Sloth Safari

Upon your morning or afternoon arrival in San Jose, meet your driver for a scenic 3-hour ground transfer to the Arenal Volcano area. While the volcano is currently in a resting phase, the region still offers plenty of exciting activities. Check in at Hotel Arenal Manoa, the perfect base for exploring the Arenal area. The hotel offers stunning views of the Arenal Volcano, a spacious pool, and an on-site restaurant. Stroll through the expansive gardens or visit the on-site farm, which highlights the area's agricultural heritage. The hotel concierge is available to assist with restaurant reservations, taxi services, and tour bookings. Enjoy an overnight stay at Hotel Arenal Manoa.

The Arenal region is renowned for its diverse wildlife, including both species of sloths: the two-toed and three-toed sloth. Your guide will take you to La Fortuna's prime wildlife viewing spots, where you'll have the opportunity to see these fascinating creatures along with toucans and the vibrant blue jean dart frog. Other animals you may encounter include birds, iguanas, and monkeys. After a break to enjoy a traditional Costa Rican snack, embark on a night walk through the only natural frog sanctuary in La Fortuna. As the rainforest comes alive after dark, you'll have the chance to observe colorful frogs and other nocturnal animals at their most active. Arenal Oasis is home to at least 28 species of frogs, and your walk continues along flat trails through the bustling nighttime rainforest, where your guide will point out additional nocturnal wildlife. End your day with an overnight stay at Hotel Arenal Manoa.

Immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of the rainforest as you float down the serene Peñas Blancas River. After a brief paddling lesson from your guides, set off on a gentle river journey in search of monkeys, sloths, reptiles, and elusive tropical birds. Be sure to keep an eye on the treetops, riverbanks, and waters below to catch glimpses of Costa Rica’s fascinating wildlife on this unforgettable adventure. End the day with an overnight stay at Hotel Arenal Manoa.

You will begin with a ground transfer to the boat launch at Arenal Dam, where you'll board a boat for a scenic 45-minute ride across Lake Arenal to the Rio Chiquito dock. Upon arrival, you'll continue with a 1.5 to 2-hour ground transfer to the Monteverde Cloud Forest. Check in at Monteverde Lodge, a renowned and distinctive lodge in the region. The lodge features comfortable rooms, a restaurant and bar, beautiful gardens, and a large Jacuzzi—perfect for relaxing after a day of hiking. The hotel concierge is available to assist with restaurant reservations, taxi services, and tour arrangements.

Transfer to the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, located on the continental divide, for a guided hike through the misty, high-elevation forest with expert naturalist guides. Walk among towering trees and dense vegetation, where you'll encounter giant prehistoric tree ferns and trees adorned with blooming bromeliads. As you explore, keep an eye out for the many bird species that inhabit the forest, including the elusive Resplendent Quetzal. End your day with an overnight stay at Monteverde Lodge.

Today, enjoy a 2-hour ground transfer to the Tenorio/Rio Celeste area, a less-traveled inland region of Guanacaste province known for its unique natural beauty and wildlife, but far quieter than popular spots like Arenal and Monteverde. Arrive at Hideaway Rio Celeste for an overnight stay. This boutique eco-lodge sits next to both Tenorio Volcano National Park and the stunning Río Celeste, one of Costa Rica's most beautiful and distinctive rivers. Guests stay in private casitas surrounded by the tranquility of the forest, offering a peaceful retreat after a day of hiking and adventure. Begin your day with breakfast in the open-air restaurant, and unwind in the secluded pool area during the afternoon.

Discover why Río Celeste and Tenorio National Park are celebrated as biodiversity hotspots in Costa Rica. Just a 2-minute drive from Hideaway Río Celeste, the park features exceptional hiking trails that guide you through a variety of ecosystems, including rainforest, cloud forest, and lowland tropical forest. Along the way, keep an eye and ear out for howler monkeys, toucans, sloths, butterflies, and other incredible wildlife. The highlight of your trek is the breathtaking Río Celeste, with its striking aquamarine waters, culminating at the majestic Río Celeste waterfall—a true natural wonder. Stay overnight at Hideaway Rio Celeste. *Note: Tenorio National Park offers hiking trails of varying difficulty, with the round-trip hike covering 6 kilometers (3.7 miles) and taking about 30 minutes from the park entrance to the Río Celeste waterfall.

Nestled between the Miravalles and Tenorio Volcanoes, the Heliconias Rainforest is a 243-hectare (600-acre) protected forest, perfect for nature lovers. During your hike, you'll cross 15 impressive bridges, each offering a unique vantage point to observe Costa Rica's diverse wildlife and lush flora. Keep an eye out for toucans, tropical birds, sloths, howler monkeys, butterflies, bromeliads, and orchids. This 3-kilometer trail is an easy and relaxing hike, suitable for all ages and fitness levels. End your day with an overnight stay at Hideaway Rio Celeste.

This morning, meet your driver for transfer about 1.5 hours to the international airport in Liberia for your departure.