The Most Costa Rica Adventure - 9 Days

Welcome to Costa Rica: Your Journey Begins

Your adventure starts the moment you land at Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) in vibrant San José, Costa Rica’s bustling capital. Known as one of Latin America’s most cosmopolitan cities, San José is a hub of culture, history, and lively energy. Its downtown area is a dynamic maze of streets lined with museums, plazas, and local eateries, giving you a glimpse into Costa Rica's rich heritage.

Upon arrival, a friendly representative will greet you at the airport exit after you've completed immigration and customs formalities. They’ll assist with your luggage and guide you to your private transfer vehicle. During the short 15–25 minute drive to your hotel, you’ll receive a warm introduction to Costa Rica, along with insightful recommendations to enhance your trip.

Your first night will be spent at the charming San José Autentico Hotel, conveniently located near the city and offering a relaxing start to your holiday. After check-in, your guide will go over the details of your itinerary, ensuring you're prepared for the exciting adventures ahead.

Accommodation Details:

Hotel: San José Autentico Hotel (orsimialr) Room Type: Standard Room Meals: Breakfast Included Rating: 3 Stars Duration: 1 Night Let the magic of Costa Rica begin!

Thrills on the Pacuare River and the Scenic Beauty of Arenal

Whitewater Rafting on the Pacuare River Prepare for an exhilarating day as you're picked up from your San José area hotel and transported to the operations center in Siquirres. Here, you'll enjoy a hearty, traditional Costa Rican breakfast to fuel your adventure. After breakfast, you’ll gear up for an unforgettable rafting experience and head to the private put-in along the banks of the stunning Pacuare River.

Your professional rafting guides will provide all necessary equipment, conduct a thorough safety briefing, and teach you paddling techniques before you hit the water. Then, the adventure begins! Paddle deep into the heart of Costa Rica’s pristine primary rainforest, navigating the world-class Class III-IV rapids that make the Pacuare River one of the top whitewater destinations in the world.

As you wind through 19 miles of thrilling rapids, immerse yourself in the breathtaking surroundings. Towering waterfalls, vibrant tropical flora, exotic wildlife, and the lush rainforest canopy create a truly immersive experience in nature. The Pacuare River is not only about adrenaline—it's also about serenity, beauty, and unforgettable memories.

After the rafting adventure, you'll return to the operations center for a delicious lunch and time to freshen up with a shower and a change of clothes.

Journey to Arenal Volcano Next, you'll travel to Arenal, home to one of Costa Rica’s most iconic natural landmarks. Rising to an impressive 5,437 feet (1,657 meters), Arenal Volcano dominates the skyline with its near-perfect conical shape. Though dormant since 2010, its grandeur is no less captivating, set against the lush rainforest at its base.

Your stay will be at the charming Arenal Montechiari Hotel, perfectly located to explore the area’s natural wonders. From hot springs to hiking trails, Arenal offers countless opportunities for relaxation and adventure.

Accommodation Details:

Hotel: Arenal Montechiari Hotel (or similar) Room Type: Standard Room Meals: Breakfast Included Rating: 3 Stars Duration: 2 Nights Get ready to blend adrenaline, nature, and tranquillity as you explore the best of Costa Rica!

Morning: Canyoning Adventure Kickstart your day with an adrenaline-filled canyoning experience in Costa Rica’s lush rainforest. This thrilling adventure begins with a gentle introduction as you rappel down the “Baby,” a modest 10-foot waterfall, perfect for learning the ropes. As your confidence grows, take on the “Big Boy,” the second largest waterfall, where midway you’ll hear the exhilarating call to “LET GO!” Experience the thrill of your first guided free fall, an unforgettable rush!

The ultimate challenge awaits at the grand finale—the towering 200-foot Lost Canyon waterfall. This awe-inspiring rappel will leave you feeling accomplished and invigorated. After conquering the canyon, indulge in a delicious traditional Costa Rican lunch to refuel and savour the memories of your daring feats.

Afternoon: Explore the Arenal Volcano Rainforest After lunch, dive into the natural wonders of the Arenal region with a guided hike through the lush rainforest of Arenal Volcano 1968 Park. Accompanied by a knowledgeable bilingual naturalist, discover the fascinating flora and fauna of Costa Rica’s vibrant primary and secondary rainforests.

The trail leads you to the closest observation point at the base of the iconic Arenal Volcano, offering breathtaking panoramic views. Capture unforgettable photos of this majestic landmark while learning about the area’s unique history and ecology.

Evening: Relax at Paradise Hot Springs Cap off your day with ultimate relaxation at Paradise Hot Springs. Immerse yourself in natural thermal pools and jacuzzis, each offering varying temperatures and targeted hydromassages for your back, legs, and feet. The tranquil atmosphere, soothing music, and attentive guest capacity create the perfect setting to unwind.

Enjoy access to showers, luxurious reclinable beds, sun umbrellas, and optional body treatments to enhance your experience. As the day winds down, delight in a sumptuous dinner surrounded by the serene beauty of the hot springs.

Included:

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Activities: Canyoning, Guided Rainforest Hike, Hot Springs Experience This day blends heart-pounding adventure, immersive nature exploration, and peaceful rejuvenation—an all-encompassing Costa Rican experience!

Morning: Arenal Lake Crossing Begin your journey with a seamless and scenic transfer that combines comfortable minivan travel with a breathtaking cruise across Lake Arenal. This tranquil lake offers stunning views of the majestic Arenal Volcano and the verdant Tilarán Mountain Range. Along the way, keep your eyes peeled for wetland birds such as kingfishers, flycatchers, and waders that thrive along the lakeshore.

Your adventure starts with a pick-up from your Arenal hotel, taking you to the Lake Arenal dam, where you'll board a covered boat. During the 45-minute cruise, you'll soak in the serene beauty of the lake, framed by lush landscapes and dramatic vistas.

After the cruise, a 1.5-hour journey by minivan takes you up the mountainside to Monteverde. This scenic drive winds through steep roads with panoramic views of green valleys and cloud-draped peaks.

Afternoon: Arrival in Monteverde Upon arrival, you'll find yourself in a completely different world—Monteverde, aptly named "green mountain." Home to cool, misty cloud forests and lush greenery, this is the perfect retreat for nature enthusiasts.

The first stop is Santa Elena, a charming town filled with local cafes, restaurants, galleries, and small shops. Monteverde itself is a serene, spread-out area centered around the famous Cloud Forest Reserve, with hotels and attractions dotting a picturesque dirt road. Whether you're here for zip-lining, coffee plantation tours, or simply enjoying the natural surroundings, Monteverde promises plenty of adventure and fresh mountain air.

Evening: Horseback Riding Tour In the afternoon, embark on a memorable horseback riding tour through Monteverde’s traditional farmlands and lush terrain. This tour offers an up-close view of Costa Rica’s rural life as you ride past plantations of coffee, banana, and sugarcane, as well as forested areas and grazing lands.

Along the way, take in the best panoramic views of the Gulf of Nicoya and the majestic cloud forest mountains. The well-trained horses are suitable for all ages, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.

Accommodation Details:

Hotel: Monteverde Country Lodge Room Type: Standard Room Meals: Breakfast Included Rating: 3 Stars This journey blends relaxation, breathtaking scenery, and immersive nature experiences, offering a perfect balance of adventure and tranquillity in Costa Rica’s Central Highlands.

Monteverde Zip Line Adventure: Soar Through the Cloud Forest Canopy

Experience the thrill of zip-lining through Monteverde’s pristine cloud forest on an unforgettable adventure set in a private 70-acre reserve established in 1994. Your journey begins with a short guided walk through the reserve, allowing you to immerse yourself in the lush surroundings of both primary (old growth) and secondary (new growth) forest.

As you ascend into the treetops, prepare to glide along 14 zip line cables connected by 17 platforms, offering breathtaking views of the vibrant forest below. Listen closely to the songs of the many bird species that inhabit this unique ecosystem, and feel the rush of becoming one with the canopy.

The excitement continues with an exhilarating rappel from the iconic “Scary Tree” and a heart-pounding Tarzan swing, adding a daring finish to this high-flying adventure.

This tour is the perfect combination of adrenaline, nature, and exploration, making it an essential Costa Rican experience for adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

Scenic Shuttle Transfer from Monteverde to Samara Beach

Begin your journey to paradise with a comfortable shuttle transfer from Monteverde to Samara Beach, located on the stunning Nicoya Peninsula. The 4.5-hour drive takes you from the cool, misty cloud forests of Monteverde to the sun-kissed shores of one of Costa Rica's most picturesque beaches.

Welcome to Samara Beach Set within a crescent-shaped bay, Samara Beach is renowned for its breathtaking sunsets, gentle waves, and laid-back vibe. This idyllic destination is perfect for a relaxed beach getaway, offering opportunities for swimming, surfing, and unwinding by the ocean.

The beach features distinct areas to suit every mood:

West End: Bustling with activity, this area offers great waves for surfing, as well as beach lounges, restaurants, surf schools, massage stands, and lively bars. East End: Quieter and calmer, perfect for a tranquil swim or lounging on the sand. The compact and walkable town of Samara makes it easy to explore on foot. Whether you're looking for local eateries, beachfront bars, or tour operators offering activities like kayaking and snorkeling, Samara has something for everyone.

Accommodation Details:

Hotel: Hotel Giada Room Type: Standard Room Meals: Breakfast Included Rating: 3 Stars Duration: 2 Nights Get ready to soak in the tropical charm and laid-back atmosphere of Samara Beach—an ideal destination for relaxation and fun in Costa Rica.

If you have always wanted to learn to surf in the tropics, Samara beach is your answer! The 7 kilometers long white sand beach is framed by mountains and the striking Chora Island is just offshore. Since Samara Beach is largely protected by an outer reef, the waves are easy to catch and are perfect for beginners.

After enjoying a final breakfast in Samara you will have a 5.5 hour transfer back to San Jose where you have a free evening for some last shopping and exploring.

San Jose Autentico Hotel / Standard Room / Breakfast included / 3 Stars (1 Night/s)

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.