The Ultimate Adventure Through Costa Rica

In Costa Rica, tap water quality varies depending on the region. In many tourist areas and larger cities like San José, the tap water is generally safe to drink; however, in more remote areas it's advisable to stick to filtered water as a precaution. There will be drinking water available at each night's accommodation, and your host will carry refill water where possible as well. Remember to bring a reusable water bottle (1-2 liters) to carry with you during activities as this will help reduce waste from single-use plastic bottles.

At Much Better Adventures, we work hard to accommodate dietary requirements and allergies so your trip is safe, inclusive, and enjoyable. That said, options can vary by country, location, and accommodation, and in some places, options may be limited or unavailable. The information below has been provided by your host so you’re fully informed about what will be possible on your trip depending on your individual requirements. This information should be read carefully before your trip to ensure that you are adequately prepared for the situation ‘on the ground’.

Once you have booked your trip, please fill out your passenger information form asap with any dietary requirements. Once you complete your passenger information, your dietary needs and any allergies are automatically shared with your host and, in turn, your guide. Please submit this as early as possible so they can plan accordingly and deliver the best experience. Please also remind your guide about your dietary requirements upon arrival, as mentioning these in person allows your guide to comprehend individual preferences and limitations as soon as you arrive.

BACKGROUND

Costa Rican, or Tico, cuisine is shaped by tropical farming, coastal access, and a history of small-scale agriculture, resulting in simple, filling meals built around rice, beans, plantains, seasonal fruit, and modest portions of meat or fish, often eaten as set plates or hearty soups.

SPECIAL DIETS

Vegetarian -Vegetarian diets can be catered for on this trip, provided that your host is made aware in advance. Vegetarian travelers generally find options based on rice, beans, and vegetables.

Vegan -Vegan diets can be catered for on this trip, provided that your host is made aware in advance.

Kosher -Fully certified Kosher kitchens and supervision are rare and usually cannot be guaranteed unless expressly confirmed in advance by your host. Vegetarian or vegan options can often be the most reliable alternative if this is acceptable to you. The Host is unable to guarantee a separate, certified cooking/preparation area or the use of certified kosher products. They can, however, provide meals that exclude non-Kosher ingredients (such as pork and shellfish) and avoid mixing meat and dairy. Vegetarian or vegan options can often be the most reliable alternative if this is acceptable to you. Please read the related sections above.

Halal -Certified Halal supply varies by location and may not always be possible. Vegetarian or vegan options can often be the most reliable alternative if this is acceptable to you. Please read the related sections above.

INTOLERANCES

Gluten Free (for Celiac, please see Allergies section below) -Gluten-free diets can be catered for on this trip, provided that your host is made aware in advance. Gluten-free diets and allergies can be more challenging due to wheat-based breads, fried snacks, and shared cooking oil, especially in rural areas, so it helps to plan ahead.

Lactose Free -Lactose-free diets can be catered for on this trip, provided that your host is made aware in advance. Many traditional dishes are naturally lactose-free or can easily be prepared without dairy, such as grilled meats, rice, and vegetable dishes though eggs are common.

ALLERGIES Our host has confirmed that provision for certain mild and severe or life-threatening food allergies on this trip may be unreliable. Please get in touch with our Customer Experience team prior to booking to discuss whether your requirements can be accommodated safely on this trip.

This will allow us to carefully consider the sensitivity and severity of your allergy, the available provision on the trip, and the accessibility of medical care should a reaction occur. Your safety is always our top priority. Please note that when traveling overseas, local ingredients, food preparation methods, and labeling standards may vary, particularly in remote areas. It is also worth noting that any allergies may result in more limited options and repetitive provision in some areas. While your guide will help communicate dietary requirements where possible, customers remain responsible for managing their own allergies during the trip.

Your host will provide sit-on-top kayaks, which are great for both beginners and experienced paddlers. These kayaks are lightweight, stable, and easy to maneuver. Before you set off, your guide will give you all the necessary info to use the kayaks safely.

Overtourism is increasingly affecting popular locations like Costa Rica, making it challenging to enjoy its natural wonders peacefully. The high influx of visitors can strain local resources, degrade the environment and raise costs for residents. To avoid contributing to these issues, we have deliberately chosen not to include some of Costa Rica's more well-known and heavily visited spots (such as Manuel Antonio National Park and Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve). Instead, we opt for lesser-known but equally breathtaking locations like Turrialba, the Pacuare River, Punta Cocles, Sarapiquí, Del Toro Waterfalls, Cahuita National Park, Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge and Uvita.

These areas offer stunning natural beauty and often emphasize conservation. For instance, the Pacuare River is within a protected forest reserve managed by local indigenous communities, who enforce visitor limits and sustainable practices to preserve the rainforest ecosystem. In Sarapiquí, several private nature reserves, such as La Selva Biological Station, restrict access and prioritize conservation, supporting both research and small-scale ecotourism. In Uvita, Marino Ballena National Park has regulations to prevent overcrowding on whale-watching tours, allowing for ethical observation of marine life. This way, you’ll experience Costa Rica’s incredible biodiversity and landscapes through a more sustainable approach to travel, benefiting the country’s residents, visitors and precious natural environment.

Sure can! Over 70% of our travellers travel solo, it’s a great way to meet like-minded people.

Our team of Adventure Hunters co-create exclusive adventures which are run by highly vetted, specialist hosts. The trip is run by our trusted host partner in the destination. We only work with independent, local, in-destination experts who know the very best places to explore and how to stay safe. Read more information about the local teams we partner with. You’ll be introduced to the host straight after making a booking via the Much Better Adventures platform.

Much Better Adventures refer to the UK Government’s official travel advice when designing trips and monitoring trip operations. We recommend that all customers review the practical information available on the UK Government’s FCDO website, where you can find up-to-date advice by searching for your destination(s).

If you are based in the United States, you can also check the latest travel advisories from the U.S. Department of State.

For customers joining from other international locations, we recommend checking the official travel advice issued by your country of residence, as guidance may vary.

We recommend checking out the country-specific information and also talking to a travel nurse.

We automatically convert prices from the local currency that a host receives to your chosen currency. We update our exchange rates daily, so prices displayed on the site are subject to currency fluctuations, which is why you may see them change over time.

If you wish to change the currency you pay in, head to the bottom of the page.

All of our group adventures are specially designed for adults to enjoy as we want these adventures to bring together outdoorsy people who are truly like-minded. You must be over 18 to join one of our trips.

You're always in good company on one of our adventures.

Our trips typically consist of a mix of solo travelers and small groups of 2 or 3 friends, with most in their 30s-50s.

Our sociable adventures are solo-friendly by design and naturally attract outdoorsy people with a shared mindset; a love for adventure, a desire to push themselves, and meet awesome, like-minded people along the way.

It’s this camaraderie that has so often turned a great adventure into a life-changing one.

Don't just take our word for it:

• 95% of people rate the group dynamics on our trips 5/5
• 90% of people recommend joining a trip to make new friends
• 75% of people have met people on our trips that they would now consider friends

See here for more info about the Much Better Adventures tribe.

Costa Rica's weather varies significantly across its different regions due to its diverse geography. Despite this variability, temperatures and humidity are fairly constant year-round due to the country’s location in the tropics, north of the equator, as well as the trade winds that bring moisture from the Pacific Ocean. Coastal areas tend to be warmer, averaging between 77-93°F (25-34°C), while higher elevations, like the central highlands, have cooler temperatures ranging from 63-79°F (17-26°C). The humidity remains consistently high throughout the year, typically ranging from 60-80%. Costa Rica has two main seasons: the dry season (from December to April), and the rainy season (from May to November). During the dry season, you'll find the highest temperatures and lowest rainfall, making it an ideal time for outdoor activities. The Pacific slope and beach areas enjoy the best weather during this period, with sunny skies and minimal precipitation. From May to November, you'll encounter more frequent rain showers and higher humidity. The rainy season brings lush green landscapes and fewer tourists, which can be a great time for wildlife viewing and exploring the rainforests. The rains typically increase from May onwards, with the heaviest rainfall occurring in September and October. However, the Caribbean coast experiences more consistent rainfall throughout the year, and has brief dry spells in March-April and September-October. Due to Costa Rica's microclimates, weather forecasts are often inaccurate. The best approach is to be flexible and enjoy each day as it comes.