Rainforest & Volcano Escape: December 26 – January 4
Skip the holiday hustle and bustle with a Rainforest and Volcano Escape! After a night in the San Jose area, you’ll fly to the remote Osa Peninsula. Enjoy the comforts of a modern resort at the gateway of Costa Rica’s most impressive rainforest and wildlife. You’ll cruise the serene Golfo Dulce (a common whale migration site late December – February) and venture out with a guide to look for monkeys and other wildlife on a guided nature tour in Puerto Jimenez. Then, visit Costa Rica’s adventure capital: the Arenal Volcano region. Get your thrills on class II-III whitewater rapids, rappel down waterfalls in a rainforest canyon, and fly through the skies on the country’s most impressive zip-line.
Travel Dates: December 26, 2025 – January 4, 2026 *
$14,750
TOTAL for 4 passengers
See more pricing details
Land Package
*Price valid until: January 4, 2026.
$16,650
TOTAL for 5 passengers
See more pricing details
Land Package
*Price valid until: January 4, 2026.
$17,730
TOTAL for 6 passengers
See more pricing details
Land Package
*Price valid until: January 4, 2026.
Trip Highlights
- Osa Peninsula Rainforest
- Golfo Dulce
- Arenal Volcano
- Whitewater Rafting
- Waterfall Rappelling
- Zip-lining
Trip Overview:
Daily Itinerary
Dec 26
Transfer to Costa Rica Marriott, San Jose
Upon arrival in San Jose, meet your driver for transfer approximately 25 minutes to your hotel. Note: transfer times may vary during high-volume travel periods.
Arrive at the Costa Rica Marriott Hacienda Belen Hotel for overnight. Set on a 30-acre coffee plantation, this charming colonial hacienda offers a blend of unique architecture and elegant antiques. The luxury hotel boasts stunning grounds, exceptional service, and a tranquil atmosphere, all surrounded by the vibrant landscape of the Central Valley’s mountains. For those seeking active pursuits, the property features a health club with a weight room, exercise area, saunas, and a fitness center, along with jogging and nature trails, three tennis courts, and a driving range with a golf pro shop.
Dec 27
Flight to Botanika Osa Peninsula (Puerto Jimenez)
This morning, transfer approximately 20 minutes to the airport in San Jose. Check in for a short flight to Puerto Jimenez on the remote Osa Peninsula.
Upon arrival, meet your driver for transfer just 5 minutes to your hotel. Arrive at Botanika Osa Peninsula. Nestled among Costa Rica’s unspoiled rainforest, Botanika’s guest rooms, suites, and multi-bedroom villas offer comfortable and chic accommodations in an eco-resort setting. Guests enjoy access to the resort’s Cahui Beach Club, bicycle rentals, an outdoor lagoon-style pool with two hot tubs and cabanas, a full-service spa, and impressive dining options at Tierra a la Mesa and Driza Bar & Grill. The adjacent Crocodile Bay Marina is ideal for sportfishing enthusiasts in search of their next great catch! Whether you pack your stay activities or simply relax at the resort, your stay at Botanika will be hard to forget.
Dec 28
Monkey Tour
Head out with a naturalist guide to discover the mystique of four species of monkeys—the Spider Monkey, the Howler Monkey, the White-Throated Capuchin Monkey, and the Central American Squirrel Monkey. This is the only area of Costa Rica where all four live in harmony, highlighting the Osa Peninsula’s elevated level of biodiversity.
The remainder of the day is free lounge by the pool, unwind at the spa, head to Cahui Beach Club, book additional guided excursions, or rent a bicycle and explore independently. Overnight Botanika Osa Peninsula Resort.
Dec 29
Golfo Dulce Boat Tour
The serene Golfo Dulce, one of the most pristine tropical gulfs in the world, is surrounded by lush mountainous rainforest and mangrove wetlands. Approximately 30 miles long and nearly half an hour by boat to the far shore, it is an ideal leisurely ride for those who want to enjoy the wind in their hair while viewing the sights & wildlife of the shoreline. Keep an eye out for dolphins, turtles, pelicans and – if you’re – whales!
The remainder of the day is free lounge by the pool, unwind at the spa, head to Cahui Beach Club, book additional guided excursions, or rent a bicycle and explore independently. Overnight Botanika Osa Peninsula Resort.
Dec 30
Free Day
Enjoy the beach, rent bikes and paddleboards, charter a fishing boat at Crocodile Bay Marina, have a relaxing pool day, or book excursions with the hotel concierge. Overnight Botanika Osa Peninsula Resort.
Dec 31
Flight to San Jose, Transfer to Lost Iguana Resort (Arenal Volcano)
This morning, transfer just 5 minutes to the airport in Puerto Jimenez. Check in for your flight to San Jose. Upon arrival, meet your driver for transfer by ground approximately 3 hours to the Arenal Volcano area.
Arrive at Lost Iguana Resort. Set within a 100-acre rainforest reserve, the resort boasts stunning views of the volcano. Guests can explore miles of hiking trails at their own pace and enjoy a pool nestled amidst lush forest surroundings. Please note: Lost Iguana Resort is located in a peaceful, secluded area, about 15 minutes from Arenal’s main roads. The hotel concierge is available to assist with restaurant reservations, taxi services, and local tours.
Jan 1
Rio Balsa Whitewater Rafting Class II – III
The Balsa River features Class II and III rapids, making it suitable for both first-time paddlers and those seeking a more challenging experience. The river’s flow is typical of the Northern Zone of Costa Rica, with continuous Class III rapids and small pools in between during the first half, followed by calmer rapids perfect for wildlife watching in the second half. Flowing through the rainforest’s lowlands, the Balsa River offers stunning views of the natural surroundings, where you may encounter tropical birds and various mammals. Overnight at Lost Iguana Resort.
Jan 2
‘Pure Trek’ Waterfall Canyoning
Embark on an exciting trek through the forest, following trails that lead to some of Costa Rica’s most stunning waterfalls. Uncover hidden secrets deep within the canyon using specialized techniques and mountaineering equipment. After a brief safety briefing, you’ll gear up and begin a short hike to the top of the first waterfall to begin your descent. Experience five rappels—four along waterfalls and one dry rock face—ranging from 20 to 50 meters in height, all designed to get your heart racing! Prepare for vertical water, lush jungle surroundings, undisturbed wildlife, and an exhilarating adventure! Overnight at Lost Iguana Resort.
Jan 3
Sky Tram & Trek Zipline
Hop aboard the Sky Tram for stunning views of the Arenal Volcano and Lake Arenal as you ascend to your ziplining adventure. The tram ride ends at an observation platform, the highest point of the Arenal Reserve, where you’ll receive a brief safety briefing from your guides before venturing into the canopy. The Sky Trek is an exhilarating canopy tour featuring 7 zip-lines scattered throughout the forest. As you soar through the treetops, take in the breathtaking views of Lake Arenal and the majestic volcano. The ziplines range from 30 to 750 meters in length and 20 to 200 meters in height, allowing you to fly above the tallest trees and enjoy panoramic vistas. Overnight at Lost Iguana Resort. *Height and weight restrictions apply; please inquire before booking.
Jan 4
Morning Transfer to San Jose for Departure
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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