Costa Rica is a plush location to spend spring break with friends and family!
Costa Rica Snapshot
Duration - 8 days
Round trip through Costa Rican regions from San Jose
Travel Style - small group, 18-30 years old, light physical requirements
Includes hotels and hostel accommodations and transportation by bus, ferry and taxi
Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrive in San Jose anytime; Tonight explore La California barrio with your fellow travelers. Stop in at one of the many bars and get to know your group over a few drinks. Cheers to new friends and a great adventure.
Meet your Chief Experience Officer (CEO) and your fellow travelers and learn about the tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards.
Accommodation: The Boutique Hotel Casa Las Orquideas or similar
Day 2 - San Jose to La Fortuna
Take a bus to La Fortuna, the stunning Arenal volcanic region of Costa Rica. Soak in Arenal’s hot springs or get your adrenaline pumping with optional whitewater rafting or waterfall rappelling. Some options described below:
Waterfall Swim - Take a walk, taxi or horse just outside the town of La Fortuna to the nearby waterfall. Pay $20USD+tax at the gate then descend 500 steps to the base of the falls. Water cascades 200ft down the side of the dormant Cerro Chato volcano. Sit on the rocks, get sprayed and watch for iridescent blue morpho butterflies.
Ecotermales Hot Springs - Relax in the shadow of the Arenal Volcano immersed in one of the naturally heated pools at Ecotermales. Rejuvenate your muscles, detox your cells and stimulate all your sense in natures thermal spa. Breath in the pure rainforest air and marvel at the mystic surroundings of these outdoor pools of paradise. $64USD+tax
Accommodations: Arenal Backpackers Resort or similar
La Fortuna and Arenal Volcano National Park
Day 3 - La Fortuna
Spend today in La Fortuna to relax or indulge in an optional adventure. There are so many available! From volcano hikes to waterfall swimming and walking along the hanging bridges, there’s plenty to do and no time to be bored. Some top options below:
Gravity Falls Waterfall Jumping
Hold on tight and get ready to rappel down the face of rushing waterfalls. Fear and fun collide in the rainforest as you throw caution to the monkeys and launch yourself into nature. Strapped securely in your harness, descend deep into the canyon, get soaked and feel completely alive. Trek through rivers, wobble across a hanging bridge and keep your eyes peeled for exotic birds and wildlife. Let the action begin!
$125USD+tax
Whitewater Rafting
This is an iconic Costa Rican activity. Pull on your bathing suit and water shoes, don a helmet and prepare to get wet and wild. Guided by expert leaders, paddle through Class II-IV rapids as you raft past spectacular scenery. Feel the burn, work up a sweat, then cool off in the pure river water. Experience the energy and excitement and enjoy!
$86USD+tax
Arenal Volcano Park Hike
Head out to see nature firsthand. Break a sweat in the lush humid jungle around the slopes of Arenal Volcano and keep an eye out for monkeys, birds and sloths.
$56USD+tax
Day 4 - La Fortuna to Southern Nicoya Peninsula
Head to the Pacific coast for some well-earned beach time and relaxation. Playa Santa Teresa and Malpais are small surf towns where you can catch a wave, hike through Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve, or snorkel at Secret Beach. Or do it all—why choose?
Accommodations Hotel Aurora Montezuma, or similar
Could this be your first surf lesson?
Days 5 & 6 Santa Teresa / Montezuma
Spend the next few days exploring all on your own. Try out surfing, take a day trip to the beautiful Isla Tortuga, where you can snorkel along a volcanic rock reef, or check out the nearby surf havens of Mal Pais and Santa Teresa. Adrenaline junkies can take their pick of activities as well - surfing, ziplining, boogie boarding, horseback riding or scuba diving are all options. On the other hand, if relaxation is what you seek, opt for a yoga class or take a leisurely hike to search for orchids. And make sure not to miss the night life! A couple of optional adventures are described below
Tortuga Island Snorkeling Tour
Start off with a 45-minute boat ride along the coast with breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean on the right and the beautiful landscape of the Nicoya Peninsula on the left. Be on the lookout for dolphins, manta rays, turtles, or if you are lucky humpback & pilot whales. The boat will anchor near Tortuga Island next to some of the best spots for snorkeling. The volcanic rock reef is surrounded by crystalline waters and home of Angelfish, Porcupinefish, Morays, Needlefish, Spotted Eagle Rays, and many more tropical beauties that will make it an extraordinary snorkel experience for you. Enjoy lunch on board after snorkeling. After lunch, the afternoon will be yours to enjoy. Then go for a hike, a swim, rent a kayak, a banana boat, take a little “siesta”, or just chill at the beach. Then, travel back on the boat to Montezuma town.
$85USD+Tax
Montezuma Day Tour
Hitch a ride to Montezuma and go on a small hike to the waterfalls. Spend time visiting the town and enjoy a picnic on the beach before heading back to Santa Teresa.
$55USD+Tax
Day 7 Santa Teresa / San Jose
Climb aboard the local bus, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride. This 8-hour journey back to San Jose routes you along the coast, through the jungle and back to the thriving Costa Rican capital for your departure tomorrow. Enjoy an authentic meal in town before heading to the hotel for your final evening.
Accommodations Boutique Hotel Casa Las Orquideas or similar
Day 8 Depart for Home
Reluctantly bid farewell (for now) to this amazing Central American country and travel home.
Booking This Adventure
This adventure is available several times a year. It is recommended for 18–30-year-old travelers. The company has frequent specials so check with your Cloudburst travel advisor, [email protected], for pricing details. I recommend booking this several months ahead since its Spring Break and everyone will want to do it! Space is limited because this is a small group adventure. For flight information, I start with Skyscanner to get an idea of air travel costs. The button below is a link to Sherri’s calendar so you can schedule a complimentary consultation at a time that works for you!
