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Tropical Rainforests & Beach Escape

Costa Rica in 12 Days, 11 Nights in Destination

From

$3,509

$2,099

/person

-40%

Alex, Travel Expert

Alex
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 + $1,080

  4. Add up to 3 nights to your stay

  5. WHAT'S THIS?

Categories available

  1. charm included

  2. superior from + $1,300

  3. WHAT'S THIS?

Book with an expert:

1-888-488-0592

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Exoticca is a member of ASTA

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

2959 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
Tilajari Resort & Confere... or similar
tripadvisor rating

545 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
Tilajari Resort & Confere... or similar
tripadvisor rating

545 Reviews

See our full selection

Activities

included
Hanging Bridges of Arenal

Moderate

See more

4th Day: Arenal

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Breakfast at the hotel. Free day to enjoy the tranquillity of this beautiful natural environment. We recommend the optional horseback ride excursion.* Overnight stay in Arenal.

Optional Half-Day Horseback Ride Excursion: Set off on a scenic horseback ride to appreciate the beauty of nature and the sounds, colour and energy of the rainforest. Ascend to a viewpoint where you will have an impressive view of the Arenal Volcano and Lake Arenal. Lunch included.

Accommodation

ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Tilajari Resort & Confere... or similar
tripadvisor rating

545 Reviews

See our full selection

Activities

Optional
Half-Day Horse Riding Excursion

Moderate

See more

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
Fonda vela or similar
tripadvisor rating

927 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
Fonda vela or similar
tripadvisor rating

927 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
Fonda vela or similar
tripadvisor rating

927 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

1364 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

1364 Reviews

See our full selection

Activities

included
Boat Safari on Tamarindo Estuary

Light

See more

10th Day: Tamarindo

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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

1364 Reviews

See our full selection

Activities

Optional
Tamarindo Catamaran Excursion

Light

See more

11th Day: Tamarindo - San Jose

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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

2959 Reviews

See our full selection

Activities

Optional
San Jose City Bus Tour

Light

See more

12th Day: San Jose - US

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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.

Select a day to go to next step

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November 2024
December 2024
January 2025
February 2025

Categories Available:

charm

From $2,099

Selected

  • Accommodation in Charm and Superior category hotels.
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superior

From $3,399

  • Accommodation in Superior and Luxury category hotels.

Accommodation: 11 Nights

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

more information
Optional

Half-Day Horse Riding Excursion

Suggested activity for day 4

Set off on a scenic horseback ride to appreciate the beauty of nature and the sounds, colour and energy of the rainforest. Ascend to a viewpoint where you will have an impressive view of the Arenal Volcano and Lake Arenal.

Duration 02:30h Approx. Pick up time: 10:00 Approx

Physical rating:

Moderate

Cap or hat, rain gear, sunscreen, insect repellent, sunglasses, closed shoes and camera.

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

Show more

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
  • English speaking guide only 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.

  • 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.

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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