This 9-day Costa Rica vacation is perfect for the traveler who is short on time, but big on adventure. Start your travels with two days at Arenal Volcano, followed by a 3-day exploration of the beautiful Monteverde Cloudforest Reserve in search of capuchin monkeys, scarlet macaws, and two and three-toed sloths. Before leaving this lush cloudforest, climb into the rainforest canopy for a high-adrenaline adventure along the zip lines and rope traverses of Monteverde. Then spend a morning enjoying the whitewater of the Rio Savegre's Class III rapids! The trip ends on the coast, exploring the tremendous biodiversityi of Manuel Antonio National Park. This exciting itinerary introduces you to the best of Costa Rica.
Highlights
Hike along old lava flows on Arenal Volcano
Zipline through the canopy of the Monteverde Cloudforest Reserve
Raft the whitewater of the Rio Savegre
Explore the unique beaches of Manuel Antonio National Park
Moderately active but not overly strenuous. This level includes activities like casual cycling, yoga, or excursions/activities that typically last 3-5 hours total each day.
This morning head off to your hotel in Arenal. Dormant for centuries, Arenal Volcano exploded in a massive eruption of molten lava and ash in 1968. Since that time, it has continued to belch great clouds of ash and occasional lava. It is now one of the world's most active volcanoes and volcanologists from all over the world come here to study this tropical volcano.
Stop en route to Arenal for a visit to the La Fortuna Waterfall. The Fortuna River Waterfall is located in a 210-hectare biological reserve for premontane tropical rainforest. The waterfall is part of the Arenal Volcano National Park and is located 520 meters above sea level, where mountains and waters of the Fortuna River spring. To observe this splendid 70 meter-high waterfall, climb 530 steps through native forest--you are provided plenty of opportunity to re-hydrate and rest along the way. Once in front of the waterfall, take a photo opportunity on a wide and comfortable viewpoint.
After the hike, stop for lunch on the way at a local restaurant.
Today enjoy some free time in the Arenal area. A variety of optional excursions are available in this area. Opt to go mountain biking, fishing, horseback riding or even take a hike in the miles of trails in the area. Visit a hot springs such as Ecotermales Hot Springs in the evening. Your guide is on hand to help you plan your day as you wish!
After breakfast take a morning hike into the national park to see old lava flows and enjoy the unique flora.
After the hike say goodbye to Arenal Volcano and head across Lake Arenal on your way to the Monteverde Cloudforest Reserve, one of the richest and most diverse tropical cloud forests on the continent. Founded in 1972, the Reserve encompasses six different ecological life zones and protects more than 100 mammal species, 400 bird species, and upwards of 1,500 plant species. In your explorations keep watch for one of the area's most famed residents, the resplendent quetzal.
Today explore the tree canopy high above the ground by zipline, and try the famous Tarzan Swing drop! For the less adventurous, there's a nearby sky walk suspended in the canopy that's great for birding and learning more about the local ecology (please let us know ahead of time if you prefer this option). This afternoon hike through the reserve, viewing the misty forest with its dense vegetation and majestic trees.
This morning make the 4-5 hour drive to Quepos where you stay in a hotel near Manuel Antonio. Spend the afternoon relaxing or schedule an additional excursion. Say good-bye to your guide this evening.
Get up early to hit the Savegre River for some Class II-III whitewater (or try class III on the Naranjo during green season). Plunge through jungle clad gorges and float past cascading waterfalls. Along the way enjoy the variety of bird life such as egrets, osprey, kingfishers, cormorants, parrots and more. Return to Quepos for the evening.
This morning spend your time as you like. There is no guide service today, so you are free to explore Quepos at your own pace. Walk along the expansive white beaches of nearby Manuel Antonio Park, or explore the lush vegetation, alive with 109 species of mammal and over 184 species of birds.
Late this afternoon transfer back to San Jose, or if your international flight does not depart until late on Day 9, spend tonight relaxing in Quepos.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$3,076
Notes
Select a Date
Wednesday start dates not recommended July-November.
Initial deposit is $400, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 70 days (10 weeks) prior to departure by bank transfer, check or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
We are so glad that we chose Adventure Life. The service is top-notch. Everything is well taken care of and we just have to print the documents and go. Franny even gave us timely updates on possible airport strike.
KC Chan
TrustScore 4.8 | 166 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 166 reviews on
4 days ago
Adventure Life took care of everything! All we had to do was show up when we were supposed to, which made our first trip to Costa Rica largely stress-free and incredibly fun. Our trip reps, Hannah and Mariethony, were helpful and responsive, getting back to us by email usually within a few hours. Our accommodations were all great, and we got incredibly blessed with some absolutely stellar guides and drivers.
Our Jungle & Beach trip was an excellent balance of adventure and rest. We got to try out a lot of different activities, including snorkeling, hiking, white water rafting and kayaking, while also partaking of some rest around the pool or by the ocean. We enjoyed seeing and exploring the beautiful Caribbean side of the country.
Joy Knowles
1 week ago
The company made our adventure trip hassle-free, and a lot of fun! I will definitely be using them again
Carolena F
1 month ago
For our first trip to Costa Rica, Adventure Life designed a tour that meets the interests, ecological and adventure, of our party; but also takes into account our physical limitations sine we are all septuagenarian. We are looking forward to the trip.
John Zent
1 month ago
COSTA RICA a trip of a life time travelling round this beautiful country. All went like clockwork even when the weather was against us and all transfers seemed to be part of the holiday not a chore. Would definitely use Adventure Life again having previously used them 20 years ago!!
Cynthia Calton
1 month ago
Our Costa Rica trip was amazing! Kassandra planned everything and the excursions, hotels, overall organization were outstanding. Everything worked out smoothly, the excursions guides were knowledgeable allowing us to see so much of the fauna and flora of the country. The hotels were great as well, all in fantastic locations and with beautiful views.