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11 Day itinerary in Costa Rica, Central America & Caribbean

Volcano, Jungle & Beaches

With a mix of rugged jungles, active volcanoes, and stunning beaches, Costa Rica offers some of the best natural and cultural experiences that our travelers would like to enjoy, all conveniently packed into one country. Almost a quarter of the land is preserved within national parks, allowing a wi... Read More

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YulianaOlman

By Yuliana and Olman

Overview

Physical Difficulty

Easy
help_outline

Recommended Age

Everyone

Operated in

English

GUIDANCE

On Some Day Trips

starting point

San José

trip type

Private

trip attributes

Meet local people

Hiking

Purposeful Travel

Nature & Wildlife

Food & Culinary

Start/End

Night

Highlights

1

Asis Wildlife Refuge

2

Arenal Vida Campesina Farm

3

Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve

4

Manuel Antonio Beach

Itinerary

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Day 1

place Transfer IN

Arrival in San Jose: Welcome to beautiful Costa Rica! 

¡Bienvenidos a Costa Rica! Once you arrive in beautiful Costa Rica, a representative will be waiting for you at the airport and will provide all the travel documents you need. Transportation service will take you to your hotel located in the heart of the metropolitan area of San José.  If you arrive early, we have some suggestions for you to experience the cultural attractions of Costa Rica's capital city. Be sure to explore Barrio Amón, a historic neighborhood home to cafetalero (coffee grower) mansions built during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Many of this area’s historic buildings have been converted into hotels, restaurants, and galleries, making Amón a popular bohemian district.  For dinner, opt for a restaurant in the hills of Escazú. This elevated region on the western edge of the city offers panoramic views of the valley below. That said, San José is filled with great restaurants serving everything from traditional to forward-thinking fusion cuisine.

Accommodation:

  • Comfort: Park Inn by Radisson San Jose, Costa Rica
Day 2

place From San Jose to la Fortuna (Arenal Volcano)

Today, at the appropriate time, you will be transferred through the northern plains of the country with its exotic tropical flora and different plantations before you get to La Fortuna, the little town located by the impressive Arenal Volcano. The beautiful town of La Fortuna is located at the base of the magnificent Arenal Volcano. Here you will have the opportunity to explore its beautiful surroundings and you can also visit the incredible Arenal Volcano National Park. The town of La Fortuna is known for its wonderful combination of adventure and nature, you can do many different activities or visit one of the hot springs resorts where you will undoubtedly relax and have a great experience.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

  • Comfort: Arenal Manoa & Hot Springs
Day 3

place Proyecto Asis Rehabilitation Center + Volunteering

Today you'll visit Proyecto Asis, a rehabilitation and rescue center for local animals. The tour, led by one of the naturalists, begins with a brief introduction to the center, followed by a walk along the trails of the reserve with your guide. As you walk, you'll get to know each animal and its story. Because the goal of the center is to release as many animals back into the wild as possible, the animal species at the center vary. However, visitors will likely see anteaters, snakes, monkeys, parrots, and sloths. You will learn about why animal conservation is important, how it should be done sustainably, and what impact you are making by visiting the center. The knowledge and insights shared by your guide will engage you and challenge you to think about conservation in a new way. With the volunteer tour, you will get some hands-on time to help with the rehabilitation of animals. This includes an opportunity to learn how to prepare and give the animals their food, and create environmentally enriching activities to enhance their daily routines, which will be the highlight of your visit. You will go home with a greater knowledge of local wildlife and unforgettable memories! **To follow the directions from the Ministry of Environment, only the staff is allowed to feed the animals. However, this kind of experience is a magnificent way to  learn about animal welfare**

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

  • Comfort: Arenal Manoa & Hot Springs
Day 4

place Visit Mistico Hanging Bridges Park & Traditional Cooking Class

Visit Mistico Hanging Bridges Park Today you will visit the Mistico Hanging Bridges Park, where visitors can wander along trails, and kids, especially, will get a kick out of crossing 15 bridges—some that are hundreds of feet long—for a once-in-a-lifetime view of Arenal Volcano.  You will wander along well-marked trails that lead you over suspension bridges high above the treetops —some that are hundreds of feet long—for a once-in-a-lifetime view of Arenal Volcano. You'll also get an up-close look at the incredible biodiversity in this region. More than 350 bird species can be found here alone.  Traditional Cooking Class In the late afternoon, you will visit Arenal Vida Campesina to enjoy a delicious cultural experience. Many cultures identify themselves through their cuisine and Costa Ricans are no exception. Contrary to popular belief, Costa Rican cuisine is so much more than just "rice, beans, and chicken"! Tonight, you'll not only enjoy a delightful, local-style meal but, with the guidance of a skilled local, you'll learn how to prepare traditional Costa Rican recipes yourself. Upon arrival, you'll learn about the gardens and farms where the fresh cooking ingredients come from, gaining an understanding of what it takes to get the food from the farm to the table. Then, you'll try your hand at mixing up a tropical, homemade Costa Rican cocktail or jungle juice! You will then get ready to learn how to cook up some Tico-style "picadillos," tortillas, and "guisados" for a delicious sit-down meal and plenty of captivating conversation!

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation:

  • Comfort: Arenal Manoa & Hot Springs
Day 5

place From Arenal Volcano to Monteverde Cloud Forest (car-boat-car)

Today you will continue your journey to Monteverde Cloud Forest by a (car-boat-car) transportation crossing the Arenal Lake, you will eventually reach Santa Elena, a little town located by the Monteverde Cloud Forest Preserve.   Green, breezy, and cool, Monteverde Cloud Forest is one of the most exciting destinations in Costa Rica. Set on a high mountain ridge, its tiny village, Santa Elena, was founded in the 50s by a small group of conservation-minded Quakers who were looking for a peaceful place to live. Its Cloud Forest Reserve is one of the most important wildlife sanctuaries in the tropics, well known both among scientific researchers and eco-travelers.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

  • Comfort: El Establo Mountain Hotel
Day 6

place Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve Hike

Today you will enjoy a nice hike, you will be picked up at your hotel and transferred from your hotel a short distance to the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve.  This is one of the jewels in Costa Rica's ecological crown. Known as the "green lung of Costa Rica" due to its rich biodiversity, this is the largest of these protected areas, with more than 10,415 hectares. Here you can find more than 500 species of orchids at the extremities of huge trees, while lianas, ferns, mosses, and lichens fill the rest of the space. The Monteverde cloud forest is home to more than 130 species of mammals, and 400 species of birds, including the precious Quetzal, 30 species of hummingbirds, 5000 species of moths, and 3000 species of plants. It is certainly a paradise for him the true lover of nature. Monteverde offers more than sweeping panoramas, though. On a guided tour you'll get an up-close look at the incredible biodiversity of this region, where upland and lowland rainforests meet. Once the activity is over you will go back to the hotel.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

  • Comfort: El Establo Mountain Hotel
Day 7

place Transfer From Monteverde to Manuel Antonio Beach

Today, at the appropriate time, transportation will take you to Manuel Antonio Beach. Here is one of the nicest beach areas in Costa Rica, most hotels and restaurants are located on a hill overlooking the Pacific Ocean, offering spectacular sunsets. On the way there you will see amazing landscapes before arriving at Quepos, a small town close to Manuel Antonio National Park. After you check in to your hotel you can enjoy the afternoon exploring the beach or just relaxing in your hotel.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

  • Comfort: Parador Resort & Spa Manuel Antonio
Day 8

place Spice Tour

Experience an unforgettable journey with our spice tour where you can explore a lush landscape of organic ingredients! This cultural experience starts at a private ranch in Londres, near Manuel Antonio where you will learn how organic ingredients such as coffee, cacao, and vanilla are grown and processed. You will be guided through our organic garden to experience how these ingredients are planted, grown, and sustainably harvested then learn how they are transformed into sacred medicines and deliciously sweet chocolaty treats. You will also meet the animals living on the farm including rabbits, goats, ponies, horses, sheep, chickens, and more. After your educational journey is done, enjoy a healthy, delicious, and nutritious lunch at the ranch prepared using local organic produce before departing – a true farm-to-table experience! With this all-in-one tour, you won't miss out on any of the exciting aspects that make up this incredible farm experience. Make lasting memories with friends or family on this unforgettable adventure

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation:

  • Comfort: Parador Resort & Spa Manuel Antonio
Day 9

place Day at Leisure to Discover Manuel Antonio Beach

Free day to build activities on your own, you can enjoy a nice beach day surrounded by the nature of this beautiful area. There are many optional activities to do around this beautiful area, such as Hiking the trails of the National Park (Closed on Tuesdays)  Mangrove kayak tour   Horseback riding tour on a real Costa Rican country farm Surf lessons Snorkeling tours. You can also lay down a blanket and soak up some sun with your favorite book. Of course, taking a dip in the beautiful tropical water is also an option if you would rather cool off. Or just relax and enjoy at your Hotel.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

  • Comfort: Parador Resort & Spa Manuel Antonio
Day 10

place From Manuel Antonio back to San Jose

Today you can spend the morning on the beach and enjoy the sun, in the afternoon a transportation service will take you from the Pacific Coast to the capital, on your way back to San Jose, you will pass beaches and mountains, once you arrive to San Jose, if you have time, you can rest the day you'll have free to explore the city at your leisure. Be sure to explore Barrio Amón, a historic neighborhood home to cafetalero (coffee grower) mansions built during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Many of this area’s historic buildings have been converted into hotels, restaurants, and galleries, making Amón a popular bohemian district.  For dinner, opt for a restaurant in the hills of Escazú. This elevated region on the western edge of the city offers panoramic views of the valley below. That said, San José is filled with great restaurants serving everything from traditional to forward-thinking fusion cuisine.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

  • Comfort: Hilton Garden Inn San Jose La Sabana
Day 11

place Transfer OUT - Juan Santamaria International Airport

Hasta Luego & Pura Vida Today at the appropriate time, you will check out from the hotel and will take a transportation service to the Juan Santamaria International Airport, once you arrive at the airport, you will catch your international flight to your onward destination. Have a safe flight and be sure to come to visit the beautiful country of Costa Rica again soon.

Meals: Breakfast

What’s Included

Accommodation expand_less

  • Arenal Manoa & Hot Springs
  • Park Inn by Radisson San Jose, Costa Rica
  • El Establo Mountain Hotel
  • Parador Resort & Spa Manuel Antonio
  • Hilton Garden Inn San Jose La Sabana

Meals expand_less

  • Breakfast (10)
  • Dinner (1)
  • Lunch (1)

Transport expand_less

  • Transfer San Jose - La Fortuna (Arenal Volcano)
  • Transfer Bus - Boat - Bus to Monteverde
  • Transfer Monteverde - Manuel Antonio
  • Transfer Manuel Antonip - San Jose
  • Transfer OUT San Jose Hotel - Juan Santamaria International Airport
  • Transfer IN Juan Santamaria International Airport - Hotel in San Jose

Activities expand_less

  • Mistico Park - Hanging Bridges Walk (Transportation & entrance fee incl.)
  • Arenal Vida Campesina Farm (Transportation, cooking class, guide & dinner incl.)
  • Spice Tour (Vanilla, Chocolate, Coffe & Spice Tour) - (transportation, guide & lunch incl.)
  • Asis Wildlife Refuge - Wildlife Tour + Volunteering (guide, coffee break & entrance fee incl.)
  • Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve Hiking Tour (transportation, guide & entrance fee incl.)

Not Included expand_less

  • Optional Tours
  • International Flights
  • Airport departure fees or entry taxes
  • None described services or meals
  • Tips and gratuities of any kind
  • Travel insurance

About Yuliana

TEAM LEAD

+1 Local experts

verified Baboo Certified

star_outline 4 (1 reviews)

Expertise: 

Hiking

Rafting

Snorkeling/Diving

Visit markets

Meet local people

Indigenous culture

Culture & History

Kayak & Canoe

Purposeful Travel

Water & Coastline

Nature & Wildlife

During the last few years, I have visited various destinations in Costa Rica, such as beaches, volcanoes, and rainforests. Now, I have the knowledge to offer these incredible experiences to people from all around the world.

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By choosing to travel with us, you support local communities, wildlife, and the environment. We are dedicated to positively impacting the world through every journey we offer.

Let’s regenerate the planet together

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FROM PRICE PER TRAVELER

$2,471.00 USD