Day 1 in Arenal

Welcome to Costa Rica! Once your flight has arrived in San Jose you will go through immigration. Should you opt to purchase a transfer to your hotel; a representative will be waiting for you as you exit immigration. There are many exciting things to see in Arenal.

After a scenic drive, arrive at your hotel in Arenal and relax. Tours are not included in the default package, but you may add them to your itinerary at time of booking. If you have an early arrival, you may take advantage of this afternoon for a half day activity, such as a tour of Arenal Volcano Hike and Hot Springs, a zip-line tour of Arenal Sky Tram and Sky Trek Adventure or pay a visit to the Arenal Hanging Bridges for a walking experience among tree tops.

Day 2 Arenal

We recommend one of the unique full day tours available in the Arenal area. These include a spectacular tour of Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge with amazing native flora and fauna, or a tour of Rio Celeste and Tenorio Volcano (named Celeste because of its striking turquoise waters).

Choose between the Hanging Bridges which involves a 1.5-mile trek along treetops with intimate sights and sounds of birds and monkeys, or the take a river float trip up the Penas Blancas with a local guide pointing out howler monkeys, iguanas, sloths, countless birds and perhaps even a crocodile. Afterward, visit the La Fortuna Waterfall, for a must- see view of the 70-meter high waterfall, and a short hike down to the natural pool at its base.

After you`re done, it`s time to reward your body with the famous Arenal hot springs, where you can relax in the soothing waters, surrounded by waterfalls, and enjoy an outdoor buffet dinner.

Day 3 Arenal

Explore the lava-strewn lunar landscape of Arenal Volcano National Park. Although largely off limits, with the enormous active volcano that is its centerpiece, it’s still worth visiting on any number of tours. Most people do the short trails that start at the official entrance, on the road to El Castillo, spending two or three hours exploring the old flows and wildlife gradually returning to the region. You could combine the trip with one of the region’s excellent canopy or canyoning tours (waterfall rappelling).

You could continue on to the small town of El Castillo for dinner and the view of lava flows after sunset(geology and weather permitting). Strong hikers could spend all day in the national park. Depending on how early you access the park and how many trails you explore, this can be a half-day or full day expedition. If you are the early type, fill up your afternoon driving around Lake Arenal or explore some shopping in downtown La Fortuna.

Additional Days in Arenal

After breakfast, take a relaxing drive to Monteverde and enjoy the breathtaking views of the lake and the winding roads up the mountain. There are half day activities that do not require much physical effort and can be enjoyed after the drive from Arenal. Take a guided tour of Monteverde Train Forest which includes a guided ride on a small vintage train that provides a relaxing introduction to the Cloud Forest. A tour of El Trapiche gives you a chance to appreciate a family run sugar cane plantation, coffee plantation, and artisan chocolate business while learning how these products are processed.

While in Monteverde, walk through forest trails exploring San Luis Botanical Garden. This botanical garden has over 75 specisies of medicinal plants and offer day and night- time walks to San Luis waterfalls. Afterward, enjoy cold or hot coffee, or a cold juice and a meal.

Your Last Day in Arenal

Depart from your hotel to the airport for your return flight home. We recommend that you purchase a private transfer to the airport, if so the representative will meet you at your hotel with plenty of time to get you to the airport for your flight out.