Costa Rica Combo Tour

Day 1: UK - San José On arrival at San José Airport you will be met and taken to Presidente Hotel in San José by private transfer, where you will stay for one night. San José is the capital city of Costa Rica, and a great place to explore for those who enjoy art, music, and history. Popular attractions include the National Theatre – one of the most important pieces of the country's cultural heritage, the National Museum, and the Gold and Jade Museums. Spend your first night at leisure exploring the local area.

Day 2: San José - Arenal After breakfast, you will bid farewell to San José and will be transferred to Arenal Manoa Resort, where you will stay for the next three nights. This Northern Region of Costa Rica is known as an exceptional area full of flora, fauna, adventure experiences, culture, and ecotourism. Today is at leisure to explore, perhaps head to the imposing Arenal Volcano, one of the most important and popular attractions in the country due to its natural beauty, its iconic conical shape, and the relaxing hot springs that come from it.

Day 3: Arenal Today after breakfast, you will head on a group Natural History Walk in Mistico Hanging Bridges. You will be picked up from your hotel and head on this tour, guaranteed to bring you as close as any person could ever imagine observing the birds, the flowers and the lush vegetation of the primary rainforest. It is a 250-hectares primary-forest property, made of paths and bridges, built to maintain the utmost harmony between man-made structures and nature. While walking the three kilometres of trails, you will be immersed in the diverse rainforest, admiring more than 50 species of colourful birds, while your naturalist guide explains everything you need to know. It is highly recommended that you wear comfortable clothing such as long pants, hiking shoes (no sandals), a jumper, a raincoat (especially during green season), and bring your camera, binoculars, sunscreen and insect repellent. After returning to your hotel, you will have this afternoon at leisure to enjoy the hotel facilities or explore the local area.

Day 4: Arenal Enjoy a peaceful breakfast as you have this morning to spend at leisure before your Costa Rican Night Experience with Dinner. The night hike starts in a small town known as La Tigra and you will take the trail into a small patch of rainforest, home to mirrored lakes which facilitate wildlife observation. This tour is perfect for discovering some of the country’s nocturnal wonders including birds, mammals, insects, amphibians, bats, and more. After the tour, a delicious Costa Rican dinner will be prepared on a wood burning stove, which you will enjoy while viewing the lights of the San Carlos Valley, before returning back to your hotel. It is highly recommended that you wear hiking shoes or sneakers, comfortable-dark clothing, a rain coat, and bring insect repellent.

Day 5: Arenal - Monteverde After breakfast you will begin a scenic journey to Monteverde, which could be described as half transfer and half excursion. After a short minibus trip to Arenal Lake you will then board a comfortable pontoon-type boat to Chiquito River, a small community on the other side of the lake. Arenal Lake is the largest and most important in Costa Rica, and is home to a variety of resident and migratory birds. Sometimes it is possible to observe mammals like monkeys and sloths in the surroundings, as well as enjoying excellent views of the Arenal Volcano when it is not cloudy. Once in Chiquito River, you will leave the boat and continue with another land transfer to, Fonda Vela Hotel, where you will stay for two nights. Monteverde is quite a rural area and tonight you’ll have the opportunity to learn about local culture and how these communities live, while still enjoying the area’s attractions. It is highly recommended that you wear long trousers and comfortable shoes and bring your camera, binoculars, and sunscreen.

Day 6: Monteverde Today you will go on a group hike through the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. You will be picked up at your hotel after breakfast, and this is when the tour begins. There any many different trails to explore, including to the panoramic La Ventana viewpoint, where you can witness the contrast naturally made by the Continental Division, a geographical feature that traces the main mountain ranges of Costa Rica. Once the tour is complete, you will have the afternoon at leisure to explore the local area. It is highly recommended that you wear warm clothes and good shoes, and bring your camera and binoculars.

Day 7: Monteverde - Manuel Antonio After breakfast, depart Monteverde for Manuel Antonio. You will spend the next three nights at Parador Resort & Spa, which overlooks the Pacific Ocean and is close to the beaches of Manuel Antonio. The remainder of your day is at leisure, perhaps spend some time at the nearby beach or head to one of the local restaurants for a lovely feast.

Days 8 – 9: Manuel Antonio The next two days will be spent at your own leisure in Manuel Antonio. You’ll have plenty of free time to enjoy the facilities at your resort or perhaps book some optional excursions to explore the area around Manuel Antonio National Park. Some recommended options include a thrilling zip line canopy tour, a walking tour to discover the wildlife within the National Park, a trip to a local farmer’s market in Quepos, or a scenic catamaran adventure sailing along the coastline bordering the National Park.

Day 10: Manuel Antonio - UK After breakfast at your resort, you will be transferred back to San José Airport for your flight back to the UK, with many memories of your Costa Rica trip to treasure.