Day 1: Arrival in Costa Rica – San José
Welcome to Costa Rica. On arrival at Juan Santamaría International Airport, a private driver will meet you and take you to your hotel in San José. Settle in and enjoy your first evening at leisure in the country’s lively capital, surrounded by the mountains of the Central Valley.
Private airport transfer to San José, overnight at Delta Hotels by Marriott San José Aurola (Standard Room), breakfast included.
Delta Hotels by Marriott San José Aurola (1 Night)
Day 2: San José to Arenal
After breakfast, travel by private vehicle through Costa Rica’s fertile northern countryside to La Fortuna. As you approach Arenal, the landscape becomes increasingly dramatic, with rainforest, rolling hills and—when the weather is clear—the unmistakable outline of Arenal Volcano. Check in at Casa Luna Hotel & Spa and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.
Private transfer from San José to Arenal, overnight at Casa Luna Hotel & Spa (Standard Deluxe Garden View Room), à la carte breakfast included.
Casa Luna Hotel & Spa (3 Nights)
Day 3: Arenal Volcano Expedition
Today, explore the volcanic landscapes of El Silencio Private Reserve. A guided 1.5-kilometre walk follows a trail of volcanic rock through regenerating forest to a viewpoint near the base of Arenal Volcano. Along the way, your naturalist guide explains the volcano’s formation and the impact of its historic eruptions. Look out for toucans, orioles and other rainforest wildlife before finishing with fresh tropical fruit.
Shared guided excursion, transport, bilingual naturalist guide, entrance fee, snack and water.
Casa Luna Hotel & Spa
Day 4: Arenal at Your Own Pace
This day is yours to enjoy as you wish. Relax at the hotel, visit La Fortuna, unwind in the area’s natural hot springs or choose from activities such as hanging bridges, wildlife walks, rafting or a visit to La Fortuna Waterfall. Your CRS Tours travel consultant can help you select the best option for your interests.
Breakfast. Optional activities are not included.
Casa Luna Hotel & Spa
Day 5: Across Lake Arenal to Monteverde
Leave the lowland rainforest behind and travel to Monteverde by the scenic bus–boat–bus route. After a short road transfer, cross Lake Arenal by boat, with broad views of the volcano, surrounding hills and the Tilarán mountain range. Continue by minibus into the cooler highlands and check in at El Establo Mountain Hotel. In the evening, join a guided night walk as the forest changes character and nocturnal wildlife begins to emerge.
Shared bus–boat–bus transfer from Arenal to Monteverde, guided night walk (entrance fee, transport and guide), overnight at El Establo Mountain Hotel & Private Reserve (Deluxe Room), buffet breakfast included.
El Establo Mountain Hotel & Private Reserve (3 Nights)
Day 6: Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
Discover one of Costa Rica’s most celebrated protected areas on a guided visit to the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. Mist, mosses, giant ferns and dense vegetation create a remarkable habitat for hundreds of bird species, mammals, orchids and other plants. Your guide will help reveal details that are easily missed and will look for emblematic wildlife, including the resplendent quetzal when conditions are favourable. The excursion also includes a visit to a hummingbird garden.
Shared guided tour, transport, reserve entrance fee, naturalist guide, hummingbird garden visit.
El Establo Mountain Hotel & Private Reserve
Day 7: Free Day in Monteverde
Enjoy a full day to explore Monteverde at your own pace. You may prefer a relaxed morning at the hotel, a visit to local gardens and artisan attractions, or a more adventurous experience in the forest canopy. An optional zip-line tour is available for travellers looking for an exhilarating perspective above the cloud forest.
Breakfast. Optional canopy tour: $95 per person (not included).
El Establo Mountain Hotel & Private Reserve
Day 8: Monteverde to San José
After breakfast, travel by private vehicle from Monteverde back to San José. The changing scenery takes you from cool mountain forest to the Central Valley. After checking in, enjoy your final evening in Costa Rica at leisure.
Private transfer from Monteverde to San José, overnight at Delta Hotels by Marriott San José Aurola (Standard Room), breakfast included.
Delta Hotels by Marriott San José Aurola (1 Night)
Day 9: Departure
At the appropriate time, your private driver will take you from the hotel to Juan Santamaría International Airport for your onward flight. Your Costa Rica journey comes to an end.
Private transfer from San José to the international airport.
