Explore and Escape in Arenal and Tamarindo
❮Explore and Escape in Arenal and Tamarindo
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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: Enjoy a free day in Arenal or add an optional excursion!
- 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: Enjoy a free day in Tamarindo or opt for our 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, visiting 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' tailored 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, playing in the clear and crisp La Fortuna Waterfall, or adding other thrilling optional 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 Visit Costa Rica with Tripmasters?
Daily departures for individuals, families, or small groups
No need to stay in San Jose! Go straight to Arenal
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 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
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 4 in Arenal & Tamarindo Beach
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
Free Day (We suggest: Afternoon Catamaran Cruise & Snorkeling with Lunch)
Today is your first full day in lovely Tamarindo, and you deserve to spend it as you wish! This is your time to relax, but we suggest adding a fantastic afternoon cruise with snorkeling and lunch, enjoying the warm, crystal waters of the Pacific Ocean! Details about the cruise (if you choose to book it) are as follows:
Meet at 1 P.M. at the Chiringuito restaurant parking lot (an easy-to-find starting point for your adventure). From there, 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! Anchor for a break to 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 the sun begins to set, illuminating the remaining clouds in the sky, set sail back towards shore, listening to the gentle waves slide along the giant catamaran.
Pro Tip: You can book the cruise while making your initial booking or add it later with the assistance of our dedicated local support staff. Tripmasters makes customizing your vacation easy every step of the way!


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.
Arenal Hotels



Tamarindo 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 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 Las Baulas National Marine Park, Avellana Beach, Ventanas Beach, Tamarindo Bay, and so much more!