Costa Rica Romantic Journey
This 8-day tour starts and ends in San José, offering a fantastic mix of adventure and relaxation. You’ll kick off with thrilling white-water rafting on the Pacuare River, surrounded by lush rainforest and stunning waterfalls. After a couple of days immersing yourself in nature at a riverside lodge, you’ll head to the Arenal area to unwind in thermal hot springs and explore volcanic landscapes. The trip finishes with some chill time on the beautiful beaches of Manuel Antonio, where you can enjoy the national park’s wildlife or simply relax by the sea. A perfect blend of excitement and downtime awaits.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more.
Tour Overview
Duration
8 daysHotel Rating
4 star hotelsStarts
San JoseEnds
San JoseMinimum Age
No minimum ageMaximum Age
Tours have upper age limits for several reasons, such as but not limited to: tour pace, activity level, and accommodation standards. If you fall outside of this age limit, we do have lots of other tours in Costa Rica that are suitable for all ages!
Arrival Transfer
YesDeparture Transfer
YesTour Guide
Yes - English speaking guide.Country
Costa RicaPassengers
$6,386.25
$500.00
Tour Style
Group Size
Min 1 / Max 30
Trip Type
Group Tours
Range
This tour is operated by our trusted local partner and has been handpicked by us to deliver you an unforgettable trip.
Guiding Style
This tour includes scheduled sightseeing with expert guides in key destinations as per the Inclusions, as well as transportation (either with a driver or public transport), plus of course your accommodation. There is no single tour guide or tour leader throughout the trip. You’ll have support where it counts, and more freedom in between. Our cruise tours also fall into this category where you will be looked after by a crew. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Tour Pace
A balanced pace, with a mix of free time and visits to multiple locations, allowing for both relaxation and exploration. Generally doesn't visit more than one or two destinations per day.
Physical Rating
Demands a higher level of physical effort, including extended walking, hiking, or more challenging terrain. You must be able to walk around 5-kilometres without stopping and on overland trips, you must be able to manage steps up into overland trucks.
Tour Guide
Yes - English speaking guide.Group Size
Min 1 / Max 30Range
This tour is operated by our trusted local partner and has been handpicked by us to deliver you an unforgettable trip.
Guiding Style
This tour includes scheduled sightseeing with expert guides in key destinations as per the Inclusions, as well as transportation (either with a driver or public transport), plus of course your accommodation. There is no single tour guide or tour leader throughout the trip. You’ll have support where it counts, and more freedom in between. Our cruise tours also fall into this category where you will be looked after by a crew. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Tour Pace
A balanced pace, with a mix of free time and visits to multiple locations, allowing for both relaxation and exploration. Generally doesn't visit more than one or two destinations per day.
Physical Rating
Demands a higher level of physical effort, including extended walking, hiking, or more challenging terrain. You must be able to walk around 5-kilometres without stopping and on overland trips, you must be able to manage steps up into overland trucks.
Trip Type
Group ToursTour Highlights
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Day 1 - San Jose
Welcome to Costa Rica. Upon arrival at the airport, a local representative will meet you and assist with your transfer to the hotel in San José. After checking in, you will have free time to relax and settle into your room. You may also choose to explore the city and its surroundings at your own pace. Overnight stay in San José.
Day 2 - San Jose - Pacuare River
We begin the day with an early check-out from the hotel. At approximately 7:00 am, a local representative will meet you in the lobby for a shared transfer to the Pacuare River. Breakfast is served en route. Upon arrival at the Operations Centre, we receive a brief safety briefing before embarking on an exhilarating 1.5-hour rafting journey down class II–III rapids to the lodge. Around midday, we check in, enjoy lunch, and settle into our rooms. The afternoon is free to explore the surrounding natural environment at your leisure. Dinner is included this evening. Overnight at the lodge on the Pacuare River.
Day 3 - Pacuare River
After breakfast at the Lodge, enjoy a full day at your leisure to explore the nature trails and take in the rich birdlife of the area. We’ll introduce you to the Lodge’s sustainability practices, and you can make the most of the facilities while immersing yourself in the surrounding natural environment. Lunch and dinner are included. Overnight at the Lodge on the Pacuare River.
Day 4 - San Carlos
After breakfast at the Lodge, we check out and set off on an exhilarating 3.5-hour white-water rafting journey along the Pacuare River’s most challenging section, featuring class III–IV rapids. As we navigate through lush canyons, you’ll see pristine rainforest, sparkling waterfalls, and a variety of tropical birds. Midway, we pause for a deli-style lunch on the riverbank. Afterwards, you can change into dry clothes at a private facility before joining a shared transfer to La Fortuna de San Carlos, the gateway to the Arenal Volcano region. Upon arrival, we check in at the hotel, where you have free time to unwind and enjoy the resort’s facilities.
Day 5 - San Carlos
After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy a leisurely day to unwind in the thermal hot springs or explore the Arenal region at your own pace. Take advantage of the hotel’s facilities or venture out to discover the area’s natural beauty and local attractions. Overnight in Arenal.
Day 6 - Manuel Antonio
After breakfast, check out of the hotel and meet a local representative in the lobby at around 8:00 am for a shared transfer to Manuel Antonio on the Central Pacific Coast. The journey takes approximately five hours, with arrival around 1:00 pm. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and spend the afternoon relaxing at the hotel or on the beach. Overnight in Manuel Antonio.
Day 7 - Manuel Antonio
After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy a full day at your leisure to relax on the beach or explore the natural beauty of Manuel Antonio National Park independently. The park is renowned for its diverse wildlife and scenic trails, offering a rewarding experience for nature enthusiasts. Overnight in Manuel Antonio.
Day 8 - San Jose
After breakfast, check out of the hotel and at the arranged time, a local representative will collect you from the lobby for a private transfer to Juan Santamaría International Airport for your departure flight home.
Tour Reviews
Extras and add-ons
If you'd like to add extras or add-ons to your booking, you can do this easily during checkout. Just review the available options and select any additional services or upgrades you'd like before completing your purchase.
Hotels
The hotels listed below are examples which we frequently use on this tour. Alternative hotels of a similar standard may be used instead.
Prices & Dates
'Double/Twin' prices are per person when there are 2 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Single' prices are applicable to anyone wanting the privacy of their own room. 'Triple' prices (if available) are per person when there are 3 people on the same booking sharing a room.
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