I’m so excited to be hosting this incredible journey through Costa Rica! From vibrant San José to the Arenal Volcano region, lush rainforests, local communities and Costa Rica’s incredible wildlife, this trip is packed with experiences I can’t wait to share with you. As your host, I’ll be with you from the planning stages right through to our adventure in Costa Rica. I’m here to answer questions, help you prepare for the trip and make sure you feel supported along the way. One of my favourite things about group travel is experiencing a destination together, sharing great meals, discovering new places and coming home with plenty of stories to tell. I can’t wait to experience the G Adventures Journeys: Highlights of Costa Rica with you!

Imagine waking up surrounded by lush rainforest, spotting monkeys and colourful birds in the trees, standing in the shadow of a volcano, and ending the day sharing a delicious meal made with fresh local ingredients. That’s the magic of Costa Rica. This journey is about experiencing so much more than beautiful scenery. We’ll discover Costa Rica’s incredible wildlife, learn about its culture and traditions, connect with local communities, and experience the landscapes that have made this small country one of the world’s most loved destinations. From the energy of San José to the spectacular Arenal Volcano region and the rich biodiversity of the rainforest, G Adventures Journeys: Highlights of Costa Rica brings together adventure, culture, food and nature in one unforgettable trip. And the best part? You don’t have to figure it all out on your own. We’ll be experiencing it together, with the details taken care of and plenty of incredible moments waiting along the way. If Costa Rica has been sitting on your travel wish list, this might just be the trip that gets you there.

Choosing G Adventures means experiencing Costa Rica in a way that goes beyond simply visiting the sights. Their style of travel is all about getting closer to the destination, connecting with local people and experiencing the culture, nature and communities that make Costa Rica so special. Small-Group Travel: Travelling with a smaller group gives us the chance to experience Costa Rica in a more personal way. It also means we can visit places and enjoy experiences that aren’t always possible with a large tour group. Local Experiences: This journey includes opportunities to connect with Costa Rican communities and learn about everyday life, traditions and food. From visiting a G Adventures-supported coffee cooperative to learning how to make tortillas with a local family, these are the experiences that turn a vacation into something memorable. Expert Local Guidance: We’ll have a G Adventures Chief Experience Officer leading the way, sharing local knowledge, stories and insight while taking care of the day-to-day details of our journey. National Geographic Journeys: This tour is part of the National Geographic Journeys collection with G Adventures, combining meaningful cultural experiences and incredible destinations with added comfort and unique experiences along the way. Responsible Travel: G Adventures has long focused on community tourism, helping ensure that travel benefits the people and places we visit. Through initiatives such as Planeterra-supported community projects, our travels can have a positive impact while giving us opportunities for genuine local connections. And because this is a Go Travel with Amanda hosted departure, you’ll have me travelling alongside you too. You get the experience and local expertise of G Adventures, with the added comfort of having your own travel advisor there from beginning to end. It’s a wonderful way to experience Costa Rica: more connection, more culture and more than simply checking places off a list.

Ready to join us in Costa Rica? A $400 per person deposit is required to secure your spot on this incredible hosted adventure. Once you’re ready to book, simply contact me and I’ll walk you through the reservation process, answer any questions and make sure you have everything you need. Your Costa Rica adventure starts here. I can’t wait to have you join us!

Whether you’re travelling solo or bringing someone along, there are options to make this trip work for you. Travelling with a companion? Choose double occupancy and enjoy the experience together. Prefer your own space? Single occupancy may be available for an additional supplement, giving you your own room throughout the journey. Travelling solo but open to sharing? Let me know! Depending on availability, there may be an opportunity to match with another solo traveller of the same gender, allowing you to share accommodations and avoid the single supplement. Don’t let travelling solo stop you from joining us. Hosted group travel is a great way to explore somewhere new while meeting people and sharing the experience along the way.

Ready to experience Costa Rica with us? Prices are per traveller: Double Occupancy: $3,199 per person Single Occupancy: $4,708 per person Your tour price includes the incredible experiences, accommodations and inclusions outlined in the G Adventures Journeys: Highlights of Costa Rica itinerary. Space is limited, so I recommend reserving early if you’re ready to join us!

Your 9-day G Adventures Journeys: Highlights of Costa Rica experience includes: • 8 nights of hotel accommodations • 8 breakfasts, 2 lunches and 1 dinner • Arrival airport transfer • All transportation between destinations and to/from included activities • Transportation by private vehicle, boat and on foot throughout the journey • Services of a National Geographic Expedition Leader, along with local guides where their expertise enhances the experience • Visit to the Mi Cafecito Coffee Cooperative, including a traditional Costa Rican lunch • Tortilla-making experience and dinner with a local family in La Fortuna • Free time in La Fortuna to choose your own adventure • Travel by vehicle and boat from the Arenal region to Monteverde • Guided nature walk through the Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve • Visit to the Monteverde Institute, including a lecture from a researcher about conservation and National Geographic-supported projects • Guided excursion to Manuel Antonio National Park, with opportunities to search for monkeys, sloths, armadillos and incredible birdlife while exploring the rainforest and Pacific coastline Plus, you’ll have me, Amanda, travelling with the group as your Go Travel host throughout the journey!

We highly recommend getting travel insurance for your trip. Not only does it provide peace of mind, but it also covers unforeseen circumstances such as trip cancellations, medical emergencies, or lost luggage. While it's not mandatory, having insurance can make a significant difference in handling unexpected situations smoothly. Feel free to ask us for recommendations on choosing a policy that suits your needs!

We recommend booking your flights as soon as your tour dates are confirmed. This not only secures your travel arrangements but often results in better fares and more choices in flight schedules. If you need assistance finding the best flights or want advice on travel routes, feel free to reach out. We're here to ensure your entire journey is seamless and enjoyable from start to finish!

While your Costa Rica tour includes plenty along the way, there are a few additional expenses you’ll want to plan for. International Airfare: Flights to and from Costa Rica are not included in the tour price. This gives us flexibility when arranging the best flight options for the group. Optional Post-Tour Beach Stay: Want to extend your time in Costa Rica? An optional beach stay will be available following our G Adventures tour. The beach extension is not included in the $3,199 tour price and will be priced separately. More details and pricing will be provided for those interested in adding some extra beach time to their Costa Rica adventure. Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is not included and is mandatory to participate in this G Adventures tour. Your policy must include medical coverage and meet G Adventures’ minimum requirements for emergency evacuation and repatriation. I can help you review your insurance options before departure. Meals Not Listed as Included: The tour includes 8 breakfasts, 2 lunches and 1 dinner. All other meals, snacks and beverages are at your own expense. One of the benefits of this is having the freedom to explore local restaurants and choose what and where you’d like to eat. Optional Activities: There is free time built into the itinerary, with plenty of optional experiences available at an additional cost. Depending on what you choose, options include hot springs, hanging bridges, ziplining, horseback riding, kayaking, surfing, a catamaran cruise and more. Personal Expenses: Souvenirs, laundry, drinks, snacks, additional transportation during your free time and other personal purchases are not included. Tips & Gratuities: Gratuities for your Expedition Leader, local guides, drivers and other service providers are not included. G Adventures provides suggested tipping guidelines to help you budget before departure. Departure Transfer: Your arrival transfer is included, but a transfer to the airport on departure day is not listed as an inclusion and can be arranged separately if needed. Knowing what’s included and what you’ll need to budget for ahead of time makes planning easy. I’ll be here to help with all the details, including flights, insurance and the optional beach extension, as we get closer to our Costa Rica adventure!

This tour is moderately active and is a great fit for travellers who are comfortable being on their feet, walking outdoors and exploring at a relaxed pace. Throughout the journey, expect a combination of sightseeing, nature walks and time exploring Costa Rica’s rainforests and national parks. In Monteverde, our guided walk through the Santa Elena Cloud Forest covers approximately 2–3 km at a leisurely pace, while our visit to Manuel Antonio National Park includes approximately 3 km of walking over 2–3 hours. Terrain can be uneven, and Costa Rica’s tropical climate means we should be prepared for rain, humidity and changing temperatures. There are also plenty of optional activities for those looking for a little more adventure, including ziplining, horseback riding, kayaking, surfing, hanging bridges and more. You can choose the activities that best suit your comfort and activity level. You don’t need to be an avid hiker, but you should be comfortable with regular walking, some uneven terrain and an active style of sightseeing to get the most out of this trip.

The Key dates for this tour is Deposit payable at time of booking Final payment is Aug 20 2027 Tour dates Oct 30-Nov 7 2027 Suggested Arrival No Later then Oct 29 2027

For this tour we are departing from San Jose on Oct 30 2027. You should arrive a day prior if possible to ensure that you don't miss anything due to airline delays.

One of the things I love about this itinerary is that not every moment is scheduled. You’ll have time along the way to slow down, explore and experience Costa Rica in a way that interests you. In La Fortuna, you’ll have a full day to choose your own adventure. Relax in natural hot springs, explore the area around Arenal Volcano, visit the Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge, try stand-up paddleboarding or simply enjoy some downtime and explore the town. We’ll also have free time in Monteverde, where optional adventures such as ziplining and horseback riding are available, or you can spend some time enjoying the small town, local restaurants and beautiful surroundings. In Manuel Antonio, you’ll have another opportunity to enjoy Costa Rica at your own pace. Spend time at the beach, relax and take in the Pacific Coast, or add an optional experience such as surfing, kayaking, horseback riding or a catamaran cruise. It’s a great balance of planned experiences and time to make the trip your own. And of course, I’ll be travelling with you and can help you sort through the options along the way.

Some of the unique experiences we’ll enjoy include: Coffee Cooperative Experience Visit the G Adventures-supported Mi Cafecito Coffee Cooperative, meet local farmers and learn how Costa Rican coffee goes from bean to cup, followed by a traditional lunch. Tortilla Making & Dinner with a Local Family Spend an evening in a local home in La Fortuna learning the art of traditional tortilla making before sitting down together for a home-cooked Costa Rican dinner. Explore Costa Rica’s Incredible Rainforests & Wildlife Walk through the misty Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve with a guide, then later explore Manuel Antonio National Park, searching for sloths, monkeys, armadillos and tropical birds while taking in the beautiful Pacific coastline. These are the kinds of experiences that let us do more than simply see Costa Rica. We’ll have opportunities to meet local people, learn about conservation, experience Costa Rican culture and get closer to the incredible nature and wildlife that make this country so special.