9 Days • 8 Nights
Costa Rica Highlights: Volcanoes, Cloud Forest & Coast
Tour Includes
About the Trip
Trip Highlights
- The Arenal Volcano, hot springs and hanging bridges
- Ziplining and wildlife in the Monteverde cloud forest
- Sloths, monkeys and toucans in the rainforest
- Manuel Antonio National Park and its beaches
- Costa Rica's famous 'pura vida' spirit
- Some of the richest biodiversity on earth
Day by Day
A detailed day-by-day plan for this 9-day journey.
Welcome to Costa Rica. You are met at San Jose airport and transferred to your hotel, with time to relax after your flight and gather for a welcome dinner introducing the adventures ahead.
You travel north through green countryside to La Fortuna, gateway to the Arenal Volcano. The afternoon brings your first wildlife and a blissful soak in natural volcanic hot springs beneath the towering cone.
A morning walking the hanging bridges through the rainforest canopy, spotting birds, sloths and monkeys, followed by an optional hike to the thundering La Fortuna waterfall for a swim in its pool.
A free day around Arenal to choose your own adventure, white-water rafting, a Lake Arenal kayak, a chocolate or coffee tour, or simply more hot springs and volcano views.
A scenic journey, often by a boat across Lake Arenal followed by a mountain drive, brings you to the cool, misty Monteverde cloud forest. Settle in and take an evening walk in search of nocturnal wildlife.
A morning guided walk in the ethereal cloud forest reserve, alive with orchids, hummingbirds and perhaps the elusive quetzal, then an exhilarating afternoon ziplining and crossing sky bridges high above the canopy.
You descend from the mountains to the Pacific coast and Manuel Antonio, where rainforest tumbles down to golden beaches. Settle into your hotel and enjoy your first ocean sunset.
A guided morning walk in Manuel Antonio National Park, one of the best places on earth to see sloths, capuchin and squirrel monkeys, iguanas and toucans, with time afterwards to relax on its idyllic jungle-backed beaches.
Depending on your flight, enjoy a final morning on the beach before transferring back to San Jose airport for your onward departure, full of pura vida spirit.
Where You Will Travel
What's inside the package?
Inclusions
- 8 nights accommodation
- Daily breakfast, a welcome dinner and hot springs entry
- Airport transfers
- Touring and activities as per itinerary with English-speaking naturalist guides
- Ground transfers between regions
- All national park entry fees
- Arenal hanging bridges, a Monteverde zipline and guided cloud forest and Manuel Antonio park walks
Exclusions
- International airfare
- Visa or tourist card fees where applicable
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary or inclusions
- Drinks unless specifically stated
- Optional excursions and experiences
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- Anything not specifically mentioned under Package Inclusions
Know when to go.
- Visa & entry: Most nationalities, including UK, US, EU, Canadian and Australian passport holders, do not need a visa and receive up to 90 days on arrival; carry a passport valid for at least six months and, technically, proof of onward travel
- Currency: The currency is the Costa Rican Colon, though US Dollars are widely accepted for tours and hotels. Cards work in cities and resorts, but carry some cash for rural areas, small eateries and tips
- Best time to visit: The dry season (December to April) is the sunniest and most popular, ideal for beaches and wildlife. The green season (May to November) is lush and quieter, with mostly sunny mornings and afternoon showers
- Pura vida: Costa Rica's famous phrase means 'pure life' and captures the country's relaxed, warm and nature-loving spirit; expect friendly people, an unhurried pace and a deep pride in the environment
- Wildlife & national parks: Costa Rica protects around a quarter of its land and holds around five percent of the world's biodiversity; a naturalist guide dramatically improves wildlife sightings, and park entry fees are included
- Getting around: Distances can be longer than the map suggests due to winding mountain roads; internal ground transfers are included, and we can add short domestic flights to save time on longer legs
- Health & water: No vaccinations are required for most travellers, tap water is generally safe in main areas, and you should bring insect repellent, reef-safe sunscreen and a light rain jacket for the cloud forest
- Money & tipping: A ten percent service charge is often included in restaurant bills; extra tips for excellent guides and drivers are appreciated. Power is 120V with US-style plugs, so US travellers need no adapter
Frequently Asked Questions
How much walking is involved?
There is gentle to moderate walking on nature trails, hanging bridges and in the national parks, all at an easy pace with plenty of wildlife stops. The ziplining is optional, and most activities suit anyone reasonably active.
Is this trip good for first-time visitors?
Ideal — it covers Costa Rica's three signature experiences (volcano, cloud forest and beach) in a well-paced loop, making it the perfect introduction to the country's nature and pura vida spirit.
What meals are included?
Daily breakfast is included throughout, along with any meals named in the itinerary such as a welcome dinner or lodge meals in remote areas. Costa Rican cuisine, from fresh tropical fruit to casados and ceviche, is a delight, so most lunches and dinners are left free to explore.
Are transfers between regions included?
Yes — all ground transfers between regions are arranged and included, with English-speaking drivers. On longer itineraries we can add short domestic flights to save time; just ask.
Do I need a visa for Costa Rica?
Most nationalities do not need a visa and receive up to 90 days on arrival with a passport valid for at least six months. We confirm the requirement for your nationality when you book.
When is the best time to visit Costa Rica?
The dry season (December to April) offers the sunniest weather and is ideal for beaches and wildlife. The green season (May to November) is lush, quieter and cheaper, with sunny mornings and afternoon rain.
Will I see lots of wildlife?
Very likely. With a naturalist guide you can expect sloths, monkeys, toucans, iguanas and countless birds, and often frogs, coatis and more. Costa Rica is one of the world's great wildlife destinations.
Can the itinerary be customised?
Absolutely. We can adjust the balance of rainforest, volcanoes and beach, add or swap regions, change the pace and choose lodges to match your interests and budget.
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