Costa Rica
Hike through lush rainforests, encounter countless exotic creatures such as sloths, toucans, and strawberry frogs, discover majestic volcanoes in thrilling national parks, take a dip in hot thermal springs, and daydream under the Latin American sun on a heavenly beach. Costa Rica is a stunning natural spectacle just waiting to be explored.
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​Tortugero and Arenal Volcano National Parks
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Hiking tour on an active volcano
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Swimming and relaxing on a Pacific beach
Visual inspiration
Details
Day 1, Sat, 09.11.2024: ¡Bienvenido a Costa Rica!
Welcome to the gay adventure of a lifetime! After your arrival in San José (flights not included in this tour), you’ll transfer to the hotel where you’ll receive a warm welcome from your guide and finally get to meet the other guys.
Day 2, Sun, 10.11.2024: Next stop – the Caribbean
Rise and shine! After an authentic Tico breakfast consisting of gallo pinto with rice, beans, and scrambled eggs, you’ll hop on the bus and head for the Caribbean. On the way, you’ll pass Braulio Carrillo National Park with its lush rainforest, gurgling rivers, and stunning waterfalls. Your journey continues past extensive banana plantations on the way to La Pavona. From there, you’ll Continue by boat to Tortuguero National Park, home to the majestic green sea turtle. Your habitat for the next two days will be a rustic lodge surrounded by the relaxing sounds of nature. In the afternoon, you’ll explore the quaint village of Tortuguero and then have time to enjoy the pool and spa. Your first adventure-packed day comes to a close.
Day 3, Mon, 11.11.2024: Jungle adventures
If you’re up for exploring the jungle, a boat tour departs at dawn to explore the wonders of the national park (additional fee, payable on site). Make sure to charge your phone/camera – you’ll see capuchin monkeys and spider monkeys climb overhead as well as crocodiles and terrapins lurking on the riverbank. Back at the lodge, a tasty breakfast awaits you. In the morning, you’ll explore the area around the lodge and in the afternoon, you’ll embark on another boat trip through the winding canals of the national park.
Day 4, Tue, 12.11.2024: Rainforest exploration
Today, you’ll return to civilisation by boat and then continue by bus through the Caribbean lowlands to the amazingly biodiverse city of Sarapiquí. On the way, you’ll stop at a pineapple plantation and learn all kinds of interesting facts about the delicious “king of fruits” on an expansive finca. After arriving at our next tropical lodge, the time has come to set off on the gay adventure you’ve been waiting for – your first rainforest hike! Keep your eyes peeled for colourful birds, iguanas, sloths, and more! The rainforest is a treasure trove for hobby photographers looking to take epic photos to show friends and family back home.
Day 5, Wed, 13.11.2024: Did someone say chocolate?
Today’s destination will make your heart skip a beat and your stomach rumble! In the Tirimbina Nature Reserve, you’ll learn all about Costa Rica’s “brown gold” – cocoa. You’ll hear interesting facts about the prized beans and how they are processed. Of course, you’ll also get a chance to sample some real organic rainforest chocolate. Delectable! With the taste of chocolate in your mouth, you’ll bid “farewell” to the rainforest – the Arenal Volcano is awaiting your arrival. Once we get there, you’ll have the chance to take a dip in the relaxing hot thermal springs. Gay holidays don’t get any better than this!
Day 6, Thu, 14.11.2024: Colours galore
Lace up your hiking boots! It’s time to head off to the one-of-a-kind lava fields of the Arenal Volcano National Park (2 hours, leisurely walk). On your hike, you’ll be serenaded by tropical birds and will marvel at the lush orchids and other jungle plants that thrive on the fertile volcanic soil. Be on the lookout for the colourful beaks of the toucans in the treetops! It’s a sight you certainly don’t want to miss. In the afternoon, you’ll learn more about the park’s diverse flora and fauna at the very informative Butterfly Conservatory where colourful butterflies and a variety of different frogs are waiting to be discovered.
Day 7, Fri, 15.11.2024: Leisure time
Off to Rincón de la Vieja! There you’ll have the chance to relax to your heart’s content. Why not take a dip in the hot water pools on the banks of the Rio Colorado or get a spa treatment in the hotel’s very own spa (additional fees apply)? If you prefer something more active, you should definitely take a hike to the Cangreja Waterfall (additional fee, payable on site). Simply mesmerising!
Day 8, Sat, 16.11.2024: Volcanic escapades
Get ready for an unforgettable time at Rincón de la Vieja National Park! The main attraction here is the volcano bearing the same name, which is famous for its constant activity in the form of sulphurous thermal springs, steaming fumaroles, and bubbling mud holes. Definitely a fascinating experience! Furthermore, because the national park has different climate zones, it has a unique flora and fauna, which you’ll discover first hand. To round off the experience, your guide will take you on a hike through the national park (ca. 2 hours). Another day of gay adventure comes to a close.
Day 9, Sun, 17.11.2024: Hear the ocean calling?
The Pacific Ocean is so close you can almost hear it! Today you’ll head south on the Interamericana, a segment of the Pan-American Highway, to Puntarenas. On the way, you’ll cool off at the beautiful Llanos de Cortes Waterfall before reaching the national park and the beaches of Manuel Antonio – the ultimate beachside paradise.
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Volcanoes, dense rainforests, thermal hot springs, turquoise-coloured rivers, and dream beaches – the comparatively small country of Costa Rica offers a variety of landscapes that are second to none (video).
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This rich diversity is also evident in the country’s wildlife. Many of the most exotic animals in the world have chosen the jungles of Costa Rica as their home.
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The country is a global pioneer in terms of nature and climate protection, with the largest percentage of protected areas, and ambitious goals such as becoming the first CO2-neutral country in the world.
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Costa Ricans are among the happiest people in the world. But watch out – this zest for life is contagious!
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Costa Rica became the first country in Central America to legalise same-sex marriage in May 2020. However, as a Catholic country, it remains conservative, and Costa Ricans keep their sexuality private and prefer not to discuss it in public.
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Due to the largely tolerant attitude of its society, Costa Rica has become the most popular gay holiday destination in Central America. In contrast to the neighbouring countries, there is a gay community in Costa Rica, which is mainly concentrated in the capital San José.
Hotels
During your holiday, you’ll be staying at rustic tropical lodges such as the Laguna Lodge and Sarapiquí’s Rainforest Lodge. You’ll spend the last night of your trip at the prestigious Hotel Parador with amazing view of the ocean and the rainforest.
Aurola Holiday Inn | San José
Laguna Lodge | Tortuguero
Sarapiquís Rainforest Lodge | Sarapiquí
Arenal Paraíso | La Fortuna
Cañón de la Vieja Lodge | Rincón de la Vieja
Parador | Manuel Antonio
Tour operator
This Guys.travel gay tour is organised and carried out by Marco Polo Reisen, a renowned specialist for worldwide discovery trips for over 60 years.
Prices and services
Have a room all to yourself
€ 3499,-
≈ US$ 3750*
Share a room with a partner/friend
€ 2699,-
≈ US$ 2893*
Price per person includes:
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Group transfer from/to the airport
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Excursions and round-trip transportation by customary, air-conditioned coach
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10 nights in a single room
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Breakfast, full board at the lodge on the 2nd and 3rd day, 1 lunch, 1 dinner
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Boat trips to/from the lodge in Tortuguero National Park
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Boat trip in Tortuguero National Park
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Chocolate tasting
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English-speaking Marco Polo guide
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Entrance fees according to the itinerary (PDF)
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CO2 compensation – climate neutral gay tour
* The USD prices quoted are approximate conversions of the binding EUR price. The actual USD amount will vary depending on the conversion rate of the payment service provider on the date of payment.
Day 10, Mon, 18.11.2024: Picture-perfect beach
In Manuel Antonio National Park, you’ll encounter other inhabitants of Costa Rica, namely iguanas and kapok trees, for example. This place really is straight out of a Caribbean dream: the turquoise blue water lapping against the white sandy beaches. Close your eyes and take in the peaceful sounds of nature on your amazing gay holiday… In the evening, you’ll have a farewell dinner at the hotel with the other guys and talk about all the adventures you’ve had.
Day 11, Tue, 19.11.2024: ¡Adios paraíso!
The time has come to say “adios” to paradise. Around noon, you’ll head back to the Central Valley and continue to the San José airport. You’ll then board your flight home (flights not included).
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FEEDBACK
Sébastian | France
Costa Rica was simply breathtaking! Everything was perfectly organised. Our guide was an angel, looked after us really well - the best guide ever!!! Thousands of pictures and videos were taken. I also got to know some very nice people. Unfortunately, the time passed extremely quickly. Thanks for everything!
Jochen | Germany
The trip to Costa Rica was wonderful, everything was superbly organised, an extremely harmonious group, and our tour guide was phenomenal, friendly and always in the best of moods. We now know everything about the flora and fauna in Costa Rica, as well as about the school and social system, politics, religion, minorities and so on.
Juan | Spain
Costa Rica was a great adventure - you put together a fantastic tour. We often asked ourselves what the highlight of the tour was, but we couldn't find an answer because each stop was a highlight in its own way.
Book your trip now
Travel cancellation insurance:
You can purchase travel cancellation insurance from us immediately after booking by clicking on the link provided in the confirmation e-mail.
Next steps
STEP 1:
After submitting the booking form, you will receive an automatic confirmation of receipt from Guys.travel with a comprehensive overview of the next steps.
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STEP 2:
You will receive a booking confirmation by e-mail from the tour operator Marco Polo with an invoice and secured payment certificate. You will be asked to make a 10% deposit up front (full payment also possible).
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STEP 3:
Once the minimum number of participants for the tour has been reached, you will be notified by Marco Polo and it is safe to book your flights.
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STEP 4:
Marco Polo will send you your travel documents by e-mail 10 to 14 days before the start of the tour.