Quintessential Costa Rica Holiday

Travel Dates: December 20, 2025 December 29, 2025 *

The Quintessential Costa Rica Holiday package offers a thrilling adventure, featuring a mix of natural wonders and exciting activities. Highlights include Manuel Antonio National Park, the Monteverde cloud forest region, a lake crossing to the Arenal Volcano region, relaxing in hot springs, a safari float on the Penas Blancas River, waterfall rappelling, and exploring.

* Our holiday itineraries have specific travel dates. Please contact a Costa Rica Expert if your dates are different.


$3,765

per person for 4 travelers in 2 rooms

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Land Package

*Price valid until: January 7, 2026.

$3,440

per person for 5 travelers in 2 rooms

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Land Package

*Price valid until: January 7, 2026.

$3,205

per person for 6 travelers in 2 rooms

See more pricing details

Land Package

*Price valid until: January 7, 2026.

$3,050

per person for 7 travelers in 2 rooms

See more pricing details

Land Package

*Price valid until: January 7, 2026.

$2,925

per person for 8 passengers in 2 rooms

See more pricing details

Land Package

*Price valid until: January 7, 2026.

10 days

9 nights

Trip Overview:

Daily Itinerary

Dec 20

Arrive at Hotel Si Como No, Manuel Antonio

oday, meet your driver for a ground transfer of approximately 3.5 hours to the Manuel Antonio/Quepos area on the Central Pacific coast.

Arrive at Hotel Si Como No. This charming boutique hotel in Manuel Antonio is a pioneer in eco-tourism and one of the first to embrace “barefoot luxury” in the heart of the tropical rainforest. Enjoy two on-site restaurants, two swimming areas, and a full-service spa. Perched on a hillside overlooking the Pacific, the hotel offers stunning views. Please note: The hillside location means there may be some stair climbing and mild “hiking” as part of your stay.

Dec 21

Private Manuel Antonio National Park Tour

Manuel Antonio is Costa Rica’s most beloved national park, home to three beautiful beaches nestled between lush rainforest trails. Join a naturalist guide for a moderate walk through the park, immersing yourself in the beauty and history of this tropical rainforest. The park is teeming with wildlife, including over 109 species of mammals and 184 bird species. Don’t forget to bring your swimsuit and towel to relax on the beaches after your tour. Overnight at Hotel Si Como No.

Dec 22

Afternoon Cruise on the Brisa Elegante

Enjoy breathtaking views of Manuel Antonio aboard the Brisa Elegante. This 100-foot gulet, the only one of its kind in Central America, features two expansive teak decks and several spacious lounge areas. As the ship glides along the coastline of Manuel Antonio National Park, the crew will greet you with a welcome cocktail and fresh fruit (additional alcoholic beverages are available for purchase at the bar). Keep an eye out for dolphins, turtles, manta rays, and other marine life during the cruise. Weather permitting, the ship will anchor in a sheltered bay, offering opportunities for self-guided snorkeling and other water activities. Afterward, enjoy a freshly prepared dinner before heading back to the marina, just in time to witness a stunning Pacific sunset. Overnight at Hotel Si Como No.

Dec 23

Full-Day Waterfalls Tour

See it all and see it like a local about 1 hour south of Manuel Antonio! Enjoy the South Pacific jungle, beach, and waterfalls on this full-day adventure. The theme of this tour is “off-the-beaten path” as you explore three waterfalls; Each cascade has a swimming hole and one even has a 20ft natural water slide. Depending on weather conditions, you will also visit one of the best local beaches, which is outlined in caves and palm trees. Overnight at Hotel Si Como No.

Dec 24

Transfer to Cloud Forest Lodge, Monteverde

Today, meet your driver for transfer by ground transfer for approximately 3 ½ hours to the Monteverde Cloud Forest region. This high-elevation mountain zone is home to several cloud forest reserves, making it an ideal spot for birdwatching and light nature hikes.

Check in to the Cloud Forest Lodge, a peaceful haven offering the perfect blend of serene nature and convenient access to Monteverde’s best attractions. Nestled within the Bellbird Biological Corridor, midway between the Monteverde Reserve and Santa Elena Reserve, the lodge provides a tranquil escape. Enjoy a relaxing atmosphere and unwind after your day’s adventures. The hotel concierge can assist with restaurant reservations, taxi services, and tour bookings.

Dec 25

Monteverde Aerial Tram, Zipline, and Hanging Bridges (with lunch).

Embark on a captivating trip aboard the TreeTram cableway. Ascend to one of Monteverde’s highest points at 5,700 feet above sea level and begin your quest through the cloud forest. Then, experience one of Costa Rica’s most thrilling canopy adventures! Fly through the trees across 7 ziplines, ranging from 460-2460 feet long, for a total zipline ride spanning 1.9 miles.

You’ll also have the chance to immerse yourself in the cloud forest on the self-guided hanging bridges, traversing a 1.7-mile combination of trails and 6 bridges, ranging from 157 – 774 feet and soaring at heights up to 164 feet. *Height and weight restrictions apply; Inquire for details before booking. OvernightOvernight at Cloud Forest Lodge.

Dec 26

Boat + ground transfer to Lost Iguana Resort, Arenal

Lake Crossing from Monteverde to Arenal: Early this morning, transfer by ground about 1 ½ hours to Rio Chiquito, a small town on the shore of Lake Arenal. Here, you will board a boat and transfer across the lake (approximately 15-25 minutes, depending on wind conditions). The boat will dock at the Arenal Dam where you will ground transfer to your hotel in the Arenal Volcano area.

Arrive at the Lost Iguana Resort. This unique boutique hotel is located on a 100-acre rainforest reserve and offers dramatic volcano views. Guests have access to miles of foot trails for independent exploration, as well as a swimming pool surrounded by forest vegetation. Please note: Lost Iguana Resort is in a secluded natural setting, approximately 15 minutes away from the main roads of Arenal.

Dec 27

Arenal Volcano & Ecotermales Hot Springs

Enjoy a moderate hike along the base of the Arenal Volcano, which offers several trails of varying intensity. Along the way, observe local plants, birds, and the many species endemic to the secondary forest environment. Explore past lava flows and see patches of forest destroyed by the volcanic activity. Then transfer to Ecotermales Hot Springs, located within a natural forest on a private farm. The spa is formed by four pools where you may soak in the thermal waters, enjoy a “natural sauna” from the steam formed by the waters and relax in a low-key, natural environment. Overnight Lost Iguana Resort.

Dec 28

Kayak Safari on the Peñas Blancas River

Enjoy the sights and the sounds of the rainforest on a gentle kayak excursion down the Peñas Blancas River. Your guides will give a brief paddling instruction before you head off down the river in search of monkeys, sloths, reptiles, and elusive tropical birds! Keep an eye on the treetops, the riverbanks, and the waters below to spot some of Costa Rica’s most interesting inhabitants on this unique river journey.Overnight Lost Iguana Resort.

Dec 29

Depart San Jose international airport

This morning, you will transfer by ground approximately 3 hours to the international airport in San Jose for your afternoon or evening 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 Year’s, 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.


Book this vacation

Our custom 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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