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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

Costa RicaTailor-Made8 days / 7 nightsFlights IncludedFrom £5,199 pp

An eight-day adventure through northern Costa Rica's Guanacaste province, pairing the geothermal wilds of Rincón de la Vieja Volcano, fumaroles, mud pots, waterfalls and canyon ziplines, with the golden beaches and reliable surf of Tamarindo on the North Pacific coast. The perfect balance of adrenaline and chill.

We arrange it as a private, tailor-made holiday with return UK flights, a hacienda lodge by the volcano and a beachfront hotel at Tamarindo, all transfers and guided activities, ATOL protected from the moment you book.

Traveller leaping into a turquoise waterfall pool near Rincón de la Vieja, Costa Rica

WHAT YOU'LL DO

Holiday Highlights

Rincón de la Vieja hike, the Las Pailas trail past fumaroles, bubbling mud pots and volcanic springs
Canyon zipline & tubing, a canopy circuit with rappels and a Tarzan swing, then Class II–III tubing on the Río Negro
Horseback to a waterfall, ride to the 25-metre Oropéndola Waterfall for a swim in its pool
Hot springs & volcanic mud, soak and slather in the Río Negro hot springs after a day of adventure
Learn to surf at Tamarindo, beginner and improver lessons on a forgiving Pacific beach break
Sunsets & sea, paddle-boarding, snorkelling or a sunset sail, plus free beach time
ATOL protected & flight-inclusive, return UK flights and full financial protection (licence 10898)

Your Itinerary

Route map of Costa Rica Northern Explorer: 1 Rincón de la Vieja (4 nights), 2 Tamarindo (3 nights). Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors.

Day 1: Fly 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.

Day 2: Rincón 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.

Day 3: Zipline 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.

Day 4: Horseback 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.

Day 5: To 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.

Day 6: Surf lessons at Tamarindo

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

Day 7: Tamarindo at leisure

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

Day 8: Fly 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

Where You'll Stay

A working-ranch hacienda by the volcano and a beachfront hotel at Tamarindo (or similar), both on a bed & breakfast basis.

Rincón de la Vieja (4 nights)

A characterful hacienda lodge at the foot of the volcano, with adventure activities, trails and hot springs on site.

Tamarindo (3 nights)

A beachfront hotel in the heart of Tamarindo, steps from the sand, the surf schools and the town's restaurants.

What's Included

  • Return international flights from the UK to Liberia
  • 7 nights' accommodation in a hacienda lodge and a beachfront hotel (B&B)
  • All private transfers and guided activities listed in the itinerary
  • Rincón de la Vieja hike, canyon zipline, river tubing, horseback waterfall ride, hot springs and surf lesson
  • National park entrance fees as per the itinerary
  • 24/7 in-destination support and ATOL financial protection (licence 10898)

What's Not Included

  • Travel insurance (required, we can recommend specialist providers)
  • Meals and drinks not specified, and optional excursions
  • Gratuities, personal expenses and single-room supplements

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.

Wondering when to come? See the best months to travel to Costa Rica in our seasonal guide.

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.

Enquire About This Holiday
We typically respond within 24 hours
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

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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.

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Tailor-made · ATOL 10898

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Guide price£5,199pp
ATOL 10898