Day 01
Arrival to San José
Welcome to Costa Rica! Once you have passed immigration and customs and stepped out of the airport doors, you will have one of our representatives waiting for you outside with a sign with your name on it. He will drive you to your hotel in San José.
Private Transfer from International Airport to San José
Presidente Hotel (1 Night)
Room Type: Standard Room
Meals Plan: Breakfast
Day 02
Shuttle transfer to Arenal volcano / La Fortuna
The Northern Plains of Costa Rica showcases some very scenic countryside towns. Small agriculture communities and cattle ranches cover rolling hills and deep valleys. The plains, rainforests and rivers make the north central a must-see in any Costa Rica program. The main attraction is the iconic Arenal Volcano. The Arenal Volcano area is Costa Rica’s premier region of exploration and excitement: Arenal is synonymous to adventure and Eco-discovery, where you can embark in a wide variety of activities. Enjoy the thrill of whitewater rafting or canyoning, or combine adventure with ecological discovery in a canopy tour. Hike the volcano or explore the rainforest strolling through hanging bridges. Feel transformed by the beauty and variety of our wildlife and tropical jungle.Get ready for a life changing adventure!
Shuttle Transfer from San José to Arenal AM
Arenal Volcano Inn (1 Night)
Room Type: Standard Room
Meals Plan: Buffet Breakfast
Hike on Private Trail Colada in the afternoon & Tabacon + Dinner
The tour starts at 2:30pm. Your guide will pick you up at your hotel, and you will arrive at about 3:00pm to the Private Reservation El Silencio. The vehicle will get as close as possible to the base of the volcano. Once on site, you will embark upon a walk of approximately 1 kilometer following a path of volcanic stone which has a moderate degree of difficulty, until arriving at the viewpoint, the point closest to the volcano allowed. At the vantage point, the guide will provide you with relevant information about the Arenal Volcano formation, its activity periods, as well as unpublished details of its first eruption in 1968, and you will enjoy the excellent views of the Green Lagoon and Arenal Lake. During the next stage of the expedition, you will change scenery and enter the forest of regeneration and little by little the primary forest in the foothills of the Arenal Volcano. On this trail of approximately 1.5 km, (if you are lucky) you will have the opportunity to find a great variety of plants and animals that inhabit these forests like the toucan, the pava, the oropendola, saínos, snakes and monkeys. After your hike you will go to the Tabacón Hot Springs and enjoy a delicious dinner.
Included: Transportation, bilingual naturalist guide, park entrance fee, water and dinner.
Day 03
Shuttle transfer to Monteverde
A startling haven for all that is living and natural, the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve promises a journey that will make you one with nature–at a whole new level. Located in the Cordillera de Tilarán, Monteverde is one of the top ecotourism destinations the world over, being one of the most spectacular wildlife sanctuary and nature reserve in the world. It is actually home to some of the most endangered species in the planet. Its elevation is from 600 meters to 1800 meters above sea level in some isolated areas. It currently houses about 2,000 plant & tree species, 400 bird species, 100 species of mammals and around 1,200 amphibians and reptiles as well as hundreds of unique fern and orchid species. Birds are one of the main attractions in Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve as a lot of them would migrate there and a variety of species are for everyone to see alive and freely hovering. Some of the famed birds found in the cloud forest are the bare-necked umbrella birds, the endangered Bellbird, quetzals and over 30 species of hummingbirds..
Shuttle Transfer from Arenal to Monteverde AM
Poco a Poco Hotel & Spa (2 Nights)
Room Type: Standard Bromelias Room
Meals Plan: Breakfast
Day 04
Hanging Bridges
Selvatura’s Tree Top Walkways consist of a 1.9 mile (approximately 3 kilometer) trail that leads you through the Monteverde Cloud Forest. Here visitors will walk on eight different bridges with various lengths ranging between 150 feet (50 meters) and 510 feet (170 meters) and altitudes ranging between 36 feet (12 meters) and 180 feet (60 meters). Each bridge has a capacity of up to 80 people which makes them both the longest and strongest bridges in the Monteverde Cloud Forest. The Tree Top Walkways are suitable for people of all ages.
Included: Transportation and bilingual guide.
Day 05
Shuttle transfer to Quepos / Manuel Antonio National Park
A place of swaying palms and playful monkeys, sparkling blue water and a riot of tropical birds, Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio is the country’s smallest and most popular national park. It’s a truly lovely place; the clearly marked trail system winds through rainforest-backed white-sand beaches and rocky headlands, the wildlife (iguanas, sloths, monkeys) is plentiful, and the views across the bay to the pristine outer islands are gorgeous. Manuel Antonio National Park combines the rainforest with breathtaking white-sand beaches, among the most beautiful in Costa Rica. The Manuel Antonio Region has received plenty of coverage in travel magazines, earning it the distinction of one of the 10 most beautiful places in the world! Manuel Antonio’s humid tropical forest remains green year-round. The town itself is spread out across a hilly and curving road. Along this main road, near the top of the hill, are the area’s most luxurious hotels and fine-dining restaurants, surrounded by rain forest with amazing views of the beaches and offshore islands. From Manuel Antonio you can experience whitewater rafting, guided rainforest waterfall walks, horseback riding, snorkeling and sports fishing.***Note that Manuel Antonio National Park is closed on Mondays.
Shuttle Transfer from Monteverde to Manuel Antonio AM
Playa Espadilla Hotel (2 Nights)
Room Type: Standard Room
Meals Plan: Breakfast
Day 06
Catamaran & Snorkeling Tour in Manuel Antonio
While touring the coastline you will enjoy feeling the catamaran cutting quietly through the blue waters of the Pacific. After touring the coastline, we will anchor in a protected cove within the pristine Biesanz Bay for an unforgettable snorkeling adventure in the warm pacific waters. We provide everything you need to observe the underwater playground and to discover over 50 species of colorful tropical fish.
Included: Transportation (Quepos & Manuel Antonio area), Snorkel equipment, Natural juices, Water, Cocktails, Lunch & Bilingual Guide.
Day 07
Shuttle transfer to San José
Holiday Inn Express San Jose Forum (1 Night)
Room Type: Standard Room
Meals Plan: Buffet Breakfast
Day 08
Departure from San Jose to the International Airport
A privately driven vehicle will provide you with a transfer from your hotel to San José Airport today. Depart from International Airport. End of itinerary.
Private Transfer from San José to International Airport
- INCLUDED
- All services indicated in the above itinerary.
- Personalized information, map of Costa Rica and vouchers list.
- Local Travel Program Support, 24 hours emergency service.
- Airport transfers upon arrival and departure.
- 7 Nights lodging at hotels indicated in the above itinerary. Breakfast and local taxes.
- 4 Shuttle Shared Transfers between destinations included:
- Shuttle Transfer from San José to Arenal AM
- Shuttle Transfer from Arenal to Monteverde AM
- Shuttle Transfer from Monteverde to Manuel Antonio AM
- Shuttle Transfer from Manuel Antonio to San José PM
- 3 Excursions Incuded: (Shared tours)
- Arenal Volcano Hike & Tabacón + Dinner – Included: Transportation, bilingual naturalist guide, park entrance fee, water and dinner.
- Hanging Bridges – Included: Transportation, equipment, bilingual guide.
- Catamaran & Snorkeling Tour in Manuel Antonio – Included: Transportation (Quepos & Manuel Antonio area), Snorkel equipment, Natural juices, Water, Cocktails, Lunch & Bilingual Guide.
NOT INCLUDED
- Other meals than indicated as included.
- National Park Entrance fees.
- Other excursions tours and activities indicated as optional or not included.
- Airport taxes (US$ 29.00 per person not included).
- International flights.
- Personal expenses. Tips and extras at hotels.
- Travel insurance.
The most important things to bring are your travel documents: a valid passport, flight and hotel information, health insurance card and driver’s license (if you plan on renting a car in Costa Rica). We advise you to make three copies of these documents. Put one copy in your carry-on bag, one copy in your suitcase and leave one copy at home.
Basic Tropical forests, colorful wildlife and spectacular beaches are part of daily life in Costa Rica. The climate varies depending on where you are, so pack accordingly.
- Prepare for hot, humid summers. Shorts, T-shirts, sundresses, skirts and tank tops in lightweight fabrics should keep you cool. Take a sweater for evenings at a higher elevation.
- Bring plenty of sunblock. Also include insect repellent, a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses and a swimsuit.
- Take rubber-soled sandals or hiking boots for journeys into the rain forests. Flip-flops and sandals are great for resorts and hanging out by the beach.
- Pack separate clothes for evenings. Simple dresses are great for women, while men will do well in long shorts and a button-down shirt.
- Prepare for cool winters, particularly in the northern regions and at higher elevations. Long pants and long-sleeved shirts are a must, while a fleece jacket or a sweater is advisable.
- Take an umbrella if you plan to travel between May and November – Costa Rica’s wettest period.
- A rain slicker will come in handy while hiking.
- Take an electric converter and adapter.