Poas Volcano

Arrival: San Jose (Liberia also possible)

Head to an airport hotel where you can spend the rest of the day by the pool or stay in central San José and explore the city. If you arrive early enough or want to add days in San José there are many additional activities we can add. Some of our recommendations are the Poas Volcano half day tour or the La Paz Waterfalls tour. San Jose is central to many sights so is the perfect place to do many day trips.

Manuel Antonio beach

Days 2 and 3: Manuel Antonio

The famous Manuel Antonio National Park and its beautiful beaches await you! We'll pick you up at your San José hotel and bring you directly to your Manuel Antonio hotel for a 2 night stay.

The next day we'll pick you up and head out on a sailing and snorkeling tour, one of the best ways to see the area above and below the water! Spend the rest of your day exploring the park, the beautiful beaches or just chill by the pool. You can also add an optional guided tour of the park. This is highly recommended as the guides are great for spotting wild animals.

Sky Walk at Monteverde

Optional add-on to Monteverde

Monteverde is famous for its world renowned cloud forest, This high altitude rain forest has plenty of unique flora and fauna lending an almost magical air to those who experience it. We'll pick you up in Manuel Antonio, bring you to your Monteverde hotel for a one-night stay. You can explore on your own or do the highly recommended Sky Trek zipline tour or a hiking tour to the refuge. The next morning you'll travel by van and boat across Lake Arenal to La Fortuna.

Arenal Volcano, Tabacon Hot Springs

Days 4 and 5: Arenal

Take a comfortable minibus shuttle to Arenal where you can spend two nights at a hotel in La Fortuna town or a resort-style hotel closer to the volcano. In the evening we'll pick you up for a night time volcano tour and then to the famous Tabacon Hot Springs and Spa where you can enjoy the many different pools and amenities of the resort. Dinner is served buffet style with an excellent view of the volcano.

The next day choose either a free day to explore the area, head to Lake Arenal or add a half-day tour to the Arenal Waterfall by horseback. If your time is limited or you just want more time at the beach, you can choose to eliminate days 4 and 5 from the itinerary and just do them as a day trip from San Jose on day 2 including Tabacon and the nightime volcano tour.

Pacuare River canyon

Day 6: Whitewater Rafting

The rafting company will pick you up early in Arenal for an all-day adventure on Costa Rica's most popular river. You'll get a hearty breakfast at the rafting center where your luggage is securely stored. Then it's a full day river trip with lunch included. At the end of the day, you are transported to Puerto Viejo for a stay at your choice of hotels in Puerto Viejo.

Punta Uva, Sloth at Jaguar Rescue Centre, Cahuita National Park, Massage

Day 7: Puerto Viejo

The Caribbean coast has a wide variety of gorgeous beaches and fun activities. Perhaps rent a bike and spend the day exploring on your own. Or choose an activity such as the Cahuita National Park Hike and Snorkel tour. The Animal Rescue Center/Chocolate Lady and Waterfall combination tour lets you get close to, and learn about wild cats, monkeys and snakes as well as learn about the process of traditional chocolate making. There are adventure opportunities like ziplining or take a surfing lesson. Or just relax and let us arrange a massage for you!

Getting to Tortuguero via the canals is part of the adventure!

Optional add-on to Tortuguero

Tortuguero National Park is an isolated area on the north part of the Caribbean coast reachable only by boat or by air. Pure and untouched nature, turtle watching and jungle canals await you. We'll pick you up at your Puerto Viejo hotel, bring you to Tortuguero by mini-bus and boat for a 1 night stay at a lodge. All your meals are included as are tours of the canals and town. Boat and shuttle transport to San Jose on the following afternoon.

In Bocas del Toro many hotels and restaurants are built on piers right over the water

Optional add-on to Bocas del Toro, Panama

Your day starts with transportation from Puerto Viejo to Bocas del Toro via shared van and then on by boat to the islands. Accommodation in Bocastown on the main island or a more isolated nature feeling on one of the surrounding islands. Activity possibilities include snorkeling, deepboarding and more. You can return to San José by shuttle or air (as available)

The national theatre in San José

Day 8 and 9: San José and Departure

Morning or afternoon transportation to San Jose by minibus shuttle for a 1 night stay in town or at an airport hotel. Evening on your own to explore. Transport to the airport the next day or stay on in San José and ask about all the other tours and activities available.