Experience Costa Rica's northwestern highlights on this 9-day tour, including Arenal Volcano National Park, Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge, Monteverde Cloud Forest and Vida Aventura Nature Park in Guanacaste. Explore the natural wonders of land and water, where approximately six percent of the world’s most bio-diverse species reside. Relax in a thermal hot spring as you watch the active Arenal Volcano, spot wildlife on a cruise through a tropical rainforest, explore the forest canopy on a Sky Walk and ride on horseback along mountain trails – with an extra day to relax at your leisure or continue your adventure with multiple options.
Highlights
- 9-day guided tour of northwest Costa Rica from San Jose
- Get up-close views of Arenal Volcano National Park (Parque Nacional Volcán Arenal)
- Soak in thermal hot springs at Baldi resort
- Cruise down Rio Frío and spot birdlife in Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge
- Soar along a zipline and horseback ride in Vida Aventura Nature Park in Guanacaste
- See the forest canopy on a Sky Walk tour in Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
- 8 nights of accommodation, transportation and entrance fees included
What You Can Expect
Sky Walk at Monteverde Reserve
With eight nights of accommodation in your choice of 4-star or 4.5-star hotels and transportation between all sites, this tour is a great way to explore Costa Rica’s top attractions!
Itinerary
Day 1: San José
After your arrival at the San José airport, you’ll be greeted by your driver and transferred to your selected hotel. Your guide will review the itinerary with the group and answer any questions or concerns regarding your 8-day tour.
After your arrival at the San José airport, you’ll be greeted by your driver and transferred to your selected hotel. Your guide will review the itinerary with the group and answer any questions or concerns regarding your 8-day tour.
Overnight: Hotel Don Carlos or Hotel Presidente (or similar) in San José
Day 2: San José – La Fortuna (L, D)
Head north to explore the impressive Arenal Volcano, stopping first in the town of Sarchí, known for its family-operated woodworking factories and artisan craftsmanship. Choose from more than 200 stores to see the wooden bowls, rocking chairs and traditional carretas – elaborately painted oxcarts that once carried coffee from the highlands to the coastal port.
Head north to explore the impressive Arenal Volcano, stopping first in the town of Sarchí, known for its family-operated woodworking factories and artisan craftsmanship. Choose from more than 200 stores to see the wooden bowls, rocking chairs and traditional carretas – elaborately painted oxcarts that once carried coffee from the highlands to the coastal port.
Next, travel past cattle ranches and diverse plantations growing agricultural products and ornamental plants. When you arrive in La Fortuna, enjoy lunch in a cozy restaurant right in front of Arenal Volcano, affording excellent views of this natural phenomenon that attracts thousands of visitors each year.
In the afternoon, unwind in one of the best thermal baths in the area at Baldi Hot Springs resort, with optional massage or other treatment (own expense; reserved in advance). Later, savor dinner while admiring another magnificent view of the active volcano and be on the lookout for explosions of incandescent light. Afterward, relax at your hotel.
Overnight: Arenal Paraiso or Mountain Paradise Hotel (or similar) in La Fortuna
Day 3: La Fortuna (L)
Get ready for your adventure at Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge, considered one of the most biologically diverse in Costa Rica! Begin your journey in the village of Los Chiles, a border town just two miles (4 km) from Nicaragua.
From here, embark on a 4-hour floating safari along the Rio Frío through tropical rain forest and pastures until you arrive at the marsh, Lago Caño Negro. Within the refuge, view a variety of resident and migratory birds plus iguanas, sloths, turtles, caimans and three different species of monkeys.
Your cruise will end in the afternoon, and you’ll have the rest of the evening to do as you wish in La Fortuna.
Overnight: Arenal Paraiso or Mountain Paradise Hotel (or similar) in La Fortuna
Day 4: La Fortuna – Monteverde
Transfer to Monteverde, including a 30-minute boat tour across Arenal Lake. Along the way, spot several small islands and enjoy panoramic views of the natural surroundings. Once you’ve arrived on the other side, ride in a comfortable van directly to your hotel.
Transfer to Monteverde, including a 30-minute boat tour across Arenal Lake. Along the way, spot several small islands and enjoy panoramic views of the natural surroundings. Once you’ve arrived on the other side, ride in a comfortable van directly to your hotel.
After checking in, explore the area at your leisure or just enjoy the breathtaking views while you relax. You’ll have several options (own expense), including a canopy tour, frog pond or butterfly garden.
Overnight: Monteverde Cloud Forest Lodge or El Establo Hotel (or similar) in Monteverde
Day 5: Monteverde (L)
Depart for the Monteverde Reserve for a 2-hour Sky Walk tour – a series of suspension bridges and well-maintained walking trails built 984 feet (300 meters) above the tropical forest canopy of Monteverde Cloud Forest.
Explore the forest safely and easily as you admire the area’s flora and fauna with commentary by an expert guide. After you descend, enjoy lunch and the rest of the afternoon relaxing at your leisure.
You’ll have the additional option to go on a canopy tour, frog pond or butterfly garden (own expense).
Overnight: Monteverde Cloud Forest Lodge or El Establo Hotel (or similar) in Monteverde
Day 6: Monteverde – Tamarindo (B)
Start your day with breakfast, and then take a 3-hour trip to Guanacaste, a province known for its beaches and its dry tropical forest. Along the way, take in the amazing views and learn about the history of the local towns from your knowledgeable guide.
Start your day with breakfast, and then take a 3-hour trip to Guanacaste, a province known for its beaches and its dry tropical forest. Along the way, take in the amazing views and learn about the history of the local towns from your knowledgeable guide.
Overnight: Hotel Tamarindo Diria or Cala Luna Hotel (or similar) in Tamarindo
Day 7: Guanacaste (L)
Head to Vida Aventura Nature Park, located in the Guanacaste mountain range, for a full day of ziplining and horseback riding, as well as relaxing in hot springs and a mud bath! When you arrive, put on a harness and get trained on riding the zipline. Then, take off through the canyon and soar around the forest canopy along seven cables.
Head to Vida Aventura Nature Park, located in the Guanacaste mountain range, for a full day of ziplining and horseback riding, as well as relaxing in hot springs and a mud bath! When you arrive, put on a harness and get trained on riding the zipline. Then, take off through the canyon and soar around the forest canopy along seven cables.
After you’ve landed, mount a horse for a ride over hillside trails, learning about the diverse flora and fauna as you cross streams and pastures. Keep an eye out for two active volcanoes, Rincon de la Vieja and Miravalles, and admire the spectacular panoramic views along the way.
When you’ve completed the horseback ride, enjoy a typical Costa Rican lunch. Then, soak in a thermal mud bath and hot spring in gorgeous surroundings. Lather soft volcanic mud on your skin and dip into a geothermal pool to washing it away, soothing any sore muscles as you relax.
Overnight: Hotel Tamarindo Diria or Cala Luna Hotel (or similar) in Tamarindo
Day 8: Guanacaste
Enjoy a day of free time, either exploring Guanacaste at your leisure or enjoying optional tours (own expense), including Palo Verde National Park, a city tour of Liberia, a 1-day tour to Nicaragua or the Sky Walk at Tenorio Volcano National Park.
Overnight: Hotel Tamarindo Diria or Cala Luna Hotel (or similar) in Tamarindo
Day 9: Tamarindo – Liberia
Your guide will pick you up at the lobby of your hotel and transfer you to Liberia International Airport (LIR) for your departing flight.
Note: If you would like to end your tour in San Jose, a private transfer can be arranged and be paid on the day of travel (approx. USD $205 per person)
Your guide will pick you up at the lobby of your hotel and transfer you to Liberia International Airport (LIR) for your departing flight.
Note: If you would like to end your tour in San Jose, a private transfer can be arranged and be paid on the day of travel (approx. USD $205 per person)
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