
Arenal & Monteverde Holiday
This “best of” itinerary gives you the Costa Rica highlights in just 6 nights! First, visit the Arenal Volcano region and experience the famous Tabacon hot springs. Then, cross Lake Arenal by boat and head for the small town of Santa Elena in the mountainous Monteverde Cloud Forest region. You’ll zip-line through the misty cloud forest canopy and walk across bridges from treetop to treetop. Wind down your active holiday with a horseback ride through Santa Elena’s backroads and pastures to get a sense of local life and appreciate the mountain scenery.
Travel Dates: December 28, 2025 – January 3, 2026 *
$4,299
per person (DOUBLE OCCUPANCY)
See more pricing details
Land Package
*Price valid until: January 31, 2026.
Trip Overview:
Daily Itinerary
Dec 27
Arrive at Tabacon Thermal Resort (Arenal Volcano)
Today, meet your driver for transfer by ground for approximately 3 hours to the Arenal Volcano area. Although the volcano is currently in a resting phase, the region offers exciting opportunities.
Arrive at the Tabacón Thermal Resort. Guests of Tabacón enjoy complimentary access to the hotel’s network natural hot springs, fed by the volcano. Enjoy gourmet cuisine at Aves Restaurant or head to the hot springs and eat at Tucanes. Guests age 18 and over can access the Shangri-La Gardens, which features its own bar and spa area for added privacy. With a mix of family-friendly rooms and adults-only suites, Tabacón is one of Arenal’s most impressive hotels.
Dec 28
Rio Balsa Whitewater Rafting Class III-IV
The Balsa River offers a range of class II and III rapids for both first-time paddlers and experienced paddlers looking for a challenge. The dynamic on this river is typical of most rivers in the Northern Zone of Costa Rica: continuous Class III rapids with small pools in between for the first half, and less intense rapids (great for wildlife watching) in the second half. The Balsa River is set in the lowlands of the rainforest, providing breath-taking views of nature. You might spot tropical birds and other mammals across the jungle landscapes that surround the river region. Overnight Tabacon Thermal Resort.
Dec 29
La Fortuna Waterfall & Farm Visit
Begin your unforgettable adventure at the majestic 70-meter-high La Fortuna Waterfall. After descending approximately 530 steps through a lush forest, you will arrive at the waterfall’s crystal-clear base, where you can enjoy a refreshing swim while soaking in the beauty of the natural surroundings. Your journey continues at La Finquita Farm & Restaurant, where you will enjoy a delicious lunch. The farm reflects Costa Rica’s agricultural traditions, offering visitors an authentic look into rural life. Overnight Tabacon Thermal Resort.
Dec 30
Transfer to Senda Monteverde (Monteverde Cloud Forest)
Transfer by land to the Arenal Dam boat launch and embark on a 45-minute boat ride across Lake Arenal to Rio Chiquito. From there, enjoy a 1.5-2 hour drive to the Monteverde Cloud Forest region. This high-elevation mountain location is perfect for nature hikes, birdwatching, and relaxation.
Arrive at Senda Monteverde, Monteverde’s newest upscale hotel. Casual, playful elegance combines with luxury amenities and contemporary design to create the only experience of its kind in this mountainous region of Costa Rica. Accented with gorgeous local artwork and playful nooks to relax, Senda creates a respite after a day outdoors. The hotel’s 24 guest rooms and suites feature open-air porches overlooking lush gardens or the Pacific Ocean in the distance.
Jan 1
Monteverde Aerial Tram, Trek Zipline, & Hanging Bridges with Lunch
Take a scenic ride aboard the TreeTram cableway, ascending to 5,700 feet above sea level to explore the cloud forest. Then, soar across 7 ziplines, covering 1.9 miles of thrilling canopy adventure. You’ll also experience the cloud forest from above on a self-guided walk along hanging bridges, spanning 1.7 miles and reaching heights of up to 164 feet. *Height and weight restrictions apply. Overnight Senda Monteverde.
Jan 2
Local Horseback Riding Tour
Embark on a memorable horseback ride through the stunning private trails of an 80-hectare farm. Experience breathtaking views of the lush forest, open fields, and coffee and banana plantations, with a panoramic vista of the Nicoya Gulf. This ride offers a unique glimpse into the rural life of the Monteverde region. *Maximum rider weight: 250 lbs. Overnight Senda Monteverde.
Jan 3
Depart San Jose International Airport
This morning, you will transfer by ground approximately 3 hours to the international airport in San Jose for your afternoon or evening departure.
Pricing is valid through the date listed for each itinerary (all pricing is subject to change until booked and confirmed). Holiday season supplements apply for Christmas, New Year’s, Presidents’ Day, and Easter travel dates. Green season specials and/or lower rates may apply for May to November travel dates.
All itineraries are land only, and international airfare is quoted separately. Itinerary adjustments may be necessary depending on your international flight schedule. For example, a late arrival will usually require a night near the airport in San Jose.
Please call one of our experts at 800-827-9046 to discuss your travel details.
Book this vacation
Our custom vacation packages include accommodations, in-country transportation, and day tours to make your vacation hassle-free. Due to high demand, we are not offering individual day tours at this time. All vacation packages require a 7-day minimum.
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