• Africa

  • Americas

  • Asia

  • Europe

  • Oceania

  • By Season

  • By Interest

  • By Group

  • Call us toll-free now

    Book with an expert for free:

    1-888-488-0592

    Prefer us to call you? Drop your number in the box:

    Phone

    Mon. to Fri.: available 24-hours Sat. and Sun.: 3:00 a.m. - Midnight (EST) Or call your preferred Travel Advisor

    A Week In Paradise

    Costa Rica in 8 Days, 7 Nights in Destination

    Book now for a $500 reward

    Ends soon

    + info

    -29%

    From

    $1,429

    $999

    /person

    Alex
    Travel crafter

    The perfect introduction to the natural treasures of Costa Rica! Discover the lush rainforests and the Arenal volcano before kicking back on the idyllic Pacific coast in Samara.

    Trip Highlights

    1. Arenal
    2. Guanacaste
    3. San José

    Included

    1. All flights

    2. Accommodation

    3. All transfers.

    4. Activities

    5. Breakfast only

    Availability

    1. Departures available until December 2023

    2. Available Group tours

    3. Solo travelers from + $310

    4. Add up to 3 nights to your stay

    5. WHAT'S THIS?

    Categories available

    1. self-drive included

    2. shuttle transfers from + $300

    3. WHAT'S THIS?

    Book with an expert for free:

    1-888-488-0592

    Exoticca is a member of ASTA

    Our Travel Protection takes care of you

    More info

    Select a day to go to next step

    Previous

    Next

    September 2023
    October 2023
    November 2023
    December 2023

    Categories Available:

    self-drive

    From $999

    Selected

    • 3 nights in Arenal.
    • 3 nights in Samara.
    • 1 night in San José.
    shuttle transfers

    From $1,299

    • 3 nights in Arenal.
    • 3 nights in Samara.
    • 1 night in San José.

    Accommodation: 7 Nights

    calendar

    Day 1 to 4

    Hotel Faro Arenal

    Location

    Arenal

    Category

    Nights

    3

    Rating TripAdvisor travelers

    The hotels we select comply with our high standards and requirements per category. The allocation is dependent on availability and seasonality, so you can be assigned any of our selection, including the following: Arenal Paraíso Resort Spa & Thermo Mineral Hot Springs, Arenal Springs Resort, Arenal Volcano Inn, Campo Verde, Eco Arenal Hotel, Hotel Destinos Arenal, Hotel La Pradera del Arenal, Hotel Miradas Arenal, Hotel Montaña de Fuego Resort & Spa, Lomas del Volcán, Los Lagos Hotel Spa & Resort, Mountain Paradise

    Itinerary

    Discover the beauty of Costa Rica, with the option to self-drive for added freedom! Head to the abundant landscapes of Arenal, known for its wildlife, rainforests and towering Arenal Volcano! After exploring the cloud forests and ancient lava trails, continue to the quaint village of Samara, a natural paradise of sun, sea and white sand, to live the Pura Vida!

    1st Day: US - San José - Arenal

    Ready to discover the vibrant landscapes and abundant natural treasures of Costa Rica? Arrive at your US departure airport to board a flight to San José.* Arrive in the capital of Costa Rica and pick up your rental car to self-transfer to your hotel in Arenal. Famed for its immense Arenal volcano, this verdant region of Costa Rica is the perfect place to get in touch with nature! Overnight stay in Arenal.

    * 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
    Hotel Faro Arenal or similar

    121 Reviews

    See our full selection

    2nd Day: Arenal

    Breakfast at the hotel. Spend the morning relaxing at your leisure, enjoying the facilities of the hotel or exploring the local town. In the afternoon, set off on a tour of the Arenal Volcano. Measuring 1,633 meters in height, discover this towering volcano on a guided hike, observing the abundant flora and wildlife and learning about the history of this region along the route. See the ancient lava trails and look out for animal species such as toucans, monkeys and tropical birds. After an incredible introduction to the natural beauty of Costa Rica, return to the hotel and enjoy the evening at your leisure. Alternatively, we recommend an optional visit to the local hot springs to relax your body after the hike earlier today.* Overnight stay in Arenal. 

    *Optional Paradise Hot Springs Experience: Discover the natural hot springs of Arenal and immerse yourself in their warm, healing waters! Enjoy entrance to the Paradise Hot Springs complex, home to a variety of pools nestled in tranquil natural surroundings. Dinner at the hot springs is also included. 

    Accommodation

    ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
    Hotel Faro Arenal or similar

    121 Reviews

    See our full selection

    Activities

    included
    Guided hike to the Arenal Volcano

    Moderate

    See more
    Optional
    Paradise Hot Springs Pass

    Light

    See more

    3rd Day: Arenal

    Breakfast at the hotel. Spend the day exploring the area surrounding Arenal at your leisure. Get out and about to embrace the natural environment, perhaps exploring the hanging bridges in the rainforest or admiring the views of the spectacular Arenal Volcano. La Fortuna is a fantastic base for all kinds of outdoor adventures, and the rich biodiversity of the surrounding rainforests is sure to leave you enchanted! We recommend an optional hanging bridges excursion today. In the evening, don't miss out on the chance to view adorable sloths in their natural habitat with our optional sloth observation excursion!* Overnight stay in Arenal.

     

    *Optional Cloud Forest Hanging Bridges Excursion: Discover the rainforest from a different perspective on a hanging bridges tour of Arenal's cloud forests! Follow 3.2 kilometers of pathways and bridges through the treetops and immerse yourself in the incredible natural beauty of Costa Rica as you look out for rainforest-dwelling wildlife!

    *Optional Sloth Observation Excursion: Witness sloths in the wild on an exciting sloth observation excursion! Head to 'Sloth Territory', located within a family-run eco-project, to explore the untouched natural environment accompanied by an expert guide! Spot both two-toed and three-toed sloths and observe their adorable behaviour without disturbing their habitat, a unique, once-in-a-lifetime experience for wildlife lovers!

    Accommodation

    ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
    Hotel Faro Arenal or similar

    121 Reviews

    See our full selection

    Activities

    Optional
    Sloth Observation Excursion

    Light

    See more
    Optional
    Cloud Forests Excursion

    Moderate

    See more

    4th Day: Arenal - Samara

    Breakfast at the hotel. Check out of the hotel this morning and begin the scenic drive west towards the beautiful region of Guanacaste. You're headed for Samara, a village on Costa Rica's Pacific Coast, known for its palm-fringed beaches and sea turtle nesting sites. Arrive, get settled at your accommodation and enjoy the remainder of the day relaxing at your leisure. Overnight stay in Samara.

    Accommodation

    ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
    Hotel Sol Samara or similar

    282 Reviews

    See our full selection

    5th Day: Samara

    Breakfast at the hotel. Awake in paradise this morning, on the sun-kissed shores of Samara! Spend the day at your leisure, discovering the idyllic beaches or exploring the sights of Samara Bay. We recommend an optional catamaran excursion to experience the crystal clear waters and abundant marine life!* Overnight stay in Samara.

    *Optional Samara Catamaran Cruise: Explore the rich coastline of Samara on a catamaran cruise. Look out for pods of dolphins and perhaps humpback whales (August-November) as you cruise along the coast. Enjoy snacks and drinks on board and make use of the included snorkeling gear to discover the underwater world for yourself!

    Accommodation

    ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
    Hotel Sol Samara or similar

    282 Reviews

    See our full selection

    Activities

    Optional
    Samara Catamaran Cruise

    Light

    See more

    6th Day: Samara

    Breakfast at the hotel. Today soak up the Guanacaste sunshine and relax in Samara at your leisure. Why not try your hand at some watersports whilst you're here? Surfing is one of the favorite local pastimes! Alternatively, we recommend an optional horse riding excursion to experience the tranquillity of the pristine natural environment on horseback.* Overnight stay in Samara.

    *Optional Half-Day Horse Riding in Samara: Head into the abundant natural environment on horseback and discover the rich landscapes of mountains, rivers and sea views! No experience is required as these gentle horses are ideal for beginner riders and offer a peaceful way to explore the natural highlights of Samara.

    Accommodation

    ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
    Hotel Sol Samara or similar

    282 Reviews

    See our full selection

    Activities

    Optional
    Half-Day Horse Riding in Samara

    Active

    See more

    7th Day: Samara - San José

    Breakfast at the hotel. Today enjoy your last day in Samara at your own pace. You can relax on the palm-fringed beaches, enjoy the warm sun and swim in the beautiful waters. When you're ready, say goodbye to Samara and head to San José to check-in at your hotel. For ease and comfort, you can leave your rental car in the hotel car park. Overnight stay in San Jose.

    Accommodation

    ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
    Country Inn & Suites by R... or similar

    1103 Reviews

    See our full selection

    8th Day: San José - US

    Breakfast at the hotel. Sadly, it's time to bid farewell to Samara as take a shared shuttle transfer to San Jose airport (journey time: approx. 5 hours) and catch a flight back to the US.* Arrive in the US and end your trip.

    Included activities

    Included

    Guided hike to the Arenal Volcano

    Included activity for day 2 in Arenal

    Take a guided hiking excursion to the Mirador el Silencio to discover the abundant landscapes of the incredible Arenal Volcano! Discover the rich flora and fauna of the rainforest and learn about one of Costa Rica's most iconic natural wonders.

    Duration 03:00h Approx. Pick up time: 14:30 Approx

    Physical rating:

    Moderate

    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

    Paradise Hot Springs Pass

    Suggested activity for day 2

    Enjoy an evening of indulgence with a pass to the Paradise Natural Hot Springs, heated by the Arenal Volcano. Enjoy access to three different hot pools and two hydromassage hot tubs, perfect for relaxing in the beautiful tropical surroundings.

    Duration 04:00h Approx. Pick up time: 17:30 Approx

    Physical rating:

    Light

    more information
    Optional

    Sloth Observation Excursion

    Suggested activity for day 3

    Get to know these beloved slow-moving animals, icons of Costa Rica. Head to the aptly named 'Lazy Territory', a small eco-project, home to a population of sloths. Follow the trails and spot both two-toed and three-toed sloths resting in the treetops

    Duration 03:00h Approx. Pick up time: 08:00 Approx

    Physical rating:

    Light

    more information
    Optional

    Cloud Forests Excursion

    Suggested activity for day 3 in Arenal

    Take a guided tour through the trails and suspension bridges of the Arenal Volcano jungle. Explore its tropical fauna, such as the quetzal bird and, depending on the season, the characteristic mist that envelops its vegetation.

    Duration 02:30h Approx. Pick up time: 07:50 Approx

    Physical rating:

    Moderate

    more information
    Optional

    Samara Catamaran Cruise

    Suggested activity for day 5

    Explore the rich coastline of Samara on a catamaran cruise. Look out for pods of dolphins and perhaps humpback whales (August-November) as you cruise along the coast. Enjoy snacks and drinks on board and make use of the included snorkeling gear!

    Duration 04:00h Approx. Pick up time: 08:30 Approx

    Physical rating:

    Light

    more information

    Show more

    The price includes

    • Included in all our trips. more information

    • Departures from main US airports.

    • International flights: US - San José - US.

    • 7 nights hotel accommodation in Charm and Superior category hotels.

      See hotels included

    • 7 breakfasts.

    • Visits and entrance fees as indicated in the itinerary.

      See itinerary

    • All air taxes and fuel surcharge.

    • Compact Rental Car for 7 days (Sedan Economic or similar). *

      more information

    • English-speaking guide during the excursions only.

    *The cancellation policy applicable is according to the Terms and Conditions available and agreed at the time of your purchase

    Not included

    Rental car security insurance (mandatory) and deposit (USD$750), additional rental car insurance, GPS rental, drinks, tips and any other services not mentioned in what's included. 

    **IMPORTANT: The car rental does not include any insurance, not even the basic mandatory insurance. For the rental of a Sedan, insurance is priced from $17.50 per day plus taxes (13%). The basic mandatory insurance and the additional insurance are paid for by the client when picking up the car at the airport.

    *Car Rental Requirements: Valid and original driver's license, issued at least 2 years ago. This is valid for 90 days in Costa Rica, from the date of entry stamped on your passport. An international license is necessary in the case that the license is in another alphabet (Hebrew, Mandarin, etc.). Provisional driver's licenses or photocopies are not accepted. A passport must be stamped upon entry to the country and you must present your Credit Card (only MasterCard, VISA or American Express are accepted) to cover the security deposit of USD$750. Deposit with Debit Card or cash is not allowed. Please note that the minimum age to rent a car is 23 years.

    Please note that the times shown in the itinerary may be affected by operational reasons. Follow the guidance provided in-country by the local provider.

    • Entry requirements

      Valid passport with at least six months validity.

    • Visa

      Visa is not required for stays less than 90 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 cancelled without prior notice.

    Triple room: the third bed will be a rollaway bed.

    Children: 2 - 10 years.

    If you have reduced mobility/require the use of a wheelchair and prefer to go at your own pace, please contact our customer service team at +1 888-488-0592 or via our contact form.

    Exoticca Travel Stories

    Creating unforgettable memories, one traveler at a time

    Arenal · Costa Rica

    Costa Rica

    Everything was great and on point.

    Hotels, transportation and activities, everything was as shown in the itinerary. Great communication with the local guides onsite.

    Pay in installments

    60%

    At time of booking

    40%

    60 days before departure

    Customer support

    Payment methods

    Copyright 2013-2023 Exoticca. All Rights Reserved.

    80 Southwest 8th Street Brickell Bayview, Miami, FL 33130, United States