Costa Rica Treasures Exploration - 8 Days
Trip Snapshot
Start / End
- San Jose
- San Jose
Guide style
Self GuidedPhysical rating
Private Tour
- Just you and your companions
- Travel at your own pace
- Self-guided, explore your way
- Flexibility to enjoy every moment
Highlights
- San Jose: Costa Rica’s vibrant capital city was founded in the mid-18th century, boasting great cultural and historical landmarks. Visit its museums, the European-inspired National Theatre, and stroll the charming alleys of its historic neighbourhoods.
- Arenal: Admire one of the most beautiful volcanoes in the country and its mesmerising park, dotted with trails and rich in wildlife.
- Monteverde: Settled by American Quakers in the 1950s, this primary cloud forest is made out of six unique ‘life zones’, hosting many endangered species, as well as a variety of fascinating plants.
- Manuel Antonio: Jewel of Costa Rican Coastline, settled in the nature reserve of Manuel Antonio National Park. Its beautiful fauna and flora and the most wonderful beaches in the world impress all nature lovers.
Everything you need to picture the adventure and pack with confidence — in one free PDF.
What's inside the PDF
Day-by-day itinerary
Every day mapped out, covering activities, travel times, meals and where you'll stay.Packing & kit list
Exactly what to bring, from clothing and essentials to luggage guidelines and what's available to hire locally.What's included
Accommodation, transport, guides and meals, so you can see exactly what your price covers.
Summary
This 8-day tour starts and ends in San José, offering a fantastic mix of adventure, nature, and relaxation. You’ll explore the impressive Arenal Volcano region with optional hikes and hanging bridges, then head to the mystical Monteverde Cloud Forest to experience its unique biodiversity. The journey continues to Manuel Antonio Beach, where you can unwind or enjoy activities like catamaran cruises and kayaking through mangroves. With plenty of free time to soak in the stunning scenery and optional tours to suit your pace, this trip perfectly balances thrilling experiences and laid-back moments in some of Costa Rica’s most beautiful spots.
Itinerary
Day 1
San Jose
Upon arrival at Juan Santamaría International Airport, you will be welcomed by a local representative who will assist with your transfer to the hotel in San José. The remainder of the day is yours to relax and settle in at your own pace. Overnight accommodation is arranged in San José.
Day 2
San Jose to La Fortuna & Arenal
After a hearty breakfast at the hotel, depart with a driver only for La Fortuna de San Carlos, the gateway to the impressive Arenal Volcano. The rest of the day is yours to relax and explore at your own pace. Alternatively, you may choose to join an optional tour to La Fortuna Waterfall. This involves a 500-metre descent along a trail rich with local flora and fauna, leading to the stunning 60-metre waterfall with its clear, refreshing pool. You can swim, photograph, or simply enjoy the natural beauty. Entrance fees support local community projects, including schools and nutritional centres. Overnight accommodation is in Arenal.
Day 3
Exploring Arenal & La Fortuna
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before a leisure day in Arenal. Alternatively, we offer two optional tours to choose from (not included). The Arenal Volcano 1968 Hike takes you along one of the park’s most remarkable trails, exploring the lava flows from the volcano’s first major eruption in 1968.
Your expert guide will share insights into the volcano’s history, activity, and local wildlife as you take in spectacular views. Alternatively, you can explore the Arenal Hanging Bridges, a series of 15 suspension bridges set within a 250-hectare primary rainforest reserve. Walking these bridges, ranging from 5 to 100 metres in length, you will enjoy close encounters with the rainforest canopy, spot wildlife, and admire an 18-metre waterfall, all while taking in stunning views of Arenal Volcano. Overnight in Arenal.
Day 4
Journey to Monteverde
Begin your day with a hearty breakfast at the hotel before departing for Monteverde with your driver, renowned for its mystical cloud forest and rich biodiversity. The remainder of the day is at your leisure to explore or relax.
Alternatively, you may choose one optional activity, as you will arrive at the hotel around 12:30 pm. The Monteverde Cloud Forest Hike offers a guided walk through this exceptional reserve, crossing the Continental Divide with views of both the Pacific and Caribbean coasts, and showcasing towering trees and unique epiphytes. Alternatively, the Selvatura Hanging Bridges provide a safe and accessible way to experience the cloud forest canopy via eight suspension bridges ranging from 50 to 170 metres in length. This three-hour tour includes transport, entrance fees, and a guide. Remember to bring a camera, comfortable shoes, water, insect repellent, sun protection, and a poncho or sweater. Overnight in Monteverde.
Day 5
Monteverde to Manuel Antonio
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before checking out. At the arranged time, we transfer you to Manuel Antonio Beach on the Central Pacific Coast. The rest of the day is yours to relax and make the most of the hotel’s facilities.
Alternatively, you may choose to join the optional Jungle Night Walk—a two-hour guided tour that reveals the nocturnal life of the tropical rainforest. Experience the sounds and sights of frogs, lizards, mammals, insects, spiders, snakes and birds as you explore this vital ecosystem after dark. Overnight in Manuel Antonio.
Day 6
Manuel Antonio National Park at Leisure
Enjoy a hearty breakfast at your hotel before spending the day discovering the natural beauty of Manuel Antonio at your own pace.
Alternatively, you may choose one of the following optional tours. The Catamaran Adventure sets sail from Quepos’ Marina Pez Vela, cruising along the coastline near Manuel Antonio National Park. Keep your camera ready as your guide points out local wildlife and coastal formations. The boat anchors at Biesanz Bay for snorkelling or relaxation, with a barbecue lunch and refreshments served onboard. Alternatively, the Kayaking Tour at Damas Island offers a peaceful paddle through mangrove channels beneath a lush forest canopy. Spot a variety of birds, reptiles, and monkeys as your guide shares insights into this unique ecosystem. Lunch is included, timed around the tides. Overnight in Manuel Antonio.
Day 7
Return to San Jose
After a hearty breakfast at the hotel, we transfer you back to San José for your final night in Costa Rica. The rest of the day is yours to relax and enjoy the hotel’s amenities at your leisure. Overnight in San José.
Day 8
San Jose
Enjoy a final breakfast at the hotel before your transfer to Juan Santamaría International Airport at the arranged time, where you will board your flight home.
What's Included
Meals
Breakfasts: 0, Lunches: 0, Dinners: 0
Vegetarian options are available on all meals throughout the adventure.
Vegetarian options availableLocal Guide
Self GuidedWifi
Wifi is available during the adventure. In some areas and / or accommodation / transport Wifi may be free.
Dates & Prices
Nov 2026
from £816Dec 2026
from £851Jan 2027
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from £851Sep 2027
from £782Oct 2027
from £782Nov 2027
from £851
May 2027
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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.
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