Costa Rican Highlights - 10 Days

Right after you go through immigration and customs one representative will meet you at the Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) exit to load the luggage into the vehicle and transfer you to the hotel. The hotel for tonight is close to San Jose city, located 25-15 minutes away from the airport. During the short drive, you will receive a brief introduction to Costa Rica and some recommendations for your trip. The guide will explain your itinerary in detail once you are in the hotel.

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. 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.

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson San Jose or Similar / Breakfast included

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.

Arenal Country Inn or Similar/ Breakfast included

Start your day as you walk across the Arenal Hanging Bridges and see the jungle from high above the forest floor. These trails bring you as close as you would ever hope to see the rainforest and its inhabitants, as well as give you access to see stunning views of the rainforest and mountains.

After your adventure on the hanging bridges, you will head to the Arenal Volcano National Park. The trails are generally flat and not very strenuous, perfect for a leisurely and informative guided walk. Enjoy a delicious lunch at this point.

Then, you will finish the day at the stunning La Fortuna Waterfall. When you reach the entrance, you will have time to change into your bathing suit in case you want to cool off in the cool pools that flow from the waterfall. This is sure to be a good workout as there are 500 steps to get to the down to the waterfall, and 300 to get back up! When you reach the bottom, you'll have an opportunity to take lots of pictures and swim in the cool waters of one of the largest and most breathtaking waterfalls in Arenal!

Arenal Country Inn or Similar/ Breakfast included

Today is a combination day with day 4. One of of these days you'll be able to relax and take a break in the pool at your accommodation! You can of course also book some optional trips and excursions should you wish.

Arenal County Inn. Breakfast Included.

The trip combines comfortable door to door minivan transfers with a fun and scenic cruise across the tranquil Lake Arenal, where you will experience beautiful views of the majestic volcano and the forested Tilaran Mountain Range. You will also have the chance to see a variety of wetland birds such as kingfishers, flycatchers, waders and other exotic species that abound on the lakeshore.

You will be picked up from your hotel in Arenal and be driven to the Lake Arenal dam, where you will board a covered boat. This is where the scenic 45-minute cruise across the lake begins. Next, you will begin the impressive 1.5-hour journey up the mountainside on a steep road offering stunning views of the lush, green valley. You will be driven directly to your Monteverde area hotel.

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

IMPORTANT: Passengers should expect to carry their bags/luggage to and from the boat. Drivers will do their best to help if you have any problems with carrying heavy bags. Just let them know in advance.

Monteverde Country Lodge or Similar / Breakfast included (

You will have the great opportunity to do three activities, Sky Trek, Tree Tram and Sky Walk.  At Trek in Monteverde, you ride the tram up the mountain, along a beautiful cloud forest ridge and allows for stops along the way to observe plant and animal life and learn from an experienced guide. Then to get back to the base you will have to ride the breathtaking ziplines, this famous

canopy tour consists of 9 zip line cables. Trek is also a great opportunity to have panoramic views at two observation towers that offer views to the Pacific on a clear day it is also possible to see the northern lowlands that stretch all the way to the Caribbean. The hike at Sky Walk offers a more peaceful introduction to exploring Monteverde Cloud Forest that goes through distinct levels of the wonderfully diverse ecosystem. Walk uses these trails and a series of suspension bridges for a one on one experience with the flora and fauna of the forest canopy. You will hike deep into these magical tropical forests to admire nature from a distinct perspective. Crossing hanging bridges with complete views of the forest canopy, and from the floor of the forest a naturalist.

Monteverde Country Lodge or Similar / Breakfast included

Manuel Antonio is home to a namesake national park full of unspoiled beaches and world-class views. Enjoy adventures as diverse as snorkeling and jungle hikes. A great destination for families, there’s something for everyone whether you have young children or college-bound teens. See a variety of Costa Rica’s animals when you peek into tide pools and hike through forests; experience the subtle thrill of birding when you cross a variety of species off of your ‘seen’ list.

Accommodation choices are plentiful, with some of the country's most inspired lodging options to choose from. Imagine the glittering, warm sand of a pristine beach; shimmering blue water laps along the shoreline, as the fresh ocean breeze dances across your skin. Rediscover what it means to have free time, and then spend it with your favorite people.

Hotel Playa Espadilla or Similar / Breakfast included

The pace of this adventure is determined by the consensus of your group’s abilities and interests. There is an abundance of wildlife you will want to stop and observe, all in its natural and breathtaking habitat. Watch sloths and numerous species of monkeys travel through the tree canopy as they hunt for nocturnal silky anteaters and several types of non-poisonous snakes resting in the tropical rainforest. Listen to the songs of the various birds as they glide above your group, curiously looking for adventure. At your convenience and leisure, you can stop and enjoy some local fresh fruits and refreshments as you pause to soak in the beautiful aesthetics. Enjoy some leisure time to swim at the pristine water of the virgin beaches inside of the national park, consider the most beautiful beaches of Costa Rica.

Hotel Playa Espadilla or Similar / Breakfast included

A day to get back to San Jose and relax before the journey home!

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson San Jose or Similar /Breakfast included

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