9-Day Best of Northwest Costa Rica from San Jose: Arenal Volcano National Park, Monteverde Cloud Forest and Guanacaste

9 Days

Mobile Ticket

Hotel Pickup Offered

Language Offered

Overview

Discover the extraordinary natural beauty and amazing biodiversity of Costa Rica on this 9-day tour of the country's northwestern region. Departing from San Jose, visit Arenal Volcano National Park, CaÃƒÂ±o Negro Wildlife Refuge, the cloud forest of Monteverde, Tamarindo's famed beaches, and Vida Aventura Nature Park in Guanacaste. The tour includes 8 nights of accommodation, all transfers, exciting activities, and many meals so you can skip the stress of planning and simply enjoy your spectacular Costa Rica vacation.

9-day tour of northwest Costa Rica from San Jose
Get up-close views of Arenal Volcano National Park (Parque Nacional Volcán Arenal)
Soak in thermal hot springs at Baldi resort
Cruise down Rio Frío and spot birdlife in CaÃƒÂ±o Negro Wildlife Refuge
Soar along a zipline and horseback ride in Vida Aventura Nature Park in Guanacaste
See the forest canopy on a Sky Walk tour in Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
8 nights of accommodation, transportation and entrance fees included

Inclusions & Exclusions

Departure & Return

What To Expect

Make the most of your time in Costa Rica with this action-packed, 9-day tour, expertly organized to maximize adventure and minimize stress. A friendly host will greet you upon your arrival in San Jose and transfer you to your city hotel for the night. The next day, set off on your northwestern adventure. Visit the artisan community of Sarchí, and soak in mineral hot springs at the base of an active crater in Arenal Volcano National Park. Take a Sky Walk through the misty cloud forest of Monteverde, and soak up the sun on the glorious beaches of Tamarindo. Embark on a floating safari through CaÃƒÂ±o Negro Wildlife Refuge to see native species like monkeys, sloths, and colorful birds. In Guanacaste, fly across the rain forest canopy on a zipline adventure, horseback ride through the hillsides, and detox with a thermal mud bath. Add on optional tours during a free day here to customize your experience.Your choice of 3.5- or 4-star hotels, all transportation, many activities and select meals are all included. See Itinerary for complete tour details.ItineraryDay 1: San Jos eAfter your arrival at the San Jos e airport, you'll be greeted by your driver and transferred to your selected hotel. Your guide will review the itinerary with the group and answer any questions or concerns regarding your 8-day tour. Overnight: Country Inn and Suites or Studio Hotel (or similar) in San Jos e Day 2: San Jos e - La Fortuna (L, D)Head north to explore the impressive Arenal Volcano, stopping first in the town of Sarchí, known for its family-operated woodworking factories and artisan craftsmanship. Choose from more than 200 stores to see the wooden bowls, rocking chairs and traditional carretas - elaborately painted oxcarts that once carried coffee from the highlands to the coastal port.Next, travel past cattle ranches and diverse plantations growing agricultural products and ornamental plants. When you arrive in La Fortuna, enjoy lunch in a cozy restaurant right in front of Arenal Volcano, affording excellent views of this natural phenomenon that attracts thousands of visitors each year. In the afternoon, unwind in one of the best thermal baths in the area at Baldi Hot Springs resort, with optional massage or other treatment (own expense; reserved in advance). Later, savor dinner while admiring another magnificent view of the active volcano and be on the lookout for explosions of incandescent light. Afterward, relax at your hotel.Overnight: Arenal Paraiso or Mountain Paradise Hotel (or similar) in La FortunaDay 3: La Fortuna (L)Get ready for your adventure at CaÃƒÂ±o Negro Wildlife Refuge, considered one of the most biologically diverse in Costa Rica! Begin your journey in the village of Los Chiles, a border town just two miles (4 km) from Nicaragua.From here, embark on a 4-hour floating safari along the Rio Frío through tropical rain forest and pastures until you arrive at the marsh, Lago CaÃƒÂ±o Negro. Within the refuge, view a variety of resident and migratory birds plus iguanas, sloths, turtles, caimans and three different species of monkeys. Your cruise will end in the afternoon, and you'll have the rest of the evening to do as you wish in La Fortuna.Overnight: Arenal Paraiso or Mountain Paradise Hotel (or similar) in La FortunaDay 4: La Fortuna - MonteverdeTransfer to Monteverde, including a 30-minute boat tour across Arenal Lake. Along the way, spot several small islands and enjoy panoramic views of the natural surroundings. Once you've arrived on the other side, ride in a comfortable van directly to your hotel. After checking in, explore the area at your leisure or just enjoy the breathtaking views while you relax. You'll have several options (own expense), including a canopy tour, frog pond or butterfly garden.Overnight: Monteverde Cloud Forest Lodge or El Establo Hotel (or similar) in MonteverdeDay 5: Monteverde Depart for the Monteverde Reserve for a 2-hour Sky Walk tour - a series of suspension bridges and well-maintained walking trails built 984 feet (300 meters) above the tropical forest canopy of Monteverde Cloud Forest.Explore the forest safely and easily as you admire the area's flora and fauna with commentary by an expert guide. After you descend, enjoy the rest of the afternoon relaxing at your leisure. You'll have the additional option to go on a canopy tour, frog pond or butterfly garden (own expense). Overnight: Monteverde Cloud Forest Lodge or El Establo Hotel (or similar) in MonteverdeDay 6: Monteverde - Tamarindo (B) Start your day with breakfast, and then take a 3-hour trip to Guanacaste, a province known for its beaches and its dry tropical forest. Along the way, take in the amazing views and learn about the history of the local towns from your knowledgeable guide.Overnight: Hotel Tamarindo Diria or Cala Luna Hotel (or similar) in TamarindoDay 7: Guanacaste (L)Head to Vida Aventura Nature Park, located in the Guanacaste mountain range, for a full day of ziplining and horseback riding, as well as relaxing in hot springs and a mud bath! When you arrive, put on a harness and get trained on riding the zipline. Then, take off through the canyon and soar around the forest canopy along seven cables. After you've landed, mount a horse for a ride over hillside trails, learning about the diverse flora and fauna as you cross streams and pastures. Keep an eye out for two active volcanoes, Rincon de la Vieja and Miravalles, and admire the spectacular panoramic views along the way.When you've completed the horseback ride, enjoy a typical Costa Rican lunch. Then, soak in a thermal mud bath and hot spring in gorgeous surroundings. Lather soft volcanic mud on your skin and dip into a geothermal pool to washing it away, soothing any sore muscles as you relax.Overnight: Hotel Tamarindo Diria or Cala Luna Hotel (or similar) in TamarindoDay 8: Guanacaste Enjoy a day of free time, either exploring Guanacaste at your leisure or enjoying optional tours (own expense), including Palo Verde National Park, a city tour of Liberia, a 1-day tour to Nicaragua or the Sky Walk at Tenorio Volcano National Park.Overnight: Hotel Tamarindo Diria or Cala Luna Hotel (or similar) in TamarindoDay 9: Tamarindo - LiberiaYou'll be picked up at the lobby of your hotel and transfer you to Liberia International Airport (LIR) for your departing flight.Note: If you would like to end your tour in San Jose, a private transfer can be arranged and be paid on the day of travel (approx. USD $205 per person)

9-Day Best of Northwest Costa Rica from San Jose: Arenal Volcano National Park, Monteverde Cloud Forest and Guanacaste

Inclusions & Exclusions

Departure & Return

What To Expect

Additional Info

Cancellation Policy

Similar tours that might be interesting for you