Ready for Costa Rica? From beach towns to dense rainforests, you'll snorkel, scuba dive, zip line, surf and even horseback ride your way around Central America’s most on-trend travel destination. 8 nights of Costa Rica’s teeming coral reefs, awe-inspiring wildlife, dramatic volcanoes and rejuvenating hot springs await.
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IN-DEPTH EXPLORER
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9 days
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1 country
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8 breakfasts, 4 dinners
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Your Itinerary
July 8, 2023 San Jose to Arenal
San Jose Hola San Jose! After meeting up with your fellow Costa Rican explorers this morning we'll get straight on the road, bound for the biodiverse beauty of Sarapiqui. Sarapiqui Renowned for its fertile lands and gorgeous scenery, we'll 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. Arenal How to round off the first day of our adventure? How about catching our first glimpse of one of the most incredible volcanoes in Costa Rica, Arenal. This volcano is near perfectly formed and famed for its hot springs and healing properties (hint hint). Dinner tonight will be a group affair in town, already fully bonded after an action-packed first day. And our accommodation for the night is something special, set within stunning gardens in the shadow of the Arenal Volcano. Take a dip in the pool or watch iguanas bask atop the trees. This is the life. Stay: Hotel Arenal Montechiari (or similar) Meal(s): Dinner
July 9, 2023 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 this afternoon? Whichever you decide - adventure, wellness or both, the day is going to be one to remember. Stay: Hotel Arenal Montechiari (or similar) Meal(s): Breakfast
July 10, 2023 Arenal to Playa Tamarindo
Arenal Leaving Arenal towering behind us this morning we'll move on for a taste of Costa Rican beach life. Tamarindo 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 tasty waves and golden sands dotted with lounge bars and awesome restaurants. We'll be staying right by the beach so early morning swims are high on the agenda. Stay: Best Western Vista Villas Tamarindo (or similar) Meal(s): Breakfast July 11, 2023 Playa Tamarindo
The bohemian atmosphere of Playa Tamarindo is utterly infectious, and it won't take long to ease into the pace of life here. Spend the day in the water snorkelling or scuba diving amongst the marine life, or stay above the waves and give surfing a try. This afternoon why not take advantage of our catamaran cruise Add-On, another unique way to experience this beautiful ocean paradise. Stay: Best Western Vista Villas Tamarindo (or similar) Meal(s): Breakfast
July 12, 2023 Playa Tamarindo to Monteverde
Tamarindo It's goodbye to the beach life for now as we pack up our towels and make for the mountains. Monteverde Feel the clean air filling your lungs as we arrive at the misty forests of Monteverde - a sight guaranteed to take your breath away. 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. We'll also spend some time with our friends at SINAC, helping protect, preserve and regenerate the local forests with a tree planting experience this afternoon. You'll even get to name your tree! Stay: Hotel Montana Monteverde (or similar) Meal(s): Breakfast
July 13, 2023 Monteverde
You could spend your morning ziplining a 1km line through the treetops today; and the adventures don't stop there. If you're looking for something a bit more tranquil, take a stroll on the hanging bridges amongst the lush cloud forest offering prime sloth spotting opportunities. The afternoon is dedicated to learning about everyone's favorite caffeinated friend - coffee. One of Costa Rica's most famous exports, we'll learn how the plants are cultivated and the entire process of turning delicious little berries into invigorating coffee beans. Stay: Hotel Montana Monteverde (or similar) Meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner
July 14, 2023 Monteverde to Jaco
Monteverde Monteverde, it's been emotional, but we've got some beach hangs on our horizons. Jaco Beachside Jaco is known for its surfing, nightlife and its optimal location as a gateway to Costa Rica's national parks. This afternoon it's time to check out the town or get right into some relaxing by the pool (or at the bar) whilst contemplating Costa Rican life, soaking up these last few days in paradise. Stay: Hotel Amapola (or similar) Meal(s): Breakfast July 15, 2023 Jaco
Jaco Rise and shine! This morning we'll head over to Manuel Antonio, a spectacular national park. Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio Manuel Antonio serves up a dizzying mix of ancient rainforest, pristine beaches and dazzling coral reefs. Get your cameras ready and be on the hunt for wildlife as we walk through this hub of mind boggling biodiversity. Jaco After a day of exploration this evening we'll arrive back at our hotel for some poolside relaxation. Stay: Hotel Amapola (or similar) Meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner
July 16, 2023 Jaco to San Jose
Jaco After a final adventure op in Jaco (kayaking, anyone?) we'll make our way back to San Jose where our trip will come to a close. San Jose What an adventure it's been. Swap deets, we'll see each other on the road again soon. Meal(s): Breakfast
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University of California - Davis
Viva Costa Rica July 8 - 16, 2023 Early Bird Price:
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Your Stops
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- Arenal (La Fortuna) 2 night
- Playa Tamarindo 2 nights
- Monteverde 2 night
- Jaco 2 nights
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Accommodations
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All accommodation is included on this trip. 8 nights in Hotels
Trip Experiences
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7 Inclusions
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Experiences that are included with your trip.
- Marvel at Arenal Volcano
- Discover how local chocolate is made
- Hike La Fortuna waterfall
- Treeplanting with SINAC in Costa Rica
- Don Juan Coffee Tour
- Experience Monteverde's Cloud Forest
- Day trip to Manuel Antonio National Park
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7 Free Time Add-Ons
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Optional experiences that you can choose from and pay for on your trip.
- Canyoneering. $87.00
- Arenal Hot Springs. $40.00
- Catamaran Cruise. $85.00
- Playa Tamarindo Surf Lessons. $45.00
- Ziplining in Monteverde Park $55.00
- Hanging Bridges Walk in Monteverde $39.00
- Jaco Coast Kayaking $80.00
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We’ve rigorously evaluated our experiences, training and protocols to make sure we not only meet our travelers wellbeing expectations, but exceed them in every single way.
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Looking for up to date information about the latest visa and travel document requirements, COVID testing and quarantine policies based on where you are traveling to and from?
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FAQs
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University of California - Davis
Viva Costa Rica July 8 - 16, 2023 Early Bird Price:
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