Duration: 3 days/2 nights
Price: $650 per person (based on double occupancy), single supplement $ 170
Departs:Daily with a minimum of 2 participants
Destination: Arenal
Arenal
Arenal is an iconic Costa Rican volcano whose steep slopes rise out of the surrounding rainforest. The region around Arenal has a lot to offer. The timing and activities of this tour have been fine tuned to make sure you get the absolute most out of your time in the area. You will be able to visit majestic waterfalls, a rescued wildlife reserve, hike through a landscape shaped by lava flows, have lunch at an organic farm dedicated to preserving the traditional Costa Rican way of life and explore the rainforest on a system of hanging bridges.
- Day 1: La Paz Waterfall Gardens & Transfer to Arenal
- Day 2: Lava Flow walk. Organic Farm lunch & La Fortuna Waterfalls
- Day 3: Arenal Hanging Bridges & Transfer to San Jose or Beach Extension
Day 1: LA PAZ WATERFALL GARDENS & ARRIVAL AT ARENAL VOLCANO
La Paz Waterfall Gardens
our journey begins as you leave the urban center of Costa Rica’s central valley and head north into the mountains. Your first stop is the renowned La Paz Waterfall Gardens. This unique, enchanting location boasts a comprehensive rescued wildlife preserve, which includes jungle cats, monkeys, birds, butterflies, reptiles and amphibians. Enjoy a walk along a sparkling clear mountain river on a trail that provides easy access and great views of gorgeous waterfalls framed by serene forested mountains. Enjoy an appetizing lunch at the facility’s restaurant set amid the lush beauty of their gardens. Then continue your journey through the tropical plantations and cattle ranches of the northern central lowland plains before arriving at your hotel in the Arenal region. (L)
Hotel: Arenal Observatory Lodge or similar (2 nts)
Meals Incl: 2B
Day 2: VOLCANO TOUR, ORGANIC FARM LUNCH, & FORTUNA WATERFALLS
Arenal Volcano
In the morning, traverse a landscape shaped by old lava flows with your naturalist guide. The Arenal Volcano erupted in 1968 devastating the village and farmlands in the western foothills at its base. After slightly more than four decades of activity which included smaller eruptions, hot rock avalanches (termed pyroclastic flows), and lava flows, Arenal Volcano today steams quietly, and heats numerous local rivers that flow near its base. These natural hot rivers have been channeled into pools to create hot springs. The volcano will likely undergo another similar active phase several hundred years from now. Rainforests are now regenerating in the areas cleared by the explosion. During your visit, you may see parrots, toucans and other forest wildlife.
La Fortuna Waterfall
After exploring the lava flows, you will tour an organic farm and educational center managed by a rural family and dedicated to preserving the traditional Costa Rican lifestyle. Here you will have a lovingly prepared typical Costa Rican lunch.
Walk off your lunch with a short afternoon hike to the La Fortuna Waterfall. This beautiful 200 foot-tall waterfall receives its cool, clear waters from the pristine forested mountains of Arenal National Park. The steep trail leads you down through dense, lush rainforest with the objective of reaching a large pool at the base of the falls. (L)
Day 3: ARENAL HANGING BRIDGES & TRANSFER TO SAN JOSE (OR OTHER DESTINATION)
Explore the Arenal Hanging Bridges, a system of suspended bridges and trails that provide access to the forest floor, and canopy layer of a beautiful rainforest. The plant and animal communities that inhabit different layers of a rainforest can be quite different from one another. The lush vegetation is composed of numerous species of palms, ferns, bromeliads, orchids, heliconias and tall trees. From some of the bridges there are panoramic views of nearby Arenal Volcano. As you walk through the rainforest, you may encounter a wide diversity of forest wildlife, including toucans, motmots, trogons, poison dart frogs, howler monkeys, spider monkeys, and white-faced capuchin monkeys. If you don’t recognize the names of these animals, then just ask you friendly, knowledgeable guide!
After your walk, you will have a transfer back to San Jose. If your vacation travels continue on to a beach or another destination, if possible, we recommend you transfer directly to your next destination without returning to San Jose.
Included: Lodging, transportation and meals as specified in the above itinerary where B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner, entrance fees to National Parks and Private Reserves, tours, guide services, applicable taxes, service fees and in-country ground operator support.
Not Included: International airfare, airport departure taxes, meals not specified in the itinerary, alcoholic beverages, personal equipment, extras in hotels (laundry, phone calls, room service), gratuities, or costs associated with changes in your itinerary for reasons.
