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COSTA RICA: 
playing in the jungle, surf towns + pura vida (7 Days)

One week + lots of adventure. On this trip we explore the Nicoya Peninsula- one of only five blue zones in the world and a lesser travelled region filled with jungles and glittering coastlines (without the crowds).

Image by Anatolii Shcherbyna

Cabuya, Montezuma, Santa Teresa + Mal Pais

outline of costa rica map

San Jose (SJO)
Costa Rica

Nicoya
Peninsula (TMU)

San Jose (SJO)
Costa Rica

Known as a "blue zone", travelling here helps us understand why locals have some of the longest lifespans in the world. 

- Stay on site of a wildlife rescue center and learn about conservation efforts in the region (your money is giving back to the community!)

- Fresh and healthy meals cooked on-site

- Day trips to explore hidden local gems like waterfalls, lagoons, and volcanic reefs

- Free time to chill and explore the area at your own pace (and with your new friends)

- Daily activities and plan will be adjusted with the weather.
Pura vida baby!

the plan

Day 1 | Fly from SJO to Tambor on a 30 minute scenic flight. Airport Pickup and drive to our quaint jungle lodge. Welcome Meeting and time to relax at the jungle lodge - lounge by the pool, read, go for a swim or a nature walk. Home cooked dinner from our jungle lodge chef.

Day 2 | Yoga on the outdoor covered yoga deck - downward dog to the sounds of howler monkeys and breathe in the fresh jungle air. Breakfast. Spend the morning swimming in a blue lagoon and meeting local legends. First, go for a swim in a stunning azure river and then visit Doña Nena - a local legend who will show you how she makes coconut oil and marmalade that the whole community loves. (Depending on time of year, this activity will be switched out for the incredible Isla Cabuya excursion - a unique cemetery island. Guaranteed you've never seen anything like it!)

Lunch at the lodge and then end our first full day with an epic sunset spot (it's our little secret but expect an unreal view from an infinity pool and sweet cocktails or refreshing beers)

DAY 3 | Yoga (optional). Breakfast. Surf's up for a class on the beach (the group will be divided by level and all levels are welcome). This is a great opportunity to try surfing for the first time or improve your skills! Lunch. Free afternoon before dinner.

(depending on tide levels we could have a free morning and surf class in the afternoon)

DAY 4| Yoga (optional). Breakfast. Breathtaking waterfall hike + swim (be daring and jump off the cliffs). We'll hang at the waterfall and then head to explore the laidback beach town of Montezuma where you can explore the local shops, buy unique souvenirs and find some treats (the mango margs are calling our name).

Free afternoon (ask your OT host for suggestions on what to do in the area or hang out by the pool - options for the afternoon include a hike in the nearby reserve, visiting a local chocolate maker for a class and tasting, walking to the cemetery island at low tide) or one of the add on excursions.

We suggest the bioluminescence experience: take a speedboat into a calm bay where the water glows and sparkles around you all year round.  The new moon is the best time to go and dry season gives you the best weather, but any time of year it’s an adventure.  You’ll feel like a super hero as you lift your arms out of the water and they glow!

Dinner at the lodge.
 

DAY 5 | Yoga (optional). Breakfast. Snorkelling tour at Isla Tortuga with lunch on the island. This uninhabited island off the coast of the Nicoya Peninsula provides exquisite beauty and endless fun.  You’ll work on your suntan and enjoy the views from the deck of a speedboat on the way through the islands.  Once you reach Tortuga, you’ll disembark, grab your snorkel gear and head for the volcanic reef to hang in the crystal clear waters with some tropical fish.  Afterwards, you can wade in the ocean or explore the island while your guides cook you up some fresh fish and local cuisine. This place is paradise - expect coral reefs and little bays and inlets that attract colourful marine life.

DAY 6 | Yoga (optional). Breakfast. Free morning and lunch. Head to a local favourite spot- 
Banana Beach for a relaxing afternoon. Lounge in the chairs or hammocks, explore the beach and watch a spectacular sunset (our travellers confirm it's the best sunset they've ever seen). Dinner at the lodge. 

 

DAY 7 | Breakfast, airport drop off and sad goodbyes!

 

Please note, this is a fully outdoor itinerary and therefore activities and schedules are weather and tide-dependent. Order of itinerary could change but you'll get everything that's included. Expect to go with the flow - literally!

girls boarding small flight
infinity pool

your jungle home
awaits

Relax and unwind at our quaint jungle lodge. Located in a quiet part of the Nicoya Peninsula, wake up to the early morning calls of howler monkeys, spot Scarlet macaws flying overhead, swim in the infinity pool overlooking the jungle, and enjoy
meals with your new friends in the outdoor spaces.

 

We’re located walking distance to a reserve with walking trails and a small town with cafes and bars (ask us where to get the best coconut frozen coffee and chocolate cake).

Travel as a force for good moment: your money is going to support the local rescue efforts in the area through the on-site animal rescue centre.

Inclusions

  • Internal round trip flight from San Jose airport

  • Airport pick up and drop off

  • Double share bungalow accommodations

  • All meals: 6 breakfasts | 6 lunches | 6 dinners

  • Montezuma waterfall hike (guided)

  • 1 yoga class

  • 1 surfing lesson

  • Trip to Banana Beach and access to lounge chairs

  • Guided River Lajas swim or Isla Cabuya visit (season dependent)

  • Isla Tortuga Snorkelling excursion

  • Secret sunset spot for happy hour + a drink

  • All transfers to activities in private vehicle

  • Experienced host who is knowledgeable about the region

  • All taxes

Not included:

  • International flights

  • Travel insurance

  • Gratuities

  • Meals and activities not mentioned

add-ons

  • An extra surf lesson

  • yoga package with 4 additional classes

  • Bioluminescence excursion

  • Zipline canopy tour

Emma, CA

"I cannot recommend Origin Travels enough! I went on a week long expedition to Costa Rica in November 2021 and it actually may have been the most relaxing vacation possible during the pandemic. All of our accommodation, transportation, activities and meals were arranged for us and that really took all the hassle out of travelling. If you are a solo female or group of friends who want to travel to exciting places but want some of the stress taken out of planning your adventures, Origin Travels is definitely the way to go. Bonus: The guides were lovely humans and have great taste in adventure activities so you really can’t go wrong!"

Leah, USA

Everything about this tour was amazing! It was the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation with lots and lots of swimming. It's hard to describe the strong female energy of this trip and the laid back vibes, but trust me, they were there. If you're on the fence, go! You won't regret it! "

Jana, CA

“OT is amazing at responding quickly to my litany of questions. She is professional, but fun & outgoing at the same time. The concept of Origin Travels is brilliant - imho - women supporting women to safely travel to exciting & interesting venues is exactly what is needed in this present climate."
 

UPCOMING DEPARTURES

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