DAY 1 SAN JOSE INTERNATIONAL · ARENAL VOLCANO

Welcome to Costa Rica! Upon arrival at Juan Santamaria International Airport in San Jose, you will be met and greeted upon arrival by our local representative, who will provide you with all the necessary documentation for your vacation – including your day-by-day itinerary, main contact details, and necessary phone numbers. Afterwards, you will be provided with transportation to the Arenal Volcano area located in the Northern plains of Costa Rica; this is a scenic, approximate 4-hour drive. During the first part of the drive you will pass through the Central Volcanic Mountain Range, where you will admire the incomparable beauty of the landscapes, which includes the tropical Rain and Cloud forest and its warm climate. Then, the journey is adorned with the beautiful scenery of the northern plains, with its abundance of spectacular natural surroundings and country villages. Once you arrive to the Arenal Volcano area, you will check-in to your hotel.
Accommodation: Arenal area for 3 nights

DAY 2 ARENAL VOLCANO

During the morning you will visit the Arenal Hanging Bridges, which is one of the most beautiful environmental-friendly projects in Costa Rica. The tour takes place on a 600 acre reserve filled with lush
vegetation and a variety of birds and animals. During this guided naturalist walk, you will discover the rainforest canopy from an unrivaled perspective, showing you the fascinating and colorful tropical rainforest
world. Also, the impressive views of the Volcano from the hanging bridges over the rainforest will provide an unforgettable moment.
During the afternoon, you will visit the world-famous Tabacón Hot Springs. These natural hot springs feature a hot river that flows through a series of pools. From cascading falls to tropical gardens, the hot springs are the result of rainwater heated by magma in the earth’s interior. Once heated, the waters rise to the surface, taking with them minerals found in the earth’s rocky crust; this way, waters become very therapeutic to your body, as the temperature helps to relax muscles, clean pores and rejuvenate the skin. Tabacón is a very unique location full of natural jewels, and a “must-see” for anyone staying in the Arenal area. (B/D)

DAY 3 ARENAL VOLCANO

Today you have the entire day to explore the region at your leisure. We highly recommend a visit to Arenal Volcano National Park (at an extra cost), that protects an active perfect cone volcano with constant moderate explosions accompanied by roar, gases and ash emissions that raise high in the air. The attraction of this volcano has helped to develop the area as a prime destination in the country; from being a small town of cattle and agricultural farms, it has become one of the most popular tourist areas with hotels, tour attractions, adventure activities, hot springs and water sports. You’ll have a number of other options to choose from in the area – Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge, Venado Caves, La Fortuna Waterfall, and other activities such as river floating, nature walks, hot springs, zip-lines, cultural activities, canyoning, rafting, hiking and horseback riding. (B)

DAY 4 ARENAL VOLCANO · MANUEL ANTONIO

Today, you will travel on to the beautiful Manuel Antonio National Park, located on the Pacific Coast, and one of the most popular beach destinations in Costa Rica.  The drive takes you via the scenic mountain roads to the majestic shores of the Pacific Ocean. Upon arrival, you’ll understand why these impressive beach destinations are so beloved. (B)

Accommodation: Manuel Antonio for 3 nights

DAY 5 MANUEL ANTONIO

During the morning you will visit the Manuel Antonio National Park. No trip to Costa Rica’s mid-Pacific region is complete without experiencing it – perhaps because of its expansive white-sand beaches backed by an evergreen forest that grows right up to the high tide line. Along the walk you will discover a wide variety of beach vegetation, lagoons, mangrove swamps, 109 species of mammals and 184 species of birds. You will observe several species of monkeys, iguanas, birds and possibly even the three-toed sloth.  After the internal hike at the park, if you would like, you can remain in the park on your own to relax, enjoy the beach and sunbathe. Otherwise, you will return to the hotel, where you can spend the rest of the afternoon at leisure. (B)

DAY 6 MANUEL ANTONIO

Today you have the entire day at leisure, to enjoy the hotel’s many facilities, visit the beach or explore the local area. It won’t be difficult to find things to do at the Parador Resort & Spa; it boasts 3 beautiful pools overlooking the Pacific, a white-sand beach with a host of watersports on offer, winding nature trails to explore, 24-hour fitness center, tennis court and a pampering, full-service spa.  (B)

DAY 7 MANUEL ANTONIO · SAN JOSE

You will depart the hotel at noon, for the trip back to San Jose – where you will overnight at the Radisson Europa Hotel. (B)

Accommodation:  San Jose for 1 night

DAY 8 SAN JOSE

Your Costa Rican eco-adventure comes to an end today. You will be met at the hotel and transferred back to the airport, for your return trip home. (B)