Nature's Paradise: Arenal & Manuel Antonio
Costa Rica in 9 Days, 7 Nights in Destination starting from 1,099$
Trip Highlights
Arenal
Manuel Antonio National Park
San Jose
Included
All flights
Accommodation
All transfers
Activities
Breakfast only
Availability
Departures available until March 2026
Available Group tours
Solo travelers from + $380
Add up to 3 nights to your stay
Categories available
charm included
superior from + $1,000
Itinerary
Touch down in San José, Costa Rica’s capital. Next, head to the famous Arenal Volcano, where you’ll be able to explore the region and learn about its geological formation. Continue on to Manuel Antonio National Park, a stunning reserve on the west coast, before ending your adventure in San José.
1st Day: US - San José
Ready to discover the natural wonders of Costa Rica? Arrive at your chosen departure airport and take-off for Central America. Land at Juan Santamaría airport and transfer to your hotel in San José. Spend the evening resting or exploring the city as you please! Overnight in San José.
2nd Day: San José - Arenal
Breakfast at the hotel. Get an informative briefing from your guide before a private shuttle ride to Arenal (approx. 3 hours). An icon of Costa Rica, Arenal is an active volcano nestled in the green, forested north-central part of the country with opportunities to hike, bike, and swim abound. Transfer to your hotel and take some free time to rest and enjoy an independent lunch.
Meet your guide for a half-day tour of La Fortuna, the main town in the region and a base for all further exploration. Get an insiders’ view with tips and hidden treasures, along with an included cup of local coffee to get your energy up! Return to the hotel and overnight stay in Arenal.
3rd Day: Arenal
Breakfast at the hotel. Spend the morning at your leisure, further acclimating to your new surroundings. For those looking to relax on this trip, why not join an optional excursion to the Paradise Hot Springs?*
In the afternoon, meet with your guide for a tour of the Arenal Volcano. Begin in the northwestern section, which was known to be the most active during the last eruptive period. Hike across the regenerating forest and cross over petrified lava, a product of past eruptions. During the tour, our experienced guides will provide context regarding the history of the volcano, lithological cycles, forest formation processes, and general volcanology.
*Optional excursion to Paradise Hot Springs: Revitalize your mind and body with mineral waters naturally warmed by the Arenal Volcano. Enjoy beautiful views and landscaped gardens along with relaxing music. Enjoy an included Costa Rican meal to end your excursion.
4th Day: Arenal
Breakfast at the hotel. Today you have a free day to enjoy in Arenal as you wish. Not sure what to do? Try out one of our optional excursions! You could head to the La Fortuna Waterfall* or try a Tarzan tree-swinging zipline adventure.** Overnight stay in Arenal.
*Optional Fortuna Waterfall & La Finquita tour: Begin your day with a guided tour of La Fortuna Waterfall, which stands 150 feet tall and boasts crystal-clear waters. The falls cascade into a pool below perfect for swimming, playing, and taking pictures! Next, head to La Finquita (“the little farm” in Spanish) to learn more about the local farm-to-table movement and enjoy a freshly-made meal together.
**Optional Arena Canopy Adventure: Just 30 minutes away, visit the world-renowned Arenal Zipline Park and take a 1.2-mile journey through the sky! Observe multiple ecosystems from above, crossing forests, mountains, and canyons on your journey. Don’t worry: while this activity may sound intense, you’ll be accompanied by trained guides to keep you safe the entire time.
5th Day: Arenal - Manuel Antonio
Breakfast at the hotel. Say goodbye to Arenal, it’s time to take your private transfer to the Manuel Antonio National Park on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast. On your drive, you may opt to stop at scenic viewpoints like the Tarcoles River Bridge–you might even spot the crocodiles!
Arrive at Manuel Antonio and check into your hotel. This relatively small reserve is known for its pristine beaches, rocky islets, hiking trails, and tropical wildlife. It's also one of Costa Rica's most popular destinations, with ziplines, snorkeling, and more! With the afternoon ahead of you, take advantage of free time to unwind on the beach or explore the picturesque surroundings of the hotel at your leisure. Overnight stay in Manuel Antonio.
6th Day: Manuel Antonio
Breakfast at the hotel. Start the day with breakfast at the hotel before heading out for a tour of Manuel Antonio National Park, known for its biodiversity and beautiful beaches.
Head to the famous Manuel Antonio National Park for a guided hiking tour. The trail is almost flat and approximately 2 miles long, and your guide will be equipped with telescopes that you can use to observe wildlife from afar. You may encounter toucans, sloths, raccoons, coatis, snakes, various species of monkeys and much more! Halfway through the hike you will make a stop at a beach located within the National Park.
On finishing the tour, you will be provided with transportation back to your hotel. But you may also choose to stay behind and enjoy a sunset cocktail on the beach. Overnight stay in Manuel Antonio.
7th Day: Manuel Antonio - San José
Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy your final morning in Manuel Antonio at your leisure, soaking in your final hours in this natural paradise. In the afternoon, return to San José to spend your last night in Costa Rica. If you didn’t have the chance to explore the city's attractions before, you have some time now! Overnight in San José.
8th Day: San José - Night on board
Breakfast at the hotel*. At the indicated time, transfer to the airport to board your flight back to the US. Night on board.
*Depending on the return flight schedule and the hotel breakfast service, you may not be able to enjoy the included breakfast on the last day.
9th Day: US
Touch down in the US and end your trip, filled with brilliant memories and feeling refreshed after your Costa Rican adventure!
