Costa Rica
- San Jose
- Active & Adventure
| from $2,250* per person | 7 Days | February |
| Comfort accommodations | Exertion level: 3 | |
| Operator: Great Explorations | 12 people max | |
We first visited this region a decade ago, attracted by the beaches, warm weather, stunning scenery and ecological diversity. With the development of eco-friendly boutique hotels, Costa Rica is now more appealing than ever. The cycling is on a combination of paved and gravel roads where you’ll ride through lush vegetation, past volcanoes, rainforests and waterfalls. With opportunities to raft, kayak, zip-line and or hike through jungle beneath the vaulting canopy of ancient rainforests, the temptations are many.
Only Great Explorations:
- Small groups, extraordinary guides, and authentic experiences.
- A experience you will never forget- rafting on the Pucare, one of the world's top whitewater rivers.
- We take care to find the quietest roads with minimal traffic.
- Order off the menu at restaurants you won't find in guidebooks.
- Distinctive, charming hotels too small for larger groups.
- We design and operate our own trips so there are only good surprises.
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Locations visited/nearby
Costa Rica, Central America
0 testimonials about this trip.
3 testimonials about the provider, Great Explorations:
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Reviewer: Larry Sams
located in
Raleigh NC
“The trip was one of the more awesome vacations I have ever taken. It met my expectations in every way. The hotels were very nice and charming, the cycling routes gorgeous, the meals incredible. The guides did an outstanding job. We chose you over some other companies largely on the recommen-dations of friends who had done a trip with Great Explorations. I certainly was not disappointed. On a scale of 1-10, this trip get a 12 in my book! I hope I have a chance to do another trip with you in the future. Many thanks for an incredible week of bicycling in France."
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Reviewer: Kathryn C., Sault Ste Marie,
located in
ON- Dordogne,
France
“Even better than I expected. Thank you for all the fabulous memories! The region was absolutely gorgeous – everywhere I looked was a picture postcard. The hotels were the very best in each area we stayed. Loved our place in Rocamadour, Les Eyzies was great too. Every meal was better than the one before. You chose the very best places for us. Thank heavens we were cycling to wear off all the fabulous food!”
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Reviewer: Sabina S., Sechelt, BC
located in
Morocco
"...fantastic food and culture. The experience of riding camels and overnighting in the Bedoin camp was a highlight. The hotels were fantastic and the rides very scenic."
Special information
- This is a custom departure, meaning this trip is offered on dates that you arrange privately with the provider. Additionally, you need to form your own private group for this trip. The itinerary and price here is just a sample. Contact the provider for detailed pricing, minimum group size, and scheduling information. For most providers, the larger the group you are traveling with, the lower the per-person cost will be.
- Self-guided (includes hotels, maps, luggage transfer, etc but no guide).
Itinerary
Getting there :San Jose: direct flights are available from a number of US cities including Miami, Houston, Dallas, Atlanta, New York, LA, and Chicago.
DAY 1:
San Jose - Your hotel is included on arrival day at the wonderful Hotel Grano de Oro. We’ll meet at 7 pm for a welcome reception and dinner in the hotel’s acclaimed restaurant.
DAYS 2+3:
Turrialba - We’ll shuttle to Cartago, founded in 1563 and the country’s capital until 1863. After visiting the Byzantine Cathedral here, we’ll begin cycling with a beautiful descent into the Orosi Valley. Reaching the 4-star Casa Turire, you can relax in the swimming pool and Jacuzzi. Next day options will include cycling to and rafting on the Pucare River, one of the top 10 rivers in the world. This promises to be a trip highlight! If you prefer relaxing around the hotel, and kayaking on the lake, this is of course, a less adrenalin-filled option. Activities D2: cycling- 30 or 55 km; D3- 10 km, rafting- full day, kayaking- at your leisure
DAYS 4+5:
La Fortuna - We’ll begin the day with a shuttle to Varablanca, from where our cycling will begin. The riding is mostly downhill and we’ll stop en-route to taste the local strawberries and enjoy a picnic lunch. In La Fortuna, if time allows you can visit a 75 m waterfall a 6 km trek from town. Next day, we’ll take a boat ride on the Rio Chiquito and cycle a lake-side route around Lake Arenal, finishing the day with a visit to hot springs at Balneario Tabacon. Activities D4: cycling- 50 km, hiking- 1 hour; D5: cycling- 50 or 68 km, hiking 2 to 3 hours
DAYS 6+7: Los Angeles Cloud Forest - From La Fortuna, we’ll shuttle east towards the town of Tanque, from where we’ll cycle towards San Ramon, the birthplace of Jose Figueres Ferrer, the former president who is celebrated as the man who abolished the army in Costa Rica. Our hotel, the Villa Banca is situated in the Los Angeles Cloudforest Reserve, with en-suite casitas and fine restaurant. Next morning we’ll lead a hike on trails to discover the secrets of the Cloud Forest where you’ll have the chance to encounter quetzels, howler monkeys and birds; there is even time to zip line through the forest for an exhilarating finish to our trip before lunch. The trip will conclude with drop-off at the San Jose airport by 2:00. For those continuing with the extension to Manuel Antonio Park, flights depart late afternoon. Activities: D6: cycling- 30 km; D7: hiking- 2 to 3 hours.
Extension: For those wishing to extend their vacation to Manuel Antonio Park, we offer a two day extension, staying at the exquisite Si Como No Hotel with breakfast daily; after an afternoon flight from San Jose, you’ll be met on arrival at Quepos & transferred to the hotel. Next morning you will be provided options for kayaking, horseback riding, and visiting the national park trails with guide if desired. We’ll time your flight on day 3 to co-ordinate with your on-ward travel plans. Cost of extension is US$595 (single supplement is US$245).
More information from Great Explorations:
- View trip on provider's website
www.great-explorations.com/trips/costarica/… - Company profile, experience, and history
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