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7 Day itinerary in Costa Rica, Central America & Caribbean

Simply The Best of Costa Rica

Take a one-week tropical break in Costa Rica to discover the green countryside as you hike nature reserves, jump into a waterfall, encounter wildlife and relax in thermal waters!

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Laura

By Laura

Overview

Physical Difficulty

Light
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Recommended Age

Everyone

Operated in

English

GUIDANCE

On Some Day Trips

starting point

San José

trip type

Private

trip attributes

Outdoors & Nature

Beach & Sea

Start

Night

End

Highlights

1

Explore Costa Rica's exuberant nature by boat.

2

Discover the region's wildlife on a night trail through the forest in Monteverde Reserve

3

Learn all about coffee

4

Paddle through the blue crystal clear waters surrounding Tamarindo

Itinerary

Mid-Range Accommodation expand_more

Day 1

place Welcome to Costa Rica !

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. Drive from San Jose to Arenal. Departure to reach the region of La Fortuna and the majestic Arenal volcano (1,635 meters). Approximate driving time : 3 hours. 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. By staying at the Arenal Springs, you have access to the thermal baths and to a free daily course of yoga, don't miss out!

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Dinner

Accommodation:

  • Mid-Range Accommodation: Arenal Springs Resort
Day 2

place Arenal Volcano

Safari floats by canoe Explore Costa Rica's exuberant nature by boat. You will quietly paddle down the Peñas Blancas river in a Canoe. This is an interesting tour for nature lovers! Throughout your journey it is likely that you will encounter different species of exotic birds, frogs, curious insects and perhaps even caimans or monkeys. Approximate duration : 5 hours, including 3 hours of navigation. Above the canopy A 3 kilometers circuit through the primary forest with suspension bridges above the canopy. The canopy is defined as the summit level of the forest and is an area of exchange between the highest part of the trees and the atmosphere. In total safety, you will enjoy a stunning view of the tropical vegetation and of the Arenal volcano, while crossing over 8 fixed bridges and 6 suspension bridges! Approximate duration : 2.5 hours. By staying at the Arenal Springs, you have access to the thermal baths and to a free daily course of yoga, don't miss out!

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

  • Mid-Range Accommodation: Arenal Springs Resort
Day 3

place Arenal Volcano- Monteverde Reserve

Drive from Arenal to Monteverde. Head to Monteverde, which reserve offers alpine pastures landscapes in the heart of the Tilaràn cordillera. Monteverde is worldly famous for its cloudy tropical forest which contributes to the reputation of Costa Rica as an ecotouristic country, it also shelters extraordinary fauna and flora. Approximate driving time : 4 hours. Animals come out at night ! Discover the region's wildlife on a night trail through the forest. Your local guide will help you spot frogs, nocturnal birds, snakes, spiders and much more... Approximate duration : 1.5 hours.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

  • Mid-Range Accommodation: El Establo Mountain Hotel
Day 4

place Go zip-lining & Coffee Bean Tour

Go zip-lining! Strong sensations guaranteed in complete safety. You will explore the canopy by zip-lining along cables from one platform to another. The canopy has a total of 14 platforms built on top of the trees ! You will also have the opportunity to do the Tarzan Swing and to try the Superman ! Approximate duration : 3 hours. A tour of Don Juan's coffee bean finca Learn all about how coffee beans are grown, harvested and of course transformed into delicious coffee. Monteverde is in fact one of Costa Rica's most famous coffee regions. Approximate duration : 2 hours. Transfer from your hotel to the activity place included. Lunch included with the tour.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation:

  • Mid-Range Accommodation: El Establo Mountain Hotel
Day 5

place Monteverde Reserve- Tamarindo

Drive from Monteverde to Tamarindo. You will take the famous inter-American road before reaching Tamarindo, on the Pacific coast. Approximate driving time : 3 hours. Full board at the hotel (no drinks).

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation:

  • Mid-Range Accommodation: Tamarindo Diria
Day 6

place Coastal kayak & snorkeling around Tamarindo Bay

Coastal kayak & snorkeling around Tamarindo Bay As you paddle with your kayak through the blue crystal clear waters surrounding Tamarindo, you will be able to admire the beautiful colors of the underwater coral reef, and exotic fish. Approximate duration : 2 hours.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation:

  • Mid-Range Accommodation: Tamarindo Diria
Day 7

place San José Departure

Drive from Tamarindo to San José. In the morning, departure for the capital. On the way, you can take the Puente (bridge) Tempisque to cross the Gulf of Nicoya, before joining the Interamerican. Arrival in the central valley. Approximate driving time : 4.5 hours.

Meals: Breakfast

What’s Included

Accommodation expand_less

  • Arenal Springs Resort
  • El Establo Mountain Hotel
  • Tamarindo Diria

Meals expand_less

  • Dinner (3)
  • Breakfast (6)
  • Lunch (3)

Activities expand_less

  • Activities as listed on the itinerary

Not Included expand_less

  • Drinks
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel insurance

About Laura

TEAM LEAD

verified Baboo Certified

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

$3,562.00 USD