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Horses on pasture near Arenal Volcano

Costa Rica's Mountains and Beaches

Example 8 Day Tour
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This 8-day Costa Rica vacation is perfect for the traveler who is short on time, but big on adventure. Start your travels by exploring Arenal Volcano National Park, followed by the beautiful Monteverde Cloudforest Reserve, searching for capuchin monkeys, scarlet macaws, and two and three-toed sloths. Before leaving this lush cloud forest, climb into the rainforest canopy for a high-adrenaline adventure rope traverse of Monteverde. Visit Rincon de la Vieja National Park to explore the many active options. Spend your final days, relaxing at one of the most beautiful beaches in Costa Rica, Playa Hermosa.
Hiking Costa Rica's stunning rainforestsAlways having adventures together!White-sand BeachArenal Volcano on Costa Rica tourVisit local wildlife such as slothsHorses on pasture near Arenal Volcano
Highlights
  • Enjoy magnificent views of volcanoes and Lake Arenal
  • Relax on some of the most beautiful beaches in Costa Rica
  • Watch for unique bird life such as the quetzal and toucans in the cloudforest
  • Explore Rincon de la Vieja National Park, one of Costa Rica's hidden gems
Places Visited
Activity Level: Relaxed
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrive in Liberia | Transfer to Arenal

Arrive in Liberia and transfer about 2.5 hours upon arrival to Arenal where you will overnight after your travels. Settle in and keep your eyes peeled for wildlife even on your hotel grounds.

Day 2: Volcano Hike and Hot Springs

Today, experience an unforgettable tour of Arenal Volcano. Led by expert guides, you will learn about the volcano's history and eruption phases. The tour lasts approximately 4 hours and includes hiking along the slopes of the volcano, taking in breathtaking views, and discovering the abundant flora and fauna. Later in the evening, relax and unwind in the EcoTermales Hotsprings at the Arenal Volcano. The thermal springs offer mineral-medicinal properties that have soothing, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and muscle-relaxing effects.

Please note that sturdy hiking or tennis shoes are recommended for the tour.

Day 3: Zipline and Canopy Tour | Transfer to Monteverde

Join us for an exciting Skytram & Skytrek Tour with breathtaking views of the Arenal region. The Skytram ride takes you to the top of Arenal's highest mountain for panoramic views of the surrounding forest. On the Skytrek zipline tour, glide from peak to peak on cables stretching over 750 meters and reaching heights of 200 meters. Upon completion of the tour, we'll transfer you to your hotel in Monteverde.

After completing the tour we'll ensure your comfort by transferring you to your hotel in Monteverde.

Day 4: Hanging Bridges

  • 1 Breakfast
Today, at a time to be confirmed, take part in the Hanging Bridges tour at Selvatura Park, which offers a unique and immersive experience of the Monteverde cloud forest. The tour includes a 2-mile trail with 8 suspension bridges that blend with the forest pathways and provide stunning views of the canopy. Wear long pants, comfortable footwear, and rain gear if necessary. 

People of all ages and abilities can enjoy the treetop walkways, which offer the best view of the cloud forest at all levels. You can see a variety of flora and fauna of Monteverde and the endemic biodiversity of the cloud forest canopy, which is unique in the world. Selvatura Park's trails and walkways are the safest and sturdiest way to see the cloud forest canopy. The treetop walkways tour includes 8 bridges of different lengths, between 170 and 560 feet, with heights from 36 ft to 180 ft. Each bridge is 5 feet wide, and up to 80 people can cross at once. This makes the treetop walkways the longest and safest bridge system in Costa Rica.

Note: The guided option has a duration of 1 1/2 hours and includes a certified Natural History Guide specialized in the Monteverde Cloud forest who will transform your tour into a Natural History Walk providing visitors with a broader and more thorough experience of the marvels of the cloud forest and ensuring that your visit will have an integral biological, ornithological and cultural approach.  

Day 5: Off to the beach

Today, travel about three and a half hours to Playa Hermosa located in Guanacaste.  Named for its beauty, the beautiful blue waters and soft brown sand make it a pristine beach for relaxing. Your afternoon here is free to wander and explore the beach and settle in for a relaxing evening. The Playa Hermosa area does not offer much of a 'town' environment, rather it is comprised of hotels and restaurants and other shops spread across the beachscape.

Day 6: Tenorio River Rafting

Today you'll go on a thrilling Whitewater rafting tour on the Tenorio River. You'll face class III and IV rapids, covering 12 kilometers and 22 rapids. You'll see wildlife and Cascabel Falls, a 12-foot waterfall drop. Equipped with safety gear and guided by professionals, you're guaranteed a secure and exciting 2.5-hour journey. At the end of the tour, you'll hike to the vehicle that will drive you back to your hotel.

Day 7: Free Day on the beach

Enjoy a day at your leisure. Relax on the beach or seek out more independent adventures. Kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and other water activities are popular along this beach. Head to the nearby Gulf of Papagayo for more sportfishing, snorkeling or diving activities at Catalina Island or Bat Island. Within an hour or two of driving you can visit Rincon de la Vieja National Park or Hacienda Guachipelin for a canopy zipline tour, horseback riding or tubing adventure. Catamaran sailing tours can also be arranged. The day is yours to either plan in advance or decide on the day how you'd like to spend your last full day in Costa Rica.

Day 8: Depart for Home

  • 1 Breakfast
Transfer to the Liberia Airport and begin your journey home.

Accommodations

Arenal - Hotels

Playa Hermosa - Hotels

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
$2,467 2-3 travelers

Notes

Select a Date
Included
  • 7 Breakfasts, 2 Dinners
  • 7 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Park Entrance Fee
  • Hotspring Entrance Fee
  • Selvatura Park Entrance Fee
Excluded
  • Gratuities
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)

Map

When to Go

Jan
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Nov
Dec
Good to ideal period to travel, and many people choose to visit at this time.
Chance for unpredictable weather but with fewer visitors.

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This was our first trip to South America and we were a little nervous. But Adventure Life made things so easy! All our questions were answered before we left, and our guide, Vidal, was amazing! He gave us enough space to explore without rushing us along. He also knew where the best picture taking opportunities were, which was great.
Lindsay Gompf

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