Costa Rica is a country that despite of its small size, has a varied topography between mountain ranges and plains that offers activities where adrenaline and nature are combined resulting in a holiday full of emotions and experiences.
The program begins with an expedition to Pacuare River, listed by National Geographic as one of the top ten rivers in America for rafting. Its strong currents (Class III & IV) and the lush tropical vegetation will surprise you along this expedition.
Then, you visit to the northern plains of Costa Rica, where you will be greeted with an impressive volcanic cone of the Arenal Volcano. In this area, the program includes the visit to the Sky Adventures Park and its Zip Lines tour.
The journey continues to the Monteverde area, which has captured the worldwide attention of biologists, conservationists, and ecologists and has been the setting for extensive investigation over the past 30 years. The area is known for its spectacular scenes and the diverse rich tropical cloud forest. In addition, the alpine like weather, will revive the rural experience of our country.
As a gold brooch, travel to Manuel Antonio area in the Central Pacific Coast. With its expansive white-sand beaches backed by evergreen forest, it is the ideal place to conclude your vacation, with days full of rest, relaxation and sun!
Program summary:
Day 1: San Jose
Day 2: Arenal Volcano // Pacuare white water rafting Class III & IV
Day 3: Arenal Volcano // Sky Adventures Zip Lines
Day 4: Monteverde Cloud Forest // Nigh Walk Tour
Day 5: Manuel Antonio
Day 6: Manuel Antonio // Catamaran & Snorkeling Tour
Day 7: San Jose
Day 8: Departure via SJO
Day by Day Itinerary
Day 1: SJO INT’L AIRPORT – SAN JOSE
Arrival at the Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO). A Swiss Travel representative will meet and greet you upon your arrival and will provide you with all the necessary documentation you will need during your trip, itinerary and the main contact information and phone numbers in case further assistance is required.
Then, you will be transferred to San Jose area where you will be staying the first night in Costa Rica.
Day 2: SAN JOSE – PACUARE RIVER – ARENAL VOLCANO
Breakfast & Lunch
Early in the morning, you will be driven to the Pacuare River for a day of adventure and adrenaline. A professional guide and the right equipment will be waiting upon your arrival at the river, and after some safety instructions, you will start on this incredible rafting journey. In the water, you will experience the exhilaration of riding the wild waves on this scenic river, which passes through picturesque canyons where crystal-clear waterfalls plummet down into the rapidly coursing river below. After a delicious Picnic lunch, you will launch the rafts again. Rafting becomes even more thrilling as you begin to use the skills and experience gained in the morning. You may stop to explore side streams that lead to striking waterfalls and pools with a natural waterslide that tempts you to jump right in and when you reach the end, you can change into dry clothes and head to the drop-off point to continue by land transfer towards the northern lowlands.
You will arrive in La Fortuna Village late in the afternoon, where the mighty Arenal Volcano will welcome you with its impressive perfect conic shape. This volcano has been active since 1969, and since then it has become one of the world’s most active volcanoes, and one of Costa Rica’s main highlights. Check in to the selected Hotel, where you will be staying the next two nights.
Day 3: ARENAL VOLCANO
Breakfast
During the morning you will Visit to the Sky Adventures Park, where you will find the Sky Tram & Sky Trek. This tour combines the ascent to the top of the mountain by an aerial tram, enjoying the beautiful landscapes of the Arenal Lake, while the descent is through the famous canopy tour (Zip Lines), which goes from one mountain to another, making you feel the adventure and fun.
Afternoon is at your leisure to explore the area. We highly recommend the visit to Arenal Volcano National Park (extra cost). The attraction of this volcano has helped to develop the area as a prime destination in the country; from being a small town of cattle and agricultural farms, it has become one of the most tourist-developed areas with hotels, tour attractions, adventure activities, hot springs and water sports.
Additionally, to the volcano, other attractions are: Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge, Venado Caves, La Fortuna Waterfall, and many activities such as river floating, nature walks, hot springs, canopy, hanging bridges, Pure Trek Canyoning, rafting, hiking and horseback riding.
Day 4: ARENAL VOLCANO – MONTEVERDE CLOUD FOREST
Breakfast
This morning you will depart from Arenal Volcano to the Monteverde Cloud Forest in a combination transfer/tour, traveling by boat across Arenal Lake, which is the largest and the most important lake in Costa Rica. The first part of the trip is adorned with the beautiful scenery of Arenal Lake. Then, you will travel by car through the Tilarán Mountain Range, with the final portion of your journey on gravel roads, giving you more time to enjoy the beautiful mountain scenery.
You will arrive at the selected hotel for check in and stay one night.
This evening you will enjoy a special night tour, during which you will discover the wonders of the tropical cloud forest. Most of the local wildlife species are active at night, so you will get a unique, first-hand perspective of forest life
Day 5: MONTEVERDE CLOUD FOREST – MANUEL ANTONIO
Breakfast
Today, you will travel to the beautiful Manuel Antonio National Park area, located on the Pacific Coast, and one of the most popular beach destinations in Costa Rica.
The drive takes you via the scenic mountain roads to the majestic shores of the Pacific Ocean. Upon arrival, you will understand why this impressive beach destination is so beloved.
Stay the next two nights at the selected hotel.
Day 6: MANUEL ANTONIO
Breakfast & Lunch
Today you will enjoy the Catamaran excursion. You will set sail towards the horizon and cruise over sapphire hued waves. The catamaran will chart a picturesque course departing from Quepos gliding around the back of Manuel Antonio National Park. Your guide will point out notable wildlife and vegetation species, so be sure to have your camera ready. You will pass by panoramas adorned with islands, cliffs and rock formations. You can admire aviary nesting grounds and marine wildlife. Beverages and snacks are available onboard the catamaran throughout the trip. After touring the coastline, your captain will set anchor on Bisanz beach where you can take advantage of the pit stop to snorkel at this secluded bay. You are most likely to spot parrotfish, starfish, angelfish and if you are lucky a dolphin! During your chartered course, you will be able to savor a tasty barbeque lunch onboard the catamaran while admiring the lovely waterscapes. You will be headed back to the dock where there will be transportation waiting to take you back to your hotel. This Manuel Antonio tour does not require previous experience. Water visibility varies depending on the season.
Day 7: MANUEL ANTONIO – SAN JOSE
Breakfast
Morning will be at your leisure to enjoy the sun. During the afternoon, we have programmed the transfer back to San Jose, where you will stay the last night in Costa Rica at selected hotel.
Day 8: SAN JOSE – SJO INT’L AIRPORT
Breakfast
Your Costa Rican eco-adventure ends today. You will be met at the hotel and transferred back to the airport, for your return trip home.
END OF SERVICES
Standard Category
| Location | Name of the Hotel | Category | Type of Room | CST |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| San José | Sleep Inn | 3 Stars | Standard | 4 |
| Arenal Volcano | Casa Luna | 3 Stars | Standard | 3 |
| Monteverde | Ficus Sunset | 3 Stars | Deluxe | N/A |
| Manuel Antonio | Vela Bar | 3 Stars | Jr Suite | N/A |
Superior Category
| Location | Name of the Hotel | Category | Type of Room | CST |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| San José | Crowne Plaza Corobicí | 4 Stars | Deluxe | 5 |
| Arenal Volcano | Arenal Springs | 4 Stars | Jr Suite | 5 |
| Monteverde | El Establo | 4 Stars | Deluxe | 1 |
| Manuel Antonio | Parador Resort & Spa | 4 Stars | Garden | 5 |