After selecting your desired itinerary, the booking form below will be pre-filled with the requested itinerary. Only the items showing an * require data input.

Discover Costa Rica

from $0

8 days / 7 nights (2nts Central Valley - 2nts Arenal - 3nts Manuel Antonio)

A perfect itinerary for couples and families who want to experience three of Costa Rica's most exciting regions in one amazing week with a grand finale at one of the most beautiful beach destinations in the world.

The Central Valley Cloud Forest region offers a private forest oasis ambiance combined with close proximity to a variety of soft adventure activities. The central valley region of Costa Rica boasts volcanoes, lush plantations and forested hillsides and is home to national parks and protected reserves, providing ample opportunities for nature-enthusiasts and outdoor-lovers.

The Arenal region is rich in natural attractions. Visitors to the Arenal region enjoy easy access to the nearby bustling town of La Fortuna with its local nightlife, restaurants and shops. Arenal Volcano puts out an unforgettable light and smoke show nearly every day. Nighttime viewing is the most spectacular, with glowing lava and mini-explosions lighting up the sky.

The Manuel Antonio region combines the rainforest with breathtaking white-sand beaches, among the most beautiful in the world! Manuel Antonio and the adjacent port town of Quepos have become a Mecca for jetsetters who come to enjoy the serenity of the place combined with an active nightlife that includes restaurants, bars and discotheques. Manuel Antonio National Park is a "must-see".

Recommended Hotel Pairings:
Option 1: Peace Lodge in Central Valley, Mountain Paradise in Arenal, Parador in Manuel Antonio
Option 2: Peace Lodge in Central Valley, The Springs in Arenal, Arenas del Mar in Manuel Antonio
Note: The booking form at left will auto-fill with (and your itinerary will be priced based on) the Option 1 hotels (the most economical option). The suggested upgraded hotel pairings can be manually entered if so desired. To upgrade to the Option 2 hotels simply make your alternate hotel selections during the shopping process.

Included Tour Activities in the Areas: Arenal Hanging Bridges Tour; Manuel Antonio National Park ½ Day Tour
Note: when selecting Peace Lodge the following on-property activities are also included at no additional charge: Waterfalls, Hummingbird Garden, Butterfly Observatory, Serpentarium, Orchid Garden, Open-air Frog Exhibit, Aviary.
Additional Optional Tour Activities may be added online prior to finalizing your booking. Click on the links below to see a list of the optional tours available in each area.
Central Valley Optional Tours
Arenal Optional Tours
Manuel Antonio Optional Tours

Transportation:
Private Transfers (and Shared Transfers where available and feasible) are included in the above itinerary from/to the Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) as well as from region to region. A less expensive Car Rental Option is also available for those who prefer to drive themselves.

Travel Tips:
Bring along long pants, attire for dining in town, camera, light-weight jacket, swimsuit, binoculars, walking/hiking shoes, rubber soled shoes for water activities, small backpack for excursions and rain poncho.

Also Available

Day #1
Most flights arrive at San Jose's Juan Santamaria International Airport in the early afternoon. Your transfer to the beautiful Cloud Forest area of the Central Valley region will only take about an hour. The drive through the countryside is easy and will offer a first look at Costa Rica's diversity. Stay at the beautiful Peace Lodge on the grounds of La Paz Waterfall Gardens Nature Park where a host of on-site activities are included.
Overnight: Peace Lodge (4½*)

Day #2
Today, at the Peace Lodge, your on-site included activities are magnificent waterfalls, hiking trails, Hummingbird Garden, Butterfly Observatory, Serpentarium, Orchid Garden, Open-air Frog Exhibit, Aviary and more. Other options in the region include a half day Poas Volcano and Doka Coffee Plantation Tour, white water rafting, horseback riding and much more.
Overnight: Peace Lodge (4½*)

Day #3
Your stay in the amazing Cloud Forest has ended and you’ll make your way to the Arenal area, approximately a 2-3 hour drive. As you get closer to the Arenal area you will be able to spot the famous Arenal Volcano. After check in at your hotel, enjoy the rest of the day and evening at leisure or take a stroll through the small town of La Fortuna. This evening, perhaps enjoy one of the many wonderful Hot Springs the area has to offer.
Overnight: Los Lagos Hotel, Spa & Resort (3½*) or Mountain Paradise (4*) or The Springs Resort & Spa (5½*)

Day #4
Rise and shine early and take in the incredible view of Arenal Volcano. What a perfect way to wake up! Today enjoy the ½ day Arenal Hanging Bridges Tour. An experienced guide will escort you during your walk on the 1.9 mile trail, where you will see a variety of birds, animals and lush vegetation. The walk covers nine fixed bridges and six suspension bridges, but at a maximum grade of only 7 degrees, is accessible for everyone.
Overnight: Los Lagos Hotel, Spa & Resort (3½*) or Mountain Paradise (4*) or The Springs Resort & Spa (5½*)

Day #5
Your transfer to Manuel Antonio will depart early. Enjoy the beautiful scenic drive and learn more about the diversity of the country as you make your way to the Manuel Antonio area. Your driving time is approximately 4-5 hours. Check in at your hotel and enjoy your afternoon and evening at leisure. Take a stroll down the beach where many vendors sell local goods or explore the delightful town of Quepos.
Overnight: Hotel Parador (4*) or Arenas Del Mar Beach & Nature Resort (5*)

Day #6
Rise and shine early for your ½ day tour to the Manuel Antonio National Park. Even though one of the smallest national parks in Costa Rica, Manuel Antonio is immense in beauty with its impressive combination of tropical rainforest, abundant wildlife and two idyllic beaches. Follow a professional guide through this impressive park, home to numerous species of butterflies, monkeys, orchids and more! Enjoy your afternoon and evening at leisure.
Overnight: Hotel Parador (4*) or Arenas Del Mar Beach & Nature Resort (5*)

Day #7
The Manuel Antonio area offers a large variety of tours and activities. For those who are looking to explore the area, you may opt for an optional tour today. Enjoy your day!
Overnight: Hotel Parador (4*) or Arenas Del Mar Beach & Nature Resort (5*)

Day #8
Unfortunately your week of discovery has come to an end. You will be transferred from your hotel to San Jose's Juan Santa Maria International Airport for your return flight home. Pura Vida!

Hotels listed in above itinerary are recommendations based on first-hand experience. You may select other hotels during the online shopping process if you prefer. Similarly, tours have been selected based on recommendations from our ground operator as well as personal experience - however, the itineraries are designed to be flexible and allow for the substitution of both hotels and optional tour activities as well as transportation options. Please note that not all tours operate daily. If you select travel dates that will put you in the area on a day the tour does not operate, it will not be included in your package automatically. Other optional tours for that region will be available for purchase. You may add additional optional tour activities as well. Note: Tips to porters and guides and airport departure taxes of US$26 pp are not included.

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