CARIBBEAN PEAKS
9 DAYS IN COSTA RICA
TRIP SUMMARY
Costa Rica: Pura Vida, Wild Nature and Unforgettable Beaches
In this itinerary you will experience the true essence of Costa Rica, blending lush jungles, majestic volcanoes, and coastlines that will remain etched in your memory. You will begin your adventure in San José, the vibrant heart of the country, to acclimate to the tropics and connect with the warm and welcoming spirit of the “Ticos”.
You will explore the breathtaking beauty of La Fortuna, being captivated by the perfect silhouette of Arenal Volcano and relaxing in its famous crystal-clear hot springs. The adventure rises to another level as you enter the mystical Monteverde cloud forest. You will discover a green sanctuary while walking along hanging bridges, surrounded by unique biodiversity where the forest canopy is home to sloths and the elusive quetzal.
You will continue toward the golden Pacific coast until you reach Tamarindo, the perfect paradise to enjoy magical sunsets, ride the waves, or simply let yourself be carried away by the sea breeze. A journey designed for you to feel the purest heartbeat of nature and take home unforgettable tropical experiences.
ITINERARY SUMMARY
ARRIVAL IN THE HEART OF COSTA RICA
You will arrive and enjoy a private transfer of approximately 30 minutes to your accommodation in San José, where you can rest and prepare for your immersion into Costa Rican nature. Take the afternoon to explore its vibrant historic streets or enjoy the rich local cuisine.
Accommodation: Hotel in San José
VOLCANOES AND HIDDEN LAGOONS
Begin your route toward La Fortuna with a stop in picturesque villages such as Poasito or Fraijanes to taste fresh local strawberries. Visit Poás Volcano National Park, home to impressive geysers, and continue to the stunning Laguna de Hule, a 55-hectare crater surrounded by nature. After a panoramic lunch, continue to the majestic Arenal Volcano area.
Accommodation: Hotel in La Fortuna. Includes: Half board
JOURNEY TO THE JUNGLE CARIBBEAN
Explore the lush rainforest of Arenal Volcano National Park, walking trails surrounded by rich flora and fauna leading to ancient lava flows from the 1992 eruption. End the day relaxing in the Paradise Hot Springs thermal pools.
Accommodation: Hotel in La Fortuna. Includes: Half board
JOURNEY TO THE CLOUD FOREST
Leave Arenal behind and enjoy a scenic shared boat crossing over Lake Arenal (approx. 2h 40min), reaching the mystical Monteverde cloud forest and experiencing a complete ecosystem change.
Accommodation: Hotel in Monteverde. Includes: Breakfast
ADVENTURE AND NATURE IN THE HEIGHTS
Experience Selvatura Park: walk across Costa Rica’s longest hanging bridges, zip-line through the forest canopy on a 15-cable circuit including the famous Tarzan Swing, and visit the largest butterfly garden in the Americas, home to over 50 species.
Accommodation: Hotel in Monteverde. Includes: Breakfast
TOWARD THE GOLDEN PACIFIC COAST
Leave the mountain mist behind and take a shared transfer to the coast. After a journey of approximately 3.5 hours, arrive in Tamarindo, Guanacaste, where jungle meets the ocean.
Accommodation: Hotel in Tamarindo. Includes: Breakfast
PURA VIDA AT THE BEACH
Enjoy a full free day in Tamarindo at your own pace. Relax on the beach, explore the lively town and its restaurants, or take surfing lessons on this world-famous coastline.
Accommodation: Hotel in Tamarindo. Includes: Breakfast
RETURN TO THE CAPITAL
Say goodbye to the coast and take a shared transfer of approximately 5 hours back to San José for your final night in the country.
Accommodation: Hotel in San José. Includes: Breakfast
HOMEWARD BOUND
Enjoy your final moments in Costa Rica before a private transfer (approx. 30 minutes) takes you to Juan Santamaría International Airport, marking the end of an unforgettable journey.
Includes: Breakfast
ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS
Volvano Lodge La Fortuna
Volcano Lodge La Fortuna
Hotel SPA Poco a Poco Monteverde
Tabacón Resort Thermal SPA La Fortuna
INCLUDED
- International flights
- Private arrival and departure transfer with assistance
- All meals described in the itinerary
- 2 nights in San José
- 2 nights in La Fortuna
- 2 nights in Monteverde
- 2 nights in Tamarindo
- Excursion: “Poás Volcano and Laguna de Hule” in the Central Valley
- Excursion: “Arenal Volcano and Paradise Hot Springs” in La Fortuna
- Excursion: “Selvatura: Zipline, Hanging Bridges and Butterfly Garden”
- Private transfer/tour from San José to La Fortuna via Poás Volcano and Laguna de Hule
- Shared land and boat transportation
- Booking fees and accommodation taxes
NOT INCLUDED
- Departure tax ($29 per person)
- Personal expenses
- Tips
- Travel and cancellation insurance
- Anything not listed in the “included” section
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
International flights
For your trip to Costa Rica, the main arrival and departure airport will be Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) in San José. If at the end of your route you decide to stay on the coast and not return to the capital, you also have the option of flying back from Guanacaste Airport (LIR) in Liberia, which is much closer to the Tamarindo area.
Visa
If you are traveling from Spain, you do not need to obtain a visa for tourism purposes. You only need a valid passport, with at least six months of validity from your date of entry, and proof of an onward or return ticket.
Vaccinations
Currently, there are no mandatory vaccines to enter Costa Rica, unless you have been in a yellow fever-endemic country within the 6 months prior to entry (Costa Rica itself is not one). However, it is recommended to visit a tropical medicine center for personalized medical advice.
Terms and conditions
Here we will include a link to our cancellation policy.