Thrilling Costa Rica: Volcanoes, Biking, Jungles & Hiking
Your TourHero
Howdy, I’m Martha, and I’m crazy about exploring the great outdoors by any means necessary! I’m a big believer that we get to see more by traveling in different ways, so here’s a trip for hikers, bikers, rafters and zipline-lovers. Costa Rica has been on my travel bucket list for some time and I can’t wait to see the beautiful green landscapes and experience my first volcano. I’m also super-excited to trek through the jungle and check out the capital city of San Jose. If you’re an adrenaline junkie like me, come along for the ride — it’s gonna be awesome!
Duration
7 days · 6 nights
Travel Date
Jan 4 – 10, 2022
Activity Level
Strenuous
Group Size
6 – 16
Transportation
Van, bike, raft
Tour Price
Your Fellow Explorers
Age range
18 – 30
Travel interest
Mountain biking, hiking, adrenaline activities, camping, wildlife
Fellow Travelers
Elijah
Declan
Camilla
Brooke
Veronica
Melanie
Remy
Nova
Catalina
Everett
Wynter
Rhett
Eli
Grace
DavisYour Local Guide
Established in 1994, Coast to Coast Adventures is made up of a team of dedicated travel experts based in Costa Rica. Specialized in designing, organizing, and running multi-activity trips that focus on connecting travelers with nature and the outdoors, they are well-equipped with valuable experience and training to help make each adventure as safe, smooth, and unforgettable as possible. Let the passionate guides of Coast to Coast Adventures take care of all the nitty gritty details for you — all you need to do is enjoy your inspirational journey through the wilderness of Costa Rica.
This Costa Rican tour is a real treat for adrenaline junkies! Starting in the capital city of San Jose, we'll embark on a mountain bike tour to Orosi via a hike to the highest volcano in the country. Moving on to the dramatic Turrialba Valley, enjoy biking and hiking under the shadow of another volcano in the brilliant Costa Rican countryside. With just enough time to catch your breath, we’ll enter the jungle-lands of El Nido. Camping here is a wildlife-lovers delight and you’ll quickly become accepted by the local animals as just another part of the forest! As we wind our way towards the Caribbean coast, enjoy some serious whitewater rafting on the Pacuare River before another glorious night under the stars. Finally, head back to San Jose for one last party, taking in a ziplining tour en route. For those who love the great outdoors, this an unmissable adventure!
Cancellation policy
Refunds for deposits
We will hold your spot as soon as you put down your deposit. However, if you decide to cancel your trip, we will be unable to refund your deposit.
Refunds for balance payment
Your place is guaranteed at the time of full payment. However, if you decide to cancel your trip, we will be unable to offer any refunds for the amount paid.
Your TourHero
Howdy, I’m Martha, and I’m crazy about exploring the great outdoors by any means necessary! I’m a big believer that we get to see more by traveling in different ways, so here’s a trip for hikers, bikers, rafters and zipline-lovers. Costa Rica has been on my travel bucket list for some time and I can’t wait to see the beautiful green landscapes and experience my first volcano. I’m also super-excited to trek through the jungle and check out the capital city of San Jose. If you’re an adrenaline junkie like me, come along for the ride — it’s gonna be awesome!
Duration
7 days · 6 nights
Travel Date
Jan 4 – 10, 2022
Activity Level
Strenuous
Group Size
6 – 16
Transportation
Van, bike, raft
This Costa Rican tour is a real treat for adrenaline junkies! Starting in the capital city of San Jose, we'll embark on a mountain bike tour to Orosi via a hike to the highest volcano in the country. Moving on to the dramatic Turrialba Valley, enjoy biking and hiking under the shadow of another volcano in the brilliant Costa Rican countryside. With just enough time to catch your breath, we’ll enter the jungle-lands of El Nido. Camping here is a wildlife-lovers delight and you’ll quickly become accepted by the local animals as just another part of the forest! As we wind our way towards the Caribbean coast, enjoy some serious whitewater rafting on the Pacuare River before another glorious night under the stars. Finally, head back to San Jose for one last party, taking in a ziplining tour en route. For those who love the great outdoors, this an unmissable adventure!
Timeline
- Day 1 · San Jose
- Arrive in San Jose
- Check-in at Sleep Inn Hotel (or similar according to availability)
- Free day to explore San Jose
- Dinner (not included in price)
- Day 2 · Orosi
- Breakfast
- Irazu Volcano hike
- Lunch
- Mountain bike trail to Orosi
- Check-in at Tetey Lodge Hotel (or similar according to availability)
- Dinner (not included in price)
- Day 3 · Turrialba
- Breakfast
- Transfer to Turrialba
- Check-in at Turrialtico Lodge Hotel (or similar according to availability)
- Mountain biking tour in Turrialba
- Lunch (not included in price)
- Turrialba Valley hike
- Dinner (not included in price)
- Day 4 · El Nido
- Breakfast
- Transfer to El Nido
- Lunch
- Jungle trek in El Nido
- Check-in at El Nido di Tigre Campsite (or similar according to availability)
- Dinnner
- Day 5 · El Pacuarito
- Breakfast
- Whitewater rafting to El Pacuarito
- Lunch
- Check-in at Finca Pacuarito (or similar according to availability)
- Dinner
- Day 6 · San Jose
- Breakfast
- Transfer to San Jose
- Ziplining tour
- Lunch (not included in price)
- Check-in at Sleep Inn Hotel (or similar according to availability)
- Dinner (not included in price)
- Free evening
- Day 7 · Departure
- Breakfast
- Transfer to airport
- Journey ends
Details
Day 1
Bienvenida a Costa Rica — a marvelous adventure awaits you!
Welcome to San Jose, the Costa Rican capital! Once you’ve made the short journey from the airport to your accommodation, the rest of the day is yours. Get your exploring shoes on, hit the streets, and you’ll find a wealth of things to do in the city. Visit the National Museum for the lowdown on Costa Rican history, take a walking tour or simply dive into all that fabulous coffee and food. As night falls, you’ll also find a host of excellent bars and restaurants at your disposal, so pull up a chair and take in the vibes as you settle into Costa Rican life.
Day 2
From Costa Rica’s highest volcano to a mountain biking epic
Wave goodbye to San Jose (for now) and prepare yourself for the Costa Rican wilderness. After breakfast, we’ll begin the transfer to the Orosi region, stopping off en route to visit the mighty Irazu Volcano. Standing at 4,332 meters, this is the highest active volcano in the country, and the walk there takes you through lush green countryside, multiple craters, and jaw-dropping vistas. After lunch, it’s time to take for a two-wheeled adventure! We’ll complete the rest of the journey to the Orosi Valley by mountain bike. The route is made up of lolloping hillsides, coffee plantations and winding paths, making it an excellent place to explore by cycling. Upon arrival, give those legs a good stretch and get some recuperation in — you’ll be back on the bike tomorrow!
Day 3
Biking and hiking in the dramatic Turrialba Valley
We’re on the move again today, with a transfer to Turrialba straight after breakfast. After checking in at your accommodation, be sure to limber up and get set for another tour in the saddle. The Turrialba Valley is one of Costa Rica’s best-kept secrets, and here you’ll be riding in the shadow of the Turrialba Volcano, close to the canyons of Pacuare River. After refueling over lunch, swap wheels for boots as we head off to explore the beautiful landscape on foot. Alongside some dramatic scenery, there’ll be ample opportunity to see some of the local wildlife, with parrots, hawks and eagles regularly displaying across the valley. Phew! After today’s endeavors, a good night’s sleep is most definitely deserved!
Day 4
Immerse yourself in untouched nature on a jungle hike through the pristine rainforest
Good morning! Fill up on breakfast before we take you out on another epic adventure you won’t forget! Today, we’re going to get up close and personal with the jungle that the meandering Pacuare River cuts through. You’ll be transported to the starting point of our hike and from there, we’ll traverse deep into the lush rainforest. Home to a spectacular roster of curious wildlife, you may see the likes of anteaters, howler monkeys, coatis, and countless bird species like toucans and parrots. It’s a paradise for animal lovers and birdwatchers! We’ll trek our way to our rustic campsite in El Nido that overlooks the river. Here, we’ll spend the night in the heart of nature, surrounded by the calls of cicadas and the whisper of the trees.
Day 5
Whitewater rafting extravaganza on the Pacuare River
Rise and shine to the magnificent orchestra of the jungle! There’s no better way to awaken than to the sight and the sounds of the great outdoors. After a hearty breakfast at camp, our journey moves on with a whitewater rafting adventure on the Pacuare River. One of the world’s premium rafting spots, the rapids are graded III and IV and there’s no way of emerging from this glorious thrill with dry feet! The river eventually runs into the Caribbean Sea, winding its way through masses of dense forest, so be sure to keep an eye out for the monkeys and sloths that line the route. Once you’ve dried out, we’ll continue to the beautiful campsite of Finca Pacuarito, close to the coastline, where amidst tranquil surroundings you can dive into a beer or two and get set for another night beneath the stars.
Day 6
Take to the skies on a ziplining tour and enjoy life as the birds do
Take some time to reflect on your adventure so far as we head back to San Jose, but keep your head-for-heights as we’ll be stopping off en route to take to the skies! Today’s ziplining tour makes for a perfect journey-break, and you’ll be flying above trees, canyons, rivers and waterfalls, taking a bird's-eye view of the lush green forest. With your adrenaline still pumping, we’ll continue to San Jose where you’ll enjoy one last night in the city. Park yourself outside a bar or restaurant and watch the world go by Costa Rican-style, or if you’re still feeling energetic, why not step into one of the city’s nightclubs and dance the night away?
Day 7
Adiós Costa Rica — here’s to the next adventure!
This marks the end of your magnificent journey, but there’s still time for one last hearty breakfast and a long goodbye with your new-found friends. Shake off your San Jose party head and make your way to the airport. Now it’s time to upload all those epic photos, catch up with your journal and plan your next adventure!
Accommodation
Sleep Inn Paseo Las Damas Hotel (or similar according to availability)
A short 15-kilometer ride from Juan Santamaria Airport, the Sleep Inn Hotel places you right in the heart of San Jose. You’ll find some of the city’s main attractions on your doorstep, including Teatro Nacional, Museo de Jade and Museo de Oro. There’s even a casino and fitness center on-site! With WiFi throughout, the comfortable rooms offer air conditioning, cable TV, coffee makers and private bathrooms, so you can relax in style as you prepare for your Costa Rican adventure. Room type: Double room.
Tetey Lodge Hotel (or similar according to availability)
Tetey Lodge offers a peaceful stay in a tranquil setting. With a mountainside backdrop, you’ll have a terrace and swimming pool at your disposal, and ample space to stretch out and recuperate following the day’s exertions. Rooms have air conditioning, ensuite bathrooms with hot water, cable TV and WiFi. Room type: Double room.
Turrialtico Lodge Hotel (or similar according to availability)
Turrialtico Lodge is nestled in the heart of the Turrialba Valley, and given its location, makes for great wildlife-watching — the terrace is regularly visited by parrots and toucans. Its mountainside position offers views of the nearby volcano, sugarcane plantations, South Angostura Lake and Talamanca Mountain Range. This family-run hotel has an on-site restaurant serving the very finest Costa Rican cuisine, and the cozy ensuite rooms are WiFi-equipped. Room type: Double room.
El Nido del Tigre Campsite (or similar according to availability)
El Nido del Tigre is a rustic and authentic Costa Rican camp located in the rainforest overlooking the Pacuare River. The campsite is made up of tents on fixed platforms with shared facilities and an open-air dining area. With sustainability at the heart of its ethos, El Nido del Tigre does not run on electricity or have hot water, making it a truly wild experience for travelers who camp here. Surrounded by raw nature, this is also a perfect place for wildlife spotting. Room type: Gender-separated tents.
Finca Pacuarito Campsite (or similar according to availability)
Found amongst banana plantations, close to the Caribbean coast and a stone’s throw from the Pacuare River, Finca Pacuarito offers a blissful camping experience in Costa Rica. Plants are grown within the grounds, adding a colorful flavor to the setting. Enjoy a serene night’s sleep in the heart of the Costa Rican wilderness and keep an eye out for the birds and lizards that regularly pass through to keep careful watch on the visitors. Room type: Gender-separated tents.
Included
2 nights in Sleep Inn Paseo Las Damas Hotel (or similar)
1 night in Tetey Lodge (or similar)
1 night in Turrialtico Lodge (or similar)
1 night El Nido del Tigre Campsite (or similar)
1 night in Finca Paccuarito Campsite (or similar)
Shared occupancy in accommodation
All breakfasts
Day 2 – 5 lunch
Day 4 and 5 dinner
Knowledgeable English-speaking tour guide
Irazu Volcano hike
Orosi mountain biking tour
Turrialba mountain biking tour
Turrialba hike
El Nido jungle trek
Whitewater rafting
Ziplining tour
Transportation throughout the tour
24/7 guest support
Not included
Flights
Airport transfers
All meals not mentioned in inclusions
Travel insurance
Gratuities
FAQ
What happens if I need to cancel my trip?
Please check the on this itinerary page for specific details.
Will TourHero or the operator take care of my visa (if applicable)?
Travelers are responsible for researching visa requirements and obtaining a visa if needed. Please check government websites to ensure you have the necessary documents, along with passport requirements, before your departure date. This includes necessary transit visas, permits, and vaccinations required prior to travel and any required reciprocity fees for the destination. TourHero will provide a booking confirmation document after purchase, which may be needed to obtain a visa.
If your visa is denied for any reason, TourHero will issue a refund based on the cancellation policy. However, we are unable to provide a refund after the cancellation due date has passed.
Do I need a passport for this trip?
A full and valid passport is required for all persons traveling to any destination outside of one’s home country. Most international tours require a passport that's valid for at least six (6) months beyond the scheduled end of your itinerary. TourHero will not issue refunds based on passport issues such as renewals or lost passports.
What's included in the price?
Please check the inclusion and exclusion sections above. You'll find information about included meals, transfers, flights, and activities. If you have any questions or need support, please contact hello@tourhero.com.
Cancellation policy
Refunds for deposits
We will hold your spot as soon as you put down your deposit. However, if you decide to cancel your trip, we will be unable to refund your deposit.
Refunds for balance payment
Your place is guaranteed at the time of full payment. However, if you decide to cancel your trip, we will be unable to offer any refunds for the amount paid.
- Explore San Jose's humming capital city. - TripSavvy
- Take a thrilling journey down the Pacuare River on an epic rafting adventure! - Wikimedia Commons
- This stunning river is considered one of the best places in the world for whitewater rafting. Paddle your way through multiple rapids for epic fun. - Unsplash: Loren Dosti
- Go on an exhilarating canopy tour — zip through the treetops of the lush rainforest! - Unsplash: Perry Grone
- The magnificent sight of Turrialba Volcano. - Wikimedia Commons
- Keep an eye out for the locals as you bike and hike round the Turrialba Valley! - Unsplash: Simon Hurry
- Time to get pumped for adventure! Today, we’re off to Turrialba. You’ll be greeted by spectacular views of Costa Rica’s rural countryside surrounded by the lush landscapes of the Central Valley in Cartago Province. - Wikimedia Commons
- Today, we'll get up close and personal with the jungle that the meandering Pacuare River cuts through. - Unsplash: Artur Kornakov
- You’ll be transported to the starting point of our hike and from there, we’ll traverse deep into the lush rainforest. - Unsplash: Etienne Delorieux
- Keep a lookout for the mammals that call this place home — anteaters, howler monkeys, coatis, and more! - Pixabay: MIH83
- We’ll trek our way to our rustic campsite in El Nido and here, we’ll spend the night in the heart of nature. - Discover the World
- Back in San Jose, you'll have the chance to unwind with a free evening. - Unsplash: Alexander Aguero
- San Jose sits on the edge of the wilderness. - Eelco Bohtlingk
- If you still have the energy, celebrate your time in Costa Rica with one last party in San Jose! - Louise Hansel
- As you fly through the trees, don't forget: the forest is watching you! Keep your eyes peeled for the amazing animal species that live here! - Isabella Juskova
- Enjoy some of the finest whitewater rafting in Costa Rica! - Angga Indratamama
- Two wheels provide an epic way to see the Turrialba Valley! - Ricardo Arce
- Meet Irazu, Costa Rica's highest active volcano. - Alex IP
- The majestic Orosi Valley. A fine place to be outdoors! - Wikimedia Commons
- Look down on the coffee plantations and keep an eye out for birds of prey circling the valley. - Wikimedia Commons: Dirk van der Made