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    Monteverde Cloud Forest & Playa Hermosa

    Costa Rica in 8 Days, 7 Nights in Destination

    Rachel, Travel Expert

    Rachel
    Travel crafter

    Immerse yourself in the diverse landscapes of Costa Rica, discovering the famous Monteverde Cloud Forest, Carara National Park, the Tárcoles River, and the central Pacific Coast at Playa Hermosa.

    Trip Highlights

    1. map-pin-check-icon
      Monteverde
    2. map-pin-check-icon
      Playa Hermosa
    3. map-pin-check-icon
      San José

    Included

    1. All flights

    2. Accommodation

    3. All transfers

    4. Activities

    5. Breakfast only

    Availability

    1. Departures available until March 2026

    2. Available Group tours

    3. Solo travelers from + $620

    4. Add up to 3 nights to your stay

    5. WHAT'S THIS?

    Categories available

    1. charm included

    2. WHAT'S THIS?

    From

    $3,389

    $2,199

    /person

    -35%

    Book with an expert:

    1 778 807 9750

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    Best Price Guarantee

    SmartFare has secured the lowest fares on flights & services for this trip

    Itinerary

    Touch down in San José to begin your journey in Costa Rica. Head straight to Monteverde, for hiking in a unique biosphere known for its diverse flora and fauna. Next, make a stop at Carara National Park for some bird watching. Continue on to Playa Hermosa for several days of fun in the sun with a special crocodile tour. End with one final stop in San José before returning home.

    1st Day: Canada - San José

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    Ready to discover the natural wonders of Costa Rica? Arrive at your chosen departure airport* and take off for Central America. Land at Juan Santamaría airport and transfer to your hotel in San José. Spend the evening resting or exploring the city as you please! Overnight stay in San José.

    *If either your outbound or inbound flights depart in the early hours (before 4:00 a.m.) you must arrive at the airport the night before the indicated departure day.

    Accommodation

    ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
    Sleep Inn Hotel Paseo Las... or similar
    tripadvisor rating

    524 Reviews

    See our full selection

    2nd Day: San José - Monteverde

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    Breakfast at the hotel. Begin with a transfer to Monteverde*. Check in to your hotel and take some free time to rest and enjoy an independent lunch. This region is best-known for the protected Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, a unique biosphere covering over 10,000 hectares with six distinct zones.

    You’ll have the afternoon at your leisure to explore the forest on your own, or join our optional zipline tour**. Overnight stay in Monteverde.

    *Estimated transfer duration: 5 hours.

    **Canopy zipline half-day tour: Explore Monteverde from above with a zipline excursion to Selvatura Park. Whizz along more than 3.5 km of cables, with a unique vantage point over the beautiful forest! Lunch or dinner included, depending on your timing.

    Accommodation

    ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
    Dreams Lodge or similar
    tripadvisor rating

    96 Reviews

    See our full selection

    Activities

    Optional
    Canopy zipline half-day tour

    Active

    See more

    3rd Day: Monteverde

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    Breakfast at the hotel. The morning is free to spend as you please, getting acclimated to your new surroundings, relaxing, or joining our optional Monteverde Reserve tour*.

    In the afternoon, embark on a guided exploration walk through the cloud forest, where you’ll learn about the rich biodiversity and history of Monteverde. The lesson begins on your drive to the group’s chosen reserve, where your guide will tell the story of how 12 American missionaries first settled here and began conservation efforts. Your hike through this super-diverse ecosystem will last about three hours, and you’ll have access to special telescopes to get the best views of the 1000s of unique plant and animal species. After the tour, return to your hotel for your overnight stay in Monteverde.

    *Half-day tour Monteverde Reserve: Enjoy stunning views of the Monteverde Cloud Forest from a series of connected hanging bridges and enjoy the biodiversity of the forest with a specialised guide whom you can ask questions. Take in the views on this tranquil, flat hike appropriate for all fitness levels.

    Accommodation

    ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
    Dreams Lodge or similar
    tripadvisor rating

    96 Reviews

    See our full selection

    Activities

    included
    Monteverde Cloud Forest Exploration

    Moderate

    See more
    Optional
    Half-day tour Monteverde Reserve

    Moderate

    See more

    4th Day: Monteverde - Playa Hermosa

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    Breakfast at the hotel. Say goodbye to Monteverde as you make your way to Playa Hermosa! Sit back and relax as you take in scenic views of the countryside on your approximately 4-hour journey. On the way to Playa Hermosa, make a stop at the Carara National Park, an excellent spot for bird watching known especially for the endangered scarlet macaw.

    When you arrive in Playa Hermosa, check in at the hotel and spend the rest of the day soaking in this stunning setting. Located in well-known Puntarenas on the country’s west coast, Playa Hermosa is a tranquil setting to enjoy the sun, surf, and fresh seafood that this region is known for. Overnight stay in Playa Hermosa.

    Accommodation

    ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
    Terraza Del Pacifico or similar
    tripadvisor rating

    336 Reviews

    See our full selection

    Activities

    included
    Explore Carara National Park

    Light

    See more

    5th Day: Playa Hermosa

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    Breakfast at the hotel. Today you have a free day in Playa Hermosa to enjoy the beach, which offers plenty of opportunities to jetski, snorkel, or tan in the sun. If you’re interested in seeing more of Costa Rica’s diverse wildlife, book an optional hike through the Manuel Antonio National Park*! Overnight stay in Playa Hermosa.

    *Manuel Antonio National Park Hike: Take a tour of Manuel Antonio National Park, known for its biodiversity and beautiful beaches. The trail is almost flat and approximately 2 miles long, and your guide will be equipped with telescopes that you can use to observe wildlife from afar. You may encounter toucans, sloths, raccoons, coatis, snakes, various species of monkeys and much more! Halfway through the hike you will make a stop at a beach located within the National Park.

    Accommodation

    ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
    Terraza Del Pacifico or similar
    tripadvisor rating

    336 Reviews

    See our full selection

    Activities

    Optional
    Manuel Antonio National Park Hike

    Moderate

    See more

    6th Day: Playa Hermosa

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    Breakfast at the hotel. This morning, set off on a crocodile tour of the nearby Tárcoles river! Expect to see a host of exotic birds along with several varieties and sizes of crocodile, enjoying spectacular scenery as you navigate a boat along the dense canals of the Guacalillo mangrove forest. Observe other jungle wildlife like iguanas, basilisks, monkeys and more!

    Afterwards, return to your hotel for a free afternoon to enjoy the beach. Overnight stay in Playa Hermosa.

    Accommodation

    ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
    Terraza Del Pacifico or similar
    tripadvisor rating

    336 Reviews

    See our full selection

    Activities

    included
    Half-day crocodile tour

    Light

    See more

    7th Day: Playa Hermosa - San José

    arrow-icon

    Breakfast at the hotel. Today begin your journey back towards San José. The journey is about 2 and a half hours, with a special “Pura Vida” surprise on the way! In the afternoon, arrive in San José to spend your last night in Costa Rica. If you didn’t have the chance to explore the city before, you have some time now! Feel free to check out the La Sabana Metropolitan Park, the Plaza de la Democracia, or the Jade Museum, with the continent's largest collection of pre-Columbian jade artworks. Overnight stay in San José.

    Accommodation

    ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
    Sleep Inn Hotel Paseo Las... or similar
    tripadvisor rating

    524 Reviews

    See our full selection

    8th Day: San José - Canada

    arrow-icon

    Breakfast at the hotel*. At the indicated time, transfer to the airport to board your flight back home. Later, touch down in Canada** and end your trip, filled with brilliant memories and feeling refreshed after your Costa Rican adventure!

    *Depending on the return flight schedule and the hotel breakfast service, you may not be able to enjoy the included breakfast on the last day.

    **Depending on the choice of flight, you may arrive back in Canada the following day.

    Categories

    charm

    From $2,199

    Selected
    • Accommodation in Charm category hotels.
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    Pick a date and start customising your trip

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    May 2025
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    Included activities

    Included

    Monteverde Cloud Forest Exploration

    Included activity for day 3 in Monteverde

    Visit the Monteverde Cloud Forest, a 10,000-hectare reserve with several distinct zones. Learn more about the flora and fauna from your expert guide.

    Duration 03:00h Approx. Pick up time: 14:00 Approx

    Physical rating:

    Moderate

    Dress in layers. It is recommended to bring binoculars and camera, hiking shoes, rain jacket, plastic bags for protecting electronic or camera gear and water.

    more information
    Included

    Explore Carara National Park

    Included activity for day 4 in Playa Hermosa

    Make a stop at the Carara National Park, a location well-known for birdwatching. You might even spot the endangered scarlet macaw!

    Duration 01:30h Approx. Pick up time: 07:30 Approx

    Physical rating:

    Light

    Take into account transport will pick you up at hotel and the visit will take place along the way.

    more information
    Included

    Half-day crocodile tour

    Included activity for day 6 in Playa Hermosa

    Head to the Tárcoles river for a crocodile tour! You’ll see various sizes and species of these imposing reptiles along with other members of the river’s ecosystem.

    Duration 01:30h Approx. Pick up time: 10:00 Approx

    Physical rating:

    Light

    more information

    Available Activities

    Activities are subject to availability. The price for each optional activity will be shown in the next step of the booking process.
    Optional

    Canopy zipline half-day tour

    Suggested activity for day 2 in Monteverde

    Fly high above the forest floor as you zoom through more than 3.5 km of cables, getting a privileged view of the plants and animals below.

    Duration 02:30h Approx. Pick up time: info at destination

    Physical rating:

    Active

    There are several departures per day, we will select the time that best fits your itinerary. Please bring closed shoes good for walking, long pants, raincoat, sweater, sunblock, mosquito repellent, camera, and pocket money.

    more information
    Optional

    Half-day tour Monteverde Reserve

    Suggested activity for day 3 in Monteverde

    Learn all about the incredible biodiversity of the Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve on this three-hour guided tour. You’ll get personalized attention and the opportunity to ask questions on a small-group tour. This is a great tour for all ages!

    Duration 03:00h Approx. Pick up time: 07:30 Approx

    Physical rating:

    Moderate

    more information
    Optional

    Manuel Antonio National Park Hike

    Suggested activity for day 5 in Playa Hermosa

    Cross two miles of this stunning natural reserve, observing wildlife with the help of your expert guide and stopping at one of the park’s top beaches.

    Duration 02:30h Approx. Pick up time: 07:30 Approx

    Physical rating:

    Moderate

    The park is closed on Tuesdays. / Second departure at 12:30h.

    more information

    The price includes

    • Departures from main canadian airports.
    • International flights: Canada - San José - Canada.
    • 7 nights hotel accommodation in Charm category hotels.
      See hotels included
    • 7 breakfasts.
    • All transfers
    • All air taxes and fuel surcharge.
      See itinerary
    • Half-day crocodile tour.
    • Monteverde Cloud Forest and Carara National Park Exploration.
    • Bilingual English/Spanish speaking guide during the excursions.

    Not included

    Drinks, tips and any other services not mentioned in what's included. 

    Travel times in some areas may be longer due to factors like traffic, weather, or possible road closures that may occasionally cause delays.

    Keep in mind that a 3 star hotel (charm) quality standards in Costa Rica may be lower than the equivalently rated in US/UK/Canada (depending on the market).

    This is an independent tour with guided shared activities, not an escorted group tour.

    Some activities may be guided by a bilingual guide (English and Spanish) who provides explanations in both languages, depending on the composition of the group.

    Any hotel mentioned in the offer, whether the main one or an alternative, is as likely as each other to be confirmed. You will find your final hotel confirmation on your updated trip summary approximately 15 days before departure.

    • Entry requirements

      Your passport must be valid for at least 1 month beyond the date of expected departure from Costa Rica.

    • Visa

      Visa not required for stays up to 30 days.

    • Currency

      Costa Rican Colon

    • Language

      Spanish

    • Electricity

      110 V. Adapter required.

    • Health

      Please consult your doctor regarding malaria prophylaxis.

    • Time zone

      UTC - 06:00

    • Other useful information

      Local emergency number 128

    • Tourist Office website

      https://www.visitcostarica.com/en

    Remember to download your e-ticket to confirm the times of your flights and to complete online check-in using the airline’s website, or directly at the check-in desk at the airport.

    Accommodation at the hotels is as indicated. In the event of any changes to accommodation, they will always be of the same, or a higher category. The category of hotels is not standardized across all countries in the world. For this reason, the criteria may differ depending on the destination country's own standards.

    In the case of adverse weather conditions, for safety reasons or for any other reasons deemed appropriate, the order and duration of the excursions included in the itinerary may be changed or canceled without prior notice.

    Children: 3 - 10 years.

    If you have reduced mobility, require the use of a wheelchair, or you would prefer this tour to be a private experience for you and your group, you must contact our Experts at +1 778 807 9750 before booking to ensure that your needs can be met.

    While on the road, it is highly unlikely that the vehicle will be equipped with wifi or bathroom facilities, though rest stops will be made for long trips. We recommend purchasing a new SIM card at the airport or placing an e-SIM before travel to guarantee internet connection.

     

    Room allocation: We will do our best to accommodate your family in the same room. If availability doesn't permit this, we guarantee your family will be accommodated as close together as possible. Children will always be accomodated in a room with at least 1 adult.

    Booster seats: Not available in all destinations. Feel free to take your own if you need one.


    When booking a triple room, note that these accommodations are not larger than a double room, but will include either one double or two single beds and a sofa bed/rollaway.

    Pay in installments

    Pay only 60% today to reserve your trip.

    Pay the rest in installments depending on your departure date

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