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8 Day itinerary in Costa Rica, Central America & Caribbean

Family Tropical Adventure in Costa Rica

Costa Rica promises to delight everyone, kids and adults alike. Between water experiences or sensational activities in the jungle, this trip will be a real adventure. Don't worry, good moments of relaxation such as evenings in the thermal waters await you. Also, you will discover an exceptional f... Read More

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Laura

By Laura

Overview

Physical Difficulty

Light
help_outline

Recommended Age

Everyone

Operated in

English

GUIDANCE

On Some Day Trips

starting point

San José

trip type

Private

trip attributes

Hiking

Rafting

Outdoors & Nature

Beach & Sea

Start

Night

End

Highlights

1

Discover the suspension bridges of Arenal Volcano

2

Enjoy a relaxing moment in nature, in the thermal waters of the Rio Negro

3

Horseback ride through the tropical dry forest of Rincon de la Vieja

4

Sail towards the horizon and cruise over sapphire hued waves.

Itinerary

Mid-Range Accommodation expand_more

Day 1

place Welcome to Costa Rica !

Your driver will be waiting for you at Juan Santamaria International Airport, near San Jose, at an altitude of 1,150 meters in the heart of the Central Valley, to take you to your hotel.

Accommodation:

  • Mid-Range Accommodation: Buena Vista Chic Hotel
Day 2

place San José- Poas Volcano- Arenal Volcano

Recovery of your rental vehicle Info : You will find in the "other services" section of your quotation, all the information about your vehicle. Road from San José to Poas. Departure to the Poas Volcano. Approximate driving time : 1,5 hours. Poas Volcano National Park Visit the Poas Volcano National Park, which, with a diameter of 1.6 km and 300 meters deep, is famous for having one of the largest active crater in the world. Then visit the small center of vulcanology. A vast terrace offers a breathtaking view of a caldera (collapsed crater) from which emanate sulfurous fumaroles. Approximate duration : 1.5 hours. Departure to La Fortuna and the majestic Arenal Volcano. Arrival in San Carlos valley and settle in the hotel. Note: approximately 3 hours driving. Relaxation at the Baldi thermal center Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation and fun in the Baldi thermal center. You can enjoy the various thermal baths, swimming pools, waterfalls and slides. The warm waters come directly from the natural hot springs of the Arenal volcano ! Approximate duration : 4 hours.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation:

  • Mid-Range Accommodation: Lost Iguana Resort - Arenal Volcano Hotel
Day 3

place Arenal Adventure

Get ready for some adrenaline in nature ! Start with trails and a series of suspension bridges for an introduction to the flora and fauna of the forest canopy. Then sit back and relax in a gondola smoothly rising through the rainforest, offering up endless views during its mountainous ascent. This tour is perfect for people willing to take a different approach to admire nature. On tour, you will be attended by a bilingual guide who will point out different characteristics of the flora and fauna and other interesting facts. Finish your experience with a thrilling zip line tour. You will ride down on a zip line track stretching across canyons and in between treetops. Approximate duration : 6 hours.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

  • Mid-Range Accommodation: Lost Iguana Resort - Arenal Volcano Hotel
Day 4

place Morning rafting on the Balsa River - Rincon de La Vieja

Morning rafting on the Balsa River An experience combining nature and adventure. Enjoy exciting rafting down the Balsa river! During this adventure, you will also have the opportunity to experience relaxing moments' while swimming in the natural pools of the river and enjoying the peaceful sound of the surrounding tropical forest. An unforgettable experience! Approximate duration : 5 hours. Info 1 : lunch included. Info 2 : you may combine this activity with some ATV or zip lining or canyoning to make it a full day of fun ! Drive from Arenal to Rincon de La Vieja. Departure for the province of Guanacaste land of Sabaneros, those proud and colourful cowboys. Approximate driving time : 4 hours. Staying at Hacienda Guachipelin, enjoy free access to the hot springs of the Rio Negro, located 15 minutes from the hotel !

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation:

  • Mid-Range Accommodation: Hotel Hacienda Guachipelin
Day 5

place Rincon de la Vieja volcano

Rincon de la Vieja National Park Explore on your own one or several of the three areas of the Rincon de la Vieja Park (the Cangreja, las Pailas and Santa Maria). At the heart of this park stands the massive volcano of the same name. It is the origin of geothermal activity (make sure to spot it during hikes in las Pailas sector or Santa Maria). You will most likely come across capuchins, howler monkeys and spider monkeys, anteaters, sloths and over 300 species of birds. The park was established in 1973 and concentrates a large amount of orchids or the "Guaria morada" (Guarianthe skinneri) which is the local flower. Info : national park closed on  Hot springs & mud baths Enjoy a relaxing moment in nature, in the thermal waters of the Rio Negro. On the program : application of volcanic mud with beneficial and invigorating virtues, sauna and thermal waters in nature. As a bonus, for total relaxation, you can decide to get massages on site. Approximate duration : 3 hours. Staying at Hacienda Guachipelin, enjoy free access to the hot springs of the Rio Negro, located 15 minutes from the hotel !

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation:

  • Mid-Range Accommodation: Hotel Hacienda Guachipelin
Day 6

place Horseback riding & Tubing

After a 45-minute horseback ride through the tropical dry forest, you arrive at La Catarata Victoria, where you receive your own buoy.You will descend the Río Negro in crystal waters and cross rough rapids. This fun experience is one of the most enjoyable ways to cross this part of Rincon de la Vieja. Approximate duration : 2 hours and a half. Drive from Rincon de la Vieja to Manuel Antonio. Departure for the Costa Rican Pacific coast. Approximate driving time : 5 hours.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

  • Mid-Range Accommodation: La Mariposa Hotel
Day 7

place Manuel Antonio National Park & Catamaran adventure

Manuel Antonio National Park Today, head to Manuel Antonio National Park, its stunning beaches, coral reef and great fauna and flora variety. Swim in the crystal clear waters, relax on the thin sand beaches, walk in the tropical vegetation... This is the perfect place to watch numerous animals such as sloths or squirrel monkeys. Info : The park is closed on Tuesdays. Catamaran adventure You will set sail towards the horizon and cruise over sapphire hued waves. The catamaran will chart a picturesque course, departing from Quepos and gliding around the back of the Manuel Antonio National Park. Your guide will point out notable wildlife and vegetation, so be sure to have your camera ready. After touring the coastline, your captain will set anchor at Biesanz Bay, where you can snorkel or simply rest onboard. You are most likely to spot parrotfish, starfish, angelfish and if you are lucky a dolphin ! During the tour, you’ll have a tasty barbecue lunch onboard, while admiring the lovely waterscapes. Approximate duration : 5 hours.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

  • Mid-Range Accommodation: La Mariposa Hotel
Day 8

place San Jose Departure

Drive from Manuel Antonio to San Jose. Departure to the capital, San Jose. Approximate driving time : 3 hours. Return of your vehicle in one of our local rent a car agencies.

Meals: Breakfast

What’s Included

Accommodation expand_less

  • Buena Vista Chic Hotel
  • Lost Iguana Resort - Arenal Volcano Hotel
  • Hotel Hacienda Guachipelin
  • La Mariposa Hotel

Meals expand_less

  • Breakfast (7)
  • Dinner (3)

Transport expand_less

  • Car rental in Costa Rica from Day 2 to day 8

Activities expand_less

  • Activities as listed on the itinerary

Extras expand_less

  • Wifi available in the car From Day 2 to day 8
  • Mandatory insurances included From Day 2 to day 8

Not Included expand_less

  • Drink or melas not mentioned
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel insurance
  • Tips and gratuities

About Laura

TEAM LEAD

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star_outline 4.92 (12 reviews)

What is paradise? Sunshine, heavenly wild beaches, smiling people and nature. Living in Costa Rica was a dream! So when I had the opportunity, without hesitation, I packed my bags and here I am now, calling the country of the Pura Vida my home :)

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FROM PRICE PER TRAVELER

$3,014.00 USD