Fly into San José International Airport (SJO), Costa Rica’s main international gateway. From there, our private shuttle will take you directly to La Fortuna, the lush rainforest region at the base of Arenal Volcano, where the adventure begins.
Most major airlines connect to San José from Europe and North America, with frequent flights from hubs like Madrid, Amsterdam, Miami, New York, Toronto, and Mexico City.
If you’re arriving late, we recommend flying in a day early and spending the night in San José: we can help arrange accommodation and airport pickup.

Accommodation & Meals

• 10 nights’ accommodation in handpicked lodges and boutique hotels across Costa Rica (La Fortuna, Monteverde, Santa Teresa, and San José)
• Daily breakfast included at all accommodations
• Double/twin rooms (single supplement available upon request)

Transfers & Transport

• Private airport transfer on arrival and departure
• All in-country transfers in private air-conditioned vehicles
• Boat and 4WD transfer across Lake Arenal
• Ferry or coastal crossing to the Nicoya Peninsula
• Quad rental for the Montezuma & Cabo Blanco exploration day

Activities & Experiences

• Guided Bogarin Trail sloth and wildlife tour
• La Fortuna Waterfall hike and swim
• Arenal 1968 lava field trail hike
• Night wildlife tour in Monteverde
• The longest zipline in Costa Rica: soar above the Monteverde cloud forest
• Three surf lessons in Santa Teresa (board and gear included)
• Three yoga classes overlooking the Pacific
• Cacao & Sound Bath ceremony
• Quad adventure to Montezuma Waterfall and Cabo Blanco National Park

Support & Guidance

• Esploro Travel trip leader throughout the journey
• All local guides and instructors for listed activities
• Pre-departure travel assistance and on-trip support

• International flights to and from San José (SJO)
• Travel insurance (mandatory for participation)
• Lunches and dinners 
• Beverages and alcoholic drinks
• Gratuities and tips for local guides and instructors
• Optional extra activities not listed in the itinerary
• Extra nights, upgrades, or early arrivals in San José (available on request)
• Personal expenses and souvenirs
• Laundry and spa treatments
• Anything not expressly mentioned in What’s Included

Easy to Moderate

This journey is open to everyone with a basic level of fitness and a taste for adventure. No previous surfing experience is required: our instructors tailor each lesson to your level, from complete beginners to experienced riders looking to refine their style.
The hikes and outdoor activities, such as the Arenal and Monteverde trails, are suitable for anyone in good general health and comfortable walking on uneven terrain. Expect warm weather, some travel days between regions, and the occasional early start, all part of the Costa Rican rhythm.
If you enjoy staying active and love nature, you’ll feel right at home on this trip.

Late March and April are among the best months to visit Costa Rica: the tail end of the dry season on the Pacific side, when the weather is warm, sunny, and perfect for exploring.
Expect daytime temperatures between 27–32 °C (80–90 °F) along the coast and 22–26 °C (72–79 °F) in the highlands around Monteverde and Arenal. Evenings are mild, and rain is rare but possible, usually in the form of short tropical showers that cool the air without disrupting the day.
The Pacific Ocean stays around 28 °C (82 °F), making it ideal for long surf sessions. In Santa Teresa, this period brings some of the most consistent waves of the year: clean, glassy conditions in the mornings and fun, manageable swells for both beginners and experienced surfers alike.
Overall, it’s the sweet spot between green and dry season: lush landscapes, calm seas, and just enough breeze to keep the heat in check.

Clothing & Beachwear

• Lightweight, breathable clothing for tropical weather (shorts, T-shirts, dresses)
• Light long-sleeve shirt and pants for sun and insect protection
• Swimsuit (you’ll need it daily for surf lessons and hot springs)
• Rashguard or surf top (helps with sun protection and comfort during surf sessions)
• Flip-flops or sandals for the beach
• Comfortable sneakers or light hiking shoes for trails and waterfalls
• Light fleece or hoodie for cooler nights in the highlands (Arenal, Monteverde)
• Rain jacket or poncho — short tropical showers are always possible

Sun & Weather Protection

• Reef-safe sunscreen (mandatory to protect marine life)
• Hat or cap
• Polarized sunglasses (with retainer strap for boat or beach days)
• After-sun lotion or aloe gel

Travel & Adventure Essentials

• Travel insurance covering outdoor activities (surfing, hiking, ziplining)
• Reusable water bottle (Costa Rica has drinkable tap water in most areas)
• Daypack (15–20L) for hikes and daily excursions
• Power plug adapter (Type A/B sockets, same as USA)
• Power bank for long travel days
• Lightweight towel or poncho towel
• Headlamp or small flashlight for Monteverde night tour

Optional but Useful

• Action cam or waterproof camera for surf and waterfall shots
• Insect repellent (DEET-free recommended)
• Personal snacks (nuts, energy bars)
• Small first-aid kit (plasters, antiseptic, painkillers)
• Notebook or travel journal

Surf & Relax

Q: Do I need to know how to surf?
A: Not at all! This trip is designed for all levels, from total beginners to experienced riders. Our local instructors in Santa Teresa will adapt each lesson to your ability, helping you progress safely and confidently in warm, gentle waves.

Q: What kind of waves can I expect?
A: Late March and April bring ideal surf conditions in Santa Teresa: consistent, clean swells with glassy mornings and smaller, forgiving waves for beginners. Advanced surfers can find more powerful peaks nearby.

Q: What if I prefer yoga or relaxation instead of surfing?
A: You’re welcome to skip or swap surf sessions for extra yoga classes or free beach time. The trip is about finding your own rhythm, whether that means chasing waves or sunsets.

Wildlife & Nature

Q: How difficult are the hikes and tours?
A: The hikes, such as Arenal 1968, La Fortuna Waterfall, and Monteverde Cloud Forest, are moderate and suitable for anyone in good general health. Expect short climbs, uneven terrain, and plenty of time to rest and take in the views.

Q: What kind of wildlife will we see?
A: You’ll likely spot sloths, toucans, monkeys, tree frogs, and countless tropical birds. Monteverde’s night walk often brings surprises like kinkajous and armadillos!

Logistics

Q: How do I get to Costa Rica?
A: Fly into San José International Airport (SJO). We’ll meet you there and handle all transfers throughout the trip.

Q: Do I need a visa to enter Costa Rica?
A: Most travelers from Europe and North America can enter visa-free for stays up to 90 days. Please check the latest requirements for your passport before booking.

Q: How big are the groups?
A: We keep our groups small, maximum 8 travelers, to ensure smooth logistics, flexibility, and a friendly, personal experience.

Q: Are transfers between destinations included?
A: Yes. All inter-destination transfers, including the scenic lake crossing from Arenal to Monteverde, are private and included in the package.

Accommodation & Meals

Q: What kind of accommodation can I expect?
A: Comfortable boutique lodges and eco-hotels, handpicked for their charm and location: from volcano views in Arenal to jungle vibes in Monteverde and beach bungalows in Santa Teresa.

Q: Are meals included?
A: Breakfast is included daily. For other meals, you’ll have the freedom to explore local restaurants, from Costa Rican sodas (family-run eateries) to beachside cafés.

Q: Are vegetarian or vegan options available?
A: Yes. Costa Rica is very vegetarian-friendly, and most lodges and restaurants can accommodate vegan and gluten-free diets.

Preparation

Q: What should I pack?
A: Lightweight clothes for warm weather, hiking shoes, swimwear, a rashguard, and a light rain jacket. A full packing list will be provided after booking.

Q: Do I need travel insurance?
A: Yes, it’s mandatory. Your policy should cover outdoor activities such as surfing, hiking, and ziplining.

Q: Is there Wi-Fi during the trip?
A: Yes — all hotels have Wi-Fi, though connections in Monteverde and Santa Teresa can be slower due to their remote location.

Extensions & Flexibility

Q: Can I arrive earlier or stay longer?
A: Absolutely. We can arrange extra nights before or after the trip, whether you want to unwind on the beach, visit Manuel Antonio, or continue exploring Costa Rica’s national parks.

Q: What if the weather isn’t good for surfing?
A: Surf conditions are generally reliable this time of year, but if the ocean gets too rough, we’ll switch to land-based or wellness activities (yoga, hiking, or local excursions).