Explore and Escape in Arenal - Monteverde - Tamarindo plus San Jose (Guided Series)

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

Sloth Tour & Paradise Hot Springs

Enjoy a leisurely, free morning. Sleep in, unwind, or perhaps visit town for a rich Costa Rican coffee and breakfast and souvenir shopping! It's entirely up to you, just be sure to be back in time for this afternoon's exciting activity!

Between 1:30 and 2:00 pm, you’ll be picked up from your hotel for a 3-hour, sloth-focused adventure. This unique experience takes you through lush habitats, where you can observe these slow-moving, fascinating, and emblematic creatures in their natural environment, with guaranteed sloth sightings. Known for their relaxed pace, sloths spend most of their time hanging from trees, feeding on leaves, and moving leisurely through the canopy. Their slow movements are a survival adaptation that conserves energy. You may also spot monkeys, toucans, and the vibrant Blue Jeans Frog during the tour. It’s a peaceful and immersive experience that brings you up close to the world of these incredible creatures.

At 5:30 pm, we will pick you up again for a tranquil evening at Paradise Hot Springs. Upon arrival, immerse yourself in the soothing thermal waters, surrounded by the vibrant rainforest and breathtaking views of the Arenal Volcano. The natural hot springs provide a peaceful and rejuvenating escape, perfect for unwinding after the day's adventures.

A delicious dinner is included with your visit, enhancing your experience with a flavorful meal in a serene setting. After your time at the hot springs, your driver will take you back to the hotel for a restful night.

Day 5 Transfer to Monteverde

Small Group Transfer to Monteverde & Arenal Hanging Bridges Tour

After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, your driver will pick you up at the hotel at 9:00 AM.

Begin your day exploring the famous hanging bridges. Your driver and guide will lead you on an unforgettable walk through the rainforest, offering a unique perspective of the canopy over suspension bridges and well-worn, easily walkable paths. This immersive experience lasts approximately 2 to 2.5 hours.

Following the hike, you'll continue your scenic drive to Monteverde. The journey takes around three hours, winding around Arenal Lake and offering breathtaking views along the way. If needed, your driver can help you find a convenient stop for a restroom break or lunch.

Upon arrival in Monteverde, check in at your hotel and spend the rest of the day relaxing and unwinding at your own pace.

Day 6 in Monteverde

Zipline Canopy Tour & Self-Guided Reserva Santa Elena Hike

Start your day with an adrenaline-pumping adventure in Monteverde, a destination celebrated for its rugged terrain and exhilarating outdoor activities.

At 7:15 AM, you will be picked up for an unforgettable ziplining experience. Enjoy stunning aerial views of the lush forest from a unique vantage point as you soar across high-speed cables. The tour lasts approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, after which you will be transported back to your hotel.

At 12:30 PM, your journey continues to Reserva Santa Elena, a breathtaking protected area renowned for its rich biodiversity and misty cloud forest landscapes. Here, you’ll embark on a self-guided hike through the enchanting reserve, exploring its well-maintained trails at your own pace. Along the way, keep an eye out for colorful tropical birds, playful monkeys, and a diverse array of plant species, all while immersing yourself in the serene beauty of this magical ecosystem.

As this is a self-guided experience, you’ll have approximately three hours to explore the reserve at your leisure. At 4:00 PM, your driver will be waiting to take you back to the hotel. Please note that the park is open from 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

Day 7 Transfer to Tamarindo

Small Group Transfer to Tamarindo Beach

Our driver will pick you up directly from your hotel in Monteverde for a scenic 3 to 3.5-hour drive to Tamarindo at approximately 9:00 am. Along the way, you'll pass through lush forests, rolling hills, and charming towns, offering a glimpse of Costa Rica's beautiful landscapes. As you approach the coast, the scenery transitions to the stunning tropical beauty of Tamarindo’s beaches, setting the stage for a relaxing and memorable getaway.

Once you arrive at Tamarindo and check in at the hotel, you will have a free afternoon. That way, you can relax, walk to the beach (easily reachable from your hotel), and enjoy the magnificent sunset over the Pacific Ocean!

Day 8 in Tamarindo

Afternoon Catamaran Cruise & Snorkeling with Lunch

Enjoy a free morning to catch the sunrise over Tamarindo Beach and have a leisurely breakfast at your hotel or at one of the many locally-owned cafes within walking distance. Your cruise today does not begin until 1 P.M. at the Chiringuito restaurant parking lot (an easy-to-find starting point for your adventure). From there, we will set off on an unforgettable journey filled with stunning views, good food, wildlife sightings, and plenty of fun! All the hotels are within minutes walking distance, but your hotel or our local support team can help arrange a taxi if you don't wish to walk.

Set sail on a breathtaking catamaran adventure gliding along Costa Rica’s coast, passing some of Guanacaste’s exotic bays, white sand beaches, and tropical jungles; along the way, keep an eye out for wildlife sightings, including playful dolphins, graceful sea turtles, flying fish, and even the chance to witness a breaching whale! We will anchor for a break when you can snorkel in the crystal-clear waters of the Pacific Ocean, discover vibrant marine life beneath the surface, and enjoy a delicious lunch prepared by the outstanding crew, followed by refreshing tropical drinks from the open bar.

As we set sail back towards shore, listen to the gentle waves slide along the giant catamaran as the sun begins to set, illuminating the clouds left in the sky.

Day 9 in Tamarindo

Free Day in Tamarindo

Today is an entirely free day! After the adventure you've had, the break is well-deserved. Tamarindo Beach is a vibrant coastal town renowned for its world-class surfing and water sports, stunning pristine white-sand beaches, shopping and restaurants, and thriving saltwater estuary with all types of wildlife! Nearby Las Baulas National Park is also an excellent option to explore! Tamarindo truly embodies the essence of Costa Rica’s natural beauty and adventure.

We know you will fall in love with this tropical paradise no matter what you decide to do with your free day, whether that be catching waves, exploring the national park, shopping, or merely lying on the beach with a good book!

Day 10 Farewell Costa Rica

Private Departure Transfer

As your unforgettable journey with us comes to a close, your private driver will pick you up directly from your hotel and take you to the airport. The drive will take approximately 1.5 hours, offering a scenic route to reflect on the incredible memories and new friends you've made throughout your stay, enjoying La Pura Vida! that only Costa Rica can offer!

Since this is a private transfer, your pick-up time will be scheduled based on your flight departure, ensuring a smooth, stress-free journey and on-time arrival at the airport. Safe travels, and we hope to welcome you back to Costa Rica soon!