Costa Rica & The "Pura Vida" Life 9 days
- Covid-19 Safe
- Private tour
Join us and discover the true meaning of “Pura Vida” by talking to the locals at a Sunday farmer's market, swimming in hidden waterfalls and walking virgin beaches surrounded by rainforest. Go white-water rafting in the cleanest river in Central America, learn about coffee production at an eco-farm in the Central Valley and witness the majestic Arenal Volcano while hiking with a local guide. We will make sure you also have the chance to practise yoga, learn the basics of surfing and give something back to the community by taking part in activities organized by local NGO’s. Sunsets, fauna & flora and connecting with like-minded people are some other ingredients we will be adding to the mix.
Bienvenidos a Costa Rica!
Day 1 Santa Ana
Welcome meeting and a visit to a local farmers market for the best street breakfast with "cafe chorreado" and "pupusas or chorreadas" (curious eh?). We will be also buying fruit and veggie supplies! We have an optional hike in the local area to get a pretty amazing view of the Central Valley before heading to the Central Pacific and settle in our new home (Ojochal)!
Day 2 Bahia Ballena
Today is an introduction to the art of "Pura Vida". Slow breakfast, a chat with your fellow explorers, a walk on the sand, a swim in the Pacific and an included surf lesson or yoga session, music & sunset and some ceviche are some of our ideas. Let's start easy!
Day 3 Ojochal - Uvita
It's time for one of our favourite things to do - visiting hidden waterfalls. Our van will take us to little villages like Uvita and Ojochal, where bumpy roads will lead us to film-like waterfalls. Fresh and cool water surrounded by the rain-forest...can you beat that? In between waterfalls, we might stop at some of our favourite beaches in Whales Bay. An included lunch in one of our favourite spots in the area (also pretty hidden). Viewpoints, laughs and good vibes do the rest!
Day 4 Dominical or Playa Hermosa
Well, day 4 is about giving back to the community that is hosting us. How do we do that? We collaborate with a local NGO in different ways. We might clean a beach, paint a local school or teach some English to local kids. In return, we will get smiles, interaction with Ticos and might get a free yoga lesson - Who knows?
Day 5 Savegre - Manuel Antonio National Park
A visit to Manuel Antonios National Park and rafting in Central America's cleanest river. It does not get much better than this. Be ready for an adrenaline rush and seeing monkeys, sloths, macaws, toucans and many other animals in this wildlife sanctuary.
Day 6 La Fortuna, San Carlos
Today we leave our home in the Central Pacific and make our way to the Arenal Volcano area. It's a travel day but we will make it easy with some stops. A night hot springs session might be a good idea to relax. Otherwise, rest and be ready for tomorrow.
Day 7 Arenal Volcano
Since it is our only full day here we must explore! A local guide, born and raised will show us the natural secrets of the area. The Arenal Volcano is active and until a few years ago, you could see lava flowing down its walls; it is now dormant but still spectacular. Optional tours are available if you still have energy after our hike.
Day 8 Santa Ana via Atenas
Time to say bye to Arenal and head back to San Jose. However, we will be stopping at a family-owned coffee farm run on the principles of sustainability (included lunch). A truly unique experience! Once in the city, we will freshen up at our accommodation before heading for a farewell dinner at our favourite Caribbean restaurant. We cannot let you go without trying this cuisine!
Day 9 Santa Ana
Today we say bye and it is always a sad moment by now you will be an expert in the "Pura Vida" ways and see life through a different lens. Until the next adventure!
What's included
* Please check prices for full list of inclusions and exclusions
Inclusions
- Friendly, knowledgeable and local host: your first point of contact with the local culture and your guide throughout your adventure
- Accommodation: 8 nights of comfy, fully equipped and conveniently located accommodation. You will be able to cook and do your laundry in our selected houses
- Activities: Surf lesson, entry ticket to Manuel Antonio N.P, rafting at Savegre with lunch, visit hidden waterfalls, hike at Arenal Volcano N.P and coffee farm visit with lunch
- Meals: 9 breakfasts, 2 lunches & 1 dinner
- Private transport throughout the experience: We try and minimize the use of our van during the experience. Walking, cycling and surfing are way cooler than driving!
- Advice on your “pre and post-experience” arrangements. Just hit us and we will help you as much as we can!
Exclusions
- Flights
- Travel Insurance
- Post and pre-accommodation
- Any activities not mentioned as included
- Any meals not mentioned as included
Details
Available in
English, Spanish, Portuguese
Available for
Adults
Departure & Return
Start city: Santa Ana , San Jose, Costa Rica
Pick up times available: 09:00
Pick up location: Santa Ana Centro, San Jose
Ends at: Santa Ana Centro, San Jose
Nearest airport: Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO)
Eco Features:
-
Contributing to nature conservation or indigenous project(s)
Contributing to nature conservation or indigenous project(s)
A percentage of product income is contributing to local nature conservation or indigenous project(s) -
Interaction with locals or nature
Interaction with locals or nature
The major part of the tour is spent on interacting with local communities, their representative(s) (other than guides) or observing the nature or animals without disturbing their natural habitat and environment - Local or indigenous tour guide(s)
Cancellation policy
100% cancellation fee - between 0-2 days before the travel date
50% cancellation fee - between 3-6 days before the travel date
0% cancellation fee - 7 days or more before the travel date
There are no questions about the product. Be the first to ask a question.
Other itineraries
from £1163 per person