There’s something special about stepping into a new country for the first time. The vibrant sights, sounds, and smells of Costa Rica hit me the moment I landed, and I knew I was in for something memorable. What made this trip even more extraordinary, though, was traveling with a small group of like-minded explorers through Intrepid Travel. Intrepid is known for offering authentic, immersive experiences, and they certainly lived up to their reputation.
The Power of Small Group Travel
One of the highlights of the trip was the connection I made with the other 13 travelers. Our group ranged in age from 30s to 60s, and although we were all at different stages in life, the shared experiences bonded us quickly. Intrepid’s small group size (usually 12-14 people) makes it easy to get to know your fellow travelers without feeling overwhelmed.
As someone who was a bit nervous about sharing a room with a stranger, I’m glad to say that I had nothing to worry about. My roommate was lovely, and having her as part of this adventure made the trip even more special. From laughter-filled dinners to exploring Costa Rica’s stunning landscapes, the friendships we built along the way are memories I’ll treasure forever.
The Itinerary: Exploring the Heart of Costa Rica
Our journey took us through the heart of Costa Rica, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural immersion, and adventure.
Day 1: San Jose
Our adventure began in Costa Rica’s bustling capital, San Jose. After a welcome meeting with our group and our incredible tour leader, Kenneth, we kicked things off with the San Jose by Night Tour, which included a delicious dinner. It was a wonderful way to get to know everyone and get a taste of the city’s vibrant atmosphere.
Day 2: Homestay in the Juanilama Community in Santa Rosa de Pocosol
After a scenic drive, we arrived in the small agricultural community of Juanilama in Santa Rosa de Pocosol. One of Intrepid’s strengths is offering experiences that go beyond the tourist spots, and this homestay was a prime example. We had the chance to explore their farm, take an informal cooking lesson with the locals, and end with some incredibly fun dancing! Despite my limited Spanish, the women leading the Juanilama Community were incredibly welcoming. It was a true slice of Costa Rican life, and I’ll never forget the warmth of the people we met.
Day 3: La Fortuna and Whitewater Rafting
La Fortuna was a thrill-seeker’s paradise. We had many options of activities. Instead of hiking to a beautiful waterfall that required over 500 stairs down and back up again with most of our group, a few of us opted for an adventurous day of grade 1 and 2 whitewater rafting - a little more my speed! The rushing rapids, coupled with the beautiful surroundings and variety of wildlife, made for an unforgettable experience. It was moments like these that pushed me out of my comfort zone in the best way possible.
Day 4: Monteverde Cloud Forest
The scenic drive to Monteverde gave us plenty of time to soak in Costa Rica’s natural beauty. The highlight for me was the nighttime cloud forest hike, where I saw a range of fascinating wildlife. From lizards to tiny frogs, and even a baby viper, this tour truly highlighted the diversity of life within the forest within the unsuspecting darkness. With flashlights at the ready and our knowledgeable guides and their monoscopes, I captured countless photos of the animals, each one a reminder of the magic this landscape holds.
Day 5: Quepos
Our final days were spent in Quepos, where we were treated to a traditional Costa Rican dinner with a family who once ran a popular restaurant in the area. I loved hearing their story and enjoyed their young son's performances on the yukelele and guitar for us.
Day 6: Manuel Antonio National Park
On our final full day, we had a naturalist guide lead us through Manuel Antonio National Park. It was a phenomenal experience filled with sloths, monkeys, iguanas, and magnificent plantlife we could never see in the US mainland. The day was capped off with a beach swim in the beautiful Pacific. I could stay in that warm water all day long. This was the perfect way to wind down the trip before heading back to San Jose for a good night's sleep and my flight back home.
Why Intrepid for a Costa Rica Adventure?
What sets Intrepid apart from other tour companies is their commitment to authentic, responsible travel. They’re a B-Corp, which means they meet the highest standards of social and environmental impact. This was evident throughout the trip, from our community-based tourism experiences to our local guides who had an intimate knowledge of the places we visited.
Intrepid’s focus on giving back is inspiring. Through the Intrepid Foundation, they support communities around the world and have raised over $15.5 million to date. When you travel with them, you’re not just visiting a place—you’re contributing to it. I saw firsthand how this company values local people and wildlife, and that made my travel experience even richer.
Reflecting on New Friendships and Adventures
By the end of the trip, I had formed wonderful connections with my fellow travelers and learned so much from Kenneth, our local leader. His passion for Costa Rica shone through in every story he told, every place he showed us, and every person he introduced us to along the way. Intrepid’s philosophy is that travel should be about connection, not just seeing the sights—and I felt that throughout this entire journey.
For anyone looking for an authentic, adventurous, and meaningful travel experience, I can’t recommend Intrepid Travel enough. They go beyond the surface, ensuring that your trip is about more than just ticking off tourist spots. It’s about immersing yourself in the heartbeat of a destination, meeting locals, and forging friendships that last long after the trip is over.
If Costa Rica is on your travel list, I encourage you to explore it with Intrepid. You’ll come back with more than just great photos—you’ll return with unforgettable memories and a deeper appreciation for the world we live in.
Are you ready for your own adventure? Join a small group trip with Intrepid Travel and explore the world in a way that’s meaningful, immersive, and responsible. Whether it’s Costa Rica or beyond, your next adventure awaits. Contact me today to find your perfect trip!
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