Costa Rica Active Escape

Name: Costa Rica Active Escape
Brand: Exodus
Rating: 5 (6 reviews)

8 Days Excluding Flights From

9 Days from

~~£ 1395~~ £ 1145

5.0/5 from

Culture

Activity Level

Moderate

Comfort Level

Classic

Ways to Travel :

Guided Group

Activity :

Culture

Group Size :

4 - 16

Ages :

16+

Trip Code :

AHJ

Embrace the wild side of Costa Rica with an all-action adventure

The many natural wonders of Costa Rica make the perfect setting for your next big-thrills getaway. Over the course of a week, we go white-water rafting on the Balsa River, swim next to a thundering waterfall, meet the nocturnal wildlife of Monteverde on a night walk, and take to the ocean for a dolphin-watching excursion. After all that excitement, the expedition ends peacefully with a few days on the Pacific coastline, where a sandy bay is shaded by coconut palms and the water is perfect for swimming. This action-packed week will leave you refreshed and with a full understanding of Costa Rica’s most famous phrase: ‘pura vida’ or ‘pure life’.

Highlights

Unleash your wild side on an action-packed adventure in Costa Rica
Embark on an exhilarating white-water rafting excursion on the Balsa River
Join a night walk in Monteverde to see the cloud forest come alive
Relax on Carrillo Beach and enjoy downtime on the Pacific coastline
Watch playful dolphins on a fun-filled boat excursion

Key Information

Accommodation: 2 Superior nights (hotel), 5 Classic nights (hotels)
Travel by minibus, boat and on foot
Group normally 4 to 16, plus local leader

Countries visited: Costa Rica

What's Included

All accommodation
All breakfasts and one lunch
All transport and listed activities
Tour leader throughout

What's Not Included

Travel insurance
Single accommodation (available on request)
Visas or vaccinations

Sustainability and Impact

As a certified B Corp, we’re on a mission to improve our social and environmental impact across all our adventures.

We do this through our innovative Thriving Nature, Thriving People plan.

This ‘nature positive’ approach is designed to help nature and communities thrive in harmony though practical solutions, such as reducing carbon and waste on our trips, supporting conservation projects through the Exodus Adventure Travels Foundation, and rewilding 100 square metres for every Exodus traveller.

TRIP

AHJ - Costa Rica Active Escape

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Trip Notes

Click on the button below for detailed Trip Notes containing all the particulars about this trip, including kit lists and practical information.

Note: these can vary by departure; you can check out the specific Trip Notes for your chosen adventure on the dates & prices page.

View Trip Notes

Itinerary

San José Liberia Airport

A free transfer takes you to our hotel in San José, the busy capital of Costa Rica. Check in and take it easy, there is plenty of excitement on this trip, so today is all about easing into the adventure. To help, there is a welcome briefing at the hotel in the evening (aim to arrive at the hotel by 5pm), in which we gather as a group for the first time and meet our guide. If you miss today’s welcome briefing, the tour leader will give you all relevant information on the morning of Day 2.

Accommodation: Auténtico Hotel, KC Hotel or Delta by Marriott Aurola (or similar)

We drive to the area surrounding Arenal volcano, which was the most active volcano in Costa Rica until it entered a resting phase in 2010. There is still lots of geothermal activity here, plus natural hot springs, waterfalls and the largest lake in the country, Lake Arenal.

Today, we visit La Fortuna Waterfall, a 215ft (65m) cascade plunging into an emerald pool. A short rainforest trail brings us to steep steps that we must descend to reach the waterfall and then ascend to the exit; this takes around 20 to 30 minutes and will be rewarded with a swim in the pool. You can visit the lookout point to wait for the group if you prefer. There will also be plenty of time to spot forest-dwelling animals along the way; keep an eye out for colourful toucans in the trees.

Accommodation: Eco Arenal (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast, we head to the Balsa River for an exhilarating white-water rafting excursion. The rapids here are graded II and III and have nicknames such as Magnetic Rock and Dredges – prepare to get wet and wild on this adventure. No experience of this activity is needed as a full safety briefing and instruction is given before getting into the rafts. Tropical scenery flanks the river and we may spot monkeys, toucans or other animals in the forest. There will also be a stop for drinks and tropical fruits along the way.

On our return to La Fortuna, we stop to enjoy a delicious lunch at Vida Campesina, a traditional country estate that allows visitors to experience typical country life in Costa Rica. Lunch will be made with ingredients harvested on the property and prepared on a wood stove in traditional style.

Accommodation: Eco Arenal (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

From Arenal, we travel to the Tilarán mountain range in the Central Highlands for a taste of the Costa Rican cloud forest. Reaching Monteverde involves a fast boat across Lake Arenal, which is incredibly scenic and will take roughly half an hour. We then complete our journey by shared land transfer, climbing into the hills towards Monteverde, whose name literally means Green Mountain. The high altitude in this Central Highlands region supports a complex ecosystem where plants thrive, particularly orchids of which there are some 400-plus varieties here. Our journey takes about 3hr 30min in total, including the lake crossing.

Around 6pm, we have a night walk to experience the forest in the dark. This gives an entirely new perspective on the cloud forest habitat with many pairs of eyes staring back at you. We may see sloths, armadillos, porcupines, possums and coatis and will likely hear a cacophony of insects and amphibians.

Accommodation: Montaña Monteverde, Hotel Cipreses or Belcruz Lodge (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast

Today we visit Selvatura Park, 850 acres (345ha) of protected land dedicated to nature and adventure. We begin with the hanging bridges excursion, a system of treetop walkways designed to let you experience the beauty of the cloud forest and observe the many inhabitants. We also visit the butterfly garden, one of the largest butterfly exhibitions in the world, and the hummingbird garden, where more than 14 hummingbird species amaze you with their aerial manoeuvres.

In the afternoon, there is time to try aerial manoeuvres of our own on an optional zip line adventure through the tree tops. Before we fly, guides teach us the proper technique, including how to position ourselves and hold the cable correctly, enabling you to safely embark on this adrenaline-pumping adventure above the trees.

Accommodation: Montaña Monteverde, Hotel Cipreses or Belcruz Lodge (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast

We travel to the Samara region on the Pacific Coast, a destination to rival any for beauty in Costa Rica but yet to be discovered by mass tourism. The broad, shady bay is backed by coconut palms and the water is calm and safe for swimming thanks to a coral reef on which the normally large Pacific waves break before reaching the shore. There are plenty of facilities in this area but there’s a noticeable absence of big resort hotels, which makes for a nice atmosphere. We have a free afternoon to enjoy the facilities and discover the area.

Accommodation: Leyenda Hotel or Nammbu Hotel (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast

Today we take a boat from Carrillo Beach in search of dolphins. You could be lucky enough to see spotted dolphins, Central American spinners or common bottlenoses, which all inhabit this area year round. Feel the ocean breeze and enjoy the coastal scenery as we search for these playful animals who love to swim in the bow wave of the boat. As we return along the coast, we anchor near the shores of Isla Chora, a white-sand beach full of hermit crabs and iguanas. This is a great spot for a refreshing swim and a chance to observe the underwater world with a mask and snorkel. Beneath the surface teems a lively world with huge marine diversity. In total, today’s excursion lasts around four hours, with the rest of your time at leisure to enjoy the area.

Accommodation: Leyenda Hotel or Nammbu Hotel (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast

A final breakfast at the hotel is your chance to say goodbye to the group, swap numbers, and perhaps start planning your next adventure.

Meals included: Breakfast

Essential Info

Is this trip for you?

This trip has been graded Activity 3 (Moderate). For more information on our trip gradings please visit the Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip please do not hesitate to contact us.

Driving distances are relatively short and most roads we use are good quality. There are some nature walks, which occasionally involve walking on rough paths. After heavy rain, trails can be muddy and slippery and extra care should be taken. Many of the areas visited on the trip are hot and humid and there is the chance of heavy rain year-round.

Following a review of all our trips we have categorised this trip as generally not suitable for persons of reduced mobility. However if you are a regular traveller on such trips, please contact customer services to discuss the trip and your personal condition.

Joining Instructions

Key information

Start hotel: Autentico Hotel: Ave 5 and 7 40 St., East Sabana, San José 10108, Costa Rica.
Phone: +506 22225266
Recommended arrival time: You can arrive at any time today. There will be a welcome briefing in the evening, but if you miss it the leader will update you separately.
Airport: Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO)

Getting to the start hotel

The start hotel is approximately 25 minutes’ drive from the airport. Exodus provides free arrival transfers to the start hotel from the airport for all customers who arrive on the trip start date, or those who book pre-tour nights via Exodus.. If you would like further information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative.

Please note, unless specified otherwise, the transfer will be to the start (or pre-tour) hotel and will be on the date on which the tour starts; transfers to other hotels in the same city and/or on different dates may attract an extra charge. Transfers should be booked with your sales representative at least two weeks before the tour starts.

Catching your return flight

There’s a group departure transfer to the Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR) for customers who Exodus booked onto a chosen flight to London, UK. Please speak to your sales representative if you wish to join. If the group departure transfer does not suit your flight time, speak to your sales representative to arrange an alternative transfer.

Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.

Location start: San José
Location end: Liberia Airport

Vaccinations and Health

Costa Rica

There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for tetanus, hepatitis A, rabies and typhoid. The risk of malaria is slight, but you may wish to consult your doctor or travel clinic for further advice.

Many travellers will also require a yellow fever vaccination certificate if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission, Tanzania and Zambia.

Dengue and zika, both viral diseases spread by mosquitoes, are known risks in Costa Rica. There is currently no vaccine or prophylaxis available, so we strongly recommend you take the usual precautions to avoid mosquito bites.

Please check all requirements and travel vaccination recommendations with your doctor or travel clinic.

Visa

Costa Rica

Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Costa Rica; however, proof of onward travel may be required – we suggest you take a physical copy of your flight details in case officials ask to see them.

Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.

Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.

• Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/americas/costa-rica
• Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/costa-rica
• United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/costa-rica/entry-requirements
• USA:  www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Costa-Rica.html

Food & Drink

All breakfasts and one lunch are included. Hotel breakfasts are normally buffets. Vegetarian and vegan options are limited but food is plentiful and tasty – please inform us before departure of any special dietary requests.

Costa Rican specialities include gallo pinto, a black bean and rice dish and staple part of the local diet. Soups and stews are also common, and fresh fruit is abundant and will no doubt be one of the highlights of your time here.

Weather

Costa Rica is 10 degrees north of the equator and has a tropical climate. The average annual temperature is around 26C (79F) in the lowlands and 10C (50F) in the highest mountain regions. However, it’s essential you prepare for the time of year in which your departure takes place.

Dry season (December to April): This is the driest period of the year and can get incredibly hot; on the Pacific side, temperatures may exceed 37C (98F). If passing through areas of dry tropical forest it can be hot, dusty and dry. Prepare for some rain even during this time of year.

Rainy season (May to November): Expect daily downpours, although these are usually quite short and there is still plenty of sunshine. Typically, there are sunny conditions until approximately 1pm-2pm and then a build-up of cloud from around 3pm, resulting in late afternoon rain (most likely showers between 3pm-5pm). Usually, the sky clears by 6pm.

TRIP

AHJ - Costa Rica Active Escape

Departure Date

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Keep me up to date with news and offers from Exodus by email.

Thank you for contacting Exodus Travels.

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Trip Notes

Click on the button below for detailed Trip Notes containing all the particulars about this trip, including kit lists and practical information.

Note: these can vary by departure; you can check out the specific Trip Notes for your chosen adventure on the dates & prices page.

View Trip Notes

Hotels in Costa Rica

In San José, we usually stay at the modern Autentico Hotel, which has easy access to the downtown areas of the city.

In Arenal, our accommodation is normally Eco Arenal. There’s a view of Arenal volcano right from the restaurant and, thanks to the river that borders the hotel, there are plenty of other things to spot, including sloths, plenty of birdlife and exotic frogs. Head to the gardens and you’ll find a swimming pool lined with sun loungers and palm trees.

In Monteverde, we normally stay at the Montaña Monteverde. Right next to a private forest with trails to explore, it has 42 rooms and some wonderful views. There’s also a bar and restaurant serving homecooked Costa Rican cuisine.

By the Pacific Coast, we stay at the Leyenda Hotel by Carrillo Beach, which has a swimming pool and jacuzzi.

TRIP

AHJ - Costa Rica Active Escape

Departure Date

Number Of Passengers*

Message*

To enquire about an existing booking click here

First Name *

Last Name *

Email *

Phone *

Keep me up to date with news and offers from Exodus by email.

Thank you for contacting Exodus Travels.

Find out more about how we use your data

Request a Brochure

Trip Notes

Click on the button below for detailed Trip Notes containing all the particulars about this trip, including kit lists and practical information.

Note: these can vary by departure; you can check out the specific Trip Notes for your chosen adventure on the dates & prices page.

View Trip Notes

Vikki Green

Reviewed August 2024

Vikki G

Excellent trip, loved the activities and the country so much

Most Inspirational Moment

White water rafting and zip lining

Thoughts on Group Leader

Glenda was amazing with knowledge and organisation of the trip, with the assistance of our driver Victor

John Rawson

Reviewed August 2024

John R

Another excellent trip from Exodus

Most Inspirational Moment

Zip wire and white water rafting exceeded expectations.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Glenda went over and above to ensure everything ran smoothly . She was very knowledgeable and passionate about her country. She was ably assisted by Victor the driver .

Judy T

Reviewed July 2024

Costa Rica Active Escape

I never knew of Exodus before and now I do. Guide was great. Everything was taken care of. Wonderful. Loved the adventures and flexibility when we wanted something

Most Inspirational Moment

River rafting, hanging bridge walk, zip lining

Thoughts on Group Leader

Great job

Sandra T

Reviewed July 2024

Costa Rica Active Escape

Variety of activities, knowledgeable and friendly guide, quality of hotels, bus and driver

Most Inspirational Moment

White water rafting was AMAZING! Also loved zip lining, kayaking, waterfall swim, hanging bridges hike, sloth sanctuary, coffee and chocolate tour ( not included but so worth it! ).

Thoughts on Group Leader

We believe he added to the overall enjoyment of our trip

Corin W

Reviewed July 2024

Costa Rica Active Escape

Pablo our guide was brilliant taking us to some brilliant restaurants and you could see he had a great passion about showing us and telling us about an authentic Costa rica. The activities we did were brilliant and I have ended up falling in love with costa rica and would love to return. The exodus trip was ran really well and we would definitely use you again to book another trip.

Most Inspirational Moment

The food, the activities and Pablos knowledge and passion for his job.

Thoughts on Group Leader

He was absolutely brilliant and a credit to the company

Jacob C

Reviewed July 2024

Costa Rica Active Escape

The guide, hotels and activities were all amazing

Thoughts on Group Leader

Glenda was amazing. Constantly willing to help and had so much knowledge about her country. She should be proud of the job she did and made the holiday very enjoyable

Read All Reviews

Saturday Saturday

12 Jul 2025 12 Jul 2025

Saturday Sunday

19 Jul 2025 20 Jul 2025

Availability Guaranteed (Limited) Only 4 spaces left!

Land Only Trip Price Usually £ 1395Now £ 1145Saving £ 250 Usually £ 1395Now £ 1145Saving £ 250

Optional Single Supplement +£ 425

This departure is led by Glenda Araya, Exodus Tour Leader of the Year 2020-22

Availability

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Saturday Saturday

08 Nov 2025 08 Nov 2025

Saturday Sunday

15 Nov 2025 16 Nov 2025

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Optional Single Supplement +£ 425

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Saturday Saturday

22 Nov 2025 22 Nov 2025

Saturday Sunday

29 Nov 2025 30 Nov 2025

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Saturday Saturday

06 Dec 2025 06 Dec 2025

Saturday Sunday

13 Dec 2025 14 Dec 2025

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Optional Single Supplement +£ 425

This departure is led by Johnny Villalobos-Exodus Tour Leader of the year 2017

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Saturday Saturday

03 Jan 2026 03 Jan 2026

Saturday Sunday

10 Jan 2026 11 Jan 2026

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Optional Single Supplement +£ 450

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Saturday Saturday

17 Jan 2026 17 Jan 2026

Saturday Sunday

24 Jan 2026 25 Jan 2026

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Optional Single Supplement +£ 450

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Saturday Saturday

31 Jan 2026 31 Jan 2026

Saturday Sunday

07 Feb 2026 08 Feb 2026

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Optional Single Supplement +£ 450

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Saturday Saturday

14 Feb 2026 14 Feb 2026

Saturday Sunday

21 Feb 2026 22 Feb 2026

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Optional Single Supplement +£ 450

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Saturday Saturday

28 Mar 2026 28 Mar 2026

Saturday Sunday

04 Apr 2026 05 Apr 2026

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Land Only Trip Price £ 1575 £ 1575 Book with £ 393 deposit Book with £ 393 deposit

Optional Single Supplement +£ 450

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Saturday Saturday

09 May 2026 09 May 2026

Saturday Sunday

16 May 2026 17 May 2026

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Land Only Trip Price £ 1395 £ 1395 Book with £ 348 deposit Book with £ 348 deposit

Optional Single Supplement +£ 450

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Saturday Saturday

11 Jul 2026 11 Jul 2026

Saturday Sunday

18 Jul 2026 19 Jul 2026

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Land Only Trip Price £ 1545 £ 1545 Book with £ 386 deposit Book with £ 386 deposit

Optional Single Supplement +£ 450

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Saturday Saturday

08 Aug 2026 08 Aug 2026

Saturday Sunday

15 Aug 2026 16 Aug 2026

Availability Guaranteed (Available)

Land Only Trip Price £ 1595 £ 1595 Book with £ 398 deposit Book with £ 398 deposit

Optional Single Supplement +£ 450

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Saturday Saturday

07 Nov 2026 07 Nov 2026

Saturday Sunday

14 Nov 2026 15 Nov 2026

Availability Available

Land Only Trip Price £ 1575 £ 1575 Book with £ 393 deposit Book with £ 393 deposit

Optional Single Supplement +£ 450

Availability

This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.

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Saturday Saturday

21 Nov 2026 21 Nov 2026

Saturday Sunday

28 Nov 2026 29 Nov 2026

Availability Available

Land Only Trip Price £ 1595 £ 1595 Book with £ 398 deposit Book with £ 398 deposit

Optional Single Supplement +£ 450