Costa Rica: Beyond Pura Vida

Overview

Costa Rica: Beyond Pura Vida
Costa Rica
Sep 12 - 20, 2026
Micaela Mesite image
Micaela Mesite
$2,700
Deposit: $500

About this trip

This is not your average “pura vida” vacation! 😜 This 9-day small-group adventure takes you from the shadow of Arenal Volcano to the misty cloud forests of Monteverde and the wildlife-rich Pacific coast. It blends rainforest hikes, waterfalls, rafting, local food, conservation, and coastal adventure into one unforgettable journey 🌋🌿

You’ll chase waterfalls, paddle through jungle rivers, walk above the cloud forest canopy, spot monkeys and sloths, soak in hot springs, and connect with the people who make Costa Rica so much more than a postcard 🌅 Along the way, we’ll support locally owned businesses, visit family-run farms, share authentic meals, and take part in experiences designed to give back to the places we explore!

This trip is for travelers who want adventure with meaning, visit wild landscapes, experience real local connection, and leave with kind of memories you can’t find on Google 🦥

What's included

8 nights accommodation

Private transportation

Waterfall Canyoning

Whitewater Rafting Tour

Mangrove Kayaking

Hanging Bridges Tour

Zipline Adventure

Ecotermales Hot Spring

Wildlife Rescue

Waterfall entrance

Guided visit Arenal NP

Guided Night Walk

Billingual Guide

Yoga Classes

Daily breakfast

3 lunches / 2 dinners

What's not included

International Flights

Surf Lesson on Day 8

Soft Drinks / Alcohol

Additional meals

Extra activities

Tips for guides

Welcome to Costa Rica

Welcome to Costa Rica  image

Arrival + Arenal

Upon arrival at Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO), you will be warmly welcomed by your private driver and begin your journey toward the lush northern plains of Costa Rica. Along the scenic drive to La Fortuna, you'll notice the landscape gradually transform from the Central Valley into tropical rainforest and rich agricultural countryside.

After arriving at Casa Luna Hotel & Spa, a charming locally owned boutique eco-lodge surrounded by tropical gardens, you'll have time to settle into your room, relax, and soak in your first impressions of Costa Rica.

In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner at the hotel, featuring fresh local ingredients and regional flavors, the perfect introduction to Costa Rican hospitality.

Overnight: Casa Luna Hotel & Spa – Standard Room – Breakfast included
Meals: Dinner


Day 2

Day 2 image

Volcanoes, Rainforest & Hot Springs

After breakfast, around 8am begin the day with a guided exploration of Arenal Volcano National Park accompanied by a certified naturalist guide. As you walk through lava fields and secondary rainforest, you'll learn about the fascinating geological history of Arenal while searching for wildlife including monkeys, toucans, coatis, and tropical birds.

After the hike, continue to the spectacular La Fortuna Waterfall, where a short forest trail leads to one of Costa Rica's most beautiful cascades. Depending on conditions, you may enjoy time to swim in the refreshing natural pool.

A typical Costa Rican lunch is included during today's excursion.

This evening is dedicated to relaxation. Visit Ecotermales Hot Springs, one of the country's finest family-owned thermal spring facilities. Surrounded by rainforest, enjoy naturally heated mineral pools before concluding the evening with dinner.

Tour Schedule: Approximately 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM


Ecotermales Hot Springs: 5:30 PM – 9:00 PM (round-trip transportation included)

Overnight: Casa Luna Hotel & Spa
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner


Day 3

Day 3 image

Adventure in the Rainforest

The morning begins with an exhilarating waterfall canyoning experience, descending tropical waterfalls by rappel under the supervision of experienced guides using professional safety equipment.

Following lunch, continue with a thrilling Class II & III whitewater rafting adventure, navigating scenic rainforest rivers while enjoying exciting rapids suitable for beginners and intermediate paddlers alike. Along the journey, there are often opportunities to observe colorful birds, reptiles, and river wildlife.

Return to La Fortuna during the afternoon.

The evening is yours to enjoy at your own pace. Explore the lively town, browse local artisan shops, or dine at one of the area's excellent restaurants.

Overnight: Casa Luna Hotel & Spa
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch


Day 4

Day 4 image

Conservation, Community & Local Traditions

Today's experiences highlight Costa Rica's commitment to conservation and sustainable tourism.

Your morning begins with a guided wildlife experience at Proyecto Asis, a respected wildlife rescue and rehabilitation center. Learn about rescued animals, conservation efforts, and participate in a meaningful volunteer activity that directly supports the center's work. A coffee break featuring local products is included.

In the afternoon, visit the family-owned North Fields Coffee Farm, where you'll discover how coffee and cacao are sustainably cultivated. During this immersive cultural experience, you'll participate in traditional coffee roasting, chocolate making, and gain insight into local farming practices while enjoying genuine Costa Rican hospitality.

This day offers wonderful opportunities to connect with local people while supporting community-based tourism.

Overnight: Casa Luna Hotel & Spa
Meals: Breakfast


Day 5

Day 5 image

From Volcanos to Cloud Forest

After breakfast, depart La Fortuna and travel toward the misty cloud forests of Monteverde.

The scenic drive passes through rolling countryside, small farming communities, and beautiful mountain landscapes before reaching one of Costa Rica's most celebrated ecotourism destinations.

After checking in at Monteverde Country Lodge, enjoy some free time before embarking on an evening guided walk through Curi Cancha Reserve at 5pm.

As darkness falls, the cloud forest reveals an entirely different world. Equipped with flashlights and accompanied by your expert guide, search for tree frogs, snakes, insects, sleeping birds, mammals, and countless nocturnal creatures while learning about the unique ecology of this remarkable ecosystem.

Overnight: Monteverde Country Lodge – Classic Room
Meals: Breakfast


Day 6

Day 6 image

Adventure Above the Cloud Forest

Spend the morning at Selvatura Park, beginning with the famous Hanging Bridges, where elevated walkways offer spectacular views across the cloud forest canopy and excellent opportunities for wildlife observation.

Continue with an exciting zip line adventure, soaring above the forest while enjoying breathtaking panoramic views.

The afternoon is left free for independent exploration. Wander through Santa Elena village, enjoy locally roasted coffee, visit artisan shops, or choose from one of the many optional activities available in the area.

Overnight: Monteverde Country Lodge
Meals: Breakfast


Day 7

Day 7 image

Pacific Coast & Manuel Antonio

Leave the mountains behind as you travel toward Costa Rica's beautiful Central Pacific coast.

Along the way, enjoy several scenic stops, allowing time to appreciate changing landscapes and stretch your legs before arriving in Manuel Antonio.

Check into Costa Verde Hotel, nestled between lush rainforest and the Pacific Ocean.

In the late afternoon, head to the beach to witness one of Costa Rica's unforgettable sunsets as the sun disappears over the Pacific.

The remainder of the evening is yours to relax and enjoy.

Overnight: Costa Verde Hotel – Efficiency Room
Meals: Breakfast


Day 8

Day 8 image

Mangroves, Surf, and Beach Exploration

Start the day with a guided mangrove kayak tour, a lower-impact adventure that takes you through one of Costa Rica’s most important coastal ecosystems. Paddle through quiet waterways, look for monkeys, birds, reptiles, and other wildlife, and learn how mangroves help protect the coastline and support local biodiversity.

After the kayak tour, guests will have the option to add a local surf lesson with a Costa Rican surf school ,perfect for beginners or anyone wanting to spend more time in the Pacific waves.

The rest of the day is yours to enjoy Manuel Antonio at your own pace: relax on the beach, lounge by the pool, explore town, or simply soak up your final full day on the coast.

Overnight: Costa Verde Hotel
Meals: Breakfast

Day 9

Day 9 image

Farewell, Costa Rica

Enjoy a final Costa Rican breakfast before your private transfer returns you to Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO).

As your journey comes to an end, you'll leave with unforgettable memories of Costa Rica's extraordinary biodiversity, welcoming communities, and commitment to sustainable tourism.

Meals: Breakfast


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1. Costa Rica

Costa Rica

About your organizer

Hi, I’m Micaela: the founder of Off Trail Adventures, a lifelong traveler, trip leader, and professional “book the flight anyway” person.

After traveling to more than 50 countries, I created Off Trail Adventures to bring people together through meaningful, active, and slightly off-the-beaten-path experiences. My trips are designed to feel less like a traditional group tour and more like traveling with a group of adventurous friends, with a focus on local culture, unforgettable experiences, and supporting the communities we visit.

I’ll be there to handle the details, keep the energy high, and make sure you have an incredible time!

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