Costa Rica | Jungles and Peaks
About this trip
Experience the fascinating biodiversity, geology, ecology, and culture of Costa Rica during this 8-day learning discovery. From observing the wildlife inhabiting a tropical rainforest to standing in the shadow of the famed Arenal Volcano, meeting local residents, and whitewater rafting on Class II and III rapids, a balance of rich educational content and adventure activities makes this an unforgettable expedition.
Highlights
- Compare and contrast rainforest and cloud forest ecosystems and their flora and fauna.
- Discover the fascinating lives of bats and the important role they play in the ecosystem.
- Visit a dairy farm to learn about its history, operation, and environmentally responsible practices.
- Traverse a system of hanging bridges for an up-in-the-treetops view of wildlife in the rainforest canopy.
- Search for nocturnal frogs, insects, and mammals during a night hike.
- Practice merengue, salsa, and cumbia dance steps with dancers from the local community.
$2,450
Land Cost
Group size
Book 7 travelers and 1 group
leader travels for free
$2,175
Land Cost
Group size
Book 14 travelers and 2 group
leaders travel for free
$2,050
Land Cost
Group size
Book 21 travelers and 3 group
leaders travel for free
What makes us different
Custom-tailored trips
Support local communities
Sustainable travel
Expert guides
Service anytime
Flight arrangements
Daily Itinerary
Print ItinerarySan José
San José
Day 1Monteverde
Monteverde
Day 2This morning after breakfast depart for a visit to Toucan Rescue Ranch. After lunch take an adventurous drive to the cloud forests of the region of Monteverde. Cloud forests are consistently cool and wet environment; this one receives over three meters of rain annually and is home to an astounding variety of flora and fauna. Over 2,500 plant species have been identified here including 300 individual orchid species and over 200 species of ferns. The beginnings of the preserve can be traced back to a group of Alabama Quakers that emigrated to Monteverde in the early 1950s. Visiting biologists discovered that the cloud forest, located above the Quaker community, was rich in plant and animal life. Due to the incredible foresight of the Quakers and the Tropical Science Center, Monteverde and Santa Elena reserves were born. After checking in at the hotel visit several sites of interest including the Women’s Artist Co-op and Stella’s Bakery.
Monteverde
Day 2Monteverde
Monteverde
Monteverde
Day 3After breakfast enjoy a guided hike in the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. Cloud forests occur near mountain peaks where rain turns into a life-sustaining mist, hydrating and nourishing epiphytic plants. At the Hummingbird Gallery, birds hover then zip by, attracted to the many feeders specifically placed to entice them there. Spend an adventure-filled afternoon in forest canopies as you navigate the many suspension bridges and zip lines of the Monteverde Sky Walk/Sky Trek park. The Sky Walk offers a spectacular chance to view flora and fauna from an ‘up-in-the branches’ perspective. Complete your cloud forest exploration with Sky Trek’s exhilarating zip line adventure through the forest canopy. (Please note there is a 225lb weight limit for the Sky Trek program.) Following the Skywalk, the Sky Trek is a system of three platforms suspended above the ground in the midst of tree boughs. Zip lines attached from one platform to the other allow you to slide through the canopy. Each platform commands exceptional 360-degree views of Guanacaste, San Carlos, and Puntarenas. Later return to the hotel for dinner and time to relax.
Monteverde
Day 3Arenal
Arenal
Arenal
Day 4After breakfast transfer to Arenal, arriving at the hotel in time for lunch. This afternoon, hike along the base of the volcano through forest, over lava flows, and finally to the destroyed areas now in the process of regeneration. This is the closest place to view the volcano. After the hike, settle in for the night at the hotel and enjoy the hot springs pools.
Arenal
Day 4Chilamate
Chilamate
Day 5This morning travel to Selva Verde Lodge and Rainforest Reserve, located in the lush lowlands of northeastern Costa Rica. Founded in 1985, the lodge is designed to have a minimum impact on the environment and is a proud participant in the Certification for Sustainable Tourism program (CST). After settling in, enjoy an orientation to Selva Verde followed by a walk in the botanical garden and forest. Before dinner travel to the nearby Sarapiquí Conservation Learning Center (SCLC) for a charla presentation on local culture. The SCLC is a not-for-profit organization founded to preserve the cultural integrity of the rural community of Chilamate and aid in sustainable community development projects.
Sarapiqui
Day 5Chilamate
Sarapiqui
Day 6Chilamate
Chilamate
Day 7After breakfast embark on a boat ride down the Rio Sarapiquí. While winding down the river bordered with forests and cultivated fields, aquatic animals, birds, and reptiles are abundant in their natural habitat. You can also view native residents going about their daily lives and witness the impact of local banana plantations on this watershed. This afternoon head to Tirimbina Biological Reserve for chocolate tour and hike. The trails are designed to approach areas of high interest for wildlife watching or viewing highlights of rainforest biodiversity. Experience a view of the treetop flora and fauna from a 100m suspended canopy walkway spanning one of the many stream valleys in the reserve.
Sarapiqui
Day 7San José
San José
Day 8Transfer to Juan Santamaría International Airport for your departure flight home.
San José
Day 8Pricing
Print Pricing$2,450
Land Cost
Group size
Book 7 travelers and 1 group
leader travels for free
$2,175
Land Cost
Group size
Book 14 travelers and 2 group
leaders travel for free
$2,050
Land Cost
Group size
Book 21 travelers and 3 group
leaders travel for free
What's Included
- Accommodations with private bathrooms
- Activities and meals as mentioned in itinerary
- Carbon Offset
- Private transportation and driver for the duration of the program
What's Not Included
- Tips
- International flights
- Travel Insurance
Pricing Details
Prices are valid for travel from Jan 1, 2024 - Dec 15, 2025. Holiday surcharges may apply.
Travel Info
Print Travel InfoEntry & Exit Requirements
U.S. citizens must have a valid passport to enter Costa Rica. Passports must be valid for at least the duration of your stay. As this requirement is subject to change at any time without notice, we recommend at least 6 months' validity.
A visa is not required for visits up to 90 days.
If you are not traveling with a U.S. passport, please check with the Costa Rican Embassy for the requirements based on your nationality.
Health Information
IMMUNIZATIONS
The Centers for Disease Control recommends that all travelers be up to date on routine vaccinations such as measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-pertussis-tetanus vaccine, varicella (chicken pox) vaccine, and your yearly flu shot before every trip.
There are no vaccinations required for entry into Costa Rica, unless you are traveling from a country where yellow fever transmission is a risk. Though not required for entry, the CDC recommends vaccination against hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and typhoid for most unvaccinated travelers to Costa Rica.
Please consult your physician for additional information and recommendations based on your individual circumstances.
MALARIA
The CDC advises that malaria transmission is present in certain regions of Costa Rica, primarily in the provinces of Alajuela and Limón. Malaria is caused by a parasite found in Anopheles mosquitos, which are active from dusk until dawn. If you are visiting areas where malaria is present and choose to use an anti-malarial drug, as recommended by the CDC, see your doctor for a prescription. To protect against mosquitos, cover exposed skin with lightweight, long-sleeved shirts and pants, consider treating clothes with permethrin, and use an insect repellent containing an active ingredient like DEET or picaridin. Apply sunscreen first, followed by the repellent (preferably 20 minutes later).
OTHER INSECT-BORNE ILLNESSES
Other insect-borne illnesses are known to occur in Costa Rica, including dengue fever, leishmaniasis, Zika virus, and others. Travelers to Costa Rica should protect themselves against insect bites using the measures described above.
After spending time outdoors in grassy or wooded areas, the CDC recommends showering and conducting a full-body check for ticks. If you find a tick attached to your skin, safely remove it as soon as possible.
As a precaution, the CDC advises women who are pregnant to consider postponing travel to any area where Zika virus transmission is ongoing.
OTHER NUISANCE PESTS
In places with rich vegetation and proximity to bodies of water, you may encounter chiggers. These are mites that can superficially attach to skin and leave behind itchy red bumps that appear 3-6 hours after initial contact. Their bites are sometimes mistaken for those of bed bugs or other insects; however, unlike bed bugs, which tend to target exposed skin, chiggers look for skin folds or areas where clothing fits tightly, like the ankles, waist, underarms, elbow creases, and the back of the knees to feed on broken down skin cells. They do not transmit any illnesses in Costa Rica.
We recommend that travelers to Costa Rica protect themselves against chigger bites using the measures noted above. Additionally, if potential exposure occurs, we recommend showering and scrubbing skin with soap and hot water as quickly as possible. If that is not immediately feasible, promptly rub skin with a dry towel or cloth and place any exposed clothing in a zip-top bag until it can be washed. To treat any itchiness, we suggest over-the-counter anti-itch lotion and/or oral antihistamines.
SUN EXPOSURE
The effects of the sun can be damaging to the eyes and skin. Spending time outdoors exposes you to the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays, even on cloudy days. To protect yourself from the sun, use a broad spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 15, protect skin with clothing, wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, and drink plenty of fluids.
ALTITUDE SICKNESS
If your itinerary includes locations at high elevation (above 5,000 feet), altitude sickness is a possibility. Stay hydrated and well-rested, and avoid heavy, fatty foods and alcohol in the days before arrival. Consult your physician prior to travel for advice specific to your situation.
Respiratory Illness Protocols
Please review our Respiratory Illness Protocols page, which explains our policy and procedures if you or another traveler should develop symptoms of a respiratory illness during your trip. Your participation in a Holbrook Travel program indicates that you are in agreement with these protocols.
Resources
Print ResourcesPacking Recommendations
Everyone has personal preferences when it comes to packing; for this reason, the information below is offered as a general guide and not a definitive list. You know yourself best: Use your discretion and pack what you think will serve you, based on your personal preferences and specific itinerary.
You may find many of the items below in the New Headings Gear Store. Use code HolbrookGuest10 for a 10% discount on your purchase.
CLOTHING
Casual, comfortable clothing is suitable for most activities in Costa Rica. You may wish to bring a slightly nicer outfit or two (eg sundress, polo shirt) if your itinerary includes dinners out or more formal activities.
Bring enough clothing suitable for the length of your program. If you prefer to pack light, note that many hotels offer laundry services at additional cost. If you plan to hand-wash items, remember that humidity may delay drying time.
Pack clothing that can be worn in layers to adapt to weather changes throughout the day. Costa Rica’s rainy season is May through November, but it can rain at any time. Clothing that wicks away moisture and dries quickly is recommended.
If your program includes visits to higher elevations (e.g. Savegre, Monteverde, or Cordillera de Talamanca), warm clothing is strongly recommended. Temperatures can get quite chilly, especially at night and early in the morning, and hotel rooms don’t always have heat. It can also be windy at times. Consider packing a warm underlayer, as well as a warm, protective outer layer.
- A combination of short-sleeved and lightweight, long-sleeved shirts for sun and mosquito protection
- Shorts
- Lightweight, quick-drying long pants for sun and mosquito protection; jeans tend to be uncomfortable in hot and humid conditions, but are fine in the cooler highlands.
- Undergarments
- Sleepwear
- Lightweight jacket or sweater/sweatshirt (or heavier weight if visiting high-elevation areas)
- 1-2 bathing suit(s) for the beach, if applicable, plus many hotels have pools
- Socks – Bring extra pairs. If your itinerary indicates muddy hikes with rubber boots provided on-site, pack a few pairs of knee socks to prevent blisters.
- Shoes – Consider your specific itinerary when choosing footwear. For most programs, you’ll likely want at least one pair of comfortable, closed-toe walking or hiking shoes suitable for forest hikes and walking over cobblestones or other uneven terrain. Sturdier hiking boots may be appropriate for more active itineraries. In addition, many participants opt for a pair of sturdy sport-strap sandals (e.g. Keens, Tevas, or similar) and/or casual flip-flops or sandals. If you’re whitewater rafting or visiting the beach, you may also want a pair of aqua socks, reef walkers, or water shoes.
- Lightweight rain jacket, hooded poncho, and/or windbreaker
- Visor or wide-brimmed sun hat
- Bandana, scarf, or neck gaiter
Personal Toiletries
Pack toiletries based on your personal preferences and habits. Below are just a few recommendations to keep in mind.
- Shampoo, conditioner, lotion, deodorant/antiperspirant , etc. – If possible, avoid strong fragrances if you are sensitive to insect bites (and to be considerate of you fellow travelers).
- Soap and washcloth or a small, quick-drying microfiber towel – Washcloths are not standard in all hotels. If you normally use a washcloth, you may wish to bring one from home.
- Hairbrush, comb, hair ties, shower cap. Most—but not all—hotel rooms provide a hair dryer, but you may wish to bring one from home.
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Razor
- Ear plugs, especially if you are a light sleeper
- Personal hygiene products
- Insect repellent with DEET or picaridin (see note below about treating clothing with permethrin)
- Sunscreen and lip balm with SPF – If you’ll be in the ocean, we recommend reef-safe sunscreen.
- Aloe vera gel
- A travel pack of tissues – also useful as napkins or toilet paper if needed
In addition to your personal toiletries, it is useful to pack a small medical kit, which you can easily prepare. Helpful items might include: bandages, antihistamine, a pain reliever, motion sickness and/or altitude sickness medication (if you are prone to either), anti-diarrhea medicine, individually wrapped pre-moistened towelettes and/or hand sanitizer, antibiotic ointment, anti-fungal cream, moleskin for blisters, eye drops, tweezers, a mini sewing kit, and an extra pair of disposable contact lenses or eyeglasses if you wear them.
Days before you leave home, you may wish to consider spraying any clothing, socks, and shoes that will be worn in lowland, tropical sites with permethrin, an anti-parasite medication, to repel irritating pests and prevent the spread of disease. A recommended brand is Sawyer. Carefully read all instructions before use. Please note permethrin is highly toxic to cats and fish, and some aerosol products may be harmful to birds. Side effects may include minor itching, burning, or redness. You may want to use a laundry marker to label and keep track of which socks are permethrinized. Only one application per item is necessary; permethrin on treated clothes remains effective through several washings. Permethrin should NOT be applied directly to skin.
Miscellaneous
Remember to pack valuables such as your passport, cash/credit cards, and medications in your carry-on luggage.
- Passport and photocopies of all travel documentation
- Personal insurance card and travel insurance information
- Money – ATM/credit card, traveler's checks, and/or cash; small bills in good condition are recommended
- Prescription medicines (if applicable), with a copy of the prescription
- Yellow fever certificate (if required; only if arriving from a country where yellow fever transmission is a risk)
- Sunglasses with strap
- Small day pack for hikes and excursions
- Flashlight and/or head lamp
- Travel alarm clock or inexpensive waterproof wristwatch with alarm – Not all hotels provide alarm clocks.
- A pocket calculator or phone to assist with conversions and currency exchange
- Binoculars with lens cleaner
- Camera and related equipment, such as charger, lenses, and extra memory cards
- Reusable water bottle – especially important in national parks, which do not permit single-use plastic bottles or containers
- Non-perishable snacks
- Pocket-knife or multipurpose tool - Pack in your checked luggage
- Zip-top style bags – useful for packing toiletries, sorting clothing, storing damp or muddy shoes, or as a dry bag for protecting electronics
- Notepad or travel journal and pen
- Music or reading material for down time, long bus drives, or on the airplane, and a portable bright light to read by
- Collapsible walking stick with rubber tip
- A small quantity of laundry detergent if you’ll be washing clothing by hand
- Travel-size umbrella – Some people find this unwieldy to carry, while others find it offers better protection than a rain jacket alone.
- Money belt
- Chargers for electronics
Questions
For more information, contact us at 800-451-7111 or email travel@holbrooktravel.com.
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