Costa Rica Discovery

This itinerary for the active traveler will take you on a whirlwind tour through Costa Rica's natural highlights. From Monteverde, to Arenal, and the pristine beaches of Manuel Antonio. This route through Costa Rica is classic, and designed to introduce you to the reasons why this is the birthplace of ecotourism. The natural world is the main attraction here, and locals have worked hard to keep it pristine. Manuel Antonio National Park is not only a perfect beach destination, but an ecological preserve thick with verdant jungle.

Daily Itinerary

Day 1: San Jose Arrival

San Jose Arrival
Daily Summary
  • Transportation: Airport Transfer
  • Accommodation: Hampton Inn & Suites San Jose Airport

Welcome to Costa Rica! Upon arrival at the San Jose International Airport, proceed past Immigration and meet a member of the National Chamber of Tourism. They will provide you with a sticker for easy identification, upon clearing Customs. In the exit terminal, you will be greeted by a local representative and driven directly to your hotel, for a smooth and comfortable start to your adventure!

At the hotel, your guide will present you with all of the necessary documentation for your trip and answer any questions you may have, before you are left to enjoy the rest of the day as you desire. (This service is on a private basis.)

San Jose

Historic neighborhoods in Costa Rica are laced with delicious international restaurants and bustling shopping streets. The city's art scene is popping and huge colorful murals blend harmoniously beside small unique art galleries. Like many Latin American capitals, it's the colonial architecture that truly gives the streets of San Jose their charm, and is a welcome break from the ever-modernizing city attributes. As a city that primarily hosts travelers arriving and departing from Costa Rica specifically, San Jose fills its role perfectly. An introduction, a gateway and a welcoming!

Day 2: San Jose - Monteverde

San Jose - Monteverde
Daily Summary
  • Transportation: Internal Transfer
  • Accommodation: Senda Monteverde
  • Meals: B

Today, you will be greeted by a local representative at your hotel in San Jose for your private transfer to the Monteverde Cloud Forest area. The drive time for this comfortable and relaxing journey will be about 3 hours, excluding any stops along the way. (This service is on a private basis.)

Monteverde Cloud Forest

This biological reserve has been a source of inspiration since it was first colonized, and has continued to be advocated for by different conservation groups through the 19th and 20th centuries. Only 160 tourists are allowed within its borders at a time, insuring that the healthy rivers, blooming trees, and intense biodiversity remains protected. Though it does rain often (bring your raincoat), and the trails do get a bit muddy (don't forget your boots), this is a chance to witness the wilderness for which Costa Rica is famous, and maybe even learn a thing or two about the importance of conservation of beauty, and the value of nature.

Day 3: Monteverde

Monteverde
Daily Summary
  • Tour: Sky Trek Zipline
  • Accommodation: Senda Monteverde
  • Meals: B

Sky Trek Zipline

Early this morning after breakfast, you’ll be met and transferred to the start of your zipline excursion. After the tour you will be transfer back to you hotel or you can stay downtown. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure to explore the town of Santa Elena, Monteverde, and the different array of attractions they offer.

Sky Trek is a system of trails, suspension bridges, and ziplines that offers visitors the opportunity to observe, and appreciate tropical vegetation from different vantage points above the canopy. Experience an adrenaline rush as you glide along zipline cables high above the treetops.

The tour includes two suspended bridges – 60 and 80 meters—three platforms above the canopy, connected by ziplines, an eight-story high canopy observation tower, 10 cables system up to 427 meters long (1,400 feet) long, with a total stretch of 2 kilometers (1.25 miles) of cables. Tours last between 2.5 and 3 hours. Please note weight restriction of 275 pounds or 125 kg. (This service is on a group basis.)

Day 4: Monteverde - Arenal

Monteverde - Arenal
Daily Summary
  • Tour: Transfer to Arenal
  • Tour: Horseback Ride
  • Accommodation: Arenal Manoa Resort & Hot Springs
  • Meals: B

Transfer to Arenal

This morning after breakfast, you'll take a boat transfer across the lake, where you will be met by your driver and transferred to your accommodations in Arenal (shared transfer). (Travel time is approximately 2.5 hours) (This service is on a group basis.)

Horseback Ride

This afternoon enjoy a horseback riding tour. A horseback riding tour is a wonderful way to experience Arenal from a different perspective. On horseback, you will start going towards the Arenal volcano lasting for a total about 3 hours. Starting at the foot of the mountain and going up through secondary forest terrains and cattle fields as you cross through a beautiful primary forest area that takes ultimately ends at beautiful iris lagoon. Here your horses refresh themselves in order to continue the journey. Later, you will ascend a little more and as you begin to see the impressing view behind. Once you have reach the highest point of the day, you will proceed to the lookout, arriving to the point that is closest to Arenal Volcano that is allowed. After enjoying this striking view, you will return to your horses in order to start descending down the mountain.

Arenal Volcano National Park

Though it has remained dormant since 1968, Arenal Volcano is the highlight of one of Costa Rica's most popular national parks. Beautiful trails, volcanic hot springs, and ample adventure activities abound, all interspersed with rare rumblings from the sleeping mountain. Plenty of lodges and hotels are built into the countryside with views of Arenal Volcano to take advantage of this picturesque region. It won't take you long to see why this is such a hot spot! From rain clouds, to clear blue skies, it's a beautiful and unique site to behold no matter what.

Day 5: Arenal

Arenal
Daily Summary
  • Tour: Canyoning & Waterfall Rappelling Excursion
  • Accommodation: Arenal Manoa Resort & Hot Springs
  • Meals: B, L

Canyoning & Waterfall Rappelling Excursion

Today, you will be met by your guide to embark on the unforgettable Pure Trek Canyoning and Waterfall Rappelling Tour. Prepare yourself for an exhilarating adventure, where you rappel down a series of 4 waterfalls and trek on trails among the pristine rainforest. You will descend the waterfalls into river canyons, secured by a safety harness. No experience is necessary, but you should be in good physical condition, willing to have fun and get very wet! This will absolutely be a highlight of your stay in Costa Rica, and an exciting way to experience the beauty of the country from a different perspective. (This service is on a group basis.)

Day 6: Arenal

Arenal
Daily Summary
  • Tour: Balsa River White Water Rafting
  • Accommodation: Arenal Manoa Resort & Hot Springs
  • Meals: B, L

Balsa River White Water Rafting

The northern zone of Costa Rica is blessed with the most beautiful landscapes and incredible rivers for rafting. With an excellent level of water throughout the year, Balsa River will allow you to enjoy one of the most incredible rafting experiences in the area. This is thanks to its beautiful surroundings, challenging rapids and good waves that may require a heavy maneuver from time to time.

Our experienced, professional bilingual guides will give a safety speech and instruction for your adventure on the river, before you are equipped you with life jackets, helmets. There are many possibilities to spot wildlife along the journey, including monkeys, iguanas, sloths and many tropical birds like ospreys, hawks, kingfishers, orioles and toucans. It will surely be a unique way to combine adventure and nature! (This service is on a group basis.)

Day 7: Arenal

Arenal
Daily Summary
  • Tour: Hanging Bridges & Hot Springs
  • Accommodation: Arenal Manoa Resort & Hot Springs
  • Meals: B

Hanging Bridges & Hot Springs

This morning you will be met at your hotel lobby by your guide who will take you on a tour of the hanging bridges overlooking the abundant biodiversity existent in the natural reserve. Your naturalist guide will open the doors to you into the fascinating and colorful tropical rain forest world through his knowledge of natural history. This tour is a fun and educative way to learn about the surrounding natural environment. Its purpose is to offer you, in a safe and sustainable way, a tiny passage into the kindness of nature, and in this way, take care of it for the future generations.

In the afternoon you'll be met at your hotel and transferred to a Hot Springs Resort to relax in the therapeutic volcanic heated waters of the different pools. Return to your hotel for overnight.

Day 8: Arenal - Manuel Antonio

Arenal - Manuel Antonio
Daily Summary
  • Transportation: Internal Transfer
  • Accommodation: Si Como No Resort & Wildlife Refuge
  • Meals: B

In the morning, you will be picked up at your hotel in 4:00PM and transferred to your accommodations in 4:00PM. (Duration: 5 hours 30 mins.) (This service is on a private basis.)

Manuel Antonio National Park

If there is a heaven for beach lovers, it is surely taking notes from Manuel Antonio! There is a reason that this rugged coast of small bays and secluded beaches is one of Central America's most popular destinations. Dense jungle sits directly adjacent to pristine sandy beaches in this national park, forming unique, funky coves that each offer picture perfect photo opportunities in their own right. If these scenic landscapes aren't enough to keep you captivated, then you might make the most of the wildlife viewing activities. Iguanas, howler monkeys, sloths and several birds parade through here daily.

Day 9: Manuel Antonio

Manuel Antonio
Daily Summary
  • Tour: National Park Guided Tour & Exploration
  • Accommodation: Si Como No Resort & Wildlife Refuge
  • Meals: B

National Park Guided Tour & Exploration

Today, you will be picked up at your hotel to embark on a group tour of the beautiful Manuel Antonio National Park. This outing includes a 2.5 hour guided nature walk, so you can discover all of the highlights and hidden gems of the area.

Named as one of the 12 most beautiful national parks in the world by Forbes Magazine, Manuel Antonio is known for its gorgeous cream colored beach, lush forest growing to the beach edge, abundant wildlife, warm pacific waters, and easy forest trails with scenic ocean overlooks. You will likely see a variety of exotic wildlife, as the animals are accustomed to visitors. These creatures include squirrel monkeys, capuchin monkeys, and sloths. After hiking, you can enjoy some free time to explore the park on your own. (This service is on a group basis.)

Day 10: Manuel Antonio

Manuel Antonio
Daily Summary
  • Accommodation: Si Como No Resort & Wildlife Refuge
  • Meals: B
Enjoy this free time at your leisure.

Day 11: Manuel Antonio - San Jose Departure

Manuel Antonio - San Jose Departure
Daily Summary
  • Transportation: Airport Transfer
  • Meals: B

Today, you will be picked up at your hotel and transferred to the airport for your flight. (This service is on a private basis.)

Accommodation

Hampton Inn & Suites San Jose Airport

Hampton Inn & Suites San Jose Airport

The Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton San Jose Airport is ideally located in the Central Valley. Arrive with ease, via the property's complimentary 24-hour shuttle service from San Jose Airport and receive a warm welcome by the friendly staff. This modern and comfortable hotel is the perfect starting or ending point for your trip. Make the most of your spacious guest room or suite and surf the web using the hotel's free internet access. You may also want to keep up your fitness routine with a workout in the fitness center or relax with a refreshing swim in the tranquil outdoor pool. The Central Valley of Costa Rica is rich in tourist, cultural and natural attractions, and is home to Costa Rica's best museums. You will also find charming picturesque rural towns, large coffee plantations, sugar mills, and dairies.

Senda Monteverde

Senda Monteverde

The hotel offers 28 guest rooms and suites with open-air porches overlooking the lush gardens or ocean. You can explore the mystical Cloud Forest, learn about the local Quaker culture as well as walk through the area‘s famous Farmer‘s Market. The hotel also offers luxury amenities, gorgeous local artworks, and playful nooks to relax in.

Arenal Manoa Resort & Hot Springs

Arenal Manoa Resort & Hot Springs

Hotel Arenal Manoa is a beautiful luxury property, which offers marvelous sweeping views across Arenal Volcano. Surrounded by gardens, lush pasture and exotic wildlife, the guest rooms have each been specifically designed to include panoramic views of the volcano and surrounding landscape. You are invited to take advantage of the spacious gardens on property for walking trails and tranquil meditation as well as the opportunity to observe the daily operations of a typical Costa Rican farm. Take a dip in the spacious relaxing thermal hot springs (2 pools and one jacuzzi), surrounded by colorful flowers and rich greenery.

Si Como No Resort & Wildlife Refuge

Si Como No Resort & Wildlife Refuge

Discreetly nestled into the tropical paradise of Manuel Antonio National Park, lies the beautiful Si Como No Resort & Wildlife Refuge. Proudly occupying the most idyllic hilltop in Manuel Antonio, this award-winning eco-designed property provides its own signature version of "barefoot luxury" to all guests. The resort’s lush jungle terraces and brilliantly vivid gardens, overlook the sparkling ocean. Experience the wild, from the luxury of still being within easy reach to the pristine beaches, lush rainforests and thriving mangroves. The charming town of Quepos boasts enough nightlife, restaurants and bars for you dance the night away…or simply bliss out at the hotel.

Pricing and Details

Starting from $ 2,748 per person

*Pricing is based on two persons traveling together, based on availability, subject to change.

Price Includes

  • Full support before, during & after your trip
  • Meals as mentioned
  • Accommodation as mentioned
  • Tours/activities as mentioned
  • Transport as mentioned

Price Excludes

  • International & domestic flights
  • Travel insurance (highly recommended)
  • Entrance visas when applicable
  • Other services not mentioned
  • Tips and gratuities to guides, drivers
  • Taxes and fees

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