Costa Rica: Jungle Vibes & Sunset Rides

July Special $3750

$3950

Deposit: $1000

Feb 9-16, 2026

Group size: 6 – 16

34 reviews

About this trip

Join us for the ultimate girl-powered escape to Costa Rica—a land of volcanic beauty, lush jungles, vibrant culture, and sun-soaked beaches. This 8-day journey is thoughtfully designed to immerse you in nature, adventure, and relaxation while connecting with an amazing group of women. From floating down jungle rivers and soaking in natural hot springs to tasting craft rum and catching sunsets on a catamaran—this is the kind of wild you’ve been craving.

Important Notes

Activity Level – Moderate to Hard

This adventure is designed for women of all fitness levels who enjoy light movement and immersive nature experiences without extreme physical demands. Most activities are easy to moderate, with flexibility built into the itinerary.

Here’s what to expect physically:

  • Light Walking & Exploration – Expect gentle guided walks through coffee plantations, rainforest trails, and village streets.
     
  • Moderate Hikes – The Arenal Hanging Bridges hike is about 2.5 km (1.5 miles) on well-maintained trails with some incline and stairs.
     
  • Leisurely Activities – The safari float, catamaran cruise, beach lounging, and hot springs time are relaxed and low-impact.

Weather

February is one of the best times to visit Costa Rica, with warm, sunny days and very little rain. In La Fortuna (Arenal), expect daytime temperatures in the low to mid-80s°F, with cooler evenings and a touch of rainforest humidity—perfect for jungle walks and hot springs. Over in Tamarindo, the climate is hot, dry, and beachy, with highs in the upper 80s to 90s°F and warm, breezy nights. To stay comfortable, guests should pack light, breathable clothing, activewear for hikes, comfortable walking shoes, swimsuits, and sun protection like hats and sunscreen. A light jacket is handy for cooler evenings, and a rain jacket or travel umbrella is great for the occasional tropical sprinkle. Bug spray is a must in the rainforest, and a refillable water bottle will keep you hydrated during all your adventures.

Are you ready to embark on a journey of a lifetime?

Sneak Peek Trip Details

Cava Misericordi
Day 1-Arrive in San Jose

City Tour, Museum Visit, Welcome Dinner

Your Costa Rica adventure begins with a warm welcome at the San José airport, where you’ll meet your guide and fellow travelers. Depending on your arrival time, you’ll settle into your hotel and kick things off with a brief introduction and trip overview at the charming D’Sabana Hotel. After getting acquainted, you’ll head into the heart of San José for a panoramic city tour. With its lively streets and spring-like climate, San José is the cultural and commercial center of Costa Rica, buzzing with energy and color.

The group will then descend beneath the Plaza de la Cultura to explore the impressive Pre-Columbian Gold Museum—home to over 2,000 ancient artifacts that tell the rich story of Costa Rica’s early civilizations. In the evening, you’ll enjoy a delicious welcome dinner at a traditional restaurant nestled in the scenic hills overlooking the city. It’s the perfect way to toast the beginning of your wild and wonderful journey. You’ll return to the hotel for a restful night before heading into the rainforest the next day.

 Accommodations: Hotel in San Jose 

Meals: Welcome Dinner

Day 2-La Fortuna

Drive to La Fortuna, Butterfly Garden, Coffee Estate Visit

Welcome to Costa Rica! We kick off our journey with a scenic drive from San José to La Fortuna, taking in sweeping views of the Poás region. Along the way, we’ll stop at a charming coffee estate to learn about Costa Rica’s most beloved export and explore a butterfly garden. Then it’s off to the rainforest for a guided walk through Tirimbina Reserve—your first taste of the wild. We’ll pass through fertile farmlands before arriving at our lush jungle lodge in La Fortuna.

Optional: Take an evening night walk for a thrilling glimpse into Costa Rica’s nocturnal wildlife.

Accommodation: 4-star hotel, La Fortuna
Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner

Arrive Catania
Cava Misericordi
Day 3-Day of Leisure

Cooking, Hot Springs, Waterfall

Start your day with a cultural treat—learn how to make traditional tortillas and press sugarcane while enjoying a home-cooked meal with a local farming family. Then we explore the laid-back village of La Fortuna, nestled in the shadow of Arenal Volcano. Spend the afternoon at your leisure before winding down in the resort’s heavenly hot springs, surrounded by tropical greenery and the sounds of the jungle.

 Optional: Cool off with a visit to the majestic La Fortuna Waterfall.

Accommodation: 4-star hotel, La Fortuna
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4-Jungle Safari

Jungle Safari, Wildlife Spotting, Sloth Tour

Float down the serene Peñas Blancas River on a motorless safari boat, where the quiet allows for amazing up-close encounters with sloths, monkeys, iguanas, and tropical birds. With a naturalist guide by your side, you’ll learn all about the flora and fauna of this lush ecosystem. After lunch, enjoy free time to relax by the pool or book a spa treatment—the day is yours to savor.

Optional: Go on a laid-back sloth tour and meet Costa Rica’s most chill creatures.

Accommodation: 4-star hotel, La Fortuna
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Ragusa to Noto
Vendicari
Day 5-Arenal Jungle

Hanging Bridge Hike, Las Pumas Rescue Center, To Tamarindo

Today we explore the Arenal Hanging Bridges—an easy and scenic hike across six stunning suspension bridges offering panoramic rainforest views. Next, we stop at the Las Pumas Rescue Center to meet rehabilitated wildcats and learn about conservation efforts. From there, we head west to Tamarindo, a breezy beach town known for surfing, sunsets, and chilled-out vibes.

Optional: For the thrill-seekers—soar through the treetops on an aerial tram and zipline tour.

Accommodation: 4-star hotel, Tamarindo
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6-Tamarindo

Hacienda El Viejo, Rum Distillery, Beach Time

Day 6 offers a deeper dive into Costa Rica’s cultural roots with a visit to Hacienda El Viejo, a stunning estate nestled in the Guanacaste lowlands near the Rio Tempisque. Surrounded by sugarcane fields and rich biodiversity, this experience takes you through the traditional process of crafting premium Costa Rican rum—from sugarcane extraction to distillation. It’s a full sensory journey filled with local flavor, history, and a deeper appreciation for this Blue Zone region, all capped off with a delicious, locally-sourced lunch on-site.

 

In the afternoon, the group will head out to explore nearby beaches, each with its own unique charm and coastal vibe. This is a chance to take in the raw beauty of Guanacaste’s coastline, dip your toes in the sand, and perhaps grab a sunset drink or a few beachside photos. With dinner on your own tonight, you’re free to choose your adventure—whether it’s a quiet meal under the stars or joining the vibrant Tamarindo nightlife for music, mojitos, and laughter with the chicas.

Accommodation: 4-star hotel, Tamarindo
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch 

Ragusa to Noto
Vendicari
Day 7 - Catamaran Cruise

Morning at Leisure, Catamaran Cruise & Snorkeling

Your final full day in Costa Rica begins with a relaxing morning at leisure in Tamarindo. Whether you choose to sleep in, take a walk along the beach, or explore the town’s boutique shops and cafés, the vibe is all about unwinding and soaking in those last golden rays. It’s the perfect time to pick up souvenirs, snap some last photos, or sip a smoothie by the pool as you reflect on the incredible week you’ve had.

In the afternoon, you’ll set sail on a sunset catamaran cruise along the stunning Gold Coast. With a tropical drink in hand and the sea breeze in your hair, you’ll glide past white-sand beaches and lush bays, keeping an eye out for dolphins, sea turtles, and other marine life. There’s time to snorkel in a secluded bay or simply lounge on deck before the tour ends with a breathtaking Pacific sunset. It’s the perfect farewell to an unforgettable adventure, capped off with a final dinner together at a local restaurant.

Accommodation: 4-star hotel, Tamarindo
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 8 - Depart

Airport transfers and departures

After one last breakfast in paradise, we say goodbye to our unforgettable adventure. A private transfer takes you to Liberia Airport, but we know part of your heart will stay in Costa Rica. You’ll return home with stories, soul-sisters, and that special pura vida glow.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Ragusa to Noto

Let’s Make This Journey Yours

What’s included

Lodging

4-star hotels in La Fortuna and Tamarindo. All rooms are double occupancy with 2 twin or queen beds. If you’d like a single room, there is an option to purchase the single supplement at check out.

Ground Transportation

Bus transport provided throughout the trip. Airport transfers also included.

Tips for Local Guides

Generous tips are provided for all LOCAL guides and drivers. Tips for the Chicas Abroad tour leader are optional and at your discretion.

Meals

All meals included as indicated in the itinerary. We can accommodate dietary restrictions.

Excursions

All activities listed in the itinerary are included

Chicas Abroad Swag

Commemorative Chicas Abroad swag for you to enjoy during and after the trip

What’s not included

International Flights

Guests must book their own international flights to arrive in San Jose (SJO)   by Feb 9th by 11:00 am and depart Liberia (LIR)   on Feb 16th at anytime.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is highly recommend to cover any unforeseen events. Chicas Abroad will provide you with a link to our recommended carrier upon booking, but you may choose any carrier.

Alcoholic Beverages

Alcoholic drinks are at your own expense, with the exception of the included beer at the brewery tour.

Chicas Abroad Leader Tip

If you’ve had an exceptional experience, a typical gratuity for a trip of this length ranges from $250–$350.

Personal Purchase

Souvenirs and other personal purchases are not included.

Reviews

What a fabulous trip to Greece and the islands of Santorini and Mykonos! This is my second trip with Chicas Abroad and both trips have been stellar. Last year I hiked the Camino De Santiago trail with the Chicas and had a blast. The hotels are top of the line. You won’t be disappointed. I love that everything is arranged for you and all you have to do is enjoy! No stress on vacation as Melanie and her trip leaders take care of everything. The activities and tours are carefully chosen and all have been fabulous. And you get to make new friends with your fellow travelers. If you are looking for a tour company that is top of the line, check out ChicasAbroad.com for all of their fabulous trips! I am already looking forward to my next trip with the Chicas!

5
By Patricia M for Greece Adventure on May 20, 2024

Just returned from 8 days in Greece with Chicas Abroad! What an amazing trip. From Athens to Santorini to Mykonos back to Athens. From the time I landed until the time I left I didn’t have to think about a thing. Everything was thoughtfully planned, including free time to explore and to see all of the relevant sights. It was a dream vacation. I have met wonderful ladies from all across the country, whom I will remain friends with for years to come. Melanie and Kathy were the most excellent Chicas guides! I loved every single minute. Can’t wait for the next adventure!

5
By Kristen H for Greece Adventure on May 26, 2024

Melanie and Kathy did a wonderful job organizing our trip. All events flowed smoothly and we saw some amazing sites. I got to know some fantastic women and look forward to seeing them again on some of my future trips with Chica’s Abroad!

5
By Kristi B for Greece Adventure on May 29, 2024

I traveled to Greece with 2 friends from my hometown and we had a wonderful time. However, the Chicas Abroad leaders, Melanie and Kathy had all the details planned extremely well and everyone was so nice that I would not hesitate to take another Chicas’ trip on my own. What a confidence booster! It was a super experience all the way around. Great job ladies!

5
By Kim E for Greece Adventure on Jun 10, 2024

This was my first trip with the Chicas. It will not be my last! The accommodations were top notch. The activity level was very active, we truly had great adventure. I learned so much thru the people I met. There was a real sence of belonging. The guides were incredibly knowledgeable and fun as well. I started out with strangers but gained a new group of strong friends with these ladies. It was an unforgettable experience.

5
By Marlene B for Northern Italy Food & Wine Adventure on Jul 01, 2024

This trip felt “intimate” and very cultural. I enjoyed meeting meeting the food artisans in their shops (pasta, chocolate, dairy). The chefs and owners of several restaurants came to our table to welcome us, and will always remember dinner at Monica’s family home.

5
By Linda M for Northern Italy Food & Wine Adventure on Jul 03, 2024

We could not have had the experience we had without your assistance. From the driver who picked us up from the airport to the driver of the 55 passenger bus the drivers were amazing. Having a guide for every excursion/tour was a must. Our tickets were ready, no lines to wait in, and having a knowledgeable guide was so appreciated!!! We were able to see everything we hoped to. Our time in Grimaldi was so special…we didn’t know what to expect. The people of Grimaldi were so kind and made us feel very welcomed. A trip of a lifetime that we were able to experience as a family🇮🇹❤️

5
By Michele H for Naccarato Italy Trip on Jul 07, 2024
Absolutely beautiful beyond words! Inspiring women, trip details were well organized, a lot of fun, laughter and smiles.
5
By susan k for Canadian Rockies Hiking & e-Biking Adventure on Jul 23, 2024

My niece and I went on this trip together and the memories and experiences we gained are something I will always cherish. The trip was perfectly planned, the group was full of kind and fun women, and the itinerary was challenging while also safe and enjoyable. I will definitely be checking back in to book a future Chicas Abroad trip!

5
By Nicole C for Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Sea Kayaking Adventure on Aug 06, 2024

AmaziAmazing experience and a fantastic adventure. It was a six star trip! Definitely looking forward to the next one. Sarah S.ng experience and a fantastic adventure. It was a six star trip! Definitely looking forward to the next one. Sarah S.

5
By Sarah S for Montana Hiking, Biking, and Rafting Adventure on Aug 06, 2024