Tailor-made volcanoes of Costa Rica trip

Arrive at San José’s Juan Santamaría International Airport and begin your Costa Rica travel adventure with ease. After clearing immigration, you will be welcomed by our local specialist, who will provide a personalized trip briefing and review your tailored itinerary.

You will also receive a Welcome Kit with maps, insider tips, and packing recommendations. Then you can relax on the short transfer to your first destination hotel and start enjoying the curated experiences ahead.

Explore Irazú Volcano National Park and stand at the rim of its 1,050-meter crater, surrounded by windswept oak and cedar, lunar gray plains, and a mineral-tinted lagoon that creates a surreal setting for tailored hikes and photography. As you plan the best time to visit Costa Rica, note that Irazú is cool year-round and temperatures here often drop to 7 to 13 degrees Celsius, so a warm jacket is essential.

Along the way, learn about Irazú’s 1963 eruption that blanketed Cartago, San José, and the Central Valley, then take in sweeping views across Costa Rica, with the Pacific and Caribbean coastlines visible on clear days.

Follow your Costa Rica itinerary with an unforgettable rafting day as you paddle from Turrialba down the Pacuare River on thrilling Class III and IV whitewater. You will cover 18 miles from San Martín to Siquirres, winding through pristine rainforest filled with toucans, monkeys, and cascading waterfalls.

Expert Ríos Tropicales guides will provide a thorough safety briefing, share local insight along the way, and pause for refreshing breaks at serene pools near the Ríos Tropicales Lodge.

Poás Volcano National Park pairs dramatic crater scenery with easy access for travelers of all ages and fitness levels. A paved 750-meter walkway leads to the main viewpoint, where you can admire the immense 1.3-kilometer-wide crater and its striking emerald, highly acidic lagoon, an ideal setting for photography and an introduction to Costa Rica’s volcanic landscapes.

A short trail through the forest continues to Botos Lagoon and the headwater streams that feed the Sarapiquí River. Framed by misty cloud forest, giant ferns, and vibrant wildflowers, this tranquil area is perfect for unhurried guided walks, birdwatching, and relaxed picnic stops, all planned to match your pace.

Spend the afternoon hiking Arenal Volcano National Park, one of the best places to visit in Costa Rica, as you follow trails that circle the volcano’s base through lush forest and rugged lava fields. With the path running close to the cone, you will enjoy extraordinary views of the massive peak and the landscape shaped by the 1969 eruption, now slowly regenerating. The walk takes about two and a half hours and offers excellent opportunities for nature spotting and photography.

Afterward, unwind at Tabacón Hot Springs, where you can soak in restorative thermal pools and enjoy dinner surrounded by beautifully landscaped tropical gardens.

Hike Rincón de la Vieja Volcano National Park, the largest volcano in the Guanacaste range, and a vast volcanic complex shaped by nine craters. Well-marked trails lead you to bubbling mud pots, steaming fumaroles, dramatic waterfalls, and panoramic viewpoints that reveal the park’s rugged landscape.

Wildlife sightings are a highlight. Look for howler monkeys, coatis, and peccaries, along with more than 300 bird species, including toucans and the resplendent quetzal. End the day with a soothing soak at the Los Azufrales hot springs.

Relax on a private transfer from Rincón de la Vieja National Park to San José, traveling through scenic regions shaped by volcanoes and rich countryside. Along the way, you can choose optional stops at hot springs, coffee farms, and artisan villages, shaping the journey to match your interests and pace.

This final travel day offers time to reflect while adding a few authentic local moments, linking Costa Rica’s volcanic wilderness with the energy of the capital and bringing your trip to a personalized, memorable close.

Enjoy a final morning in Costa Rica with breakfast at your lodge and time to take a few last photos or pick up local souvenirs, all at a relaxed pace that suits your preferences. At the prearranged time, you will be transferred to Juan Santamaría International Airport for your flight home.

This thoughtful conclusion to your Volcanoes of Costa Rica trip leaves you with authentic memories and carefully curated recommendations to inspire your next journey.