OVERVIEW
Our 7-night Volcano & Cloud Forest Holiday vacation package introduces you to the best and most beautiful of Costa Rica’s unique ecosystems. Uncover the mysteries of the cloud forest at Monteverde, a world-class birding destination. Then, explore the process of producing coffee at a local plantation. From Arenal Volcano, discover the forest canopy on hanging bridges and float along jungle estuaries.
*This itinerary is only available to passengers aged 13 years and older due to age restrictions at the included hotels/room categories.
WHAT'S INCLUDED?
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One way private ground transfer San Jose/Monteverde.
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3 nights Monteverde Lodge, 2 Motmot Suites. Includes breakfast daily.
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Monteverde Reserve Hike. Includes transfers, naturalist guide and entrance fees.
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Don Juan Coffee & Chocolate Tour. Includes transfers, guide and entrance fees.
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Monteverde Sky Aerial Tram & Trek Zipline Tour. Includes transfers, guide, entrance fees and equipment.
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Night Walk. Includes transfers and guide.
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One way private ground and boat transfer Monteverde/Arenal.
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4 nights Amor Arenal, 2 Canyon Casitas. Includes breakfast daily and New Year's Eve dinner.
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Private Pure Nature Safari Float. Includes transfers, guide, equipment and snack.
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3-Course Cooking Class. Includes transfers, chef, and tropical drinks.
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Private Arenal Hanging Bridges & La Fortuna Waterfall Hikes. Includes transfers, guide, entrance and lunch.
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One way private ground transfer Arenal/San Jose.
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24/7 IN-COUNTRY ASSISTANCE.
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ALL HOTEL TAX INCLUDED.
DAILY ITINERARY
Day 1
Arrive Monteverde Lodge, Monteverde Cloud Forest
Upon arrival in San Jose, Costa Rica you will be met and driven approximately 3 hours to Monteverde Lodge outside the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. The lodge offers comfortable rooms, beautiful gardens, and a large Jacuzzi - perfect after a day hiking in the forest!
Day 2
Private Monteverde Reserve Tour / Don Juan Coffee Tour
In the morning, discover the high-elevation cloud forest with a professional naturalist guide. Hike along misty trails looking for wildlife while your guide points out blooming bromeliads, prehistoric tree ferns, and many birds that call Monteverde home. This is a birding paradise! Be on the lookout for the rare Resplendent Quetzal!
In the afternoon, you'll be driven to Don Juan's Coffee Plantation for a tour and tasting! Begin with an introduction to the lifecycle of the coffee plant. Discover how coffee cherries are picked. Then, you'll see how the pulp was originally removed before visiting the drying house. Next, learn a bit about the cocoa pod and some traditional recipes. Finally, try out the original method of extracting sugar cane. Don't forget to do plenty of taste testing! At the end of the tour, return to the restaurant for a fresh cup of local coffee and some culinary souvenirs. Overnight Monteverde Lodge.
Day 3
Tram & Trek Zipline / Night Hike
The Sky Aerial Tram is a cableway that will bring you up through the forest canopy to where your zipline adventure begins. At the platform, take off on 11 cross-sectional ziplines and 2 very long cables above the treetops. Following your adventure, unwind and enjoy panoramic views from 2 observation decks.
A professional naturalist guide will lead you through this nocturnal cloud forest habitat. Explore the nocturnal species of the cloud forest including frogs, snakes, insects, and owls. Overnight Monteverde Lodge.
Day 4
Lake transfer to Amor Arenal, Arenal Volcano
Today you will be met and driven to the Lake Arenal boat dock for a lake transfer. You will then be met and driven to Amor Arenal in the Arenal / La Fortuna region for overnight. Amor Arenal is a boutique rainforest resort with private casitas surrounded by tropical foliage and featuring a thermal soaking pool. Enjoy inventive cuisine at one of Amor's signature dining experiences or book a relaxing spa treatment at their full-service spa.
Day 5
Private Pure Nature Safari Float
Leisurely float down the Frio River on a boat with no motors looking for monkeys, turtles, sloths, iguanas, and birds. A professional naturalist will show you the unique treasures and relationships of the river. After your float, have homemade snacks at a family farm and practice your Spanish!
This evening, enjoy a New Year's Eve Dinner at Amor Arenal. Overnight Amor Arenal.
Day 6
3-Course Cooking Class
This hands-on tropical cooking class is led by local chefs. Enjoy an entertaining afternoon exploring tropical ingredients, grilling, and even cocktails! Beginners and experienced cooks will enjoy this class - all skill levels are welcome! You can participate or opt to watch and take notes. The experience is yours! Overnight Amor Arenal..
Day 7
Private Arenal Hanging Bridges & La Fortuna Waterfall Hike
The Arenal Hanging Bridges Hike brings you through a private nature reserve on a hike that consists of 8 fixed and 6 hanging bridges. The bridges are built with vantage points for observing the forest canopy and the wildlife that resides there. From here, head to La Fortuna Waterfall, a cascade that plummets 300 meters into a refreshing pool of water. Hike down to the base of the waterfall and take a swim in the nearby swimmer to cool off. Overnight Amor Arenal.
Day 8
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.