This 8-day Costa Rica vacation is perfect for the traveler who is short on time, but big on adventure. Start your travels by exploring Arenal Volcano National Park, followed by the beautiful Monteverde Cloudforest Reserve, searching for capuchin monkeys, scarlet macaws, and two and three-toed sloths. Before leaving this lush cloud forest, climb into the rainforest canopy for a high-adrenaline adventure rope traverse of Monteverde. Visit Rincon de la Vieja National Park to explore the many active options. Spend your final days, relaxing at one of the most beautiful beaches in Costa Rica, Playa Hermosa.
Highlights
Enjoy magnificent views of volcanoes and Lake Arenal
Relax on some of the most beautiful beaches in Costa Rica
Watch for unique bird life such as the quetzal and toucans in the cloudforest
Explore Rincon de la Vieja National Park, one of Costa Rica's hidden gems
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Arrive in Liberia and transfer about 2.5 hours upon arrival to Arenal where you will overnight after your travels. Settle in and keep your eyes peeled for wildlife even on your hotel grounds.
Today, experience an unforgettable tour of Arenal Volcano. Led by expert guides, you will learn about the volcano's history and eruption phases. The tour lasts approximately 4 hours and includes hiking along the slopes of the volcano, taking in breathtaking views, and discovering the abundant flora and fauna. Later in the evening, relax and unwind in the EcoTermales Hotsprings at the Arenal Volcano. The thermal springs offer mineral-medicinal properties that have soothing, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and muscle-relaxing effects.
Please note that sturdy hiking or tennis shoes are recommended for the tour.
Day 3: Zipline and Canopy Tour | Transfer to Monteverde
Join us for an exciting Skytram & Skytrek Tour with breathtaking views of the Arenal region. The Skytram ride takes you to the top of Arenal's highest mountain for panoramic views of the surrounding forest. On the Skytrek zipline tour, glide from peak to peak on cables stretching over 750 meters and reaching heights of 200 meters. Upon completion of the tour, we'll transfer you to your hotel in Monteverde.
After completing the tour we'll ensure your comfort by transferring you to your hotel in Monteverde.
Day 4: Hanging Bridges
1 Breakfast
Today, at a time to be confirmed, take part in the Hanging Bridges tour at Selvatura Park, which offers a unique and immersive experience of the Monteverde cloud forest. The tour includes a 2-mile trail with 8 suspension bridges that blend with the forest pathways and provide stunning views of the canopy. Wear long pants, comfortable footwear, and rain gear if necessary.
People of all ages and abilities can enjoy the treetop walkways, which offer the best view of the cloud forest at all levels. You can see a variety of flora and fauna of Monteverde and the endemic biodiversity of the cloud forest canopy, which is unique in the world. Selvatura Park's trails and walkways are the safest and sturdiest way to see the cloud forest canopy. The treetop walkways tour includes 8 bridges of different lengths, between 170 and 560 feet, with heights from 36 ft to 180 ft. Each bridge is 5 feet wide, and up to 80 people can cross at once. This makes the treetop walkways the longest and safest bridge system in Costa Rica.
Note: The guided option has a duration of 1 1/2 hours and includes a certified Natural History Guide specialized in the Monteverde Cloud forest who will transform your tour into a Natural History Walk providing visitors with a broader and more thorough experience of the marvels of the cloud forest and ensuring that your visit will have an integral biological, ornithological and cultural approach.
Today, travel about three and a half hours to Playa Hermosa located in Guanacaste. Named for its beauty, the beautiful blue waters and soft brown sand make it a pristine beach for relaxing. Your afternoon here is free to wander and explore the beach and settle in for a relaxing evening. The Playa Hermosa area does not offer much of a 'town' environment, rather it is comprised of hotels and restaurants and other shops spread across the beachscape.
Today you'll go on a thrilling Whitewater rafting tour on the Tenorio River. You'll face class III and IV rapids, covering 12 kilometers and 22 rapids. You'll see wildlife and Cascabel Falls, a 12-foot waterfall drop. Equipped with safety gear and guided by professionals, you're guaranteed a secure and exciting 2.5-hour journey. At the end of the tour, you'll hike to the vehicle that will drive you back to your hotel.
Enjoy a day at your leisure. Relax on the beach or seek out more independent adventures. Kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and other water activities are popular along this beach. Head to the nearby Gulf of Papagayo for more sportfishing, snorkeling or diving activities at Catalina Island or Bat Island. Within an hour or two of driving you can visit Rincon de la Vieja National Park or Hacienda Guachipelin for a canopy zipline tour, horseback riding or tubing adventure. Catamaran sailing tours can also be arranged. The day is yours to either plan in advance or decide on the day how you'd like to spend your last full day in Costa Rica.
Day 8: Depart for Home
1 Breakfast
Transfer to the Liberia Airport and begin your journey home.
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.
$2,585
Notes
Pricing is estimated for low season and fluctuates by departure date. For the most current pricing and details, please request a quote from a Trip Planner.
Initial deposit is 25% ($400 minimum), 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
I could not be happier with my Adventure Life experience, from beginning to end. I travel a lot, and I think your company and personnel do an outstanding job. I truly appreciate your professionalism, attentiveness, and flexibility. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend your company and would be happy to serve as a reference.
We have been working with Adventure Life for 5 years now and it is very easy to plan out our trips. Our holidays include customization of activities and side trips along with the standard packages available on the Adventure Life website. Kevin, Jess, Mary Rose and their teams have many recommendations that have enhanced our travel.
Joe
2 weeks ago
We had a great experience- they were very helpful in trip planning and making sure we got to do all the activities and see the places we wanted. There were some things we couldn't do/see due to the time of year being the rainy/low season and they steered us away from those. We had never been to Costa Rica before and it gave us a good overview of this lovely country.
Jody Dice
2 months ago
Jess was terrific and patiently guided us to make what we feel will be a wonderful family adventure.
David Herr
2 months ago
Jessica was extremely helpful and generous with her time. She was very responsive to our questions and comments and in a very timely fashion. She worked with us in partnership to plan a trip specifically for us and our wants and needs.
Linda Coleman
2 months ago
Shannon has been a real pleasure to work with. Responsive, quick to come back with answers and alternatives, and very knowledgable. Everything you want in a travel planner!
