Day 2: San José – Arenal Volcano

Tabacon Grand Spa Thermal Resort

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel and depart at 9:00 am in a private air conditioned mini bus or SUV for breathtaking Arenal Volcano at Lake Arenal (~ 2.5 hr drive) Arrive at your amazing resort around lunch time. Ancient Greek myths once spoke of the paradise called Iskandria, which was surrounded by luxurious gardens and awe-inspiring waterfalls. According to legend, it was there that the gods of myth met to enjoy a wonderful time of relaxation. Arising from the warm currents of the Tabacón River, in the lap of the spectacular Arenal Volcano, Iskandria – the spa at Tabacón Resort – offers you everything you need to achieve the balance of body and soul so sought by the ancient gods. Spend the afternoon visiting the hot springs or simply relaxing, sun bathing, swimming, and much more… For more on what to do in the breathtaking Arenal Volcano region of Costa Rica, please click here and visit our page with Recommended Day Tours.

GROUND TRANSPORT: Pick up from hotel at 9:00 am for private transfer in deluxe air conditioned mini van or SUV to Fortuna at Arenal Volcano (~2.5 h drive)

LODGING: 2 nights – Superior Room – Tabacon Hot Springs Resort & Spa

Day 3: Arenal Volcano (Free day)

Arenal volcano landscape in a sunny day.

Free day to enjoy the many attractions the Arenal Volcano Region has to offer. We recommend a hike to Arenal Volcano, where you will have the opportunity to see the lava paths and possibly observe some of the exotic inhabitants of Arenal National Park, like toucans, monkeys, boas, poisonous frogs etc., or you could visit the La Fortuna Waterfall close by. The resort also offers a variety of other tours in the area, like canopy rides, horseback riding, kayaking, mountain biking, fishing, rafting and much more. For more information on the tours & activities offered by the Tabacon Resort, please click here. In the evening enjoy a lovely dinner at the resort, or perhaps visit the charming village of La Fortuna for dinner.

Day 4: Arenal Volcano – Monteverde

Monteverde Sunset

Enjoy breakfast overlooking the lush gardens of the Tabacon Resort. Be picked up at hotel at 9:00 a.m. for your private transfer via minibus and boat to Monteverde. The region is well known for its Monteverde Biological Reserve, and also features a variety of other natural places, picturesque paths, flora- and fauna-watching opportunities, natural landscapes and more. Arrive at your lodge just minutes from the Monteverde cloud forest around lunch time and enjoy your afternoon exploring the amazing flora and fauna of the area.

GROUND TRANSPORT: 9:00 am pick up from Arenal Volcano hotel for private transfer in deluxe air conditioned mini van or SUV to Monteverde (~ 2.5 h drive)

LODGING: 2 nights – Standard Room – Fonda Vela Hotel
*Includes Breakfast

Day 5: Monteverde (Free Day)

Couple with nature guide in Costa Rican cloud forest

Free day to enjoy the many attractions the Monteverde Region has to offer. We recommend a visit to one of the protected areas in the region, like the Monteverde Cloud forest Preserve, the Santa Elena Rain Forest Reserve or the Bajo del Tigre Trail. In addition to these are canopy tours, slide shows, the Butterfly Garden and the Serpentarium, horseback riding, mountain biking, the local Cheese Factory Tour, artists’ studios and gift shops featuring items handmade by local artisans. The concierge at your hotel will be happy to help you find the right activity for you. Enjoy dinner at the hotel’s restaurant which is known for the creativity, variety, flavor, freshness, and presentation of its food or one of the other restaurants this region offers.

Day 6: Monteverde – Tamarindo

Tamarindo Beach in Costa Rica – Playa Tamarindo, Guanacaste Province, Costa Rica

Pick up at 10:00 am at hotel for private transfer to Tamarindo in beautiful Northern Guanacaste. Arrive at your intimate beachfront hacienda on Playa Langosta around 2:00 pm. Enjoy the afternoon in this lovely surrounding of lush tropical forests, rushing rivers, monkeys and leatherback turtles, quiet beaches, serene mountains, active volcanoes, and world-class surfing breaks. Spend the evening at your beach side hotel relaxing swimming, and enjoying dinner in this tropical paradise, preparing yourself for next day’s adventures.

GROUND TRANSPORT: 10:00 am pick up from your hotel for transfer to Tamarindo (~4 h drive)

LODGING: 3 nights – Queen Bedroom – Hotel Sueño del Mar
*Includes breakfast

Day 7: Tamarindo (Free day)

Horse back riding at Northern Guanacaste.

Free Day at the Playa Langosta – Here you may choose to relax at your hotel, boogie board, surf, snorkel, swim, sunbathe or search for tropical shells. Or consider taking part in one of the many tours and activities offered by the hotel, like horse back riding, a jungle boat ride through the Baula National Park or kayaking in the estuary. Ask us or your hotel concierge for more details. For more ideas of what this amazing region has to offer, please click here.

Day 8: Tamarindo (Free day)

Playas del Coco, Guanacaste, Costa Rica – A brass band participating in a tope in the beach town of Playas del Coco.

Another free day to enjoy the many wonders of this region. Today may we recommend visiting the small pottery-making village of Guaitil, less than an hour away from Tamarindo. It is one of Costa Rica’s best centers for native ceramic handicrafts, where you can see people making pots outside their houses. The pots are made from local clay and the artisans use only natural colors in the pre-Columbian Chorotega Indian style. It is interesting to watch the potters at work, using only ancient techniques. If you are looking for more adventurous activities, how about a canopy tour in the Rincon de la Vieja National Park? To learn more about the myriad of activities available, please click here… In the evening enjoy being pampered by the hotel’s staff at one of Costa Rica’s finest restaurants.

Day 9: Tamarindo – San José

Purple sunset on Playa Ocotal on the Pacific Ocean in Guanacaste, Costa Rica.

Last free morning to enjoy the many wonders of this region. Your drive will pick you up at 11:00 am to take you back to San Jose. You can use the afternoon/evening to enjoy the amenities of your hotel, go shopping or sightseeing. For example, why not stop by at the Gold Museum or visit a concert at the Temple of Music? Please visit our page with tours in and around San Jose for further options.

*Another option is catching an international flight from Liberia Airport straight to the US or back to San Jose. Please let us know should this be of interest to you.

GROUND TRANSPORT: Pick up from Hotel at 11:00 am for private transfer in air conditioned mini bus or SUV to San Jose (~ 5 h drive)

LODGING: 1 night – Deluxe Double Room – Real Intercontinental Costa Rica
* Includes breakfast

Day 10: San José (Departure)

Dawn at Northern Guanacaste beach.

Last free morning to enjoy the many wonders of this region or buy some presents for the beloved ones at home. Your private driver will pick you up at (Time TBC) to take you to San Jose International Airport for your departure flight home.

GROUND TRANSPORT: At (Time TBC) your private transporter will pick you up from Hotel Real Intercontinental to take you to San Jose International Airport (~ 15 min drive)