select your preferred tour date
DAY 1 (MON): Arrival - San Jose
It’s finally here - the commencement of your epic journey starts today. When you arrive, one of our hearty and forever-smiling guides will be waiting to greet you with a hug, smile and Bamboo hi-5!
You’ll then be whisked off to the accommodation to get rested and refreshed. There will be an informal meet & greet for those of you feeling energised enough tonight. Let the adventure begin!
DAY 1 (MON): Arrival - San Jose
It’s finally here - the commencement of your epic journey starts today. When you arrive, one of our hearty and forever-smiling guides will be waiting to greet you with a hug, smile and Bamboo hi-5!
You’ll then be whisked off to the accommodation to get rested and refreshed. There will be an informal meet & greet for those of you feeling energised enough tonight. Let the adventure begin!
DAY 2 (TUE): San Jose
To kick off our first action-packed day, we will gather you all for an in-depth orientation. We'll explain some do's and don'ts, the culture and customs as well as offer some tips to help you get the most out of this trip.
It's then off to the stunning Irazu Volcano National Park to explore the area before heading on to the Old Capital of Cartago and the Basilica.
On the way back to our accommodation, we'll have a short tour of downtown San Jose and the buzzing Central Market.
Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner
DAY 3 (WED): San Jose
Today it's off to the animal rescue centre, located about an hour and a half away from San Jose city. We'll have a brief look around and learn about the work going on to protect the country's flora and fauna before we get straight into feeding, cleaning cages, and learning more about the country's ecosystem and animals.
We will spend tonight back in San Jose and enjoy an evening walk around downtown, checking out the shops and seeing the sights and monuments, You'll feel like a local in no time!
Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch
DAY 4 (THU): San Jose to Puerto Jimenez
After breakfast, it's time to get on the road and head off to Puerto Jimenez by bus. The journey's around 6 hours and we'll have a stop for lunch along the way.
On arrival at our accommodation, you'll have the rest of the day free to rest up or visit the beach (just a 10 minute walk from where we're staying!) before heading out for dinner tonight.
Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner
DAYS 5 - 8 (FRI - MON): Turtle Project
This morning we head through dirt roads annd lush jungle to our turtle conservation project!
On arrival at the project we'll have a chat about the work that's going on here to save Costa Rica's turtle population.
Working with a local award-winning initiative, we will be doing a variety of tasks that not only focus on the turtle population but also the education of the local community.
The beaches of this area are stunning and have been the fertile breeding grounds for these turtles for thousands of years. Together we'll work to reverse the negative effects that humans have created and ensure that these legendary creatures continue to have a safe and sacred land for breeding.
Whether you're involved with beach clean ups, night patrols or permaculture, each and every task will play and important part towards the overall goal of improving the lives, and sustaining the population of Costa Rica's sea turtles.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
DAY 9 (TUE): Turtle Project - Manuel Antonio
Bidding farewell to the project, we'll head back to Puerto Jimenez for lunch before continuing on to Manuel Antonio and checking in to our accommodation for the night.
Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch
DAY 10 (WED): Manuel Antonio
You've earned it so we're giving it to you! Finally, a day you can relax and take in everything that you've seen, done and experienced over the last 10 days. A free day in Manuel Antonio, a stunningly picturesque location to spend time in the home of private yachts, posh marinas and a cocktail or two by the pool. Alternatively, speak to your guide about organising one of the many optional activities on offer.
Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 11 (THU): Manuel Antonio to San Jose
Today we will be treating you to an incredible catamaran tour in Manuel Antonio. Don't worry about a thing, just sit back, relax and take in the breathtaking views. We even have lunch covered for you.
In the afternoon we'll heading back to the beginning where it all started with a road-trip back to San Jose. But the fun doesn't end.. we have a final night-out to give Costa Rica the send-off it truly deserves!
Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch
DAY 12 (FRI): Departure - San Jose
It's over...the end! Trust us, you won't believe how much you've done, how much you've experienced, how many new friends you've made and how soon you want to be back here in this magical country.
Hugs, back-slaps and hi-5's all around, along with that final team photo – the memory that'll last forever.
Meals included: Breakfast
select your preferred tour date
You'll be staying in various accommodation types throughout your trip. At the turtle conservation project, the accommodation is basic but comfortable. This will be bunk bed, dorm-style accommodation with shared bathroom facilities. There are no towels provided here so it is important to bring your own.
At the rest of the locations, you will be staying in either hotels or guesthouses in shared rooms (sleeping two to four).
Wi-Fi is available in each place we stay, although not the most reliable!
If you need to have your laundry done, there are local services that are low-cost and, unlike the WiFi, are reliable.
In short - anything that’s not on the "What's included?" list in the info pack! The main things you’ll absolutely need to get that aren’t included are:
International flights - we have people join us from all over the world so we leave these flexible so you can choose the departure airport and airline that suits you best.
Travel Insurance - you can choose your own travel insurance, or we can organise this for you. You can find details on the travel insurance here and will be able to add this onto your booking.
Visas – depending on the passport you hold you may need to get a visa before you travel. Please see below for more info on visas.
Arrival
You need to book a flight that lands into San Jose's International airport (airport code SJO) on the Monday that the tour starts. Providing you arrive on this day (between the hours of 8am and 6pm), one of the team will then be there to meet you on arrival and take you back to the hostel in the city.
If you arrive before your Monday start date, you will need additional accommodation. We can book this for you and you will just need to make your own way there from the airport and pay on arrival.
Departure
The tour will end in San Jose on the Friday 12 days later so you need to make your arrangements from there that day.
When you are ready to secure your spot on a Bamboo tour, you can choose the best payment option to suit you:
1. Pay a deposit today and the remaining balance 120 days before your tour starts (you will also have the option to pay the rest of your balance in instalments).
2. Pay in full to get a discounted price and save money
3. Sign up to monthly instalment payments
If you know you want to travel but just need more time to decide on the destination or date, the best option is to get a Bamboo Travel Voucher. Not only will you be sure of a place on a tour, you'll make a saving as our vouchers match the amount you pay. Get a $50 voucher and we'll take $100 off; get a $250 voucher and we'll take $500 off; get a $500 voucher and we'll take $1000 off!! Vouchers are valid for 3 years so there's plenty of time to decide when and where you want to go. Click here to find out more and get your voucher.
You may also want to consider signing up to our Bamboo+ Membership. For $997, we'll not only reduce your tour balance by $1000 but you'll automatically get a 20% discount on each and every future tour with Bamboo! There's also loads of other benefits - click here to find out more and become a Bamboo+ member.
