Volcanoes! Jungles! Beaches! Costa Rica has it all — and this 11-day hostel-fuelled adventure will smack you in the face (in a good way) with the best of it. You’ll stare in awe at the active crater of the Poás Volcano en route to La Fortuna, where waterfalls, rivers, and hot springs await. After that, you’ll be zip-lining over the cloud forest in Monteverde, hiking through the jungle to the idyllic waterfall at Rio Celeste, and then heading to the beach towns on the Nicoya Peninsula for surfing, nightlife, and non-stop good times.
Day 1: San JoséArrive at any time, and choose to kick back at the hostel, or head out to explore the city before meeting up with fellow Roamies in the evening. Later, head out in the San Pedro neighborhood with your CEO and new mates in search of food and drink at one of the nearby happening spots. Buckle up, it's on!
Day 2: San José/La FortunaSet off today bound for La Fortuna with plenty to do along the way. First stop, the active Poás Volcano for epic views and photo opportunities by the crater. Next, head to a community coffee project to sample a cup and to learn about coffee production. Hungry? Sit down for a delicious typical lunch of freshly-caught tilapia from the local fish farm with plantains and the ever-present rice and beans. Then get hands-on with a tortilla-making lesson, full points for the best one! Roll into La Fortuna in the afternoon with time to settle into the hostel and grab a drink at the bar, and in the evening maybe treat yourself to a long soak in one of the many local hot springs. Hey, you deserve it right?
Day 3: La FortunaReady for Adventure? There’s so much to do in La Fortuna that we've given you an entire free day to choose for yourself, you'll thank us for it later. Maybe it's something active that's your jam like rappelling down a waterfall, whitewater rafting, or paddleboard on Lake Arenal. Otherwise, hanging out in the hostel with friends and a cold beverage is never a bad option either. A combination of these things you say? Sounds perfect!
Day 4: La Fortuna/MonteverdeIf variety of transport is something you're looking for then you're going to love today. We'll make our way from La Fortuna by bus then boat across Lake Arenal then by bus again to the cloud forest of Monteverde. Scenery galore, keep the camera handy! Once we get to Monteverde don't get too comfortable yet as we'll head into the forest to fly across the canopy on zip lines for an adrenaline rush. Phew!
Day 5: MonteverdeToday is all about you, to do as much (or as little) as you want, it's all good! Maybe check out the hanging bridges in the canopy to look for birds and wildlife, go horseback riding, visit a butterfly garden or just kick back at the cozy hostel and relax with a local craft beer in hand.
Day 6: Monteverde/LiberiaMore great scenery and volcanoes you ask for? Sure thing, we've got you covered. Set off in your private ride to the Volcán Tenorio National Park where we'll hike through the jungle to a brillant blue pool and waterfall of the Rio Celeste. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife and birds! Carry on to Liberia in the afternoon and have time to relax after checking into the hostel in the evening before setting off to the Nicoya Peninsula the next day.
Day 7: Liberia/NosaraCheck a hidden gem off those travel lists today as the group heads for Poza Los Coyotes. This lesser known spot in Costa Rica allows for living out those jungle fantasies while you swim and explore the trails around the incredibly turquoise waters of the area’s natural pools. Choose to go all in during your time there and rent an inflatable tube to float through the caves and in the natural pools. Or take a short stroll to see a waterfall and canyon. Next, continue down the Nicoya Peninsula to the laid-back beach town of Nosara to settle into the hostel. Take the rest of the afternoon to explore or get your beach on if you're feeling it. Is it beer o'clock yet?
Day 8: NosaraWe only have one thing actually planned today but it's a good one. Hop in the van for a visit to one of the most picturesque beaches in all of Costa Rica; Playa Guiones. Think of this beach as the love child between a three-mile stretch of flat sand and incredible surf waves. You’ll miss out on the big crowds some of the other beaches are known for in the area, and be able to both surf and swim in the warm waters. This is the kind of beach where you can goof around on a boogie board and also read a book, the vibes fit all your needs. Envision our day trip here as a secret paradise no one knew they needed. Afterwards, enjoy the rest of the day back in Nosara hanging out at the hostel with friends and a cold beverage, or watching the sunset with your toes in the sand.
Day 9: Nosara/TamarindoOk ok, we know the beaches in Nosara are great, but today we will leave the sand behind and head north along the coast to Guaitil, a small village famous for their Chorotega style pottery products. It will be like learning a new hobby that also gives you a deep appreciation for family traditions and creating something beautiful using the natural environment. What’s not to love about that? Learn what’s up from the owner of a small shop, and see how the pottery is made. Choose to grab some lunch and walk through the showrooms to see some of the finished products before we carry on to our hostel in Tamarindo for more beach vibes and great nightlife.
Day 10: TamarindoSurf's up! Take an included surf class in the morning and then the rest of the day is all yours. Feeling active? Try zip-lining, kayaking in the nearby national park or take a snorkelling trip. Can’t get enough of the beach? Stay local and take to the sand and sea. Still want more? Chilling out at the hostel with friends is always a great option too.
Day 11: TamarindoDepart at any time, or maybe decide to add on a few more nights at the beach.
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