For 11 days and 10 nights you can catch a glimpse of the beautiful country of Costa Rica. You will enjoy hiking, white water rafting, horseback riding, kayaking, zip lining, swimming and many more adventures over the course of your vacation.
Speak to our travel experts. They have spent a lot of time exploring our destinations. Their first-hand knowledge is the basis for organizing your perfect trip.
Day 1 Manuel Antonio
Manuel Antonio is the most popular destination in Costa Rica, yet the government has been able to keep this famous national park unspoiled. Here you can find almost any type of adventure activity and tour, including sport fishing, sea kayaking, Catamaran cruises, white water rafting, canopy tours, nature hikes, horseback riding, and surfing. Easily accessible from San Jose by inexpensive commercial flights or car, the Central Pacific is a wonderful destination for both families and couples.
Private Transfer San Jose (SJO) Intl. Airport – Manuel Antonio. Arrive at the San Jose International Airport. Upon clearing immigration and customs, exit the airport and meet your driver who will be waiting for you and board your private van for the 3 ½ hour drive to Manuel Antonio. This beautiful drive will take you west of the Central Valley. Continue towards the beaches of the Central Pacific.
Si Como No Resort & Spa. Proudly occupying the most idyllic hilltop in Manuel Antonio, this award-winning eco-designed Resort & Spa provides its own signature version of “barefoot luxury” to all its guests. Featuring its own Wildlife Nature Exhibits adjacent to the property, Si Como No is a unique blend of the country’s incredible biodiversity and the deeply rooted cultural values of the Costa Rican people. “Yes” is the word you’ll hear over and over as the warm, engaging staff delights in honouring your every request. Si Como No is a member of the Green Hotels of Costa Rica and has been awarded five leaves (out of five) in the Sustainable Tourism Program of the CR government (CST).
Day 2 Manuel Antonio
Regular Half Day Manuel Antonio National Park Guided Hike. Enjoy this guided tour through one of the jewels of the Costa Rica National Park System. Spot three species of monkeys, sloth’s, iguanas, coatimundis, and a wide range of birds and reptiles. After the tour, stay in the park and relax on the pristine beaches or return to the hotel. If you think you may want to remain in the park until closing, we recommend coordinating a box lunch and bottled drinks with the hotel since there are no services inside the park. Also, remember to bring your bathing suit and a towel. Board the shuttle back to the hotel at 4 PM when the park closes. Otherwise, you can return to the hotel upon the tour’s conclusion.
Includes: Transportation, entrance fee, bilingual guide and water.
What to bring: Binoculars, camera, and insect repellant.
Day 3 Manuel Antonio
Day at leisure to enjoy the area and the facilities of the hotel.
Optional Activities in Manuel Antonio
• Manuel Antonio National Park: Enjoy this guided tour through one of the jewels of the Costa Rica National Park System. Spot three species of monkeys, sloth’s, iguanas, coatimundis, and a wide range of birds and reptiles.
• Canopy Tour: The canopy tour has over 3.6 kilometers of total zip line length on 10 lines, 14 tree platforms, 3 nature walks, 6 hanging bridges, a rappel secured by a top and bottom belay and air stairs. Mountain, jungle, canopy, and ocean views.
• Damas Island Mangrove Boat Tour: Rest assured knowing that the boats are eco-friendly and designed for your security and comfort. Once aboard, your naturalist guide will describe a variety of biological relationships between many organisms in this delicate habitat. You’ll see animals such as white faced monkeys, herons, snakes, crocodiles and iguanas.
• Santa Juana rural mountain adventure tour: There is no experience quite like the combination of the “magic of nature” and Costa Rica’s authentic rural heritage. You’ll hike along lush jungle-shrouded slopes where three rivers are born, then swim in one of the regions most pristine natural pool beneath a mesmerizing waterfall, spot all kinds of fascinating wildlife, fish for tilapia, and visit an authentic sugar mill powered by massive oxen.
• Carara National Park & Bird watching: Enjoy a relaxing walk for a few hours through the rainforest with the certified guides and naturalists. In the Carara National Park, you can enjoy the unforgettable and beautiful Red Macaws and the extraordinary crocodiles that live in the ecosystem of the Tárcoles river estuary next to the park. This excursion of hiking and adventure natural sanctuary, in a reserve with great biodiversity and unique in Costa Rica. The first National Park with natural trails.
• Naranjo river rafting: This wild and ever-changing Naranjo River White Water Rafting challenge is recommended for physically fit adventure seekers. Enjoy the ride! This is a high-octane, half-day adventure on the Naranjo River which drops steeply from the Costa Rican mountains, leads through pristine jungle gorges, followed by winds around rocky curves to take you on a wild, adventurous ride back to sea level waters.
• The Savegre rafting: It´s an easy drive and your guides will turn it into an extremely informative ride. Along the way, you’ll see part of Quepos´ history such as the little towns called “Cuadrantes”, cultural and architectural inheritance of the United Fruit Company presence in our area.
• Catamaran Tour: Enjoy an outstanding naturalist tour with amazing views of the Manuel Antonio National Park. The morning visit includes a snorkeling adventure in a beautiful and secluded bay known as Playa Bizans. The afternoon tour is a truly amazing trip for nature lovers who can enjoy not only the whole experience but also the breathtaking sunset out on the Pacific Ocean. Get to experience humpback whales, dolphins and the beautiful marine wildlife.
• Ocean Kayaking & Snorkeling Tour: The adventure begins near the developing Pez Vela (Sail Fish) Marina in Quepos and winds along the Manuel Antonio coastline. Indulge yourselves at a rare jewel of a beach a hidden Manuel Antonio treasure at Biezans Bay for a refreshing swim and delicious local snacks.
• Bird watching tour: Here you will have the possibility to admire birds like the Black-Mandible Toucan, White-Throated Shrike-Tanager and Short-Tailed Hawk. Tanagers, hummingbirds, birds of prey, seedeaters, thrushes, doves, trogons and many more species live in this area, where we have identified more than 60 species.
• The Spice Plantation Tour: It is a half day tour and is available in the morning or afternoon. You will experience the sights, tastes, and aromas of vanilla, cinnamon, pepper and other tropical spices, essential oil plants, and a wide variety of tropical ornamental plants.
• Horseback Riding Tocori Waterfalls: Learn about exotic and medicinal plants as you discover the secrets of the rainforest. If you like, take a refreshing dip in pristine natural mountain waters while being splashed on by two stunning waterfalls at Tocori.
• The Jungle Night Walk: Experience the magic of the most exotic nocturnal creatures on this walk at the wildlife refuge of Si Como No. The Jungle Night Walk is a unique odyssey into the nocturnal world of the tropical rain forest. Visit the amphibian water gardens and listen to the nightlife of over a dozen species of frogs.
Day 4 Manuel Antonio
Day at leisure to enjoy the area and the facilities of the hotel.
Day 5 Arenal/Fortuna
Nestled within the flat, rich lands of San Carlos, the Arenal Volcano rises up from the rainforest like a natural monument. One of many remarkable sights in the area, this mountain of fire symbolizes the adventure and mysticism of the region.
Known as the adventure capital of Costa Rica, the Arenal Volcano/Fortuna area offers numerous activities, ranging from highly charged white-water rafting, canyoning and caving to more leisurely hikes through the rainforest and soothing swims in hot springs. The region’s attractions include the Arenal National Park, the Fortuna River Waterfall, the Caño Negro Wildlife Reserve, and numerous adventure tours in the Rainforest.
With its rolling hills, cattle farms, rainforest, and Costa Rica’s largest lake, the Arenal area’s verdant landscape is a cornucopia of biodiversity.
Private Transfer Manuel Antonio – Arenal. Check out of your hotel and board your private van for the 4 ½ hour drive to the Arenal Region. This drive will take you west along the beaches of the Pacific Central Region. Once you reach the town of Atenas, the driver will veer north towards San Ramon. Drive past the “town of poets” and start the descent down the northern central valley mountains to the San Carlos flatlands. This is a region known for cattle production, forest industry and agriculture. Continue until reaching the town of La Fortuna and the Arenal Volcano Region.
Magic Mountain Hotel is located a few minutes away from La Fortuna, at the base of the Arenal Volcano and near the local hot springs. All rooms are close to the pool area and offer a balcony or terrace with an excellent view of Arenal Volcano. Amenities include a restaurant, sports bar, spa services, souvenir shop, and conference room.
Optional Activities in Arenal/Arenal Lake
• Relax at the country’s top hot springs resorts featuring breathtaking volcano views and lush tropical gardens. Some of Costa Rica’s top spas and therapists make Arenal their home. (The hot springs are included for those staying at Tabacon Grand Spa Thermal Resort, The Springs Resort & Spa or Arenal Kioro.)
• Go rafting on the Sarapiqui River. The river has Class II, III and IV rafting for adventure aficionados and Floating Safari Class I & II rafting for slower paced, nature lovers. Both are excellent tours featuring amazing scenery, interesting wildlife and thrilling adventure.
• Try canyoning, one of the country’s top adventure activities. Rappel down four walls, including three waterfalls, inside the rainforest – truly an unforgettable experience!
• For nature and kayaking lovers, the Arenal Lake offers the opportunity to experience a memorable kayaking outing with the possibility to spot interesting wildlife in their natural habitat.
• Tour the forest from the Hanging Bridges Tour. This is an impressive hike in the rainforest over a series of suspension bridges. View various types of flora and fauna at differing heights – from the ground to well above the canopy. What a way to see the jungle! If you plan to enjoy the sky trek, make it a full day and add the hike in the sky walk suspended bridges.
• Experience the thrill of zip lining through the canopy of the rainforest on the Sky Trek or the Ecoglide with Tarzan Swing, two of Costa Rica’s most popular tours. Enjoy the rain forest from this unique vantage point and a get a real adrenaline rush!
• Take a Volcano Hike in the Arenal National Park where you will learn all about the Arenal Volcano and its history.
• Extreme adventure fans will thrive during a visit to the Venado Caves. Spend 1½ to 2 hours on a guided visit, climbing walls, sliding through mud-holes, hiking in underground rivers, and exploring these unique caves. Your clothes are likely to be ruined, but the adventure makes it worth it.
• Mountain bike on an old dirt road and take in view of the volcano, lake Arenal, and rainforest. Beginner, intermediate and advanced options available.
• Enjoy a “Floating Safari” tour through the Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge. This area is considered to be of the best sites on the continent for bird watching; Caño Negro is also home to a number of other animals such as sloths, three types of monkeys, caimans, lizards, bats, and a myriad variety of flora native to the wetlands.
• Asis Project: Take part of this wonderful educational experience, learn and see Costa Rican wildlife up-close.
Day 6 Arenal/Fortuna
Day at leisure to enjoy the area and the facilities of the hotel.
Day 7 Arenal/Fortuna
Day at leisure to enjoy the area and the facilities of the hotel.
Day 8 Tamarindo
Tamarindo has evolved into one of the Guanacaste area’s most popular and developed towns. No longer a quiet surfing town with dirt roads, Tamarindo offers city life right on the beach. Tamarindo offers many options for any type of traveller. Restaurants, shops and bars… plus the Tamarindo beach remains one of the most popular in Costa Rica because of the colour of the sand, warm ocean, surfing for all levels and nature.
Private Transfer Arenal – Guanacaste #2. Check out of the hotel and board the van to start the 4 hour drive to the Tamarindo / Flamingo / Conchal region. This beautiful ride takes you around Lake Arenal into the town of Tilaran, transporting you from lush rainforest to the tropical dry forests of the Guanacaste Savannah. Drive through Tilaran and Canas then merge onto the Interamerican Highway on route to Liberia, the capital of the Guanacaste Province. Veer south past the towns of Filadelfia and Belen on your way to the Pacific Shores. Observe the transformation as you travel from lush rainforest to the tropical dry forests of the Guanacaste Savannah.
Tamarindo Diria Beach Resort is a beachfront hotel located in Tamarindo Beach. The hotel features three pools, Jacuzzi, wet bar, five restaurants, three bars, and golf facility.
Day 9 Tamarindo
Day at leisure to enjoy the area and the facilities of the hotel.
Optional Activities in Tamarindo
• Canopy Tour: With this tour you can feel as if you were flying in the middle of the forest were safety always comes first. The expert guides will take you in our 8 cables and 10 platforms while you enjoy the beautiful views from the canopy of the trees.
• Kayaking Tour: The perfect trip for nature lovers, where you can row through the calm waters of the estuary found between Tamarindo Beach and Playa Grande. If you are lucky, on sunny days you will be able to observe a variety of bird species, crocodiles, iguanas and other animals.
• Surfing Lessons: Enjoy it taught by a professional in the beautiful beaches of the Tamarindo Bay. Ideal for families with children. Instructors will guarantee you catch at least one wave!
• Sailing Tour: Enjoy the amazing view, the ocean, the sun and the refreshing breeze through Tamarindo Bay.
• Snorkeling Tour: You will enjoy the beauty of the surroundings secluded bays of Playa Conchal and more than anything the sea bottom for the many snorkeling spots you will find along the coast.
• Fishing: Stay in-shore for a half-day outing in search of snapper, wahoo, mahi-mahi, and mackerel, or spend the full day offshore fishing for sailfish and marlin with an expert crew professionally equipped and guided by late model electronics.
• Play golf at Hacienda Pinilla in Playa Langosta or at the Robert Trent Jones golf course at the Reserva Conchal.
Day 10 Tamarindo
Day at leisure to enjoy the area and the facilities of the hotel.
Day 11 Guanacaste / Liberia Intl Airport
Private Transfer Guanacaste – Liberia (LIR) Intl. Airport. Check out of the hotel to start the 1 ½ hour private transfer to the Liberia International Airport. Arrive and check into your flight back home.
