OVERVIEW
Most people picture Costa Rica as one volcano and a hammock. It’s a country that changes completely every few hours’ drive: dense jungle river valleys, a volcano still shaping the land around it, small communities still tied to the rivers and forest around them, then dry tropical coastline and the open Pacific.
It’s also one of the most biodiverse places on earth, packed into a country roughly the size of Switzerland. Sloths move at their own pace through the canopy, howler monkeys announce themselves long before you see them, and scarlet macaws are impossible to miss once you know what you’re looking for.
This trip moves through all of it. Rivers, rainforest, real wildlife, and a stretch of coastline most visitors never reach.
Let Costa Rica surprise you.
ITINERARY AT A GLANCE
- DAY 1: Arrive in San José. Private airport transfer and welcome dinner in Barrio Escalante.
- DAY 2: Raft into the jungle to a remote riverside lodge, accessible only by water.
- DAY 3: Zip through the rainforest canopy, hike or tube along a jungle creek, and set out after dark on a guided night hike through the reserve.
- DAY 4: Raft back out of the jungle and travel on to La Fortuna, at the foot of Arenal Volcano.
- DAY 5: Hike the trails of Arenal Volcano National Park, then unwind in a natural hot spring as the sun goes down.
- DAY 6: Visit a wildlife rescue centre to meet rehabilitated sloths, monkeys and macaws, before travelling on to the Pacific coast and the low-key surf town of Samara.
- DAY 7: Kayak out to the pink sands of Isla Chora and snorkel its reef, a private slice of coastline just off the coast.
- DAY 8: A free day to surf, explore Samara’s streets, or simply do nothing at all, followed by a farewell dinner on the beach.
- DAY 9: Private airport transfer from Liberia. Until next time, Offbeaters!
FULL ITINERARY
DAY 1: BIENVENIDOS A PERU
Welcome to Peru!
We will be waiting for you at the airport to whisk you to your boutique hotel in Miraflores. You may want to rest after your long flight or go for a stroll and dinner to make this photo come to life, you may also want to pinch yourself!
MEALS INCLUDED: NONE
DAY 2: GOURMET LIMA
Today will take you on a gastronomic journey through Peru via the bohemian neighbourhood of Barranco.
Yes, the food will be instagram worthy but we want to go deeper than that, pit of your stomach deep (yes, we love a good pun). Peru’s cuisine has evolved through the fusion of indigenous Peruvian cultures and historical integration of African, Japanese and Chinese which has led to a unique and delicious food cultures and cuisines including Creole, Nikkei and Chifa and those specific to the three divided regions in Peru; Coast, Rainforest and the Highlands.
You will be restaurant hopping as you sample more than 15 flavours and dishes and have plenty of “wow” and “oh interesting” moments.
MEALS INCLUDED: BREAKFAST, LUNCH
DAY 3: THE FLOATING ISLANDS
Welcome to the world’s highest navigable lake, Lake Titicaca, sitting at a soaring 3,812 meters (12507 feet) above sea level. You will meet and stay with the descendants of ancient civilisations (since pre-inca) that inhabit its floating islands made with totora reeds, in fact most things are made with there reeds that grow in the shallows of the lake.
You will also get to ride on a reed boat and learn about their unique local cultures and customs in this truly ‘one of a kind’ immersive experience.
MEALS INCLUDED: BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER
DAY 4: ALL ABOARD YOUR LUXURY TRAIN
Get ready for a dazzling, luxurious train ride for 10.5 hours weaving through the sprawling plains and the Andes with gourmet dining, an observatory, traditional dancing and endless panoramic views! The train is decorated in the style of a 1920s Pullman train, you will feel like you are in the book, Murder on the Orient Express but thankfully, without the murder aspect.
Being one of the most scenic rides in the world, this has been described as the highlight for many.
MEALS INCLUDED: BREAKFAST, LUNCH
DAY 5: THE SACRED VALLEY
Peru, the country that keeps on giving. You will be hopping from one iconic Inca site to another, starting with the one right on your doorstep; the Inca fortress of Ollantaytambo; the site of the last battle between the Incas and the Spanish and normally missed by travellers.
You will then enjoy the extraordinary views of Maras Salt Mines which is strategically dug into the mountainside mined by local families for their special Peruvian pink salt.
You will then hear the tales of espionage at the ancient town of Maras en route to the agricultural terraces at Moray.
What a day.
MEALS INCLUDED: BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER
DAY 6: A VISTADOME TRAIN & THE NATURAL WONDER
What will remain a story for some is going to become your reality.
It’s time. You will travel to one of the Seven Wonders of the Natural World, Machu Picchu on the Vistadome train. The panoramic windows and glass ceilings will allow you to immerse into the spectacular scenery before you arrive at the iconic citadel. Machu Picchu will have you gushing with emotion as a dream is turned into reality. Following a stop at Aguas Calientes for lunch, you’ll make your way to Cusco by train to get some rest ahead of more excitement to come.
MEALS INCLUDED: BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER
DAY 7: HISTORIC CUSCO
Today you will discover the magic of Cusco through a local; roaming the cobblestone streets and bargaining your way through artisan markets, drinking plenty of coca tea with a backdrop of the surreal highland scenery – it will be the perfect introduction to the former capital of the Inca Empire.
MEALS INCLUDED: BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER
DAY 8: RAINBOW MOUNTAIN
Your destination will be the Vinicunca which is the Quecha name for Rainbow Mountain or the Mountain of 7 colours. At 5,200 meters (17,060 feet) above sea level, Rainbow Mountain’s altitude is more than half that of Mount Everest and sure to leave you breathless (we did warn you we like a good pun).
MEALS INCLUDED: BREAKFAST, LUNCH
DAY 9: REST & RECUPERATION
Today is for you to have a leisurely start after what will have been an intense few days, have a massage – your feet will give you a big thank you, visit a museum or two and just absorb the splendour of Cusco before we settle for the final supper (and dance) to celebrate a phenomenal adventure and new friends.
MEALS INCLUDED: BREAKFAST, DINNER
DAY 10: HASTA LUEGO
In just 10 days you have experienced some of South America’s finest culinary cuisine, visited Peru’s Galapagos, glamped amongst the sand dunes and the stars, discovered the hidden gems of the Sacred Valley, caught a Vistadome train to the Natural Wonder, Machu Picchu, hiked Rainbow Mountain and cornered Cusco!
Thank you for allowing us to take you on this adventure, have a safe onwards journey, until next time Offbeater!
MEALS INCLUDED: BREAKFAST
ACCOMMODATION
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
International Flights
For this trip our suggested flights from the UK (subject to change) are shown below. We strongly recommend that before booking any flights in relation to this trip that you first check with us that this trip has been guaranteed.
We also recommend that you book flights that are flexible and ideally refundable. Due to the nature of offbeat travel, accessibility of our destinations and our itineraries can be subject to change at any time. For more information please refer to our booking conditions.
Suggested Flights
| Flight Code | Departing | Arriving |
Key Information
Is Offbeat Horizons for me?
Offbeat Horizons tours are not for everyone. Please check the day by day Itinerary carefully and then decide if this trip is suitable for you. All of our Trips have a fitness rating in the information above that can be used as a guideline for your suitability. If you have any concerns about not being able to participate in certain aspects of the tour then get in touch with our office to discuss.
Trip Pace
Anyone with a reasonable fitness level, a sense of discovery, thirst for learning and broadening their horizons would be a great fit on this trip. The trip will move along at a steady pace and be prepared to be active and engaged everyday. There are several short hikes on the trip but nothing above what a reasonable level of fitness can handle. If you have any questions or concerns please get in touch with our office to discuss.
Travelling Offbeat
Travelling offbeat can throw up the occasional bump in the road (sometimes literally) but we will endeavour to stick to the stated itinerary as close as we possibly can. However, from time to time we may have to make some changes to our stated itinerary or the services we are able to offer. One of the exciting and often rewarding aspects of travelling offbeat is its unpredictability. This can lead to unexpected highlights and experiences that are the essence of travelling offbeat. This is also what makes it so addictive, the thirst for more of the unexpected really can enhance your experience.
If this sounds right up your street that’s great. But if you have any concerns over the occasionally unpredictable nature of offbeat travel then please consider if this type of trip is for you. Please get in contact with us to discuss if you specific concerns.
Solo Travellers and Single Supplements
Almost all of our Offbeaters are solo travellers so you will have plenty of people to connect and enjoy new experiences with!
All of our prices are based on twin-share accommodation with the option of purchasing a single supplement and having your own room. In none of our trips is it compulsory to purchase a single supplement. If you are happy with twin-share accommodation we will always pair you with a member of the same sex for the duration of the trip.
On this trip the single supplement covers all nights of accommodation as per the itinerary. Please be aware that the single supplement entitles you to a single occupancy room. In many cases this will be the same size as a double room/twin room but on occasion the room may be smaller.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance that covers you for emergency repatriation in mandatory on all of our trips. We strongly recommended that you purchase a travel insurance policy that covers you for all of the activities stated in the itinerary of this trip. For more details on our mandatory requirements for travel insurance please visit our Safety and Security Hub.
General Information
Tour Price
All of our trips are priced on a tour only basis (no International Flights), giving you the ability to decide how you get to and depart from this trip.
Deposit
A special introductory deposit of £100 (or equivalent) is required to book your place on this trip.
What’s Not Included
We want to be completely up front about you with our pricing. No hidden charges, no hidden fees, no optional activities that bump up the price. Please see below for what we don’t include in the tour price:
International flights: Please ask us for advice on the flights from your location. Obligation free of course!
Visas and Travel Insurance: Visas will always be country/nationality dependent but travel insurance is always mandatory.
Airport Transfers: We provide complimentary transfers if arriving on the suggested group flights
Drinks, snacks and items of a personal nature: Including souvenirs or any other costs you may incur at your choosing.
Why Offbeat Horizons?
To understand what makes us unique as a tour provider. Visit our Why Offbeat Horizons page to get to know us just a little bit better.
Climate
There is never a bad time to visit Guatemala but the best time generally considered to visit is the dry season between November and April. You can generally expect day time temperatures to be between 25C – 30C (77F – 86F) and in the nighttime it can drop to the mid teens (C). It is fairly humid all year round.
Entry Requirements
For some destinations we travel to visas may be required.
UK Passport holders are strongly recommended to check Government Travel Advice for up to date entry requirements.
For non-UK passport holders and non-UK residents we strongly recommend you check with your relevant embassies for visa requirements.
Government Travel Advice
Many governments issue advice which highlights potential hazards their citizens might experience when travelling abroad. We strongly suggest you refer to your country’s particular advisory site before booking and contact us if you have any queries or concerns. Click to follow links to the advice of the British Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) or the US State Department.
Non-UK citizens should consult the travel advice of their respective governments.
Other Popular Activities
If you wish to extend your trip and continue your adventure, you may wish to consider the following popular activities: