Costa Rican Vacation Packages - Arenal and Beach (Fun and Sun!) Highlights Tour

6 Nights and 7 Days in Arenal and  Manuel Antonio

Itinerary: (note you can have a 'live' chat with us to plan your vacations, just go to MSN messenger and type in rivers@racsa.co.cr)

Day 1.  – Transport from San Jose or Liberia and afternoon Volcano Tour and Hot Springs

8.00am Pick-up from your hotel in San Jose by private transport. Enjoy the scenery as you make your ascent to the beautiful Arenal Volcano near La Fortuna (3 - 4 hours). There will be a stop along the way for a bathroom stop and a snack. You can also opt of shuttle transport to suit your budget.

Note if your plane comes in late you can always do the Volcano Hike and Hot Springs on Day 3

3.30pm. Arenal Volcano Hike and Baldi Hot Springs. Hike through lush rainforest with an experienced naturalist, bilingual guide who will point out things in the primary and secondary rainforest that lines the base of the Arenal Volcano. You'll then arrive at the observation point-the closest you can get to the base of the volcano-and wait for the sun to set. As it starts to get dark, on clear nights you can see the amazing lava flow of Central America's most-active volcano and if you're lucky, you may be able to hear explosions or big lava rocks tumbling down the side of the volcano. Duration: 1.5-2 hours of an easy hike (although there are some muddy sections and a little uphill)

Includes: guide, transportation, entrance to private reserve and volcano viewpoint with beverages.

After the hike we will take you to Baldi Hot Springs where you can soak any aches away from the past few day's activities. Located near La Fortuna, this is a place where you can really relax and pamper yourself. Baldi's has a series of pools and hot springs fed by Arenal Volcano which are set amid glorious tropical gardens so that you can relax in the water, while enjoying the surroundings. The pools vary in temperature, from the temperature of a swimming pool to the warmest at around 39C (102F). It's a place where, on a clear night, you can sit in a warm pool, sipping the cocktail of your choice, while watching the fireworks as Arenal volcano erupts. 

You might also decide to pamper your body by opting for one of the many body treatments which are available such as massage, reflexology, body polish, volcanic mud wraps and facials (these are not included on the tour). 

Night 1  Arenal Volcano Hotels(Choice of hotels)

Day 2.   –Choice of high action or gentle wildlife viewing

8.30am White-water Rafting. The hottest full day white rafting trip in the country on the mighty Rio Toro!  3 hours of non-stop whitewater action. The river canyon includes exotic wildlife and continuous rapids. Once at the river, our experienced guides will give you a thorough safety talk, get you set up with your helmet, life jacket and paddle and then you're off - you'll be paddling for more than 3 hours - we'll stop along the way for a nice, tropical fruit break and afterward we take you out for a typical Costa Rican "casado" lunch. You'll return to La Fortuna and the Arenal Area around 3:30-4. If the river is too high we have alternative rivers to choose from. Or if you wish to choose the lower level Rio Balsa for beginners we can use this option as well. White water rafting Costa Rica is one of those exciting activites that chouldn't be missed!

Alternatively, for those who like a little less action there is the option of a half day Safari Float, which is a gentle float down a Class 1 river, with opportunities to see monkeys and other wildlife. 

Night 2 Arenal Hotel– choice of hotels

Day 3 - Choice of high action or gentle wildlife viewing

9.30am Canyoning Arenal (or canyoneering Arenal).   Imagine yourself in surrounded by lush rainforest atop a magical canyon; full of tropical waterfalls with surprises each step of the way. This awesome canyon is located a short distance from the town of La Fortuna, Costa Rica.  A home cooked Costa Rican typical lunch is also included.   Our canyon is a spectacular site to explore.  The sounds of flowing water, waterfalls, tropical plants and massive trees.  A magnificent experience for all the senses. 

Prepare to get wet as your experienced guides fit you into your safety harness and assist you as you make your way down a series of 5 amazing rappels! You will be descending a total of 600 meters (almost 2000 feet). This adventure is perfect for those looking to combine the thrill of abseiling breath taking, hundred foot waterfalls while taking in the beauty of the forest.

We save the best for last. The grand finale is a huge, 210-ft, 3-stage waterfall!

Canyoning is an adventurous item to add to your Costa Rica vacation package. But.........

Alternatively we can arrange a guide hike on Arenal Hanging Bridges which are located within a migration corridor used by birds traveling between North and South America. The trails and bridges of this interesting and beautiful environmental project bring you close to the birds, the flowers and the lush vegetation of the primary rain forest. 

The Hanging Bridges project consists of eight fixed bridges, ranging in length between 8 and 22 meters, and six hanging bridges, built with the latest techniques and designed with an eye for both beauty and safety. The hanging bridges are between 48 and 98 meters long. All the bridges are made of galvanized steel and high-strength aluminum. The safety mesh and the suspension cables are all galvanized steel. The entire project was designed to blend with the natural environment, leaving the forest virtually intact. The trails cover a distance of 3.1km and provide safe and easy walking.


Night 3 Arenal Hotel– choice of hotels

Day 4 – Transfer to the beach (Manuel Antonio beach)

Choice of private transport (or a collective shuttle to keep the price down)
Stop to see the amazingly big crocodiles at Tarcoles
Put in photo of crocodile My Documents package Manuel Antonio


Night 4 Manuel Antonio  – choice of hotels

Day  5 – On the Beach

Relaxing Day
See fotos  of sunset, monkey and beach   My Documents package Manuel Antonio


Night 5 Manuel Antonio  – choice of hotels

Day 6 –  Boat trip and Optional Snokelling

Take a sailing trip on the Spanish Dancer, a great way to see the Costa Rica Pacific coastline which is one of the most beautiful in the world. The unique geology of the region insures a surprise around every island and shore. We offer your choice of a morning sail into the Manuel Antonio Marine Preserve or a sunset sail. The tour includes snorkeling equipment, a tour of the offshore islands and a delicious meal.  Dolphins play in the wake as you sail silently through the blue pacific waters and the rushing of wind and waves are frequently interrupted by the splash of dolphins and whales coming near for a closer look You will stop for a leisurely swim at one of the white sand beaches and have the option of snorkeling near the underwater reefs of the Manuel Antonio Marine Preserve. Sometimes you can witness a special treat as several species of sea turtles frequent the waters of the Marine Preserve.
See photos – turtle, whale, boat, dolphins


Night 6 Manuel Antonio  – choice of hotels

Day 7 – Transfer to San Jose (am or pm). Private or shuttle.

Night at hotel near the airport – choices available.

Details:

Minimum 2 people (double or more occupancy). Price depends on choice of hotel and choice of transport (shuttle or private).

Example price using hotels La Pradera in Arenal, Inn at the Park in Manuel Antonio and Hotel Mango in San Jose, Rio Balsa, canyoneering and shuttle options: $697pp

Hotels (La Fortuna, Arenal): 3 nights

You can choose from Economy hotels (such as Arenal Jireh, Hotel Carmela, San Bosco and La Pradera)
Of middle-range to high end such as Arenal Paraiso, Hotel Manoa, Arenal Springs, Montana de Fuego
Or Deluxe such as Nayara, Kioro, Mountain Paradise Resort

Hotels in Manuel Antonio: we use hotels such as Si Como No, Inn at the Park (ask for choices)

Hotel in San Jose on  last nights – We use Hotel Mango, Hampton Inn, Los Volcanes,  Trapp Family County Inn – other choices available

Note we can also book hotels for first night in San Jose

Dates of trip: We can schedule dates by request.

Included on Trip: All accommodation chosen, all transport, all tours in the itinerary and English speaking guides. 

Not Included: Flights to Costa Rica, meals (some hotels do include breakfast), optional tours or transportation to other tours. 

What to Bring: T-shirts, shorts light rain jacket or poncho,  sandals, light hiking boots, sun screen, insect repellant, any personal medication, swimming wear, towel, traveler's insurance (to include white-water rafting), full passport (a driving license is not sufficient), traveler's checks and a credit card (VISA, MC other cards are difficult to use in Monteverde) and dollars.

NOTE: Adventure tours such as whitewater rafting, horse riding, kayaking, canyoneering and hiking require physical effort. Clients should be in good condition. For client safety and enjoyment, Desafio Adventure Company reserves the right to offer a substitution, postpone, change or cancel any tour due to unfavorable conditions. Full refund is given if (on rare occasion) a tour is cancelled. Desafio Adventure Company and its affiliates are not responsible for lost, stolen or damaged items

* Note we can arrange hotels and transport in San Jose and other parts of Costa Rica. Please let us know if you need our help.  Info@monteverdetours.com We are here to help you plan your Costa Rica Vacation Package and we can help you choose what to put in your package to have a perfect vacation!