
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 a volcano view boutique hotel surrounded by lush landscapes and stunning views. Enjoy thrilling activities like whitewater rafting on the Balsa River and waterfall canyoning , along with a guided wildlife tour to spot sloths, toucans, and other native species.
Continue to Playa Hermosa, a quiet coastal town with a calm, swimmable beach. Spend your time unwinding, or rent kayaks and paddleboards for self-guided water adventures. Celebrate New Year’s Eve with a special dinner at your hotel, and cap off your trip with a scenic sunset catamaran cruise (complete with the opportunity for casual snorkeling and swimming).
Trip Highlights
- Arenal Volcano
- Whitewater Rafting
- Waterfall Canyoning
- Playa Hermosa
- Catamaran Sailing
- Sloth Tour
$12,700
TOTAL for 4 Passengers (2 rooms)
See more pricing details
Packages for2 – 4 passengers sharing 1 room also available. Land Package Only.
*Price valid until: January 31, 2027.
$15,000
TOTAL for 6 Passengers (2 rooms)
See more pricing details
Packages for2 – 4 passengers sharing 1 room also available. Land Package Only.
*Price valid until: January 31, 2027.
$18,300
TOTAL for 8 Passengers (2 rooms)
See more pricing details
Packages for2 – 4 passengers sharing 1 room also available. Land Package Only.
*Price valid until: January 31, 2027.
December 26, 2026 – January 3, 2027
Day-by-day Itinerary:
Dec 26
Arrive in San Jose OR Liberia, transfer 3 hours to Hotel Lomas del Volcan (Arenal Volcano)
Upon your morning or afternoon arrival in San Jose OR Liberia, meet your driver for private transfer to the Arenal Volcano area.
Arrive at Lomas del Volcan . 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 & Rappel
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 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 Hotel Bosque del Mar (Playa Hermosa)
Today, you will transfer approximately 3 – 3 ½ to Playa Hermosa, a quiet coastal town in northern Guanacaste.
Arrive at Playa Hermosa Bosque del Mar .Located on one of the best-maintained beaches in the country, Playa Hermosa offers visitors calm waters encircled by tropical dry forest, making it the perfect place for travelers of all ages to relax. This rustic and charming “Hemingway-style” hotel offers a bar &, restaurant, a quaint swimming pool surrounded by local vegetation, hammocks swinging amidst tropical gardens, and laundry service. With just over 30 rooms and suites, Playa Hermosa Bosque del Mar is a boutique hotel experience reminiscent of the Costa Rica of yesteryear.
Dec 31
Free Day in Playa Hermosa
Free Day: Head to the beach, relax by the pool, or explore the area! Add restaurant reservations, taxi services, and tours with the help of the hotel concierge.
This evening, enjoy a New Year’s Eve dinner at your hotel.Overnight Hotel Bosque del Mar.
Jan 1
Sunset Catamaran Sailing
This afternoon, you’ll transfer just a few minutes to Playa del Coco, where you will 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 Hotel Bosque del Mar.
Jan 2
Free Day in Playa Hermosa
Free Day: Head to the beach, relax by the pool, or explore the area! Add restaurant reservations, taxi services, and tours with the help of the hotel concierge. Overnight Playa Hermosa Bosque del Mar.
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 Spring/Break 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.
Compare Similar Vacations
-
Classic Costa Rica Deluxe
Hit all the classic Costa Rica deluxe hotels and experiences with this vacation package! Explore Arenal’s hanging bridges, hot springs, and head out in search of sloths. Next, travel across Lake Arenal to Monteverde and witness the breathtaking beauty of the high-elevation cloud forest. Manuel Antonio is your final stop, where you can hike the…
Price
$3045 per adult, double occupancy
Destinations Visited
Duration
| -
Active Costa Rica Adventure
Our Active Costa Rica Adventure vacation package ventures the length of the country to some of the most adventurous options available. Begin your adventure in the bustling capital city of San Jose. Then, spend two days white water rafting. Visit Arenal Volcano, where you’ll experience canyon rappelling, mountain biking, and kayaking. Bask in the beauty…
Price
$3695 per adult, double occupancy
Destinations Visited
Duration
| -

Costa Rica Family Adventure
This is family fun at its finest! Our Costa Rica Family Adventure vacation is sun, sand, and adventure – all wrapped into one 7-night package. This family-friendly Costa Rica vacation combines adventure, wildlife, and relaxation for an unforgettable tropical escape. Explore the Arenal Volcano region with safari floats, zip-lining, and sloth-spotting tours before heading to the…
Price
$3065 per adult (double occupancy)
$899 per child (age 11 and under)
Destinations Visited
Duration
|