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A jungle waterfall cascading into a forest pool in Costa Rica

FUMAROLES · WATERFALLS · SURF

Costa Rica Northern Explorer

Volcanic adventures at Rincón de la Vieja, then the surf and sunsets of Tamarindo

Your trip

Your 8 days in Costa Rica

At a glance

  • 8 days7 nights
  • Private tripJust your own party
  • ModerateActivity level
  • Flights includedATOL protected
  • Flexible datesYou choose when you go
  • Costa RicaOur destination guide
Traveller leaping into a turquoise waterfall pool near Rincón de la Vieja, Costa Rica

WHAT YOU'LL DO

Holiday Highlights

  • The Las Pailas trail

    Rincón de la Vieja hike, the Las Pailas trail past fumaroles, bubbling mud pots and volcanic springs

  • A canopy circuit

    Canyon zipline & tubing, a canopy circuit with rappels and a Tarzan swing, then Class II–III tubing on the Río Negro

  • Oropéndola Waterfall

    Horseback to a waterfall, ride to the 25-metre Oropéndola Waterfall for a swim in its pool

  • Río Negro hot springs

    Hot springs & volcanic mud, soak and slather in the Río Negro hot springs after a day of adventure

  • Surfing at Tamarindo

    Learn to surf at Tamarindo, beginner and improver lessons on a forgiving Pacific beach break

  • Snorkelling and a sunset sail

    Sunsets & sea, paddle-boarding, snorkelling or a sunset sail, plus free beach time

  • Flights from the UK

    ATOL protected & flight-inclusive, return UK flights and full financial protection (licence 10898)

Day by day

Your itinerary

  1. Day 1Fly from the UK · Arrive Liberia · Rincón de la Vieja

    Fly from the UK to Liberia (via a US or San José gateway). Your private driver transfers you to a hacienda lodge near Rincón de la Vieja, the gateway to the volcano's national park.

  2. Day 2Rincón de la Vieja National Park

    Hike the Las Pailas trail among fumaroles, mud pots and steaming volcanic springs, with frequent wildlife and birdlife along the way.

  3. Day 3Zipline canyon tour & river tubing

    A canopy adventure of ziplines, rappels, a rock climb and a Tarzan swing, followed by Class II–III tubing on the Río Negro.

  4. Day 4Horseback ride, waterfall & hot springs

    Ride on horseback to the Oropéndola Waterfall for a swim, then relax in the Río Negro hot springs with a volcanic-mud treatment.

  5. Day 5To the coast, Tamarindo

    Transfer to the surf town of Tamarindo on the North Pacific coast; the afternoon is free for the beach, the sunset and fresh seafood.

  6. Day 6Surf lessons at Tamarindo

    A beginner or improver surf lesson on Tamarindo's welcoming beach break, with a free afternoon to explore the town.

  7. Day 7Tamarindo at leisure

    A free day on the Pacific, relax, or add optional paddle-boarding, snorkelling or a sunset sail.

  8. Day 8Fly home

    Transfer to Liberia International Airport for your flight back to the UK, arriving home the following day.

Beginner surf lesson on a Pacific beach in Guanacaste, Costa Rica

Your price covers

What's included

  • Flights

    Return international flights from the UK to Liberia

    We can also book other airlines, including flights with one stop, to suit your dates and preferences.

  • Accommodation

    7 nights' accommodation in a hacienda lodge and a beachfront hotel (B&B)

  • Transport

    All private transfers and guided activities listed in the itinerary

  • Experiences

    Rincón de la Vieja hike, canyon zipline, river tubing, horseback waterfall ride, hot springs and surf lesson

  • Entry fees

    National park entrance fees as per the itinerary

  • ATOL protection

    24/7 in-destination support and ATOL financial protection (licence 10898)

Not included: Travel insurance (required; check your policy covers the activities on this trip) · Meals and drinks not specified, and optional excursions · Gratuities, personal expenses and single-room supplements

Where you stay

Your accommodation

Your next step

Dates and price

Tailor-Made Holiday
Guide price from£5,199
per personATOL protected (10898)
Flights Included
Private holiday
Flexible dates
8 days / 7 nights (suggested)
Fully customisable

No commitment, we respond within 24 hours

Before you book

Frequently Asked Questions

Moderate and adventurous, hiking on volcanic terrain, ziplines, tubing and horseback riding, balanced with hot springs and beach days. A reasonable level of fitness is ideal, and we can soften the activity level on request.

Plan your Costa Rica Northern Explorer holiday

Speak to one of our Latin America specialists for a tailored quote and your preferred dates. Flights, lodges, transfers and activities all arranged, ATOL protected from the moment you book.

We typically respond within 24 hours

Real reviews

What our customers say

From travellers who visited Costa Rica with us

“
We've wanted to visit Costa Rica for years and Travelfab put together a brilliant two-week trip. Arenal Volcano with the hot springs was the perfect start. Tortuguero's canals were teeming with wildlife, monkeys, sloths, caimans, an incredible variety of birds. The Caribbean coast around Puerto Viejo had a completely different vibe, reggae, jerk chicken, and lovely reef snorkelling. Pura vida indeed.

Graham & Pat D.

“
Costa Rica was pure magic. Monteverde cloud forest was eerie and beautiful, we saw a resplendent quetzal on our first morning which our guide said was rare. The hanging bridges walk was thrilling. We finished at Manuel Antonio where the white-faced monkeys came right up to our sun loungers. The biodiversity is staggering. Travelfab arranged everything including an excellent local driver-guide.

Victoria & Mark P.

“
Perfect family holiday. The kids loved the zip-lining and wildlife spotting, and we loved the volcanic hot springs and beautiful beaches. Costa Rica has something for everyone.

Natalie J.

Tailor-made · ATOL 10898

Want to customise this trip?

Every Travelfab holiday is tailor-made, extend a leg, swap a hotel, combine with another country. Tell us the shape you want and a specialist will redesign it around you.

Customise this trip with a specialist
Guide price£5,199pp
ATOL protected