Costa Rica Explorer: Volcanoes, Cloud Forests & Pacific Beaches

From £898£90 per day Save 10%

Who is this trip for

Age range

18 - 99

Start / End

  • San José
  • San José

Physical rating

2/5

Group size

2 - 10

Meals included

10

Highlights

  • Marvel at the Arenal Volcano — soak in the views of Costa Rica’s most iconic peak, with hot springs, waterfalls, and rainforest trails right on your doorstep.
  • Experience the magic of Monteverde Cloud Forest — wander misty trails surrounded by orchids, hummingbirds, and lush greenery, or take to the treetops on a thrilling zipline.
  • Relax on the beaches of Manuel Antonio — golden sands framed by rainforest, where monkeys play in the trees and sloths nap overhead.
  • Explore Manuel Antonio National Park — spot diverse wildlife on easy family-friendly hikes ending at one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.
  • Enjoy private transfers throughout — travel comfortably with your own driver, allowing you to see more and do more with less stress.
  • Stay in charming local lodges — from countryside inns to eco-lodges and beach hotels, each with pools, gardens, and a warm Costa Rican welcome.

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Summary

This journey through Costa Rica combines the country’s most iconic highlights into one unforgettable adventure. Begin in the capital, San José, before travelling north to the majestic Arenal Volcano for hot springs, waterfalls, and optional adventures such as canyoning and hanging bridges. Continue into the misty cloud forests of Monteverde, where ziplining and guided nature walks reveal a world of orchids, hummingbirds, and the elusive quetzal. Finally, head to Manuel Antonio on the Pacific coast, where lush rainforest meets golden beaches and the national park teems with monkeys and sloths. With private transfers, comfortable accommodation, and flexible days for relaxation or optional activities, this itinerary is designed to suit your pace while showcasing the very best of Costa Rica.

Itinerary

  • Day 1

    Arrival in San José

    Private transfer from the airport to your hotel. Relax after your flight and settle into Costa Rica’s bustling capital city.

    Accommodation: Country Inn & Suites by Radisson San José or similar

    Meals: Breakfast

    Activities: Private transfer

  • Day 2

    San José to Arenal Volcano

    Travel by private transfer to La Fortuna, home of the impressive Arenal Volcano and surrounding hot springs. Afternoon at leisure.

    Accommodation: Arenal Country Inn or similar (3 nights)

    Meals: Breakfast

    Activities: Private transfer

  • Day 3

    Free Days in Arenal

    Enjoy leisure time to relax or choose from a variety of optional activities, such as:

    Hanging Bridges, Volcano Walk & La Fortuna Waterfall (includes lunch)

    Canyoning in the Lost Canyon (includes lunch)

    Volcano Walk & Paradise Hot Springs (includes dinner)

    Accommodation: Arenal Country Inn or similar

    Meals: Breakfast

    Activities: Optional excursions available

  • Day 4

    Free Days in Arenal

    Enjoy leisure time to relax or choose from a variety of optional activities, such as:

    Hanging Bridges, Volcano Walk & La Fortuna Waterfall (includes lunch)

    Canyoning in the Lost Canyon (includes lunch)

    Volcano Walk & Paradise Hot Springs (includes dinner)

    Accommodation: Arenal Country Inn or similar

    Meals: Breakfast

    Activities: Optional excursions available

  • Day 5

    Arenal to Monteverde

    Private transfer to Monteverde, home of Costa Rica’s mystical cloud forests. Explore the charming town of Santa Elena or simply relax at your lodge.

    Accommodation: Monteverde Country Lodge or similar (2 nights)

    Meals: Breakfast

    Activities: Private transfer

  • Day 6

    Free Day in Monteverde

    Enjoy a free day to explore with optional tours such as:

    Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve guided tour Canopy Zipline Adventure through primary and secondary forest

    Accommodation: Monteverde Country Lodge or similar

    Meals: Breakfast

    Activities: Optional excursions available

  • Day 7

    Monteverde to Manuel Antonio

    Private transfer to the Pacific Coast and check in at Manuel Antonio. Rest of the day free to relax on the beach or by the pool.

    Accommodation: Hotel Playa Espadilla or similar (2 nights)

    Meals: Breakfast

    Activities: Private transfer

  • Day 8

    Free Day in Manuel Antonio

    Optional activities include:

    Guided hike in Manuel Antonio National Park (beaches and wildlife) Sea Kayaking & Snorkelling with a local lunch included

    Accommodation: Hotel Playa Espadilla or similar

    Meals: Breakfast

    Activities: Optional excursions available

  • Day 9

    Manuel Antonio to San José

    Private transfer back to San José for your final night in Costa Rica.

    Accommodation: Country Inn & Suites by Radisson San José or similar (1 night)

    Meals: Breakfast

    Activities: Private transfer

  • Day 10

    Departure

    Private transfer to Juan Santamaría International Airport for your onward flight.

    Meals: Breakfast

    Activities: Private transfer

What's Included

  • Accommodation

    Country Inn & Suites by Radisson San José – 4★ Arenal Country Inn – 3★ Superior Monteverde Country Lodge – 3★ Superior (Eco-Lodge) Hotel Playa Espadilla – 3★ Superior

  • Meals

    Breakfasts: 10, Lunches: 0, Dinners: 0

    Vegetarian options are available on all meals throughout the adventure.

    Vegetarian options available

  • Local Guide

    Guided

    This adventure is led by a local guide throughout. The main language of this adventure is English. Please contact us for other languages available.

  • Wifi

    Wifi is available during the adventure. In some areas and / or accommodation / transport Wifi may be free.

Dates & Prices

  • Nov 25

    from £937
  • Dec 25

    from £937
  • Jan 26

    from £967
  • Feb 26

    from £967
  • Mar 26

    from £967
  • Apr 26

    from £967
  • May 26

    from £898
  • Jun 26

    from £898
  • Jul 26

    from £942
  • Aug 26

    from £898
  • Sep 26

    from £898
  • Oct 26

    from £898
  • Nov 26

    from £921
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    Fri 1 May 2026 > Sun 10 May 2026
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    Sat 2 May 2026 > Mon 11 May 2026
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    Sun 3 May 2026 > Tue 12 May 2026
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    Mon 4 May 2026 > Wed 13 May 2026
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Essential trip information

Our Important Notes and Packing List cover all essentials, from necessary equipment to inclusions, ensuring you're fully equipped and informed for this extraordinary adventure and more.

Frequently asked questions

  • Is this trip suitable for families with children?

    Yes. The itinerary is family-friendly and works well for children aged 6 and above. Optional activities can be adapted to suit different ages and energy levels.
  • How many meals are included?

    Breakfast is included daily — 10 breakfasts in total. Lunches and dinners are at your own expense unless part of an optional excursion (e.g. Hanging Bridges tour with lunch, Hot Springs with dinner).
  • What type of accommodation will we stay in?

    You’ll stay in a mix of 3★ and 4★ hotels and eco-lodges with pools and family-friendly facilities: Country Inn & Suites (San José), Arenal Country Inn, Monteverde Country Lodge, and Hotel Playa Espadilla.
  • How much travelling is involved?

    Journey times are kept reasonable: around 3–4 hours between San José, Arenal, Monteverde, and Manuel Antonio. All transfers are private for your comfort.
  • Are optional tours included in the price?

    No, optional tours are not included. You can choose and book activities such as Hanging Bridges, canyoning, ziplining, and guided wildlife tours to suit your interests.
  • What is the physical activity level of this trip?

    The trip is rated Easy to Moderate. Most walks are gentle and suitable for families. Some optional activities (like canyoning, zipline, or rafting) are more active and may have age/height restrictions.
  • Do we need visas to visit Costa Rica?

    Travellers from the UK, EU, US, Canada, and Australia do not need a visa for stays of up to 90 days. Passports must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your return date.
  • Is WiFi available throughout the trip?

    Yes. All hotels on this itinerary offer WiFi. Speeds may vary, especially in Monteverde and Manuel Antonio.
  • What is included in the package price?

    Accommodation with daily breakfast, all private transfers, VAT, and 24/7 logistics support.
  • What is not included?

    International flights, optional tours, lunches and dinners (unless specified), tips, departure tax (USD $29 pp), and international travel insurance.
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