Escape to the wilds of Costa Rica where keeping your head in the clouds is not only permitted but required! From the fascinating sights of San Jose to the artisans of Sarchí to Arenal Volcano National Park to the exquisite natural paradise of the Monteverde Cloud Forest, you’ll find that where it rains it teems with spectacular species in a kaleidoscope of flora and fauna in one of the world’s most bio-diverse natural habitats. From wildcats to bats; butterflies to boisterous birds; and sleepy sloths who call the Tilaran mountains home, explore each day’s adventure before returning to the creature comforts of a comfortable sanctuary of your own.
San Jose round trip; 7 days, 3 cities
Highlights:
- Visit the main attractions of San Jose
- Journey to Monteverde
- Stop in the quaint town of Sarchí, known as the cradle of Costa Rican artisans
- Explore Monteverde Cloud Forest
- Naturalist guided walking tour of Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve
- Travel to the outdoor adventure mecca of La Fortuna and Arenal Volcano National Park
- Hike through the Mirador 1968, a private reserve located next to Arenal Volcano National Park
- Free time to explore at your own pace or relax: Ask about excursion add-ons to enhance your free time
Day 1: ARRIVE IN SAN JOSÉ, COSTA RICA
Meet your Tour Director at your hotel.
Day 2: SAN JOSE–MONTEVERDE CLOUD FOREST
After breakfast, visit the main attractions of San Jose with a guide. Then, journey to Monteverde, situated on the Continental Divide under misty cloud coverage in one of the world’s most bio-diverse areas. On route, stop in the quaint town of Sarchí, known as the cradle of Costa Rican artisans. Continue the journey, ascending to the Tilaran mountain range towards Monteverde Cloud Forest where the weather and vegetation begin to change. Free time this evening.
Meal: Breakfast
Day 3: MONTEVERDE
This morning, take a Naturalist guided walking tour of Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve, home to forest fauna such as sloths, jaguars, ocelots, monkeys, coatis, and numerous species of birds. With almost 100% humidity throughout the year, the cloud forest experiences almost 12 feet of rain per year. Free time this afternoon and evening.
Meal: Breakfast
Day 4: MONTEVERDE–ARENAL
Today, we travel to the outdoor adventure mecca of La Fortuna and Arenal Volcano National Park. Enjoy free time in La Fortuna before continuing to Arenal for a 3-night stay at an eco-resort. Enjoy free time this afternoon to enjoy the resort’s pool and jacuzzi or consider a walk around the riverbank or surrounding gardens.
Meal: Breakfast
Day 5: ARENAL
Rise and shine with an early hike through the Mirador 1968, a private reserve located next to Arenal Volcano National Park. Here, your Tour Director will show you the evidence of the volcanic activity in the area and how it affected everything, even the smallest ecosystem in this beautiful forest. Then travel to the town of Arenal where you may wish to have a traditional lunch at a local restaurant or enjoy a short walk around town. Return to the resort where the remainder of the day is at leisure to relax or join an optional excursion adventure.
Meal: Breakfast
Day 6: ARENAL
Today is free for you to customize your day with a variety of optional excursions or simply choose to enjoy the resort.
Meal: Breakfast
Day 7: ARENAL–SAN JOSÉ
Your tour ends with breakfast and a transfer back to the San Jose Airport. Please schedule homebound flights after 2pm.
Meal: Breakfast
Please contact our Travel Advisors for details.
Tour Code: GJ