9 or 10 days
San José, Arenal region, Monteverde, Central Pacific Coast, Sarchí, San José; Whitewater rafting excursion with extension

On this Costa Rica girls trip, they delve into an ecological paradise, walk amid lush rainforests and beneath towering volcanoes. Transport your group deep into a misty cloud forest, get up close to the world’s most magnificent plant and animal habitats, and see sensational waterfalls and hot springs. From beginning to end, girls experience natural beauty and thrilling adventures beyond what they ever imagined.

The physical rating of this program is: Active: 3 (out of 3)

  • Day 1: Fly to Costa Rica

    Meet your Tour Director at the airport in San José

  • Day 2: San José • Arenal region

    Take a tour of a coffee plantation

    Travel to the Arenal region

    Visit Poás Volcano

  • Day 3: Arenal region

    Take a kayaking trip on Lake Arenal

    Visit La Fortuna Waterfall

    Visit hot springs

    Participate in a cultural activity with local community

  • Day 4: Monteverde

    Travel to Monteverde Reserve

    Add this in-depth excursion:
    Local farm visit

    Local farm visit

    Groups will travel to a farm to hear from a local guide, and learn about the plants and foods that are grown there and why they grow well in that climate. They will also get to try some foods they may never have heard of before!

    Groups will get a chance to try their hand at some kind of "chore", like milking a cow or grinding sugar cane through a mill to try the nectar.


  • Day 5: Monteverde

    Visit the Santa Elena Cloud Forest

    Plant a tree in the EF reserve in Monteverde with your group

    Participate in a canopy adventure

    • Please note: Travelers must weigh below 220lbs to participate in this activity.
  • Day 6: Monteverde • Central Pacific Coast

    Travel to the Central Pacific Coast

    Visit the Rainforest Adventures Park

    At the park you will:

    • Ride an aerial tram
    • Take a nature hike
    • Visit a butterfly garden
    • Experience local plant and animal life

    Enjoy a Crocodile River Tour

  • Day 7: Manuel Antonio National Park

    Visit Manuel Antonio National Park

  • Day 8: Sarchi • San José

    Travel via Sarchi to San José

    Add this in-depth excursion:
    Folklore Evening

    Folklore Evening

    Opt to spend the evening learning about the rich cultural traditions of the region over a traditional Costa Rican dinner. Marimba music, entertainment by a local dance troupe, and spectacular city views from the restaurant will make this a night to remember.

  • Day 9: Depart for home

Add 1 more day

  • Day 9: San José

    Take a whitewater rafting excursion on the Sarapiquí River

  • Day 10: Depart for home

Interested in learning more about this tour?
  • Day 1: Fly to Costa Rica

    Meet your Tour Director at the airport in San José

  • Day 2: San José • Arenal region

    Take a tour of a coffee plantation

    Travel to the Arenal region

    Visit Poás Volcano

  • Day 3: Arenal region

    Take a kayaking trip on Lake Arenal

    Visit La Fortuna Waterfall

    Visit hot springs

    Participate in a cultural activity with local community

  • Day 4: Monteverde

    Travel to Monteverde Reserve

    Add this in-depth excursion:
    Local farm visit

    Local farm visit

    Groups will travel to a farm to hear from a local guide, and learn about the plants and foods that are grown there and why they grow well in that climate. They will also get to try some foods they may never have heard of before!

    Groups will get a chance to try their hand at some kind of "chore", like milking a cow or grinding sugar cane through a mill to try the nectar.


  • Day 5: Monteverde

    Visit the Santa Elena Cloud Forest

    Plant a tree in the EF reserve in Monteverde with your group

    Participate in a canopy adventure

    • Please note: Travelers must weigh below 220lbs to participate in this activity.
  • Day 6: Monteverde • Central Pacific Coast

    Travel to the Central Pacific Coast

    Visit the Rainforest Adventures Park

    At the park you will:

    • Ride an aerial tram
    • Take a nature hike
    • Visit a butterfly garden
    • Experience local plant and animal life

    Enjoy a Crocodile River Tour

  • Day 7: Manuel Antonio National Park

    Visit Manuel Antonio National Park

  • Day 8: Sarchi • San José

    Travel via Sarchi to San José

    Add this in-depth excursion:
    Folklore Evening

    Folklore Evening

    Opt to spend the evening learning about the rich cultural traditions of the region over a traditional Costa Rican dinner. Marimba music, entertainment by a local dance troupe, and spectacular city views from the restaurant will make this a night to remember.

  • Day 9: Depart for home

Add 1 more day

  • Day 9: San José

    Take a whitewater rafting excursion on the Sarapiquí River

  • Day 10: Depart for home

Interested in learning more about this tour?

Interested in leading this tour?

Your experience includes

  • Airfare & transportation

    Round-trip airfare on major carriers; Comfortable motorcoach

  • Hotels

    8 overnight stays in hotels with private bathrooms (9 with extension)

  • Regional-style meals

    3 meals daily: Except - dinner only on Day 1 and breakfast only on last day

  • Full-time Tour Director

    Your culturally connected Tour Director is with your group 24/7, providing deep local insight while handling all on-tour logistics.

  • Entrances

    Coffee plantation tour; Arenal Volcano; Hot springs; Kayaking on Lake Arenal; La Fortuna waterfall; Santa Elena Reserve; Canopy tour; Manuel Antonio National Park; Aerial tram; Crocodile River tour; Ox cart painting

  • Expert Local Guides

    Your expert local guides are natural historians, adding cultural insight and global perspective on your sightseeing tours.

  • Personalized Learning Support

    Our personalized learning experience engages students before, during and after tour, with the option to create a final, reflective project for academic credit.

  • Continuous Support

    Your dedicated EF team helps you every step of the way—from recruiting and enrolling travelers to planning and managing your tour.

  • Worldwide Presence

    EF has over 500 schools and offices in more than 50 countries worldwide so wherever you go, we're there too.

  • 24-hour Emergency Service

    Travelers and their families can count on EF's dedicated emergency service team.

  • Peace of Mind Program

    Feel secure knowing your group can change their destination or travel dates due to unforeseen circumstances. Learn more about your flexible options at eftours.com/peaceofmind.

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