Epic Costa Rica: Craters, Rainforests & Hanging-10

Volcanoes! Jungles! Beaches! Costa Rica has it all — and this 11-day hostel-fuelled adventure will smack you in the face (in...

Costa Rica

Epic Costa Rica: Craters, Rainforests & Hanging-10

DAY 1 San José

Arrive at any time, and choose to kick back at the hostel, or head out to explore the city before meeting up with fellow Roamies in the evening. Later, head out in the San Pedro neighborhood with your CEO and new mates in search of food and drink at one of the nearby happening spots. Buckle up, it's on!

Administrative

Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group

Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.

Accommodation

Below is an example of the hotel we may use in this city. For the actual hotel your specific departure will be using, please check your voucher.

Costa Rica Backpackers

Hostel
DAY 2 San José/La Fortuna

Set off today bound for La Fortuna with plenty to do along the way. First stop, the active Poás Volcano for epic views and photo opportunities by the crater. Next, head to a community coffee project to sample a cup and to learn about coffee production. Hungry? Sit down for a delicious typical lunch of freshly-caught tilapia from the local fish farm with plantains and the ever-present rice and beans. Then get hands-on with a tortilla-making lesson, full points for the best one! Roll into La Fortuna in the afternoon with time to settle into the hostel and grab a drink at the bar, and in the evening maybe treat yourself to a long soak in one of the many local hot springs. Hey, you deserve it right?

Bus

Private Vehicle

San José- Poas National Park50km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Bus

Private Vehicle

Poas National Park- Sarapiquí70km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Planeterra

Your G for Good Moment: Mi Cafecito Coffee Cooperative Tour

Sarapiquí

Find out where your cup of java comes from. Visit the Mi Cafecito coffee cooperative in San Miguel de Sarapiqui, see shade-grown coffee plants, learn about everything from harvesting, to husking, drying, and roasting the beans before enjoying the best part – a fresh cup! Enjoy a typical lunch of plantains, beans, and freshly caught tilapia fish. Feel good about all this eating and drinking knowing that you are supporting a G Adventures for Good project that helps 200 farmers and their families.

Bus

Private Vehicle

Sarapiquí- La Fortuna100km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

La Fortuna Orientation Walk

La Fortuna

Breathe in the fresh air and get your bearings in this scenic place.

1

Optional Activities - Day 2Show

DAY 3 La Fortuna

Ready for Adventure? There’s so much to do in La Fortuna that we've given you an entire free day to choose for yourself, you'll thank us for it later. Maybe it's something active that's your jam like rappelling down a waterfall, whitewater rafting, or paddleboard on Lake Arenal. Otherwise, hanging out in the hostel with friends and a cold beverage is never a bad option either. A combination of these things you say? Sounds perfect!

6

Optional Activities - Day 3Show

DAY 4 La Fortuna/Monteverde

If variety of transport is something you're looking for then you're going to love today. We'll make our way from La Fortuna by bus then boat across Lake Arenal then by bus again to the cloud forest of Monteverde. Scenery galore, keep the camera handy! Once we get to Monteverde don't get too comfortable yet as we'll head into the forest to fly across the canopy on zip lines for an adrenaline rush. Phew!

Automobile

Shared Van

La Fortuna- Laguna de Arenal0.5h

Climb aboard and make friends with your seatmate en route to the next stop.

Watercraft

Boat

Laguna de Arenal0.75h

Climb aboard and get your float on.

Automobile

Shared Van

Arenal- Monteverde2h

Climb aboard and make friends with your seatmate en route to the next stop.

Landsport

Canopy Zipline

Monteverde

Buckle up your harness, don your helmet and prepare to launch. Glide along cables suspended high above the cloud forest canopy. Dare to let go and reach top speeds as you zip past stunning scenery. Forget your fear as you spot a toucan or exotic orchid as you whizz by on one of the world’s longest zip line systems.

Monteverde Orientation Walk

Monteverde

Get to know this prime destination for ecotourism and take in the scenery of lush rainforests and an impressive array of flora and fauna. Located in the heart of the Cordillera de Tilaran mountain range Monteverde is famous for its Cloud Forest Reserve.

Accommodation

Hotel Quetzal Inn Monteverde

Hotel
DAY 5 Monteverde

Today is all about you, to do as much (or as little) as you want, it's all good! Maybe check out the hanging bridges in the canopy to look for birds and wildlife, go horseback riding, visit a butterfly garden or just kick back at the cozy hostel and relax with a local craft beer in hand.

5

Optional Activities - Day 5Show

Accommodation

Hotel Quetzal Inn Monteverde

Hotel
DAY 6 Monteverde/Liberia

More great scenery and volcanoes you ask for? Sure thing, we've got you covered. Set off in your private ride to the Volcán Tenorio National Park where we'll hike through the jungle to a brillant blue pool and waterfall of the Rio Celeste. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife and birds! Carry on to Liberia in the afternoon and have time to relax after checking into the hostel in the evening before setting off to the Nicoya Peninsula the next day.

Bus

Private Vehicle

Monteverde- Parque Nacional Volcan Tenorio125km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Hike to Rio Celeste Waterfall

Parque Nacional Volcan Tenorio5km

North of Lake Arenal lies another spectacular protected area called Volcán Tenorio National Park. We'll set off on foot from the main entrance and hike along jungle trails and down a series of stairways to the brilliantly blue Rio Celeste Waterfall. Take in the scenery and watch for wildlife like monkeys and birds in the canopy above before hiking out on the same trail.

Bus

Private Vehicle

Parque Nacional Volcan Tenorio- Liberia100km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Liberia Orientation Walk

Liberia

Find your bearings and get to know Liberia, the capital of the northwestern province of Guanacaste in Costa rica.

Accommodation

Hotel Wilson Anexo

Hotel
DAY 7 Liberia/Nosara

Check a hidden gem off those travel lists today as the group heads for Poza Los Coyotes. This lesser known spot in Costa Rica allows for living out those jungle fantasies while you swim and explore the trails around the incredibly turquoise waters of the area’s natural pools. Choose to go all in during your time there and rent an inflatable tube to float through the caves and in the natural pools. Or take a short stroll to see a waterfall and canyon. Next, continue down the Nicoya Peninsula to the laid-back beach town of Nosara to settle into the hostel. Take the rest of the afternoon to explore or get your beach on if you're feeling it. Is it beer o'clock yet?

Bus

Private Vehicle

Liberia- Cañas Dulces0.5h17km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Land Tour

Visit to Poza Los Coyotes

Cañas Dulces1h-1.5h

Poza Los Coyotes is a firm favorite with the locals, but it has only been open to the public since 2020. During the group’s visit here you can swim and explore the trails in the area. The uniquely colored water comes from the Rincón de la Vieja and when the weather permits it turns a mesmerizing turquoise color. The dazzlingly blue shade comes from the water’s high mineral content. There are options to rent inflatable tubes and float down through the caves and natural pools, the perfect way to relax and enjoy this unique, hidden gem just 20 minutes from Liberia.

Bus

Private Vehicle

Cañas Dulces- Nosara3h-3.25h138km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Accommodation

Travel 506 Hostel

Hostel
DAY 8 Nosara

We only have one thing actually planned today but it's a good one. Hop in the van for a visit to one of the most picturesque beaches in all of Costa Rica; Playa Guiones. Think of this beach as the love child between a three-mile stretch of flat sand and incredible surf waves. You’ll miss out on the big crowds some of the other beaches are known for in the area, and be able to both surf and swim in the warm waters. This is the kind of beach where you can goof around on a boogie board and also read a book, the vibes fit all your needs. Envision our day trip here as a secret paradise no one knew they needed. Afterwards, enjoy the rest of the day back in Nosara hanging out at the hostel with friends and a cold beverage, or watching the sunset with your toes in the sand.

Bus

Private Vehicle

Nosara

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Land Tour

Playa Guiones Visit

Nosara

Spend part of today exploring one of the most picturesque beaches in all of Costa Rica. Idyllic white sands stretching for three miles and some of the best waves a surfer will see along this stretch of coastline. Activities available are surfing, bike riding during low-tide, and swimming. It's the perfect place to stretch out on a towel, read a book, play some frisbee, and relax in the warm sun.

2

Optional Activities - Day 8Show

Accommodation

Travel 506 Hostel

Hostel
DAY 9 Nosara/Tamarindo

Ok ok, we know the beaches in Nosara are great, but today we will leave the sand behind and head north along the coast to Guaitil, a small village famous for their Chorotega style pottery products. It will be like learning a new hobby that also gives you a deep appreciation for family traditions and creating something beautiful using the natural environment. What’s not to love about that? Learn what’s up from the owner of a small shop, and see how the pottery is made. Choose to grab some lunch and walk through the showrooms to see some of the finished products before we carry on to our hostel in Tamarindo for more beach vibes and great nightlife.

Bus

Private Vehicle

Nosara- Guaitil1.5h-1.75h45km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

People

Visit to Guaitil Pottery Shop

Guaitil

Guaitil is a beautiful, quaint town nestled in the hills southeast of the town of Santa Cruz. The town is quiet and peaceful and the atmosphere makes you feel as if you are stepping back in time. The pottery is made by hand with ingredients solely from the earth through a process that has been handed down through generations for thousands of years. Learn what’s up from Jesus, the owner of a small pottery shop and see how the pottery is made. Learn from Jesus, the owner of a small pottery shop, and see first-hand how the Chorotega-style pottery is made and maybe pick up some souvenirs before you go.

Bus

Private Vehicle

Guaitil- Tamarindo1.5h-2h55km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Accommodation

Tamarindo Backpacker

Hostel
DAY 10 Tamarindo

Surf's up! Take an included surf class in the morning and then the rest of the day is all yours. Feeling active? Try zip-lining, kayaking in the nearby national park or take a snorkelling trip. Can’t get enough of the beach? Stay local and take to the sand and sea. Still want more? Chilling out at the hostel with friends is always a great option too.

Surf Lesson - Tamarindo

Tamarindo

Hit the beach and get ready to hang ten with a surf lesson from trained surf instructors. Spend some time in the water getting friendly with the waves, practice paddling, then pop up to balance on the wider, softer beginner boards.

Accommodation

Tamarindo Backpacker

Hostel
DAY 11 Tamarindo

Depart at any time, or maybe decide to add on a few more nights at the beach.

Day
chat