
Ring in the New Year: Volcano to Beach Escape
Experience the best of Costa Rica on this adventure-filled journey that blends rainforest exploration with relaxing beach time. Begin in the Arenal Volcano region, where you’ll stay at Lomas del Volcán, surrounded by lush landscapes and stunning views. Enjoy thrilling activities like whitewater rafting on the Balsa River and waterfall canyoning through the jungle, along with a guided wildlife tour to spot sloths, toucans, and other native species.
Continue to Tamarindo on the Pacific coast for sun-soaked beach days at the oceanfront Tamarindo Diria Beach Resort. Spend your time unwinding, exploring the vibrant town, and celebrating New Year’s Eve. Cap off your trip with a scenic sunset catamaran cruise along the Gold Coast, complete with opportunities to spot marine life and snorkel in crystal-clear waters.
Trip Highlights
- Arenal Volcano
- Whitewater Rafting
- Waterfall Canyoning
- Tamarindo Beach
- Catamaran Sailing
- Sloth Tour
$13,600
TOTAL for 4 Passengers
See more pricing details
Land only.
*Price valid until: January 31, 2027.
$16,300
TOTAL for 6 Passengers
See more pricing details
Land only.
*Price valid until: January 31, 2027.
$19,850
TOTAL for 8 Passengers
See more pricing details
Land only.
*Price valid until: January 31, 2027.
Trip Overview:
Daily Itinerary:
Dec 26
Arrival Transfer: San Jose to Hotel Lomas del Volcan (Arenal Volcano)
Upon your morning or afternoon arrival in San Jose, meet your driver for a ground transfer to the Arenal Volcano area, approximately 3 hours away. Although the volcano is currently in a resting phase, the region offers exciting opportunities.
Arrive at Lomas del Volcan for overnight. Set at the base of Arenal Volcano, Lomas del Volcán features private bungalows with stunning views in every direction. Guests have exclusive access to the Los Congos Trail, along with a large pool and a relaxing jacuzzi area. After a day of exploring, recharge at the hotel spa, dine at Hojarasca Restaurant, or unwind with a drink at La Arboleda Bar. The hotel concierge is also available to assist with restaurant reservations, transportation, and tour arrangements.
Dec 27
Rio Balsa Whitewater Rafting (Class II-III):
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 breathtaking views of nature. You might spot tropical birds and other mammals across the jungle landscapes that surround the river region. Overnight Hotel Lomas del Volcan.
Dec 28
Pure Trek Waterfall Canyoning
Hike through lush forest trails that lead to some of Costa Rica’s most breathtaking waterfalls. Using specialized techniques and standard mountaineering equipment, uncover hidden corners of the canyon that few get to experience. After a brief safety briefing, gear up and take a short trek to the top of the first waterfall, where your descent begins.
The adventure includes five rappels, four of which are alongside cascading waterfalls and one down a dry rock face, ranging in height from 20 to 50 meters. Each descent delivers an exhilarating rush, surrounded by vertical water, dense jungle foliage, untouched wildlife, and a true sense of solitude and adventure.
Overnight at Hotel Lomas del Volcán.
Dec 29
Afternoon Sloth Tour
The gentle, smiling face of the sloth has become an iconic symbol of Costa Rica’s incredible rainforest wildlife. The Arenal region is especially rich in biodiversity and home to both the two-toed and three-toed sloth. Along the way, you may also spot vibrant toucans and the colorful blue jean dart frog.
As you search for these remarkable species, your guide will take you through some of La Fortuna’s best wildlife viewing areas. Keep an eye out for birds, iguanas, and even monkeys that often appear along the route.
Overnight at Hotel Lomas del Volcán.
Dec 30
Transfer to Tamarindo Diria Beach Resort (Tamarindo)
Today, you will transfer approximately 3 ½ – 4 hours to Tamarindo, a vibrant beach town on the Northern Pacific Coast.
Arrive at the Tamarindo Diria Beach Resort for overnight. As the only hotel set directly on the white sands of Tamarindo Beach, Diria is framed by lush, beautifully maintained tropical gardens. It’s an ideal base for experiencing the best of Costa Rica, from laid-back beach culture to exciting outdoor adventures.
Dec 31
Tamarindo Free Day
Relax by the pool, walk along the beach, book a surf lesson, or explore Tamarindo. Add restaurant reservations, taxi services, and tours with the help of the hotel’s concierge.
This evening, enjoy a New Year’s Eve dinner at your hotel.Overnight Tamarindo Diria Beach Resort.
Jan 1
Sunset Catamaran Sailing
This afternoon, depart from Tamarindo* and glide along Costa Rica’s Gold Coast while passing some of Guanacaste’s exotic bays, white sand beaches, and tropical jungles. With a cold tropical drink in hand, enjoy amazing views of Costa Rica, mesmerizing wildlife sightings of dolphins, sea turtles, flying fish, and the occasional breaching whale. The catamaran will drop anchor in a tranquil bay so you can swim and snorkel in the blue Pacific, while the crew prepares a light meal. The cruise ends just in time for a beautiful Pacific sunset. Overnight Tamarindo Diria Beach Resort. *The cruise departs from the public beach in Tamarindo (a 10-15 walk from your hotel).
Jan 2
Tamarindo Free Day
Relax by the pool, walk along the beach, book a surf lesson, or explore Tamarindo. Add restaurant reservations, taxi services, and tours with the help of the hotel’s concierge. Overnight Tamarindo Diria Beach Resort.
Jan 3
Departure Transfer: Liberia International Airport (LIR)
This morning, you will transfer by ground approximately 1 – 1.5 hours to the international airport in Liberia for your 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 Years, 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 at a hotel near the airport.
Please call one of our experts at 800-827-9046 to discuss your travel details.
Book this vacation
Our private 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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