Costa Rica express trip

Your private driver will greet you outside SJO International Airport and transfer you to La Fortuna. Along the way, you will hear the story of Pueblo Nuevo and how the 1968 eruption of Arenal Volcano reshaped the region and its communities.

In the late afternoon and evening, unwind in the world-famous hot springs beneath Arenal Volcano. It is a soothing beginning to your Costa Rica travel, with opportunities to spot wildlife, slow down, and settle into the rhythm of the rainforest.

Start your day with a relaxed late morning pick up and a slow-paced hike down 500 steps to La Fortuna Waterfall, with time to swim beneath the cascade and chances to spot birds and mammals along the trail. Then enjoy a memorable, family-style lunch with the Rodriguez family by the river, savoring traditional dishes and freshly brewed coffee.

In the afternoon, join a guided walk through Arenal Volcano National Park to learn about past eruptions, explore old lava flows, and watch the rainforest reclaim the landscape. If you are researching the best places to visit in Costa Rica, this Arenal and La Fortuna pairing is a standout for waterfall swims, local flavor, and volcanic rainforest scenery.

Explore the rainforest canopy on hanging bridges with expert naturalist guides who point out hidden wildlife and bring the local ecology to life, a perfect pairing for a volcanoes of Costa Rica trip.

Later, unwind in the secluded hot springs beneath Arenal Volcano, where thermal pools range from 37°C to 41°C (99°F to 106°F). Alternate between cool water pools, linger beneath a waterfall for a restorative hydro massage, and let the mineral-rich waters ease tired muscles.

With attentive poolside service and a serene setting, it is an ideal way to slow down and recharge.

Travel from La Fortuna to Monteverde via Arenal Lake by a combination of land transfers and a one-hour boat crossing, one of the fastest and most scenic routes on this Costa Rica trip. As you glide across the water, enjoy wide open views of Arenal Volcano, the surrounding mountains, and big tropical skies, then continue by road for a short drive to your Monteverde hotel.

Set on Costa Rica’s continental divide at about 1,440 meters, Monteverde and Santa Elena feel refreshingly cool. Your afternoon is free to wander through artisan shops, stop for locally made ice cream, sample regional cheeses, and settle into a cozy coffeehouse.

Spend day five in Monteverde and the charming town of Santa Elena, a highlight of any Costa Rica eco adventure tour. Visit a lush cloud forest draped in moss and epiphytes, with excellent birdlife.

In the morning, choose between a thrilling canopy zipline with sweeping views or a calmer walk on hanging bridges among the treetops.

In the afternoon, enjoy a coffee, chocolate, and sugar cane experience that traces each tradition from seed to cup and bar. Learn classic processing methods, taste freshly roasted coffee and handcrafted chocolate, and press sugar cane juice by hand for an authentic local connection.

As sunset settles over the Monteverde Reserve, nocturnal life begins to stir. This guided Monteverde Cloud Forest Night Tour adds a memorable dimension to your Costa Rica itinerary, revealing frogs, owls, insects, and the occasional mammal along misty, moonlit trails.

Each guest receives a flashlight for a guided two-hour walk, bringing the forest’s sounds, subtle movements, and hidden behaviors into view.

Your private minivan and bilingual driver will take you on a scenic transfer to the Central Pacific, with flexible stops for rest, snacks, or a look at the giant crocodiles along the Tárcoles River.

Arrive in Manuel Antonio with time to unwind on warm water beaches and white sand. If you wish, visit Manuel Antonio National Park, where short, easy trails make it simple to spot monkeys, sloths, coatis, and other wildlife. Dine at locally owned restaurants to support the communities you are exploring.

Explore Manuel Antonio National Park with a naturalist guide on a 2.5-hour walk that blends discovery with expert interpretation. Follow rainforest trails that run alongside Central Pacific beaches as you look for sloths, raccoons, and playful monkeys in the canopy, along with colorful birds and reptiles in their natural habitat.

After a snack of fresh local fruit and refreshments, enjoy time by the ocean or continue on additional trails, shaping the rest of the visit into your ideal mix of beach and wildlife.

Your guide will meet you at your hotel and drive the short ten-minute transfer to Pez Vela Marina in Quepos, where you will board your catamaran for a relaxed afternoon on the water. Once underway, take in sweeping Central Pacific views while enjoying light snacks and fresh natural juices on board.

When conditions are right, you will stop to snorkel among vibrant marine life, then cruise along the coast keeping watch for playful dolphins and, in season, humpback whales. As the day winds down, the Pacific sunset paints the sky, ending the outing on a high note.

It is time to say goodbye to Costa Rica, the land of Pura Vida. Before you depart, savor one last tailored moment, perhaps a final cup of coffee, a quiet beach stroll, or a quick wildlife sighting.

A private transfer will pick you up at your hotel and take you to San Jose Airport in time for international check-in, bringing your Costa Rica trip to a smooth close with thoughtful service and lasting memories.