OVERVIEW
Hit all the classic Costa Rica deluxe hotels and accommodations on this 8-night vacation package! In Arenal explore the volcano, hanging bridges, hot springs, and take a sloth tour. Next, head to Monteverde where the beauty of the cloud forest will take your breath away. Manuel Antonio National Park is the perfect end to your adventure. Manuel Antonio is the perfect destination for hiking rainforest trails, watersports, a sunset catamaran cruise, and much more. And of course, there’s always a nap in a hammock on the beach!
WHAT'S INCLUDED?
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One way private ground transfer San Jose/Arenal.
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3 nights Arenal Manoa Hotel, junior suite. Includes breakfast daily.
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AM Hanging Bridges Tour. Includes transfers, guide, and entrance
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PM Arenal Sloth Tour. Includes transfers, guide, and refreshments.
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Arenal Volcano & Ecotermales Hot Springs Tour. Includes transfers guide, park and hot springs entrance fees and meal.
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Transfer by boat Arenal/Monteverde.
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2 nights Cloud Forest Lodge, Manakin Suite. Includes breakfast daily.
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Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve Hike. Includes transfers, guide, entrance.
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Don Juan Coffee & Chocolate Tour. Includes transfers, guide, and entrance fees.
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One way private ground transfer Monteverde/Manuel Antonio.
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3 nights Hotel Si Como No, deluxe plus room. Includes breakfast daily.
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Manuel Antonio Park Hike. Includes transfers, guide, and entrance.
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One way private ground transfer Manuel Antonio/San Jose.
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24/7 IN-COUNTRY ASSISTANCE.
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ALL HOTEL TAX INCLUDED.
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All tours can be made private upon request and at an additional cost.
DAILY ITINERARY
Day 1
Transfer to Arenal Manoa Resort & Springs, Arenal
Upon arrival in San Jose, Costa Rica transfer approximately 3 1/2 hours to the Arenal Volcano. Arenal is a cone shaped volcano which dominates the landscape. Arrive at Arenal Manoa Hotel, a spacious hotel with beautiful gardens and some of the best views of Arenal Volcano in the area.
Day 2
AM Hanging Bridges // PM Sloth Tour
Begin the day with a hike over hanging bridges in a private nature reserve. A variety of animals, birds, and vegetation live in the park in an ecosystem unique to this area. Walk over six hanging suspension bridges and eight fixed bridges above the forest canopy with views of Arenal Volcano in sight.
This afternoon, begin your Arenal sloth tour. You'll have the chance to discover some of the best wildlife viewing locations in the area lead by a professional naturalist guide. Look for the iconic Costa Rican sloth in its natural habitat along with birds, iguanas, monkeys, toucans, the blue jean dart frog, and more. Overnight Arenal Manoa Hotel.
Day 3
Arenal Volcano & Ecotermales Hot Springs Tour
Enjoy the extraordinary view of Arenal Volcano on this gentle hike along its base. The hike begins on one of the trails close to the volcano. Look for flowering plants, birds, and some different species of animals found in the rainforest. Discover old lava flows and the patches of forest destroyed by volcanic activity. Then, transfer to Ecotermales Hot Springs, situated on a private farm. The spa is formed by four pools where you can soak in the thermal waters, enjoy a "natural sauna" from the steam formed by the waters and relax in this natural environment. Overnight Arenal Manoa Hotel.
Day 4
Lake Arenal Boat Transfer to Cloud Forest Lodge, Monteverde
Early this morning you will be picked up at your hotel for a local transfer to the boat launch at the Arenal Dam. Passengers will board a comfortable pontoon boat for a ride to the dock at Rio Chiquito, a small town on the shore of Lake Arenal. Upon arrival, passengers will ground transfer approximately 1.5 hours to the Cloud Forest Lodge for overnight. During the rainy season, this transfer may take longer. This high-elevation forest is great for hiking and wildlife.
Arrive at Cloud Forest Lodge located within Bellbird Biological Corridor halfway between Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve and Santa Elena Reserve. A peaceful ambiance permeates the property and offers a stylish repose after a day adventuring.
Day 5
AM Monteverde Cloud Forest Hike; PM Don Juan Coffee & Chocolate Tour
This morning, explore the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. Founded in 1972, the Reserve extends down both slopes of the Tilarán Mountains, with six different ecological life zones and protecting more than 100 species of mammals, 400 species of birds and 1,500 species of plants. From January to July you may observe in its natural habitat the Resplendent Quetzal. Other species include the Three-wattled Bellbird, the Emerald Toucanet, and White-faced and Howler Monkeys.
This afternoon, discover the production of coffee, chocolate, and sugar cane in Costa Rica. Explore how coffee cherries are picked and how the pulp was originally removed before visiting the drying patio and warehouse. Uncover the history of the cocoa pod, make your own chocolate, and give it a taste! Next, try out the traditional Costa Rican method of extracting sugar cane juice and taste test again! Finally, head to the restaurant to enjoy a delicious cup of Costa Rican coffee and browse the gift shop for souvenirs! Overnight Cloud Forest Lodge.
Day 6
Transfer to Hotel Si Como No, Manuel Antonio / Quepos
Today transfer approximately 3 hours by ground to Hotel Si Como No in the Manuel Antonio / Quepos area on the Central Pacific coast for overnight. This award-winning hotel is an exemplary combination of environmentalism, stunning design and barefoot luxury. The hotel's rooms are distributed on ten acres of protected tropical forest. Each room has fully stocked mini-bars, most with private balconies (offering rainforest or ocean views), direct dial telephones, energy efficient air conditioning and security safes. Two unique pool atmospheres are offered – a family pool with water slide and an adult pool for guests 18 and over, with swim up pool bars, whirlpool spas and adjacent open air terraced restaurants. Other features include the Serenity Spa, Regalame Art Gallery, Gift Shop and Internet Cafe, Nature Farm, and Butterfly Garden. A state-of-the-art cinema is a surprise feature of this jungle paradise. Hotel Si Como No is set on a hillside with beautiful views so some stair climbing and mild “hiking” may be a part of your stay.
Day 7
Manuel Antonio National Park Hike
Costa Rica’s favorite national park is tiny Manuel Antonio, featuring three of the country’s most beautiful white sand beaches bordered by dense rainforest and trails abundant in wildlife. Follow a guide for a walk through the park. Keep your eyes and ears open to soak in the wonders of this tropical rainforest and its natural history. The animal life is diverse, with some 109 known species of mammals and 184 species of birds. Expect to spot two or three species of monkeys, sloth, white-nosed coatimundis, agoutis, colorful butterflies, iguanas and various birds. Bring a bathing suit and towel to enjoy the beaches after the tour. Overnight Hotel Si Como No.
Day 8
Manuel Antonio Free Day
Enjoy your last day in Costa Rica by the beach or pool! Don't forget to schedule a spa treatment. Overnight Hotel Si Como No.
Day 9
Depart San Jose, Costa Rica
Today you will be met and driven approximately 3 hours to San Jose international airport for your return flight home.
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 near the airport in San Jose.
Please call one of our experts at 800-827-9046 to discuss your travel details.