Costa Rica - My Small Group Adventure

Days 1 & 2: San José & community life in Juanilama

I arrived in the capital, San José, a day before the tour officially started. This is something I always recommend if you are joining a group tour: it gives you time to recover from the flight, adjust to the time difference and have a gentle introduction to your destination.

San José is colourful and energetic, with busy streets, local eateries and a mix of historic and modern buildings. Having that extra day allowed me to wander at my own pace and start to tune into Costa Rican life.

The following evening, I met the rest of the group and our fantastic local guide, Allan. There were 12 of us in total: two Canadians, two Americans and the rest from the UK. We went out to a local restaurant for dinner, which was a great ice‑breaker and helped ease any first‑day nerves. Afterwards, we headed back to the hotel for an early night before the real adventure began.

The next morning, after an early breakfast, we travelled by private minibus to Juanilama, a small rural community in the Northern Plains. Juanilama is a brilliant example of sustainable, community‑led tourism. Here, visitors can experience local life through homestays, organic farm tours and cooking classes, with tourism income going directly back into the community.

On arrival, we were welcomed with a traditional lunch, then taken on an agricultural tour where we learned how different tropical fruits and vegetables are grown and eaten. We were shown how to make hot chocolate from cacao and how to make soap using traditional methods. It was simple, hands‑on and incredibly rewarding.

That evening, the experience became even more personal. We were split into groups of four and each group spent the night with a local family. We helped to prepare a delicious traditional dinner and did our best to chat in Spanish, lots of smiles and hand gestures included. It was a real highlight of the trip and a wonderful reminder of how travel can connect people, even when you do not share the same language fluently.

On day 3 we travelled on to La Fortuna, one of Costa Rica’s best‑known adventure hubs.

We began with a visit to a sloth sanctuary, which was every bit as charming as it sounds. Seeing these gentle creatures in a protected environment, moving at their own unhurried pace, was a lovely contrast to the usual rush of everyday life.

From there we headed out to hike the Arenal Volcano 1968 lava flows. Walking across old lava fields with views of the volcano was a fantastic reminder of how dynamic Costa Rica’s landscapes are. The trails are accessible but still feel adventurous, and Allan shared fascinating stories about the area’s volcanic history.

Later in the afternoon we stopped at a local supermarket to pick up some beers, then made our way to some hot springs popular with locals. Soaking in warm, mineral‑rich water, beer in hand, surrounded by lush vegetation, felt wonderfully authentic and relaxed. It is those little local rituals that really stay with you.

Day 4 began early, with a walk around the local area in search of toucans. We were rewarded with the sight of one happily feasting on bananas, its colourful beak glowing in the morning light.

After breakfast we left La Fortuna, travelling by private minibus and boat to the town of Santa Elena in Monteverde, where we would spend the next two nights. The journey itself was scenic, with changing landscapes and plenty of time to sit back and enjoy the views.

Monteverde is renowned for its cloud forest, and that afternoon Allan took us on a nature walk among the mist‑shrouded trees. Cloud forests are incredibly rare, representing only around 0.26% of the Earth’s surface. They form where warm tropical air rises along mountain slopes and cools into mist, creating a damp, ethereal environment that supports thousands of plant and animal species.

With Allan’s scope we watched spider monkeys playing high in the canopy and spotted several exotic birds, including the iconic resplendent quetzal. Being surrounded by hanging mosses, towering trees and drifting clouds of mist felt almost otherworldly.

That evening we returned to the forest for a guided night walk, this time in search of nocturnal residents. Armed with torches and the expert eye of a local guide, we spotted snakes, frogs, birds and howler monkeys. Experiencing the forest by night, with its chorus of sounds and darting shadows, was thrilling but still felt very safe and well managed.

Day 5 was a free day, giving us the choice to relax after a busy few days or try some of the many activities on offer. Costa Rica is famous for its adventure tourism, so I could not resist the chance to go zip lining.

The course consisted of 10 zip lines, each one slightly longer and more dramatic than the last. It included the longest zip line in Costa Rica, spanning an incredible 1,590 metres across a valley. Gliding over the treetops with spectacular views all around was an adrenaline rush I will not forget in a hurry.

In the evening, I joined a horseback ride through the forest to watch the sunset. It was the perfect contrast to the morning’s excitement: peaceful, scenic and a lovely way to appreciate the landscape at a slower pace.

On day 6 we left Monteverde and headed towards Quepos, the gateway town for Manuel Antonio National Park on the Pacific coast.

On the way, we stopped at the home of a local family to learn how to cook some Costa Rican dishes for lunch. This hands‑on cooking experience was another lovely example of community interaction: we chopped, stirred and tasted our way through traditional recipes, gaining a real appreciation for how central fresh, simple ingredients are to Costa Rican cuisine.

After arriving in Quepos and checking in to our hotel, we took a gentle stroll down to the beach to watch the sunset. The Pacific coast did not disappoint: golden light, rolling waves and that unmistakable holiday feeling as the sky turned shades of pink and orange. We finished the evening with dinner at a local restaurant, chatting about our favourite moments so far.

Day 7: Wildlife, beaches & a sunset sail in Manuel Antonio

Our final full day in Costa Rica was spent exploring Manuel Antonio National Park and its beautiful coastline.

In the morning, we enjoyed a walking tour of the park with a local nature guide. With their help and a telescope to hand, we spotted an incredible array of wildlife, including howler monkeys, tree frogs, spiders, hummingbirds, sloths, white‑faced capuchin monkeys and even bats tucked away in shady corners. The combination of lush rainforest and bright, sandy beaches makes Manuel Antonio particularly special.

After the walk, we had time to relax and swim at one of the park’s stunning beaches. Clear water, soft sand and jungle backdrop made it feel wonderfully secluded even with other visitors around.

In the afternoon we were picked up from our hotel for a 4‑hour sailing trip around the edge of the national park on a trimaran. This was a real trip highlight and a spectacular way to end the tour. From the boat we spotted dolphins and, to my absolute delight, humpback whales – a first for me. We had time to snorkel and swim around the boat, then relaxed on deck with cocktails and plates of pineapple, fresh fish and the classic Costa Rican staples of rice and beans, all as the sun set over the Pacific.

It was the perfect finale to an unforgettable week.

Having experienced this itinerary first‑hand, I would particularly recommend this style of trip if you:

• Want to see Costa Rica’s wildlife, rainforests, volcanoes and beaches without the stress of planning every detail
• Want to learn about the local culture, wildlife and environment from an experienced and knowledgeable guide
• Like the idea of travelling with a small group of like‑minded people rather than on a large coach tour
• Value authentic, community‑based experiences such as homestays, cooking classes and time with local families
• Care about responsible travel and ensuring that tourism benefits local communities and the environment
• Enjoy a balance of organised activities and free time, with options for both relaxation and adventure

As a Travel Counsellor, I can use this personal experience, along with my expertise and our trusted partners, to shape a Costa Rica itinerary that is exactly right for you. Whether you would like something very similar to my trip or a completely tailor‑made version with extra nights, different hotels or added beach time, I can design it for your preferred dates, style and budget.

If this has sparked your wanderlust, contact me today to start planning your own Costa Rican adventure. I will take care of every detail, so all you need to do is pack your bags and get ready to experience pura vida for yourself.