Travel Notices

Costa Rica Pura Vida

San José, Tortuguero, Arenal & Monteverde; explore independently with flights, hotel, national park, hanging bridges, coffee & chocolate tour included

Overview

This package is currently unavailable.
Style Independent PackageThese un-escorted packages have no set schedule or guides, so you have the freedom and flexibility to explore on your own from your centrally-located hotel. More of these packages
Freedom to explore at your own pace; unescorted
Departures
Themes ActiveNature & Wildlife
Activity Level Moderate
What to Expect This leisurely-paced, independent tour requires minimal walking and is suitable for most levels of physical fitness. The Hanging Bridges Tour in Arenal is approximately 1.9 miles in length and requires a higher level of physical fitness to fully enjoy the tour. This tour also includes long scenic drives between destinations that can be windy and bumpy at times. Transfers will be on a shared shuttle and may have limited rest stops. This tour does not include a tour guide or escort.
Already booked? Find everything you need to know before you go, including information about passport & visa requirements, flights, luggage, and more.

Get updates about this package

Be the first to know about new dates, itinerary changes, discounts, and more.

Also subscribe to:

Costa Rica is truly one of Central America's jewels. In this small tropical country, you'll find a stunning collection of landscapes and ecosystems, including tropical rainforests and jungles, cloud forests, mountains, rivers, volcanoes, and coasts on both the Caribbean and Pacific. It's also home to an amazing array of plant and animal species, containing 5% of the planet's total biodiversity. You'll fall in love with the Costa Rican people, known as "Ticos," who are so cheerful and easy-going that a recent Gallup poll named Costa Rica as one of the happiest places on earth.

Experience the "pura vida" (pure life) of Costa Rica on this 9-day Costa Rica tour package, designed for the independent traveler, but without worrying about getting from one place to another. Start in the capital city of San José, a bustling metropolis surrounded by mountains. Travel to Tortuguero on the Caribbean coast, where you'll explore the lush rainforest by boat on a series of canals and see the secluded beaches where endangered turtles nest. Head north to Arenal to see one of the world's most active volcanoes, then explore the cloud forests of Monteverde.

Want even more? Take a look at our Costa Rica Pura Vida with Manuel Antonio! This tour includes 3 extra nights in Manuel Antonio on the Pacific coast, where you can watch Capuchin monkeys skip across the tropical beaches and iguanas sunning themselves. All for a price that is almost as stunning as the country itself!

Package includes

  • Flights
  • Coach
  • Transfers
  • Hotel
  • Meals
  • Round trip flights from Miami via scheduled carriers, including taxes & fees with other gateways available on request
  • All transfers in air-conditioned chauffeur-driven mini-vans
  • 8 nights superior hotel accommodations
  • 13 Meals: 8 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 2 dinners
  • Comprehensive sightseeing with a naturalist bilingual guide in Tortuguero
  • Entrance fee to Tortuguero National Park ($15)
  • Hanging bridges walk
  • Coffee and chocolate tour

Optional add-ons

  • Included flights may have a connection in SAL, PTY, or similar. Non-stop flights may be available for an additional cost.

Why you'll love it

  • Walk through Tortuguero, the "land of turtles", and have the chance to see a variety of endangered turtles.
  • Board small boats and tour the numerous secondary canals of Tortuguero National Park.
  • Explore the rainforest with a naturalist guide, keeping your eyes peeled for unique mammals, birds and other wildlife.
  • Walk along the hanging bridges among the treetops in Arenal.
  • Learn about the rich coffee and chocolate drink production during a visit to a coffee plantation in Monteverde, tasting the fruit of the cacao and traditional Costa Rican coffee.
  • Explore San Jose independently, enjoying the variety of shops, cafes, restaurants and bars in the Escazu Area.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 USA/San José

  • Upon arrival in San José, proceed through customs formalities where you'll be met and transferred to your hotel

Crowne Plaza San José Corobicí or similar

Day 2 San José & Tortuguero

  • Depart San José very early this morning and travel to Tortuguero
  • Experience a guided walk through the village of Tortuguero and along the beach

Aninga Lodge or similar Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Full Day Itinerary
Tortuguero

Depart San José very early this morning for the Caribbean coastal area and Tortuguero. The trip takes you up and over the Continental Divide between the Pacific and Caribbean watersheds and through the spectacular Braulio Carrillo National Park. You will see changes in the landscapes and vegetation as you approach the lowlands, arriving at El Ceibo (about 2 hours). Enjoy a typical Costa Rican breakfast, then continue your drive through villages and plantations of pineapples and bananas to the dock.

The "roads" in Tortuguero are a system of rivers and canals, accessible only by boat. Continue via motor launch through the canals parallel to the coast to reach your eco-lodge, located on the main canal (about 1.5 hours). Check into your rooms and have some time to relax in the peaceful surroundings of the rainforest.

After a buffet lunch, head out across the canal to the village of Tortuguero, where you'll enjoy a guided walk through the village and along the beach. Tortuguero ("land of turtles") takes its name from several varieties of endangered turtles which come ashore every year on these beaches to lay their eggs in nests in the sand. If you like, you can visit the turtle museum. Dinner will be served in the hotel restaurant. (The nesting season for giant turtles is from July to September. Sightings of any wildlife are not guaranteed.)

Day 3 Tortuguero

  • Join your naturalist guide for a walking tour of the rainforest
  • Board small boats for a tour through the secondary canals of Tortuguero National Park
  • Balance of the day at leisure

Aninga Lodge or similar Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Full Day Itinerary
Exploring Tortuguero by boat Photo by Amy Steinfeld

This morning, your guide will take you on a walking tour of the rainforest. After lunch, depart on small boats for a tour through the many secondary canals of Tortuguero National Park. You will have a close-up view of rainforest vegetation and wildlife. The area is home to Capuchin, Howler and Spider Monkeys and many species of birds. You may even see a crocodile basking in the sun.

The rest of the afternoon is yours to relax by the pool or the decks along the waterfront. There are also optional activities such as fishing, kayaking or even a canopy zip-line. Dinner will be served in the hotel restaurant.

Day 4 Tortuguero & Arenal

  • Depart Tortuguero and travel to the Arenal region
  • Balance of the day at leisure

Volcano Lodge Hotel and Thermal Experience, Arenal Springs Resort & Spa or similar Breakfast & lunch

Full Day Itinerary
Arenal Volcano erupting

After breakfast, depart via motor-launch to the main dock. Board your coach for the drive though the villages and plantations to El Ceibo for lunch. Your air-conditioned mini-van will be waiting to drive you to Arenal and your hotel located near the town of La Fortuna, on the road that leads to the foot of the volcano (about 3.5 hours).

Arenal's cone has two peaks which rise to 5360 feet. After being inactive for 500 years, the volcano erupted in 1968, and it has since become one of the most active volcanoes in the world. You may see the smoke rising from the cone, or on a rare occasion there is the possibility of lava flows, which are particularly impressive at night. The volcano has also created natural hot springs in the area. Your hotel is surrounded by beautiful gardens, where you can relax by the pool or enjoy the spa. (Volcanic activity is a natural process and sightings of smoke and/or lava are not guaranteed.)

Note: The March 11, 2020 departure will be at Arenal Springs 

Day 5 Arenal

  • Walk among the treetops on a hanging bridges tour
  • Balance of the day at leisure

Arenal Springs Resort & Spa, Volcano Lodge Hotel and Thermal Experience or similar Breakfast

Full Day Itinerary
Tabacón Hot Springs © Tabacón Hot Springs

Today, enjoy a unique opportunity to explore and appreciate the beauty of the forest and the volcano. Walk on the hanging bridges suspended in the treetops while your guide helps you spot a variety of birds and animals. The trail is 1.9 miles in length and includes nine fixed bridges and six suspension bridges.

Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure to relax at your hotel and enjoy the view or take advantage of some other activities. You can take a short hike to the foothills of the volcano in the Arenal Volcano National Park. Also available are some optional excursions which allow you to see the forest up close: horseback riding to La Fortuna Waterfall; a canopy tour complete with zip lines; plus kayaking on the Arenal Lake and more.

In the evening, take advantage of an optional visit to the Tabacón Hot Springs, where you can enjoy a refreshing swim and dinner.

Day 6 Arenal & Monteverde

  • Transfer via air-conditioned mini-van to Monteverde
  • Balance of the day at leisure

El Establo Mountain Hotel or similar Breakfast

Full Day Itinerary
Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve

This morning, transfer via air-conditioned mini-van to Monteverde, driving around Lake Arenal (about 4 hours). The Monteverde Reserve is covered with dense and humid foliage on the continental divide between the Caribbean and Pacific watersheds. The Reserve is home to over 300 species of birds and mammals as well as many varieties of orchids. In the early 1950s, the area of Santa Elena and Monteverde (Green Mountain) was settled by Quakers from the USA, in pursuit of a peaceful lifestyle. Many of the settlers bought farms and raised dairy cows. Your hotel is located on these former farms and is still owned by the same family.

Day 7 Monteverde

  • Visit a coffee plantation for a coffee and chocolate tour
  • Balance of the day at leisure

El Establo Mountain Hotel or similar Breakfast

Full Day Itinerary
Coffee beans Photo by Amy Steinfeld

Today, you will have the chance to partake in some of the traditional processes used on the coffee plantation that make it possible to produce such a rich tasting Costa Rican coffee. Then, immerse yourself in the world of chocolate, enjoying its delicious aromas, and learning about its history. Participate in the chocolate making process, taste the fruit of the cacao, and see how small cocoa beans are transformed into a rich chocolate drink.

Spend the remainder of the day relaxing or enjoy optional excursions which offer other activities in the area. The Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, which is part of the growing network of protected areas in Costa Rica. This Reserve attracts bird watchers from around the world. You can also visit the Santa Elena Cloud Forest, with beautiful views of the Arenal Volcano. You can tour the suspension bridges, spanning mountaintop to mountaintop, which allow you the walk through the top of the canopy of the cloud forest. You can also do a canopy tour complete with zip lines, visit the hummingbird gardens or ride horses.

Day 8 Monteverde & San José

  • Transfer via air-conditioned mini-van to San José
  • Balance of the day at leisure

Crowne Plaza San José Corobicí or similar Breakfast

Full Day Itinerary
National Theater, San José

In the morning, transfer via air-conditioned mini-van back to San José (about 4.5 hours). Spend the afternoon at leisure at your hotel, or explore the city and do some last minute shopping. We recommend a stop at the Escazu Area, where there is an assortment of bars, boutiques, cafés, and restaurants to enjoy.

Or, take advantage of your already included airfare and continue for a 3-night extension in Manuel Antonio, on the Pacific coast.

Day 9 San José/USA

  • Transfer to the airport for your return flight to the USA

Breakfast

Optional Excursions from Arenal

The following optional excursions are available for purchase locally and can be arranged through our local partners. Prices listed are per person. Most excursions require a minimum of 2 passengers to operate. Pricing and availability are subject to change.

Arenal Volcano Hiking: $60
Man hiking, Arenal Volcano

The Arenal Volcano Hiking tour transports guests to the northwest side of the volcano. The tour begins with a hike to either the Arenal National Park or the Mirador El Silencio Nature Reserve, depending on volcanic conditions. Along the way guests have the opportunity to see a variety of plants, wildlife, magnificent lava rock formations, and breathtaking views of Lake Arenal. During the tour, experienced guides will provide interesting and educational information regarding the history of the Arenal Volcano and its National Park. The tour concludes with an optional stop at a mineral hot springs. Note: Entrance fee to hot springs is at additional cost (see below).

with Tabacon Hot Springs and dinner included: add $86
with The Springs Resort and dinner included: add $88
with EcoTermales Hot Springs and dinner included: add $75

Departs: 7:30am or 2:00pm
Includes: Comfortable transportation, bilingual naturalist guide, park fee and cold beverages
Bring: Shorts, swimsuit, camera and insect repellent

Venado Caves: $88
Stalactites and stalagmites

For those who do not mind getting a little wet and muddy, this fascinating underground adventure is located only 45 minutes from La Fortuna. This subterranean tour will take guests through narrow passages, incredible labyrinths and chambers for a view of the famous rock formation named La Papaya, and other stalagmites and stalactites that are sure to astonish.

Departs: Varies
Includes: Comfortable transportation, bilingual guide, flash light, helmet, and cold drinks
Bring: Comfortable clothes, comfortable shoes, insect repellent, extra clothes

Arenal Night Walk: $70
Three-toed sloth

The night walk takes place at the Ecocentro Danaus a small reserve whose focus is conservation and education. A visit to the center at night gives guests the opportunity to see some of the areas most prominent nocturnal animals in action such as sloths, caimans, spiders, frogs, bats, butterflies and the way these species interact with each other.

Departs: 5:30pm
Includes: Transportation, guides, entrance fee and drinks
Bring: Hiking boots, insect repellent and long pants

Horseback Riding to Arenal Volcano: $52
Man on horseback, Arenal

This is the perfect tour to discover the majestic surroundings of the Arenal area. The majority of the journey is through private property which will take you through primary and secondary rainforests, as well as lovely cattle farms; all the while giving you incredible views of the mighty Arenal Volcano. The horseback ride takes approximately 2 hours.

Departs: 8:30am or 1:30pm
Includes: Guide, bottled water, horses and safety gear 
Bring: Long pants, hiking shoes, towel, hat, sunscreen, camera

Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge by Boat: $73
Caimans Photo by Tom Wheatley on Unsplash

The Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge is considered one of the best sites on the continent for bird watching. Beside an abundance of birds, Caño Negro is also refuge to many other animals like sloths, monkeys, caimans, lizards, and bats. The tour to this beautiful region leaves from La Fortuna, driving for about an hour and a half to Los Chiles, a rustic town near the border of Nicaragua. From here, a three hour boatride down the Río Frío will take guests through the heart of this wildlife refuge. The naturalist guide will explain each one of sites seen along the way, as well as the beautiful flora and fauna of the region.

Departs: 7:30 am
Includes: Comfortable transportation, bilingual naturalist guide, lunch, and cold drinks
Bring: Fresh and comfortable clothes, tennis shoes or sandals, camera, hat, binoculars, sunscreen

Sunset on Arenal Lake: $92
Arenal Lake sunset

Admire breathtaking views of the Arenal Volcano and the beautiful sunset as you ride a boat on Arenal Lake. On this two-hour boat ride you will have the opportunity to see a large variety of birds, including flycatchers, kingfishers, and aningas, as well as monkeys, coatis, and sloths. 

Departs: 4:00pm
Includes: Shared transportation, bilingual guide, drinks and fruits
Bring: Comfortable clothes, camera and binoculars

Maleku Indigenous Cultural Tour: $111
Traditional Maleku hut Photo by Stevenj

Head north into the agriculturally rich Costa Rican Northern Plains. after about an hour drive, you will arrive in an indigenous reservation where three Maleku communities are found. Upon arrival, you will meet a local Maleku family, and learn about how the Maleku people have had to adapt themselves to a new lifestyle while struggling to keep their culture and traditions intact. Aspects of their ancient lifestyle, including their building materials and staples of their diet, have been impacted by environmental protection laws, and they have thus had to adjust to these changes. Even so, they are working to preserve most of their traditions, including their language, dances, diet, dress, and use of natural medicine. This cultural encounter will allow you to learn about their traditions as you visit one of their traditional houses, walk though a graveyard and find out how they used to bury their family members, as well as explore one of the botanical gardens where they grow their medicinal plants. After a traditional tribal ritual, end with a Maleku lunch before returning to the hotel.

Departs: 7:30am
Includes: Shared transportation, bilingual guide, admission fees, water bottle and lunch
Bring: Camera, hiking shoes, sunscreen and insect repellent

Rio Balsa Class II-III Rafting: $69
Whitewater rafting

This activity is a great way to combine adventure with the exuberance of nature in Costa Rica. Your professional guide will help get you ready for the challenge, before paddling down the rolling rapids. This class II-III river provides the opportunity to combine exciting rapids with admiring the lush greenery and birds and animals that can be seen along the way. Your eagle-eyed guides will point out the monkeys, sloths and toucans you may see along the way. Enjoy a traditional Costa Rican lunch before returning to the hotel.

Departs: 10:30am
Includes: Shared transportation, bilingual guide, tropical fruits and lunch
Bring: Shorts or swimsuit, towels, waterproof camera, hiking shoes or sneakers, sunscreen and insect repellent

Hot Springs Entrance with Lunch or Dinner: $98
Tabacón Hot Springs © Tabacón Hot Springs

Transfer from the hotel to the hot springs, to relax and enjoy the thermal waters. Lunch or dinner will be served in the restaurant. At the scheduled time, transfer back to the hotel.

with Tabacon Hot Springs and dinner: $108
with The Springs Resort and lunch or dinner: $119
with EcoTermales Hot Springs and lunch or dinner: $98

Departs: Varies
Duration: 4 hrs
Includes: Round transportation, entrance fees, lunch or dinner
Bring: Sandals, hat, towels, bathing suit, sun block, repellent and camera

Hiking to the Celeste River: $126
Waterfall, Celeste River

Depart early en route to the Celeste River. Arrive at the Tenorio Volcano National Park, for a 5 mile hike (approximately 4 hours) through the tropical rain forest ending at "Los Teñideros", the confluence of two streams of crystalline water that form the heavenly turquoise color that gives the Celeste River its "sky-blue" name. Continue through trails rich with ecological wonders ending at the Celeste River waterfall. The final reward is lunch at the end of the journey.

Departs: 7:30am
Included: Transportation, naturalist guide, beverages, lunch and entrance fee to park
Bring: Long pants, hiking shoes, insect repellent, camera and binoculars

Canopy Zipline at Arenal Paraiso: $42
Woman ziplining

This canopy is more than an adventure, it is a marvelous chance to learn about the flora and fauna of the region. Expert guides will take you from tree to tree across 12 platforms and 11 cables at a height of 80 meters, and ranging in lengths up to 350 meters. The trip ends in the beautiful rainforest at the border of the Arenal River where you will take a tractor ride through the forest back to the reception area.

Departs: 8:00am or 10:30am or 1:00pm or 3:00pm
Included: Transportation, guide and equipment
Bring: Long pants, closed toe shoes, rain jacket, insect repellent, camera and sunscreen

Peñas Blancas River Safari Float: $55
Green iguana Photo by Chris J Walker on Unsplash

Experience the peaceful forest while floating on the Peñas Blancas River. Enjoy the opportunity to observe many animals like monkeys, sloths, iguanas, tortoises, crocodiles, and several species of birds. The float doesn't have a motor, so the journey can be experienced quietly rowing and taking photos. An experienced naturalist will explain many fascinating details about trees, plants, birds and other animals as guests float down the river.

Departs: 7:30am or 1:00pm
Includes: Comfortable transport, bilingual naturalist guide, snacks and cold drinks
Bring: Short pants, swimsuit, camera, binoculars, sunscreen, insect repellent

Twilight Forest Walk: $70
Bat eating nectar from a banana flower

Take an evening walk through one if the Eco Centers in the Arenal area. These small reserves develop conservation programs and provide training in environmental education and sustainable land use. Walking through the trails in the reserve as it gets dark will give you a unique opportunity to view some of the area's nocturnal animals in action, including sloths, caimans, spiders, frogs, bats, butterflies and birds, and see how they interact with one another and with the vegetation. The guide will help you identify and gain a greater understanding of what you see and hear during the forest at night.

Departs: 5:30pm
Includes: Shared transportation, bilingual guide, admission fees and drinks
Bring: Hiking boots, insect repellent, long pants, and a sweater or a raincoat

Optional Excursions from Monteverde

The following optional excursions are available for purchase locally and can be arranged through our local partners. Prices listed are per person. Most excursions require a minimum of 2 passengers to operate. Pricing and availability are subject to change.

Selvatura Canopy Tour: $46
Ziplining

Canopy Tour guides start by harnessing guests with all the appropriate equipment and giving a safety lecture on all the procedures to enjoy this amazing adventure with a "Safety First" motto. Then fly through 15 cables and 18 platforms with an optional Tarzan Swing at the end of the adventure. Selvatura Park is one of the longest Canopy Tours in Costa Rica and the only canopy tour located inside the Monteverde Cloud Forest. The tour usually takes between 2.5 and 3 hours and can be done by adventurers age 4 and up (some restrictions may apply).

Departs: 8:30am or 11:00am or 1:00pm or 2:30pm
Includes: Comfortable transportation, guide, entrance and equipment
Bring: Comfortable clothing, hiking shoes and camera

Treetop Walkways at Selvatura: $32
Hanging bridge, Selvatura

This self-guided walking trail crosses almost 2 miles through the Monteverde Cloud Forest. Here visitors will walk on eight different bridges with various lengths ranging between 150 feet up to 510 feet and heights ranging between 36 feet up to 180 feet. Each bridge has a width of five feet, the widest bridges in Costa Rica, and also a capacity of up to 80 people per bridge making them both the longest and strongest bridge systems in the Monteverde Cloud Forest.

Departs: 8:30am or 11:00am or 1:00pm or 2:30pm
Includes: Comfortable transportation, entrance and equipment
Bring: Comfortable clothing, hiking shoes and camera

Curi-Cancha Reserve Tour: $55
Blue-crowned motmot

The Curi-Cancha Reserve is a birdwatchers' paradise. The resplendent quetzal, the three-wattled bellbird, the blue-crowned motmot and the orange-bellied trogon are just a few of the many bird species that are frequently seen here. In fact, over 200 different bird species have been spotted in Curi-Cancha. In addition to birds, many mammals are frequently sighted at this reserve, including armadillo, coati, agouti, kinkajou, ocelots, two-toed sloths and three species of monkeys: mantled howlers, white-faced capuchin and spider monkeys.

Departs: 7:00am or 1:00pm
Includes: Shared transportation, bilingual guide, and admission fees
Bring: Hiking shoes, binoculars, raincoat and camera

Birdwatching Tour: $127
Couple birdwatching

Monteverde is known worldwide among birdwatchers. Located between 4,500 and 5,500 feet above sea level, the Monteverde cloud forest is home to hundreds of tropical birds, including quetzals, toucans, woodcreepers, flycatchers as well as migrating birds like orioles and grosbeaks. Often heard but not so often seen is the elusive three-wattled bellbird. Set out to explore the cloud forest with your guide on a half day or a full day birdwatching expedition. 

Departs: 5:45am
Includes: Shared transportation, bilingual guide, admission fees
Bring: Hiking shoes, binoculars, raincoat and camera

Note: The Birdwatching Tour is  $127 per person (half day) or $164 per person (full day).

Santa Elena Cloudforest Tour: $62
Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve

This exceptional hiking experience will bring you into a wonderland of green lushness. Giant tree ferns, bamboo and palm trees grow abundantly in the understory, while thick moss-covered liana vines dangle from the canopy. Indulge your senses as you spot birds and mammals, hear the song of the quetzal and the howls of the howler monkeys, and look for the tracks of the shy pumas, coatis and red brocket deer. On a clear day, you get a spectacular view of Arenal Volcano and Arenal Lake.

Departs: 6:45am
Includes: Shared transportation, bilingual guide, admission fees
Bring: Hiking shoes, binoculars, raincoat and camera

Don Juan Coffee Farm Night Tour: $36
Coffee beans Photo by Amy Steinfeld

This tour combines the tradition of coffee with nature. The tour begins about the time at which nocturnal animals are becoming active. Walk alongside a river on the coffee farm that is home to many species of frogs and toads. Their vibrant colors and night calls are a feast for the senses. You will have the chance to see a variety of nocturnal mammals and birds on the move, as well as perhaps spotting some sleeping peacefully perched atop a tree branch. In addition to observing nature, you will also get to see how the tiny coffee beans are transformed into a delicious cup of coffee that you will enjoy at the end of the tour.

Departs: 5:30pm
Includes: Shared transportation, bilingual guide, admission fees
Bring: Comfortable clothing, hiking shoes and camera

Orchid Garden: $34
Purple orchid Photo by Yeimy Olivier on Unsplash

Explore the amazing world of orchids at the Orchid Garden, where your guide will show you these beautiful flowers and explain their importance, their reproduction, and much more.

Departs: Varies, between 9:00am and 4:00pm
Includes: Shared transportation, bilingual guide, and admission fees
Bring: Camera

Herpetarium and Frogs at Selvatura: $14
Red-eyed tree frog

At this reptile and amphibian exhibition, you will find a variety of frogs, lizards, geckos and snakes. The reptiles and amphibians live inside specialized climate-controlled terrariums providing these wonderful creatures with a home-like habitat. Explore the herpetarium on this self-guided tour.

Departs: 8:30am or 11:00am or 1:00pm or 2:30pm
Includes: Shared transportation, admission fees
Bring: Comfortable clothing, hiking shoes and camera

Horseback Riding: $53
Man on horseback, Monteverde

Ride through mountain trails and open areas in a private reserve located very close to the continental divide, enjoying the views of the green mountains of the Monteverde area, and weather permitting, the Arenal Volcano. There is also a chance of spotting wildlife, such as toucans, parrots, motmots, hummingbirds, monkeys, peccaries, coati, and agouti.

Departs: 7:45am or 12:45pm or 2:45pm
Includes: Shared transportation, bilingual guide, horse, admission fees, and safety helmet
Bring: Comfortable shoes, long pants and camera

Monteverde Cloud Forest Hiking: $63
Hiker, Monteverde Cloud Forest

Enjoy a four hour nature tour through the renowned Monteverde Cloud Forest Preserve where a local professional naturalist guide will explain all of the different flora and fauna that surrounds. Visit the Golden Toad's unique habitat, and see birds like the Resplendent Quetzal, Three-Wattled Bell Bird, and the Black Faced Solitaire; trees like Strangler Figs, Avocados, and Cecropias; epiphytes like Bromeliads, Orchids and Mosses; and a wide variety of insects, mammals and reptiles.

Departs: 7:00am
Includes: Entrance fee, bilingual naturalist guide and comfortable transportation
Bring: Comfortable clothes, hiking shoes, sweater or rain jacket, binocular and camera

Monteverde Night Walk Tour: $25
Tarantula

This tour starts at sunset. At this time, all the animals are very active, because all the diurnal animals are looking for a place to sleep; and the nocturnal animals are becoming active. This is great experience to hear and see animals very different than during the day time. The most common animals guests will see are sloths, coatis, agoutis, porcupines, foxes, tarantulas, frogs, insects and sleeping birds.

Departs: 5:30pm
Includes: Transportation, entrance fees, professional and bilingual guide and flashlight.
Bring: Hiking shoes, rain coat and camera

Hotels

Crowne Plaza San José Corobicí
Crowne Plaza San José Corobicí
First Class

The Crowne Plaza San José Corobicí is the ideal place to enjoy your visit to San Jose. It is located just 5 minutes away from the financial district and next to La Sabana Park. Its various services will make your stay in the city memorable.

More information

Aninga Lodge
Tourist Class

Surrounded by a network of scenic canals, Aninga Lodge is located in one of the most biodiverse regions of the world. In order to protect this rich ecosystem, the lodge is committed to sustainability, including efficient use of resources, waste management and environmental protection.

More information

Volcano Lodge Hotel and Thermal Experience
Volcano Lodge Hotel and Thermal Experience
Superior First Class

Volcano Lodge Hotel & Thermal Experience is conveniently located close to the marvels of La Fortuna de San Carlos. The lodge itself is surrounded by lush tropical gardens and beautiful hot springs overlooking the Arenal Volcano. The spa offers a wide selection of therapies and massage treatments that will restore to you the balance of mind and body.

More information

Arenal Springs Resort & Spa
Arenal Springs Resort & Spa
First Class

Guests of the Arenal Springs Resort & Spa enjoy stunning views of Arenal Volcano and is a convenient distance to many local attractions. The hotel is truly a special environment with natural mineral hot springs, a beautiful garden paradise that gives safe-haven to over 138 species of birds, and a working vegetable farm with aquaponics and composting area all located on the property. There is also a fitness center, spa, swimming area, convenience store and gift shop on site.

More information

El Establo Mountain Hotel
El Establo Mountain Hotel
First Class

El Establo Mountain Hotel is positioned among the treetops of Monteverde and offers an excellent view of the Gulf of Nicoya. The hotel promotes sustainable and responsible practices that ensure a minimal impact on the natural environment.

More information

In the unlikely event that a particular hotel is not available, a similar or better hotel may be substituted.

Reviews & Photos

We love hearing your stories and seeing your photos! Here are some moments other travelers captured on this package. Or check out our entire fan photo gallery.

Check out independent, verified reviews from real travelers on Feefo.

Trip Details

More Common Questions

Other Packages

Independent Package Costa Rica: Volcanoes, Rainforests & Beaches
from $2249 w/ Flights from $1749 Tour Only 7 days
per person, double occupancy*
* Advertised prices may include an "Instant Savings" discount and/or sale discount, available for a limited time. Prices reflect these discounts. Advertised prices are per person, based on double occupancy; single occupancy rooms may be available for an additional charge. Advertised prices are the best available based on the least expensive travel dates, departure city, and other options, and do not include optional excursions or other optional items. Your total price will vary based upon the dates, flights, and other options you select during the booking process. For packages including flights, prices include Airline Taxes, Fees & Sept. 11th Security Fee, but do not include excess baggage fees or advance seat reservations. Prices and availability subject to change. More about our prices.

© Friendly Planet Travel   Privacy Policy