Viva Costa Rica! | Contiki | Snorkel, zipline, trek and even horseback ride your way across the lush tropical landscapes of a rainforest country!

Current Status: Check with operator (link below)

Adventure travel doesn’t have to be the domain of only the most adventurous—this tour is a great introduction to an adventure destination that may spark a lifetime of discovery! Contiki’s “Viva Costa Rica” is a 9-day, multi-destination exploration of a Latin American gem with a vibrant tradition of eco-adventure and tourism. Here’s the outline of the trip for Contiki, with extra adventures on offer upon demand (for extra fee on individual basis).

Itinerary Overview  

DAY 1  SAN JOSE TO ARENAL VIA SARAPIQUI. Renowned for its fertile lands we stop off here for our first taste of fresh Costa Rican air, not to mention our first dose of adventure for those keen to get a little wet and wild. Then we head to Arenal (La Fortuna), where you catch your first glimpse of one of the most incredible volcanoes in Costa Rica: Arenal. Dinner tonight is a group affair in town. Whitewater rafting available on demand.

DAY 2  ARENAL. Rappelling through a rainforest canyon will be the perfect wake up call this morning. Not keen? How about taking advantage of the regions geothermal properties with a visit to the hot springs? In the afternoon learn the A-Z of chocolate making, an export Costa Rica is renowned for! Ask about the possibility of canyoneering (waterfall rappelling).

DAYs 3-4  ARENAL to PLAYA TAMARINDO. Leaving Arenal behind, you head for a taste of Costa Rican beach life. Playa Tamarindo has the reputation of being Costa Rica’s numero uno surf and party destination, and for good reason. This northern beach town boasts waves and golden sands dotted with lounge bars and awesome restaurants. You stay by the beach. The bohemian atmosphere of Playa Tamarindo is infectious and it won’t take long to ease into the pace of life here. Spend the day snorkelling or scuba diving, or try surfing. Take advantage of a catamaran cruise to explore the Pacific more fully.

DAYs 5-6  MONTEVERDE. Head to the mountains and feel the clean air as you arrive at the misty forests of Monteverde. This leafy wildlife hotspot is home to butterfly gardens, coffee plantations, countless monkey species and passionate locals who work hard to preserve the balance between nature and tourism. Visit the butterfly gardens if you choose. Zipline a one-km line through the treetops. Trek and cross hanging bridges in the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, be on the lookout for sloths and other wildlife. Learn about coffee, one of Costa Rica’s most famous exports (from how the plants are cultivated to how to turn delicious little berries into rich coffee beans!).

DAYs 7-8  JACO. We head to Jaco, the gateway to a few national parks in Costa Rica, and a beachside spot known for its surfing and nightlife. If you’re feeling adventurous, try horseback riding, or hop on an ATV. The next morning enjoy a day trip to Manuel Antonio National Park to ancient rainforest, pristine beaches and dazzling coral reefs! Later, hang poolside for some tropical, post-hike relaxation.

DAY 9  JACO to SAN JOSE. After a final adventure op in Jaco (kayaking anyone?), we head back to San Jose, where our trip comes to a close.

Booking Info

CONTIKI

• Phone: 866.244.0267
• SM: @Contiki, @ContikiCanada, @contiki, YouTube
• Length/Departs: 9 days/multi departs (June 2020 to Feb. 2021)
• Accommodation: Hotels, beach resorts
• Price: from $1,905 CDN (ask operator about pricing details)
• Group Size: max 28

Trip description/details from operator. To learn more about this trip or to book it now, click here.

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