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Costa Rica with Blake Horstmann
Dates
Feb 24 – Mar 1, 2024
Group Size
8–20 Travelers
Duration
7 days, 6 nights
Activity Level
Exploration
About This Trip
Meet Your Host
View Full ProfileBlake Horstmann
Hey guys! You might know me from season 16 of the bachelorette or maybe that horrible season of paradise 😉 or maybe I even met you at stagecoach lol I’m excited for you guys to join me as I travel the world, it’s gonna be a fun, adventurous, and wild ride! Can’t wait to meet you guys!
Trip Activities
Organic Farm Visit
Hike at Arenal Volcano
Canyoneering with Lunch
La Fortuna Waterfall Visit
Paradise Hot Springs Visit
Kayaking and Snorkeling
Ziplining
Included in Your Trip
Double occupancy in 3-star hotels
Local Guide throughout trip
All city transfers
Arrival airport transfer
Departure airport transfer
Not Included
International flights
Food and alcohol (except as noted)
Visas and travel insurance
Airport transfers outside of designated times
Tips for Guides
Itinerary
*All durations are approximate
Info
Airport Transfer
Airport Transfer
dinner
Welcome dinner at a local restaurant.
Palma Real Hotel (or similar)
Overnight in San José.
Info
breakfast
Breakfast at the hotel is included.
Organic Farm Visit
Immerse yourself in Costa Rican rural life as the Elizondo Herrera family takes you on a tour of their farm and teaches about their different crops. Other activities will include how to make homemade tortillas. At the end of the tour, you’ll sit down to enjoy a traditional lunch prepared by your hosts. Delish.
lunch
Lunch at the farm is included.
Hike at Arenal Volcano
Lace up your hiking boots for this excursion through Arenal Volcano National Park. Stroll through hardened lava flows, witness panoramic views of the volcano and learn about plant and animal species on this one-of-a-kind trek.
Arenal Country Inn (or similar)
Overnight in La Fortuna.
Info
breakfast
Breakfast at the hotel is included.
Canyoneering with Lunch
You'll rappel down huge waterfalls, jump into pools, zip down guided rappels, descend the canyon walls and hike up through the rainforest. Canyoneering has a weight limit of 220 lbs and the maximum harness size can fit a waist size of 42". ~4 hours.
La Fortuna Waterfall Visit
Don’t be intimidated by the waterfall’s 530 step decline, the views, wildlife and lush rainforest make it all worth it! Once you arrive at the waterfall, prepare to be blown away by its towering beauty. If the weather allows, you’ll even be able to take a dip in the crystal blue water.
Paradise Hot Springs Visit
Great for relaxing without the crowds, perfect for couples and friends looking for a special revitalizing experience. Spend a day at Paradise Hot Springs Resort and relax in natural thermal water pools and jacuzzis of different temperatures with focused hydromassage for back, legs, and feet. The Resort also respects the maximum capacity of visitors to provide a peaceful atmosphere. There are showers, massages and body treatments service, food, and drink, as well as reclinable beds, sun umbrellas, and relaxing music along with the pool areas. All of the necessary elements for a magnificent and relaxing experience. Dinner is included before coming back to the hotel.
dinner
Dinner at hot springs is included.
Arenal Country Inn (or similar)
Overnight in La Fortuna.
Info
breakfast
Breakfast at the hotel is included.
Transfer to Jacó
Transfer to Jacó.
Hotel South Beach Jacó (or similar)
Overnight in Jacó.
Info
breakfast
Breakfast at the hotel is included.
Kayaking and Snorkeling
Travel to Agujas beach, where you’ll hop on your kayak and paddle out into the turquoise water. Relax on the sand, and when you’re ready, jump in to snorkel! You’ll be able to see a variety of tropical fish and maybe even sea turtles. Weight limit: Kayaking has a weight limit of 275 pounds.
lunch
Picnic lunch is included.
Ziplining
The Zipline adventure starts on a 15-minute ride aboard a specially designed tractor. Once you reach the top, your adventure will begin. One of the guides will explain the important step-by-step safety procedures which you must follow to safely enjoy your tour. Then you will descend to the bottom of the ziplines, including 12 platforms and 10 cables with a total cable distance of 3.5 kilometers, among them the longest cable in the Central Pacific (2400 ft.) During this activity, you will fly from tree to tree by the system of cables, and keep your eyes open for breathtaking views. ~2 hours.
Hotel South Beach Jacó (or similar)
Overnight in Jacó.
Info
breakfast
Breakfast at the hotel is included.
dinner
Farewell dinner at a local restaurant is included.
Hotel South Beach Jacó (or similar)
Overnight in Jacó.
Info
breakfast
Breakfast at the hotel is included.
Airport Transfer
Airport Transfer
Physical Activity Level:Exploration
These trips require some movement, but slow and steady is the name of the game. Maybe a mid-length walking tour or at-your-pace sightseeing. No rush.
Cancellation Policy
We get it—life happens. Here's how cancellations work depending on where you're at in the process:
Spot Pending
Spot Confirmed With 91 or More Days Before Your Trip
Spot Confirmed With 90 or Fewer Days Before Your Trip
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED: Protect Your Adventure-Invest in Peace of Mind
After booking, you'll receive a personalized recommendation for coverage tailored to your trip. For full details on our cancellation policy, please refer to our Terms & Conditions.
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FAQ
Traveling with TrovaTrip
What's it like to travel on a Trova Trip?
Trova Trips are curated group travel experiences designed to help you see the world, meet new people, and connect over shared interests. Each trip is hosted by a community leader you know and trust, and run by professional local Operators who handle the logistics. Expect meaningful experiences, authentic activities, and a like-minded group to share it all with.
What's the difference between the Host, the Operator, and Trova?
Great question! Each plays a key role in bringing your experience to life:
- The Host is your community leader who brings the group together, fosters connection, and perhaps leads a workshop or two. They're there to bring the vibes, not the logistics. That's the Tour Operator's job.
- The Operator is the professional travel company that runs the trip on the ground. They handle it all—accommodations, local Guides, activities, and safety. Every Operator we partner with is licensed, insured, and vetted to deliver high-quality group travel.
- TrovaTrip is the platform who connects it all. We help design the trips, partner with Hosts with Operators, and support you before and during your journey to ensure everything runs smoothly.
In short: The Host brings the vibe, the Operator runs the trip, and we make it all happen. Read more about who does what here.
I'm nervous to book. How can I feel more confident?
First, let us say—it's totally understandable, and you're not alone! Travel can feel intimidating, but we built Trova to take the guesswork out of group travel and earn your trust every step of the way:
- Every trip is run by licensed Tour Operators with vetted local Guides.
- Hosts are there to foster connection, meaning you'll arrive solo but never feel alone.
- Itineraries are clearly outlined so you know what to expect, including activity level, example accommodations, and what's included.
- Our team is available to support you pre-departure, and Operators—plus your local Guide—are on the ground to assist during the trip. And rest assured, all our Operating partners are trained in crisis management.
- We always recommend travel insurance for extra peace of mind, whether you're traveling with Trova or solo. It can cover medical issues, lost luggage, or even cancellations.
We know it takes trust to book a trip with new people, and we're here to make sure you feel ready, supported, and excited!”
Can I book solo?
Absolutely! As of 2025, almost 84% of TrovaTrip Travelers go solo. (And yes, we may be a little biased, but we think group travel is one of the best ways to meet new people!) You'll have your own bed and the option to book a private room on most trips. Plus you'll be traveling with others who are just as excited to explore and connect.
What if I need to cancel?
We understand that life happens. Our cancellation policy is designed to provide flexibility while balancing the logistics of group travel:
- Spot pending – 100% refundable. Not confirmed yet? No worries. You can cancel at any time for a full refund.
- Spot confirmed with 91 or more days before your trip – Partially refundable + credit towards a future trip. You'll receive a future trip credit for the amount of your down payment (minus a $100 cancellation fee per Traveler). This trip credit is valid for one year from the date it is issued. Additionally, any payments made beyond the original 25% down payment will be refunded to your original form of payment.
- Spot confirmed with 90 days or fewer before your trip – Non-refundable. At this point, all payments are non-refundable because your experience is already in motion behind the scenes. By this time, our operating partners will be working with local businesses to secure your accommodations and finalize your activities.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED: Protect Your Adventure–Invest in Peace of Mind
We strongly encourage purchasing travel insurance with trip cancellation coverage to safeguard your investment. With travel insurance, you're covered in case of unexpected events–from illness to emergencies–that could affect your plans. Life is unpredictable, but your dream trip doesn't have to be.
After booking, you'll receive a personalized recommendation for coverage tailored to your trip. For full details on our cancellation policy, please refer to our Terms & Conditions.
What's included in the trip cost?
Most trips include accommodations, daily activities, ground transportation, some meals, and a dedicated local Guide. Because Travelers are coming from all around the world, flights to and from your destination are not included. Each trip page breaks it all down for you.
Will I have free time?
Yes! While we pack in incredible experiences, most itineraries include built-in free time so you can relax, wander, or check out personal must-sees.
What do the activity levels mean?
Every trip has a physical Activity Level from 1 to 5 so you can find the right fit for your travel style:
- Level 1 – Relax + Unwind: Minimal movement (spa days, beach lounging, local markets)
- Level 2 – Low-Key Movement: Light, easy-paced activity (snorkeling, boat tours, gentle hikes)
- Level 3 – Moderate Activity: Ready to move (multi-day hikes, skiing, camping)
- Level 4 – Get Your Heart Rate Up: More intense movement (long hikes, biking, active days)
- Level 5 – Extreme Adventure: High-adrenaline travel (challenging hikes, dives, technical climbs – experience may be required)
You'll find the Activity Level clearly listed on each trip page, and a more in-depth explanation of each level here.
Who can I contact with more questions?
Our support team is here to help! Visit trovatrip.com/company/contact-us to reach out. You can expect to hear back within 2 business days, but probably sooner—our Trova elves are pretty speedy!
Accommodations
What does "or similar" mean next to the accommodations?
When we say “or similar,” it means the hotel listed is an example of what you can expect—not always the exact spot you'll be staying. Sometimes Operators adjust accommodations due to seasonal availability or group size. But rest assured: the quality and comfort will match what's shown.
Why would the accommodations change from time of booking?
Flexibility allows Operators to choose the best-fit accommodations closer to your trip—based on availability, logistics, and what works best for the group (like the number of Travelers and room configurations). This ensures a smooth experience without sacrificing comfort or quality.
Finalized hotel info is typically shared about 30 days before departure in your Traveler Portal, along with your final itinerary.
Trip Operations & Compliance
Who actually runs my trip, and how does Trova keep things safe?
Your trip is operated by licensed, certified Tour Operators who manage all trip logistics and safety—from accommodations and local Guides and day-to-day logistics. All trips comply with local legal and regulatory standards. We vet each Operating partner carefully so you can travel with confidence.
Who do I talk to if I have questions about safety or compliance?
If you have any questions about safety protocols or trip compliance, reach out to us at safety@trovatrip.com. We're here to help.
General Travel Questions
Do I need any documentation to travel?
It depends on where you're headed. Though it is not a universal requirement, many countries require that your passport be valid for at least six months beyond your arrival date. This ensures Travelers have sufficient time to return home even if their visas are extended or if unexpected circumstances arise.
Some destinations may also require a visa. Check our visa page to consult your country's travel resources.
Do I need any vaccines?
It's always best to check with your healthcare provider or a travel doctor before your trip. You can also visit the CDC website (or your local government's travel health resource) for destination-specific vaccine guidance. Health and safety first!
Are flights included in the trip cost?
Because our Hosts and Travelers are coming from all around the world, flights to and from your destination are not included. Some trips include internal flights (like a short domestic hop), and those details will always be listed on the trip page if applicable.
Can you accommodate my dietary needs?
We’ll do our very best! Our Operators aim to accommodate dietary restrictions, though availability varies by destination. For example, some places offer plenty of vegan and vegetarian choices, while others might be quite limited. The earlier you let us know—through your trip form or by contacting our support team—the better we can prepare. Once you arrive, be sure to remind your local Guide about any allergies or restrictions so they can help you enjoy your meals safely and comfortably.