your travel clinic for the latest advice on Malaria, Dengue and Zika Virus. Please take preventative measures to avoid mosquito bites - these include mosquito repellent as well as long trousers and long sleeve shirts to cover up when necessary. Please note many countries in Central America, South America and the Caribbean require a yellow fever vaccination certificates if travelling from infected areas. A detailed list of these countries can be found on the NaTHNaC website - http://travelhealthpro.org.uk/countries. Also on the NaTHNaC site there is a list of Countries (and specific areas within a country) which are at risk of infection and a vaccination is therefore recommended. Please check the latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure. The above is not an exhaustive list. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at <a href="https://www.explore.co.uk/essential-information/know-before-you-go/travel-health">Explore Travel Health</a> and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed by you before travelling.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast : 9
Age Requirements
16 to 85 years
Additional Information
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Trip ID
explore-BCCB

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