This 10-day Costa Rica special holiday vacation is perfect for the traveler who is short on time, but big on adventure. We start our travels at the Arenal Volcano, followed by the beautiful Monteverde Cloudforest Reserve in search of capuchin monkeys, scarlet macaws, and two and three-toed sloths. The day before heading to the lively town of Quepos and Manuel Antonio, we climb into the rainforest canopy for a high adrenaline adventure along the zip lines and rope traverses of Monteverde. Day 7 finds us enjoying the whitewater of the Rio Savegre - Class III rapids all morning long! An exciting itinerary that introduces you to the best of Costa Rica.
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
This morning is off to Arenal. Dormant for centuries, the Arenal Volcano exploded in a massive eruption of molten lava and ash in 1968. Since that time, it has continued to belch great clouds of ash and occasional lava. It is now one of the world's most active volcanoes and volcanologists from all over the world come here to study this tropical volcano.
The drive to Arenal takes a few hours and we stop en route for lunch on the way. You'll spend the night at the Arenal Observatory Lodge where the Smithsonian Institute has set up its research facilities. The dining hall offers spectacular views of the conical volcano, and the lodge's 870 acres, bordered by Monteverde Cloudforest Reserve and Arenal National Park, provide miles of trails through pristine forest.
On your second day here, enjoy some free time in the Arenal area. There are lots of optional excursions available in this area. You can go mountain biking, fishing, horseback riding or even take a hike in the miles of trails in the area. You could also visit Ecotermales Hot Springs in the evening. Your guide is on hand to help you plan your day as you wish!
After breakfast take a morning hike into the national park to see old lava flows and enjoy the unique flora. Mid-morning its time to leave Arenal, you'll take a boat across Lake Arenal and on to the Monteverde Cloudforest Reserve, one of the richest and most diverse tropical cloud forests on the continent. Founded in 1972, the Reserve encompasses six different ecological life zones and protects more than 100 mammal species, 400 bird species, and upwards of 1,500 plant species. In your explorations keep watch for one of the area's most famed residents, the Resplendant Quetzal.
On the morning of Day 5, you'll be fitted into special gear to fly from platform to platform high above the ground, and try the famous Tarzan Swing drop! For the less adventurous, there's a nearby sky walk suspended in the canopy that's great for birding and learning more about the local ecology (please let us know ahead of time if you prefer this option). This afternoon take a hike through the reserve, viewing the misty forest with its dense vegetation and majestic trees.
This morning you'll make the 4-5 hour drive to Quepos where you'll stay in a hotel near Manuel Antonio. In the afternoon, spend some time exploring the popular Manuel Antonio National park. Tonight you'll say good-bye to your guide this evening.
Up early to hit the river, for some Class II-III whitewater rafting of the Savegre River (or try class III on the Naranjo during green season). Plunge through jungle clad gorges and float past cascading waterfalls. Along the way enjoy the variety of bird life such as egrets, osprey, kingfishers, cormorants, parrots and more. After the river trip, return to Quepos for the evening.
Enjoy a free morning relaxing at your hotel or exploring the Manuel Antonio area. Transfer back to San Jose in the late afternoon, or if your international flight does not depart until late on Day 9, you might choose to spend tonight relaxing in Quepos. Let us know what you prefer!
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
Initial deposit is $600, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 70 days (10 weeks) prior to departure by bank transfer, check or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
This was my first experience with Adventure Life - and I couldn't have been more pleased with the trip. The guides and local staff in both Buenos Aires and Uruguay were terrific - extremely helpful and accommodating. I really enjoyed meeting the friendly staff in Buenos Aires in person (I left my bags with them for the afternoon).
Karen Snider
TrustScore 4.8 | 174 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 174 reviews on
1 week ago
Adventure Life took care of everything! All we had to do was show up when we were supposed to, which made our first trip to Costa Rica largely stress-free and incredibly fun. Our trip reps, Hannah and Mariethony, were helpful and responsive, getting back to us by email usually within a few hours. Our accommodations were all great, and we got incredibly blessed with some absolutely stellar guides and drivers.
Our Jungle & Beach trip was an excellent balance of adventure and rest. We got to try out a lot of different activities, including snorkeling, hiking, white water rafting and kayaking, while also partaking of some rest around the pool or by the ocean. We enjoyed seeing and exploring the beautiful Caribbean side of the country.
Joy Knowles
1 week ago
The company made our adventure trip hassle-free, and a lot of fun! I will definitely be using them again
Carolena F
1 month ago
For our first trip to Costa Rica, Adventure Life designed a tour that meets the interests, ecological and adventure, of our party; but also takes into account our physical limitations sine we are all septuagenarian. We are looking forward to the trip.
John Zent
1 month ago
COSTA RICA a trip of a life time travelling round this beautiful country. All went like clockwork even when the weather was against us and all transfers seemed to be part of the holiday not a chore. Would definitely use Adventure Life again having previously used them 20 years ago!!
Cynthia Calton
1 month ago
Our Costa Rica trip was amazing! Kassandra planned everything and the excursions, hotels, overall organization were outstanding. Everything worked out smoothly, the excursions guides were knowledgeable allowing us to see so much of the fauna and flora of the country. The hotels were great as well, all in fantastic locations and with beautiful views.