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Costa Rica - The Low Impact Way

from $0

6 days / 5 nights (3nts Arenal - 2nts Monteverde)

This itinerary is perfect for those who want to enjoy two of Costa Rica's most impressive areas in a low-impact way. Tours included in this itinerary require only a basic level of fitness and are also appropriate for families with children.

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 Monteverde region is one of the most fascinating destinations in Costa Rica. The area is cool and verdant and rich in biodiversity and a multitude of microclimates. The Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve supports four different Life Zones. There are over 100 species of mammals, more than 400 species of birds, 120 species of amphibians and reptiles, and 3000 species of plants (among them 500 different kinds of orchids), as well as tens of thousands of insect species.

Recommended Hotel Pairings:
Option 1: Los Lagos in Arenal, Heliconia in Monteverde
Option 2: Nayara in Arenal, Heliconia in Monteverde
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 pairing 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: Cano Negro Wildlife Reserve Boat Tour; Arenal Hanging Bridges Tour; Selvatura Park Hanging Bridges Tour, Don Juan Coffee Tour
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.
Arenal Optional Tours
Monteverde Optional Tours

Transportation:
Private Transfers (and Shared Transfers where available and feasible) are included in the above itinerary from/to San Jose's 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 Santa Maria International Airport early afternoon. Your transfer to the beautiful Arenal area will take approximately 3½ hours. Enjoy an easy drive through the countryside and get your first look at the natural beauty and diversity of Costa Rica. 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.
Overnight: Los Lagos Hotel, Spa & Resort (3½*) or Hotel Arenal Nayara (5*)

Day #2
Rise and shine early and take in the amazing view of Arenal Volcano. What a perfect way to wake up! Today, a boat tour to the Cano Negro Wildlife Reserve is included. Start your journey from La Fortuna at 7:30am and make your way to the Reserve through the beautiful countryside, which takes about 1 hr. 45 mins. From there you will take a 3 hour boat ride down to Rio Frio where you will see various species of birds and animals. Lunch is included and a professional guide will be escorting you during this tour. After lunch start your journey back to La Fortuna and enjoy the evening at leisure at your hotel.
Overnight: Los Lagos Hotel, Spa & Resort (3½*) or Hotel Arenal Nayara (5*)

Day #3
In the morning 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. Enjoy your afternoon at leisure or opt for the late afternoon Arenal Volcano Hike Tour where an experienced guide will escort you on a hike on the Toucans Trail which traverses the rainforest and crosses over a large lava flow. Here can you can observe a great variety of plants, wildlife and amazing lava rock formations. On top of the lava flow you have an amazing view of Lake Arenal. This tour is appropriate for people of all ages and requires a basic level of fitness. Your evening is at leisure or enjoy one of the many amazing Hot Springs the Arenal area has to offer.
Overnight: Los Lagos Hotel, Spa & Resort (3½*) or Hotel Arenal Nayara (5*)

Day #4
Your stay in Arenal is over and you will be picked up early for your transfer to the Cloud Forest of Monteverde. A short transfer will take you to the meeting point to cross Lake Arenal by boat, which is a beautiful and peaceful 45 min boat ride. Once you have reached the other side you will travel through rolling hills and amazing vistas to the Monteverde area, approximately a 2 hour journey. Included in your package is a visit to the amazing Selvatura Park located in the Cloud Forest. Here you will experience an easy walk on the Hanging Bridges, which is a unique and peaceful experience in one of the most beautiful places in the world and the best way to observe the Cloud Forest canopy. After that you will visit the Butterfly Farm with more than 50 different species of butterflies and the Hummingbird Garden with more than 14 species of hummingbirds. You will be escorted by professional guides. Enjoy your evening at leisure at your hotel or take a stroll through the small village of Santa Elena..
Overnight: Hotel Heliconia (3*)

Day #5
You will be happy that you have another day in this beautiful area and can explore more of the Cloud Forest. Your optional low-impact tours today include the Don Juan Coffee Tour to learn more about the production, harvesting, processing plant and the roasting of the coffee beans. Tonight you have the option to enjoy a two hour low-impact, guided, hiking tour that introduces you to the excitement of the night sounds, smells and surroundings of the ecological park.
Overnight: Hotel Heliconia (3*)

Day #6
Unfortunately your vacation 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. We hope you had a wonderful stay. 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.