8 Day Premium Independent Costa Rica
On these packages you will travel from city to city on your own, exploring at your own pace. We have arranged transportation in most cases and day tours for you to see the destination. Enjoy the time and flexibility to linger longer or pick up the pace and see as much as possible. The choice is yours.
This tour is categorised as 3 out of 5
Balanced exploration with walking tours: Our most popular style, this tour offers a good mix of planned activities and free time. Expect moderate daily walking tours, so pack comfortable shoes.
As a general requirement across all of our trips, you may be required to walk up and down stairs, get on and off transportation, handle your own luggage, and participate in all scheduled sightseeing that may be conducted on uneven ground and terrain. Any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability and where required, supporting documentation may be requested to ensure that we are comfortable that you will enjoy your trip.
✓ Independent touring - explore at your own pace with transportation, accommodation, and some guided day tours included. Enjoy time and flexibility to linger longer or pick up the pace and see as much as possible: the choice is yours!
✓ See the best of Costa Rica, from the rainforests of the Arenal Volcano to the palm-lined beaches of Guanacaste, including a hanging bridges tour to give you a canopy view of the Arenal rainforest and a sunset snorkel tour in the clear waters of the Pacific Ocean
✓ Shared transfers between all destinations, including an arrival transfer at San Jose airport and a departure transfer to Liberia airport (with the option to upgrade to private transfers)
✓ 7 nights in hand-picked 4-star hotels throughout Costa Rica
✓ Breakfast daily, and snacks with drinks on a sailboat
✓ In-depth sightseeing and entrance fees as per the itinerary
✈ Needing international airfares to accompany your Inspiring Vacation? You will be able to access our flight portal after securing your package to add international airfares to your booking.
Travel with the experts for a carefully curated, value-packed discovery of the world's most iconic destinations. Our tours are bursting with must-see sights, rich experiences and quality inclusions, all at an unbeatable price. Bucket list dreams are ticked off on these all-encompassing journeys.
Welcome to Costa Rica! When you arrive at Juan Santamaría International Airport in San Jose, you will be met and transferred by shared van to your hotel, where you will spend the rest of the day at leisure.
Enjoy the sight of lush green mountains rising around the Central Valley - your first glimpse of the volcanoes strewn about this Central American country. If you have time, you may wish to venture into the heart of the city to see the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum and the ornate National Theatre.
Depart the hustle and bustle of the city for the tropical forests of Costa Rica’s most famous volcano: Arenal. One of the most active volcanos in the world until 2010, the lush slopes of this now-dormant mountain are host to thousands of species of wildlife and plants, natural geothermal hot springs, and countless opportunities for adventure. Adrenaline junkies and spa enthusiasts alike will find this to be a perfect destination. The drive is approximately 3.5 hours and winds through the quaint towns of the Alajuela province, home to small farms and coffee plantations.
Upon arrival, check into your hotel near the town of La Fortuna. You may choose to spend the afternoon exploring, or lounge by the pool, soaking in views of the volcano.
Today you’ll explore Arenal by ground and sky on a half-day Hanging Bridges tour. Experience the primary rainforest through walking trails and exhilarating suspension bridges that offer impressive views of the volcano, and the opportunity to observe the huge variety of flora and fauna found here. Experience the different layers of the rainforest, from the forest floor to the top of the canopy, to truly appreciate the biodiversity of Costa Rica.
The afternoon is free to explore on your own or add an optional tour.
Hike the magnificent Arenal Volcano! Explore a secondary Rainforest, a habitat of a great and interesting variety of flora and fauna. Observe the lava formations left by 1992 significant lava flow and the area destroyed by the awakening of the Colossal in 1968. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Volcano and the Lake, while learning about the history of this impressive volcano.
Includes: Transportation, guide, Entrance fees, snacks
Total Duration: 4 Hours
After breakfast, the day is yours to explore on your own, or add on one of the many optional tours listed below. Embrace the adrenaline rush of a zipline adventure, relax in natural hot springs, or head out on a float trip to take in the natural landscape and exciting wildlife.
This tour is best known for the peace and tranquillity exuded by the rainforest as you quietly paddle down the beautiful Peñas Blancas River. Prepare yourself to encounter monkeys, sloths, iguanas, and various species of tropical birds. As you sit back and enjoy, your professional guide will teach you about the intricacies of the vast ecosystem that surrounds you.
Duration: 4 Hours
The Sarapiquí River offers a wide range of options from first-time paddlers looking for a class III challenge to families interested in a class I-II level paddle trip. Set in the lowlands of the rainforest, one will enjoy breath-taking views of tropical birds and lush jungle landscapes. Sarapiquí allows one to not only enjoy the rapids but also revisit that childhood freedom to play and relax in the flat pools between the rapids.
Minimum age: 8
Includes: Transportation, guide, equipment, lunch
Duration: 7 Hours
Enjoy the most extraordinary view of the Arenal Volcano on a hike along the base and flanks of this giant on the Arenal 1968 trails. The “Colada 68” trail will give you the best of the best hiking over old lava flows in the Arenal Volcano area, walking on rocky ground, feeling the power and serenity of nature, enjoying amazing views of the Arenal Lake and the Monteverde mountains, plus an insight contact with the local flora and fauna and a great chance for some bird watching. After hiking the Arenal Volcano, what better way to end the day than by indulging at Tabacon & Spa Hot Springs, Explore the beautiful Rainforest that surrounds the hot springs and enjoy the warm thermal waters surrounded by waterfalls and lush tropical gardens.
Includes: Transportation, guide, entrance fees, snacks, and dinner at Tabacon.
Duration: 8 Hours
Enjoy spectacular views on a zipline adventure! The canopy tour is not only a great adventure but also offers the opportunity to observe wildlife in its natural habitat. Each platform has been designed so that you can see the forest from different angles allowing you to enjoy the impressive scenery.
The canopy consists of 15 cables and 18 platforms divided into three sections. An optional Tarzan Swing activity is also available.
Includes: transportation, guide
Duration: 3 Hours
After breakfast, take a shared transfer to the Guanacaste beach area, and your hotel in Tamarindo. As you drive through the picturesque lowlands of the North Pacific, watch the landscape change from a dense tropical forest to a savanna climate. The town of Tamarindo is known for its beautiful beach with great surfing opportunities.
Upon arrival, walk along the beach and explore the town.
After breakfast, spend the morning at leisure. Relax by the pool, visit a spa, or head to the beach. In the afternoon, you’ll head out on the water. Set sail along the idyllic Guanacaste coast as you are served fresh fruit. After an hour, you’ll head to a secluded bay for your choice of water activities. You’ll have the option to snorkel, kayak, swim, float, or simply relax on the boat for a few hours. As you sail back you’ll be offered fresh snacks and cold refreshments. You’ll also have the opportunity to dance to some Latin beats.
Your last full day in Costa Rica is yours to do as you please. If you are up for an adventure, take a look at the optional tours below, to show you the best of the Guanacaste region.
Begin at iconic Tamarindo beach, famous for its surf culture. An expert local instructor will explain the theory and safety of surfing before you hit the water. You’ll receive instruction and guidance to catch your first waves.
Includes: Transportation, instructor, rashguard, surfboard
Duration: 2 Hours
Explore the most significant wetland area in Costa Rica. This Park provides refuge for thousands of migrant and resident water birds, numerous land birds, and many other animals. You may see Crocodiles basking in the sun while monkeys sprint through the branches overhead, as our jungle boat cruises slowly along the Bebedero and Tempisque rivers. Learn about how international scientific communities come to study this vibrant ecosystem that combines rivers, marshland, mangroves, and dry forest.
Includes: Transportation, guide, lunch
Duration: 6.5 Hours
After breakfast, your Costa Rican adventure will come to an end. A shared transfer is included to the Liberia airport.
This product requires full payment upfront to secure your booking.
Once you have created your booking you will be directed to your invoice to choose your preferred payment method.
This is a land only package.
This package does not include international airfares. If you would like to add airfares to your booking our flight portal will be available via your Traveller Hub. The flight portal will allow you to search for all available airfares to your destination. The function works like most general flight search engines allowing you to select your preferred airline, book different cabin classes (eg. Business class) and view flight durations and transit times to your destination.
The flight portal will be available via your Traveller Hub once the following criteria has been met:
Visit our Flight Hub for more information on terms and conditions, amending your flights and information on luggage allowances.
It is the traveler's responsibility to ensure they have a valid passport. The passport must be valid for a minimum of six months from the intended date of return. Visas may be required for your destination. For further visa information, click here.
All participants must be in good physical condition to fully engage in this journey. For the safety and welfare of yourself and fellow travellers, if you are feeling unwell prior to departure, we advise staying home and contacting us to arrange alternate plans.
Prior to selecting your trip, carefully review the itinerary to assess your ability to comfortably manage our travel style. Please be aware that if, based on evaluation by our leader or local representative, a participant is deemed unable to safely complete the itinerary, we retain the right to exclude them from all or part of the trip without reimbursement.
It is advisable to consult your physician for current medical travel advisories and any required vaccinations before embarking. We recommend carrying a first aid kit and any necessary medications in their original packaging, as they may not be readily available during travel. For those carrying medication, it's essential to check your government's foreign travel guidelines for local restrictions or regulations.
Fitness Requirements
3 – Moderate Tour: A good level of fitness and mobility is required, as this tour includes a moderate level of physical activity and is considered a medium-fast paced tour. You should be able to walk up and down stairs, get on and off the coach and able to walk reasonable distances of approximately 2 kilometres per day or more with ease. Any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability. If you have any form of walking aids, other than a walking stick or hiking poles, then this tour is not suitable.
Tipping
A friendly reminder that tipping is not included in your package. Tipping is not compulsory on your trip, but they can make a big difference to locals employed in the tourism industry. If you feel that your guide and driver have done an impeccable job, you can choose to give a gratuity, but this is entirely your decision.
Accommodation
The accommodation listed is subject to change. Any changes will be of an equal or higher standard. Bedding configurations (double or twin) are requests only. All efforts will be made to meet your preferences, however, any changes are beyond our control.
Single Supplement
Single supplement is $1,895.00 per person, in addition to the twin-share price.
Triple Share
Not available.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is recommended to protect yourself against the unexpected. In addition to the support that a policy may provide, you may be asked to present a copy of your travel insurance documentation while traveling
Group Size
Minimum: 1
Children
Children must be 5 years old or above and share a room with parents at all times. Children are charged the same price as adults.
Tour Style
To meet the needs of various types of travelers, we choose to operate various types of tours, and depending on your selected package, different services are provided throughout your trip. The following descriptions of each tour style we hope will ensure that each traveler has appropriate expectations before they start their travels:
You can enhance your holiday by arriving or departing before or after the tour. On this tour you can choose from the following options:
Pre Tour Accommodation
Post Tour Accommodation
Please select the number of extra nights required in the 'Additional Nights Accommodation' field when making your purchase. The additional cost for these arrangements will be added to your final payment invoice and are subject to availability.
To enhance your journey, we are offering guests a choice of the following optional activities (prices are per person):
Optional tours can be selected once you have finalised your tour purchase and paid your deposit. When completing your Passenger Booking Form, you will be asked if you would like to add Optional Tours, where any applicable cost will be added to your final balance. If you choose not to select them at this time, you can choose to add them later by logging in to your Account online.
Please note that you must select your Optional Tours no later than 70 days before departure, after which you will be required to purchase them on tour. Please keep in mind that anything purchased on-tour is subject to availability and prices may vary as you will be paying in local currency. We appreciate your understanding.