Day 1: Arrive to San José & Transfer to Arenal Volcano
Welcome to Costa Rica! Once you have passed immigration and customs and stepped out of the airport doors, you will meet one of our travel representatives with a sign reading your name. He will drive you directly to your first destination Arenal.
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!
Arenal Springs Resort (3 Nights)
Day 2: Shared Excursion | Safari Float at the Peñas Blancas River
Experience what the Peñas Blancas River has to offer! Here you have the opportunity to observe many different animals such as monkeys, sloth, iguanas, tortoises, crocodiles and numerous bird species. Our boat doesn’t use a motor so that you can enjoy the sounds of nature as we paddle down the river offering you the best opportunity to take photos. You will be accompanied by an experienced naturalist guide who will explain many fascinating details about the trees, plants, birds and animals. This tour, which includes a stop for beverages and tropical fruits, takes only half a day and is especially designed for people with a limited amount of time.
Transportation, bilingual guide, entrance fee, equipment, snacks, and beverages
Day 3: Shared Excursion| La Fortuna Waterfall Hike
We will enjoy the viewpoint of the fall before we begin our descent. We will begin our descent on a downhill trail of approximately 500 m (1640 ft.) with more than 480 steps surrounded by the impressive rainforest until we reach the base of the fall. The waterfall is renowned for its 70 m (230 ft.) fall of crystal-clearwater which originates in the Children’s Eternal Rainforest.
With a little luck, we will spot animals like coatis, butterflies, toucans, orioles, among other species. Once at the base, you can take a swim in its refreshing waters, take pictures, or simply rest and admire the beauty of the La Fortuna Waterfall and the surrounding nature.
After enjoying this popular attraction, we will take the same trail back up to the viewpoint. At the top, we will enjoy a delicious snack of fresh tropical fruit to re-energize.
When you visit the La Fortuna Waterfall, in addition to discovering an amazing natural wonder, you will help
generate income for the Community Development Association to invest in social works to benefit schools,
nutrition centers, the local orphanage, recycling center, roads, tourism safety, and more.
Transportation, guide, entrance fee, snacks and drinks.
Day 4: Private Transfer from Fortuna to Monteverde by Boat
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.
What’s there to do in Monteverde? (Note, activities are optional if not included in our proposal)
Tours are available for all nature lovers or first-time nature explorers alike. Considering the size of the reserve, hanging bridges and trails are good for hiking and sight-seeing. There is even a special private birding tour if you’re interested in learning more about these famous flying species. For the more active we offer zip lining! As the weather here is quite chilly and misty, due to the village being high up in the Tilarán Mountain Range, do bring some thick clothes and a light jacket to stay warm.
Poco a Poco Hotel & Spa (2 Nights)
Day 5: Shared Excursion | Gold Pack: Canopy + Hanging Bridges
Today you will enjoy a combo tour at the Selvatura Park in Monteverde. You will participate in an adventurous canopy tour (zip lining) where you will be flying through 12 cables and 18 platforms with an optional Tarzan Swing at the end of the adventure. Selvatura Park is one of the longest canopy tours in Costa Rica. It is also the only canopy tour located inside the Monteverde Cloud Forest. The canopy takes usually around 2,5 and 3 hours and can be done by adventurers starting at the age of 4. It is a safe adventure for everyone although restrictions may apply.
After the canopy tour you will walk on eight different bridges which are called the Selvatura Tree Top Walkways. The lengths vary between 150 feet (50 meters) and 510 feet (170 meters) and some are up to 180 feet (60 meters) high. The walkways consist of a 1.9-mile (approximately 3 kilometer) trail that leads you through the Monteverde Cloud Forest. 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.
Bilingual guide for canopy, equipment and transportation
Day 6: Private transfer from Monteverde to Quepos/Manuel Antonio
A tropical paradise of swaying palms, playful monkeys, and sparkling blue waters, Manuel Antonio National Park is Costa Rica’s most popular (and smallest) national park. With its lush rainforest, white-sand beaches, and abundant wildlife like sloths, monkeys, and iguanas, it’s considered one of the world’s most beautiful places.
The town offers stunning hilltop views, luxury hotels, and fine dining, all surrounded by lush greenery. From here, you can enjoy whitewater rafting, rainforest hikes, snorkeling, sunset cruises, and more.
Note: The national park is closed on Tuesdays.
Parador Resort & Spa (3 Nights)
Day 7: Shared Excursion | Guided Hike to Manuel Antonio National Park
Are you interested in having the best guided hiking or walking tour through the world-renowned Manuel Antonio National Park? Look no further!
Explore the pristine natural beauty of this world famous Manuel Antonio National Park filled with exotic wildlife such as monkeys, sloths, birds, reptiles and butterflies.Your picturesque 2-mile hike will take you to one of the beaches named most beautiful in the world by Forbes magazine.
Experience the lush rainforest behind you, white sandy beaches below, and crystalline blue waters during this refreshing 20-minute beach stop. Have your camera ready, as your knowledgeable guide sets his trained eyes on diverse flora and fauna for you to capture along the way.
Additionally, take advantage of the Pentax and Swarovski telescopes guides are equipped with to make those images in your memories and photographs even crisper.
The Manuel Antonio National Park is closed on Tuesdays.
Transportation from and to hotel, bilingual guides, park entrance fee.
Day 8: Free Day at Quepos/Manuel Antonio
Enjoy your day relaxing at your hotel and surroundings or ask your travel consultant about the many optional activities that are offered in the area.
Day 9: Departure from Manuel Antonio to the International Airport
After an amazing time of absolute highlights in our beautiful Costa Rica, it is time to return home. Share your stories and photos with family and friends, make sure to recommend us and make plans to come visit again soon!
**Please notice that the distance between Manuel Antonio and San José is approximately 4 hrs. Please take note that you must check in with your airline carrier at the International Airport at least 3 hours prior to your departure time. If your flight leaves early in the morning, we strongly suggest to spend your last night in San Jose. **
Private Transfer Manuel Antonio to International Airport
