Itinerary
DAY 1: WELCOME TO COSTA RICA!
You will depart the UK for the trip of a lifetime! If you have booked flights with us (option available for Bucket Lister + trips only), we’ll provide all the information you’ll need to meet your guide. If you are arranging your own flights, have a safe journey!
On arrival in San José you’ll make your way to the accommodation. If you have booked transfers through us, we’ll send you the details before your trip.
DAY 2: TURRIALBA
We travel to Turrialba today, on the way stopping at the Irazu Volcano, the highest in Costa Rica. On clear days you can see both the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans from its summit.
We continue to Turrialba and after lunch leave for the Balaica biological corridor. This passage between the Tapanti and Barbilla National Parks is protected by inhabitants of the different communities here. After an explanation from your local guide about the history and objectives of the project, we will set off on foot through the Costa Rican countryside. Whilst enjoying the views of the Turrialba and Irazu volcanos, we will meet local farmers who work the sugar cane fields, and observe toucans flying above us or sloths hanging from the trees.
DAY 3: PUERTO VIEJO
After breakfast we leave for the South Caribbean. We will join our accommodation on the Caribbean coast (either in Cahuita or Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, depending on the departures), with its villages wedged between sea and mountains.
The villages here owe their charm to their colourful wooden houses, some of which are perched on stilts.
DAY 4: CAHUITA NATIONAL PARK
Cahuita National Park has the largest coral reef system in Costa Rica, including 6 species of coral, a wide range of colourful tropical fish, and the occasional encounter with a harmless reef shark or ray. This beach is horseshoe-shaped, with the park entrance at one end and beautiful Punta Cahuita at the other end. We start with a scenic 20-minute boat ride to have two snorkelling sessions. We then stop off at La Punta to enjoy a delicious fruit break and snacks on the beach, followed by a 1-hour guided hike in this wonderful coastal forest; monkeys, sloths, birds, poison dart frogs, iguanas and other interesting encounters are common.
DAY 5: LA FORTUNA
Today we leave the hotel early for one of the most exciting activities of the trip: Rafting!
Pacuare is world famous for its great beauty. A true river gorge, it is flanked by steep green walls. Here you’ll enjoy the feeling of total isolation from urban life and the reality of being connected to nature. You see waterfalls cascading into the river from both sides as colourful tropical birds fly overhead. Breathtaking views of this pristine rainforest area appear as you descend through this true land of exploration. Wildlife is abundant, with sloths, toucans, parrots, coatis, morpho butterflies and colourful frogs being common sights.
We then continue to La Fortuna and the majestic Arenal volcano. Once we’ve checked into our hotel, we have the option to relax in a spa, where the hot waters come directly from the hot springs of the Arenal Volcano (to be paid locally).
DAY 6: SKY ADVENTURES PARK
Today we visit Sky Adventures Park and ‘Sky Trek’; a thrilling zip line circuit located in the magical forests of La Fortuna. Your tour will begin in an open-air gondola to the highest point of the mountain where you’ll be dropped off at an observation area to admire fantastic views of the surrounding forests and the Arenal Volcano. From here, you’ll start riding down a unique zipline circuit that stretches across canyons, between mountains, and in between treetops. In total you’ll ride 7 cables, up to 750m (2460ft) in length and at speeds of up to 70km/h (43.5mph), and you’ll have unique views of the surrounding mountains.
DAY 7: RIO CELESTE
Today is all about soaking up the natural beauty of Costa Rica. You’ll visit Tenorio Volcano National Park, home to the breathtaking Rio Celeste Waterfall. Along the way, you’ll witness the magical spot where the striking blue waters of the Rio Celeste meet the darker waters of the Rio Buenavista, a natural phenomenon that creates its famous, otherworldly colour.
In the afternoon, the adventure continues with a fun and refreshing tubing experience, where you’ll float downstream through the lush rainforest, taking in the scenery from a whole new perspective.
DAY 8: BARRA HONDA
We continue towards the Pacific coast, passing first through the rural town of Barra Honda where the National Park of the same name is located – the only one in Costa Rica with a complex of underground caverns. Only 19 of the 42 caverns in the network have currently been explored, and these present an array of calcareous formations – soda straws, cave grapes and pearls, alongside the more famous stalactites and stalagmites
Very few of these caverns are open to the public, and those that are open require a guide; however, conditions are suitable for inexperienced visitors and are thus ideal for adventure tourism.
Note: To enter the cavern, you must descend a 17-metre ladder. Exit is via the same route.
DAY 9: SAMARA BEACH
After breakfast you’ll continue to your final destination in the Guanacaste area, Samara Beach, which is renowned for its crystal-clear waters and conservation of one of the area’s most beautiful and diverse marine ecosystems. On the way, you’ll visit Matambu, the only indigenous territory of the Chorotegan people.
After lunch get to know a local artisan at his pottery workshop, and learn about the ancient art of pottery and how its traditions are passed down from generation to generation.
DAY 10: FREE DAY IN SAMARA
Today is a free day to enjoy the activities available in the Samara area such as surfing, hiking or adventure tours.
DAY 11: BACK TO SAN JOSÉ
After breakfast, we return to San José. The included city tour will allow you to see some of the most iconic buildings in the capital.
DAY 12: DEPARTURE DAY
This marks the end of our Costa Rican adventure.
Food & Accommodation
- Day 1 3* Hotel - Twin RoomBreakfast
Lunch Dinner - Day 2 Guest House - Twin RoomBreakfast Lunch Dinner
- Day 3 3* Beachfront Bungalow - Twin RoomBreakfast Lunch Dinner
- Day 4 3* Beachfront Bungalow - Twin RoomBreakfast Lunch Dinner
- Day 5 2* Hotel - Twin RoomBreakfast Lunch Dinner
- Day 6 2* Hotel - Twin RoomBreakfast Lunch Dinner
- Day 7 Guest House - Twin RoomBreakfast Lunch Dinner
- Day 8 3* Hotel - Twin RoomBreakfast Lunch Dinner
- Day 9 3* Hotel - Twin RoomBreakfast Lunch Dinner
- Day 10 3* Hotel - Twin RoomBreakfast Lunch Dinner
- Day 11 3* Hotel - Twin RoomBreakfast Lunch Dinner
- Day 12 FlightBreakfast Lunch Dinner
What’s the Food Like in Costa Rica?
Costa Rican cuisine is fresh, flavourful and rooted in simple, locally sourced ingredients. Expect plenty of rice and beans, grilled meats, fresh fish, tropical fruit and vibrant vegetables, often served with homemade sauces and salsas. Classic dishes like gallo pinto (rice and beans), casado plates with meat, salad and plantain, and hearty soups are staples throughout the country. Along the coasts, seafood takes centre stage, while inland you’ll enjoy comforting, wholesome meals that fuel active days of adventure. It’s honest, nourishing food that perfectly complements Costa Rica’s laid-back lifestyle and outdoor focus.
How Difficult Is It?
How Difficult Is the Best Of Costa Rica?
The Best of Costa Rica is designed to be a relaxing holiday with light activities, perfect for travellers who want to explore without intense physical demands. This trip mixes gentle rainforest walks, easy beach time, cultural exploration and short activity sessions rather than challenging hikes or strenuous adventures.
You’ll be on the move most days with sightseeing, nature experiences and guided tours, but the pace remains comfortable and achievable for most people with a reasonable level of fitness. Most activities, such as wildlife walks, easy hikes to waterfalls and cultural visits, are low effort and can be enjoyed at your own pace.
There is no technical trekking or high-altitude climbing, and most terrain is well-maintained. A basic level of mobility (being able to walk for 30–60 minutes at a time on uneven ground) is helpful for some nature trails and viewpoints, but overall, this trip is accessible for first-time travellers, anyone comfortable with day-to-day travel, and those who enjoy light activity with plenty of downtime.
What's Included?
What’s Included on the Best of Costa Rica
Your Best of Costa Rica adventure includes everything you need for a seamless, experience-packed journey through one of Central America’s most biodiverse countries. Here’s exactly what’s covered:
All accommodation throughout the trip, based on twin or double share
All transport within Costa Rica as outlined in the itinerary (this excludes international airport arrival & departure transfers – unless added to your booking, or if you have added Group Flights to a BL+ trips)
Experienced local guides throughout the trip, plus specialist guides where required
All included activities and experiences listed in the itinerary, including rainforest walks, wildlife encounters, waterfall visits, volcano areas, cultural experiences and cavern exploration
Selected meals as outlined in the itinerary
A fully planned itinerary, balancing nature, adventure, culture and relaxation
Support from The Bucket List Company team before and during your trip
- Access to the Vamoos app with full itinerary, packing lists and key trip info
- UK Bucket List Company Leader on all BL+ departures
What's Not Included?
What’s not Included on the Best of Costa Rica
International flights
Flights to and from Costa Rica are not included in the base trip cost. These can be added on Bucket Lister Plus trips if you’d like us to arrange everything.
Airport Arrival & Departure transfersThese are excluded from the base cost of your trip but can be added to your booking. If you are booking Group Flights with us on a BL+ trip, then these transfers are included automatically.
Travel insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory and must cover adventure travel activities. You’ll need to provide your policy details before departure.
Visa
Visa fees (if applicable) are not included.
Meals not listed
Any meals not specified in the itinerary.
UK Leader on BL Trips
BL trips will not have a UK Bucket List Company Leader present.
Personal expenses
Please budget for personal spending such as snacks, drinks, souvenirs, optional activities and any additional items you wish to purchase.
Tips
Tips are not included – trip-specific guidance will be provided.
Reviews
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a visa to enter Costa Rica?
Because entry requirements can and do change, and because we have clients of many nationalities, we always recommend checking this with your own government’s website. Be sure to allow enough time to apply for any visas or permits required; don’t leave your checks until the day before!
What else do I need to show at the border?
You must have proof of onward or return travel (a flight confirmation out of the country) and may be asked to show proof of “sufficient funds” (typically around $100 USD).
What is a reef-safe sunscreen?
There isn’t an agreed definition of ‘reef-safe’, but it generally means the product doesn’t contain Oxybenzone or Octinoxate.
Look instead for mineral-based sunscreens, with either non-nano Titanium Dioxide or non-nano Zinc Oxide.
What vaccinations do I need?
These change, so it is important that you check with either a travel health clinic or your doctor’s surgery. You should allow plenty of time for this process, as some vaccines need multiple doses. The TravelHealthPro website is another useful source of information – https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/countries
What currency should I take?
The official currency is the Colón (CRC), but US Dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas.
Tip: Use Colones for small local shops, buses, and “Sodas” (local eateries) to get a better exchange rate.
Cards: Visa and Mastercard are accepted almost everywhere; Monzo and Revolut work well, but always carry some cash for remote areas.
There are cash machines available throughout the journey, just let your guide know you need money and they will make sure you stop at one.
Is it expensive?
Costa Rica is one of the more expensive countries in Central America. Expect UK-like prices for meals in tourist hubs, though local “Sodas” offer great value ($7–$10 for a full meal).
Is it safe?
Costa Rica is generally very safe, but petty theft (bag snatching) is common on beaches and in parked cars.
Can I drink the tap water?
In most of the country, yes! The tap water is safe in major towns and popular tourist spots. In very remote areas or the deep jungle, stick to filtered or bottled water. We recommend a Water-to-Go bottle for this.
How do the monthly payments work?
If you choose to pay for your trip monthly your payment plan will start the month after your booking is made, and will end a minimum of 28 days prior to departure. After deposit, the outstanding balance will be divided by the number of months available and we’ll charge this amount each month to the card of your choice. If you have a preferred date of the month for payments to be taken just let us know. If at a later date you wish to add an extra experience to your trip we can modifiy your payment plan to accommodate this.
Can you cater for different diets?
When you book you will receive a link to your portal, where you can fill in your passenger information, including dietary and medical requirements. These will be shared with our guides and providers (including airlines if you have also booked flights). Please provide this information as quickly as possible, so we can make any necessary arrangements for you.
Whilst we do our utmost to ensure your needs are met, in some locations options for very specific diets may be extremely limited; we therefore suggest bringing some suitable snacks.
If you have a severe food allergy please ensure you carry your medication at all times, and that we are made aware. We will pass this information on, but a conversation with your in-country guide on arrival will help them give you the best possible guidance regarding suitability or otherwise of foods.
If you have specific concerns we always suggest contacting us to discuss before booking.
