Costa Rica: Volcanoes, Rainforests & Beaches

The capital San José, spectacular Arenal and its volcano, 3 relaxing days in Playa Hermosa; travel on your own with flights & hotel included. Optional pre-tour to Tortuguero.

Overview

from$2049Tour + Flights from$1549Tour Only 7days

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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	February – December 2025
Themes	Active, Nature & 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.
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In the small tropical country of Costa Rica, 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 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 it's no wonder Costa Rica is known as one of the happiest places on earth.

Experience Costa Rica on this 7-day Costa Rica vacation package, designed for the independent traveler, but without worrying about getting from one place to another. Start in the capital city of San José before heading north to Arenal to see one of the world's most active volcanoes, and enjoy time exploring the area or joining in on exciting optional excursions. End your journey with 3 days in Playa Panama, basking on the pristine beaches surrounded by sparkling water and full of a variety of wildlife. Want even more? Join our pre-tour extension to Tortuguero, enjoying a walking tour of the rainforest, the secondary canals of Tortuguero National Park, and leisure time spent relaxing, kayaking, and exploring on your own.

Package includes

Flights
Coach
Transfers
Hotel
Meals
Guides

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
6 nights deluxe and superior hotel accommodations
6 meals: 5 breakfasts, 1 dinner
Hanging bridges walk

Optional add-ons

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

Why you'll love it

Wander among the treetops during a hanging bridges tour in Arenal.
Explore Arenal independently or join optional excursions, such as horseback riding to La Fortuna Waterfall, kayaking on Lake Arenal, embarking on a canopy tour, ziplining and more.
Relax with a complimentary visit to the onsite hot springs at your hotel in Arenal or to the Titokú Hot Springs.
Spend three relaxing days in the coastal area of Playa Hermosa, admiring its pristine beaches, crystal blue waters and array of unique wildlife.

Itinerary at a Glance

Costa Rica: Volcanoes, Rainforests & Beaches map

1 USA/San José
2 San José & Arenal
3 Arenal
4 Arenal & Playa Hermosa
5 Playa Hermosa
6 Playa Hermosa
7 Liberia/USA

Dates & Prices

Instant Savings: Get $300 off if you book by Jan. 9, 2025!

Dates & Prices, with flights per person, double occupancy, during sale, including Instant Savings and sale discounts*
2024 DEPARTURES
Dates	Regular Price	Instant Savings	Sale	Your Price
Departs U.S.: Thu, Dec 5, 2024 Finishes: Wed, Dec 11, 2024 Dec 5 – Dec 11	$2599	–	–	–	Sold Out
2025 DEPARTURES
Dates	Regular Price	Instant Savings	Sale	Your Price
Departs U.S.: Thu, Jan 16, 2025 Finishes: Wed, Jan 22, 2025 Jan 16 – Jan 22	$2899	–	–	–	Sold Out
Departs U.S.: Thu, Jan 23, 2025 Finishes: Wed, Jan 29, 2025 Jan 23 – Jan 29	$2699	–	–	–	Sold Out
Departs U.S.: Thu, Feb 6, 2025 Finishes: Wed, Feb 12, 2025 Book by Thu, Jan 9, 2025 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! Feb 6 – Feb 12	$2649	–$300	-$200	$2149	Select
Departs U.S.: Thu, Feb 13, 2025 Finishes: Wed, Feb 19, 2025 Feb 13 – Feb 19	$2899	–	–	–	Sold Out
Departs U.S.: Thu, Mar 13, 2025 Finishes: Wed, Mar 19, 2025 Book by Thu, Jan 9, 2025 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! Mar 13 – Mar 19	$2999	–$300	-$200	$2499	Select
Departs U.S.: Thu, Apr 17, 2025 Finishes: Wed, Apr 23, 2025 Book by Thu, Jan 9, 2025 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! Apr 17 – Apr 23	$2699	–$300	-$200	$2199	Select
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Departs U.S.: Thu, Jul 10, 2025 Finishes: Wed, Jul 16, 2025 Book by Thu, Jan 9, 2025 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! Jul 10 – Jul 16	$2749	–$300	-$200	$2249	Select
Departs U.S.: Thu, Aug 14, 2025 Finishes: Wed, Aug 20, 2025 Book by Thu, Jan 9, 2025 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! Aug 14 – Aug 20	$2649	–$300	-$200	$2149	Select
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Departs U.S.: Thu, Nov 13, 2025 Finishes: Wed, Nov 19, 2025 Book by Thu, Jan 9, 2025 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! Nov 13 – Nov 19	$2699	–$300	-$200	$2199	Select
Departs U.S.: Thu, Dec 4, 2025 Finishes: Wed, Dec 10, 2025 Book by Thu, Jan 9, 2025 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! Dec 4 – Dec 10	$2799	–$300	-$200	$2299	Select

Dates & Prices, tour only per person, double occupancy, during sale, including Instant Savings and sale discounts*
2024 DEPARTURES
Dates	Regular Price	Instant Savings	Sale	Your Price
Starts: Thu, Dec 5, 2024 Finishes: Wed, Dec 11, 2024 Dec 5 – Dec 11	$2099	–	–	–	Sold Out
2025 DEPARTURES
Dates	Regular Price	Instant Savings	Sale	Your Price
Starts: Thu, Jan 16, 2025 Finishes: Wed, Jan 22, 2025 Jan 16 – Jan 22	$2399	–	–	–	Sold Out
Starts: Thu, Jan 23, 2025 Finishes: Wed, Jan 29, 2025 Jan 23 – Jan 29	$2199	–	–	–	Sold Out
Starts: Thu, Feb 6, 2025 Finishes: Wed, Feb 12, 2025 Book by Thu, Jan 9, 2025 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! Feb 6 – Feb 12	$2149	–$300	-$200	$1649	Select
Starts: Thu, Feb 13, 2025 Finishes: Wed, Feb 19, 2025 Feb 13 – Feb 19	$2399	–	–	–	Sold Out
Starts: Thu, Mar 13, 2025 Finishes: Wed, Mar 19, 2025 Book by Thu, Jan 9, 2025 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! Mar 13 – Mar 19	$2499	–$300	-$200	$1999	Select
Starts: Thu, Apr 17, 2025 Finishes: Wed, Apr 23, 2025 Book by Thu, Jan 9, 2025 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! Apr 17 – Apr 23	$2199	–$300	-$200	$1699	Select
Starts: Thu, May 15, 2025 Finishes: Wed, May 21, 2025 Book by Thu, Jan 9, 2025 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! May 15 – May 21	$2049	–$300	-$200	$1549	Select
Starts: Thu, Jun 12, 2025 Finishes: Wed, Jun 18, 2025 Book by Thu, Jan 9, 2025 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! Jun 12 – Jun 18	$2099	–$300	-$200	$1599	Select
Starts: Thu, Jul 10, 2025 Finishes: Wed, Jul 16, 2025 Book by Thu, Jan 9, 2025 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! Jul 10 – Jul 16	$2249	–$300	-$200	$1749	Select
Starts: Thu, Aug 14, 2025 Finishes: Wed, Aug 20, 2025 Book by Thu, Jan 9, 2025 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! Aug 14 – Aug 20	$2149	–$300	-$200	$1649	Select
Starts: Thu, Sep 4, 2025 Finishes: Wed, Sep 10, 2025 Book by Thu, Jan 9, 2025 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! Sep 4 – Sep 10	$2049	–$300	-$200	$1549	Select
Starts: Thu, Oct 16, 2025 Finishes: Wed, Oct 22, 2025 Book by Thu, Jan 9, 2025 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! Oct 16 – Oct 22	$2099	–$300	-$200	$1599	Select
Starts: Thu, Nov 13, 2025 Finishes: Wed, Nov 19, 2025 Book by Thu, Jan 9, 2025 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! Nov 13 – Nov 19	$2199	–$300	-$200	$1699	Select
Starts: Thu, Dec 4, 2025 Finishes: Wed, Dec 10, 2025 Book by Thu, Jan 9, 2025 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! Dec 4 – Dec 10	$2299	–$300	-$200	$1799	Select

If you want a few extra days to explore on your own, we may be able to arrange for you to stay later than the scheduled dates, including extra hotel nights and separate airport transfers, for an additional charge. Ask us about prices and availability when (or after) you book. More information Want to extend your trip?

Options & Fees

Costa Rica: Volcanoes, Rainforests & Beaches
Rooming Selection
Double Occupancy	included
Single Occupancy
Dec 5, 2024	$729
All other dates	$1079

Pre-Tour Extension to Tortuguero
Tortuguero Pre-Tour Extension¹
Dec 5, 2024	$599
All other dates	$699
Rooming Selection
Double Occupancy	included
Single Occupancy
Dec 5, 2024	$49
All other dates	$89

1. Requires a minimum of two passengers to operate.

Transfers for Passengers Booking Tour Only
Optional Airport Transfers¹
Arrival Transfer: San Jose airport to hotel	$25
Departure Transfer: Hotel to Liberia airport	$73

1. Price based on a minimum of two passengers.

So that we can offer you the best deals, our packages are, like most hotels and cruises, priced based on double occupancy rooms or cabins. We charge solo travelers an extra fee to cover the extra costs of single occupancy rooms or cabins. (Consider: if you booked a $200/night hotel room solo, you would pay the $200 yourself; but if a couple booked the same room, each one would pay only $100.) But you only pay extra for the rooms or cabins, nothing else, including meals, sightseeing, tips, etc. Why are single rooms more?

Flights & Departure Cities

Departure Airports
Miami (MIA)	included

This package includes round-trip flights from the city listed above. Please review the flight schedule, especially if you're booking connecting flights.

Want to fly from another city? We can arrange flights from most major cities. Ask us for a quote for flights from your preferred city when (or after) you book, and we'll get back to you with the price and availability within 3 business days. Of course, you can also book your own flights. More information

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 USA/San José

Upon arrival in San José, Costa Rica, 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 & Arenal

Transfer to the Arenal region
Spend the balance of the day at leisure

Arenal Kioro Suites & Spa or similar Breakfast

Full Day Itinerary

This morning, transfer to the Arenal region (about 4 hours, with a comfort stop along the way). Drive through the lush countryside along roads that climb the mountains to reach your hotel, located near the foot of Arenal Volcano and a short drive outside La Fortuna.

Arenal's cone has two peaks, which rise to 5,360 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 rare occasions, lava flows are possible, which are particularly impressive at night. The volcano has also created natural hot springs in the area. Beautiful gardens surround your hotel, 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.)

Day 3 Arenal

Walk among the treetops on a hanging bridges tour
Spend the balance of the day at leisure

Arenal Kioro Suites & Spa or similar Breakfast

Full Day Itinerary

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 various birds and animals. The trail is 1.9 miles long and includes nine fixed and six suspension bridges.

Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure. Take advantage of the complimentary hot springs in your hotel, where you can enjoy a refreshing swim, relax, and enjoy the view.

Day 4 Arenal & Playa Hermosa

Transfer to Playa Panama
Spend the balance of the day at leisure

Hotel Bosque del Mar or similar Breakfast

Full Day Itinerary

This morning, transfer to Playa Hermosa, Guanacaste (about 4 hours). Guanacaste is decorated with pristine beaches, crystal blue waters, and bays. Its beaches are surrounded by dry tropical forests, home to over 300 bird species, 100 amphibians and reptiles, and over 140 species of mammals, including the puma, white-faced monkey, peccary, tapirs, and more. Spend the balance of the day at leisure.

Day 5 Playa Hermosa

Enjoy a full day at leisure

Hotel Bosque del Mar or similar Breakfast

Day 6 Playa Hermosa

Enjoy a second full day at leisure
Enjoy dinner at your hotel

Hotel Bosque del Mar or similar Breakfast & dinner

Day 7 Liberia/USA

Transfer to the airport in Liberia for your return flight to the USA

Breakfast

Tortuguero Pre-Tour Extension

Take advantage of your already-included international airfare with a pre-tour extension to Tortuguero! This captivating coastal paradise is renowned for its lush rainforests, meandering waterways, and as a vital nesting site for endangered sea turtles. Explore the unique blend of wildlife and pristine nature in this ecotourism haven.

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
Enjoy a guided walk through the village of Tortuguero and a short walk along the beach

Pachira Lodge, Laguna Lodge or similar Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Full Day Itinerary

Depart San José 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 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 channels parallel to the coast to reach your eco-lodge on the central canal (about 1.5 hours). Check into your rooms and have some time to relax in the peaceful surroundings of the rainforest.

After lunch, head to the village of Tortuguero and enjoy a guided walk through the town and a short walk along the beach. Tortuguero ("land of turtles") comes from several varieties of endangered turtles that come ashore yearly 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 walk along the lodge trails
Board small boats for a tour through the secondary canals of Tortuguero National Park
Spend the balance of the day at leisure

Pachira Lodge, Laguna Lodge or similar Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Full Day Itinerary

This morning, your guide will take you on a walking tour through the trails at the lodge. After lunch, depart on small boats for a tour through the many secondary canals of Tortuguero National Park. Enjoy a close-up view of rainforest vegetation and wildlife. The area is home to Capuchin, Howler, and Spider Monkeys, as well as 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 to begin the main tour, continue with Day 2
Spend the balance of the day at leisure

Arenal Kioro Suites & Spa or similar Breakfast & lunch

Full Day Itinerary

After breakfast, depart via motor launch to the main dock. Board your coach for the drive through the villages and plantations to El Ceibo for lunch. Your second transfer will be waiting to drive you to Arenal and your hotel near La Fortuna, on the road leading to the volcano's foot.

See Day 2 of the tour itinerary above for the continuation of your touring program.

Hotels

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

Arenal Kioro Suites & Spa

Deluxe

Arenal's Kioro Hotel offers a sanctuary where nature's beauty meets refined luxury. This exclusive retreat is a haven for relaxation and adventure seekers alike, surrounded by lush rainforests and commanding views of the iconic Arenal Volcano. Take in unparalleled natural beauty while enjoying world-class hospitality. Whether hiking through lush trails, embarking on thrilling zip-lining adventures, or simply unwinding at the spa, every moment spent here is an unforgettable experience in harmony with nature's wonders.

More information

Hotel Bosque del Mar

Deluxe

The Hotel Bosque del Mar is situated right on Playa Hermosa, with direct access to the shore and stunning ocean views. This boutique hotel has an outdoor pool and hot tub, tropical gardens, and are able to arrange special excursions.

More information

Pachira Lodge

Tourist Class

On Costa Rica's Caribbean coast, surrounded by a network of scenic canals, Tortuguero is considered one of the most unique and exotic regions in the world, characterized by rich flora and fauna.

More information

Laguna Lodge

Tourist Class

Laguna is an eco-touristic lodge situated on a narrow strip of land between the Caribbean Sea and the lagoon. The lodge has 6 acres surrounded by some of the country's most impressive rivers, lakes, and lush jungles fortified with exotic plants. Tortuguero village is just a 10-minute boat ride from the lodge.

More information

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

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Trip Details

What should I know before I go? We've compiled a comprehensive checklist, including information on how to pay your balance due, flights & transfers, packing & luggage, and more.
Do I need a visa or other documents? Are there any entry requirements? Please review the visa & entry requirements.
Can I make changes to my trip? Want to upgrade your seats? Depart from another city? Stay a few extra days? Something else? Just ask!
Can I bring my kids? Are there any age restrictions? To book this package, you must be 18 or older. Your traveling companions must be 6 or older at time of travel.
Should I purchase travel insurance? Yes! We recommend you purchase travel insurance to help protect you and your travel investment against the unexpected. For your convenience, we offer a plan provided by Travelex Insurance Services.
What's the fine print? Review the terms & conditions for this package.
What should I know about Costa Rica? Check out our guide for practical travel tips, the best time to go, videos, and more.