Adventures in Arenal and Monteverde plus San Jose (Guided Series)
❮Adventures in Arenal and Monteverde plus San Jose (Guided Series)
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
- Hotel for 3 nights in Arenal
- Hotel for 2 nights in Monteverde
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: Morning hike to spot sloths and other native wildlife; Evening trip to the renowned therapeutic hot springs with a delicious dinner.
- Day Five: Transfer to your hotel in Monteverde; along the way, we will stop for a tour of Arenal's hanging bridges and rainforest.
- Day Six: Morning zipline adventure; Afternoon self-guided hike through the Reserva Santa Elena cloud forest.
- Day Seven: Our driver will escort you from your hotel in Monteverde 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!
Make incredible memories in enchanting Costa Rica, enjoying all the most fun and emblematic activities with no worries in sight. We make it possible with our action-packed, semi-escorted, stress-free vacation package! You can focus on having fun while we handle all the details. And the best part? Our local support team makes sure everything runs smoothly. We've already included thrilling adventures, soaring high over rainforest canopies on thrilling ziplines, hiking near the famous Arenal Volcano, spotting smiling sloths, unwinding in therapeutic thermal pools, and much more! Come and experience "La Pura Vida!" Costa Rica is known for making new friends and enjoying the adventure of a lifetime!
Why Choose Tripmasters Costa Rica Guided Vacation Packages?
Daily departures from 2 to 6 participants
Select from several well-located hotels
Many more included 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 breathtaking La Fortuna Waterfall, where you can admire the majestic cascade plunging into a crystal-clear pool below. Take the opportunity to swim, capture beautiful photos, or simply relax and soak in the serene surroundings before we head back to the hotel.
Day 4 in Arenal
Sloth Tour & Paradise Hot Springs with Dinner
At 8:30 AM, you will be picked up from your hotel lobby and taken to a 100% local and family-owned business just 10 minutes outside La Fortuna to see Costa Rica's famous and emblematic sloths!
Your adventure begins with a guided walk along the Habana River, where you'll cross two scenic hanging bridges. Led by a local expert, you'll spot sloths in their natural habitat, as well as colorful birds and other native wildlife. This tour lasts approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, after which you'll be taken back to the hotel.
You'll then have some free time to relax and enjoy lunch at your leisure.
At 4:00 PM, you will be picked up from your hotel for a tranquil evening at Paradise Hot Springs. Upon arrival, immerse yourself in the soothing, mineral-rich waters, surrounded by lush rainforest and breathtaking views of the Arenal Volcano. These natural hot springs provide a peaceful and rejuvenating escape, ideal for unwinding after a day of exploration.
Savor a delicious dinner included with your visit, enhancing your relaxation with a delightful culinary experience. After your time in the hot springs, your driver will take you back to the hotel for a restful night’s sleep.
Day 5 in Arenal & Monteverde
Small Group Transfer to Monteverde & Hanging Bridges Tour
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel. At 9:00 AM check out of your hotel to start your journey to Monteverde. Before departing from La Fortuna, our driver will stop at the famous hanging bridges. Here you'll have the opportunity to explore with a guide through the rainforest, offering a unique perspective of the lush canopy. This immersive experience will last approximately 2 to 2.5 hours.
After your walk along the hanging bridges, you will continue your journey to Monteverde, the next stop on your vacation. The scenic drive around Arenal Lake takes approximately three hours, offering breathtaking views along the way. If needed, your driver can assist in finding a suitable stop for a restroom break or lunch. Upon arrival in Monteverde, check in at your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure, unwinding and relaxing.
Day 6 in Monteverde
Zipline Canopy Tour & Reserva Santa Elena Hike
Start your day with an adrenaline-packed adventure in Monteverde, a destination famous for its mountainous terrain and exhilarating activities.
At 7:15 AM, you will be picked up for an unforgettable zipline tour. As you soar across high-speed cables, you’ll take in breathtaking aerial views of the lush forest from a unique perspective. The tour lasts approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, after which transportation will take you back to your hotel.
At 12:30 PM, you will head to Reserva Santa Elena, a stunning protected area known for its rich biodiversity and misty landscapes. Here, you’ll embark on a self-guided hike through the enchanting cloud forest. As you explore the well-maintained trails, you’ll encounter a variety of unique flora and fauna, including tropical birds, monkeys, and diverse plant species, all while immersing yourself in the serene beauty of this magical ecosystem.
Since this is a self-guided hike, you’ll have about three hours to explore the reserve at your own pace. At 4:00 PM, your driver will be waiting to take you back to your hotel. Keep in mind that the park is open from 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM, allowing plenty of time to enjoy this extraordinary natural haven.
Day 7 Return to San José
Private Transfer to San José
Say farewell to beautiful Monteverde 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 to 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 in Monteverde all the hotels are within convenient walking distance to the lively town center so that in each city you have easy access to restaurants, bars, galleries, shops, and activities! 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
Monteverde 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!
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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 the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, Selvatura Park, Curi Cancha Wildlife Refuge, Butterfly Gardens, Orchid Garden, 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.