Costa Rica 9 Days | 8 Nights

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Day 1: Guanacaste

Arrival in Liberia

Welcome to Costa Rica! Arrive in Liberia, Guanacaste,  and enjoy a private transfer to your hotel. Settle in, relax, and prepare for the exciting days ahead.

Day 2: La Fortuna

Transfer to Arenal

After breakfast, take a scenic 3-hour transfer from Liberia to La Fortuna, home to the majestic Arenal Volcano. In the afternoon, visit Arenal Volcano National Park to explore trails, witness stunning views of the volcano, and experience the surrounding rainforest.

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Expert tips

Soak in the nearby hot springs and enjoy a rejuvenating experience amidst lush surroundings.

Arenal Volcano Hike

Located around 150kms/93miles from San José (around a 3 hour drive), Arenal Volcano National Park is one of Costa Rica’s main natural attractions. The park seems to have it all: incredible hiking, panoramic views, abundant wildlife, lush vegetation, and the country’s most active volcano. It encompasses around 12000ha/30000acres of protected land, including 8 different life zones that boast a staggering biodiversity. The bird watching and wildlife spotting at this national park is superb. The park has four trails that offer great exploration opportunities and that cover more than 8kms/5miles in total: Heliconias Trail (0.9kms/0.6miles), Las Coladas Trail (2kms/1.25miles), Toucans Trail (2.9kms/1.8miles), and the Lookout Trail.

Opening hours: 8am to 4pm every day

Activities and Services

Day 3: La Fortuna

Peñas Blancas Safari Float

Today, embark on a relaxing safari float along the Peñas Blancas River, where you’ll have a chance to observe local wildlife up close. The afternoon is yours to enjoy as you wish.

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Expert tips

Optional afternoon activities: Take a canopy zipline tour for an adrenaline-filled adventure, or visit La Fortuna Waterfall and swim in the natural pool below.

Safari Floating on Peñas Blancas River

What To Bring:  Comfortable clothing, Rain coat, Tennis shoes, Camera, Binoculars, Hat, Sunscreen, Insect repellent

Duration

4 hours

Departure Times

7:30 AM, 1:30 PM

Day 4: Santa Elena

Transfer to Monteverde

Experience a unique journey from Arenal to Monteverde with a bus-boat-bus transfer across Arenal Lake, which takes approximately 2.5 hours. Once in Monteverde, enjoy a free afternoon to explore the town or relax.

Expert tips

Optional afternoon activities: Visit a butterfly garden, take a coffee and chocolate tour, or explore the Monteverde Orchid Garden to see the world’s largest collection of orchids.

Day 5: Santa Elena

Monteverde Hanging Bridges

Start the day with a guided tour of the Monteverde Hanging Bridges, an incredible way to immerse yourself in the cloud forest and observe flora and fauna from above. The rest of the afternoon is unscheduled for you to explore at your own pace.

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Expert tips

Optional afternoon activities: Join a night walk to spot nocturnal wildlife in the cloud forest, or try a thrilling zipline tour through the treetops.

Hanging Bridges in Monteverde, guided hike

On the guided hike to the Hanging Bridges in Monteverde, you'll explore a lush cloud forest, walking along easy trails and crossing several suspension bridges. Your guide will point out various plants and animals, like colorful birds and monkeys, explaining their roles in this unique ecosystem. The bridges offer stunning views of the treetops and forest floor, providing different perspectives as you walk. Throughout the hike, your guide will share interesting facts and stories, making the experience both educational and enjoyable, leaving you with a deeper appreciation for the Monteverde Cloud Forest.

Day 6: Tamarindo

Transfer to Tamarindo

This morning, take a 3.5-hour transfer from Monteverde to the beautiful beach town of Tamarindo on Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast. Enjoy a free afternoon to relax by the beach or explore the town.

Expert tips

Optional afternoon activities: Take a surf lesson, go horseback riding along the beach, or enjoy a sunset catamaran cruise with snorkeling and refreshments.

Days 7 - 8: Tamarindo

Free Days in Tamarindo

Enjoy your days to relax and unwind. Enjoy Tamarindo’s beach, explore local shops, or try out some water sports.

Beach

Expert tips

Optional activities: Take a surf lesson, go horseback riding along the beach, or enjoy a sunset catamaran cruise with snorkeling and refreshments. Or try a deep-sea fishing excursion, take a stand-up paddleboarding tour, or go on a half-day ATV tour to explore the surrounding hills and countryside.

Day 9: End of Itinerary

Departure

Bid farewell to Costa Rica as you take a 1.5-hour transfer from Tamarindo back to Liberia. Remember to be at the airport at least 3 hours before your departure flight. Safe travels!

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