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Explore and Escape in Arenal and Tamarindo (Guided Series)

6 to 9+ Nights from $1,529*
* Sample price: priced within the past 7 days for a 23 AUG 2025 arrival, departing Miami MIA (FL), US. Choose departure city, cabin and dates.

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Overview

This 6 night sample itinerary includes:

  • Flight into San Jose City and out of Liberia
    (If you choose to book your flights with Tripmasters)
  • Hotel for 3 nights in Arenal
  • Hotel for 3 nights in Tamarindo Beach

    This is an abbreviated Itinerary. Full details are available in the itinerary below.
  • Day One: Arrive in San Jose and enjoy a private, stress-free transfer to your hotel in Arenal.
  • Day Two: Guided hike around the Arenal Volcano; typical Costa Rican-style lunch; visit La Fortuna Waterfall!
  • Day Three: Morning hike to spot sloths and other native wildlife; Evening trip to the renowned therapeutic hot springs with a delicious dinner.
  • Day Four: Transfer to your hotel in Tamarindo; along the way, we will stop for a tour of Arenal's hanging bridges and rainforest.
  • Day Five: Free morning; Afternoon Catamaran cruise and snorkeling adventure with lunch.
  • Day Six: Free day in Tamarindo (on your own)!
  • Day Seven: As your incredible journey ends, relax knowing a private transfer is already arranged for a timely and stress-free departure.

    We hope you've enjoyed every minute of La Pura Vida!

We invite you to explore and escape in stunning Costa Rica, getting to know this inviting country through two of its most popular destinations: Arenal deep in the lush rainforest and Tamarindo Beach on the Pacific Coast. Vacations have never been easier than with Tripmasters' guided vacation packages. We've curated all the activities and transfers; all you need to do is get here to enjoy hiking near the famed Arenal Volcano, unwinding in thermal pools, spotting emblematic smiling sloths and other wildlife like dolphins and turtles, and enjoying a coastal cruise, among other thrilling activities. What are you waiting for?

If you prefer to stay overnight in San Jose due to flight schedules, you can select this same package with an overnight stay in San Jose to take advantage of better flight times.

Why Choose Tripmasters Costa Rica Guided Vacation Packages?
Daily departures from 2 to 6 participants
Avoid any nights in San Jose!
Private airport arrival transfer directly to Arenal
Private departure transfer from last destination to the airport
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 Costa Rica & Transfer to Arenal

Private Arrival Transfer

Upon your arrival in Costa Rica, our professional driver will be waiting for you at the airport to transport you to beautiful La Fortuna, home to the breathtaking Arenal Volcano. The journey will take approximately 3 to 3.5 hours. During the drive, your driver will gladly accommodate any stops for scenic views, restroom breaks, or meals along the way.

Day 2 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 3 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 the 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 4 in Arenal & Tamarindo Beach

Small Group Transfer to Tamarindo & Hanging Bridges Tour

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and check out. At approximately 9:00 AM you will continue your journey to tranquil Tamarindo Beach in Guanacaste. Before departing from La Fortuna, our driver will stop at the famous Arenal hanging bridges. Here, you'll have the opportunity to explore with a guide through the rainforest on a series of suspension bridges and well-worn paths, 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 Tamarindo, the next stop on your vacation. The scenic drive around Arenal Lake takes approximately four hours, offering breathtaking views along the way. Your driver can help you find a suitable stop for lunch, photo opportunities, or a restroom break if needed. Upon arrival in Tamarindo, check in at your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure, unwinding and relaxing. Tamarindo is well-known for its beaches, surf culture, and nightlife, all within walking distance of your hotel. You may want to walk down to the beach to catch one of the captivating sunsets Tamarindo is known for and enjoy dinner in one of the many local restaurants tonight!

Day 5 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 6 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 7 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!

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 conveniently within walking distance of restaurants, bars, galleries, shops, and activities! In Tamarindo, you are close to the beach to enjoy its famous beauty, captivating sunsets, and abundant activities.

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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