Costo Rica: Nature and Hiking Paradise
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- Costo Rica: Nature and Hiking…
Costa Rica is a Central American country with a rugged geography, including tropical forests and coastlines on the Caribbean and Pacific. Although its capital, San José, is home to cultural institutions, such as the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum, Costa Rica is known for its beaches, volcanoes, and biodiversity. Approximately a quarter of its area corresponds to protected forests, full of fauna, such as the spider monkey and the quetzals.
Costa Rica, an incredible wealth of flora and fauna
- Arenal Volcano, Tenorio National Park, Rio Celeste, Rincón de la Vieja National Park
- Beach stay at the Pacific
- Hiking and experiencing nature – a paradise for nature and hiking enthusiasts
Costa Rica, the small country in Central America, offers an incredible wealth of flora and fauna. The government has been making great efforts to protect nature and preserve the original rainforest for many years. Start the journey by hiking in Poás National Park and then continue north to the tropical rainforest at Puerto Viejo. A fascinating spectacle is the activity of the Arenal Volcano. At the ‘Fire Mountain’, as the Arenal is also called, and at the volcano Cerro Chato you hike through dense rainforest, enjoy the beautiful view and the crystal clear water of the crater lake, discover the native plant and animal species and refresh yourself in a natural pool of the waterfall La Fortuna. The Rio Celeste, the sky-blue river, fascinates with its intense colors. In the Rincón de la Vieja National Park, the bubbling mud pools, geysers and stinking fumaroles offer an impressive insight into the forces of nature. Finally, enjoy the beaches of the Pacific Coast before heading back to the capital, San Jose.
- 14 Days/13 Nights
- January to December
- Moderate


Travel Program
Day 1: San Jose
Arrival in San Jose. Transfer from the airport to the hotel. Rest of the day at free disposal.
Overnight
Hotel
Flight
Arrival to Costa Rica.
Driving
1 hours aprox.
Hiking
1 hours aprox
Meals
-/-/-
Day 2: San José - Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí / Poas Volcano and Ant Farm
Morning drive from San José to Poás Volcano. The view of the 5600 ha nature reserve of the Poás Volcano is best in the early morning. In the active crater of the volcano in the center of the national park, the temperatures are between 40 and 70 °C. The toxic sulfur fumes do not allow life in the immediate vicinity, but the gas process makes the Poás the second largest geyser in the world. You hike in about an hour to a slightly higher crater with lush vegetation and enjoy this place of silence. Afterwards you travel on to Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí. There you will visit an ant farm, where you can experience the fascinating organization of the Central American leafcutter ants up close.
Overnight
Hotel
Driving
3 hours aprox.
Hiking
3 hours aprox
Meals
B/L/-
Day 3: Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui / Chocolate Tour & Tirimbina Reserve
Discover the mysteries and wonders of one of man’s favorite foods, chocolate. Cacao is a plant native to Central America and was one of the most important products for the Mayas and Aztecs, as well as other Central American cultures. On site you will learn more about the artisanal process of chocolate production from the cocoa pod to the chocolate. Afterwards you go on a hike in the tropical rainforest of Tirimbina.
Overnight
Hotel
Driving
3 hours aprox.
Hiking
3 hours aprox
Meals
B/L/-
Day 4: Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui - La Fortuna / Arenal Volcano
In the morning drive from Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí to La Fortuna, a small town at the foot of the active Arenal Volcano. In the afternoon visit the ‘Arenal Suspension Bridges’. In a private nature reserve, suspension bridges have been built through the rainforest, connected by hiking trails. The views are spectacular in places of Arenal Volcano and over the tropical forest canopy and Arenal Reservoir. You can also see different species of monkeys, sloths and birds.
Overnight
Hotel
Driving
3 hours aprox.
Hiking
3 hours aprox
Meals
B/L/-
Day 5: La Fortuna / Arenal Cerro Chato Volcano
Drive from the hotel to the south side of the volcano to the Observatory Lodge. There you will begin the trek through dense rainforest to the summit of Cerro Chato, an extinct volcano at 1140m. You enjoy the beautiful view and the crystal clear water of the crater lake. You hike back through the rainforest with many native plant and animal species down to the mighty La Fortuna waterfall. A refreshing bath in one of the natural pools has a relaxing effect. Then return to La Fortuna.
Overnight
Hotel
Driving
3 hours aprox.
Hiking
3 hours aprox
Meals
B/L/-
Day 6: La Fortuna - Bijagua / Tenorio National Park and Rio Celeste
Today you travel further north to the town of Bijagua, situated between the volcanoes Tenorio and Miravalles. After arrival at the lodge the afternoon is at leisure.
Overnight
Camping
Driving
3 hours aprox.
Hiking
3 hours aprox
Meals
B/L/-
Day 7: Bijagua / Tenorio National Park
After breakfast we head to the entrance to the Tenorio Volcano National Park. During the moderately difficult hike to the Rio Celeste there are great views of the surrounding rainforest. You will visit the dyer’s place, underground hot water springs located in the middle of the forest, as well as the impressive waterfall, which invites you to take a refreshing bath.
This beautiful place on the slopes of the Tenorio Volcano is little visited despite being part of the Tenorio National Park. The Rio Celeste – which translates as ‘sky-blue river’ – owes its name to the light, almost turquoise and milky color that results from a natural chemical reaction at a point where two rivers flow together, which have completely different chemical properties and whose cause the color reaction. This place is called Dyer’s Square and is hidden in the middle of the dense rainforest. Then hike back to the park entrance and drive to Tenorio Lodge.
Overnight
Camping
Driving
3 hours aprox.
Hiking
3 hours aprox
Meals
B/L/D
Day 8: Bijagua - Rincón de La Vieja National Park
Today’s drive takes you to the Rincón de la Vieja volcano, where you will arrive in the afternoon. In the evening, take a short hike to a lookout point.
Overnight
Camping
Driving
3 hours aprox.
Hiking
3 hours aprox
Meals
B/L/D
Day 9: Rincón de La Vieja National Park
You hike in the national park through wet forest, crossing several mountain streams and over dry, hot savannas with little vegetation to the La Cangreja waterfall. A refreshing swim awaits you once more, this time in the clear turquoise waters of the waterfall’s natural pool. Afterwards you continue to hike to the National Park sector Las Pailas. Bubbling mud pools, geysers and stinking fumaroles (steaming cracks in the earth) give you an impressive insight into the natural forces of a volcano. Return to accommodation in the early afternoon.
Overnight
Camping
Driving
3 hours aprox.
Hiking
3 hours aprox
Meals
B/L/D
Day 10: Rincón de la Vieja - Playa Potrero / Pacific coast
Today you leave the mountain and volcanic regions and travel on to the Pacific coast. Arrival in Playa Potrero in the late afternoon.
Overnight
Hotel
Driving
3 hours aprox.
Hiking
3 hours aprox
Meals
B/L/D
Day 11: Playa Potrero
Enjoy the beach stay on the Pacific coast.
Overnight
Hotel
Driving
3 hours aprox.
Hiking
3 hours aprox
Meals
B/L/-
Day 12: Playa Potrero
Free day at the Pacific beach. Let it all hang out!
Overnight
Hotel
Driving
3 hours aprox.
Hiking
3 hours aprox
Meals
B/L/-
Day 13: Playa Potrero - San Jose
There is still time to walk along the beautiful natural beach, plunge into the water again and enjoy a swim. In the afternoon, return to San Jose.
Overnight
Hotel
Driving
3 hours aprox.
Hiking
3 hours aprox
Meals
B/L/-
Day 14: San Jose
Free morning for a stroll through town or for shopping. In the afternoon transfer from the hotel to the airport.
Overnight
Hotel
Driving
3 hours aprox.
Hiking
3 hours aprox
Meals
B/L/-
Day 15: Goodbye, Costa Rica!
Today it is time to say goodbye to Costa Rica. We will be taken to the airport for our flight back to Europe.
Overnight
Hotel
Driving
1 hours aprox.
Hiking
1 hours aprox
Flight
Go back home by plane.
Meals
B/-/-
Day 16: Hello Europe - welcome home!
Today we arrive in our European homeland and should give ourselves some time to settle in and acclimatize.
Overnight
Hotel
Driving
1 hours aprox.
Hiking
1 hours aprox
Flight
Go back home by plane.
Meals
B/-/-
Included meals: B=breakfast; L=lunch; D=dinner
What's Included
Services included in the prices:
- Local guide
- All transfers and overland travel
- 7 nights in hotels in double rooms
- 6 nights in haciendas/lodges in double rooms
- Meals as per program
– B = Breakfast
– L = Lunch
– D = Dinner - Viewings
- Hikes and activities according to the programme
- Entrance fees
- National park fees
Not included:
- Flight to San Jose
- Costa Rica departure tax USD 29
- insurances
- meals not listed
- beverages
- tips
- personal expenses
What to Bring
What to Bring or take fo Day Hiking and Technical Equipment for Climbing Expedition
This equipment list is compiled to provide you with adequate help when choosing your equipment for a climb. Most items are required. Please consider each of them and make sure you understand the function and exclusive use for mountaineering, before substituting or removing items from this list. Please note that this list has been carefully annotated by the organizer. Remember that mountaineering, mountaineering or mountaineering is an extreme, risky sport, therefore everything related to it is of great attention.
These items should be on your hiking checklist:
Hiking backpack for hiking 30 to 40 liters
Light gloves for hiking or (Optional Mittens waterproof)
Medium weight socks
Sleeping bag (-10º to 15ºC)
Small daypack for one day hiking 20 liters
Weather-appropriate clothing (think moisture-wicking and layers)
Hiking boots or shoes
Medium weight parka with fibber fill or down
Rain poncho (or rain gear)
Long-sleeved shirts
Fleece or Wool sweater and/or trousers
Lightweight pants
Cotton short-sleeved shirts or t-shirts
Water bottle for hiking or trekking
Strong waterproof duffel bag
Flashlight with spare batteries and bulb
Towel for personal hygiene each participantFirst-aid kit
Regular and long underwear
Knife or multi-tool
Light cap and wool hat
Sunglasses with UV certification, Sun block, lips
The rest of the list Essentials as appropriate for your hike
Grooming and personal hygiene kit
One Hiking Buff per person
Technical Equipment for High Altitude Expedition Mountains
3 Locking carabiners, we recommended per person
We recommend 2 ice screws for each client
1 Daisy Chain (Life Line) per each person
2 Ice axes (per person) technical, we recommended GRIVEL company
1 ATC descender (Rappel), this is very necessary for technical mountains
2 Cords for prusik, very important (Size Cord 6 mm x 10 m. long)
Gloves(Good gloves) for expeditions over 6000meters
Harness, we recommended GRIVEL company
Sleeping pad / Mattress, we recommend with air or inflatable mattress
Crampons, we recommended GRIVEL company
Walking sticks (optional), a pair per person, we recommended GRIVEL company
Down Jacket for expedition
Very important to have personal clothing such as pants and jacket with GOROTEX certification
First aid kit, for high mountains, because we as guides cannot medicate clients
Backpack Capacity 60 liters, it is better to have a bigger backpack to go comfortably to the high camps, because here you have to carry all your personal things
Gaiters or Leggings, now modern boots already have built-in (Incorporated), but better to have an extra pair
Dressing appropriately for the mountains can make the difference between a pleasant trip and a really uncomfortable one. Clothing must provide the right degree of temperature, perspiration and be well ventilated. Preferably cotton clothing should be avoided, as in humid conditions they absorb body heat.
In general, the weather conditions in in the Andes of South America can vary from day to day and even throughout the day. Therefore, clothing must be versatile.
Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions you may have regarding the necessary equipment.
Prices & Dates
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» Additional dates available upon request
» Rates may vary from July 26th to 31th for the national holidays
Prices (per person):
1 PAX | 2 PAX | 4 PAX | 6 PAX | 8 PAX | 10 PAX | 12 PAX | 14 PAX |
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— USD | — USD | — USD | — USD | — USD | — USD | — USD | — USD |
Deposit for reservations: — USD (– EUR) ✓ Full payment 40 days before. No refund if you cancel less than 30 days!
Places: *Available
Trip-code: Number ►CRI-
Duration: 16 days
Participants: Minimal: 4 Maximal: 12
Members: We don’t have an open group to join – We can open a new group – Contact us!
Country / Location: Costa Rica
Mountain Guide: Eric Albino Lliuya
Other dates / additional info: Contact us!
3% early bird discount when booking 6 months prior to departure 2023
Legend Booking-information:
EZZ Single room supplement
🟢 On this trip, places are still available.
🟡 On this trip, only a few places left.
🔴 This trip is sold out / closed.

Eric Raul Albino Lliuya
Expert guide certified by AGOMP
General Sales Manager of Peru Expeditions
- WhatsApp: +51 943 081 066
- E-Mail: [email protected]
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Frequently Asked Questions
What our travelers or clients always ask questions before joining our trips, tours & expeditions, read all the information provided here.
Suggested FAQs
What is the average distance and altitude gain that we will hike each day?
Every day we have active walks around approximately 4, to 5 sometimes 6 hours of walking, everything is according to your pace and physical condition of each person, in each of our travel programs you will find more detailed information, and if If you need more information about each day of the travel program, we can schedule a call via WhatsApp to clarify your doubts or questions, for this please contact us. For calls or inquiries to this number: +51 943 081 066
What experience and how fit do I need to be to climb this mountain? Is this program suitable for children or older people?
For our mountain climbing trips: If they are easily accessible mountains: For easy-climb mountains, well, you don’t need much experience, but if you already want to climb mountains above 6,000 meters and the conditions become more difficult, we recommend if you already want to go through mountains above 6,000 meters, have a basic or intermediate course for a good preparation. It is very important to be physically, technically and psychologically prepared.
Regarding the preparation of children: Everything will depend on which mountain you want to climb with your children, once you are clear on which of our tours or mountains you want to go with your children, we can give you some advice or see how to prepare them before going with they.
Regarding older people: It all depends on the condition of experience and how well the person is in health, on many occasions older people are the best to walk in the mountains because they have more experience, so it is always good to ask and find out about their experience of older participant. If you have any other questions, please contact us. For calls or inquiries to this number: +51 943 081 066
What experience do I need to have? How fit do I need to be? Is this program suitable for children or older people?
To do long-distance hiking you need to at least train or do some tours such as visiting lagoons to get the experience and feel comfortable with what you do, it is always good before doing a long-distance hiking tour to test yourself so as not to be with the problems of altitude sickness during the trekking, and if you travel with children it is good to first train them before taking them, if they are accompanied by an adult of legal age, they must do a good acclimatization before going on the long-distance tour or with high altitude camps If you want to know or learn more advice, we can schedule a call via WhatsApp to clarify your doubts. For calls or inquiries to this number: +51 943 081 066
How far in advance should I start training and what kind of training do you suggest?
The preparation is according to what type and what technical level you want to go and climb a trek or mountain, the preparation will always gain experience little by little.
For this type of demanding or technical climbing sports, it is recommended to do some summits above 5 thousand meters beforehand and have good knowledge of high mountain technical equipment such as the use of technical ice axes, ice screws, correct use of crampons, and of course all the technical material. For more information, we can schedule an appointment to be able to explain in more detail everything about the mountain equipment and the preparations prior to joining our outings. For calls or inquiries to this number: +51 943 081 066
How can I get to the trailhead/meeting point?
For the pick-ups of each trip, depending on the place or the trip that you are going to make with us, the meeting point is always at our office, in one of our trips we pick you up where you are staying or staying, or in some cases a A representative of our company will pick you up and then ship you to your transport to continue with your destination of the tour or trip you have booked with us. If you wish to request more information, do not hesitate to contact us. For calls or inquiries to this number: +51 943 081 066
Will I need to bring any technical equipment of my own? Is it possible to rent equipment, and if so, what would be the approximate cost of that?
In all our trekking or mountaineering trips we do not include personal equipment in our prices, so you have to have your own equipment: Personal equipment (such as boots, ice ax, crampons, harness, sleeping bag, mat, Goretex, etc. ) and also within each page of the trips that we sell is a small list so you can see it on our website.
Our company can also rent the materials that you would need for your trip, see the list here on our website: https://peru-expeditions.org/equipment-rental/ . For calls or inquiries to this number: +51 943 081 066
Will there be porters to help to carry group and personal equipment?
In our trips, either hiking or mountaineering: Depending on the type or destination of the trip that you are going to book, in some parts of the treks you go with mules or donkeys or sometimes with horses, and within the mountain trips, the approach camps are also They go with mules or donkeys, but there are some stretches where pack animals can no longer reach. In this part, our logistics is fully supported by the porters.
Who are the porters? They are people from the area who were born and live in the heights of the towns, they are very strong and are very acclimatized, the reason is that after the tourist season ends they dedicate themselves to agriculture and livestock for that reason they are people They are used to the altitude and have lived in nature all their lives and they are happy to be in the mountains together with our expeditions. For calls or inquiries to this number: +51 943 081 066
How will accommodation and meals be handled during the trek?
About accommodation or meals during the tour: Well, depending on the type of tour, when the tour is a classic cultural tour or a city tour, we eat during the route in tourist restaurants and sleep in category hotels that the client has requested.
If the tour is with camps and trekking: During the activity, logistics we include the service of Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner with traditional and typical meals of the region where you are going to travel with us, during the night we stay in tents, and we have a special tent for the kitchen and another for the dining room.
If the trip is at altitude or in the mountains: We bring special high mountain food, It are quicker meals to cook and we provide complete logistics such as Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner, and we sleep in special 4-season high mountain tents, with the best tents. If you have any questions or concerns, we can schedule an appointment via Whatsapp to clarify all your doubts and give you better information so that your trip is an unforgettable tour.
Are there any other special requirements such as permits/insurance/vaccines that I need to consider before the tour?
Safe and effective vaccines are available that provide strong protection against serious illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19. Billions of people have been vaccinated against COVID-19. Getting vaccinated is one of the most important things you can do to protect yourself against COVID-19, help end the pandemic and stop new variants emerging.
We also recommend having accident insurance, we always recommend. We are Partners –Global Rescue. If you have any other questions about the trip we can schedule a date for a calling via WhatsApp. For calls or inquiries to this number: +51 943 081 066
What is the best time of the year for this hike?
For all the trips that we offer within our main tourist destinations such as South America and Central America, also including the ascent of the 7 continents and the 7 highest peaks of each continent, on each page of our website for each trip we indicate that month or what season to travel, then please read the information you find in our travel offers for each tour. If you have any other questions you can contact us by WhatsApp with one of our travel experts. Thank you so much. For calls or inquiries to this number: +51 943 081 066
What is the guide-to-client ratio to climb this mountain?
In mountains above 5000 meters: A local guide takes a maximum of 3 clients = Ratio 3pax = 1 local guide
In technical mountains: In large-big mountains we manage the travel policy, a guide and a maximum of 2 clients = Ratio 3pax = 1 local guide. For calls or inquiries to this number: +51 943 081 066
What is the best time of the year to climb this mountain?
For all the trips that we offer within our main tourist destinations such as South America and Central America, also including the ascent of the 7 continents and the 7 highest peaks of each continent, on each page of our website for each trip we indicate that month or what season to travel, then please read the information you find in our travel offers for each tour. If you have any other questions you can contact us by WhatsApp with one of our travel experts. Thank you so much. For calls or inquiries to this number: +51 943 081 066
Can I join a group?
We as a local company and connoisseurs of tours have departures on different dates. The best thing to do is to join a travel group to take care of your budget, and of course you can join our groups, but on trips like mountaineering we recommend going in small groups. To join a group, ask us for the dates and we will send you the necessary information to be able to join any of our trips.
Why go in a private trip: For trips whether trekking or high mountains, going privately is the most recommended option, but the costs are more expensive. So, if one joins a group, the prices will be more reasonable. In the mountains, the only disadvantage is if you are in a wall with another partner and if one of the participants gets tired or gets sick. In this case, you have to abort or cancel the summit and return together. For more information, contact us. We can schedule a call via WhatsApp to clarify all your questions.
In a mountain, for example, if 3 people go and one of the participants falls ill on the route, for security reasons they have to cancel or abort the summit or return all together. The same in a technical mountain if the climbing partner gets sick they all have to return, for these reasons sometimes it is better to go private only because for a single person the costs are more expensive for the same reason that the trip would already be private .
For more information please contact us. For calls or inquiries to this number: +51 943 081 066
What happens in the event of bad weather?
About the meteorological conditions of the climate, we try to organize the trips of each tour in the best season to have the best views and enjoy the selected trip but sometimes even is good season we can have bad weather, in this case on hiking or treks trips The complications are minimal, but when this happens during high-altitude climbing expeditions, the complications can become very difficult, that is why the bosses or leaders of the local guides must always make the most correct decision for the safety of our passengers, so we always recommend listening to the best advice from the local guide assigned for each tour. If you have any other questions please contact us. For calls or inquiries to this number: +51 943 081 066