Setting off from San Jose, take in the highlights of Costa Rica on this 8-day tour, including the famous Arenal volcano, Monteverde's beautiful Cloud Forest and spectacular Manuel Antonio National Park. Go on nature hikes, take in the spectacular scenery and encounter incredible wildlife, in one of the most diverse ecozystems in the world!
Trip Highlights
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
San Jose
At San Jose international airport you will be met by our tour director, transferred to your hotel and given information about your holiday. The rest of the day is at leisure for you to relax or to independently explore Costa Rica's capital. If you want to book a San Jose city tour this can be arranged on request.
Overnight: San Jose
Arenal Volcano
San Jose - La Fortuna. After breakfast on day 2 travel to La Fortuna, home of the majestic Arenal Volcano. On a clear day, the perfectly symmetrical Arenal Volcano can be seen looming over this picturesque little town. Check in and spend the rest of the day at leisure.
The following morning embark on a guided Arenal excursion. Begin the tour by heading to the El Silencio Private Reserve, to get as close to the base of the Arenal volcano as possible by vehicle. Then enjoy a scenic walk for 1km along a volcanic stone path to reach the best volcano view point. Learn all about this remarkable volcano and also enjoy wonderful views of the Green Lagoon and Lake Arenal. The walk back will take you through lush rainforest located along the edge of the Arenal Volcano. With a little luck you'll spot some of the wide variety of plants and animals that inhabit the rainforest, such as toucans, turkeys, orioles, peccaries, snakes, and monkeys. At the end of the morning tour enjoy a delicious snack of tropical fruit before returning to your hotel.
The afternoon is free to continue exploring the area. There are many things to see and do here including an eco-park, zip-lining, caves and hot springs. La Fortuna also has lots of nice restaurants where you can sample some of the local cuisine.
Overnight: La Fortuna (2) | Breakfast x 2
Lake Arenal & Monteverde
La Fortuna - Monteverde. After breakfast transfer to Arenal Lake and take a scenic boat ride across this picturesque lake, enjoying panoramic views of the Arenal Volcano, Chato Hill, Arenal Lake and the Tilaran mountain range en route. On the other side, another vehicle will be waiting to take you to your hotel in Monteverde.
Monteverde enjoys a prime location between the two cloud forests of the Santa Elena Reserve and the famed Monteverde Cloudforest Reserve. Once at the hotel the afternoon is free to explore or partake in one of the many optional activities on offer in the area, such as a tree top Canopy Tour, horse riding or a tour of the coffee plantations.
Overnight: Monteverde | Breakfast
Monteverde Cloud Forest
Discover the natural wonders of Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve on a guided walk this morning. Trek along the reserve trails with your guide and learn all about one the most researched and protected private reserves in the world. This spectacular reserve cannot fail to impress with its beauty and incredible biodiversity. Wind-sculpted elfin woodlands give way to rainforests where tall trees, festooned with orchids, bromeliads, ferns and vines, rise high into the sky. It's a bird watcher's paradise, with over 400 species of birds including the Resplendent Quetzal, Emerald Toucanet, Costa Rican Warbler and Black Faced Solitaire. After the walk return your hotel to spend the rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight: Monteverde | Breakfast
Manuel Antonio National Park
Monteverde - Manuel Antonio. Transfer to beautiful Manuel Antonio on day 6 and spend the rest of the day at leisure. The following morning explore the tropical rainforest on a 2.5 hour nature walk. Your naturalist guide will point out many of the different species living in the park, such as sloths, Capuchin, Howler, and Squirrel monkeys. You will also be able to see several types of reptiles resting in the tropical rainforest and birds overhead. The rest of the day is free for you to relax by the beach or explore more of the rainforest.
Overnight: Manuel Antonio (2) | Breakfast x 2
San Jose
Manuel Antonio - San Jose. Today a private transfer takes you to San Jose airport for your flight home. Please consider a late departure flight, as the transfer time is approx. 3.5 hours.
Breakfast
Prices & Dates
Prices shown are per person when there are 2 persons sharing a room. The 'Single Room' price is applicable when a single room is required, based on a travelling party of at least 2 adults.
Read MoreHotels
The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard.
Park Inn by Radisson, San Jose
The high-rise Park Inn Hotel boasts spectacular views of San Jose. The modern rooms are tastefully decorated with bright colours and come complete with a mini-bar, coffee machine and flat-screen TV - all you need to unwind after a day in the capital. The restaurant in the hotel serves up a variety of local and international dishes along with a complimentary breakfast buffet for guests. The hotel is situated just a stone's throw away from La Sabana Metropolitan Park and La Sabana Shopping Centre making it the ideal location for those looking to make the most of their time in San Jose.
Hotel Presidente, San Jose
Nestled in the very heart of Costa Rica's thriving capital, Hotel Presidente stuns visitors with its beautiful lobby, which features rich wooden flooring and furniture combined with exposed brick walls and decorated with antique sewing machines. Rooms are both modern and chic with neutral colour schemes giving the entire complex an air of sophistication and elegance. Guests are provided with free WiFi and breakfast buffets as well as a gym and computer area. Located a mere 2 minute walk from the Plaza de la Cultura, the National Theatre and some of the city's best Museums, the Hotel Presidente ideally positions guests right in the centre of the action.
Lomas del Volcan Hotel, La Fortuna
Nestled amidst the lush greenery and captivating landscapes of La Fortuna, Lomas del Volcan Hotel offers a serene retreat for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. Guests are accommodated in spacious wooden bungalows, with modern amenities, complimentary WiFi and two terraces to enjoy a good book or a coffee, while taking in wonderful views of Arenal volcano or the rainforest. Savour the flavours of Costa Rica at the on-site restaurant, which serves a delectable array of local and international cuisine. You can order room service and enjoy a delicious private dinner on the deck, with magical views. The hotel can assist with booking tours and you can embark on unforgettable adventures right from the doorstep. Explore the nearby Arenal Volcano National Park or indulge in adrenaline-pumping activities such as zip-lining or canopy tours. After a busy day of exploration, unwind with a drink at the bar or take a refreshing dip in the outdoor pool.
Arenal Manoa Hotel, La Fortuna
Arenal Manoa Hotel is surrounded by stunning gardens filled with verdant foliage and sparkling ponds, presided over by the Arenal Volcano looming in the distance. Guests are well catered for by the poolside bars and the restaurant, which offers culinary delights from around the world along with dazzling views of the volcano. The hotel also offers a range of relaxing spa treatments and a dairy tour for those looking for a bit of cultural education. The hotel's proximity to the Arenal Volcano National Park makes it the perfect base for exploring the area. It is also a short drive from the centre of La Fortuna.
Poco a Poco Hotel & Spa, Monteverde
Poco a Poco is a stunning mountain retreat ideally situated for exploring the famous cloud forest. Within the hotel lies an idyllic indoor pool complex complete with jacuzzis and a poolside bar. Guests are also invited to spoil themselves with a bit of pampering in the spa, the perfect way to rejuvenate and revitalise after an adventure through the rainforest. The colourful and spacious rooms offer up fabulous views along with a high level of comfort to ensure that the relaxing atmosphere carries on through the night. The hotel is conveniently located within walking distance of local amenities such as the supermarket, restaurants and bars.
El Establo Mountain Hotel , Monteverde
El Establo is a friendly family-owned hotel that offers guests luxury accommodation in the heart of the misty cloud forest of Monteverde. The 155 well-appointed guest rooms and suites are fitted with modern amenities and many have balconies with views of the incredible surroundings. Within the hotel grounds guests can dine at the two restaurants or get a drink at the bar; they can also make use of the two indoor swimming pools, gym and spa. For adventure seekers a canopy tour or mountain bike ride can easily be arranged, or for culture vultures a visit to a local coffee plantation or the Monteverde Cheese Factory.
Parador Resort and Spa, Manuel Antonio Village
Sitting high above the Central Pacific coastline with access to some of Costa Rica's best beaches, the Parador is the premier eco-luxury resort in Manuel Antonio. Surrounded by 12 acres of beautiful rainforest the resort boasts a great selection of beautifully decorated, comfortable rooms and suites with views of the lush gardens, jungle or the ocean. Let your stress dissolve away in the hotel's luxury spa with wide open windows facing the tropical rainforest. The Parador is located on the Central Pacific coast of Costa Rica, in Manuel Antonio near the town of Quepos. It's a 2.5 hour scenic drive from San Jose.
Si Como No Resort, Manuel Antonio Village
Nestled amidst the lush tropical rainforests of Manuel Antonio, Si Como No hotel offers an enchanting escape, where eco-luxury meets sustainability. Perched on a hillside overlooking the sparkling waters of the Pacific Ocean, this first-class resort provides a serene sanctuary where you can immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Costa Rica, while enjoying unparalleled comfort and service. The elegant guest rooms offer modern amenities (no televisions), free Wi-Fi and private balconies with stunning views of the surrounding jungle canopy or sparkling Pacific Ocean. Indulge in tasty Costa Rican dishes and classic tropical specialties at the restaurant, enjoy cocktails in the pool at the swim-up bar, or unwind with a rejuvenating spa treatment after a day of exploring the wonders of Manuel Antonio National Park. The hotel is conveniently located, 5 minutes away from the beach and 10 minutes from Manuel Antonio National Park, by car.
At a Glance
