Pura Vida Panorama: A Week in Wild Costa Rica for Random Walk Couples
Your TourHero
This is the spot for your picture and bio. Tell your travel story and get your group excited for this trip!
Duration
7 days · 6 nights
Travel Date
Aug 30 – Sep 5, 2024
Activity Level
Light to moderate
Group Size
4 – 6
Transportation
Van
Tour Price
Your Fellow Explorers
Age range
21+
Travel interest
Nature, culture, exploration, relaxation
Embark on a thrilling odyssey across the heart of Costa Rica, where seven days of adventure unfold amidst lush jungles and pristine beaches. This journey is an artful blend of urban discovery and rural enchantment, with electric nights spent in San Jose's vibrant city, a heartwarming homestay in Santa Rosa de Pocosol, a mystical evening under the watchful Arenal Volcano, and two nights in the beachside nirvana of Manuel Antonio. With an insightful agricultural tour, authentic cooking classes to stir your senses, and scenic journeys through the countryside of this beautiful destination, each moment on this trip is a vibrant splash of the wild and the wonderful that is Costa Rica!
Cancellation policy
Refunds for deposits
We will hold your spot as soon as you put down your deposit. However, if you decide to cancel your trip, we will be unable to refund your deposit.
Refunds for fully-paid trips
Your place is guaranteed at the time of full payment. However, if you decide to cancel your trip, we will be unable to offer any refunds for the amount paid.
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
This is the spot for your picture and bio. Tell your travel story and get your group excited for this trip!
Duration
7 days · 6 nights
Travel Date
Aug 30 – Sep 5, 2024
Activity Level
Light to moderate
Group Size
4 – 6
Transportation
Van
Embark on a thrilling odyssey across the heart of Costa Rica, where seven days of adventure unfold amidst lush jungles and pristine beaches. This journey is an artful blend of urban discovery and rural enchantment, with electric nights spent in San Jose's vibrant city, a heartwarming homestay in Santa Rosa de Pocosol, a mystical evening under the watchful Arenal Volcano, and two nights in the beachside nirvana of Manuel Antonio. With an insightful agricultural tour, authentic cooking classes to stir your senses, and scenic journeys through the countryside of this beautiful destination, each moment on this trip is a vibrant splash of the wild and the wonderful that is Costa Rica!
Timeline
- Day 1 · August 30, 2024 · San Jose
- Arrive at the airport
- Group transfer from airport to accommodation
- Check-in at Urban Green Hotel & Suites (or similar according to availability)
- 5 pm: Welcome meeting at the hotel
- Free evening
- Dinner (not included in price)
- Day 2 · August 31, 2024 · San Jose & Santa Rosa de Pocosol
- Breakfast and check out of accommodation
- Transfer to Santa Rosa de Pocosol (approx. 3 hours)
- Check-in at Santa Rosa de Pocosol homestay
- Lunch (not included in price)
- Get to know the host family
- Agricultural tour (vegetable planting and produce gathering)
- Free time to explore the community
- Cooking class
- Dinner
- Day 3 · September 1, 2024 · Santa Rosa de Pocosol & Arenal
- Breakfast and check out of accommodation
- Transfer to Arenal (approx. 1 hour)
- Check-in at Hotel Arenal Rabfer (or similar according to availability)
- Lunch (not included in price)
- Free time — explore the area at your own pace
- Dinner
- Day 4 · September 2, 2024 · Arenal & Manuel Antonio
- Breakfast and check out of accommodation
- Transfer to Manuel Antonio (approx. 6 hours)
- On the way: Stop at a local family home for cooking class and lunch
- Check-in at Hotel Le Priss (or similar according to availability)
- Get a couples massage at the spa
- Free evening
- Dinner (not included in price)
- Day 5 · September 3, 2024 · Manuel Antonio/Quepos
- Breakfast
- Free time
- Lunch and dinner (not included in price)
- Day 6 · September 4, 2024 · Manuel Antonio & San Jose
- Breakfast and check out of accommodation
- Free morning
- Lunch (not included in price)
- Transfer to San Jose in the mid-afternoon (approx. 3 hours)
- Check-in at Urban Green Hotel & Suites (or similar according to availability)
- Free time
- Dinner (not included in price)
- Day 7 · September 5, 2024 · Departure
- Breakfast and check out of accommodation
- Group transfer from accommodation to airport
- Journey ends
Details
Day 1 · August 30, 2024
Costa Rican Rhythms: Arrival and the Allure of San Jose
Welcome to Costa Rica — we're very excited to have you here with us as you kickstart your Central American adventure in subtropical San Jose! Once you arrive at the airport, a smooth transfer will deliver you directly to the hotel. Get checked in, drop your bags, and freshen up from your travels. You'll meet with your tour leader and fellow travelers at 5 pm at the hotel for a welcome meeting.
If you happen to arrive early, you'll find plenty to see and do in the bustling city — as the streets are laid out in a grid pattern, it's relatively easy to navigate, too! Check out a few of the optional activities below (not included in price) and see what tickles your fancy. After the meeting tonight, we suggest getting a taste of ‘Tico’ food for dinner with the group — or just see where your appetite takes you!
Important information
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next-of-kin information. If you are going to be late, please let us or the hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.
Day 2 · August 31, 2024
Rural Retreat: Family Homestay and Farming Fun in Santa Rosa de Pocosol
Fuel up on breakfast before we check out of the hotel. Today, we journey to the heart of Costa Rica's countryside — a scenic 3-hour drive brings us to the tranquil embrace of Santa Rosa de Pocosol. As we traverse winding roads, watch the urban tapestry give way to verdant pastures and the simple splendor of rural life. The tiny agricultural community of Juanilama (population: approximately 200) in the Santa Rosa de Pocosol area is known for its dairy farms and friendly locals. This is the perfect place that offers a unique window into the soul of small-town Costa Rica — you’ll even be staying with a local family!
Settle in and get to know your hosts before going on an agricultural tour. During the tour, you'll learn how to plant vegetables as well as gather some produce to be used during tonight’s cooking class. You will have some free time to wander around the community before coming together to create a delicious meal with the produce collected earlier. Vamos a comer (let’s eat)!
Day 3 · September 1, 2024
The Incredible Destination of Arenal Calls Your Name
After breakfast, it's time to say goodbye to your homestay hosts and set off westward, navigating through the northern expanse of Costa Rica. Eventually, the majestic Arenal Volcano comes into view, its iconic conical shape towering at 1633 meters — a spectacle straight out of a fairy tale. This region is a tapestry of nature's finest, with cloud forests and lush rainforests intersected by meandering rivers and reflective lakes, all energized by geothermal activity that gifts the land with soothing hot springs. Upon arriving, time is generously yours to meander, relax, or seek out adventures in this natural playground, where every path leads to a new discovery and the sheer beauty of Arenal inspires awe and wonder in equal measure.
Day 4 · September 2, 2024
From Arenal's Majestic Volcano to Manuel Antonio's Coastal Charm
Today, we bid a fond 'adios' to the towering presence of Arenal as we embark on a southbound journey via the Pan-American Highway. As we drive past the panoramic coastline, glimpses of pristine beaches and expansive palm plantations are a visual treat, marking the passage towards the enchanting Manuel Antonio. On the way, we'll stop at a local family home to enjoy a hands-on cooking class and have lunch.
Once you arrive at the accommodation (located close to the national park), spend the evening having a relaxing couples massage at the spa. Whether you plan to relax after a long day of travel or head out to try a traditional Costa Rican meal at a soda (local restaurant), the night is yours to enjoy as you please. While dinner tonight is not included, your guide can give you tips on where to go and what to order!
Day 5 · September 3, 2024
Free Time in Manuel Antonio — Choose Your Own Adventure
A treasure trove of tropical bliss awaits you on this free day in Manuel Antonio. Today, the rhythm of your adventure is yours to command. Choose to unfurl on the sun-kissed, palm-fringed bays where the sands whisper tales of relaxation and the waves hum lullabies of tranquility. For those with an undying thirst for adventure, the ocean beckons with its glistening waves, offering a playground for kayaking, surfing, or fishing (for an extra cost). In this corner of Costa Rica, every choice is dipped in sunshine and every moment is as perfect as the next; there truly are no wrong turns in this coastal utopia.
Day 6 · September 4, 2024
Part Ways With Manual Antonio and Head Back to San Jose
Embrace the golden rays of your final morning in Manuel Antonio. With a few precious hours at your disposal, you have the freedom to soak in the tropical ambiance one last time. Whether it’s a leisurely stroll along the beach to capture the memories or simply basking in the coastal serenity, make the most of your farewell to this slice of paradise. As the afternoon hues begin to paint the sky, we'll journey back to the vibrant pulse of San Jose, a 3-hour drive that transitions you from the tranquil beachside to the lively capital.
Upon arrival in San Jose, the evening stretches ahead with no set plans, presenting the perfect opportunity to gather for a final dinner. It's a chance to share stories, laughter, and reminisce about the unforgettable experiences shared, toasting to the journey and the bonds formed along the way!
Day 7 · September 5, 2024
It's Time to Say Goodbye to Costa Rica and Head Home
We've come to the final day of your adventure in Costa Rica — we hope you've had an epic time discovering the treasures of San Jose, Santa Rosa de Pocosol, Arenal, and Manuel Antonio! Now, it's time to say goodbye and to take all your special memories home. After checking out of the hotel, you'll be heading to the airport to catch your flight home. We hope to see you again — travel safe!
Accommodation
Urban Green Hotel & Suites (or similar according to availability)
Urban Green Hotel & Suites offers a refined experience in San José, providing guests with amenities including a fitness center, a casino, and a sauna. Guests are assured of a comfortable stay with 24-hour front desk service and complimentary Wi-Fi. Air-conditioned guest rooms are well-appointed with a wardrobe, coffee machine, minibar, safe, flat-screen TV, and a private bathroom with a shower. Room type: Double occupancy. Room configuration: 2 single beds.
Santa Rosa de Pocosol homestay (or similar according to availability)
You'll be staying with a host family at a homestay property in Santa Rosa de Pocosol. Room type: Double occupancy. Room configuration: 2 single beds.
Hotel Arenal Rabfer (or similar according to availability)
Hotel Arenal Rabfer provides a serene oasis complete with an outdoor pool, tropical gardens, and a sun-drenched terrace, just 25 kilometers from the majestic Arenal Volcano and Arenal Lake. Guests are treated to the modern conveniences of air-conditioned accommodations, complimentary Wi-Fi, and the simple elegance of bright rooms featuring cable TV, safes, and en suite bathrooms adorned with free toiletries. Adventure-seekers can revel in all the nearby activities and attractions, with the River Fortuna only 2 kilometers away and hot springs a mere 6 kilometers from the hotel’s doorstep. La Fortuna's town center, a hub of local food and shopping, is just a 5-minute walk away, underscoring the hotel's convenience and connectivity for guests. Room type: Double occupancy. Room configuration: 2 single beds.
Hotel Le Priss (or similar according to availability)
Situated in the vibrant town of Quepos, Hotel Le Priss stands as a convenient retreat, just a 15-minute drive from the breathtaking Manuel Antonio National Park and a 2.5-hour drive from Juan Santamaría International Airport. This hotel provides guests with essential modern amenities such as complimentary Wi-Fi access, an outdoor pool for a refreshing dip, and a terrace for relaxation. The accommodations at Hotel Le Priss feature satellite TV, air-conditioning, and a private bathroom stocked with toiletries. Room type: Double occupancy. Room configuration: 2 single beds.
Included
- Flights
- 2 nights at Urban Green Hotel & Suites (or similar)
- 1 night at Santa Rosa de Pocosol homestay (or similar)
- 1 night at Hotel Arenal Rabfer (or similar)
- 2 nights at Hotel Le Priss (or similar)
- Shared double occupancy in accommodation
- All breakfasts
- Lunch on day 4
- Dinner on day 2 and 3
- 1 English-speaking tour leader throughout
- All activities and excursions as described in the itinerary
- 1 couples massage
- Entrance/admission fees where applicable with included activities
- One group airport arrival transfer
- One group airport departure transfer
- Air-conditioned vehicle transfers throughout
Not included
- Any visas required
- International airport departure tax
- All food and drinks not mentioned in inclusions
- Drinks with included lunches and dinners
- Optional add-ons
- Travel insurance
- Gratuities
FAQ
What happens if I need to cancel my trip?
Please check the on this itinerary page for specific details.
Will TourHero or the operator take care of my visa (if applicable)?
Travelers are responsible for researching visa requirements and obtaining a visa if needed. Please check government websites to ensure you have the necessary documents, along with passport requirements, before your departure date. This includes necessary transit visas, permits, and vaccinations required prior to travel and any required reciprocity fees for the destination. TourHero will provide a booking confirmation document after purchase, which may be needed to obtain a visa.
If your visa is denied for any reason, TourHero will issue a refund based on the cancellation policy. However, we are unable to provide a refund after the cancellation due date has passed.
Do I need a passport for this trip?
A full and valid passport is required for all persons traveling to any destination outside of one’s home country. Most international tours require a passport that's valid for at least six (6) months beyond the scheduled end of your itinerary. TourHero will not issue refunds based on passport issues such as renewals or lost passports.
What's included in the price?
Please check the inclusion and exclusion sections above. You'll find information about included meals, transfers, flights, and activities. If you have any questions or need support, please contact hello@tourhero.com.
Cancellation policy
Refunds for deposits
We will hold your spot as soon as you put down your deposit. However, if you decide to cancel your trip, we will be unable to refund your deposit.
Refunds for fully-paid trips
Your place is guaranteed at the time of full payment. However, if you decide to cancel your trip, we will be unable to offer any refunds for the amount paid.
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.
- Costa Rica is home to some of the lushest and most biodiverse rainforests in the world, filled with exotic wildlife. - Unsplash: William Warby
- 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
- This fertile land hides all sorts of incredible creatures, from toucans to sloths. - Unsplash: Zdeněk Macháček
- While Manuel Antonio is considered Costa Rica’s smallest national park, it packs its fair share of surprises — Forbes has ranked it among the 12 most beautiful national parks in the world! - Unsplash: Christina Victoria Craft
- Welcome to Costa Rica's capital city! Sitting on the edge of the wilderness, San Jose is a truly vibrant city with a beautiful mountain backdrop. - Eelco Böhtlingk
- Once you've arrived, you have some free time to get exploring. Discover the city's striking neoclassical architecture, historic buildings, artisan markets, and a delightful gastronomic scene! - Alexander Aguero
- Embark on a journey to the Arenal Volcano region and wrap yourself up in raw nature. - Dominik Simecek
- Why not use your free day to catch some waves on the beach? Alternatively, catch some sun and get a tan instead! - Unsplash: Jeremy Bishop https://unsplash.com/photos/dNvvCXjyNEQ
- Welcome to the stunning paradise that is Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica. - Unsplash: Vincent Branciforti
- Hotel Arenal Rabfer - Hotel Arenal Rabfer
- Hotel Arenal Rabfer - Hotel Arenal Rabfer
- Urban Green Hotel & Suites - Urban Green Hotel & Suites
- Urban Green Hotel & Suites - Urban Green Hotel & Suites
- Hotel Le Priss - Hotel Le Priss
- Journey to the heart of Costa Rica's countryside to find the tranquil embrace of Santa Rosa de Pocosol. The area is known for its dairy farms and friendly locals. - Unsplash: Frames For Your Heart
- Go on an agricultural tour. During the tour, you'll learn how to plant vegetables as well as gather some produce to be used during a cooking class. - Ricardo Arce
- On the way to Manuel Antonio, stop at a local family home to enjoy a hands-on cooking class and have lunch. - Wikimedia Commons
- Enjoy some free time in Manuel Antonio — choose your own adventure! - Wikimedia Commons
- Journey back to the vibrant pulse of San Jose. - César Badilla Miranda