The Costa Rican backpacking trip of dreams!

UP TO 30% OFF - GO GO GO! SAVE BIG ON COSTA RICA IN THE JUST GO SALE!

 

Spend 10 days visiting the wonder that is Costa Rica! Have you dreamt of waking up in emerald green rainforests? Visiting volcanic hot springs in La Fortuna? Or adventuring out on a night safari? This 10 day action packed tour will have you getting off the beaten path, experiencing the real and rural Costa Rica whilst packing in all the must visit destinations that any adrenaline junkie would have on their bucket list. Pura Vida baby! Zipline through rainforests, visit the arenal volcano and spend your evenings in search of wildlife on night safari. Costa Rica is nature lovers paradise. The only question you should be asking yourself is - When shall I go?

Tour Rating

Here at Tru our 'People and Planet Promise' is crucial to designing and running every tour. We also want to be transparent about what we are doing to give back to the local communities and the planet too! Check out the measurements of sustainability below to find out more about how we are giving back.

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Ripple Score
53.8
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This score indicates how much of the money spent on our tours stays within the local economy and is marked out 100. Read More
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Trees Planted
7
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This refers to the amount of trees planted per tour bought. For every £1000 spent we plant 5 trees! Read More
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Carbon Offset
0.04 Tons
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This is how many tons of carbon we offset from all the travel, accommodation and activities that every single customer uses when they join one of our amazing trips. Read More
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Tour Impact
73.1
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We’ve scored each tour and supplier in our network on business practise, green efficiency, carbon footprint and plastic use. The higher the score, the more this tour and the suppliers we use have a positive impact on the environment and the local people. Read More

Travel Style

classic

When we say classic, we mean the perfect balance of culture, adventure, beaches and parties. High number of inclusions, low cost. Tru-ly authentic experiences from home-stays & hostels to beach huts, hotels and boats. A classic tour means maximum adventure, minimum hassle. Built for backpackers by backpackers.

What's Included

  • Activities
  • Airport Pickup
  • Travel Ninja
  • Transport
  • Accommodation
  • Meals

Activities
Local Homestay
Night Safari
Zip-lining in a cloud forest
Volcanic Hot Springs
Tractor ride in rural Costa Rica
El Salto Swimming Hole
Yoga class
Beach day
Waterfalls in Montezuma
Beach day trip in Montezuma
But wait there's more! Show Less
Local Homestay Night Safari Zip-lining in a cloud forest Volcanic Hot Springs Tractor ride in rural Costa Rica El Salto Swimming Hole Yoga class Beach day Waterfalls in Montezuma Beach day trip in Montezuma

Airport Pickup
If you are arriving less than 48 hours before the start of the tour and booked the pre-nights directly with TruTravels at the start hotel, you will get a free airport pickup.
If you are arriving the day of the tour you will also be eligible for an airport pick up.
If you are arriving less than 48 hours before the start of the tour and booked the pre-nights directly with TruTravels at the start hotel, you will get a free airport pickup. If you are arriving the day of the tour you will also be eligible for an airport pick up.

Travel Ninja
Your Guide! Like travelling with your best friends & one of them happens to know where they're going!
Your Guide! Like travelling with your best friends & one of them happens to know where they're going!

Transport
All Transport Included
Private Van Transfer
All Transport Included Private Van Transfer

Accommodation
9 Nights Twin Share Accommodation
9 Nights Twin Share Accommodation

Meals
4 X Breakfast
1 X Lunch
2 X Dinner
4 X Breakfast 1 X Lunch 2 X Dinner

Your Trip Planner

Costa Rica Adventure
10 Days

U$1,850 U$1,295

Location Route Iconsan josé - santa teresa

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Selected
Available
Full
Discounted
🔥 BIG discount
Select Date
Start
green location pin icon san josé
End
red flag destination iconsanta teresa
Number of travellers
outline of two people
Total Price:
U$
letter i in a circleThe deposit price is U$280

Map

Bucket List

A couple having a moment on the zip line in Chiang Mai Thailand
Ziplining
Baldi Hotsprings
Night Safari
Local Homestay
Tru
Flexibility
Low Deposit
Stupidly low deposits so you won't have to raid the piggy bank to lock in your trip.
Free date change
If your plans change, no stress. We allow one free date change up to 60 days before you travel.
Payment Plans
Have something to look forward to & pay us when you can.
Unrivalled Support
The best 1 on 1 support before, during and after your trip.

Itinerary

Day 1

airport pick up

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Tru
Exclusives

Welcome to the good life! PURA VIDA! That’s Costa Rica’s national tagline meaning ‘pure life’ Today is all about getting situated, meeting the group, and getting your first feel of this amazing country. You did it! You’ll arrive in Costa Rica’s capital of San Jose and we’ll meet you at the airport before we take you to our hotel. Settle in, check out the local city or just sit back and relax as you’re about to start the most epic 10 days of your life. We’ll meet as a group, head out for a welcome dinner, and then follow it up with some drinks in Costa Rica’s largest city. It’s your first night.. Have a cocktail, or 7.. No judgement here.

San Jose
Airport Pick Up
Day 2

local homestay

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Tru
Exclusives
A group of people sat around a campfire at night.

Day 2 and we’re straight into Costa Rica’s rich culture, we’re heading to Coop San Juan, a rural Costa Rican village off the beaten path where we will experience life just as the locals do. A quick scenic drive through the country (3 and a half hours) we make it to our picturesque village where we check into our homestays. If you want to get to know the real Costa Rica. This is it. Get to know the families who so kindly let us stay, before they show us a cooking demonstration. Costa Rican food is out of this world. So try to learn a thing or two. Before the sun goes down we head out to explore the area - keeping an eye out for wildlife and getting a true feel for the Costa Rican countryside. Play some games with the local community, watch the sun go down as we gather around the bonfire. Has this been an epic first full day? You better believe it. But hey, start as you mean to go on right?

Coope San Juan
Cooking demonstrations
1 X Breakfast, 1 X Lunch, 1 X Dinner
Local Homestay
Day 3

arenal volcano hotsprings & la fortuna hotsprings

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Exclusives

Today we head for La Fortuna - ADVENTURE CAPITAL OF COSTA RICA. A beautiful mountain town sat at the base of the epic Arenal Volcano, La Fortuna is an adrenaline lovers playground. After getting settled into our accommodation we head straight for the town's iconic volcanic hot springs. Get excited guys, because these hot springs are the highlight of La Fortuna and are unlike anything else you’ll probably ever come across. These aren’t your average run-of-the-mill hot springs...We’re talking volcanic hot springs on steroids. Imagine waterslides, swim-up bars, waterfalls, grottos, and restaurants that have you feeling like you’ve taken a wrong turn and found yourself at a luxury resort. Needless to say, we spend as much time here as possible before heading out to experience the town by night.

La Fortuna
Transfer to La Fortuna & Hot springs
1 X Breakfast, 1 X Dinner
Day 4

el salto swimming hole

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Tru
Exclusives

Today is a full day dedicated to exploring La Fortuna and there certainly isn’t a shortage of options. Your travel ninja (that’s your super cool, unbelievably suave, knowledgeable genius of a tour guide by the way) will be taking those looking for a more chilled day down to the local swimming hole called El Salto, and for those who are craving some adrenaline can choose to spend the day as they please.

La Fortuna
Hang out at El Salto Swimming Hole
Day 5

monteverde and night safari

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Tru
Exclusives

Today is just as much about the journey as it is the destination. We pack up and begin one of the most scenic journeys of our trip to Monteverde. This route takes us high through the jungle mountains where we cross a scenic lake with panoramic views of the Arenal Volcano. After we make it Monteverde we have time to check in and get settled before heading out for a night safari later in the evening. The diversity of wildlife in Costa Rica is unmatched, and tonight we are going to get a first hand look at the nocturnal nightlife. Sloths, armadillos, vipers, colorful tree frogs and exotic birds are a few of the animals you will likely be lucky enough to come across on the night safari. Just imagine yourself in a David Atteborough documentary, get your TruFam member to film and narrate the whole thing.

Monteverde
Transfer to Monteverde, Night Safari
Day 6

ziplining

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Tru
Exclusives

When people mention Costa Rica, ziplining through a cloud forest is likely one of the first images that comes to mind. In the 1970’s, scientists used ziplines to explore the country's rich canopy without disturbing the environment, and from there the idea of using ziplines for recreation was born. If we could travel everywhere by zipline, trust us, we would. As the birthplace of the zipline and hands down one of the most EPIC possible locations to try the activity, it's a no-brainer that we include a day of ziplining in the earth's most famous cloud forest. Not to mention, these are some of the longest and most thrilling ziplines out there, so grab the go pro. It’s a hell of a day!

Monteverde
Ziplining
Day 7

santa teresa bound

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Tru
Exclusives

We’ve covered the culture, we’ve experienced nature, and now we’ve got our fill of adventure so there’s only one thing left - the beach! Costa Rica is world-renowned for its beautiful coastline and world-class surfing, so today we head to our favorite beach town in the country. SURF’S UP BABY! We love Santa Teresa because it’s got the exact vibe we look for when visiting beach towns on our Tru tours. Beautiful, not too touristy, plenty of fun activities in the area and a fun, young vibe. Today is just a travel day but when we get settled in, we’ll head over to the beach for cocktails and to enjoy our first sunset over the Pacific.

Santa Teresa
Private van transfer to Santa Teresa
Day 8

beach day & yoga class

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Tru
Exclusives
People sat on exercise mats taking part in a group Yoga session.
A group of people sunbathing on the beach.
A group of people sharing drinks in a pool overlooking a green landscape.
A couple watching the sunset in a pool overlooking the sea.

Today we chill at the beach, it’s been a crazy few days and we’re all about that Pura Vida lifestyle. Our accommodation is just a short walk from the beach, so spend the day relaxing at the beach or if you’re feeling super energised you can head off on one of the many activities Santa Teresa has to offer. If you are looking to do a bit of surfing while on the trip, today is the perfect chance as there are plenty of great surf schools along the beach. In the afternoon we have a sunset yoga class where you can unwind and get a bit of zen in before another day of adventure tomorrow.

Santa Teresa
Yoga Class
1 x Breakfast
Day 9

waterfalls & montezuma town

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Tru
Exclusives
A group of people stood in front of a waterfall

Not far from Santa Teresa is a lesser known Costa Rica highlight - the Bohemian beach town of Montezuma. We’ll grab transport over to Montezuma where we will grab lunch by the beach before going to see one of Costa Rica’s iconic jungle waterfalls (and hopefully catch a glimpse of some howler monkeys and other wildlife!). After the waterfall we go and explore Montezuma town, a super colorful and chill beach town, filled with local artisans and home to an incredible beach that is not to be missed. Tonight is the last night of our trip, so we head back to Santa Teresa to prepare for a farewell dinner and one last WILD night out with the group.

Santa Teresa
Day trip to waterfall, Montezuma town
1 x Breakfast
Day 10

chilled check out

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Exclusives
Group cheersing on boat during sunset

All good things must come to an end, we’re not crying...you are. We’re in one of the best spots in Costa Rica, so hang around town, check out Santa Teresa. Whatever you do, don’t forget us. Your travel ninja is on hand for any onward travel plans you have. Need to get back to San Jose? They can help you. Need a hug because you’re sad about leaving? OK OK GROUP HUG.

*Ready to kick start your travels? Check out our departure dates and get yourself to paradise!*

Santa Teresa
1 x Breakfast
Help with Onward Travel

WHERE WE STAY

san jose

San José is the first stop on this 10-day adventure. Our hotel is very central and so is really easily accessible from the airport, meaning it won't be long till you can chill out after your long plane journey! Each room has free wifi and a lovely view of the garden, instantly reminding you that you're in Costa Rican jungle.

 

All the main San José hotspots are nearby so after you're up for it, you can explore the Metropolitan Cathedral, National Theatre of Costa Rica and Pre-Colombian Gold Museum before you grab some drinks and head off on the most epic 10 days of your life in Costa Rica. (Accommodation is subject to change dependant on season but will be of a similar standard)

san juan

Stop numero dos on our Costa Rica Adventure is Coop San Juan, a rural Costa Rican village off the beaten path where we will experience life just as the locals do. A quick scenic drive through the country takes us to a picturesque village where we check into our homestays - we can't wait for you to experience the real Costa Rica!

(Accommodation is subject to change dependant on season but will be of a similar standard)

la fortuna

Located right next to La Fortuna's National Park, our hotel is certified as eco-friendly, so you can be sure that you're travelling sustainably! It also features a large terrace where you can relax or munch on regional specialities from their restaurant with unbelievable views of Arenal Volcano. Obviously, the volcano is the biggest attraction in this area and since it's just a few minutes from La Fortuna Central Park and a 10-minute drive to Arenal Volcano, this hotel is in a prime location.

The spacious rooms are fully air-conditioned and they have an en suite bathroom, cable TV and a minibar.

(Accommodation is subject to change dependant on season but will be of a similar standard)

monteverde

Located by the Costa Rican jungle, this eco-friendly, self-sustaining hotel is just a 5-minute drive from Monteverde National Park and has nice restaurants and bars nearby so you can easily grab a beer or some Costa-Rican cuisine nearby. Our guesthouse has a lovely garden and a terrace with amazing views of the nearby jungle, which some rooms have views of, and has free wifi throughout.

Every room includes a private bathroom and free toiletries.

(Accommodation is subject to change dependant on season but will be of a similar standard)

santa teresa

The final stop on the best 10 days of your life takes us to Santa Teresa, a place famous for world-class surfing. It's a lucky thing that this hotel is super close to the beach then, with easy access to the waves. Surrounded by a broad strip of forest too, this is the pinnacle of Costa Rican accommodation and the best place ever to end your trip.

You won't want to leave Santa Teresa at the end of your trip.

(Accommodation is subject to change dependant on season but will be of a similar standard)

Reviews

Costa Rica -Pura Vida!!
We had great fun on our 10day tour in Costa Rica led by Luis.The best part of the trip was the fun activities we did all along the way.Luis made sure the group was constantly entertained and made the long travels easier to cope with.I‘d recommend this tour for everyone who is looking for adrenaline rush and want to do something extra ordinary than the usual sightseeing
Shruti Kundra - Dec 2024
Costa Rica Adventure with Luis
10 day and Tru travels was unreal. I went with my partner and we enjoyed every minute- they included a lot of activities, meals and private transport around Costa Rica making life so much easier. Our favourite part was the home stay and learning/ living with Costa Rican locals. Luis was informative and great fun! He was also very supportive in times of need/ distress. We would strongly recommend tru travels for couples/ groups/ solo travellers and you are in great hands with Luis!
CD - Dec 2024
Luis made our Costa Rica Adventure…
Luis made our Costa Rica Adventure unforgettable. Knowledgeable, Fun, Adventurous and supportive, with plenty of nice things to do on journeys, lots of trivia, facts and games - and all-round just a great guy. The activities were so much fun, and the evening times were lovely to spend together. Thank you so much!
Elliott Finnan - Dec 2024
Amazing trip 🥳🥳🥳 Guide was always there…
Amazing trip 🥳🥳🥳 Guide was always there for you !
Joseph Santarcangelo - Dec 2024
The best Costa Rica Experience!
I did the 10 day Costa Rica adventure tour in November and WOW! I absolutely loved it! It was great to tour the country with such a knowledgeable and fun guide - Manu! I heard about the trip through Females Flying Solo (I went to Japan with them earlier in the year) and I was not let down. The food, atmosphere and people were great! My trip highlights were zip lining and the night safari where we saw lots of wild animals!
Becky - Nov 2024
The best trip would highly recommend
. Manu was an exceptional tour guide during our girls' trip to Costa Rica. His knowledge and warmth made a huge difference, and his flexibility ensured that we had a smooth and enjoyable experience. He brought a positive energy every day, making each activity more exciting and memorable. We couldn’t have asked for a better guide! Everything was organised and the trip really allowed me to submerge myself into the trip without worrying about the finer details.
Chloe Quigley - Nov 2024
This trip was the better than I…
This trip was the better than I could've ever imagined! Manu made the experience amazing! he immediately knows how to make you feel comfortable from making sure you have a ride from the airport as soon as you land, answering any questions you have about anything on the trip, always checking on everyone making sure everyone is happy and having a great time. This was a trip and experience I will never forget and Manu is to thank for that. So thank you so much for everything and I can't wait to be on another trip where Manu is our guide. 💜
Gabby Chavez - Nov 2024
Manu is the best tour guide I’ve ever had!
had the privilege of experiencing Costa Rica with Manu as our guide, and it was truly a highlight of our trip! From start to finish, Manu was professional, knowledgeable, and incredibly passionate about sharing the beauty and culture of this incredible country. His deep understanding of the local environment, wildlife, and history brought every stop to life, from the stunning national parks to the hidden gems off the beaten path. Manu made sure every detail was taken care of, ensuring our group felt comfortable, safe, and informed throughout the entire journey. Whether we were hiking through ...
Miranda Beller - Nov 2024
Costa Rica Tour
This has been the best holiday I have ever had. The itinerary included a little bit everything and kept everyone busy. Manu was the absolute best tour guide and we were blessed to have him. Pura Vida Baby!
Lauren Patrick - Nov 2024

FAQs

Where does the trip start & finish?

The trip starts in San Jose and finishes in Santa Teresa

Which airport do I need to fly into?

Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO)

What's the closest airport to the end destination?

 The tour ends in Santa Teresa, the nearest airport is Juan Santamaría International Airport, San Jose (SJO.) There is a shuttle bus that goes form Santa Teresa to San Jose (SJO) airport. This costs around $50. The Shuttle runs from 06:45am arriving at 2pm and at 2.45pm arriving at 9.30pm. Therefore we recommend not booking a flight earlier than 5pm. Alternatively, while on tour we can provide links to suppliers who can provide a private transfer. Please contact the sales team on info@trutravels.com if you have any questions or talk to your tour leader nearer the time for advice on how to book this bus.

What kind of accommodation is included on this trip?

A mixture of twin bedrooms and 6-bed dormitories.

What is the currency?

Costa Rican Colón

What visa do I need for Costa Rica?

Depending on where you're travelling from it's likely that you won't need a visa to enter Costa Rica. However this is guidance only and is subject to change. Make sure to check visa requirements before you travel!

How much is pre-night accommodation?

If you would like to book a pre-night please contact our sales team on info@trutravels.com

Is my money protected?

Yep! You’re protected. TruTravels is both ABTA and ATOL registered meaning your money is safe. We also offer 1 free date change before 60 days of your departure date.

Do you have age limits for your tours?

Most of the people that join us on tour are 18-thirtysomethings! We have no strict upper age limit on our tours but all of our tours are specifically designed for those of this age group which is worth noting when browsing through our website.

Can you cater for my dietary requirements on this trip?

Yes! Let us know when you are booking your trip about any requirements you might have we can plan ahead and make sure this doesn’t affect your trip!

Do many TruTravellers travel alone?

Yes, the majority of our travellers will be travelling on their own! Roughly 65% of our TruTravellers come solo! We have designed our trips specifically with solo travellers in mind, so you can be assured you’ll meet lots of others travelling alone like yourself along the way. This of course doesn’t mean our trips are only for solo travellers, but it does mean that you don’t need to worry you’ll be surrounded by a group that already knows each other.

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