Costa Rica Journey - 9 Days

Welcome! Upon arrival you'll make your way to your accommodation. Depending what time you arrive you can explore this wonderful city.

Costa Rica’s capital and the largest city in the country, San Jose is considered to be among the most cosmopolitan cities in Latin America and you're sure to love it!.

Exploring San Jose is a joy, not only do you have craft markets, museums, galleries and so many restaurants to see beautiful peaceful parks along the way.

Downtown San Jose is the busiest part of town. A maze of streets and avenues, here you can find most of the city’s museums as well as several hotels and plazas. In the center of the city, several attractions can be found, such as the National Theater, the National Museum, and the Jade Museum. Also, several parks like Plaza de La Cultura and Parque Morazan are interesting places to visit. In San Jose exist a wide variety for gastronomic, each corner of the city has great restaurants or the famous Barrio Escalante, a gastronomic center where high-quality food is offered. But for more local and typical food the central market offers tasty food.

Meals: No meals today

Accommodation: Hotel Villa Tournon

Today we'll travel out of the city and into the beautiful wild region of Arenal.

La Fortuna is home to the greater Arenal recreation area, the entire region is paradise on Earth for outdoor adventurers. Volcanic views grace the landscape and heat several geothermal hot springs. A lake and rivers beckon you toward aquatic adventure. Refreshing waterfalls reward you after hikes, offering crisp pools and spectacular views.

Arenal Volcano is one of Costa Rica’s most notable natural features. Standing at 5,437 feet (1,657 meters), this volcano has been resting (i.e. not active) since 2010. However, it is no less majestic to behold, as it’s practically a behemoth against the region’s perfect skies. Rising above the rainforest that surrounds its base, Arenal Volcano frames the skyline with near-perfect symmetry.

Enjoy a guided walk with an expert guide including the lava trails to a magnificent view. The trails in Arenal National Park are generally flat and not very strenuous, perfect for a leisurely walk with a professional nature guide.

You will hike through well-groomed, easy trails that skirt the base of the Arenal Volcano and Lake Arenal Area. This part of the Arenal Volcano had sections that were devastated by the lava flow of 1968, so some areas have very little vegetation. This guided walk provides perfect photo opportunities and magnificent views of the impressive Arenal Volcano, the pristine Lake Arenal and the extinct volcano Cerro Chato.

There are parts of each trail that has forested areas where your nature guide will try to spot birds, monkeys and other animals in their natural habitat.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel Lavas Tacotal or similar

Today you will enjoy a guided tour of Fortuna with our local guide, a wonderful on foot experience. We highly recommend booking one of the optional tours taking you to the volcano or famous waterfalls.

Optional Tour, In the afternoon, guide tour at Arenal 1968 Volcano View and Lava Trails / Regular / Price per person USD $100 / GBP £80 / AUD $150 - Please contact us to book your spaces.

The trails in Arenal National Park and other nearby Arenal Reserves are generally flat and not very strenuous, perfect for a leisurely and informative guided walk with a professional nature guide. You will hike through well-groomed, easy trails that skirt the base of the Arenal Volcano and Lake Arenal Area. This part of the Arenal Volcano had sections that were devastated by the lava flow of 1968, so some areas have very little vegetation. This guided walk provides perfect photo opportunities and magnificent views of the impressive Arenal Volcano, the pristine Lake Arenal and the extinct volcano Cerro Chato. There are parts of each trail that has forested areas where your nature guide will try to spot birds, monkeys and other animals in their natural habitat.

Optional Tour, In the afternoon, La Fortuna Waterfall Guided Hike / Roundtrip included / Regular / Price per person USD $100 / GBP £80 / AUD $150 - Please contact us to book your spaces.

You will love the hike down to this waterfall near the town of La Fortuna because you can see all of the natural beauty of the rainforest as well as the birds and wildlife that live there. Once you arrive at the La Fortuna Waterfall, prepare to be blown away by the beauty of this impressive waterfall! You will also be able to swim and take amazing photos! Get ready because there are 500 steps to get down to the waterfall and of course 500 steps to get back up. You can also take a swim in the cool, refreshing clear-water pools along the left-hand side of the waterfall. You can rinse off in the showers and change into dry clothes and take part in a delicious tropical fruit snack with your guide.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel Lavas Tacotal or similar

Today we move to Monteverde, or 'Green Mountain'.

Home to cool, misty cloud forests, and deep green foliage almost everywhere you look, there’s no mistaking that you’ve stepped away from everyday life. If spending time in nature is at the top of your travel to-do list, then you’ll get your fill of adventure in this part of Costa Rica’s Central Highlands. From zip-lining across a canopy to tours of coffee plantations, there are plenty of activities to keep you moving in the fresh air.

Monteverde is translated as “green mountain”, and once you’ve reached the mountaintop, you’ll first come upon the quaint town of Santa Elena. Here you’ll find gift stores, accommodations, a bus stop, restaurants, cafes, a supermarket, banks and much more. Though Monteverde proper does not have a town center, it is comprised of a dirt road that leads to the Cloud Forest Reserve. Spread out along this walkable road are hotels, cafes, restaurants, galleries, and excellent views

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Monteverde Villa Lodge or similar

• 3km

Today you'll visit the magical cloud forest and enjoy a guided walk across the hanging bridges!

At the Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve, you can embrace the misty atmosphere, which serves as one of the most coveted ecotourism destinations in Costa Rica. The reserve encompasses a 26,000 acre biozone, brimming with a marvelous diversity of wildlife and plant life. There's no question that Monteverde Cloud Forest is truly a nature lover's paradise. Look toward the top of the giant trees where more than 500 species of birds live. The most popular birds in this region are the elusive queztal and the three-wattled bellbird. There are also 420 species of orchids and 200 species of ferns. When exploring the forest you will be sure to encounter a variety of these spectacular wildlife.

First, you can take advantage of the network of trails in the reserve that stretch across 13 kilometers of the forest. The trails are well-maintained and perfect for day trips. You also enjoy the scenic vistas from "La Ventana" overlook, boasting mountain peaks along the Continental Divide.

During tthe hanging bridges walk a bilingual guide will welcome you and accompany you during the whole trajectory helping you discover the animals and the plants more interesting that habit in the exuberant cloud forest. The tour, which is 3 kilometers approximately, consists of a combination of trails and seven bridges where you will have the opportunity to explore all the levels of the cloud forest, as well as the habitats of every single one, starting from the ground and getting to the top of the great trees.

Optional Tour, In the afternoon, Canopy Tour / Roundtrip included / Regular / Price per person USD $ 75 / GBP £ 65 / AUD $ 125

The canopy tour (also called zip line) is the most popular Costa Rican adventure tour. Enjoy a fantastic day of zip lining, and riding a giant swing in the beautiful cloud forest setting. Experience a unique perspective of the forest as you glide over the beautiful Costa Rican landscape. While the nine zip lines are sure to amaze you, the real thrill comes from two Superman zip lines, including the longest zip line in Costa Rica! Swing like Tarzan on a mega swing, float down a rappel and keep your balance on a hammock bridge. Everything is included in the same tour. The maximum weight for a person to participate in the tour is 240 pounds.

Please contact us to book any optional extras and ensure your space is held.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Monteverde Villa Lodge or similar

what an exciting day, face to face with some local crocodiles (from a safe distance)!

The Tarcoles River Bridge is one of the most famous places in the country to observe crocodiles in their natural habitat. This bridge crosses the mighty Tarcoles River, known to harbor a large population of these reptiles.

Esterillos is a beautiful coastal zone located in Costa Rica, known for its stunning beaches, lush tropical landscapes, and tranquil atmosphere. Situated along the Pacific Coast, Esterillos is a popular destination for both locals and tourists seeking relaxation, outdoor activities, and a true taste of the country's natural beauty. For those seeking a more active experience, Esterillos is conveniently located within reach of several popular tourist attractions. The bustling town of Jacó, known for its vibrant nightlife and array of amenities, is just a short drive away.

The renowned Manuel Antonio National Park, famous for its breathtaking beaches and abundant wildlife, is also within easy reach. In summary, Esterillos in Costa Rica offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, tranquility, and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a serene beach getaway, thrilling surf adventures, or opportunities to explore the surrounding nature, Esterillos provides an idyllic setting to unwind and create lasting memories.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Costa Pacifica Hotel or similar

Today we transfer to Manuel Antonio where you can explore paradise and enjoy some sea kayaking and snorkeling in the warm(ish!) waters!

From your position in your kayak, you will have the best view of the mountainous city of Manuel Antonio. A bilingual nature guide will tell you what you are seeing in the mountains and tell you more about the beautiful treasures there is along the coastline. Your guide will also direct you to the best snorkeling spots; a great volcanic rock hosting a wide variety of fish, crabs, and other marine life, very close to the shore of Biezans Bay. After snorkeling you will make a stop at a beautiful, secluded beach, where you can rest your arms, enjoy the water and some fruit and cookies that your guide will provide for you.

Don't worry if you're a beginner, we;ll take care of you and make sure you're OK. You can also opt out if you wish of course!

Walking trails surrounded by wildlife and resting on paradisiacal beaches are options that promise to captivate your senses. The magic of the beach and the greenery of the forest come together in one place, and the result is a natural paradise. In addition to beaches, the Park offers a very humid tropical forest where species of flora and fauna in danger of extinction coexist, a mangrove, marine environments, islands and a lagoon of 14 hectares.

In a short trip you can cross several paths that will take you through a primary forest. You will also have stunning views of the sea and you can enjoy the wildlife that is possible to find at any time.

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Accommodation: Hotel Costa Pacífica or similar

During this journey you will visit the National Theater, also known as “The jewel of San José”, a masterpiece in art and architecture built by Costa Ricans and completed in 1897. Then, the Museum of Gold (an archaeological interest site), then the Central Market, place full of the Costa Rican cultural heritage and traditions, where you will be able to browse and buy some local art crafts. You will also visit the Metropolitan Cathedral. As you travel around the city, your guide will point you out several historically important or main buildings in our city, for example The Costa Rica University, The Old Train Station, The National Liquor Factory, The National Supreme Election Bureau, the Asamblea Legislativa (equivalent to The Congress), The Metallic Building, some parks and various sites of interest. This will be an introduction to the Capital City, and information about the economy, cultural, politics, religion and general current events. Also, you will visit an Art Gallery, where you will be able to get some souvenirs to take back home.

NOTE: The entrance fee to the museums or the National Theatre is not included.

The Calle de los Artesanos in Moravia is an emblematic location known for its vibrant cultural and artistic atmosphere. This street has become a hub for local artisans who showcase and sell their creations, ranging from traditional crafts to contemporary works. Additionally, it hosts fairs, workshops, and events that promote interaction between artists and the community. Its colorful ambiance and creativity make it an appealing destination for both locals and tourists.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel Villa Tournon or similar

All the good things come to an end. Say good-bye to beautiful Costa Rica and its people! You drive from your hotel straight to the Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO). In Costa Rica, you must be at the airport 3 hours before the departure time.