Classic Costa Rica Vacation
CITY - VOLCANO - BEACH
- 2 NIGHTS IN SAN JOSE
- 2 NIGHTS IN ARENAL
- 3 NIGHTS IN SANTA TERESA
This itinerary can be done with a car rental, or with a combination of private transfers and local flights.
Arrive in San Jose International Airport (SJO). Board the car for the private transfer to downtown San Jose (or receive car rental and drive to the city). Check in at Hotel Presidente. Explore San Jose nightlife.
Day 2: Full Day Tour in Central Valley
Embark on a full day tour in the northern Central Valley Mountains or East in the Cartago Region. Top options include:
a) White Water Rafting in Costa Rica'ss top two rivers: Pacuare or Reventazon
b) Visit a Volcano: Irazu or Poas
c) Enjoy a Coffee Tour
d) Explore the Orosi Valley and the Guayabo Ruins
e) Marvel at the La Paz Waterfall Gardens and the zoo
Return to the city to overnight at the Hotel Presidente.
Day 3: San Jose City Tour / Afternoon Drive San Jose - Arenal / evening in Hot Springs Resort
Morning to explore the city on a guided San Jose City Tour. Visit important landmarks including the National Theatre, National, Jade or Gold Museums, the Culture Plaza, Chinatown or some of the amazing Catholic Churches including the Cathedral, Merced or Soledad.
In the afternoon, start the 2 and 1/2 hour drive to the Arenal Volcano Region. Drive northwest on the Interamerican highway, past the airport, Grecia, Naranjo and Palmares. Cross the town of San Ramon and start the drive down the mountains through quaint towns and villages. Continue on the San Carlos plains, rich in cattle land and plantations if yucca, papaya, pineapple, ornamental plants. Drive through La Fortuna and arrive in Tabacon Thermal Resort and Spa. Check in. Evening in the hot springs resort
Day 4: Day of Nature and Adventure in Arenal. Evening in the hot springs
Explore Costa Rica's adventure capital. Some of the most popular tours include:
a) Canyoning or waterfall rappelling
b) Zip lines - we recommend Ecoglide or Sky Trek
c) Hikes in National Parks, Reserves and Hanging Bridges
d) Lake or River Kayaking
e) Paddle Boards in Arenal Lake
f) Tours on horseback, mountain bikes or ATVs
g) Boat tours in Cano Negro Wildlife Reserve
h) White Water Rafting and Safari Floats in three different rivers: Sarapiqui, Balsa and Penas Blancas
Return to Tabacon for an afternoon in the spa, evening in the hot springs and overnight at the hotel.
Day 5: Morning Half Day Adventure in Arenal / Afternoon Drive to Puntarenas / Ferry Crossing to Paquera / Drive to Santa Teresa
Morning to embark on a half day tour in Arenal. Check out and start the 2 hour drive to Puntarenas. Board the 1 hour ferry to Paquera. Disembark, and continue on the 1 hour drive past Tambor and Cobano to Santa Teresa. Arrive and check in at Nantipa
Relax at the beach and in the resort, or embark on a fun activity in the Santa Teresa Region. Top options include:
a) Yoga lessons
b) Surfing lessons with a Professional Instructor
c) Tours on horseback
d) Hiking tours in Cabo Blanco or Kuru Reserves
e) Snorkeling at Tortuga Island
f) Deep sea or in-shore fishing tours
Leave time for an amazing spa experience at the hotel. Overnight in Nantipa.
Day 8: Drive to Tambor and Flight to SJO or Drive to Liberia Airport (LIR)
- If your flight departs from the Liberia International Airport (LIR), start the 3 hour drive north through the Guanacaste cattle lands. Return the car and check into your return flight home.
- If your flight home departs from San Jose, then drive for 45 minutes to Tambor. Return the car. Board the 30 minute flight to San Jose. Arrive at SJO and check into your return flight home.