Compare Simply Costa Rica: Arenal, Monteverde & Manuel Antonio by Audley Travel vs Costa Rica in 9 days - Pura Vida & Paradise in Tamarindo - Superior by Exoticca
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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4.5 | Great
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| Duration | 11 days | 9 days |
| Price From | $ 3,000 | $ 1,399 |
| Price Per Day | $ 273 | $ 155 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Private guided tour | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Luxury |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Airfare included |
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| Meals Included | N/A | 8 breakfasts. |
| Description |
Zip-lining through cloudforest, observing nesting turtles, rainforests alive with the chaotic symphony of insects… On a tailor-made holiday to Costa Rica with Audley, you’ll see the highlights — and much more — your way. We’ll design your ideal trip with you, paying close attention to your interests, your travel style and your budget. Our Costa Rica specialists know the country inside out and can lead you to experiences you won’t find in a guidebook. |
The perfect mix of adventure and relaxation in the tropical paradise of Costa Rica. Stroll through the historic streets of San José and feel the strength of the Arenal Volcano as you uncover the native wildlife on a nature hike. Admire the verdant landscapes of the interior before heading to the coast for a relaxing stay in Tamarindo. Ready to live the Pura Vida? |
Day 1 : San Jose
Today you begin your journey by boarding your international outbound flight to San Jose. Arrive in Costa Rica's capital city San Jose, where your private guide meets you at the airport. You're driven to your hotel in downtown San Jose by private transfer.
Day 2 : Arenal Volcano
Travel via a shared minibus transfer of around three hours to your hotel in the Arenal Volcano region. In the afternoon you'll enjoy some free time to start exploring. You might like to visit the La Fortuna waterfall, hike to the base of the volcano or simply rest and relax in your lush and tranquil hotel surroundings.
Day 3 : Arenal Volcano
Enjoy a shared trip today to the Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge, an hour and a half away by shared transfer, where you take a boat journey along the Rio Frio in search of sloth, caiman, tropical birds, monkeys and turtles. This is a half day trip including guides, snacks, lunch, all transfers and a stop off to buy breakfast and purchase souvenirs en route.
Day 4 : Arenal Volcano
A day at leisure to relax by the hotel pool or add more activities: you could go kayaking on Arenal Lake, zip-lining, white water rafting or visit the nearby hanging bridges.
Day 5 : Monteverde Cloudforest
This morning, travel to the Monteverde Cloudforest by shared transfer and a scenic boat ride. The drive, although a little bumpy, goes through truly spectacular scenery. The whole transfer takes around four hours in total. Once in Monteverde, you'll have the afternoon to relax or start exploring, before your night tour to look for the creatures of the forest after dark.
Day 6 : Monteverde Cloudforest
This morning, take a fun and interactive tour to a local family-run plantation where they grow coffee, sugar cane, oranges and bananas. In the afternoon, you'll visit Monteverde's canopy walkways and try out some exhilarating zip-lining through the treetops.Both these trips are shared group trips with transfers included, and an English speaking guide.
Day 7 : Manuel Antonio
Today you travel five hours by shared coach to the stunning Central Pacific coast and your hotel close to Manuel Antonio. On arrival, spend the rest of the day relaxing at your hotel or head off to explore this beautiful coastline.
Day 8 : Manuel Antonio
At leisure in Manuel Antonio. We suggest heading off early in the morning to the beach in the national park, which is a short journey away by the hotel's complimentary shuttle bus.
Day 9 : Manuel Antonio
Further relaxation on the beach. You could perhaps arrange a kayaking or catamaran tour.
Day 10 : International return flight
Take a private three hour transfer back to San Jose in time for your flight home.
Day 11 : International return flight
Arrive home today to complete your journey.
Day 1: US - San José
Ready to live the Pura Vida in Costa Rica? Arrive at your US departure airport to board a flight* to San José. Arrive in the capital of Costa Rica and transfer to your hotel. Spend the rest of the day at your leisure getting to know the colonial plazas and charming neighbourhoods of San Jose. Overnight stay in San José.
Day 2: San José - Arenal
Breakfast at the hotel. This morning, take a shared transfer to Arenal, passing by the lush landscapes of Costa Rica's interior. Arrive at the hotel and check-in. In the afternoon, meet your guide and embark on a guided hike to the Arenal Volcano. Enjoy a hiking experience through trails marked with the remains of previous lava flows of the impressive and majestic Arenal Volcano. The main attraction of La Fortuna is the Arenal Volcano, with its nearly perfect cone shape and a height of 1633 meters. Along the hike, you can discover the abundant flora and fauna which inhabits the rainforest, which is being regenerated. Learn all about the Arenal Volcano and its history and activity from your guide. After the hike, you may choose to visit one of the popular hot springs in the area to relax and enjoy the thermal waters, which are naturally heated by the volcano (optional extras).* Overnight stay in Arenal. * Paradise Hot Springs Pass: Enjoy an evening of indulgence with a pass to the Paradise Natural Hot Springs, heated by the Arenal Volcano. Enjoy access to three different hot pools and two hydromassage hot tubs, perfect for relaxing in the beautiful tropical surroundings.
Day 3: Arenal - Rio Peñas Blancas - Arenal
Breakfast at the hotel. Today, set off on an exciting river safari in an inflatable raft along the quiet Rio Peñas Blancas. Accompanied by an expert naturalist guide, travel through the abundant waterways, teeming with colorful flora and fauna. Look out for monkeys, toucans and sloths and spot vibrant tropical birds as you soak up the beauty of the immaculate natural environment. Return to Arenal and enjoy the remainder of the day relaxing at your leisure and enjoying the views of the Arenal Volcano. Overnight stay in Arenal
Day 4: Arenal
Breakfast at the hotel. Another free day to enjoy the tranquillity of this beautiful natural environment. We recommend the optional excursion to the Hanging Bridges for a unique view of the rainforest, or a sloth observation excursion.* Overnight stay in Arenal. * Optional Hanging Bridges Cloud Forest Excursion: Admire the beauty of the forest and the backdrop of the Arenal Volcano and gain valuable insight into the native plant and animal species from your expert guide. Journey across a series of hanging bridges for a birds-eye view of the rainforest. * Optional Sloth Observation Excursion: Get to know these beloved slow-moving animals, icons of Costa Rica. Head to the aptly named 'Lazy Territory', a small eco-project, home to a population of sloths. Follow the trails and spot both two-toed and three-toed sloths resting in the treetops with the help of an expert guide.
Day 5: Arenal - Tamarindo
After a delicious breakfast transfer to Tamarindo, in the province of Guanacaste, known for its beautiful beaches and surfing. Arrive at the hotel and begin your relaxed beach stay surrounded by idyllic beaches, bathed in Guanacaste sunshine. Overnight stay in Tamarindo.
Day 6: Tamarindo
Breakfast at the hotel. This morning, set off to Las Baulas National Park to enjoy a boat safari through its lush mangroves. A 2-hour boat tour will take you through rich, biodiverse habitats, teeming with monkeys, tropical birds and crocodiles. Feel close to nature as you soak up the beautiful landscapes and learn about the unique habitat with the help of an expert naturalist guide. Slowly travel along the channels, so as not to disturb the wildlife, and admire the wonderful natural beauty of this idyllic reserve. Back at the hotel, the remainder of the day is free at your leisure. We recommend an optional canopy tour in the Hilltop Eco Adventure Park.* Overnight stay in Tamarindo. * Optional Canopy Tour: Begin your adventure in the treetops of the Hilltop Eco Adventure Park, for fantastic views of Tamarindo Bay and a series of suspension bridges and zip wires to explore the rainforest like a pro! It's a heart-pumping experience to see wildlife from this unique vantage point!
Day 7: Tamarindo
Breakfast at the hotel. Spend the day relaxing on the beaches of Tamarindo at your leisure. If you'd rather get moving and see more of the region, embark on one of our optional excursions such as a Catamaran Tour or a Quad Biking experience!* Overnight stay in Tamarindo. * Optional Catamaran Tour: Set off in the morning on a relaxing catamaran tour. The route is the same as the afternoon but with much less boat traffic. Look out for marine life such as whales, dolphins and rays, and enjoy snorkelling in the clear waters. Buffet brunch included. * Quad Biking (ATV) Experience: Get comfortable on your Quad Bike with the help of the crew before discovering the verdant rainforest and tropical jungles of the mountains surrounding Tamarindo, home to monkeys, iguanas and sloths! It's an exhilarating experience as you drive along dirt roads to the stunning viewpoint that looks over the Bay of Tamarindo. One quad bike per person with the option to share a quad bike. If both passengers want to drive the same quad bike you must pay for two people. Self-driven excursion with a guide. Minimum 2 quad bikes for the tour to operate.
Day 8: Tamarindo - San José
Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer back to the capital, to spend your last night in San José. We suggest taking a stroll through this beautiful city, visiting the National Theatre of Costa Rica or enjoying a delicious dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight stay in San José.
Day 9: San José - Night on board
Breakfast at the hotel. At the indicated time, transfer to the airport to board your flight back to the US. Night on board.
Day 10: US
Touch down in the US and end your trip, filled with brilliant memories and feeling refreshed after your Costa Rican adventure!
