Arenal Observatory Lodge
2 days/1 night

Day 1: Scenic drive with Costa Rica Sun Tours driver/guide to Arenal Volcano, stop en route at La Paz Waterfall Gardens for an up close view at a system of 5 different waterfalls and also for lunch. After lunch continue to Arenal. Dinner and overnight at the Arenal Observatory Lodge or similar. From the Observatory, which is situated only 1.6 miles south of the volcano, visitors have an impressive view of this "giant which rumbles" and erupts with spectacular displays of vapor and lava. The Observatory is the only lodge situated within the Arenal Volcano National Park, which encompasses thousands of acres of pristine rainforest and teems with tropical birds and wildlife. (LD)

Day 2: Next morning enjoy a hike to a nearby waterfall and a close-up exploration of a lava flow prior to the drive back to San Jose. (B)

Arenal Observatory Lodge
3 days/2 nights

Day 1: Scenic drive with Costa Rica Sun Tours driver/guide to Arenal Volcano, stop en route at La Paz Waterfall Gardens for an up close view at a system of 5 different waterfalls and also for lunch. After lunch continue to Arenal. Dinner and overnight at the Arenal Observatory Lodge or similar. From the Observatory, which is situated only 1.6 miles south of the volcano, visitors have an impressive view of this "giant which rumbles" and erupts with spectacular displays of vapor and lava. The Observatory is the only lodge situated within the Arenal Volcano National Park, which encompasses thousands of acres of pristine rainforest and teems with tropical birds and wildlife. (LD)
Day 2: Today visit the Arenal Hanging Bridges, entrance fees included. The Hanging Bridges are a complex of 6 hanging suspension bridges rising above the jungle canopy, and almost 2 miles of brick & concrete trails through the lush Rain Forest. The bridges provide an excellent vantage point to observe the flora and fauna from the ground level to the top of the trees. The chain link fence on either side of each bridge is about 50" high, so there is little chance of anyone slipping through. Walk the trails where you will see many varieties of heliconias, flowering ginger, hear howler monkeys, and see many varieties of butterflies, as you learn about the complexity and beauty of the Rain Forest. Afternoon visit Ecotermales (Hot Springs) it has about 5 different pools of Natural Hot Springs including a soothing waterfall for a natural massage. Overnight at Arenal Observatory Lodge. (BD)
Day 3: Next morning enjoy a hike to a nearby waterfall and a close-up exploration of a lava flow prior to the drive back to San Jose. (B)

Day 1: Scenic drive with Costa Rica Sun Tours driver/guide to Arenal Volcano, stop en route at La Paz Waterfall Gardens for an up close view at a system of 5 different waterfalls and also for lunch. After lunch continue to Arenal. Dinner and overnight at the Arenal Observatory Lodge or similar. From the Observatory, which is situated only 1.6 miles south of the volcano, visitors have an impressive view of this "giant which rumbles" and erupts with spectacular displays of vapor and lava. The Observatory is the only lodge situated within the Arenal Volcano National Park, which encompasses thousands of acres of pristine rainforest and teems with tropical birds and wildlife. (LD)

Day 2: Next morning enjoy a hike to a nearby waterfall and a close-up exploration of a lava flow. Mid-morning departure, driving around Lake Arenal continue on to visit the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, one of the most diverse and richest tropical cloud forests in the New World. It is best known as home to the Resplendent Quetzal but has hundreds of other birds, mammals and plant species. Overnight in Monteverde at Hotel Fonda Vela or similar. (BD)

Day 3: Morning visit to the Monteverde Skywalk a Canopy walkway composed of hanging bridges and nature trails that lets you observe Nature from a different perspective. In the afternoon hike through the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve viewing the misty forest with its dense vegetation and majestic trees. Overnight in Monteverde at Hotel Fonda Vela or similar. (BD)

Day 4: Depart for San Jose, late afternoon arrival back in San Jose. (B)

Note: If your planning permits you can continue to the Beach without having to go back to San Jose.

Sarapiqui - Arenal Observatory Lodge
4 days/3 nights

Day 01: Morning pick up by your driver/guide for drive via Braulio Carrillo National Park to Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui, en route, visit La Selva Biological Station for a 2-3 hour hike inside the private reserve. Afternoon is free to enjoy the grounds of Sueño Azul or participate in one of the optional activities the Hotel offers. (D)

Day 02: Morning visit La Paz Waterfall Gardens. At La Paz you have an opportunity to see magnificent waterfalls with viewing platforms, and one of the largest Butterfly Observatory in the world. Enjoy lunch on the terrace dinning room, before you continue on to your hotel in Arenal about a 2-hour drive. Dinner and overnight at the Arenal Observatory Lodge. From the Observatory, which is situated only 1.6 miles south of the volcano, visitors have an impressive view of this "giant which rumbles" and erupts with spectacular displays of vapor and lava. The Observatory is the only lodge situated within the Arenal Volcano National Park, which encompasses thousands of acres of pristine rainforest and teems with tropical birds and wildlife. (BLD)
Day 03: Today visit the Arenal Hanging Bridges, entrance fees included. The Hanging Bridges are a complex of 6 hanging suspension bridges rising above the jungle canopy, and almost 2 miles of brick & concrete trails through the lush Rain Forest. The bridges provide an excellent vantage point to observe the flora and fauna from the ground level to the top of the trees. The chain link fence on either side of each bridge is about 50" high, so there is little chance of anyone slipping through. Walk the trails where you will see many varieties of heliconias, flowering ginger, hear howler monkeys, and see many varieties of butterflies, as you learn about the complexity and beauty of the Rain Forest .
Afternoon visit Ecotermales (Hot Springs) it has about 5 different pools of Natural Hot Springs including a soothing waterfall for a natural massage. Overnight at Arenal Observatory Lodge. (BD)

Day 04: Morning enjoy a hike to a nearby waterfall and a close-up exploration of a lava flow prior to the drive back to San Jose. If planning permits, continue to the Cloud Forest of Monteverde or plan for an extension to a beach area. (B)

Poas Volcano - Monteverde Reserve
3 days/2 nights

Day 1: Morning drive with your driver/guide to Poas Volcano. This volcano's colorful main crater is one of the widest and deepest in the world! You may stand on the edge and look down into its cauldron. It's second crater, Botos, is a crystal clear rain-fed lake surrounded by highland jungle and is reached by a walk of about a half-mile through a unique dwarf cloud forest. After exploring the Park continue to Monteverde. Arrival in Monteverde is in the afternoon. The Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, one of the most diverse and richest tropical cloud forests in the New World is best known as home to the Resplendent Quetzal but has hundreds of other birds, mammals and plant species. Overnight in Monteverde at Hotel Fonda Vela or similar. (LD)

Day 2: In the morning, visit the Skywalk, it's an unforgettable experience, the excitement of looking to one side and seeing the tops of the trees and at the same time feel the sensation of walking among the clouds. SkyWalk is a complex of suspension bridges and platforms constructed within cloud forest. The principal objective is to offer a different observational perspective of tropical forest, as a new alternative in tourism for nature lovers.
In the afternoon, hike through the reserve viewing the misty forest with its dense vegetation and majestic trees. Overnight in Monteverde at Hotel Fonda Vela or similar. (BD)

Day 3: Depart for San Jose, late afternoon arrival back in San Jose. (B)

Note: If your planning permits we recommend to continue to the Beach or another destination without having to go back to San Jose.

OTS La Selva - Sarapiqui
2 days/1 night

Day 01: Morning pick up by your driver/guide for drive via Braulio Carrillo National Park to Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui, en route, visit La Selva Biological Station for a 2-3 hour hike inside the private reserve. Afternoon is free to enjoy the grounds of Sueño Azul or participate in one of the optional activities the Hotel offers. (D)

Day 02: Morning visit La Paz Waterfall Gardens. At La Paz you have an opportunity to see magnificent waterfalls with viewing platforms, and one of the largest Butterfly Observatory in the world. Enjoy lunch on the terrace dinning room, before you continue on to San José. (BL)

Carara National Park - Jaco Beach
3 days/2 nights

Day 01: Morning drive with your driver/guide to the Central Pacific Coast. Enjoy a hike with your guide inside the Carara National Park, located at the geographical midpoint of the Pacific Coast. Carara has a transitional climate between the hot dry northwest and the rainy region of southwest Costa Rica and so contains flora and fauna from both regions. It is home to parrots, parakeets, toucan, trogons, three species of monkeys, and one of only three viable populations of Scarlet Macaws in Central America. After the visit to Carara stop for lunch on own and continue to your selected Hotel. (D)
Day 02: Free day to enjoy the Hotel, explore the area on your own or relax at the Beach. (BD)
Note: As an optional activity we can arrange for a boat tour to nearby Tarcoles River. This 2-3 hour boat tour gives you the chance to experience nature up-close, viewing many species of mangrove/river bird life, crocodiles and monkeys. Also available are Canopy Tours, Hanging Bridges and white water rafting trips.
Day 03: You may chosse between morning or afternoon transfer back to San Jose. (B)

Note: If time permits, you may want to extend your trip further south to Manuel Antonio National Park or up north to the north Pacific beaches of Guanacaste. (B)