Always wanted to explore Costa Rica? But group trips don’t fit your schedule or style? Then you’ll love our new private adventures modules where you can create your own trip of a lifetime in Costa Rica! Choose two or more adventures to create your very own Costa Rica dream trip! Mix and match: hiking in Monteverde’s cloud forest; walking high above the jungle canopy in Arenal, with great views of the Arenal Volcano; relaxing on the white sand beaches and exploring the jungles of Manuel Antonio; floating the inland waterways in Tortuguero, watching for sea turtles; discovering the primary rainforest of Corcovado; and rafting the Río Pacuare—one of the 10 most beautiful whitewater rivers in the world! We are more than happy to help you combine itineraries, assist with internal flights, and make your dream trip to Costa Rica become a reality!
Note—We recommend you book your trip to Costa Rica at least four months in advance (nine for holiday departures), as space is very limited at the small, upscale lodges we have personally selected for these itineraries and your international flights need to be booked well in advance. Minimum age is 6 for all modules, except the Río Pacuare which is 12.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
- Combine multiple itineraries to create your Costa Rica dream trip!
- Experience the last great stands of lowland rainforest in Corcovado
- Raft the Río Pacuare, considered by many to be one of the top 10 most beautiful whitewater rivers in the world!
- Hike in the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
- Explore Tortuguero National Park by boat, watching for the 4 types of sea turtles who nest here
- Relax on white sand beaches at Manuel Antonio
- Hike near Arenal Volcano across suspended bridges, zipline high above the canopy, and visit hot springs!
Choose Two or More Adventures to Create Your Costa Rica Dream Trip!
Arenal
Explore in the shadow of Arenal Volcano! We’ll walk across “hanging bridges” suspended high up in the forest with spectacular views of the powerful volcano, look for monkeys, sloths, toucans, and hummingbirds in the primary and secondary forests, zipline above the forest canopy giving us a unique perspective of the rainforest and its landscape, enjoy a relaxing soak in hot mineral pools at Ecotermales, and visit an eco-farm!
4 days. Easy trip. Minimum age is 6. Call for details!
Corcovado National Park
Explore Costa Rica’s remote Corcovado National Park on the Osa Peninsula, where a huge tract of primary rainforest meets up with beautiful picture-postcard beaches. Corcovado sustains eight unique habitats ranging from mountain forests to surf-pounded beaches and is a major birding and wildlife refuge: scarlet macaws fly about the palm trees at the beach, pods of dolphins abound, and howler monkeys can be seen from your cabana porch.
3 or 4 days. Easy trip. Minimum age is 6. Call for details!
Manuel Antonio National Park
Manuel Antonio National Park, whose beautiful white sand beaches are surrounded by emerald waters and jungle that comes right down to the high tide line, is the perfect place in Costa Rica to combine active exploration with relaxing beach time! Swim and snorkel along the bay, sail via catamaran along the coast, and hike the jungle floor where you’ll see an abundant diversity of wildlife including sloths, squirrel monkeys, marine mammals, and 184 species of birds!
Established in 1972, Manuel Antonio is one of the most beautiful and bio-diverse areas in the world. Although it is the country's smallest national park, the stunning beauty and diversity of wildlife in its 683 hectares of land (and 55,000 hectares of sea) is unequaled.
4 days. Easy trip. Minimum age is 6. Call for details!
Monteverde
Walk the trails of the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, considered by many to be one of the most beautiful forests in the world! We’ll see many butterflies, including blue morphos with five-inch wingspans, and some of Monteverde’s 320 resident tropical species of birds, such as trogons, motmots, barbets, toucanets, and the resplendent quetzal, prized by the Mayan Kings. Plus learn about coffee and sugar cane farming and production, and visit the Monteverde Bat Jungle and a hummingbird gallery!
4 days. Easy trip. Minimum age is 6. Call for details!
Tortuguero
Explore Tortuguero by boat along the park‘s rivers and canals, a natural wonderland of coastal forest and inland waterways that can only be accessed by water or air. Enjoy a jungle boat tour through the rain-forested waterways, and look for resident caimans, monkeys, sloths, toucans, and scarlet macaws.
3 days. Easy trip. Minimum age is 6. Call for details!
Río Pacuare
Pounding its way from one whitewater rapid to another, the Río Pacuare serves up one of the world’s best roller coaster rides, with cascading waterfalls that drench you as you pass! It’s no wonder the Pacuare is ranked among the top ten whitewater rivers in the world. A bonus: a beautiful jungle lodge “base camp,” and exceptional guides with great knowledge of the surrounding rainforest.
3 days. Moderate trip. Minimum age is 12. Call for details!
Stay a Little Longer
You may wish to combine this trip with one of our regular group departure adventures in Central America, our other Private Adventures in Central America, or other independent travel on your own.
Air Travel
Airfare is not included in the land cost of our trips. For air reservations, we recommend you contact the airlines directly, either by phone or the Internet. In addition, many travelers elect to use their "frequent flyer" miles when traveling with us. But please check with our staff before purchasing or obtaining your tickets, so we may verify your arrival and departure schedule.
Activity Level
Mountain Travel Sobek trips are designed for flexible, energetic people who like to be active and have a spirit of adventure and a positive attitude. This trip involves optional easy to moderate walks and nature hikes in beautiful natural areas, with plenty of time to enjoy swimming and other water activities in Corcovado (depending upon the site). It's an adventure that will be enjoyed by anyone who has a deep interest in seeing Costa Rica's scenic beauty and wildlife, and can be as active or laid-back as you want it to be.
If you want to undertake a pre-trip fitness program, we suggest some moderate aerobic activities (hiking, jogging, bicycling) for at least 30 minutes a session at least three times a week for about a month before you go. Check with your doctor before undertaking any new fitness program.
Logistics & Accommodations
You can expect that the logistics will be well taken care of for your getaway to Costa Rica. You will have private transfers to and from airports and airstrips and friendly English-speaking driver-guides who will help you check into your lodge and get situated with activities in the area. You can expect excellent accommodations that are our favorites after years of visiting Costa Rica, and accurate pre-trip information that will help you plan your tropical vacation. The lodges we have chosen have friendly and service-oriented staff who look forward to welcoming you to their country. You can expect a local naturalist guide at your lodge in Corcovado who is knowledgeable about the wildlife and an array of activities to choose from at each lodge.
Seasonal Considerations
Costa Rica is blessed with a tropical climate throughout the year, varying between lowland tropical rainforests, cloud forests in the mid-zone and oak and pine forests in the highlands. There are two main seasons: the "dry" season from mid-November through April and the "second spring" from May to mid-November. Average daytime temperatures year-round range in the 70s and 80s; nighttime temperatures generally remain in the 70s in the lowland rainforest. In May, June, July, and August, birds start courting, flowers bloom, sea turtles come ashore to breed, and showers refresh the day; this is a favorite time for many travelers. The rainforest is generally not as hot as you might expect, but it is humid, and of course you can expect a tropical shower any day of the year (usually lasting from five minutes to an hour). We don't recommend travel in the height of the rainy season in September and October.
What's Included
- local English-speaking guides
- accommodations
- airport transfers
- ground transportation
- sightseeing as noted in the itinerary
- additional guides where necessary
- entrance fees and permits
- field arrangements, group rafting, and sea kayaking gear and equipment
- basic medical and evacuation insurance
What's Not
International airfare to San José and return; optional activities at each lodge; entrance fees to reserves and parks; optional tips to local drivers and guides; insurance other than basic medical and evacuation insurance noted above (we strongly recommend you purchase the supplementary trip insurance offered by Mountain Travel Sobek, which includes trip cancellation insurance); excess baggage charges; airport taxes (if any); cost of medical immunizations; and items of a personal nature (sodas, alcoholic beverages, laundry, etc.). Unused transportation to/during the tour will not be reimbursed.
Payment & Cancellation Policy
(This differs from regular Mountain Travel Sobek trips.)
I. Payment
At time of reservation: $800 or 25% of Land Cost, whichever is greater
120 days prior to departure: 25% of Land Cost
90 days prior to departure: Balance of Land Cost
II. Cancellation
If written notice of cancellation is received:
Cancellation Fee will be:
From time of reservation until
90 days prior to departure $800 or 25% of Land Cost, whichever is greater
89 to 60 days prior to departure 50% of Land Cost
59 days or fewer prior to departure 100% of Land Cost
Note on Itinerary
This itinerary has been carefully designed for optimal value. You may wish to combine this tour with another or add extensions at the beginning or end of your trip. However, if you wish to customize this tour, other terms and conditions apply (ask us about information on customized adventures). Travel Agent commissions or any type of other discounts do not apply to custom tours.
Although we will do our best to adhere to the itinerary schedule as listed, it is subject to change. Please read the Limitation of Liability and Booking Conditions in the four-page Participant Information Form. You can find all this information on our website.
Limitation of Liability
“Mountain Travel Sobek” is defined to include its owners, agents, directors, officers, employees, representatives and affiliates (collectively “Mountain Travel”). Except for the Alaska Discovery Inn, some small craft and some vans in Alaska, Mountain Travel does not own or operate any entity that provides goods or services for your trip including, for example, ownership or control over hotels or other lodging facilities, airline, vessel, bus, van or other transportation companies, local ground operators, providers or organizers of optional excursions, food service or entertainment providers, etc. All such persons and entities are independent contractors. As a result, Mountain Travel is not liable for any negligent or willful act or failure to act of any such person or entity, or of any other third party. Without limitation, Mountain Travel Sobek is not responsible for any injury, loss, or damage to person or property, death, delay or inconvenience in connection with the provision of any goods or services occasioned by or resulting from, but not limited to, acts of God, force majeure, acts of war or civil unrest, insurrection or revolt, strikes or other labor activities, criminal or terrorist activities of any kind, overbooking or downgrading of accommodations, structural or other defective conditions in hotels or other lodging facilities, mechanical or other failure of airplanes or other means of transportation or for any failure of any transportation mechanism to arrive or depart timely, dangers associated with animals, marine life or vegetation of any sort, dangers incident to recreational activities such as scuba diving, snorkeling, swimming, kayaking, sailing, canoeing, rafting, hiking, bicycling, rock climbing, etc., sanitation problems, food poisoning, lack of, access to or quality of medical care, difficulty in evacuation in case of a medical or other emergency, or for any other cause beyond the direct control of Mountain Travel. In addition, participants release Mountain Travel from its own negligence and assume all risk thereof. On advancement of deposit to Mountain Travel, the depositor therefore agrees to be bound by the above recited terms and conditions. These are partial conditions. Your participation is contingent on your signature on the full list of terms specified in the four-page Participant Information Form, which you can find on our website (or call us at 1-888-687-6235 and request a copy).
Arbitration
Any dispute concerning, relating or referring to these Terms and Conditions, to any literature concerning this trip, or the trip itself, shall be resolved exclusively by binding arbitration in San Francisco, California, according to the then existing rules of the American Arbitration Association. Such proceedings will be governed by substantive California law without regard to the California Arbitration Act.
Conditions of Participation
Your participation on a Mountain Travel Sobek trip is subject to the conditions stated in the four-page Participant Information Form, which includes the Agreement and Release from Liability and the Booking Conditions. Specific information on payment and cancellation policies is also contained within this document, as well as in our current catalog and on our website. We urge you to read this information carefully, and to call us at 1-888-MTSOBEK (687-6235) if you have any questions.
Why Mountain Travel Sobek is Your First Choice for Adventure
Mountain Travel Sobek is the pioneer in active adventure travel. No other adventure travel company can lay claim to that title. We were the first to take Americans trekking in Nepal, raft the wild rivers of Africa, and open up many previously inaccessible corners of the world to curious travelers. We set the standard for adventure travel and have a strong reputation for excellence that we do everything we can to maintain. Since we are the leading adventure company, we have a lot to live up to, so we make sure we provide safe, quality trips and the best customer service to our passengers.
References
Don't take our word for how great our trips are. We'll be happy to provide you with references of satisfied past travelers. Just give us a call at 1-888-MTSOBEK (687-6235).
Questions?
Feel free to call us at 1-888-MTSOBEK (687-6235) if you still have any questions or concerns. We're here to help you.
Note on Itinerary
Although we will do our very best to adhere to the itinerary schedule as listed, it is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control. Please read the Limitations of Liability and Booking Conditions in the four-page Participant Information Form.
This itinerary has been carefully designed for optimal value. You may wish to combine this tour with another or add extensions at the beginning or end of your trip. However, if you wish to customize this tour, other terms and conditions apply (ask us about information on customized adventures). Travel Agent commissions or any type of other discounts do not apply to this tour.
Conditions of Participation
Your participation on a Mountain Travel Sobek trip is subject to the conditions stated in the four-page Participant Information Form, which includes the Agreement and Release from Liability and the Booking Conditions. We urge you to read this information carefully, and to call us if you have any questions.
Note on Services
We often use local suppliers who provide services that may include transportation, equipment, logistic support, and other services (hotels, restaurants, etc.). We do not own or operate these independent suppliers. We work with service providers who share our commitment to safety and quality, and work closely with them to develop itineraries unique to Mountain Travel Sobek.
Ready to go? Signing up is easy!
Just call us at 1-888-MTSOBEK (687-6235) or make a reservation request online. Immediately after we receive your deposit, we will request your preferred dates. Upon confirmation (usually within four business days), we will send you a packet with all the information you need to get ready for your trip, including clothing recommendations, suggested reading lists, and other details.
Approximately 30 days before your departure, we'll send you detailed, step-by-step instructions, with emergency contact numbers, a detailed map, and other important information. Upon arrival at your destination, you will be met by your in-country host who will help orient you and describe what to expect in the week to come.