Best of Costa Rica

DURATION

12 days

ACCOMMODATION

Hotels

Trip Difficulty
DIFFICULTY
rating green

When you book onto one of our trips you will receive a login to the Vamoos app. This will provide you with all the information you need including countdowns, weather, itineraries, documentation and advice for your trip. Click here for more info

LOCATION

Central America, Costa Rica

MEETING POINT

Juan Santamaría International Airport

GROUP SIZE

2-16

Feefo logo

When you book onto one of our trips you will receive a login to the Vamoos app. This will provide you with all the information you need including countdowns, weather, itineraries, documentation and advice for your trip. Click here for more info

FROM
£3375
£3037.50
LAST MINUTE TRIP DEAL!

Challenge rating

difficulty

Welcome to The Bucket List Company’s Best of Costa Rica Trip, an adventure-packed journey through one of the most biodiverse countries in the world. Costa Rica is a land of stunning natural beauty, vibrant culture, and incredible wildlife, and our carefully crafted itinerary is designed to help you explore all of this and more.

From the vibrant capital city of San José to the stunning beaches of Manuel Antonio, our Best of Costa Rica Trip is the perfect way to immerse yourself in the natural beauty and vibrant culture of this incredible country. You’ll have the opportunity to explore pristine rainforests, hike to active volcanoes, soak in natural hot springs, and relax on stunning beaches.

Along the way, you’ll also have the chance to discover the rich cultural heritage of Costa Rica, from the bustling markets of San José to the laid-back Caribbean vibe of Puerto Viejo. You’ll sample delicious local cuisine, explore charming villages, and immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of this incredible country.

At The Bucket List Company, we are committed to providing you with a truly unique and unforgettable travel experience. Our Best of Costa Rica Trip is the perfect way to explore this incredible country and create memories that will last a lifetime. Whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation, or a little bit of both, our trip has something for everyone. Join us on this adventure of a lifetime and make your travel dreams a reality.

costa rica map

What is 'Best of Costa Rica' like?

Best of Costa Rica Gallery

Whats Included In Our Best of Costa Rica

  •  whats_included_textAll Activities Mentioned In The Itinerary
  •  whats_included_textMax 16 Travellers Per Group
  •  whats_included_text3* Hotels & Guest Houses (Twin Share)
  •  whats_included_textPrivate Transport
  •  whats_included_text11 Breakfasts, 10 Lunches & 11 Dinners
  •  whats_included_textExpert Guides With You Throughout The Trip

Best of Costa Rica Itinerary

You will meet your Bucket List Leaders at the airport and fly out as a group for Bucket Lister + Trips. If you have booked a Bucket Lister Trip we will see you in Costa Rica soon!

If you have transfers with us we will take you to the hotel. For those making their own way, we will see you in San José.

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.

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.

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.

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 near the volcano we allow ourselves a moment of relaxation in a spa in an intimate atmosphere. The hot waters come directly from the hot springs of the Arenal Volcano.

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.

Today is as clear as the Costa Rican air, and with plenty of optional activities available, how about a guided tubing excursion at Rio Celeste? The light-blue waters of the river are generally off-limits to travellers; however, you’ll have the opportunity to float along the water in an inflatable doughnut and spend the day lazing along the river.

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.

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.

Free day to enjoy the activities available in the Samara area such as surfing, hiking or adventure tours.

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.

This marks the end of our Costa Rican adventure.

 

  • Day 1 3* Hotel – Twin Room
    breakfast Not included
    Breakfast
    Lunch Not included
    Lunch
    Dinner included
    Dinner
  • Day 2 Guest House – Twin Room
    Breakfast included
    Breakfast
    Lunch included
    Lunch
    Dinner included
    Dinner
  • Day 3 3* Beachfront Bungalow – Twin Room
    Breakfast included
    Breakfast
    Lunch included
    Lunch
    Dinner included
    Dinner
  • Day 4 3* Beachfront Bungalow – Twin Room
    Breakfast included
    Breakfast
    Lunch included
    Lunch
    Dinner included
    Dinner
  • Day 5 2* Hotel – Twin Room
    Breakfast included
    Breakfast
    Lunch included
    Lunch
    Dinner included
    Dinner
  • Day 6 2* Hotel – Twin Room
    Breakfast included
    Breakfast
    Lunch included
    Lunch
    Dinner included
    Dinner
  • Day 7 Guest House – Twin Room
    Breakfast included
    Breakfast
    Lunch included
    Lunch
    Dinner included
    Dinner
  • Day 8 3* Hotel – Twin Room
    Breakfast included
    Breakfast
    Lunch included
    Lunch
    Dinner included
    Dinner
  • Day 9 3* Hotel – Twin Room
    Breakfast included
    Breakfast
    Lunch included
    Lunch
    Dinner included
    Dinner
  • Day 10 3* Hotel – Twin Room
    Breakfast included
    Breakfast
    Lunch included
    Lunch
    Dinner included
    Dinner
  • Day 11 3* Hotel – Twin Room
    Breakfast included
    Breakfast
    Lunch included
    Lunch
    Dinner included
    Dinner
  • Day 12 Flight
    Breakfast included
    Breakfast
    Lunch Not included
    Lunch
    Dinner Not included
    Dinner

Best of Costa Rica Dates & Availability

Our Trailblazer trips

Trailblazer trips are our first run-throughs of our trips. Get the benefits of a Bucketlister+ Trip at the cost of a Bucketlister and all we’ll ask for in return is your feedback!

For more information click here!

Trailblazer trips are our first run-throughs of our trips. Get the benefits of a Bucketlister+ Trip at the cost of a Bucketlister and all we’ll ask for in return is your feedback!

For more information click here!

Our Bucket Lister Trips

Bucketlister trips are our standard for all our incredible trips. When you book a Bucketlister trip we will organise everything for you from the first to the last location on your adventure and you’ll have a local guide with you every step of the way. All you’ll need to organise is your own flights and transfers. (Additional Options for Land Only Transfers)

Bucketlister trips are our standard for all our incredible trips. When you book a Bucketlister trip we will organise everything for you from the first to the last location on your adventure and you’ll have a local guide with you every step of the way. All you’ll need to organise is your own flights and transfers. (Additional Options for Land Only Transfers)

Best of Costa Rica Reviews

Best of Costa Rica Frequently Asked Questions

Due to the nature of some activities, the minimum age for this trip is 12 years.

The best time to visit Costa Rica is during the dry season, which runs from December to April. However, this is also the busiest time of year, so expect higher prices and larger crowds. The rainy season, from May to November, can be a great time to visit if you don’t mind occasional showers and lush green landscapes.

Citizens of many countries, including the United States, Canada, and the European Union, do not need a visa to enter Costa Rica for tourism purposes. However, you will need a valid passport and may be asked to show proof of onward travel and sufficient funds for your stay.

The official currency of Costa Rica is the Costa Rican colón (CRC), but US dollars are widely accepted, especially in tourist areas. It is a good idea to have some local currency on hand for small purchases and street vendors.

There are a range of accommodations available in Costa Rica, from budget hostels and guesthouses to luxury resorts and eco-lodges. Some popular options include vacation rentals, all-inclusive resorts, and boutique hotels.

Some of the must-see attractions in Costa Rica include Arenal Volcano National Park, Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, Manuel Antonio National Park, Tortuguero National Park, and Corcovado National Park. You may also want to explore the country’s beaches, hot springs, and cultural sites.

Costa Rica is generally considered a safe country for travelers, with a low crime rate and a stable political environment. However, as with any destination, it is important to take precautions and be aware of your surroundings. Petty theft and scams can occur in tourist areas, so it is best to keep valuables hidden and use caution when dealing with strangers.

Costa Rican cuisine is known for its fresh, simple ingredients and emphasis on rice and beans. Some popular dishes include gallo pinto (rice and beans), ceviche (marinated seafood), casado (a dish with rice, beans, meat, and vegetables), and plantains. You can also find international cuisine and street food throughout the country.

Best of Costa Rica Related Articles

Check out more information on our incredible destinations here...

Got A Question About Our Best of Costa Rica Trip?
Bucket List Guide - Costa Rica

Download Our Bucket List Guide To Costa Rica

Simply enter your details to download our guide!

  • By submitting this form you agree to have read and understood the privacy and cookie policies and agree to receive personalised commercial communications from The Bucket List Company by email. You can opt out at anytime.

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Book A Private Trip

We offer private trips for those seeking to do their own adventure with friends or family. Fill out our enquiry form below to start planning your dream adventure.

This field is hidden when viewing the form
What Date Are You Looking At Going?
MM slash DD slash YYYY
Would You Like To Receive A Quote For Flights?(Required)
Name(Required)