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    Tropical Rainforests & Beach Escape

    Costa Rica in 12 Days, 11 Nights in Destination

    Rachel, Travel Expert

    Rachel
    Travel crafter

    Our classic tour of Costa Rica, discover the landscapes and hot springs of Arenal, the cloud forests of Monteverde and the sun-kissed beaches of Tamarindo.

    Trip Highlights

    1. map-pin-check-icon
      Arenal
    2. map-pin-check-icon
      La Fortuna Waterfall
    3. map-pin-check-icon
      Monteverde
    4. map-pin-check-icon
      San Jose
    5. map-pin-check-icon
      Tamarindo

    Included

    1. All flights

    2. Accommodation

    3. All transfers

    4. Activities

    5. Breakfast only

    Availability

    1. Departures available until December 2025

    2. Available Group tours

    3. Solo travelers from + $1,110

    4. Add up to 3 nights to your stay

    5. WHAT'S THIS?

    Categories available

    1. charm included

    2. superior from + $1,250

    3. WHAT'S THIS?

    From

    $3,319

    $2,149

    /person

    -35%

    Book with an expert:

    1-888-488-0592

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    Exoticca is a member of ASTA

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    Best Price Guarantee

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

    Itinerary

    Discover the abundant nature of Costa Rica and enjoy the perfect combination of adventure and relaxation. Stroll through the historic streets of San Jose, discover the rich diversity of the country's rainforests and feel the strength of the Arenal Volcano. Explore the abundant cloud forests of lush Monteverde and enjoy the Guanacaste sunshine in the tropical paradise of Tamarindo. 

    1st Day: US - San Jose

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    Arrive at your US departure airport to board a flight* to San Jose. Arrive in the capital of Costa Rica and transfer to your hotel. Overnight stay in San Jose.

    * 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
    Barceló San Jose or similar
    tripadvisor rating

    3040 Reviews

    See our full selection

    2nd Day: San José - Arenal

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    Breakfast at the hotel. Set off early in the morning towards Arenal, passing by the lush landscapes of the interior of the country. Arrive and check-in to the hotel. In the afternoon, meet your guide in the hotel lobby and embark on a guided hike to the Arenal Volcano. Enjoy a hiking experience through trails marked with the remains of previous lava flows of the impressive and majestic Arenal Volcano. The main attraction of La Fortuna is the Arenal Volcano with its nearly perfect cone shape and a height of 1633 meters. Along the hike you will discover the abundant flora and some fauna which inhabits the rainforest under re-generation; your guide will tell you all about the Arenal Volcano history and activity. After the hike, you may choose two different options to experience the popular hot springs in the area to relax in the warm waters, heated by the volcano (optional extras).* Overnight stay in Arenal.

    * Paradise Hot Springs Pass: 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. 

    ** Keep in mind that check in starts at 2pm. However, if you arrive at the hotel earlier, you can leave your luggage at the front desk and use the hotel facilities.

    Accommodation

    ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
    Hotel Campos Arenal or similar
    tripadvisor rating

    29 Reviews

    See our full selection

    Activities

    included
    Guided hike to the Arenal Volcano

    Active

    See more
    Optional
    Paradise Hot Springs Pass

    Light

    See more

    3rd Day: Arenal

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    Breakfast at the hotel. Set off for an exciting morning of rainforest activity. Enjoy a Hanging Bridges Excursion through the lush, abundant rainforest of Arenal. Admire the beauty of the forest and the backdrop of the Arenal Volcano and gain valuable insight into the native plant and animal species from your expert guide. Return to the hotel and enjoy an afternoon at your leisure, exploring at your own pace or relaxing in the abundant hot springs. Overnight stay in Arenal.

    Accommodation

    ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
    Hotel Campos Arenal or similar
    tripadvisor rating

    29 Reviews

    See our full selection

    Activities

    included
    Hanging Bridges of Arenal

    Moderate

    See more

    4th Day: Arenal

    arrow-icon

    Breakfast at the hotel. Free day to enjoy the tranquillity of this beautiful natural environment. Overnight stay in Arenal.

    Accommodation

    ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
    Hotel Campos Arenal or similar
    tripadvisor rating

    29 Reviews

    See our full selection

    5th Day: Arenal - Monteverde

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    Breakfast at the hotel. In the morning, set off towards Monteverde, travelling along the banks of Lake Arenal for breathtaking views of the volcano. Cross the lake on a shared boat service*and continue by road for the remainder of the journey. Arrive in Monteverde, one of the richest and diverse rainforests in the world, home to extensive trails, abundant wildlife including several monkey species, and astounding natural beauty. Check-in to the hotel and enjoy an afternoon at your leisure. Overnight stay in Monteverde. 

    Please note: The shared boat service across the lake may be replaced by a road transfer around the shore of Lake Arenal.

    Accommodation

    ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
    Dreams Lodge or similar
    tripadvisor rating

    96 Reviews

    See our full selection

    6th Day: Monteverde

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    Breakfast at the hotel. Get up close to the wildlife of Costa Rica this morning on an excursion to Monteverde Cloud Forest. Explore the rich cloud forests and extensive nature trails of Monteverde Cloud Forest. Observe wildlife ranging from jaguars to butterflies and quetzals as you traverse a number of different trails through 8 different ‘life-zones’ ranging from swamps to cloud forests. In the afternoon, return to the hotel and spend the rest of the day at your leisure. We recommend an optional Canopy Tour.* Overnight stay in Monteverde.

    Optional Monteverde Canopy Tour: Explore the canopy on one of the longest cables in the country and cross suspension bridges and zip lines of more than 900 feet high, from where you can explore the treetops and the wide biological diversity of the rainforest. We recommend wearing long trousers, a light jacket and comfortable shoes. 

    Accommodation

    ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
    Dreams Lodge or similar
    tripadvisor rating

    96 Reviews

    See our full selection

    Activities

    included
    Excursion to Monteverde Cloud Forest

    Moderate

    See more
    Optional
    Monteverde Canopy High Ropes Tour

    Active

    See more

    7th Day: Monteverde

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    Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy the day at your leisure, relaxing in the tranquil surroundings or exploring the diverse eco-system of this magical place. As the sun sets, set off on a Night Walk in Monteverde. Discover the abundant wildlife of Monteverde as you take several different trails around the well-preserved reserve. Your guide will provide you with the necessary equipment for the best chance of spotting the unique wildlife in the reserve, especially the hard to spot nocturnal species. After an evening of exciting wildlife spotting, return to the hotel. Overnight stay in Monteverde. 

    Accommodation

    ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
    Dreams Lodge or similar
    tripadvisor rating

    96 Reviews

    See our full selection

    Activities

    included
    Monteverde Night Walk

    Moderate

    See more

    8th Day: Monteverde - Tamarindo

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    Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to Tamarindo, in the province of Guanacaste, known for its beautiful beaches and surfing. Arrive at the hotel and begin to enjoy your stay surrounded by idyllic beaches, bathed in Guanacaste sunshine. Overnight stay in Tamarindo.

    Accommodation

    ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
    Wyndham Tamarindo or similar
    tripadvisor rating

    1413 Reviews

    See our full selection

    9th Day: Tamarindo

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    Breakfast at the hotel. In the morning enjoy a boat safari in Las Baulas National Park to discover the unique flora and fauna which inhabit the lush mangroves. Look out for noisy howler monkeys, crocodiles and iguanas, whilst appreciating the colourful birdlife above. Slowly travel along the channels, so as not to disturb the wildlife, and admire the wonderful natural beauty of the reserve. Return to the hotel and the remainder of the day is at your leisure to relax on the paradise beaches of the Pacific Coast. Overnight stay in Tamarindo.

    Accommodation

    ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
    Wyndham Tamarindo or similar
    tripadvisor rating

    1413 Reviews

    See our full selection

    Activities

    included
    Boat Safari on Tamarindo Estuary

    Light

    See more

    10th Day: Tamarindo

    arrow-icon

    Breakfast at the hotel. Free day to enjoy this tropical Costa Rican paradise located on the Pacific North Coast, with dreamy beaches bathed by the Guanacaste sun. We recommend an optional morning Catamaran Tour.* Overnight stay in Tamarindo.

    * Optional Catamaran Tour: Set off in the morning on a relaxing catamaran tour. The route is the same as the afternoon but with much less boat traffic. Look out for marine life such as whales, dolphins and rays, and enjoy snorkelling in the clear waters. Buffet brunch included.

    Accommodation

    ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
    Wyndham Tamarindo or similar
    tripadvisor rating

    1413 Reviews

    See our full selection

    Activities

    Optional
    Tamarindo Catamaran Excursion

    Light

    See more

    11th Day: Tamarindo - San Jose

    arrow-icon

    Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer back to the capital, to spend your last night in San Jose. We suggest taking a stroll through this beautiful city, visiting the National Theatre of Costa Rica or enjoying a delicious dinner at a local restaurant. For a great overview of the city, we recommend an optional city tour of San Jose.* Overnight stay in San José.

    * Optional San Jose City Tour: Visit the most prominent sights of the city such as the National Theater, the Art Museum, the Metropolitan Cathedral and the charming Central Market, among other places. Traditional dinner included. 

    Accommodation

    ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
    Barceló San Jose or similar
    tripadvisor rating

    3040 Reviews

    See our full selection

    Activities

    Optional
    San Jose City Bus Tour

    Light

    See more

    12th Day: San Jose - US

    arrow-icon

    Breakfast at the hotel. At the indicated time, transfer to the airport to board your flight* back to the US. Arrive in the US and end your trip.

    * If your return flight departs in the evening, your arrival in the US will be the following day and the total duration of your trip will be 13 days.

    Categories

    charm

    From $2,149

    Selected
    • Accommodation in Charm and Superior category hotels.
    check-icon
    superior

    From $3,399

    • Accommodation in Superior and Luxury category hotels.

    Pick a date and start customising your trip

    Learn more

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    May 2025
    June 2025
    July 2025
    August 2025

    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: 14:00 Approx

    Physical rating:

    Active

    Recommended: cap or hat, rain gear, sunscreen, insect repellent, sunglasses, closed shoes and camera

    more information
    Included

    Hanging Bridges of Arenal

    Included activity for day 3 in Arenal

    Enjoy a Hanging Bridges Excursion through the lush, abundant rainforest of Arenal. Admire the beauty of the forest and the backdrop of the Arenal Volcano and gain valuable insight into the native plant and animal species from your expert guide.

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

    Physical rating:

    Moderate

    Recommended: cap or hat, rain gear, sunscreen, insect repellent, sunglasses, closed shoes and camera

    more information
    Included

    Excursion to Monteverde Cloud Forest

    Included activity for day 6 in Monteverde

    Explore the rich cloud forests and extensive nature trails of Monteverde Cloud Forest. Observe wildlife ranging from jaguars to butterflies and quetzals as you traverse a number of different trails through 8 different ‘life-zones’.

    Duration 04:00h Approx. Pick up time: 07:45 Approx

    Physical rating:

    Moderate

    more information
    Included

    Monteverde Night Walk

    Included activity for day 7 in Monteverde

    Discover the abundant wildlife of Monteverde after dark as you take several different trails around the well-preserved reserve. Your guide will provide you with the necessary equipment for the best chance of spotting nocturnal species!

    Duration 02:30h Approx. Pick up time: 17:45 Approx

    Physical rating:

    Moderate

    Recommended: rain gear, insect repellent, closed shoes and camera.

    more information

    Show more

    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

    Towel, bathing suit and change of clothes / This activity is only available for adults.

    more information
    Optional

    Monteverde Canopy High Ropes Tour

    Suggested activity for day 6

    Explore the canopy on one of the longest cables in the country and cross suspension bridges and zip lines of more than 900 feet high, from where you can explore the treetops and the wide biological diversity of the rainforest.

    Duration 02:30h Approx. Pick up time: 7:45 / 13:45 Approx

    Physical rating:

    Active

    Rain gear, comfortable closed-toe shoes, comfortable clothing, sunscreen and repellent. Minimum age 10 years. Weight 115kg. Clients with recent surgeries (minimum 6 months) are not allowed to do the activity, neither are pregnant women.

    more information
    Optional

    Tamarindo Catamaran Excursion

    Suggested activity for day 10

    Experience a catamaran tour of a special kind. In addition to beautiful landscapes over the water, enjoy snorkelling and an included buffet brunch.

    Duration 04:00h Approx. Pick up time: 07:20 / 12:50 Approx

    Physical rating:

    Light

    Suntan lotion, camera, sunglasses, walking shoes, towel, bathing suit and change of clothes.

    more information
    Optional

    San Jose City Bus Tour

    Suggested activity for day 11 in San Jose

    Embark on a city tour of the highlights of San Jose including the National Theatre, Art Museum, Metropolitan Cathedral and the charming Central Market, among other sights. Authentic Costa Rican dinner included.

    Duration 03:30h Approx. Pick up time: 15:15 Approx

    Physical rating:

    Light

    Comfortable shoes, comfortable clothes, camera, etc.

    more information

    The price includes

    • Departures from main US airports.
    • International flights: US - San Jose - US
    • 11 nights accommodation in Charm and Superior category hotels.
      See hotels included
    • 11 Breakfasts.
    • Transfers in air-conditioned vehicles.
    • Visits and entrance fees as indicated in the itinerary.
      See itinerary
    • All air taxes and fuel surcharge.
    • Boat Safari in the Tamarindo Estuary.
    • Exclusive access to Langosta Beach Club. *
      more information
    • Bilingual English/Spanish speaking guide during the excursions.

    Not included

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

    * As a guest of Wyndham Tamarindo you have exclusive access to Langosta Beach Club, located in Tamarindo, on the road to Playa Langosta.

    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.


    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

      Valid passport with at least one day beyond the date of entry to Costa Rica and proof of onward travel, such as a return ticket or a ticket to another destination.

    • 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.

    Children: 2 - 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 +1 888-488-0592 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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