Costa Rica: Adventures in San Jose, La Fortuna & Puerto Viejo with Liam
Your TourHero
Hello, I’m Liam! I’ve been traveling around Central America and Costa Rica is my favorite place. There’s so much to do here for people like me who love to explore the great outdoors and throw in a few crazy activities along the way! I’ve put together this tour to highlight all of my favorite regions, from the capital city to the wilderness and coast. I’m really looking forward to meeting some like-minded adventurers — let’s have an unforgettable trip together!
Duration
7 days · 6 nights
Travel Date
Mar 14 - 20, 2022
Activity Level
Moderate
Group Size
6 – 16
Transportation
Van
Tour Price
Your Fellow Explorers
Age range
18 – 30
Travel interest
The great outdoors, hiking, adrenaline activities, beaches, the ocean
Your Local Guide
Established in 1994, Coast to Coast Adventures is made up of a team of dedicated travel experts based in Costa Rica. Specialized in designing, organizing, and running multi-activity trips that focus on connecting travelers with nature and the outdoors, they are well-equipped with valuable experience and training to help make each adventure as safe, smooth, and unforgettable as possible. Let the passionate guides of Coast to Coast Adventures take care of all the nitty gritty details for you — all you need to do is enjoy your inspirational journey through the wilderness of Costa Rica.
Combining a capital city with an outdoor paradise and the Caribbean coastline, this tour is an epic journey par excellence! You’ll have time to explore San Jose before departing for the volcanic region of La Fortuna. Here you’ll enjoy a hike to the Arenal Volcano before soaking off in natural hot springs, followed by a zipline tour and whitewater rafting the next day. After a leisurely transfer to the Caribbean coast, you’ll be free to enjoy some of the most serene beaches and surf you’ll find anywhere on Earth! Your time in Puerto Viejo also includes a national park hike and snorkel along the coral reef — excellent venues for wildlife spotting! With time to return to San Jose for one last party, this epic tour is a Costa Rican experience you’ll never forget.
Cancellation policy
Refunds for deposits
If you cancel your trip after placing a deposit but before your card on file is charged for the full payment, you can request a full refund of your deposit up to 30 days before the tour departure.
Refunds for fully-paid trips
If you cancel your trip after making the full payment, you may change or cancel your trip up to 30 days before the tour departure for a refund.
Trip cancellation due to COVID-19
A full credit will be issued if the tour is canceled when there is full border closure due to COVID-19 travel restrictions. This credit can go towards booking a future TourHero tour. We suggest buying your own travel insurance for coverage of cancellations within 30 days of the tour commencing for reasons other than a full tour cancellation.
Your TourHero
Hello, I’m Liam! I’ve been traveling around Central America and Costa Rica is my favorite place. There’s so much to do here for people like me who love to explore the great outdoors and throw in a few crazy activities along the way! I’ve put together this tour to highlight all of my favorite regions, from the capital city to the wilderness and coast. I’m really looking forward to meeting some like-minded adventurers — let’s have an unforgettable trip together!
Duration
7 days · 6 nights
Travel Date
Mar 14 - 20, 2022
Activity Level
Moderate
Group Size
6 – 16
Transportation
Van
Combining a capital city with an outdoor paradise and the Caribbean coastline, this tour is an epic journey par excellence! You’ll have time to explore San Jose before departing for the volcanic region of La Fortuna. Here you’ll enjoy a hike to the Arenal Volcano before soaking off in natural hot springs, followed by a zipline tour and whitewater rafting the next day. After a leisurely transfer to the Caribbean coast, you’ll be free to enjoy some of the most serene beaches and surf you’ll find anywhere on Earth! Your time in Puerto Viejo also includes a national park hike and snorkel along the coral reef — excellent venues for wildlife spotting! With time to return to San Jose for one last party, this epic tour is a Costa Rican experience you’ll never forget.
Timeline
- Day 1 · San Jose
- Arrive in San Jose
- Check-in at Sleep Inn Hotel (or similar according to availability)
- Free day to explore San Jose
- Dinner (not included in price)
- Day 2 · La Fortuna
- Breakfast
- Transfer to La Fortuna
- Check-in at San Bosco Inn (or similar according to availability)
- Arenal Volcano hike
- Lunch (not included in price)
- Paradise Hot Springs
- Dinner (not included in price)
- Day 3 · La Fortuna
- Breakfast
- Ziplining tour
- Lunch and dinner (not included in price)
- Free evening
- Day 4 · La Fortuna & Puerto Viejo
- Breakfast
- Whitewater rafting in La Fortuna
- Lunch
- Transfer to Puerto Viejo
- Check-in at Atlantida Lodge Hotel (or similar according to availability)
- Dinner (not included in price)
- Free evening
- Day 5 · Puerto Viejo
- Breakfast
- Cahuita National Park hike
- Lunch (not included in price)
- Puerto Viejo snorkeling tour
- Dinner (not included in price)
- Free evening
- Day 6 · Puerto Viejo & San Jose
- Breakfast
- Transfer to San Jose
- Lunch (not included in price)
- Check-in at Sleep Inn Hotel (or similar according to availability)
- Dinner (not included in price)
- Free evening
- Day 7 · Departure
- Breakfast
- Transfer to airport
- Journey ends
Details
Day 1
Bienvenida a Costa Rica — a marvelous adventure awaits you!
Welcome to San Jose, the Costa Rican capital! Once you’ve made the short journey from the airport to your accommodation, the rest of the day is yours. Get your exploring shoes on, hit the streets, and you’ll find a wealth of things to do in the city. Visit the National Museum for the lowdown on Costa Rican history, take a walking tour, or simply dive into all that fabulous coffee and food. As night falls, you’ll also find a host of excellent bars and restaurants at your disposal, so pull up a chair and take in the vibes as you settle into Costa Rican life.
Day 2
Become acquainted with Arenal Volcano and unwind in paradise
Take a deep breath and gear yourself up this morning for a truly fun-packed day of exploration! After breakfast, we’ll head to wonderful La Fortuna. Upon arrival, we’ll hike the majestic surroinds of the iconic Arenal Volcano. With a last eruption in 1968, the volcano is still very much alive, and around its rim you’ll pass through local flora, fauna and lava formations. Finish your day’s adventure with the best possible outcome: a dip in Paradise Hot Springs! Unwind in the natural thermal pools and soak your weary legs as the minerals rejuvenate your mind and body.
Day 3
Take to the skies with a zipline tour of La Fortuna
Today, it’s time to take to the air! Be sure to wear your head-for-heights this morning as it’s ziplining day. This breathtaking experience takes you above the forests, canyons and waterfalls to see the world just as the birds do. You’ll also enjoy unrivaled views of the Arenal Volcano. After lunch, you’ll be free to explore La Fortuna under your own steam. Potter round the town and pick up some lovely souvenirs, or why not take a hike to the gorgeous La Fortuna Waterfall and enjoy a refreshing dip in the water? There are countless other treks available nearby, and your friendly guides will be more than happy to share a few ideas.
Day 4
Get wet n’ wild with a whitewater rafting experience
Following yesterday’s time in the sky, it’s time to take to the water for a very different experience of La Fortuna. Some of the best whitewater rafting in the world can be found in Costa Rica, and the deep canyon of the Balsa River is a choice location for some wet n’ wild fun. With opportunities to tackle class III and IV rapids, you’ll be sure to have a blast on these gushing cascades, and there’ll be plenty of calmer strectches too — perfect for taking a breather and trying to spot wildlife on the edge of the forest. After a fulsome lunch, switch to relaxation-gear and enjoy a transfer to Puerto Viejo. Once checked in at your hotel, you’ll have some time to explore the local area and enjoy its beautiful palm trees and crystal-clear waters. Adrenaline junkies should take note: the coastline here boasts some of the greatest surf in the whole of Costa Rica!
Day 5
Go wildlife spotting on a national park hike before an underwater adventure
Puerto Viejo is famous for its miles of unspoilt beaches, blue waters and expansive landscape. Unsurprisingly, it’s a mecca for hiking too! Today, we’ll visit the Cahuita National Park to follow a trail alongside the majestic coastline. There’ll be ample opportunities for spotting local wildlife, from a huge range of birds to monkeys, sloths and lizards. Cool off over lunch and get ready to see another side of Puerto Viejo underwater. The Cahuita area has over 600 acres of coral reef beneath its waves, with lion fish and even nurse sharks regularly visiting to keep up with the action. Dry off for an evening’s relaxation in Puerto Viejo, take in a few cocktails or go for a leisurely stroll along the sands and enjoy some great photo opportunities.
Day 6
Goodbye Puerto Viejo, hello San Jose
Give your legs a good stretch after yesterday’s endeavors — today you’ve got a relaxing journey back to San Jose to look forward to. Now’s the time to take in your adventure so far, write up your journal and get to planning your evening in San Jose. Sit back, enjoy the ride and watch that scenery fly past the window!
Day 7
Adiós Costa Rica — until the next time!
All epic journeys must come to an end and today’s the day to bid farewell to your fellow adventurers. Shake off your San Jose party head and fill up on breakfast before making your way to the airport. As Shakespeare (kind of) saidL: parting may be such sweet sorrow, but you can start planning your next trip upon the morrow!
Accommodation
Sleep Inn Paseo Las Damas Hotel (or similar according to availability)
A short 15-kilometer ride from Juan Santamaria Airport, the Sleep Inn Hotel places you right in the heart of San Jose. You’ll find some of the city’s main attractions on your doorstep, including Teatro Nacional, Museo de Jade and Museo de Oro. There’s even a casino and fitness center on-site! With WiFi throughout, the comfortable rooms offer air conditioning, cable TV, coffee makers and private bathrooms, so you can relax in style as you prepare for your Costa Rican adventure. Room type: Double room.
San Bosco Inn (or similar according to availability)
San Bosco is situated in the center of La Fortuna, making it an ideal location for exploring the waterfalls, hot springs and Arenal Volcano. With ample outdoor space including a swimming pool and loungers, the cozy rooms are furnished with air conditioning, digital TV and ensuite bathrooms, and you’ll find a host of bars and scrumptious restaurants just a short walk away. WiFi is free throughout the building. Room type: Double room.
Atlantida Lodge Hotel (or similar according to availability)
Found on the edge of the beautiful Black Beach, Atlantida Lodge is in a prime location for your Caribbean stay. In tranquil surroundings, you’ll be just a hop and skip away from the filming location of Endless Summer II, which was shot on the beach nearby! With a swimming pool, bar and restaurant onsite, you won’t have to go far to soak your limbs or sate your belly, and the cozy rooms contain ensuite bathrooms, ceiling fans and television. WiFi can be found throughout. Room type: Double room.
Included
- 2 nights in Sleep Inn Paseo Las Damas Hotel (or similar)
- 2 nights in San Bosco Inn (or similar)
- 2 nights in Atlantida Lodge Hotel (or similar)
- Shared occupancy in accommodation
- All breakfasts
- Day 4 lunch
- Knowledgeable English-speaking tour guide
- Arenal Volcano hike
- Paradise Hot Springs
- Ziplining tour
- Whitewater rafting
- Guided hike in Cahuita National Park
- Snorkeling tour
- Transportation throughout the tour
- 24/7 guest support
Not included
- Flights
- Airport transfers
- All meals not mentioned in inclusions
- Travel insurance
- Gratuities
Cancellation policy
Refunds for deposits
If you cancel your trip after placing a deposit but before your card on file is charged for the full payment, you can request a full refund of your deposit up to 30 days before the tour departure.
Refunds for fully-paid trips
If you cancel your trip after making the full payment, you may change or cancel your trip up to 30 days before the tour departure for a refund.
Trip cancellation due to COVID-19
A full credit will be issued if the tour is canceled when there is full border closure due to COVID-19 travel restrictions. This credit can go towards booking a future TourHero tour. We suggest buying your own travel insurance for coverage of cancellations within 30 days of the tour commencing for reasons other than a full tour cancellation.
- Explore San Jose's humming capital city. - TripSavvy
- As you arrive, you'll be greeted with the incredible sight of Costa Rica’s iconic cone-shaped Arenal Volcano in the distance. - Pixabay: Frank Ravizza
- Truly a majestic sight to behold, the active volcano stands at an imposing 5,480 feet tall. - Pexels: Dominik Simecek
- Puerto Viejo is one of Costa Rica's best-kept secrets. - Unsplash: Courtney Hall
- Puerto Viejo is also where the legendary Salsa Brava reef break is located. It’s not hard to see why this town has become so popular with the young and the adventurous! - Unsplash: BEN SELWAY
- Go on an exhilarating canopy tour — zip through the treetops of the lush rainforest! - Unsplash: Perry Grone
- If you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of curious wildlife through the foliage, perhaps one of the many species of monkeys that live here or even a sloth! - Unsplash: Bennet
- Back in San Jose, you'll have the chance to unwind with a free evening. - Unsplash: Alexander Aguero
- Hotel San Bosco Inn - Hotel San Bosco Inn
- Cozy rooms at Hotel San Bosco Inn. - Hotel San Bosco Inn
- San Jose sits on the edge of the wilderness. - Eelco Bohtlingk
- If you still have the energy, celebrate your time in Costa Rica with one last party in San Jose! - Louise Hansel
- As you fly through the trees, don't forget: the forest is watching you! Keep your eyes peeled for the amazing animal species that live here! - Isabella Juskova
- Enjoy some of the finest whitewater rafting in Costa Rica! - Angga Indratamama
- See Costa Rica beneath the waves and explore Puerto Viejo's coral reef. - Notto Suthipat
- Look out for the lizards, birds and animals that live in the national park. - Robin Canfield
- Costa Rica's Caribbean coastline has miles and miles of beaches. - Trail