Uncover the treasures of Costa Rica during this eight-day exotic tour. Beginning and ending in the capital, San Jose, this tour offers you the chance to discover different aspects of this emblematic destination. Visit the most predominant natural areas of Costa Rica, including Arenal Volcano National Park, and the cloud forest of Monteverde. Spend precious time in the most beautiful gems of Costa Rica, Manuel Antonio Reserve. Sit back and relax on the endless beaches and enjoy a kayak adventure on the open Pacific Ocean. Manuel Antonio Natural Park is a real treasure of Costa Rica, and its buzzing wildlife will attract all-natural world enthusiasts.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
San Jose: Costa Rica’s vibrant capital city was founded in the mid-18th century, boasting great cultural and historical landmarks. Visit its museums, the European-inspired National Theatre, and stroll the charming alleys of its historic neighbourhoods.
Arenal: Admire one of the most beautiful volcanoes in the country and its mesmerising park, dotted with trails and rich in wildlife.
Monteverde: Settled by American Quakers in the 1950s, this primary cloud forest is made out of six unique ‘life zones’, hosting many endangered species, as well as a variety of fascinating plants.
Manuel Antonio: Jewel of Costa Rican Coastline, settled in the nature reserve of Manuel Antonio National Park. Its beautiful fauna and flora and the most wonderful beaches in the world impress all nature lovers.
Day 1: ARRIVAL SAN JOSE
Welcome at Juan Santamaria International Airport from one of our local representative. Transfer to your hotel in San Jose. Rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight in San Jose.
Day 2: SAN JOSE – ARENAL (130 km – 2.5hrs)
Delight in a tasty breakfast at the hotel. At the agreed time, departure to your next destination: La Fortuna de San Carlos, home of the wonderful Arenal Volcano. Rest of the day at leisure. Alternatively, you can choose to go on the following Optional Tour (not included):
La Fortuna Waterfall Hike: Discover one of the most amazing places in Arenal: La Fortuna Waterfall is a unique natural wonder. This tour begins by descending the 500-meter trail to the magnificent Waterfall, renowned for its 60 meters (197 feet) high falls and its clear waters. Along the trail, you will observe plants, trees, and animals, which inhabit the area. You can choose to swim in its refreshing waters, take amazing photographs, or simply relax and take in all of the beauty of the La Fortuna Waterfall. When you visit the La Fortuna Waterfall you not only get to enjoy this marvellous natural wonder, you will be helping to Support the Development Association of the community 100% of the entrance fee goes towards social projects to benefit schools, nutritional centres, the orphanage, our roads and more.
Overnight in Arenal.
Day 3: ARENAL
Wake up to breakfast at the hotel. This is a perfect day to explore and have doses of adrenaline and adventure in Arenal! Alternatively, you can choose to go on one of the following Optional Tours (not included):
Sky Tram, SkyTrek & SkyWalk: Experience a combination of nature and adventure, starting your tour on a gondola (SkyTram) that rises delicately above the rainforest, offering invaluable landscapes during the journey and then live an exciting circuit of zip lines (SkyTrek) flying over the canopy of the forest. Afterwards, enjoy a peaceful introduction to exploring Arenal rainforest on a 4km (2.5mi) circuit trail that snakes through distinct levels of the wonderfully diverse ecosystem. Sky Walk uses these trails and a series of suspension bridges for a one on one experience with the flora and fauna of the forest canopy. You will hike deep into these magical tropical forests to admire nature from a distinct perspective.
Arenal Volcano 1968 Hike: Enjoy the most extraordinary view of the Arenal Volcano on a hike along the base and flanks of this giant on the Arenal 1968 park. For this tour, we have chosen one of the park’s most extraordinary trails to the 1968 lava flows the remaining memory of the 20th-century first eruption and some other areas now in the process of regeneration. During the hike, the expert guide will explain you all about the volcano: its activity periods, a little bit of history related to it and will show you some landmarks that have left over the years. Astonishing views, ear-catching information, unbelievable stories and the chance to meet the local wildlife, will remain as your favourite memories of Costa Rica after this experience.
Arenal Hanging Bridges: Just 4 km (4 miles) within a 250-hectare primary forest reserve, admire nature by crossing 15 bridges 5 to 100 meters long, immersed in the rainforest of interpretive trails built with cobblestones to prevent slippage. Walk through the suspension bridges and contemplate the waterfall of 18 meters (60 feet). Guided by a specialist, who through natural history will open the doors of a fascinating and colorful world of the Rainforest. The stunning views of the Arenal Volcano from the bridges will be an unforgettable experience.
Overnight in Arenal.
Day 4: ARENAL – MONTEVERDE (160 km – 3.5hrs)
Begin your day with a tasty breakfast at the hotel. At the agreed time, departure to your next destination: the mystical cloud forest of Monteverde, a true nature lovers paradise. Rest of the day at leisure. Alternatively, you can choose to go on the following Optional Tour (not included):
Monteverde Cloud forest Hike: Discover the essence of Monteverde Cloud forest Reserve, one of the most breathtaking nature reserves in the entire world. Accompanied by an expert guide, take a hike through the trails in the reserve that stretch across 13 kilometres of the forest. Step foot on the Continental Divide, where one foot will be on the Caribbean side and other on the Pacific side. With views of both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, this reserve is filled with a huge array of lofty and soaring trees laden with remarkable epiphyte plants.
Overnight in Monteverde.
Day 5: MONTEVERDE – MANUEL ANTONIO (180km – 4hrs)
Breakfast at your hotel & Check Out. At the agreed time, departure to your next destination: Manuel Antonio Beach, located on the Central Pacific Coast. Rest of the day at leisure to relax and enjoy the hotel facilities. Alternatively, you can choose to go on the following Optional Tour (not included):
Jungle Night Walk: Explore a forest's natural habitat with all kinds of creatures such as frogs, lizards, mammals, insects, spiders, snakes, birds and much more. The beautiful symphony of a tropical rainforest at night is one of the most exciting experiences; turn off the lights for a moment and listen to all the secret sounds. This unique Jungle Walk is a 2 hours guided adventure where you will have the opportunity to be part of one of the most interesting and important ecosystems of Costa Rica, the Nocturnal Tropical Wet Forest. You will have the experience to be in contact with many nocturnal inhabitants in our amazing jungle.
Overnight in Manuel Antonio.
Day 6: MANUEL ANTONIO
Indulge in a delicious breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy your day exploring the most beautiful and natural wonders of Manuel Antonio. Alternatively, you can choose to go on one of the following Optional Tours (not included):
Catamaran Adventure: Set sail towards the horizon aboard a catamaran, admiring the marine life as well as islands and rock formations close to the coast, bordering Manuel Antonio National Park. You will board your catamaran at the pier in Quepos, the Marina Pez Vela, and sail off bordering the coast. Have your cameras ready to capture the beautiful scenery during the journey. Your guide will be available to point our notable wildlife and vegetation as you admire the islands, cliffs and other natural formations. Enjoy the beverages and snacks available onboard. After touring the coastline, the captain will set anchor at Biesanz Bay where you can snorkel or simply rest onboard. You are most likely to spot parrotfish, starfish, and angelfish and dolphins sometimes follow the boat. A tasty barbecue lunch is served on board.
Kayaking Tour at Damas Island: Gently row along the soft currents under a verdant forest canopy, to explore the wonders of the unique Costa Rican mangrove ecosystem. Kayak through natural canals and keep your eyes wide open to spot a variety of bird species, reptiles, anteaters and white-faced monkeys. Your guide´s knowledge will instruct you through the biodiversity of this habitat, and his trained eye will seek out herons, kingfishers, ospreys and frigate birds. Navigate through the brackish waters and catch glimpses of Damas Island as you pass beneath natural tunnels created by tree growths. Lunch is provided before or after the kayaking adventure, depending on varying tides.
Overnight in Manuel Antonio.
Day 7: MANUEL ANTONIO – SAN JOSE (180km – 2.5hrs)
Enjoy a rich breakfast at the hotel. At the agreed time, departure to San Jose for your last night in Costa Rica. Rest of the day at leisure to relax and enjoy the hotel facilities.
Overnight in San Jose.
Day 8: DEPARTURE SAN JOSE
Wake up to a one last breakfast at the hotel. At the agreed time, departure to Juan Santamaria International Airport to take your flight back home.
Comfortable and light clothing is the most suitable for travelling in Costa Rica. Visitors should not wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts or skimpy clothing when visiting temples, religious or official buildings. Sun protection, sunglasses, a hat and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay.
