Adventures in Arenal and Manuel Antonio plus San Jose
❮Adventures in Arenal and Manuel Antonio plus San Jose
Photos
Overview
This 7 night sample itinerary includes:
- Flight into and out of San Jose City
(If you choose to book your flights with Tripmasters) - Hotel for 2 nights in San Jose City
- Hotel for 3 nights in Arenal
- Hotel for 2 nights in Manuel Antonio
This is an abbreviated Itinerary. Full details are available in the itinerary below. - Day One: Arrive in San Jose and enjoy a stress-free shuttle transfer provided by your hotel.
- Day Two: Our driver will pick you up from your hotel in San Jose and escort you to your hotel in Arenal. Enjoy the remainder of your day at leisure.
- Day Three: Guided hike around the Arenal Volcano; typical Costa Rican-style lunch; visit La Fortuna Waterfall!
- Day Four: Enjoy a free day in Arenal or add an optional excursion!
- Day Five: Transfer to your hotel in Manuel Antonio with a stop at the Tarcoles Bridge (known for its sunbathing crocodiles) for photos.
- Day Six: Expert-led hike through Manuel Antonio National Park ending at the stunning beach.
- Day Seven: Our driver will escort you from your hotel in Manuel Antonio to your hotel in San Jose for a final night before your flight the following day. You may want to visit some of the city's trendy boutiques, great restaurants, beautiful parks or museums.
- Day Eight: As your incredible journey ends, relax knowing your hotel manages a timely and stress-free shuttle service to accommodate your departure.
We hope you've enjoyed every minute of La Pura Vida!
Live La Pura Vida! in enchanting Costa Rica when you choose a stress-free, action-packed vacation package with Tripmasters. We've already handled all the details, and our local support team ensures everything runs smoothly! All you need to do is have fun taking on exciting and emblematic activities such as hiking the famous Arenal Volcano or taking a dip in the crystal clear pool at the magnificent La Fortuna Waterfall, or add optional activities to enahnce your stay including getting a birds-eye view over the rainforest canopy on Arenal's famous hanging bridges, looking for our emblematic smiling sloths, lounging on sandy beaches, and more! Come and make new friends, have fun, eat good food, and enjoy the adventure of a lifetime!
Why Visit Costa Rica with Tripmasters?
Daily departures for individuals, families, or small groups
Select from several well-located hotels
Many more included and additional optional activities than other offerings
Local organic support staff throughout
Option to extend your stay at last destination

Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive in San Jose
Hotel Shuttle Transfer
Welcome to Costa Rica; we have selected conveniently located hotels so you can check in and rest before we pick you up to take you to beautiful Arenal tomorrow! Your hotel offers a quick and convenient shuttle pickup. After your hotel is confirmed, contact the hotel with your details to arrange the pickup. If you need assistance, we are here to help!

Day 2 in Arenal
Private Transfer to Arenal
This morning, our professional driver will pick you up at your hotel to transport you to beautiful La Fortuna, home to the breathtaking Arenal Volcano. The journey will take approximately 3 to 3.5 hours. We would recommend scheduling the transfer for later in the morning so you can sleep in, enjoy breakfast, and arrive closer to your hotel's check-in time, but if you are an early bird and want to get to Arenal as soon as possible, let us know, and we can schedule the pickup earlier. During the drive, your driver will gladly accommodate any stops for scenic views, restroom breaks, or meals along the way. The remainder of the day is yours to spend at leisure.

Day 3 in Arenal
Arenal Volcano Hike & La Fortuna Waterfall with Lunch
Your day begins with breakfast at the hotel.
9:00 AM - Our tour guide will meet you in the hotel lobby and take you to the Arenal Volcano to hike the well-known El Silencio Trail. As we explore the area, our guide will provide in-depth information about the volcano’s history, geology, and the unique biodiversity of the wildlife that thrives in the region.
Following the hike, we’ll take you to a local restaurant for lunch, where you’ll enjoy a traditional Costa Rican meal, included as part of your tour.
Around 1:00 PM, we’ll visit the stunning La Fortuna Waterfall, where you will have the opportunity to marvel at the majestic cascade into a crystal-clear pool below. You’ll have the chance to swim, take photos, or simply relax and soak in the tranquil atmosphere before we return to the hotel.


Day 4 in Arenal
Free Day
Today is free for you to enjoy the Arenal area at your own pace. Whether you choose to
unwind and take in the breathtaking views of Arenal Volcano, explore the charming town of La
Fortuna for shopping, coffee and lunch, or strolling the squares and historic buildings, or simply relax in the comfort of your accommodation, the day is yours to spend as you
wish.
For those interested in discovering more of what this beautiful region has to offer, we invite you
to explore a variety of optional activities! You can find them available during the booking process and add ones according to your own interests or speak to the local support team for recommendations and assistance with booking once in Arenal.


Day 5 Transfer to Manuel Antonio
Transfer to Manuel Antonio with a Stop at Tárcoles Bridge
8:00 AM - Start your day with breakfast at your hotel before embarking on a scenic journey.
At 9:00 AM, check out of your hotel, and you will be picked up from the lobby to begin your picturesque drive towards Manuel Antonio. You will stop at the famous Tárcoles Bridge, where you can admire stunning river views and witness the majestic sunbathing crocodiles in their natural habitat. This stop is also a prime spot for birdwatching, with many unique species flying overhead.
Following this exciting stop, we resume our journey to Manuel Antonio. Our driver is happy to accommodate any additional stops for scenic photos, restroom breaks, or meals along the way.
Once you arrive in Manuel Antonio, check in at your hotel and enjoy a free afternoon to unwind. Stroll to the nearby beach, relax by the shore, or watch the stunning sunset to end your day on a perfect note.


Day 6 in Manuel Antonio
Manuel Antonio National Park Hike
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel.
7:30 AM - Begin your unforgettable experience in Manuel Antonio National Park.
Your guide will meet you right outside your hotel and accompany you to the park, just a very short walking distance away. Once inside, the guide will lead you on a leisurely and informative walk along the park’s lush trails. As you explore, you’ll have the opportunity to observe an incredible variety of wildlife, including monkeys, sloths, tropical birds, and other fascinating species, all set against a backdrop of stunning beaches and stunning coastal views.
Following the walk, you’ll have ample time to unwind. Relax on the pristine idyllic beach, take a refreshing swim in the warm waters, or simply soak in the tranquil surroundings.
The guided walk ends at the beach where you can stay as long as you like and walk back the short distance to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy at your own pace - unwind, explore, and take in the stunning beauty of the Pacific, just steps from your hotel.


Day 7 Return to San Jose
Private Transfer to San Jose
Say farewell to beautiful Manuel Antonio and new friends before you enjoy a scenic 3-hour drive back to San Jose for one last night before your flight the following day. The afternoon and evening offer the perfect opportunity to visit some of the city's trendy boutiques, great restaurants, beautiful parks, or museums.


Day 8 Farewell Costa Rica
Hotel Shuttle Transfer
As your unforgettable journey with us ends, we hope you will reflect fondly on the incredible memories you've made during your stay, enjoying La Pura Vida! that only Costa Rica can offer!
Your hotel shuttle service will ensure your timely and convenient arrival to the airport. We can't wait to welcome you back to Costa Rica soon!

Hotels
Tripmasters understands that your hotel is your "home away from home" during your stay. Our local Costa Rica support team has personally inspected the hotels in this itinerary to provide you with quality, well-regarded accommodations ranging from 3 to 4 stars.
In Arenal, we selected hotels close to downtown and its restaurants, bars, galleries, shops, and activities! In Manuel Antonio all the properties are a stone's throw from enchanting Espadilla Beach and the entrance to Manuel Antonio National Park. In San Jose, we chose hotels for our clients who don't want to fuss getting to their hotel to rest. Each property offers a quick and advantageous shuttle service!
Arenal Hotels



Manuel Antonio Hotels



San Jose Hotels



Pro Tip: We suggest a hotel during the booking process based on availability and price, but you can view other available options and change the hotel if you wish using the "Browse" button. The choice is yours!

Visit the National Theatre, Museo del Jade Marco Fidel Tristan Castro, La Sabana Metropolitan Park, National Museum, Plaza de la Cultura, Central Market, and much more.

Visit Lake Arenal, Arenal Natura Ecological Park, the hanging bridges, hot springs, Lava Trail, Danta River and Waterfall, chocolate farms, and so much more!

Visit Damas Island, Espadilla Beach, Cathedral Point, Escondido Beach, Playitas Beach, and so much more!

Visit the National Theatre, Museo del Jade Marco Fidel Tristan Castro, La Sabana Metropolitan Park, National Museum, Plaza de la Cultura, Central Market, and much more.