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Nature's Paradise: Arenal & Manuel Antonio

Costa Rica in 9 Days, 7 Nights in Destination

From

$2,189

$1,199

/person

-45%

Rachel, Travel Expert

Rachel
Travel crafter

See multiple facets of this Central American gem in a weeklong stay, including its capital city, the Arenal Volcano, and the Manuel Antonio National park on its stunning Pacific coastline.

Trip Highlights

  1. map-pin-check-icon
    Arenal
  2. map-pin-check-icon
    Manuel Antonio National Park
  3. map-pin-check-icon
    San Jose

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 + $370

  4. Add up to 3 nights to your stay

  5. WHAT'S THIS?

Categories available

  1. charm included

  2. superior from + $800

  3. WHAT'S THIS?

Book with an expert:

1-888-488-0592

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Exoticca is a member of ASTA

Itinerary

Touch down in San José, Costa Rica’s capital. Next, head to the famous Arenal Volcano, where you’ll be able to explore the region and learn about its geological formation. Continue on to Manuel Antonio National Park, a stunning reserve on the west coast, before ending your adventure in San José.

1st Day: US - 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 in San José.

Accommodation

ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Hotel Aranjuez or similar
tripadvisor rating

1310 Reviews

See our full selection

2nd Day: San José - Arenal

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Breakfast at the hotel. Get an informative briefing from your guide before a private shuttle ride to Arenal (approx. 3 hours). An icon of Costa Rica, Arenal is an active volcano nestled in the green, forested north-central part of the country with oppourtunities to hike, bike, and swim abound. Transfer to your hotel and take some free time to rest and enjoy an independent lunch.

Meet your guide for a half-day tour of La Fortuna, the main town in the region and a base for all further exploration. Get an insiders’ view with tips and hidden treasures, along with an included cup of local coffee to get your energy up! Return to the hotel and overnight stay in Arenal.

Accommodation

ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Hotel Las Colinas or similar
tripadvisor rating

634 Reviews

See our full selection

Activities

included
Arenal Tour and Coffee Tasting

Light

See more

3rd Day: Arenal

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Breakfast at the hotel. Spend the morning at your leisure, further acclimating to your new surroundings. For those looking to relax on this trip, why not join an optional excursion to the Paradise Hot Springs?*

In the afternoon, meet with your guide for a tour of the Arenal Volcano. Begin in the northwestern section, which was known to be the most active during the last eruptive period. Hike across the regenerating forest and cross over petrified lava, a  product of past eruptions. During the tour, our experienced guides will provide context regarding the history of the volcano, lithological cycles, forest formation processes, and general volcanology. 

*Optional excursion to Paradise Hot Springs: Revitalize your mind and body with mineral waters naturally warmed by the Arenal Volcano. Enjoy beautiful views and landscaped gardens along with relaxing music. Enjoy an included Costa Rican meal to end your excursion.

Accommodation

ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Hotel Las Colinas or similar
tripadvisor rating

634 Reviews

See our full selection

Activities

included
Guided hike to Arenal Volcano

Active

See more
Optional
Paradise Hot Springs Pass

Light

See more

4th Day: Arenal

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Breakfast at the hotel. Today you have a free day to enjoy in Arenal as you wish. Not sure what to do? Try out one of our optional excursions! You could head to the La Fortuna Waterfall* or try a Tarzan tree-swinging zipline adventure.** Overnight stay in Arenal.

*Optional Fortuna Waterfall & La Finquita tour: Begin your day with a guided tour of La Fortuna Waterfall, which stands 150 feet tall and boasts crystal-clear waters. The falls cascade into a pool below perfect for swimming, playing, and taking pictures! Next, head to La Finquita (“the little farm” in Spanish) to learn more about the local farm-to-table movement and enjoy a freshly-made meal together.

**Optional Arena Canopy Adventure: Just 30 minutes away, visit the world-renowned Arenal Zipline Park and take a 1.2-mile journey through the sky! Observe multiple ecosystems from above, crossing forests, mountains, and canyons on your journey. Don’t worry: while this activity may sound intense, you’ll be accompanied by trained guides to keep you safe the entire time.

Accommodation

ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Hotel Las Colinas or similar
tripadvisor rating

634 Reviews

See our full selection

Activities

Optional
Arenal Canopy Adventure & Tarzan Swing

Light

See more
Optional
Fortuna Waterfall and La Finquita Tour

Challenging

See more

5th Day: Arenal - Manuel Antonio

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Breakfast at the hotel. Say goodbye to Arenal, it’s time to take your private transfer to the Manuel Antonio National Park on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast. On your drive, you may opt to stop at scenic viewpoints like the Tarcoles River Bridge–you might even spot the crocodiles!

Arrive at Manuel Antonio and check into your hotel. This relatively small reserve is known for its pristine beaches, rocky islets, hiking trails, and tropical wildlife. It's also one of Costa Rica's most popular destinations, with ziplines, snorkeling, and more! With the  afternoon ahead of you, take advantage of free time to unwind on the beach or explore the  picturesque surroundings of the hotel at your leisure. Overnight stay in Manuel Antonio.

Accommodation

ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Tres Banderas Hotel or similar
tripadvisor rating

410 Reviews

See our full selection

6th Day: Manuel Antonio

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Breakfast at the hotel. Start the day with breakfast at the hotel before heading out for a tour of Manuel Antonio National Park, known for its biodiversity and beautiful beaches. 

Head to the famous Manuel Antonio National Park for a guided hiking tour. 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.

On finishing the tour, you will be provided with transportation back to your hotel. But you may also choose to stay behind and enjoy a sunset cocktail on the beach. Overnight stay in Manuel Antonio.

Accommodation

ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Tres Banderas Hotel or similar
tripadvisor rating

410 Reviews

See our full selection

Activities

included
Manuel Antonio National Park Hike

Moderate

See more

7th Day: Manuel Antonio - San José

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Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy your final morning in Manuel Antonio at your leisure, soaking in your final hours in this natural paradise. In the afternoon, return to San José to spend your last night in Costa Rica. If you didn’t have the chance to explore the city's attractions before, you have some time now! Overnight in San José.

 

Accommodation

ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Hotel Aranjuez or similar
tripadvisor rating

1310 Reviews

See our full selection

8th Day: San José - Night on board

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Breakfast at the hotel*. At the indicated time, transfer to the airport to board your flight back to the US. Night on board.

*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.

9th Day: US

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Touch down in the US and end your trip, filled with brilliant memories and feeling refreshed after your Costa Rican adventure!

Select a day to go to next step

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October 2024
November 2024
December 2024
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Categories Available:

charm

From $1,199

Selected

  • Accommodation in Charm category hotels.
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superior

From $1,999

  • Acommodation in Superior and Luxury hotels.

Accommodation: 7 Nights

Included activities

Included

Arenal Tour and Coffee Tasting

Included activity for day 2 in Arenal

Get familiar with your surroundings on this half-day guided tour of Arenal. Learn local secrets from your guide and try a delicious cup of Costa Rican coffee, included!

Duration 03:00h Approx. Pick up time: 15:00 Approx

Physical rating:

Light

more information
Included

Guided hike to Arenal Volcano

Included activity for day 3 in Arenal

Embark on guided hike along the northwestern edge of the Arenal Volcano, observing flora and fauna while learning about the area’s volcanic past.

Duration 02:30h Approx. Pick up time: 14:30 Approx

Physical rating:

Active

Not recommended for people with heart problems, recent surgeries, back problems, people with low mobility, or pregnancy.

more information
Included

Manuel Antonio National Park Hike

Included activity for day 6 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

Second departure at 12:30h.

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 3 in Arenal

Experience the relaxing energy of naturally-heated springs, surrounded by manicured gardens and stunning views of the Arenal Volcano.

Duration 04:00h Approx. Pick up time: info at destination

Physical rating:

Light

What to wear: bathing suit, slippers, dry clothing, money for personal expenses. These hot springs are for adults only.

more information
Optional

Arenal Canopy Adventure & Tarzan Swing

Suggested activity for day 4 in Arenal

Fly high above the ground through miles of zipline track, crossing forests, mountains, and canyons on this adrenaline-pumping adventure!

Duration 02:00h Approx. Pick up time: info at destination

Physical rating:

Light

What to wear: Closed shoes, light clothing, raincoat, sun protection.

more information
Optional

Fortuna Waterfall and La Finquita Tour

Suggested activity for day 4 in La Fortuna Waterfall

Visit the cascading Fortuna Waterfall and stop for a swim before sharing a hearty local farm-to-table meal at La Finquita.

Duration 03:00h Approx. Pick up time: 10:00 Approx

Physical rating:

Challenging

What to wear: Hiking shoes, rain coat, sunscreen, mosquito repellent, swimsuit and towel if you would like to go for a short swim at the waterfall.

more information

The price includes

  • premium-care-icon
    Included in all our trips. more information
  • Departures from main US airports.
  • International flights: US - San José - US.
  • 7 nights accommodation in Charm category hotels.
    See hotels included
  • 7 breakfasts.
  • Transfers in air-conditioned vehicles.
  • Visits and entrance fees as indicated in the itinerary.
    See itinerary
  • All air taxes and fuel surcharge.
  • English-speaking guide only during excursions.

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

Not included

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

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 canceled without prior notice.

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 +1 888-488-0592 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.

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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