Destinations: La Fortuna, Monteverde Cloud Forest, Manuel Antonio

Duration: 10 days

*Price Range: $$$

*Rates inclusive of full vacation experience – hotels, tours, domestic transfers, and tax (excluding international airfare).  Actual price based on length of travel, number of travelers/rooms, seasonal rates (high, low, peak), number of tour activities, and mode of domestic transportation.

$$$: At or under $1,200 per person.

$$$: $1,200 – $1,800 per person.

$$$: $1,800+ per person

1. Day 1

   Fly into Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) where one of our local airport representatives will meet you before immigration holding a sign with your name on it.  They will guide you through an expedited immigration process and to baggage claim.  Outside the airport you’ll find your private transfer that will be waiting to help you with your luggage.  Enjoy the scenic mountain views as you make your way up to the Arenal Volcano.  You’ll check into the quaint and charming El Silencio del Campo, a family-run hotel with natural hot springs on site.  After a day of travel, enjoy the rest of the evening in the thermal hot springs for guests only.

2. Day 2

   Today we’ll take you via horseback to the splendid La Fortuna Waterfall.  Ride up the mountain along a dirt road lined with rainforest until you reach the trailhead.  Hike the trail downhill to the waterfall and enjoy a refreshing swim in the river before your climb back uphill.  Ride horseback to a local indigenous presentation before returning to the stables.  For those that would like to see La Fortuna Waterfall without horseback riding, you can opt for a guided nature hike down to the waterfall.  After a day of exploration, return to El Silencio del Campo’s thermal hot springs to soak your well-worked muscles.

3. Day 3

   Float along the scenic, smooth Penas Blancas River for wildlife viewing opportunities.  With the help of your expert guide’s trained eye, search for monkeys, lizards, crocodiles, river otters, and a large variety of tropical birds.  For those that prefer a more adventurous river ride, class II-III and class III-IV whitewater rafting trips are also available.

4. Day 4

   Make your way from the Arenal Volcano to the Monteverde Cloud Forest.  Along the way stop at Don Juan coffee farm to learn about the harvest and coffee roasting processes.  For those with a sweet tooth, you’ll also see how cacao fruit is processed into chocolate with an opportunity to sample different chocolate treats.  After you’ve refueled with caffeine and sugar, continue onwards to Monteverde and check into Hotel Belmar.  Enjoy a gourmet, farm-to-table dinner at the hotel with one of Belmar’s own artisanal beers.

5. Day 5

   Wake up with the sunrise for a guided nature and birdwatching tour through the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve.  Return to Hotel Belmar in time for a delicious and fresh lunch.  For the rest of the afternoon, explore on site trails to nearby streams, waterfalls, and panoramic views or opt for a more pampered afternoon in the spa.

6. Day 6

   Pick up the pace today as you enjoy a bird’s eye view of the cloud forest canopy.  First you’ll walk along the treetops over suspension bridges and then you’ll fly from tree platform to tree platform on a canopy zip-line.  Return to Hotel Belmar for an afternoon “cafecito” of organic coffee, tea, or a tropical smoothie from the Juice Bar.  In the evening sign-up for the daily night tour that leaves Hotel Belmar at 5:15pm to see nocturnal critters in the cloud forest.

7. Day 7

   Make your way from the cloud forest to the Pacific Ocean on a journey through Costa Rica’s countryside in your own private ground transfer.  Ask your driver to stop at any time to stretch your legs, have lunch, or take photos.  Walk along the bridge over Tarcoles River to see huge crocodiles from above.  For a short hike, walk the self-guided half-mile loop at Carara National Park, one of the best places in Costa Rica to see the beautiful scarlet macaw among other wildlife encounters.  Arrive to Manuel Antonio to catch a colorful sunset after you check into your Tulemar Bungalow.  Enjoy the sunset view right from your bungalow or head down to the beach.

8. Day 8

   Get out on the water with a catamaran trip!  Snorkel volcanic rock formations or simply enjoy the view of Manuel Antonio National Park from the boat.  A delicious lunch is served aboard.  Explore the various restaurants in Manuel Antonio for dinner or have a pizza delivered right to your bungalow.

9. Day 9

   Free day to enjoy the beach and pools at Tulemar!  Kayak, boogie board, and snorkel the calm bay at Tulemar’s beach or simply relax in the sunshine with beachside drink and food service.

10. Day 10

    Take a 25 minute domestic flight from Quepos to San Jose for your international flight home.