This 10-day Costa Rica special holiday vacation is perfect for the traveler who is short on time, but big on adventure. We start our travels at the Arenal Volcano, followed by the beautiful Monteverde Cloudforest Reserve in search of capuchin monkeys, scarlet macaws, and two and three-toed sloths. The day before heading to the lively town of Quepos and Manuel Antonio, we climb into the rainforest canopy for a high adrenaline adventure along the zip lines and rope traverses of Monteverde. Day 7 finds us enjoying the whitewater of the Rio Savegre - Class III rapids all morning long! An exciting itinerary that introduces you to the best of Costa Rica.
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
This morning is off to Arenal. Dormant for centuries, the 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.
The drive to Arenal takes a few hours and we stop en route for lunch on the way. You'll spend the night at the Arenal Observatory Lodge where the Smithsonian Institute has set up its research facilities. The dining hall offers spectacular views of the conical volcano, and the lodge's 870 acres, bordered by Monteverde Cloudforest Reserve and Arenal National Park, provide miles of trails through pristine forest.
On your second day here, enjoy some free time in the Arenal area. There are lots of optional excursions available in this area. You can go mountain biking, fishing, horseback riding or even take a hike in the miles of trails in the area. You could also visit 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. Mid-morning its time to leave Arenal, you'll take a boat across Lake Arenal and on 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 Resplendant Quetzal.
On the morning of Day 5, you'll be fitted into special gear to fly from platform to platform high above the ground, 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 take a hike through the reserve, viewing the misty forest with its dense vegetation and majestic trees.
This morning you'll make the 4-5 hour drive to Quepos where you'll stay in a hotel near Manuel Antonio. In the afternoon, spend some time exploring the popular Manuel Antonio National park. Tonight you'll say good-bye to your guide this evening.
Up early to hit the river, for some Class II-III whitewater rafting of the Savegre River (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. After the river trip, return to Quepos for the evening.
Enjoy a free morning relaxing at your hotel or exploring the Manuel Antonio area. Transfer back to San Jose in the late afternoon, or if your international flight does not depart until late on Day 9, you might choose to spend tonight relaxing in Quepos. Let us know what you prefer!
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.
Initial deposit is $600, 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
The trip might have been the absolute best of our lifetime (thus far). We particularly want to commend our guide Peter in the Guilin area-he was so incredibly attentive, energetic, enthusiastic-and absolutely dedicated to ensuring that our meals were 100% vegetarian.
