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Backpacking Costa Rica

From rainforest treks to sun-soaked beaches, this 13-day Costa Rica adventure packs in volcano views, natural hot springs, vibrant wildlife, and laid-back surf towns. With a mix of iconic spots and local secrets, you’ll dive into pura vida life with a crew of new mates and one epic group leader. Let’s go wild.

  • 15 Meals (Vegetarian Options)
  • All Trips and Excursions
  • No Hidden Charges
  • All Accommodation
  • All In-Country Transport
  • Airport Pick Up
  • International Flights
  • Travel Insurance
  • Airport Drop Off

Enjoyed every second of my trip! Would highly recommend. Had the best time with my Tour guide Tess! she was so lovely and also helpful. If we wanted to go somewhere she’d recommend us places to go/see

Maddie, Google 12 May 2025

Backpacking Costa Rica

£1989 from
Pay £250 deposit
  • Length13 Days
  • Avg. Age20-45
  • No. Of Activities13
  • No. Of Meals15
  • Avg. Group Size6-20
  • Starting PointSan José
  • Ending PointSan José

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Route Map

Route Map of Costa Rica Tour

Tour Itinerary

DAY 1

Welcome to Costa Rica!

Hola and welcome to Costa Rica! As soon as you arrive in San José, you'll be collected and taken to your accommodation. Settle in, relax, and breathe in that tropical air. In the evening, meet your group and guide for a chilled welcome evening to get to know each other and get hyped for the adventure ahead.

  • Room TypeHotel
DAY 2

San José City Tour

Explore San José on a guided walking tour, discovering its history, colourful architecture, and leafy city parks. Afterward, leave the capital behind and travel into the lush lowlands of Sarapiquí, stopping at the Pierella Butterfly Garden along the way. Wander through tropical gardens filled with butterflies and wildlife while learning about the breeding and conservation process in this peaceful natural setting.

  • Meals IncludedBreakfast, Lunch
  • Room TypeHotel
  • Activities IncludedSan José Walking Tour
DAY 3

White-Water Rafting & Night Walk

Adventure takes centre stage today! We’ll kick things off with an exhilarating white-water rafting experience through vibrant rainforest scenery. Later, we’ll slow the pace on a fascinating leaf-cutter ant tour. After nightfall, we’ll head out on a guided night walk to spot frogs, insects, and reptiles under the canopy.

  • Meals IncludedBreakfast
  • Room TypeHotel
  • Activities IncludedWhite-water Rafting, Night Jungle Walk
DAY 4

Local Organic Farm

This morning we make our way towards La Fortuna, with a special stop to visit a local organic family farm. Learn how fresh produce is grown and harvested before sitting down for a delicious home-cooked Casado lunch and locally grown coffee. We then continue to the iconic Arenal region.

  • Meals IncludedBreakfast, Lunch
  • Activities IncludedLocal Farm Visit
DAY 5

Waterfalls & Natural Hot Springs

Today is all about soaking up La Fortuna’s natural wonders. We’ll visit a breathtaking Waterfall tumbling into a cool jungle pool, followed by a visit to the El Salto pools for a refreshing swim. To finish the day, we’ll wind down in natural hot springs, letting mineral-rich waters soothe our muscles beneath the rainforest canopy.

  • Meals IncludedBreakfast
  • Room TypeHotel
  • Activities IncludedNatural Hot Springs, El Salto Jungle Pools
DAY 6

Hanging Bridges & Rainforest

The outdoors await as we head into the rainforest, hiking across hanging bridges that carve through the jungle. Explore the flora and fauna from the canopy level. The afternoon is yours to enjoy—kick back and relax or choose an optional adrenaline-pumping zipline adventure through the treetops!

  • Meals IncludedBreakfast
  • Room TypeHotel
  • Activities IncludedHanging bridges
DAY 7

To the Beach: Hello Samara

We say goodbye to the mountains and make our way to the chill beach town of Samara. Once we arrive, the afternoon is yours. Think cocktails by the beach, beach volleyball, or just zoning out on a hammock. This is what pura vida is all about.

  • Meals IncludedBreakfast
  • Room TypeHotel
DAY 8

Surf Lessons & Salsa Rhythms

Start the day strong with a surf lesson, learning to ride the waves with local legends. Later, we’ll swap surfboards for dance shoes with a lively salsa class. It’s a day of high energy as we learn the moves and rhythms that are woven into the heart of Costa Rican culture!

  • Meals IncludedBreakfast
  • Room TypeHotel
  • Activities IncludedSurf Lessons, Salsa Dance Class
DAY 9

Coastal Beach Day in Guanacaste

It’s time for a beach-hopping adventure along Guanacaste’s stunning coast. You’ll spend the day soaking up sun, swimming in crystal-clear waters, and exploring hidden coves. If you’re up for it, bring a football, a speaker, or just a towel and enjoy a full-on tropical beach day.

  • Meals IncludedBreakfast
  • Room TypeHotel
  • Activities IncludedSecluded Beaches
DAY 10

Arrival in Esterillos

After a relaxed morning in Samara, we continue our journey south, stopping along the way for lunch and scenic views. By late afternoon, we arrive in the laid-back beach town of Esterillos. Check into the hotel, unwind, and enjoy a peaceful evening, maybe even catching the sunset by the ocean.

  • Meals IncludedBreakfast
  • Room TypeHotel
DAY 11

Manuel Antonio National Park

Today is one of the highlights! Head into the rainforest trails of Manuel Antonio National Park, spotting sloths, monkeys, and colourful birds. After our wildlife fix, chill out on the park’s beautiful beaches. It’s all white sand, jungle backdrops, and clear water, a total paradise.

  • Meals IncludedBreakfast
  • Room TypeHotel
  • Activities IncludedManuel Antonio National Park
DAY 12

Chocolate Tour & Farewell Dinner

Leaving the coast, we head back to San José. On the way, we stop for a cultural "Cacao" experience. Learn how chocolate has been vital to Costa Rica for millennia and enjoy a tasting. Tonight, we’ll gather for our farewell meal and drinks to toast to an unforgettable journey.

  • Meals IncludedBreakfast, Lunch
  • Room TypeHotel
  • Activities IncludedCacao (chocolate) Experience
DAY 13

Onward Travel

After breakfast, it’s time to pack up and check out. Your guide will be on hand to help with any onward travel, whether you're heading to the airport or continuing your adventures through Central America. It’s been an epic journey full of waterfalls, jungles, beaches, and wildlife and of course, amazing new friends. We'll miss the pura vida vibes, but they’re now a part of you. Safe travels and see you on your next adventure!

  • Meals IncludedBreakfast

Tour Dates

Optional Extras

£80
£700

All This Included & More!

  • San José Walking Tour
  • Local Farm Visit & Lunch
  • Hanging Bridges
  • Natural Hot Springs
  • Night Jungle Walk
  • White-water Rafting
  • Pierella Butterfly Garden
  • Salsa Dance Class
  • Secluded Beaches
  • Surf Lesson
  • Manuel Antonio National Park
  • Cacao (chocolate) Experience
  • El Salto Jungle Pools