Vegan Costa Rica Tour

Embark on an unforgettable, plant-powered odyssey through the lush landscapes of Costa Rica with this vegan tour!

This tropical haven is a sanctuary of breathtaking beauty and extraordinary biodiversity. From the tranquil rainforests of Tortuguero National Park to the sun-drenched shores of Manuel Antonio, our tour immerses you in a vibrant mosaic of ecosystems teeming with exotic wildlife. You’ll also have the chance to go beyond the typical tourist path with a meaningful homestay in a peaceful agricultural community, offering a deeper connection to local life and culture.

Ready for a “pura veggie” adventure? Scroll down to reserve your spot!

Trip Length: 10 days / 9 nights

Start Location: San Jose

End Location: San Jose

Group Size: Max 16 people

Meals: 9 breakfasts, 4 lunches, & 7 dinners are included

Accommodations: Hotels & lodges

Trip Dates: April 6 – 15, 2026

Trip Price: $4,535 (USD)

Single Supplement: $705 (USD)

Trip Deadline: January 6, 2026

Tour Highlights & Inclusions

Loads of amazing activities: Guided adventure to the remote rainforest of Tortuguero, a jungle night walk, chocolate making workshop, and MUCH more (you can view the day-by-day itinerary below)!
Community connection: Enjoy an overnight stay with a local family through a rural tourism initiative founded by a group of women determined to preserve their cultural traditions, protect the land, and create financial independence.
A private local trip leader and guides throughout the trip.
All hotel accommodations are included.
International airfare and airport transfers are not included.

Have questions about the tour? Book a quick 15-minute call and get them answered!

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Travel Responsibly, Impact Positively

Not only can you rest assured that this trip aligns with your desire to support cruelty-free activities, but you can also feel good knowing that the carbon created from the land-based portion of the itinerary will be offset and we’ve prioritized working with local businesses so more of your dollar stays in the destination.

the tall and skinny la Fortuna waterfall in costa rica

overhead view of a white sand beach thats secluded in manuel antonio in costa rica

a white faced capuchin monkey hanging in a tree in costa rica

Rebecca is amazing at what she does! She made the entire process for planning our trip move like clockwork and I was stress-free. I cannot recommend her enough. I’ll be thankful for all of her hard work for the rest of my life, because it made our trip a relaxing experience and there’s no way I could have done a better job!

– Kate M. (Costa Rica traveler)

Is This Tour For You?

We will spend a lot of time traveling as a group in a private van. Some of the journeys will be longer than others but we will always make stops.
Beans and rice is a very popular dish in Costa Rica and often it is vegan-friendly — we may enjoy it regularly throughout the trip!
Some areas of Costa Rica will have a better diversity of vegan options that others.
The homestay is a wonderful opportunity to witness everyday local life. The food and accommodations will be more basic than we’re used to but the opportunity to get off the tourist track will be worth it.

Tour Itinerary

Check out the daily activities for this exciting itinerary. Please note, the itinerary is subject to change. We always have to remain flexible for weather, closures, and random things that are out of our control!

Day 1: Arrive in San Jose

Destination: San Jose
Meals Included: Welcome dinner

Hola! Welcome to Costa Rica. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6pm today. With over half the country’s population living within its parameters, San Jose is an enjoyable city with intriguing museums and a dynamic atmosphere.

Accommodation
Gran Hotel Costa Rica

Day 2: Tortuguero

Destination: Tortuguero
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner

Leave the hotel this morning and head to Tortuguero National Park. When you arrive, hop aboard a small boat and take a ride into the depths of the Costa Rican wilderness. Arrive in the middle of this biodiverse area, where freshwater lagoons rest under the canopy of rainforest bordering the ocean. Many animals call this place home, including jaguars and turtles, so listen out for the sounds of the local wildlife as you fall asleep in your lodge tonight.

Accommodation
Pachira Lodge Hotel

Included Activities

Boat ride to Tortuguero
Afternoon walk around the gardens and trails

Day 3: Tortuguero

Destination: Tortuguero
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner

Today, you’re free to explore the park at your own pace.

If you’re woken by the chattering of the forests birds, why not haul yourself out of bed for a sunrise canoe trip? It’s a magical way to see the maze-like canals of the park, and you can look out for otters and manatees in the morning light. Tortuguero National Park was established in 1970 and is now home to 13 of Costa Rica’s 16 endangered mammals. Among them are manatees, ocelots and jaguars, as well as over 300 bird species. This is also the nesting ground
of the green turtle, which comes ashore to lay its eggs on the sandy beaches, and the critically endangered
hawksbill turtle, loggerheads and giant leatherbacks.

During the day, you might want to return to the park’s walking trails or relax in your lodge. Many species are particularly active at night, so if you wish, you can head out in the evening on a turtle watching tour, with part of the cost supporting a program aimed to patrol the beach for poachers.

Accommodation
Pachira Lodge Hotel

Included Activities

National park entrance fee
Boat tour through the canals

Day 4: Santa Rosa de Pocosol

Destination: Santa Rosa de Pocosol
Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner

Bid farewell to the evergreen rainforest this morning and make the journey to Santa Rosa de Pocosol. Today, you’ll
have a memorable homestay experience, but the family you’ll be staying with doesn’t speak much English, so your
leader will conduct an informal Spanish lesson on the drive.

This afternoon, you’ll have the option to take a soapmaking workshop or a guided hike to a nearby waterfall. In the evening, head back to your homestay for a cooking lesson – some of the dishes you make will be part of tonight’s dinner!

Accommodation
Juanilama Homestay

Included Activities

Santa Rosa de Pocosol homestay experience

Day 5: La Fortuna

Destination: La Fortuna
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner

Beneath the watchful eye of the immense Arenal Volcano lies La Fortuna – a sleepy town with an abundance of hot
springs and natural pools to enjoy. Our first stop will be to explore the Arenal 1968 trails for a gentle walk to the Las Coladas lava field. Along the way, your guide will share the history of the volcano as you lookout for howler monkeys, deer, and parrots.

At night, the rainforest comes alive! We will head out on a nighttime jungle hike guided by an expert, to see the forest’s nocturnal secrets, from glass frogs to kinkajous, offering an unforgettable encounter with nature’s mysteries.

Accommodation
Finca Luna Nueva Hotel

Included Activities

1968 volcano hike
Nighttime jungle hike

Day 6: La Fortuna

Destination: La Fortuna
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner

You’ll have a little free time to enjoy as you wish in the morning before we learn the art of making delicious chocolate from fruit to bar! After a short tour of Finca Luna Nueva’s regenerative cacao farm, we will learn how chocolate has been crafted for centuries. From roasting and grinding fermented beans on an ancient stone to creating the sacred “Drink of the Gods” and modern confections, this hands-on experience offers a deep appreciation for chocolate’s rich history, flavor, and cultural significance.

In the evening, we will head to a tranquil hot springs retreat nestled in the rainforest near La Fortuna, offering a peaceful escape with naturally heated pools fed by the Arenal Volcano. After the relaxing experience, we will have dinner onsite.

Accommodation
Finca Luna Nueva Hotel

Included Activities:

Chocolate workshop
Hot springs experience with dinner

Day 7: Manuel Antonio

Destination: Manuel Antonio
Meals Included: Breakfast

Nestled between the sparkling Pacific Ocean and its namesake national park, Manuel Antonio is a laidback coastal town known for its natural beauty and relaxed vibe. This morning, you’ll make your way to this popular destination, where Manuel Antonio National Park awaits with its lush rainforests, pristine white-sand beaches, and incredible biodiversity.

The drive from La Fortuna will take approximately five hours but don’t worry, we will make stops! It’s a good idea to bring headphones and a book for the drive.

Accommodation
Igloo Beach Lodge

Day 8: Manuel Antonio

Destination: Manuel Antonio
Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner

Today, set out on a hike through the lush trails of Manuel Antonio National Park, where the soft crunch of foliage beneath your feet is accompanied by the sounds of the rainforest. Keep your eyes peeled — monkeys, sloths, armadillos, and a dazzling array of birdlife call this park home, and sightings are common. After the hike, unwind on the park’s stunning beaches. For a more adventurous way to spot wildlife, consider a guided kayak tour through the mangrove forest — you might encounter crocodiles, snakes, and vibrant bird species. Don’t forget insect repellent!

Accommodation

Igloo Beach Lodge

Included Activities:

Manuel Antonio National Park entrance and walk

Day 9: San Jose

Destination: San Jose
Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner

Say goodbye to the coast and head back to San Jose. On the way, we will make a stop at the Toucan Rescue Ranch. The wildlife rescue and rehabilitation center is dedicated to caring for injured, orphaned, and confiscated animals — especially toucans, sloths, owls, and other native species. They work closely with Costa Rica’s environmental agency to nurse them back to health and ideally release them into the wild.

In the evening, we will head out for our final farewell dinner as a group!

Included Activities:

Toucan Rescue Ranch visit

Day 9: Adios!

Reserve Your Spot

Tour FAQ’s

I’m solo, is there a single supplement?

Yes, the single supplement is $705. We can also try and room you with another single passenger if you’d like to save you some cash.

Is travel insurance required?

Travel insurance is highly recommended for all of our trips, and we’re happy to provide you with a recommended company and/or quote. It’s essential to have a policy that provides cancellation, medical, and emergency repatriation coverage. It’s also best to get the policy after making the deposit. If you decide to forego travel insurance, you will be required to sign a travel insurance waiver that states you’re taking personal responsibility for any costs due to cancellation, trip delay, emergency medical, and repatriation should they arise.

I have a friend who wants to come but they aren’t vegan. Will there be non-vegan food options?

We prioritize ensuring that vegan options are the focus for all included meals. Many places will have non-vegan options but those would be available to them at an additional cost. There are also a few meals that aren’t included and your friend could choose whatever they like then!

Do I need a visa to enter Costa Rica?

No, for purposes of tourism, US travelers may visit Costa Rica for up to 180 days without a visa.

What is the deadline to reserve my spot?

A non-refundable deposit of $500 is due by January 6, 2026. Final payment for the trip is due January 21, 2026.

What’s not included in the tour price?

– Round-trip international airfare
– Airport ground transportation
– Possibly city taxes; sometimes, these are assessed at the hotels.
– Additional activities that aren’t included
– Additional meals that aren’t included
– Beer/wine/cocktails
– Gratuities
– Travel insurance

Are kids allowed on the tour?

Unfortunately, this itinerary isn’t suited for young kids. The age requirement is 16 years old and up.

How many people are in the group and is there a minimum for the trip?

This will be a small group of only 16 passengers plus a guide(s) throughout the trip. Yes, there is a minimum, we must have at least 7 passengers for the trip to keep the pricing as is.

What are the booking terms?

Final Balance:
Final balance is due by January 21, 2026

Cancellation by the traveler:
Cancellation before January 21 will only incur the $500 non-refundable deposit.
Cancellation after January 21 the full trip is non-refundable.
No shows will be treated as a cancellation and are non-refundable.

Need Other Travel Help?

I can help! If this gorgeous trip to Costa Rica doesn’t work for you but you’d like help creating a trip somewhere else, reach out! I offer vegan-friendly and sustainable travel planning services.