Excellent
Costa Rica Calling
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 ecosystems in the world!
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more download our Trip Notes
Tour Overview
Duration
8 daysStarts
San JoseEnds
San JoseRange
PrivateTour Guide
Yes - for all included sightseeingGroup Size
Minimum age
5 yrs, accompanied by an adultDeparts
Any day of the yearHotel Rating
4 starCountries
Costa RicaArrival Transfer
YesDeparture Transfer
YesMeals included
Breakfast: 7Excellent
4.4 out of 5 based on
275 reviews
Tour Highlights
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Day 1 - San Jose
Day 1 - 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.
Days 2-3 - Arenal Volcano
Days 2-3 - 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.
Day 4 - Lake Arenal & Monteverde
Day 4 - 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.
Day 5 - Monteverde Cloud Forest
Day 5 - 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.
Days 6-7 - Manuel Antonio National Park
Days 6-7 - 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.
Day 8 - San Jose
Day 8 - 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.
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.
Pre and Post Tour Accommodation
Extend your tour with us by booking pre and post-accommodation, available at a per-person, per-night rate.
Pre Accommodation San Jose
Double
Twin
Single
Post Accommodation San Jose
Twin
Double
Single
Post Tour Accommodation - Manuel Antonio
Double
Single
Twin
Additional Excursions
Enhance your tour with these optional extras, helping you to get the most from your adventure.
San Jose Hotel to Airport Departure Transfer
Only book this airport departure transfer in conjunction with San Jose post tour accommodation.
$145
per passengerHotels
If you are interested in booking pre or post-tour accommodation, here are some of the hotels we typically use.
Prices & Dates
Prices shown are per person when there are 2 persons sharing a room. The 'Single' price is applicable when a single room is required, based on a travelling party of at least 2 adults. If travelling solo, an additional ‘1-person’ supplement will apply, contact us for details.
Prices may vary depending on hotel availability. If you wish to travel on a date not listed please contact us for pricing. High season supplements will apply for travel during local festivals, Easter, Christmas and New Year dates.
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Our customers say
Excellent
4.4 out of 5 based on 275 reviews