Guided Group Travel to Costa Rica for Solo Travelers

About this trip...

Join Solos as we embark on a 10-day journey through Costa Rica, a land of breathtaking landscapes, vibrant wildlife, and rich culture. From exploring the bustling city of San José to engaging in community-based tourism with the Quitirrisí Indigenous community, this tour immerses you in authentic experiences. Discover the Arenal Volcano and traverse Lake Arenal to reach the lush Monteverde Cloud Forest, where we'll zip-line and explore hanging bridges. End the adventure on the stunning beaches of Manuel Antonio, with opportunities for snorkeling, sailing, or simply enjoying the Pacific sunsets. This thoughtfully designed trip blends adventure, relaxation, and cultural exploration for an unforgettable Costa Rican escape.

Activity Level: Activity Level Rating

What's this?

What's Included

Room for sole occupancy
Solos Board - Breakfast daily, three lunches and two dinners
Visit an indigenous community
Visit Arenal Volcano area
Hanging bridges of Monteverde Cloud Forest
Beach stay and beach activities at Manuel Antonio
Accompanying Solos Tour Leader

What's extra:

Whats extra

International flights
Travel insurance
Meals that arent listed above

Itinerary

Arrive into Costa Rica
San Jose to La Fortuna and indigenous community
La Fortuna
Lake Crossing to Monteverde
Clouded Forest Zipline & Hanging Bridges
Head to Manuel Antonio
Beach & Jungle
Sailing & Snorkeling Tour
Back to the San Jose
Departure day

What you'll be doing

Day one: Arrive into Costa Rica

Today we arrive into Costa Rica and transfer to our hotel in San Jose.

San José, located at about 3,770ft. (1,253 m.) above sea level, is a metropolitan city and sits in a high valley between green volcanic mountains. It is small enough to navigate by foot and with some beautiful 19th century architecture buildings to admire, independently owned coffee shops brewing local beans to visit, and several parks and museums to explore, there’s no chance we will miss an opportunity to enjoy authentic Costa Rican culture. If we get time, we can spend the rest of today walking through the colorful Mercado Central.

Welcome dinner included

Day two: San Jose to La Fortuna and indigenous community

We begin the day heading on a cultural journey to the indigenous community of Quitirrisí. This community still preserves the spirituality and customs of its ancestors, with a rich history that extends across the Central Valley and parts of the Pacific coast. Upon arrival, we will explore the sacred trails leading to important cultural sites, such as ceremonial altars and ancient tombs. We will stop at the Huetar community, where we will learn about traditional medicinal plants, natural dyes, and the craftsmanship of creating artisanal goods from natural fibers.

After lunch, we head to La Fortuna, and one of the first things we will see is the Arenal Volcano. Although it is no longer releasing hot lava, your first sighting of the sleeping giant will always be the most memorable as it rises up high above the surrounding landscape.

Breakfast and lunch included

Day three: La Fortuna

We have a free day today in the Arenal Volcano Area. This town has tons of opportunities we can choose from, such as Volcano Hikes, Sloth Safaris, or relaxing hot springs.

Breakfast included

Day four: Lake Crossing to Monteverde

We leave Arenal and La Fortuna behind, continuing our journey across the lovely Lake Arenal before heading up into the lush, green cloud forest high of Monteverde. Whilst crossing the lake, we may have the opportunity to see the Arenal Volcano as well as some beautiful tropical birds.

Located on the Pacific highlands, the small town of Santa Elena sits as the gateway to the beautiful Monteverde and Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve. The area is known as one of the most outstanding wildlife refuges in the New World Tropics. Santa Elena is slightly reminiscent of a tropical Switzerland, with its charming wooden houses and alpine climate. This environment creates a constant drizzle and warm sunshine; a combination that makes Monteverde the most famous cloud forest in the world. It is called a cloud forest rather than a rain forest because of its altitude: as the high-altitude forest juts up through the clouds.

Breakfast included

Day five: Monteverde Cloud Forest Hanging Bridges and Zip line Experience

Today we will enjoy the beauties of the Monteverde Cloud forest and the surrounding area, on a combination of one of the most famous activities in Costa Rica; the so-called Hanging Bridges Hike or Sky walk and Canopy Zip-Line or Sky trek.

We start with a ride in an open-air gondola, the Sky Tram, which will take us up into the Monteverde Cloud Forest to the highest observation point in the area, also called the Continental Divide, where you will have some time to admire the view of the Nicoya Gulf, the mountain range and the Cloud Forest. From this area, our nature guide will take us on a hike to explore the treetops walking on suspended bridges that span across canyons and through the canopy bringing you face to face with the upper level of the Cloud Forest. There are five bridges in total, the longest of which spans some 984 ft. with the trail extending for slightly over 1.5 miles (2.5 km), making this tour extremely feasible for anyone as the climb is not strenuous or muddy, and the trails are well maintained and generally very flat.

Following this, we head to the zip line, with 1.7 miles of cable slung between towering trees, stretching across canyons and between the treetops, you'll set off on a heart pounding zip line, whizzing through this amazing environment. You'll zip your way from lofty platform to lofty platform as you work your way down to the starting point at ground level.

Breakfast and dinner included

Day six: Head to Tropical Manuel Antonio

Situated high above the diverse National Park and pristine beaches, Manuel Antonio is famed for its endless ocean views and lush tropical forests with numerous wildlife.

Just down the road, we can find world-class beaches where we can enjoy swimming, hiking trails, places to go surfing, kayaking, whitewater rafting, zip-lining and of course miles of beaches to relax on and watch the sunset. Before kicking off our sandals and running along the beach, we can get settled into your accommodation! The rest of the day is free to spend at leisure and tonight we can go out to a few of the lively local bars where you can enjoy an Imperial or two (the best local beer in our opinion!).

Breakfast included

Day seven: Beach & Jungle

Today is left free for us to choose our own activity, either exploring on our own or booking one of many optional excursions. We can head out and go to the beach to relax or try some surfing. In the late afternoon, maybe enjoy cocktail hour while watching the beautiful sunset. Various optional excursions are also available such as horseback riding, sea kayaking, sport fishing, kayaking through the protected mangroves of the Damas Riverdelta, an adventure canopy tour and much more.

For an adventurous excursion, we can try river rafting on the Savegre River, a thrilling day out suitable for all. The Savegre River is about an hour from Manuel Antonio and is surrounded by picturesque villages, teak reforestation projects and jungle.

Breakfast included

Day eight: Sailing & Snorkeling Tour

We board the sailing vessel at the Quepos wharf for a half day tour, where we will enjoy relaxation and great views of the Pacific Ocean and major islands in the area; including Olocuita and Isla Verde. We may spot dolphins, stingrays, sea turtles and (if it is the right time of year) migrating whales.

After enjoying the different islands, the trimaran continues sailing to an off-coast spot near a beautiful beach called Bizans, where we will be provided with appropriate snorkeling equipment for a nice underwater experience. Afterwards, a nice lunch or early dinner will be served, according to the time schedule of the tour. After enjoying the beauty of sea, sun, sand, and the fresh ocean air, we return to the dock where we will disembark with great memories of this ocean experience.