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Tour Overview
Embark on a captivating short break to Costa Rica's Arenal and Monteverde regions, perfect for nature and adventure enthusiasts. Begin your journey in the picturesque village of La Fortuna, the gateway to the majestic Arenal Volcano. Enjoy a relaxing soak in the natural hot springs and savor a delightful dinner amidst lush tropical gardens. Experience the thrill of a River Safari Float in Peñas Blancas, where you'll encounter vibrant wildlife, followed by a hands-on tortilla-making session with a local family. Continue to the enchanting Monteverde Cloud Forest, a haven for exotic highland birds and diverse plant life. Traverse the Continental Divide and marvel at breathtaking views of both the Caribbean and Pacific Oceans. With comfortable accommodations and guided activities, this tour offers an unforgettable exploration of Costa Rica's natural wonders. ...more ...less
Highlights
Arenal Volcano Region: Costa Rica’s most active volcano, perfect for hiking trails and stunning waterfalls.
Experience the smoky atmosphere of Arenal with gushing rivers, beautiful vegetation, and diverse wildlife.
Monteverde Cloudforest Region: A paradise for nature lovers with a marvelous diversity of wildlife and plant life.
Explore the Monteverde Cloud Forest to observe exotic highland bird species and the cloud forest canopy.
Enjoy a River Safari Float on the Peñas Blancas River, spotting monkeys, iguanas, and other wildlife.
Participate in a Tortilla Making experience with a local family, learning about Costa Rican culture.
Cross the Arenal Lake by pontoon boat to reach the breathtaking Monteverde Region.
Walk through the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, experiencing the unique biodiversity and stunning views.
Day 1
:
ARRIVAL SAN JOSE - LA FORTUNA DE SAN CARLOS (150 km – 2.5 hrs)
Location: San Jose, La Fortuna de San Carlos, Arenal Volcano
Accommodation Name: Hotel Lomas del Volcán or Arenal Manoa
Meals Included: Dinner
Upon landing at Juan Santamaria Airport, a representative will meet and transfer you to the hotel. Arrive at the small picturesque village La Fortuna de San Carlos, the getaway to the magnificent Arenal Volcano. Check in to your hotel, take rest and in the afternoon prepare yourself for the first exotic experience, Hotsprings, wonderful escape to a natural paradise, surrounded with pools and thermal waters coming from the deepest heart of the powerful Arenal Volcano. Take a bath in the middle of the tropical forest and enjoy the warm touch of mineral waters and waterfalls surrounded by the exotic gardens. For a perfect night closure, enjoy a delightful dinner (included).
Overnight in hotel in Arenal.
Day 2
:
ARENAL – PEÑAS BLANCAS – ARENAL (125 km – 2.45 hrs)
Location: Arenal, Peñas Blancas
Accommodation Name: Hotel Lomas del Volcán or Arenal Manoa
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Start your day with a luscious breakfast at the hotel, before you get into the transfer heading to Peñas Blancas, for another Costa Rican experience, River Safari Float. Embark to your raft and together with your guide sail down the wild river, accompanied by the screaming sounds of the surrounding jungle. Monkeys, iguanas, Jesus Christ lizards and much more reside along the banks of this amazing river. After returning to the dock, you will depart for the Tortilla Making experience at the home of a local family. Get a deeper insight into the real meaning of “Pura Vida” (pure life) experienced by rural Costa Ricans. Be welcomed with a tropical drink at the "rancho" (like a gazebo) and enjoy a delicious lunch prepared on a rustic wood-fired stove (included). While lunch is cooking, you will get an opportunity to try your hand at making tortillas from freshly ground corn “masa,” afterwards enjoy the fresh home-made tortillas served for lunch! You will be back at the hotel in the afternoon, and the rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight in hotel in Arenal.
Day 3
:
ARENAL – MONTEVERDE (70 km – 2 hrs)
Location: Arenal Lake, Monteverde, Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
Accommodation Name: Monteverde Country Lodge or El Establo Mountain Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Wake up to the tasty breakfast at your hotel and get ready for the transfer to the Monteverde Region, one of the most breath-taking nature reserves in the entire world. To get to the Monteverde area you will be crossing the Arenal Lake on a comfortable pontoon boat, and then continue to the Monteverde town. Your guide will take you to the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve that will astound you with its remarkable charm, and biodiversity, where wind-sculpted elfin woodlands give way to rainforests with tall trees rise high into the sky. Step foot on the Continental Divide, and get amazed by the gorgeous views on the Caribbean ocean on one side and the Pacific Ocean on the other. Once back in the hotel, spend the rest of the day at leisure, absorbing this tropical atmosphere.
Overnight in hotel in Monteverde.
Day 4
:
DEPARTURE MONTEVERDE – SAN JOSE (150 km – 2.5 hrs)
Location: Monteverde, San Jose
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy your last breakfast at the hotel, check-out from the hotel and at the designated time hop on the transfer that will take you back to Juan Santamaria International Airport, so you can take your onwards flights to your following destinations.
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Operated with English or Spanish-speaking local guides during the activities (Day 1-3). Please note that you will be accompanied by local guides for the activities only. There is no guarantee that you will be part of a group or part of the same group during the tour.
ACCOMMODATION:
3 nights’ accommodation
ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS
Day 1, 2 Arenal:
Standard Hotel Category = Hotel Lomas del Volcán or similar 3*
Superior Hotel Category = Arenal Manoa or similar 4*
Day 3 Monteverde:
Standard Hotel Category = Monteverde Country Lodge or similar 3*
Superior Hotel Category = El Establo Mountain Hotel or similar 3*
MEALS:
3 Breakfasts
1 Lunch at a local restaurant (Day 2)
1 Dinner (Day 1)
TRANSPORT:
Arrival private transfer from Juan Santamaria International Airport or San Jose Airport
Departure shared transfer in an air-conditioned bus to Juan Santamaria International Airport or San Jose Airport
Shared transportation in an air-conditioned bus throughout the tour (Day 1-3)
ENTRANCE FEES & ACTIVITIES:
All entrance fees and activities mentioned in the itinerary: Hotsprings (Day 1), River Safari Float and Tortilla Making experience (Day 2), walking tour in Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve (Day 3)
OTHER:
Meet & Greet
What's Not Included
Flights
Domestic nor International flights are not included.
Drinks
Drinks during meals are not included unless specified otherwise.
Unmentioned Visits
Any visit not mentioned in the program is not included.
Porterage and Gratuities
Porterage and gratuities are not included.
Personal Expenditures
Expenditures of a personal nature, drinks and meals or items not stated explicitly in the program are not included.
Additional Fees
Any alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, mineral water, camera/video camera fee (if any) are not included.
Travel Insurance
Travel Insurance or any loss or extra cost arising due to unforeseen circumstances such as flight delays, accidents, etc. are not included.
Comfortable and light clothing is the most suitable for travelling. Sun protection, sunglasses, tennis shoes, hiking shoes, sandals, raincoat or jacket, bathing suit, a hat or cap and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay.
Please Note
Please be advised that the airport departure transfer is a shared service with an estimated arrival at the airport between 12:30 and 13:30. If you need to arrive at the airport earlier, an upgrade to a private transfer is necessary (available at an additional cost)
Early check-in, late check-out, connecting or adjoining rooms in the hotel are subject to availability and not guaranteed
In many hotels in Costa Rica, the triple rooms are a double room with an additional bed or sofa bed.
Please note that local conditions prevalent at the time of travel may result in modifications to the contents of the tour without prior notice, including possible changes of hotels and/or itinerary
We reserve the right to change itineraries and activities due to weather conditions, technical problems or security reasons
Travel in comfort with shared air-conditioned bus transfers from Juan Santamaria International Airport or San Jose Airport, and throughout the tour, including a scenic pontoon boat ride across Arenal Lake to Monteverde.
Accommodation
Enjoy 3 nights of comfortable accommodation with options ranging from standard 3-star hotels like Hotel Lomas del Volcán and Monteverde Country Lodge to superior 4-star hotels such as Arenal Manoa and El Establo Mountain Hotel.
Accommodation options
ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS Day 1, 2 Arenal:
Standard Hotel Category = Hotel Lomas del Volcán or similar 3*
Superior Hotel Category = Arenal Manoa or similar 4*
Day 3 Monteverde:
Standard Hotel Category = Monteverde Country Lodge or similar 3*
Superior Hotel Category = El Establo Mountain Hotel or similar 3*
What languages are the local guides fluent in during the activities?
The local guides during the activities speak English or Spanish.
What meals are included in the tour?
The tour includes 3 breakfasts, 1 lunch at a local restaurant on Day 2, and 1 dinner on Day 1.
What type of transportation is provided during the tour?
Shared transportation in an air-conditioned bus is provided throughout the tour, including arrival and departure transfers from/to Juan Santamaria International Airport or San Jose Airport.
What activities are included in the tour itinerary?
The tour includes a visit to the hot springs on Day 1, a River Safari Float and Tortilla Making experience on Day 2, and a walking tour in the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve on Day 3.
What is the accommodation arrangement during the tour?
The tour includes 3 nights of accommodation. In Arenal, you can stay at Hotel Lomas del Volcán or Arenal Manoa, and in Monteverde, you can stay at Monteverde Country Lodge or El Establo Mountain Hotel, depending on the hotel category chosen.
Is there a meet and greet service included in the tour?
Yes, a meet and greet service is included in the tour.
Do you offer any travel insurance?
We do not offer Travel Insurance but would strongly recommend that you purchase a comprehensive Travel Insurance Policy prior to departure.
Are flights included in the tour?
No, they are not included
When are there specific hotel names confirmed?
Confirmed hotel names are informed latest 10 days prior to client´s arrival
What documents will I receive before I travel?
Booking confirmation with Itinerary and confirmation vouchers
What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
You can change it by logging into your profile and click on Bookings. Please check your cancellation policy.
Is there any option for solo traveller?
Yes of course. Please note that the default selection shows the price per person per double room. For solo travellers, you will have to select a single room when available.
What does the price include?
What is included is stated specifically on the product Description. Gratuities are at your discretion. Prices do not include (unless stated otherwise) - gratuities to the guide, driver or tour manager.
Are Visa fees included in the price?
No, visa fees are not included
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Reviews of this operator
Brian
Exotic Costa Rica
12-Feb-2022
We were delayed a couple of times in getting to Costa Rica and our tour operator, Roy, was extremely accommodating of the changes. The trip was partially guided, so though lodging and transportation were covered there were a few days where I could have used help coordinating afternoon activities.
...more ...less
Peter Herbert
Essential Costa Rica - Package with Guanacaste
11-May-2022
A little aprehensive on 1st day with no tour leader... but ran better that clockwork, a few natural obstacles overcome. Good hotels, transport , drivers AND OUTSTANDING GUIDES.....A THEN THERE WAS THE WILDS OF COSTA RICA AND ITS PEOPLES ....
Jean Walsh
Exotic Costa Rica
17-Mar-2022
This trip was much anticipated and lived up to all of our expectations. We had a wonderful experience. If we had questions, Andres was immediately responsive. It was such a nice feeling to know we could reach him.
Susan Langton
Essential Costa Rica - Package with Manuel Antonio National Park
06-Jan-2022
Our trip was well organized, all of the service providers ( transfers, guides, accommodations) we friendly and professional, and each location was as promised. A bit more local information would have been useful in preparing for the trip, but nothing that wasn't able to be accommodated on the fly.
...more ...less
Marianne Brownell
Essential Costa Rica - Package with Manuel Antonio National Park
03-Oct-2022
Terrific experience!
Debra R
PURAVIDA CR
26-Jun-2023
Great staff taking care of us along the way! Hotel choices were unique and beautiful and accommodating.
Keith
Essential Costa Rica - Package with Guanacaste
08-Mar-2022
A good tour with 4 completely different ecosystems. A couple of long travel days.
Destination Services Costa Rica requires a minimum deposit of
20%
or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of destination services costa rica charges.
At 21 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 15 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
Arenal and Monteverde, Short Break
4 Days Starting and ending in San Jose, Costa Rica
Visiting:
San Jose, La Fortuna de San Carlos, Arenal Volcano, Arenal, Peñas Blancas, Arenal Lake, Monteverde, Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
...more ...less
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For a perfect night closure, enjoy a delightful dinner (included).</p><p style=\"font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.6; color: rgb(87, 100, 111); margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em\"><strong>Overnight in hotel in Arenal.</strong></p>","lat":"9.928069","lng":"-84.090725"},{"title":"Day 1: ARRIVAL SAN JOSE - LA FORTUNA DE SAN CARLOS (150 km – 2.5 hrs)","name":"La Fortuna de San Carlos","description":"<p style=\"font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.6; color: rgb(87, 100, 111); margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em\">Upon landing at Juan Santamaria Airport, a representative will meet and transfer you to the hotel. Arrive at the small picturesque village La Fortuna de San Carlos, the getaway to the magnificent Arenal Volcano. Check in to your hotel, take rest and in the afternoon prepare yourself for the first exotic experience, Hotsprings, wonderful escape to a natural paradise, surrounded with pools and thermal waters coming from the deepest heart of the powerful Arenal Volcano. Take a bath in the middle of the tropical forest and enjoy the warm touch of mineral waters and waterfalls surrounded by the exotic gardens. For a perfect night closure, enjoy a delightful dinner (included).</p><p style=\"font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.6; color: rgb(87, 100, 111); margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em\"><strong>Overnight in hotel in Arenal.</strong></p>","lat":"10.471197","lng":"-84.645415"},{"title":"Day 2: ARENAL – PEÑAS BLANCAS – ARENAL (125 km – 2.45 hrs)","name":"Arenal","description":"<p>Start your day with a luscious breakfast at the hotel, before you get into the transfer heading to Peñas Blancas, for another Costa Rican experience, River Safari Float. Embark to your raft and together with your guide sail down the wild river, accompanied by the screaming sounds of the surrounding jungle. Monkeys, iguanas, Jesus Christ lizards and much more reside along the banks of this amazing river. After returning to the dock, you will depart for the Tortilla Making experience at the home of a local family. Get a deeper insight into the real meaning of “Pura Vida” (pure life) experienced by rural Costa Ricans. Be welcomed with a tropical drink at the \"rancho\" (like a gazebo) and enjoy a delicious lunch prepared on a rustic wood-fired stove (included). While lunch is cooking, you will get an opportunity to try your hand at making tortillas from freshly ground corn “masa,” afterwards enjoy the fresh home-made tortillas served for lunch! You will be back at the hotel in the afternoon, and the rest of the day at leisure. </p><br/><p><strong>Overnight in hotel in Arenal. </strong></p><br/>","lat":"10.462626","lng":"-84.703179"},{"title":"Day 2: ARENAL – PEÑAS BLANCAS – ARENAL (125 km – 2.45 hrs)","name":"Peñas Blancas","description":"<p>Start your day with a luscious breakfast at the hotel, before you get into the transfer heading to Peñas Blancas, for another Costa Rican experience, River Safari Float. Embark to your raft and together with your guide sail down the wild river, accompanied by the screaming sounds of the surrounding jungle. Monkeys, iguanas, Jesus Christ lizards and much more reside along the banks of this amazing river. After returning to the dock, you will depart for the Tortilla Making experience at the home of a local family. Get a deeper insight into the real meaning of “Pura Vida” (pure life) experienced by rural Costa Ricans. Be welcomed with a tropical drink at the \"rancho\" (like a gazebo) and enjoy a delicious lunch prepared on a rustic wood-fired stove (included). While lunch is cooking, you will get an opportunity to try your hand at making tortillas from freshly ground corn “masa,” afterwards enjoy the fresh home-made tortillas served for lunch! You will be back at the hotel in the afternoon, and the rest of the day at leisure. </p><br/><p><strong>Overnight in hotel in Arenal. </strong></p><br/>","lat":"10.116794","lng":"-84.669489"},{"title":"Day 3: ARENAL – MONTEVERDE (70 km – 2 hrs)","name":"Monteverde","description":"<p>Wake up to the tasty breakfast at your hotel and get ready for the transfer to the Monteverde Region, one of the most breath-taking nature reserves in the entire world. To get to the Monteverde area you will be crossing the Arenal Lake on a comfortable pontoon boat, and then continue to the Monteverde town. Your guide will take you to the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve that will astound you with its remarkable charm, and biodiversity, where wind-sculpted elfin woodlands give way to rainforests with tall trees rise high into the sky. Step foot on the Continental Divide, and get amazed by the gorgeous views on the Caribbean ocean on one side and the Pacific Ocean on the other. Once back in the hotel, spend the rest of the day at leisure, absorbing this tropical atmosphere. </p><br/><p><strong>Overnight in hotel in Monteverde. </strong></p><br/>","lat":"10.297332","lng":"-84.82551"},{"title":"Day 4: DEPARTURE MONTEVERDE – SAN JOSE (150 km – 2.5 hrs)","name":"Monteverde","description":"<p>Enjoy your last breakfast at the hotel, check-out from the hotel and at the designated time hop on the transfer that will take you back to Juan Santamaria International Airport, so you can take your onwards flights to your following destinations. </p><br/>","lat":"10.297332","lng":"-84.82551"},{"title":"Day 4: DEPARTURE MONTEVERDE – SAN JOSE (150 km – 2.5 hrs)","name":"San Jose","description":"<p>Enjoy your last breakfast at the hotel, check-out from the hotel and at the designated time hop on the transfer that will take you back to Juan Santamaria International Airport, so you can take your onwards flights to your following destinations. </p><br/>","lat":"9.928069","lng":"-84.090725"}]
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