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Looking for affordable Costa Rica tours that truly showcase the natural beauty of this captivating country? Look no further than Expat Explore’s 9-day Costa Rica Escape! This Costa Rica coach tour offers travellers the opportunity to visit the active Arenal Volcano, traverse through the Monteverde Cloud Forest, swim in the tropical waters of Quepos, discover the beauty of the Manuel Antonio National Park and explore San José, the vibrant capital city. Experience the natural beauty, delicious cuisine and buzzing local culture of one of Central America’s most spectacular countries!
- Experience the diversity of Costa Rica’s nature
- Visit the spectacular Manuel Antonio National Park
- See the active Arenal Volcano
- Drive through the majestic Monteverde Cloud Forest
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DAY 1: Start of tour in San José
Welcome to your Costa Rica Escape! Arrive in San José, the capital of Costa Rica, and meet up with your tour leader and fellow travellers at the hotel this evening. If you arrive early, explore this gorgeous city which boasts a backdrop of volcanoes in the north and the Talamanca mountains in the south. Tonight, after getting an overview of the exciting upcoming itinerary, head to a local restaurant for a delicious welcome dinner. Get to know your tour leader and new travel buddies with an authentic Costa Rican meal!
Experiences
Welcome dinner in San José: Get your first taste of Costa Rican cuisine with an included welcome dinner in San José. Tuck into a delicious meal of patacones (fried plantain) and your choice of main course.DAY 2: San José – La Fortuna
After breakfast, say “goodbye for now” to San José and head towards La Fortuna. This small town is known as the gateway to the spectacular Arenal Volcano National Park. Arrive in La Fortuna this afternoon and set off on an orientation walk. This evening is free to spend as you wish. Join the highly recommended Hot Springs optional excursion to experience the tranquil and healing thermal water pools that this area is famous for. Admire the crystalline waterfalls and relax in these hot spring waters before enjoying an included buffet dinner!
Experiences
Visit La Fortuna: This town may be small in size but its surrounding nature is nothing short of spectacular. La Fortuna is renowned for its natural hot springs as well as being the gateway to the Arenal Volcano National Park, which is home to an active volcano.
On Tour Excursions
Arenal Hot Springs & Dinner Experience
Relax in the rejuvenating waters of the Baldi hot springs! The mineral water reservoirs flow right from the base of the Arenal volcano.
US$ 100DAY 3: La Fortuna: Free Day
Look forward to a full free day in La Fortuna to explore the awe-inspiring nature which can be seen all over the town and beyond. From volcano views to lush rainforests and plenty of hiking trails, La Fortuna has so much to offer those who visit. For those who wish to experience the beauty of the Arenal Volcano and nearby rainforest, be sure to join today’s optional excursion which offers an expertly-guided, leisurely and informative hike around the volcano and national park. This evening, take the opportunity to learn more about (and taste more) Costa Rican cuisine with a fun and interactive cooking class! This is the best way to immerse yourself in local culture.
On Tour Excursions
Arenal Half-day Volcano Hike
Get ready to party like the locals! Put on your t-shirt, mask and glitter, and take to the streets where street bands lead dancing and celebrating crowds in a popular Carnival experience.
US$ 110
Costa Rican Cooking Class
Indulge in the diverse culinary traditions of Costa Rica by enjoying a traditional cooking lesson, a drink and a hearty home-cooked meal!
US$ 100DAY 4: La Fortuna – Monteverde
Farewell, La Fortuna! This morning, the tour begins the journey to Monteverde travelling through the magnificent Cloud Forest. Keep your eyes peeled and cameras ready for stunning scenery as we drive. Arrive in Monteverde in the afternoon and join your tour leader on an orientation walk through the town before enjoying some free time for lunch. The rest of the day is free to explore on your own, relax or join the Coffee Farm Tour and discover how three important and delicious Costa Rican exports (coffee, chocolate and sugar cane) are made. This evening, enjoy a delicious dinner at a vibrant local restaurant surrounded by lush greenery.
Experiences
Drive through the Monteverde Cloud Forest: Look forward to an incredibly scenic drive as you travel from La Fortuna to Monteverde along the Cloud Forest reserve road. Known as the “Crown Jewel” of the world’s cloud forests, Monteverde is by far the country’s most famous and stretches over 10,000 hectares!
On Tour Excursions
Coffee Farm Tour
Tour one of the Cloud Forest’s top coffee farms! Learn about the history of coffee in Costa Rica and enjoy freshly-brewed coffee.
US$ 90DAY 5: Monteverde: Free Day
Make the most of a free day in this beautiful part of Costa Rica. Chat with your tour leader to learn about all of the options for excursions today. Explore more of Monteverde’s famous cloud forest and take to new heights on the Hanging Bridges & Sloth Sanctuary excursion for an adrenaline-pumping experience featuring amazing views followed by a visit to a sloth sanctuary! Or, explore the area at your own pace – you could stroll the streets, sit down for a local meal, visit a butterfly farm and learn more about these colourful little creatures, and more! The choice is all yours today!
On Tour Excursions
Hanging Bridges & Sloth Sanctuary
Explore the hanging bridges in the rainforest of Monteverde and visit a sloth sanctuary! Admire the incredible scenery and wildlife as you go.
US$ 180DAY 6: Monteverde – Quepos
Moving along from Monteverde, travel onwards to Quepos. This coastal town is a dreamy destination for beachgoers and wildlife enthusiasts thanks to its crystal-clear waters, incredible marine life and rich biodiversity. After checking into the hotel for the next two evenings, enjoy free time to soak up the sun. Take a dip in the Pacific Ocean, sunbathe on the beach or join the sunset catamaran cruise which offers an opportunity to see local marine life and admire exceptional views of the Manuel Antonio National Park. Depending on the season, humpback whales, dolphins and stingrays can be spotted among the waves! Marvel at the awe-inspiring surroundings. go snorkelling, slide down the boat’s waterslide and enjoy a tasty dinner on board.
Experiences
Soak up the sun in Quepos: Spend two nights in the picture-perfect coastal town of Quepos. This tropical paradise is where the rainforest meets the Pacific Ocean resulting in unparalleled biodiversity. Nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts can look forward to beautiful beaches which boast dazzling blue waters, fascinating marine life such as whales, dolphins and stingrays, and exotic wildlife including monkeys, sloths and colourful birds!
On Tour Excursions
Quepos Sunset Catamaran
Embark on an extraordinary tour through nature aboard a catamaran and see whales (seasonal), dolphins and stingrays as you cruise.
US$ 150DAY 7: Quepos
This morning, set off on an adventure through the impressive Manuel Antonio National Park. This park features a vast diversity of landscapes from white-sand beaches to forests and mountains! Within this park, around 184 species of birds and 109 species of mammals reside including sloths, monkeys, toucans and more. Marvel at the picture-perfect fauna and flora in this region and take the opportunity to swim in the crystal clear waters of the beautiful beaches. Later this afternoon, head back to the hotel and look forward to a free evening in Quepos.
DAY 8: Quepos – San José
Departing Quepos this morning, the tour travels back to where it all began – San José! However, this Costa Rica adventure isn’t over just yet. This afternoon, get to know Costa Rica’s vibrant capital on a driving tour through the city. Admire San José’s unique Spanish colonial architecture and see top sights including Casa Amarillo, the National Theatre and the main town square. This evening, sit down for one last farewell dinner with the group. Reminisce about the many memories made over the last 8 days and raise a glass to the many unforgettable Costa Rica travel highlights experienced together!
Experiences
San José driving tour: Join your tour leader on a driving tour through San José. As Costa Rica’s capital and largest city, San José is full of historic buildings, attractive architecture and natural scenery which can be seen in the city’s parks as well as in the surrounding landscapes. Top sights on this tour include the Casa Amarillo, the National Theatre and the main town
Farewell dinner: Sit down for one last dinner with the group as you bid farewell to Costa Rica.DAY 9: End of tour in San José
Enjoy the last breakfast with the tour group this morning, after which this jam-packed Costa Rica coach tour comes to an end. Don’t forget to swap contact details with your newfound travel friends before travelling onwards to your next destination. Expat Explore wishes you a safe journey and hopes to see you soon!
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Accommodation
- 8 nights hotel accommodation in twin rooms with private bathrooms. The majority of our accommodations are of a 3- and 4-star standard, offering excellent value, comfort and convenience
- Single travellers have the option to pay a single supplement to ensure a private room (subject to availability)
Meals
- 8 Breakfasts, 3 Dinners *Vegetarian options available for all meals on request
Transport
- Air-conditioned vehicle
Tour Leader
- Fully guided tour with experienced tour leader
- Tour leader will accompany group throughout and manage all logistical details
7 Experiences!
- Enjoy a welcome dinner in San José
- Visit La Fortuna, near Arenal Volcano National Park
- Take a scenic drive through the Monteverde Cloud Forest
- Soak up the sun, sand and scenery in Quepos
- Explore the stunning Manuel Antonio National Park
- Discover San José, Costa Rica’s capital city, on a driving tour
- Sit down for a farewell group dinner in San José
DEPARTURE DATES AND RATES
Start Date / End Date Status Price Per Person 29 Mar 2025 – 06 Apr 2025 SOLD OUT! 10 May 2025 – 18 May 2025 SOLD OUT! 30 Aug 2025 – 07 Sep 2025 Book now with low deposit Up To $2,145Now $1,57910 Jan 2026 – 18 Jan 2026 Book now with low deposit Up To $2,315Now $1,80531 Jan 2026 – 08 Feb 2026 SOLD OUT! 14 Mar 2026 – 22 Mar 2026 Book now with low deposit Up To $2,205Now $1,88525 Mar 2026 – 02 Apr 2026 SOLD OUT! 09 May 2026 – 17 May 2026 Book now with low deposit Up To $2,100Now $1,71530 May 2026 – 07 Jun 2026 SOLD OUT! 20 Jun 2026 – 28 Jun 2026 SOLD OUT! 04 Jul 2026 – 12 Jul 2026 Book now with low deposit Up To $2,315Now $1,88525 Jul 2026 – 02 Aug 2026 SOLD OUT! 05 Sep 2026 – 13 Sep 2026 SOLD OUT! 15 Oct 2026 – 23 Oct 2026 SOLD OUT! 24 Oct 2026 – 01 Nov 2026 Book now with low deposit Up To $2,205Now $1,80528 Nov 2026 – 06 Dec 2026 Book now with low deposit Up To $2,315Now $1,885
