Group info
Coordinator
Federica
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Itinerary
Welcome to Costa Rica, it's time to enjoy some pura vida and wind down and gett lost in this corner of paradise! Get ready to hike trails that lead to waterfalls in the jungle, explore mangrove forests by kayak, encounter the most diverse wildlife and learn to recognise its sounds. On our tour of Costa Rica, you will finally get back to what life should be, so when it's eventually time to say goodbye to this incredible country, you will take a little bit of their lifestyle home with you.
Our trip starts in San José but don't worry, we leave the city right away: on day 2 we are already on the road to the sea in Puerto Viejo. Here we enjoy the Caribbean, exploring the surroundings by bicycle and taking our first swim of the trip! Then it's all nature: we go into Tortuguero National Park, where we trek and kayak among the mangroves, and, if the season is right, we'll see turtles hatch! Can we then miss a fair dose of adrenaline? Here we go them with some rafting on the Rio Sarapiquì and in Monteverde we'll explore the rainforest by zipline - but first we'll also make a stop in Arenal Volcano National Park, where the landscape is dominated by the cone of the majestic volcano. Finally, we reach Uvita, on the Pacific coast, where days of relaxation, yoga on the beach, long sunset walks and lots of snorkelling await! We end our trip with one last national park, Manuel Antonio National Park, where we will have our last full immersion in nature before returning to civilization in San José, where it all began. After this trip, 'Pura Vida' will be our new motto, and we will return home with new awareness of the natural world.


Welcome to Costa Rica!
1 night: San José
Check-in: our adventure starts in San José
Roundtrip flights or transportation to reach the destination are not included in the package, so you can decide from where and when you want to leave! This gives you complete freedom of choice to adjust your travel itinerary to your needs.
Check into your hotel in San José before getting ready to head out to discover the lively neighbourhood of Escalante and its many bars and restaurants. It will be the perfect opportunity to taste our first casado, a dish made up of rice, beans, salad, fried plantain and meat or fish.

Puerto Viejo: baking by the Atlantic Ocean
2 nights: Puerto Viejo
From San José to Puerto Viejo
Let our adventure begin! Our first stop takes us to the Caribbean side of the country – welcome to the vibrant town of Puerto Viejo! After a few hours in the van crossing the scenic and pristine Braulio Carrillo National Park, we can rent bicycles to go from white-sand beach to white-sand beach while being cheered by the families of howler monkeys that love to hang out during the sunset hours. This evening we will enjoy a traditional Caribbean-style dinner – bring your appetite with you!
Cahuita National Park
Today we'll have the chance to experience our first encounter with the local wildlife in the beautiful Cahuita National Park. We can explore the different trails that cross the jungle and grab our snorkels to take a peek at the amazing underwater world filled with coral and tropical fish. But it's not just wildlife that we can observe – we will also get in close contact with the indigenous people of the area, the Bribri, and their centuries-old way of preparing chocolate!

Tortuguero National Park: into the rainforest
1 night: Tortuguero
Exploring the north of the country
It takes a little patience to reach Tortuguero National Park , but it's worth it! We will have 3 hours to try to spot caimans, toucans and monkeys during an excursion in a shared boat that will take us from the port of Moin to the village of Tortuguero. The park functions as the lung of the area: nature reigns supreme here, with lagoons, rivers, rainforest and animals of all species. The name Tortuguero is derived from the word for 'turtle' in Spanish, as turtles come to the park's beaches every year to lay their eggs. If you are lucky, we might witness newborn turtles on their journey to reach the sea. If it's the right season, this is something we simply cannot miss!
In the afternoon we can stretch our legs with a hike up to Cerro Tortuguero, an extinct volcano with the best views of the area. We'll be on the lookout for monkeys, geckos, lizards, frogs and brightly-coloured birds that inhabit the forest – and may keep us company during our adventure!

Tortuguero National Park: kayaking through the mangroves
1 night: Cantón Sarapiquí
Kayaking and a cooking class
The best time to spot animals around here is early in the morning, so we'll wake up before dawn for a kayak tour through the park's mangrove channels. No one likes to have their alarm clock set so early, but this time it will be worth it. The magic of the early-morning silence, broken only by the sounds of the animals and accompanied by the colours of the rising sun, will take us into a world far removed from our daily routine. Let's enjoy these moments of peace and quiet in nature before... a nice breakfast!
After breakfast it's time for a change of landscape as we move inland towards the central valley region. In the afternoon we reach our lodge in the middle of the rainforest surrounding the Sarapiquí River. After an early morning, we have the afternoon at our leisure. We can take it easy and soak up the chilled-out vibes of the riverside town or if we're still in the mood for more exploration, we can go on a hike out of town for a glimpse of the rapids and waterfalls awaiting us tomorrow. But wait, there's even more planned! We'll get to learn how to prepare an authentic Costa Rican empanada with our local chef.

Rafting along the Sarapiquí River
1 night: Cantón Sarapiquí
In the middle of the rainforest
Another early morning today, but we won't need a brew this time as adrenaline will be our caffeine! This morning we raft down the Río Sarapiquí – there will be times when we go through calm stretches of the river and we'll be able to enjoy the scenery, while other parts will see us paddle hard to conquer the rapids! Is there a risk of getting wet? Absolutely, and we can't wait! After lunch, the waterways of Costa Rica will remain our focus as we to explore what's considered the waterfall capital of Costa Rica: Bajos del Toro in Juan Castro Blanco National Park. We have more than 30 falls to choose from but trust us, all of them are equally impressive.

Arenal Volcano National Park
1 night: La Fortuna
Natural pools
Fun fact: Costa Rica has 5% of the world's biodiversity. We're on a mission to see as much of it as possible, so it's a new day and another national park – and perhaps one of the most famous in Costa Rica. Arenal Volcano has a symmetrical conical shape which dominates the park's landscape. Until recently it was one of the country's most active volcanoes, with an average of 41 eruptions a day, but luckily for us it is currently in its dormant phase!
It's time to take advantage of the several hot pools and enjoy a dip surrounded by lush jungle and perhaps accompanied by a cool pipa fría, a drink served directly in a coconut. What more could we wish for? Well, we could also add one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the country and the opportunity to feel on top of the jungle walking across several hanging bridges observing the wildlife up close. Sounds like a pretty cool day doesn't it?

Monteverde: zipelines and night-walks
1 night: Monteverde
Nocturnal animals
After driving all around Lake Arenal waving goodbye to the iconic volcano, we start gaining altitude immersing ourselves in one of the most distinctive landscapes of Costa Rica: the mystic cloud forest of Monteverde. Home to a unique flora and fauna we'll get to explore the area late in the evening when the sun goes down and the nocturnal wildlife comes out... sloths, armadillos, racoons, red-eyed tree frogs, scorpions and tarantulas! They'll be our walking companions for the night.
Let's keep some of the adrenaline going into the morning, as we'll get the chance to fly through the clouds on one of the longest zip lines in all of Latin America before heading down towards the Pacific coast. If that's not our thing though, we can find out more about where our morning cappuccino comes from with a visit to a sustainable coffee farm. We'll discover the importance of the coffee industry in Costa Rica, and of course we'll get to try it too!

Uvita: surf and yoga by the Pacific Ocean
3 nights: Uvita
Surfing, yoga and chilling
The last few days of our adventure are spent in paradise, Uvita! We can take surfing lessons, go snorkelling, go hiking... there are plenty of options to choose from!
This is also home to Marino Ballena National Park, where every year humpback whales come to carry out their reproductive cycle so keep an eye out! Funnily enough, the whole bay has the shape of a whale tail. We're also close enough to pay a visit to famous Manuel Antonio National Park. In the evenings we can find our favourite place for sunset and enjoy a drink or two – ticos (Costa Ricans) know how to party!

From Manuel Antonio National Park to the capital San José
1 night: San José
Nature and city
This morning the last immersion in the jungle that has accompanied us these days awaits us with the guided tour of the Manuel Antonio National Park. This 680 m park overlooks the Pacific Ocean and is made up of a rainforest inhabited by curious little creatures such as the sloth , but also of pristine sandy beaches. A park guide will take us to discover the dozens of paths that cross it and if we have time and desire to relax a bit, we take out the towel and lie down on these wonderful beaches, among the most beautiful in all of Costa Rica.
We return to the capital in the evening for our last evening in Costa Rica. For dinner we can taste more typical dishes, such as marisco soup, chicharrones or chifrijo. And we should undoubtedly raise a glass to us and to the memories we have made together through this trip!

Goodbye Costa Rica
Check-out and goodbyes
Check-out and goodbye – until your next WeRoad adventure!
What's included
12 nights hotel/lodge in shared room with private bathroom
All breakfasts
2 dinners in Sarapiquí
Private transfer to Puerto Viejo on day 2
3-hour shared boat excursion to Tortuguero on day 4
Medical and baggage insurance - (coverage limits by destination country/region - €10,000 Italy, €20,000 Europe, €30,000 World, €50,000 USA/Canada)
What's not included
Roundtrip flight to/from destination
Food and beverages unless specified
All souvenirs and extras that you wish to buy and will be able to squeeze in your backpack
- Anything not mentioned in the "What's included" section
Money pot
The Money Pot is approximately £320/€350 for this trip and is collected on-site by the Travel Coordinator on the first day. The amount of the Money Pot will vary based on the number of activities and extras that the group decides to do.
Tips for the local suppliers who will make the journey unique!
Bike rental in Puerto Viejo
Tortuguero National Park entrance fee
Entrance fee to La Fortuna waterfall
Excursion on the suspension bridges
Night walk in Monteverde
Visit to a coffee plantation
Excursion to discover Cahuita National Park and visit the BriBri community
Coordinator's money pot share
All the extra activities that ALL members of the group agree on doing and the coordinator's fee for doing them as well
Additional info
- Accommodation
Hostels, hotels and typical Central American posadas.
The private room option is unavailable for the 2 nights in Sarapiqui (Days 5-6).
The first hotel will be shared with you at least 2 days before your departure by your Travel Coordinator!
- Transport
Minivan with local driver.
- Staff
Our trips are led by a Travel Coordinator who has been specifically trained by us to lead group travels to ensure you have the best time. A WhatsApp group with all travel participants will be created two weeks prior to departure by your Travel Coordinator.
- Luggage
Backpacks are mandatory to allow easy transfers - we recommend a 45L backpack for our trips.
- Private Room Option Show all details
Why WeRoad
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Small groups, on average 11 people
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Free cancellation with 100% refund up to 31 days before departure
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Book with a £/€100 deposit
The travel coordinators
Find your flight
For this trip, we recommend arriving and departing from these airports.
FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions
About this trip
This journey begins at San José. On the first day, we meet at 18:00.
Your Coordinator will add you to the WhatsApp group for your trip about 15 days before departure.
It’s a great way to start getting to know your travel mates, receive more details about the first day’s meeting point, and ask any pre-departure questions you might have.
This journey ends at San José. On the last day, you are free to leave at any time, so whether you need to book a flight, a train, or wish to continue the journey on your own, you can organize your return as you prefer.
For this itinerary, traveling with a backpack is mandatory for logistical reasons and the convenience of the entire group - including yourself! Trolleys, bulky suitcases, or hard luggage are not allowed. The Travel Coordinator will provide guidance on the ideal baggage before departure via the WhatsApp group.
About Costa Rica
If you are a UK citizen, to find out the entry requirements for Costa Rica, you can check this informational page from our partner Sherpa. If you need a visa, you can apply for it through Sherpa. If you are not a UK citizen, you can still use Sherpa by changing the nationality in the 'Passport' section.
Before traveling, always remember to check the government website of your country of origin for updates on the entry requirements for Costa Rica – you wouldn’t want to stay home due to a bureaucratic detail!
- UK residents: review the FCDO Travel Advice.
- US residents: consult the US Department of State Travel Advice.
- Other residents: refer to your government or local consulate's travel advice.
Costa Rica is in the Central Standard Time zone, GMT -6. Costa Rica does not observe daylight saving time, so the time difference between Costa Rica and the UK varies depending on the year.
The currency in Costa Rica is the Costa Rican Colón. You can exchange your money at banks and currency exchange offices, which are commonly found in cities and tourist areas. Keep an eye out for currency exchange rates as they can vary.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in Costa Rica, especially in tourist areas, restaurants, and larger stores. However, it is also a good idea to carry some cash for small purchases or in more rural areas. The local currency is the Costa Rican Colón (CRC), and you can exchange your money at banks or authorized exchange offices. Some places may also accept US dollars, but it's best to have local currency for convenience.
In Costa Rica, tipping is not as common as in some other countries. A 10 percent service charge is usually included in the bill at restaurants, so tipping extra is not obligatory. However, if you receive exceptional service, you can leave a little extra cash to show your appreciation. For taxi drivers, rounding up the fare is a nice gesture, but not necessary. Hotel staff might appreciate a small tip for luggage assistance or housekeeping.
Wi-Fi is available in most tourist spots in Costa Rica. For full coverage, grab a local SIM at the airport or in town, or get an eSIM, just make sure your phone is unlocked.
In Costa Rica, the official language is Spanish. You'll find most locals are friendly and willing to help if you're trying to speak their language. Here are a few useful expressions you might hear or want to use:
- Hello (Hola)
- Thank you (Gracias)
- Please (Por favor)
- How much does it cost? (¿Cuánto cuesta?)
- Where is the bathroom? (¿Dónde está el baño?)
Most people in tourist areas speak some English, so you should be able to get by without too much trouble.
In Costa Rica, you'll need plugs with two flat parallel pins, similar to those used in the United States, known as Type A and Type B. The voltage is 120V, and the frequency is 60Hz. If you're bringing devices from Central Europe, you might need a plug adapter. It's a good idea to check if your devices can handle the voltage to avoid any surprises.
The main religion in Costa Rica is Roman Catholicism. While it's the official religion and deeply rooted in the culture, the country is also known for its religious tolerance. You'll find a variety of other religious communities, including Protestant groups. Keep in mind that religious events and holidays like Semana Santa (Holy Week) are widely celebrated, and you might experience some closures or special events during these times.
Packing for Costa Rica is all about preparing for its diverse climates, from beaches to rainforests. Here's a handy list for your backpack:
1. Clothing:
- Lightweight shirts and shorts
- Long-sleeved shirts and pants for cooler areas or hikes
- Swimwear for beaches and hot springs
- Rain jacket or poncho
2. Shoes:
- Comfortable hiking shoes
- Sandals or flip-flops for the beach
- Water shoes for activities like rafting
3. Accessories and Technology:
- Sunhat or cap
- Sunglasses
- Waterproof phone case
- Travel adapter
- Camera or smartphone for pictures
4. Toiletries and Medication:
- Sunscreen and insect repellent
- Basic first aid kit
- Hand sanitizer
- Common travel medication like pain relievers or anti-diarrheal tablets
This list helps you enjoy Costa Rica's adventures while staying comfortable and protected.
Costa Rica has a tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons, and the weather can vary significantly by region:
- Central Valley and San José: Mild temperatures year-round, with the dry season from December to April and the rainy season from May to November.
- Pacific Coast: Warm and sunny during the dry season (December to April), with heavy rains during the wet season (May to November).
- Caribbean Coast: More consistent rainfall throughout the year, with slightly less rain in September and October.
- Highlands: Cooler temperatures, with more pronounced rainy and dry seasons.
The best time to visit is generally during the dry season, from December to April.
About WeRoad
Return international flights are not included on our trips because we want to give you full autonomy and flexibility. You can choose your preferred airline, fly from the airport that works best for you, and decide how many stopovers you want to make along the way.
As flights are not included, you also have more flexibility with your travel dates: you could arrive at your destination a few days early or return home a bit later – or even continue independently to a nearby destination!
An "Available" departure means that the trip isn’t confirmed yet and we’re waiting for a few more travellers to sign up… which could be you!
If you book the trip please wait for it to be confirmed before booking your international flights.
The question of all questions! Here’s some more information:
- The Money Pot is a common fund collected in local currency from all travellers on the trip and managed by your Travel Coordinator.
- It is used to streamline payments for extra activities, goods and services that the whole group decides to do. This guarantees flexibility in choosing activities and excursions at the destination in line with the mood of the group.
- It is typically collected on the first day of the trip in local currency, although at times, the Travel Coordinator may ask for it to be paid before departure.
- You’ll find the Money Pot amount on the website under the section ‘What’s included in the Money Pot’. To find this look for ‘What’s included’, scroll down to ‘Money Pot? Click here’ and you’ll find the details.
- The amount varies depending on the destination chosen.
- It is usually used for group expenses that all travellers decide to take part in, but sometimes if you opt out of an activity it might make more sense for it to come out of the Money Pot. In these cases the Coordinator will return the amount for this activity back to you at the end of the trip.
- It is estimated based on the experience of other groups but can vary depending on what activities your group is keen for. As such, the Travel Coordinator may need to increase the amount during the trip.
- If not all of the Money Pot is spent, the difference will be returned to all travellers at the end of the trip.
- The Money Pot also covers the Travel Coordinator’s share of the activities included in the Money Pot, except for those activities that are free for the Travel Coordinator.
- If you pay in advance for part of the Money Pot before the trip for certain non-refundable optional activities, unfortunately, the amount cannot be refunded if the trip is cancelled.
We offer several payment methods to fit every need:
1. Credit or debit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express);
2. Instalment payment with Klarna (you’ll pay for the trip in three equal amounts);
3. PayPal (for selected destinations);
4. Revolut Pay to pay even faster straight from your Revolut account.
Anyone who books a WeRoad trip has the option to cancel or modify the trip – including both the dates and the destination – free of charge up to 31 days before departure. In case of cancellation up to 31 days before departure, you will receive a 100% refund of the WeRoad trip price. If you make a change, a price adjustment will be applied to the new trip chosen – meaning, if the new trip is cheaper, we will refund the difference; if it’s more expensive, you will need to pay the difference.
If you’ve purchased the Flexible Cancellation Option (which you can add in the first step of the booking process), you can request a cancellation or trip change until 8 days before departure. In case of cancellation, you’ll receive a 100% refund of the WeRoad trip price, minus the cost of the Flexible Cancellation option.
How to request a cancellation or change to your trip? Send us an email at [email protected] or a WhatsApp on +447716573700. Please share the booking reference for the trip you want to cancel or change, and, in case of a change, the new trip you would like to join.
For our trips we usually use locally owned accommodation instead of big hotel chains. It’s our favourite way to really experience the local culture and, whenever we can, support the local economy. Typically, you’ll stay in hotels, apartments, guesthouses and hostels with the same standard maintained across all trips in the same destination.
The list of accommodation for your trip will be shared with you by your Travel Coordinator 2-5 days before departure, along with other useful details for your adventure!
Yes! We might not know the flights for everyone else in the group, but there are ways to find out which flights your fellow WeRoaders will be taking.
1. All travellers can share their flight details after booking on their My WeRoad account so that other travellers on the same trip can see these details anonymously.
2. Alternatively you can join our Facebook group: Solo Travellers | WeRoad Community – (here is the extended link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/963298767843213 ) Look for a post about the trip you’re interested in or ask the group admin for help in getting in touch with your future travel companions!
3. If the Coordinator has already been assigned to the trip you’re keen for, you can easily find their Facebook post on the website. Click 'Ask the Coordinator' and follow the link here.
Our groups usually consist of 8–12 travellers, with a minimum of 3–4 and a maximum of 15.
Everyone on our trips speaks English, and travellers join us from across the UK, Europe and beyond. Our trips are open to people in their 20s, 30s, and 40s, with an average age of 34 across all trips.
Each group will be joined and led by one of our experienced Travel Coordinators, who’s there to ensure everything runs smoothly and the group feels well-supported.
If you’d like to know more about our typical WeRoad groups do reach out to us on WhatsApp on +44 7716573700.
Yes! If you're curious, you can take a sneak peek at the group before booking.
You’ll find the info in the ‘Group’ section for each trip on the departures page, showing how many WeRoaders have already booked.
Click the little arrow and you’ll even see their gender and ages – but hey, that’s exclusive info, so we’ll ask you to log in or sign up to see that!
For some trips, in the itinerary section, you’ll find the number of nights and the location (not the hotel) where you’ll be spending the night(s). The location shown is the one we usually go for on most trips, but in some cases, you might stay in a nearby town. This will depend on logistics or availability of accommodation.
The list of accommodation for your trip (and therefore also the exact locations) will be shared by your Travel Coordinator 2-5 days before departure, along with other useful information for your adventure!
The WeRoad Travel Coordinator is an experienced and skilled traveller who will be the perfect companion for your trip. They will manage all the logistical aspects of the itinerary like transport, timings, accommodation, restaurant bookings and meeting points, so that you can enjoy the trip without this hassle. They’re there to support the group, ensure everything runs smoothly and will no doubt make the trip a lot of fun along the way too!
The Coordinator will set up a WhatsApp group approximately 2 weeks before departure. This will be the moment to ask any pre-departure questions and get to know the rest of the group! If the trip you are interested in already has a Travel Coordinator assigned, you can contact them before booking. Their details will be on the trip page, or you can search for their name here. After booking, you will find their contact details in your My WeRoad account, under ‘Bookings and Trips’ > ‘Your Upcoming Trips’ > ‘Trip Details’.
Yes, on all our trips you will share a room with other WeRoaders in your group. By default this will be people of the same gender, unless you tick ‘I'm OK with a mixed gender room’ when you book. The bathroom will either be private or shared only with other travellers on the trip. The rooms might be twins, triples, quadruples or multi-share (up to 8 people in exceptional cases), depending on the destination and availability.
You will never share with people from outside of the WeRoad group, except in certain cases for local experiences, which are specifically mentioned in the itinerary or communicated before booking. These typically involve specific nights in unique accommodation like tents, homestays, or camping, offering a more adventurous travel experience in exchange for some comfort.
On some of our trips we can offer a private room for an additional cost. Just tick the ‘Private Room’ option at checkout to get this added. For some of our trips if you book as two travellers together you can add this private room free of charge. Look out for this option at checkout.
Please note that if you do book a private room with a friend/partner this could be either a double or a twin room so please email [email protected] if you have a preference on this.
When you set off on a WeRoad trip, you’re officially a WeRoader – and as we often say, 'once a WeRoader, always a WeRoader'. This means that once you’re part of the community, a little piece of WeRoad will always stay with you.
But you’re not just a WeRoader during your trips, far from it! The community is alive and active all year round: you can stay in touch by following and interacting on our social media channels, like the Facebook group or the Instagram profile. You can also come along to one of our many events that we run in different cities worldwide. Check out and sign up to our events by downloading the WeMeet app here.



























