Arenal, Monteverde & Manuel Antonio
Experience Costa Rica’s diverse landscapes, from Arenal and Monteverde to the beaches of Manuel Antonio
Days: 9 | From: $5,990/per person
- Includes accommodations at first class boutique hotels that reflect the best of local culture
- Includes excursions and tours with superb private guides
Starting in the capital of San Jose, take a night to explore Costa Rica's gateway city. From there, travel to the Arenal volcano region, spend time exploring the lush Monteverde cloud forest, and finish with a visit to a beautiful village overlooking the Central Pacific Coast.
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We tailor itineraries to your dates and interests, adjusting hotels, excursions and length as desired.
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At a glance
- San Jose
1 night: discover the capital city of San Jose - Arenal
2 nights: explore the Arenal volcano region and visit the famous La Fortuna waterfall - Monteverde
2 nights: enjoy this beautiful, mountainous cloud forest environment - Manuel Antonio
3 nights: visit a beautiful village overlooking the Central Pacific Coast
All itineraries are fully customizable. We will send you a personalized variation that reflects your interests and travel dates at no extra cost. Call to discuss your travel plans with one of our Specialists who know this region firsthand.
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Sample itinerary
Welcome to San Jose
Fly into San Jose, the capital of Costa Rica. Your private guide will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. If you arrive early in the day, enjoy some time to explore the city or visit the Jade Museum or the Gold Museum.
Accommodations: Grano de Oro
Located on a shady street near Paseo Colon, San Jose’s main thoroughfare, Hotel Grano de Oro provides an elegant oasis in the city center. Converted from a Victorian mansion, this 40-room hotel blends the hospitality of a private home with the amenities of a boutique hotel. Period photographs line the corridors, samples of local art meander throughout the building, and tropical floral arrangements appear at every turn. The hotel boasts an ideal location for exploring San Jose and its museums and day trips to the local rainforest and volcanoes.
Sarchi, Zarcero and the Arenal Volcano
Set out for the Arenal Volcano region, an area known for its lush scenery and enchanting waterfalls. Along the way, stop to see the handmade crafts of Sarchi and the topiary gardens of Zarcero.
Accommodations: Amor Arenal, 2 nights
The boutique hotel Amor Arenal is set at the foothills of the Arenal Volcano, by the edge of a virgin forest canyon. From your room, walk right onto the jungle trails or soak in one of the spring fed pools. Enjoy beautiful views of the volcano and the San Carlos Valley as you enjoy organic meals made with local produce.
*Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAlternative lodging options: Arenal Observatory Lodge
Arenal Volcano & La Fortuna Waterfall
Enjoy a morning hike around the base of the volcano, where you can see solidified lava flow and enjoy spectacular views up to the smoldering crater. In the afternoon, visit the Arenal Vida Campesina organic farm to learn about Costa Rica’s primary crops like coffee, bananas, and plantains. Enjoy a lunch prepared with freshly harvested vegetables, then set out to visit the 200 foot tall La Fortuna Waterfall. Descend the short, steep path to the base, and reward your efforts with a swim in the cool, waterfall-fed lagoon.
Monteverde Cloud Forest
Explore the remarkable Arenal Hanging Bridges, a complex of suspension bridges and trails through the forest canopy. This area is home to a variety of birdlife and other fauna, including toucans, sloths, coatis, and capuchin monkeys. In the afternoon, set out for the Monteverde Cloud Forest, where you’ll be staying in a lovely small hotel with great views of the lush surrounding area.
Accommodations: Senda Monteverde, 2 nights
The Senda Monteverde Hotel is a proud member of The Cayuga Collection of Sustainable Luxury Hotels, and boasts a stylish, welcoming indoor setting that connects seamlessly with the surrounding forest. It is a great base for cloud forest adventures, completely surrounded by nature and with easy access to all the cloud forest has to offer. Visitors have access to the onsite nature trails and can enjoy complimentary access to the nearby Aguti Wildlife Reserve.
*Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAlternative lodging options: Fondavela Monteverde
Monteverde Cloud Forest
Sink into nature as you explore Monteverde, a uniquely beautiful, mountainous cloud forest environment. Start your morning on the Selvatura’s Canopy zipline, one of the longest ziplines of its kind, which whisks you through the virgin cloud forest canopy. For those who prefer to move at their own pace, opt instead for the Skywalk Canopy Tour, exploring a series of suspended bridges that cross through the cloud forest canopy. In the afternoon, enjoy a guided walk through the forest to get a different perspective on life below the canopy.
The Sparkling Beaches of Manuel Antonio
Set out for glittering Manuel Antonio, a beautiful small town overlooking the Central Pacific Coast. This area is home to a variety of birds and wildlife, and offers sweeping ocean views and lush greenery.
Accommodations: Arenas del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest Resort, 3 nights
Located on Costa Rica’s Central Pacific Coast, Arenas Del Mar sits on a cliff overlooking two beaches and the spectacular Manuel Antonio National Park. The hotel is composed of 38 rooms and suites, the majority of which have private decks with views. The hotel’s scenic 11-acre property offers two pools, a spa, restaurant, bar, pool bar, and easy access to the beach.
*Includes: BreakfastManuel Antonio National Park
Discover natural beauty at Manuel Antonio National Park, located just south of your hotel. This lovely forest is spread along the Pacific coast and home to a variety of birds, monkeys, and other wildlife, which you will be able to spot as you explore the trails. In the afternoon, relax on one of the beautiful beaches, or set out to stroll along one of the many trails in the area.
Manuel Antonio
Enjoy a relaxing leisure day or try one of the many activities offered in this area, including rafting, snorkeling, sportfishing, hiking, and boat trips, such as out to Damas Island.
Accommodations: Arenas del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest Resort, 3 nights
Located on Costa Rica’s Central Pacific Coast, Arenas Del Mar sits on a cliff overlooking two beaches and the spectacular Manuel Antonio National Park. The hotel is composed of 38 rooms and suites, the majority of which have private decks with views. The hotel’s scenic 11-acre property offers two pools, a spa, restaurant, bar, pool bar, and easy access to the beach.
*Includes: BreakfastReturn to San Jose
Take a quick flight back to San Jose, where you will be transferred to the international airport for your flight home.
Popular Ways to Customize This Itinerary
Add 3 nights at one of the remotest and wildest areas in the country: the Osa Peninsula. Located on the Southwest Pacific Coast of Costa Rica, next to Corcovado National Park, the Osa Peninsula is one of the most biologically diverse places in the world. Activities available in the area include hiking, snorkeling, scuba diving, fishing, and kayaking just to name a few.
Add 3 nights on the Caribbean coast by visiting Tortuguero National Park. Tortuguero is famous for its wildlife, particularly the giant sea turtles that nest on the nearby beaches. The area teems with a wide variety of monkeys, tropical birds, and many other creatures, including the rare and elusive jaguar.
Include some downtime for rest and relaxation! Some free time to unwind or have a massage will allow you to feel refreshed and ready for the remainder of your trip. Many of our properties include excellent spas or wellness centers. We can help arrange these services or include properties that offer health & wellness amenities.
Contact us to learn about more options for designing and customizing your trip.
Reviews From This Trip
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