Active Costa Rica
San Jose, Turrialba District, Arenal and Santa TeresaA fantastic introduction to Costa Rica that begins with an off-the-beaten-track adventure at the wonderful Pacuare Lodge. Hike, bike or kayak onwards to immerse yourself in the beauty of the province of Alajuela and stay near the iconic Arenal Volcano, then finish up with a few days of laid-back luxury in charming Santa Teresa.
At a glance
Get off the beaten track to a remote jungle hideaway
Ride rushing rapids and zip-line through the canopy
Spot howler monkeys, sloths and brilliantly coloured birds
Unwind and explore beautiful coastline
Journey highlights
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Get off the beaten track to a remote jungle hideaway
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Ride rushing rapids and zip-line through the canopy
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Spot howler monkeys, sloths and brilliantly coloured birds
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Unwind and explore beautiful coastline
- Active itinerary:Our Active Journeys let you get under the skin of a destination by hiking, biking or kayaking your way through it, while unwinding in some of the finest hotels around
Our tailor made journeys include:
- Your dedicated Travel Consultant who will take care of arrangements
- Private international airport transfers in destination
- Your own private, English-speaking local guides
- Unique experiences, hand-picked by our Journeys team
- Entrance to must-see local sites
- Dedicated 24/7 team providing in-country support and guidance
- Complimentary access to My Scott Dunn – industry-leading travel app providing pre-departure information and in-journey support
When to visit
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Costa Rica’s Central Valley enjoys a spring-like climate year round. In the tropical coastal areas the temperature is very warm and humid. Much of Costa Rica is covered by rainforest so expect rain at any time, but the drier season on the Pacific coast is from December to April and the rainier ‘green’ season is from May to November with the heaviest rainfall being in September and October. Christmas, New Year and Easter are incredibly popular so it is best to book well in advance.
Itinerary
Fly to San Jose
San Jose, Costa Rica
Arrive in Costa Rica’s capital, San Jose, where you’ll spend one night before your adventure begins. We recommend enjoying dinner in one of the city’s good restaurants before a good night’s sleep so you’re raring to go the next day.
Accommodation: Grano de Oro ( 1 night )
Turrialba and Pacuare
It’s an early start today as you’re picked up from your hotel and transferred in a private vehicle out of the city, through countryside to a drop off point where you’re met and greeted by a guide, who will give you a quick introduction to white water rafting. From here, begins your thrilling adventure along the incredible Pacuare River, one of the world’s top ten spots for rafting. In between the rushing rapids, enjoy periods of calm when you can take in the stunning jungle scenery around you before arriving to the beautiful Pacuare Lodge. Spend three nights at this remote jungle hideaway.
Accommodation: Pacuare Lodge ( 3 nights )
Arenal
After a few days in tropical wilderness, it’s back the way you came rafting along the Pacuare River before continuing on dry land to the town of La Fortuna, the gateway to the Arenal Volcano. This is a great base for activity lovers as there is so much to do. From canopy walks and ziplining to horse riding and hikes, all in the sight of the majestic volcano.
Accommodation: Nayara Gardens ( 3 nights )
Santa Teresa
From Arenal, continue by road to the sleepy beach town of Santa Teresa, where you’ll spend a few days to relax on Costa Rica’s famously beautiful coast. You set the pace: unwind with lazy days on the beach and wandering through the town’s boutique shops or for those who prefer, Santa Teresa is a hotspot for both yoga and surfing.
Accommodation: Nantipa ( 4 nights )
Fly home from San Jose
Call us on 212 660 0228 to start planning your holiday.
Price Guide: (per person based on double occupancy and includes international flights)
| Departing |
Price from*
|
Deposit from * | Enquire |
|---|---|---|---|
| November 2023 | GBP £6,300 | GBP £900 | plan your trip |
| December 2023 | GBP £6,900 | GBP £1,000 | plan your trip |
| January 2024 | GBP £6,900 | GBP £1,000 | plan your trip |
| February 2024 | GBP £6,900 | GBP £1,000 | plan your trip |
| March 2024 | GBP £6,900 | GBP £1,000 | plan your trip |
| April 2024 | GBP £6,900 | GBP £1,000 | plan your trip |
| May 2024 | GBP £6,300 | GBP £900 | plan your trip |
| June 2024 | GBP £6,300 | GBP £900 | plan your trip |
| July 2024 | GBP £6,900 | GBP £1,000 | plan your trip |
| August 2024 | GBP £6,900 | GBP £1,000 | plan your trip |
| September 2024 | GBP £5,700 | GBP £900 | plan your trip |
| October 2024 | GBP £5,700 | GBP £900 | plan your trip |
-
November 2023
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £6,300
Deposit from*GBP £900
-
December 2023
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £6,900
Deposit from*GBP £1,000
-
January 2024
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £6,900
Deposit from*GBP £1,000
-
February 2024
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £6,900
Deposit from*GBP £1,000
-
March 2024
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £6,900
Deposit from*GBP £1,000
-
April 2024
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £6,900
Deposit from*GBP £1,000
-
May 2024
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £6,300
Deposit from*GBP £900
-
June 2024
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £6,300
Deposit from*GBP £900
-
July 2024
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £6,900
Deposit from*GBP £1,000
-
August 2024
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £6,900
Deposit from*GBP £1,000
-
September 2024
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £5,700
Deposit from*GBP £900
-
October 2024
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £5,700
Deposit from*GBP £900
- plan your trip
Top Things to Do Nearby
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![Zipwiring]()
View ExperienceArenal Sky Tram & Sky Trek
Soar through the rainforest canopy on this thrilling zip wiring adventure in the Arenal reserve. Experience the sights and sounds of the rainforest from a bird’s-eye view, admiring the wildlife and spectacular scenery from above. Minimum age 8 years old.
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![Arenal Volcano Hike]()
View ExperienceArenal Volcano Walk
The best way to get as close as possible to the spectacular Arenal Volcano is to walk the reserve’s easy series of trails, which will take you through secondary rainforest and former lava fields. The park is known for its diverse wildlife.
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![Coffee - Coffee Tour at Finca Rosa Blanca]()
View ExperienceCoffee Tour at Finca Rosa Blanca
Wake up and smell the coffee on a morning tour of Finca Rosa Blanca's coffee farm; the guides are knowledgeable and passionate to teach you all about the process from picking to the packet, whilst taking in beautiful mountain scenery.
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![Catamaran - Sunset Catamaran Tour of Papagayo]()
View ExperienceSunset Catamaran Tour of Papagayo
Set out on a cruising adventure aboard a luxury 47-foot catamaran to see ocean wildlife and jungle shoreline! Snorkel to see colourful marine life and soak in the sunset views surrounding Costa Rica's Papagayo Peninsula.
-san-jose-and-central-valley-costa-rica-central-america-americas.jpeg)
-san-jose-and-central-valley-costa-rica-central-america-americas.jpeg)
Your Hotels
When to visit
- J
- F
- M
- A
- M
- J
- J
- A
- S
- O
- N
- D
Costa Rica’s Central Valley enjoys a spring-like climate year round. In the tropical coastal areas the temperature is very warm and humid. Much of Costa Rica is covered by rainforest so expect rain at any time, but the drier season on the Pacific coast is from December to April and the rainier ‘green’ season is from May to November with the heaviest rainfall being in September and October. Christmas, New Year and Easter are incredibly popular so it is best to book well in advance.
We design each itinerary around you, so this suggested itineraryis a starting point that we can tweak or transform into something completely bespoke to you. Call us on 212 660 0228 to start planning your holiday.
Why Scott Dunn?
Unique to You
- We listen to your travel goals and craft unique trips that are bespoke to you.
- We’re with you every step of your life’s travel journey, from honeymoons to family trips and beyond.
Seamless Service
- Global offices in the UK, US, and Singapore for 24/7 seamless service.
- We offer flexibility if your plans change so you can book with confidence and peace of mind.
Carefully Curated Collection
- We’ve curated an elevated collection of accommodation, experiences, and guides.
- Committed to fostering close global relationships to continue bringing you unique experiences.
Luxury in Every Sense
- We deliver a sense of luxury that matters most to you.
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