9-day Best Of Northwest Costa Rica From San Jose: Arenal Volcano National Park, Monteverde Cloud Forest And Guanacaste
Northwest Costa Rica 9-Day Tour: Arenal Volcano, Monteverde
Experience operated by
Jorge and your team
We are a team of adventurers that will help you discover the best places in the world. We'll guide you throughout the adventures so you can live unique and life changing experiences.
We are a team of adventurers that will help you discover the best places in the world. We'll guide you throughout the adventures so you can live unique and life changing experiences.
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About experience
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome to Costa Rica
Pass By: San Jose, San Jose, San Jose Metro, Province of San Jose
After your arrival at the San José airport, you’ll be greeted by your driver and transferred to your selected hotel. Your guide will review the itinerary with the group and answer any questions or concerns regarding your 8-day tour.
No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Country Inn and Suites or Studio Hotel (or similar) in San José
Day 2: Arenal Volcano Area
Stop At: Sarchi, Sarchi, Province of Alajuela
Head north to explore the impressive Arenal Volcano, stopping first in the town of Sarchí, known for its family-operated woodworking factories and artisan craftsmanship. Choose from more than 200 stores to see the wooden bowls, rocking chairs and traditional carretas – elaborately painted oxcarts that once carried coffee from the highlands to the coastal port.
Duration: 45 minutes
Stop At: Arenal Volcano National Park, Arenal Volcano National Park, Province of Alajuela
Next, travel past cattle ranches and diverse plantations growing agricultural products and ornamental plants. When you arrive in La Fortuna, enjoy lunch in a cozy restaurant right in front of Arenal Volcano, affording excellent views of this natural phenomenon that attracts thousands of visitors each year.
In the afternoon, unwind in one of the best thermal baths in the area at Baldi Hot Springs resort, with optional massage or other treatment (own expense; reserved in advance). Later, savor dinner while admiring another magnificent view of the active volcano and be on the lookout for explosions of incandescent light. Afterward, relax at your hotel.
Duration: 2 hours
Meals included:
• Lunch
• Dinner
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Arenal Paraiso or Mountain Paradise Hotel (or similar) in La Fortuna
Day 3: Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge
Stop At: Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge, Cano Negro Costa Rica
Get ready for your adventure at Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge, considered one of the most biologically diverse in Costa Rica! Begin your journey in the village of Los Chiles, a border town just two miles (4 km) from Nicaragua.
From here, embark on a 4-hour floating safari along the Rio Frío through tropical rain forest and pastures until you arrive at the marsh, Lago Caño Negro. Within the refuge, view a variety of resident and migratory birds plus iguanas, sloths, turtles, caimans and three different species of monkeys.
Your cruise will end in the afternoon, and you’ll have the rest of the evening to do as you wish in La Fortuna.
Duration: 2 hours
Meals included:
• Lunch
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Arenal Paraiso or Mountain Paradise Hotel (or similar) in La Fortuna
Day 4: Transfer Arenal to Monteverde
Stop At: Lake Arenal, Arenal Volcano National Park, La Fortuna de San Carlos Costa Rica
Transfer to Monteverde, including a 30-minute boat tour across Arenal Lake. Along the way, spot several small islands and enjoy panoramic views of the natural surroundings. Once you’ve arrived on the other side, ride in a comfortable van directly to your hotel.
Duration: 30 minutes
Pass By: Monteverde, Monteverde, Province of Puntarenas
After checking in, explore the area at your leisure or just enjoy the breathtaking views while you relax. You’ll have several options (own expense), including a canopy tour, frog pond or butterfly garden.
Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Monteverde Cloud Forest Lodge (or similar) in Monteverde
Day 5: Monteverde
Stop At: Monteverde, Monteverde, Province of Puntarenas
Depart for the Monteverde Reserve for a 2-hour Sky Walk tour – a series of suspension bridges and well-maintained walking trails built 984 feet (300 meters) above the tropical forest canopy of Monteverde Cloud Forest.
Explore the forest safely and easily as you admire the area’s flora and fauna with commentary by an expert guide. After you descend, enjoy the rest of the afternoon relaxing at your leisure.
You’ll have the additional option to go on a canopy tour, frog pond or butterfly garden (own expense).
Duration: 2 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Monteverde Cloud Forest Lodge (or similar) in Monteverde
Day 6: Guanacaste
Pass By: Guanacaste Province, Tamarindo, Costa Rica
Start your day with breakfast, and then take a 3-hour trip to Guanacaste, a province known for its beaches and its dry tropical forest. Along the way, take in the amazing views and learn about the history of the local towns from your knowledgeable guide.
Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Hotel Tamarindo Diria or Cala Luna Hotel (or similar) in Tamarindo
Day 7: Vida Aventura
Stop At: Province of Guanacaste, Province of Guanacaste
Head to Vida Aventura Nature Park, located in the Guanacaste mountain range, for a full day of ziplining and horseback riding, as well as relaxing in hot springs and a mud bath! When you arrive, put on a harness and get trained on riding the zipline. Then, take off through the canyon and soar around the forest canopy along seven cables.
After you’ve landed, mount a horse for a ride over hillside trails, learning about the diverse flora and fauna as you cross streams and pastures. Keep an eye out for two active volcanoes, Rincon de la Vieja and Miravalles, and admire the spectacular panoramic views along the way.
When you’ve completed the horseback ride, enjoy a typical Costa Rican lunch. Then, soak in a thermal mud bath and hot spring in gorgeous surroundings. Lather soft volcanic mud on your skin and dip into a geothermal pool to washing it away, soothing any sore muscles as you relax.
Duration: 4 hours
Meals included:
• Lunch
Accommodation included: Hotel Tamarindo Diria or Cala Luna Hotel (or similar) in Tamarindo
Day 8: Optional Activities
Pass By: Province of Guanacaste, Province of Guanacaste
Enjoy a day of free time, either exploring Guanacaste at your leisure or enjoying optional tours (own expense), including Palo Verde National Park, a city tour of Liberia, a 1-day tour to Nicaragua or the Sky Walk at Tenorio Volcano National Park.
No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Hotel Tamarindo Diria or Cala Luna Hotel (or similar) in Tamarindo
Day 9: Departure Day
Pass By: Liberia, Liberia, Province of Guanacaste
You'll be picked up at the lobby of your hotel and transfer you to Liberia International Airport (LIR) for your departing flight.
Note: If you would like to end your tour in San Jose, a private transfer can be arranged and be paid on the day of travel (approx. USD $205 per person)
No meals included on this day.
No accommodation included on this day.
Day 1: Welcome to Costa Rica
Pass By: San Jose, San Jose, San Jose Metro, Province of San Jose
After your arrival at the San José airport, you’ll be greeted by your driver and transferred to your selected hotel. Your guide will review the itinerary with the group and answer any questions or concerns regarding your 8-day tour.
No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Country Inn and Suites or Studio Hotel (or similar) in San José
Day 2: Arenal Volcano Area
Stop At: Sarchi, Sarchi, Province of Alajuela
Head north to explore the impressive Arenal Volcano, stopping first in the town of Sarchí, known for its family-operated woodworking factories and artisan craftsmanship. Choose from more than 200 stores to see the wooden bowls, rocking chairs and traditional carretas – elaborately painted oxcarts that once carried coffee from the highlands to the coastal port.
Duration: 45 minutes
Stop At: Arenal Volcano National Park, Arenal Volcano National Park, Province of Alajuela
Next, travel past cattle ranches and diverse plantations growing agricultural products and ornamental plants. When you arrive in La Fortuna, enjoy lunch in a cozy restaurant right in front of Arenal Volcano, affording excellent views of this natural phenomenon that attracts thousands of visitors each year.
In the afternoon, unwind in one of the best thermal baths in the area at Baldi Hot Springs resort, with optional massage or other treatment (own expense; reserved in advance). Later, savor dinner while admiring another magnificent view of the active volcano and be on the lookout for explosions of incandescent light. Afterward, relax at your hotel.
Duration: 2 hours
Meals included:
• Lunch
• Dinner
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Arenal Paraiso or Mountain Paradise Hotel (or similar) in La Fortuna
Day 3: Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge
Stop At: Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge, Cano Negro Costa Rica
Get ready for your adventure at Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge, considered one of the most biologically diverse in Costa Rica! Begin your journey in the village of Los Chiles, a border town just two miles (4 km) from Nicaragua.
From here, embark on a 4-hour floating safari along the Rio Frío through tropical rain forest and pastures until you arrive at the marsh, Lago Caño Negro. Within the refuge, view a variety of resident and migratory birds plus iguanas, sloths, turtles, caimans and three different species of monkeys.
Your cruise will end in the afternoon, and you’ll have the rest of the evening to do as you wish in La Fortuna.
Duration: 2 hours
Meals included:
• Lunch
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Arenal Paraiso or Mountain Paradise Hotel (or similar) in La Fortuna
Day 4: Transfer Arenal to Monteverde
Stop At: Lake Arenal, Arenal Volcano National Park, La Fortuna de San Carlos Costa Rica
Transfer to Monteverde, including a 30-minute boat tour across Arenal Lake. Along the way, spot several small islands and enjoy panoramic views of the natural surroundings. Once you’ve arrived on the other side, ride in a comfortable van directly to your hotel.
Duration: 30 minutes
Pass By: Monteverde, Monteverde, Province of Puntarenas
After checking in, explore the area at your leisure or just enjoy the breathtaking views while you relax. You’ll have several options (own expense), including a canopy tour, frog pond or butterfly garden.
Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Monteverde Cloud Forest Lodge (or similar) in Monteverde
Day 5: Monteverde
Stop At: Monteverde, Monteverde, Province of Puntarenas
Depart for the Monteverde Reserve for a 2-hour Sky Walk tour – a series of suspension bridges and well-maintained walking trails built 984 feet (300 meters) above the tropical forest canopy of Monteverde Cloud Forest.
Explore the forest safely and easily as you admire the area’s flora and fauna with commentary by an expert guide. After you descend, enjoy the rest of the afternoon relaxing at your leisure.
You’ll have the additional option to go on a canopy tour, frog pond or butterfly garden (own expense).
Duration: 2 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Monteverde Cloud Forest Lodge (or similar) in Monteverde
Day 6: Guanacaste
Pass By: Guanacaste Province, Tamarindo, Costa Rica
Start your day with breakfast, and then take a 3-hour trip to Guanacaste, a province known for its beaches and its dry tropical forest. Along the way, take in the amazing views and learn about the history of the local towns from your knowledgeable guide.
Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Hotel Tamarindo Diria or Cala Luna Hotel (or similar) in Tamarindo
Day 7: Vida Aventura
Stop At: Province of Guanacaste, Province of Guanacaste
Head to Vida Aventura Nature Park, located in the Guanacaste mountain range, for a full day of ziplining and horseback riding, as well as relaxing in hot springs and a mud bath! When you arrive, put on a harness and get trained on riding the zipline. Then, take off through the canyon and soar around the forest canopy along seven cables.
After you’ve landed, mount a horse for a ride over hillside trails, learning about the diverse flora and fauna as you cross streams and pastures. Keep an eye out for two active volcanoes, Rincon de la Vieja and Miravalles, and admire the spectacular panoramic views along the way.
When you’ve completed the horseback ride, enjoy a typical Costa Rican lunch. Then, soak in a thermal mud bath and hot spring in gorgeous surroundings. Lather soft volcanic mud on your skin and dip into a geothermal pool to washing it away, soothing any sore muscles as you relax.
Duration: 4 hours
Meals included:
• Lunch
Accommodation included: Hotel Tamarindo Diria or Cala Luna Hotel (or similar) in Tamarindo
Day 8: Optional Activities
Pass By: Province of Guanacaste, Province of Guanacaste
Enjoy a day of free time, either exploring Guanacaste at your leisure or enjoying optional tours (own expense), including Palo Verde National Park, a city tour of Liberia, a 1-day tour to Nicaragua or the Sky Walk at Tenorio Volcano National Park.
No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Hotel Tamarindo Diria or Cala Luna Hotel (or similar) in Tamarindo
Day 9: Departure Day
Pass By: Liberia, Liberia, Province of Guanacaste
You'll be picked up at the lobby of your hotel and transfer you to Liberia International Airport (LIR) for your departing flight.
Note: If you would like to end your tour in San Jose, a private transfer can be arranged and be paid on the day of travel (approx. USD $205 per person)
No meals included on this day.
No accommodation included on this day.
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