Costa Rican Adventure

Today you will depart San Jose driving north. Stop for a photo opportunity in the charming village of Zarcero, where you may see the Parque Francisco Alvarado and the Iglesia de San Rafael. This breathtaking park sits in front of the pink and blue church in the town center and is noted for its topiary garden and shrubs that have been trimmed into the shapes of various animals. Continue to the Arenal area, famous for its volcano, lake, and hot springs. You may choose to visit one of the many hot springs facilities that offer visitors the perfect way to relax.

Overnight in Arenal
Drive Time: 3-4 hours
Distance: 80 miles/ 130 km.

Spend a full day at leisure in Arenal. You may choose from one of the optional tours, such as spending half the day hiking in Arenal National Park, enjoying the natural hot springs throughout the area, or heading on a horseback ride through pastures and rainforests to La Fortuna Waterfall. For extraordinary views of Arenal Volcano and Lake Arenal, the Sky Tram gondolas smoothly soar through the rainforest to an observation deck. You may ride the tram down the same route that you ascended or take a fast-paced Sky Trek zip line tour to the bottom.

Overnight in Arenal

The Arenal Hanging Bridges is one of the most popular tourist attractions in La Fortuna. It is situated only 4 km (2.5 miles) west of Tabacón within a 250-hectare (618 acres) reserve of primary forest. Visitors who love nature may enjoy 15 bridges stretching from 5 to 100 meters long, with friendly designs built with paving blocks to prevent slipping. The bridges were constructed with aluminum, galvanized steel, and concrete, to ensure maximum security for visitors. They were designed by structural engineers with the most demanding safety margins in the world. You will be guided by a naturalist, who will open the doors to a fascinating and colorful Tropical Rain Forest by explaining the rich natural history of this region. The imposing vistas of the Volcano from the hanging forest bridges make for a truly unforgettable experience.    

Starting time: 8:00 AM or 2:00 PM; Duration: 4 hours approx.

This tour includes: Transportation, services of a bilingual guide, entrance fees, and snacks.

Enjoy a short boat ride from the Arenal lake dam to the entrance of "La Península", this trail will take you through the forest of the most recent National Park, you will walk with incredible views and enjoy fantastic viewpoints, this trail is special for bird watching and photography. Visit areas that were once destroyed by volcanic activity and are now in the process of regeneration. A walk through the "Camino de Coladas" will take you all the way to experience what were in the past lava flows.

The Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge and the Rio Frío are biologically humid areas considered to be one of the richest in biological diversity in Costa Rica. Here you may discover a fascinating variety of resident and migratory birds plus three species of monkeys, along with iguanas, sloths, turtles, and caymans. This river is part of the Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge — a Ramsar site where you will discover one of the most diverse flora and fauna habitats in Costa Rica. Certain birds are residents in the area, and it is possible to see hundreds of them particularly during the dry season. Some of these are Anhingas or Snakes. It is possible to see little groups of Roseate Spoonbills birds feeding in the surroundings of the river. Wood Storks, the Jabiru, and the largest bird in Central America are very endangered. The Olivaceous Cormorant, which makes its nest in the area, is also the most popular bird in the Caño Negro area.

Starting time: 7:30 AM; Duration: 8 hours approx.

This tour includes: Transportation, services of a bilingual guide, lunch, and some beverages.

This Safari Float is a fun and relaxing tour. You may enjoy the sights and sounds of the rainforest and experience its peacefulness as we quietly paddle along the Peñas Blancas River. Monkeys, sloths, iguanas, crocodiles, and several tropical birds await us! The starting point will be 30 minutes away from La Fortuna. Here, you will be introduced to the basic techniques to drive the raft down the river, along with safety recommendations. Our professional bilingual guide will share educational and interesting explanations of the plants and animals we encounter on the river. On a few occasions, you will find class 2 or 3 rapids, where you will have to paddle and follow the guide’s commands to make it through the revolving water. The river is pretty flat, so these short and not so tricky rapids spice the journey just enough to make it entertaining and fun. You will appreciate this Safari Float and admire the wonders of the river and the surrounding rainforest as we travel down the river without a motor. You will enjoy the trip as you paddle and take photos. This half-day tour was specifically designed for travelers with limited time. Make sure to bring your camera and binoculars!

Starting time: 7:30 AM or 1:00 PM; Duration: 5 hours approx.

This tour includes: Transportation, services of a bilingual guide, and snacks.

Visit the Arenal Volcano National Park. Embark on a natural and geological history walk along the volcano which will take you to the ancient lava flows. It is possible to see the great variety of plants, wildlife, magnificent formations of lava stones and Lake Arenal. Later, we will take you to the relaxing thermal baths at Baldi Hot Springs; you may end your evening with a delicious dinner.

Starting time: 3:00 PM; Duration: 6 hours approx.

This tour includes: Transportation, services of a bilingual guide, the entrance fee, and dinner.

Visit the Arenal Volcano National Park. Embark on a natural and geological history walk along the volcano which will take you to the ancient lava flows. It is possible to see the great variety of plants, wildlife, magnificent formations of lava stones and Lake Arenal. Later, we will take you to the relaxing thermal at Ecotermales Hot Spring; you may end your evening with a delicious dinner.

Starting time: 3:00 PM; Duration: 6 hours approx.

This tour includes: Transportation, services of a bilingual guide, the entrance fee, and dinner.

Get ready to experience the excitement and adrenaline of the white-water tour on this half-day adventure! Situated 50 minutes from La Fortuna, the Balsa River will provide the perfect setting for rafting for the whole family. Get wet and wild through rapids such as “Magnetic Rock” and “Dredges”! Take a 15-minute break in the river to taste tropical fruits in a tropical setting, surrounded by monkeys, toucans, and other species of exotic animals. On the way back to Fortuna town, we will head to “Vida Campesina” for a delicious lunch; a traditional country estate aiming to give visitors a genuine and peaceful experience of the country life in Costa Rica.

Starting time: 10:00 AM; Duration: 6 hours approx.

This tour includes: Transportation, services of a bilingual guide, snacks, a towel, beverages, and lunch.

Your Pure Trek Canyoning experience will include 4 Rappels (3 waterfalls and 1 rock wall), Monkey Drop (zip line and rappel) and a Rock-Climbing Experience in a beautiful rain forest slot canyon. This tour is for the young and old and everything in between! Pure Trek Canyoning is the leader of Waterfall Rappelling in Costa Rica! They believe in doing one thing and being the best at it. For them, that is Canyoning. Come enjoy this fun tour with great guides, spectacular views, and beautiful trails! From children to adults and people with experience, you will have a blast!

Starting time: 7:00 AM or 12:00 PM; Duration: 4 hours approx.

This tour includes: Transportation, services of a bilingual guide, and lunch.

The tour will begin with a 1250-meter walk over the SKY TRAM to an observation platform. The breathtaking view will show the great expanse of the rainforest and the imposing Laguna and Arenal Volcano. SKY TREK is a zip line offering the chance to see the forest and its landscapes from a different angle, with total security and innovations. Cables that surpass the treetops that offer a panoramic view of the Volcano and Lagoon. Sky Walk is a series of Trails and Hanging Bridges that offer you a truly unique experience — is in coexistence with the flora and fauna of the forest. Prepare for a breathtaking hike through the forest floor with a naturalist guide.

Starting time: 7:00 AM, 8:00 AM, 9:00 AM or 11:30 PM; Duration: 6 hours approx.

Participants must be at least 8 years old.

This tour includes: Transportation and services of a bilingual guide.

Today you will drive to Manuel Antonio, one of the most popular destinations in Costa Rica famous for its beautiful beaches, rich wildlife, and endless activities. Spend the rest of the day exploring the exotic National Park and beaches. You may choose from one of the optional tours to head-on, such as a boat trip through the complex and beautiful estuaries and mangroves surrounding Damas Island. For something different, visit the local sustainable organic Villa Vanilla Spice Plantation which grows a variety of spices and essential oil plants, including vanilla, cocoa, pepper, and cinnamon.

Overnight in Manuel Antonio
Drive Time: 5-6 hours
Distance: 150 miles/ 240 km.

Spend the day at leisure in Manuel Antonio. Perhaps book one of our optional tours. You may head on a zip-lining canopy tour or horseback riding. Perhaps join an optional afternoon excursion to Manuel Antonio National Park with its wealth of wildlife. The guide will take you through this tropical paradise where you will have the opportunity to discover the rich biodiversity the park has to offer. Midway through the hike spend 20 minutes at leisure on one of the beaches in the National Park. As an alternative, enjoy a naturalist tour on a catamaran with incredible views of the National Park and marine life, head on a snorkeling adventure, and take in the breathtaking sunset over the Pacific Ocean.

Overnight in Manuel Antonio

Savegre Rafting runs from May to February.

With this tour, round trip transportation will be provided. You will be picked up at your hotel to drive 1 hour and 20 minutes to the Savegre River. The road trip to the rafting site offers breathtaking views of African palm plantations, quaint towns, small rivers, and jungles. Your guide will delightfully tell you all about all the attractions you see along the way. Occasional stops with be made for bathroom breaks or photo stops. Upon arriving at the rafting spot, you will have a safety talk and an opportunity to practice before getting into the river. The rafts in this Manuel Antonio tour are built for 6 passengers. Guides will travel in kayaks along your side to make sure you are safe. Savegre River delivers class 3 rapids and is filled with bends and turns of excitement. You will spend approximately 2 ½ hours in the raft taming the rapids, taking occasional stops to rest and admire some of the region’s beautiful flora and fauna. Towards the end of this Manuel Antonio rafting tour, the waters will become calm and easy, allowing you to take a closer look at birds flying overhead and the colorful vegetation. Your drive back to the base camp will be much shorter, about 30 minutes in duration. You may change your clothes and enjoy a delicious homemade meal. This river boasts class 3 rapids all year long, throughout the dry season, and it can provide some class 2 rapids.

Children must be at least 8 years old. 

Starting time: 8:00 AM; Duration: 5.5 hours approx.

This tour includes: Transportation, services of a bilingual guide, fruits, snacks, and lunch.

Tour does not operate from December to May

Round trip transportation will be provided on this tour. You will be picked up at your hotel and drive 40 minutes to Londres, a town where the river put-in is located. During this scenic drive, your guide will talk about the history of the town of Quepos. Once on site - a private property where the put-in is located - you will be ready to start your tour of Manuel Antonio. The property features stables, corrals, ATVs, an open-air waiting area and bathrooms. Your guide will give you safety measures to follow and then… you will be ready to tame the rapids of the Naranjo River. The rafts are built to hold a maximum of 6 passengers. Guides will join you in kayaks to maximize your safety. The Naranjo River flows through mountains, jungle gorges, farmlands, and palm plantations. The river’s course is steep and challenging, perfect for adventure seekers searching for an adrenaline rush. Halfway through the tour, you may take a break to catch your breath and admire the view. Towards the end of the river, the waters will calm down and you may take in the sights while cruising over the last few rapids. After completing this 1 hour and 45-minute Manuel Antonio rafting tour, a tasty lunch - made with fresh local ingredients – will be served. The Naranjo River rafting tour will only be available in the rainy season (May to December). This river delivers class 3 rapids all year long and during the rainy season, it reaches some class 4 rapids.

Children must be at least 8 years old.

Starting time: 8:00 AM or 11:30 AM; Duration: 4.5 hours approx.

This tour includes: Transportation, services of a bilingual guide, fruits, snacks, and lunch.

The Manuel Antonio National Park is closed on Tuesdays.

Transportation will be provided for this tour. You will be picked up at your hotel to begin your ride to the Manuel Antonio National Park. This National Park is one of the most famous in our country due to its wide variety of flora and fauna. The park offers 3 different trails that go from flat to very steep. On this tour, a highly knowledgeable nature guide will walk you through the Manuel Antonio National Park, explaining the mysteries of the rainforest. The trail you take is flat and picturesque and loops through the park making your course about 2 miles long. Throughout your hike your guide will stop and teach you about the park’s natural history, featuring exhaustive descriptions of animals and plants that may be observed throughout the hike. On the way, you can take pictures or admire the view. One of the highlights of this tour is that Manuel Antonio hosts 3 of the 4 existing tropical primates (monkeys) living in Costa Rica. Halfway through the hike, you may enjoy a leisure stop at the world-famous Third Beach. From there you may rest on the beach or play with the waves. This stop will be about 20 minutes long. Throughout the hike, it is common to see sloths, birds, and reptiles as well as admire orchids, butterflies, and tropical trees. Your guides will be equipped with Pentax and Swarovski telescopes, so you may observe wildlife and take pictures from a different perspective. Once the tour is over, transportation will be provided, and you will be taken back to your hotel.

Starting time: 7:30 AM; Duration: 3.5 hours approx.

This tour includes: Transportation, services of a bilingual guide, the entrance fee, and snacks.

Enjoy a day at leisure in Manuel Antonio. You may want to head on a morning catamaran adventure. Admire the beauty of the Costa Rican Coast as you sail around Manuel Antonio National Park for a picturesque view of wildlife and vegetation. You will pass by breathtaking panoramas decorated with islands, cliffs, and rock formations. Visit Biesanz Beach where you may take the opportunity to snorkel and admire the sightings of colorful tropical fish in their natural habitat. A light lunch and drinks will be included on this excursion. You may also venture out on your own and go whitewater rafting down the Savegre River where you will enjoy class II and III rapids and see an abundance of wildlife. Stop at locally known swimming spots and breathtaking waterfalls along the way. Choose to take a trip to Jaco Beach, one of the most visited spots in all of Costa Rica, and, only about an hour’s drive from Manuel Antonio.

Overnight in Manuel Antonio

Round trip transportation will be provided. You will be picked up at your hotel and head to the Quepos’s pier. A guide will take you to the loading platform and help you board the catamaran. 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 make sure to have your camera ready. You will travel by extraordinary scenarios adorned with islands, cliffs, and rock formations. You may admire bird nesting grounds and marine wildlife. Beverages and snacks will be available onboard throughout the trip. After touring the coastline, your captain will set anchor at Biesanz Bay where you may snorkel or rest onboard. You are most likely to spot parrotfish, starfish, angelfish, and if you are lucky a dolphin! During the tour, you may enjoy a tasty barbeque lunch onboard as you admire the lovely waterscapes.

Important: This Manuel Antonio tour does not require previous experience. Water visibility depends on the season.

From May to November the afternoon tour does not operate due to weather conditions.

Starting time: 8:00 AM or 1:00 PM; Duration: 5 hours approx.

This tour includes: Transportation, services of a bilingual guide, snacks, and lunch.

Cruise through the wonders of Costa Rica's unique mangrove ecosystem. You will float along calm streams under a green forest canopy. Make sure to keep your eyes peeled so you can see the myriad species of birds, reptiles, ants, and white-faced monkeys. As you silently observe this incredible habitat, your guide will offer explanations about the flora and fauna found in this incomparable region. Lunch is served after the trip. The boat trip to the island of Damas does not require previous experience.

Starting time: Depending on the tide; Duration: 4 hours approx.

This tour includes: Transportation, services of a bilingual guide, and lunch or dinner (depending on the departure time).

The Amphibian Aquatic Garden is a series of waterways and pools ecologically design to provide a wide variety of native species — a habitat where they may reproduce and migrate freely without enclosures restricting their natural behavior. This unique Jungle Walk is a 2 hour-guided adventure where you will have the opportunity to be part of one of the most interesting and important ecosystems of Costa Rica, the Nocturnal Tropical Wet Forest. You will have the experience to be in contact with many nocturnal inhabitants in our Wildlife Refuge, such as Kinkajou (Potos flavus), Armadillo (Cabassous centralis), or take the chance to see one of the most interesting reptiles… Snakes! With more than 30 identified species, you will get the chance to learn about their scientific descriptions, with enough data to know how dangerous they may be and their natural history. Also, you may take the opportunity to visit our Tropical Aquatic Gardens to discover various species of Frogs and Toads. One of the most popular, the Red-Eyed Tree Frog (agalychnis callidryas), or the Glass Frogs (Cochranella granulosa and Teratohyla pulverata), and the Wet Forest Toad (Incilius aucoinae), endemic to Costa Rica.

Starting time: 5:30 PM; Duration: 3.5 hours approx.

This tour includes: Transportation, services of a bilingual guide, lantern, and snacks.

Today you will drive back to San Jose. Consider stopping at the Poas Volcano National Park, one of the top-visited sites in Costa Rica, with several short and easy trails for hiking. Poas Volcano features one of the world's largest volcanic lakes — Lake Botos, surrounded by a cloud forest. You may travel to Irazu, the highest active volcano in Costa Rica, and visit the colonial Orosi Valley (famous for boasting the oldest church in Costa Rica). If you are not interested in visiting volcanoes, there is plenty to do in San Jose. Visit one of the museums or head to Mercado Central, a very old and unique bustling food market.

Overnight in San Jose
Drive Time: 3-4 hours
Distance: 110 miles/ 175 km.

Return your vehicle to the car rental facility at Juan Santamaría International Airport prior to checking in for your departure flight home.