Spend nine action-packed days exploring Costa Rica through a mix of adventure, movement, and nature-based experiences across jungles, mountains, volcanoes, and the Pacific coast. This multi-adventure journey includes canyoneering through jungle waterfalls, horseback riding, whitewater rafting, ziplining through rainforest canopies, cloud forest hiking, surfing, snorkeling, and a sunset catamaran cruise. Traveling from Río La Vieja and Arenal to Monteverde and Tamarindo, each destination offers a unique blend of adrenaline, wildlife, and incredible scenery.
Designed for active travelers looking to push themselves while fully experiencing Costa Rica’s “Pura Vida” lifestyle, this trip balances adventure with recovery, connection, and unforgettable moments in nature.
Costa Rica is one of the world’s top adventure travel destinations, known for its volcanoes, rainforests, rivers, cloud forests, and stunning Pacific coastline. Despite its small size, the country offers an incredible diversity of ecosystems and outdoor experiences, making it the perfect setting for hiking, rafting, surfing, wildlife spotting, and jungle exploration.
March and April bring warm temperatures, sunny beach days, and conditions for outdoor activities across the country. Combined with its welcoming culture and laid-back “Pura Vida” lifestyle, Costa Rica offers the perfect mix of adventure, nature, and relaxation.
Local accommodations in Rio La Vieja, La Fortuna, Monteverde, and Tamarindo.
All private group airport and overland transfers in an air-conditioned van.
Daily breakfast, 3 lunches, and 3 dinners.
Provides pre-trip planning support, on-trip guidance, and personalized care throughout the journey, ensuring a safe, organized, and memorable adventure experience for all participants.
Expert local naturalist guides with 22+ years of experience help you discover and protect Costa Rica’s wildlife in a country home to nearly 6% of Earth’s biodiversity.
Sunset catamaran cruise with guided snorkeling, gear, food, and open-bar drinks.
Hidden rainforest hike to San Pedro Waterfall with river crossings and wildlife. Includes horseback riding, finca exploration, farm-to-table meals, and a remote off-grid escape to a hidden cascade.
Guided canyon adventure through lush rainforest and emerald river waters; Intermediate-to-technical terrain with private access, certified local guides, and full safety equipment included.
Whitewater rafting on the Balsa River (Class II–III) through lush rainforest rapids with wildlife sightings, guided adventure experience, and included riverside lunch in a scenic jungle setting.
Guided night wildlife safari walk in Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, exploring the rainforest after dark to spot nocturnal animals like frogs, insects, birds, and mammals with expert local guides.
Learn to surf in Tamarindo with a fun, beginner-friendly group lesson — includes boards, expert coaching, ocean safety, and plenty of wave time for all skill levels.
Guided walk through Curi-Cancha Reserve, exploring cloud forest trails rich in wildlife, orchids, and birds like the resplendent quetzal with expert naturalist guidance.
Group yoga and movement sessions focused on mobility, relaxation, and flowing movement, helping you connect breath and body while moving through and experiencing nature.
International flights to and from San José (SJO)
Meals not listed in the itinerary above.
Tips for local guides & tour leaders.
Travel insurance is strongly recommended to ensure safety, comfort, and peace of mind throughout the trip.
Alcohol (outside of the catamaran cruise) and personal expenses, or souvenirs.
Welcome to Costa Rica! After arriving in San José, we'll journey north through rolling countryside and rural villages toward the lush landscapes of Río La Vieja. Nestled near one of Costa Rica's most beautiful river canyons, our first evening is all about slowing down, settling in, and connecting with fellow travelers. We'll gather for a welcome dinner featuring local flavors and a first taste of the Pura Vida lifestyle.
Accommodation: Hotel Terra Viva
Meals: Dinner
Today's adventure begins with an adrenaline-filled canyoneering excursion through waterfalls, jungle canyons, and hidden pools. We'll experience cascading water and immerse ourselves in one of Costa Rica's most spectacular natural playgrounds in Cañón del Río La Vieja. After a farm-fresh lunch overlooking the countryside, we continue toward the iconic Arenal Volcano and the vibrant town of La Fortuna, our home for the next two nights.
Accommodation: Hotel Arenal Xilopalo
Meals: Breakfast
Get ready for one of Costa Rica's classic adventure experiences. This morning we head to the Balsa River, where Class II-III rapids wind through lush rainforest teeming with wildlife. Between exciting stretches of whitewater, keep an eye out for monkeys, tropical birds, and sloths along the riverbanks. After a riverside lunch, the afternoon is yours to relax, explore town, or simply enjoy views of Arenal Volcano.
Accommodation: Hotel Arenal Xilopalo
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Today we venture off the beaten path into the hills surrounding Arenal. A combination of horseback riding and rugged 4x4 travel brings us to a remote working finca surrounded by waterfalls, forests, and sweeping mountain views. We'll spend the afternoon exploring hidden cascades and hiking trails that weave through the property before gathering for a sunset overlooking the countryside. Tonight, we enjoy a family-style dinner and an authentic taste of rural Costa Rican life.
Accommodation: Finca Las Cataratas
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning we leave Arenal behind and climb into the cool mountain air of Monteverde. After arriving in the heart of Costa Rica's famous cloud forest region, you'll have the option to soar through the canopy on a thrilling zipline adventure or dive into local culture with a coffee tour experience. As darkness falls, we'll head into the forest on a guided night walk to discover the fascinating creatures that emerge after sunset.
Accommodation: Cala Lodge Monteverde
Meals: Breakfast
Step into one of the most unique ecosystems on Earth. Today we explore the legendary Curi Cancha Reserve, hiking beneath towering trees draped in moss and orchids while searching for colorful birds and elusive wildlife. Hanging bridges provide a bird's-eye view of the forest canopy, and the afternoon is yours to wander Monteverde's charming mountain town. We'll end the day with a spectacular sunset overlooking the Pacific slope.
Accommodation: Cala Lodge Monteverde
Meals: Breakfast
Trade cool mountain mist for warm ocean breezes as we make our way to Costa Rica's Pacific coast. After arriving in the laid-back surf town of Tamarindo, we'll head straight to the beach for an introductory surf lesson. Whether it's your first wave or your fiftieth, there's no better place to embrace Costa Rica's ocean lifestyle. The evening is free to explore town, watch the sunset, and settle into beach life.
Accommodation: Hotel Luna Llena
Meals: Breakfast
Enjoy a slow morning in Tamarindo with time to surf, swim, shop, or simply relax by the ocean. This afternoon we set sail aboard a catamaran along Costa Rica's stunning Gold Coast. We'll snorkel in tropical waters, keep watch for marine life, and enjoy the sea breeze as the sun sinks into the Pacific. It's the perfect way to celebrate an unforgettable week of adventure before gathering for our farewell dinner together.
Accommodation: Hotel Luna Llena
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Savor one last tropical breakfast and a sunrise beach walk. We’ll enjoy a final group stretch by the ocean before our private transfer returns us to SJO Airport for our journey home, carrying the Pura Vida spirit with us.
Meals: Breakfast
Departure Note: Due to the 5–6 hour drive back to San José, evening flights are recommended.
Move Adventures is an active travel company built on movement-- leading transformative group and photo expeditions, alongside providing personalized wellness mentorship that builds resilience, ignites exploration, and cultivates lifelong habits so you can
"Move Often and Venture Far."
