Costa Rica: Arenal Volcano and the Pacific Coast

San José - La Fortuna - Jacó

Adventure, Exploration

Activity Level: 3

Discover the true meaning of Pura Vida with a 7-day excursion through some of the most pristine environments anywhere on the planet. Volcanoes, rainforests, beaches, and more await those ready to escape city life for Costa Rica’s natural wonders and the warm embrace of its culture. This itinerary will take you from the mountains and forests to the beach and back and you will hike to incredible views, swim in beautiful waterfall pools, and snorkel the clear coastal waters. If your idea of a perfect trip means heading home with tired legs, a full heart, and a happy soul, this is the adventure for you!

  • 7 days

  • 8 - 20 spots

  • Double occupancy in 3-star hotels (limited single rooms available)

  • 6 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches and 3 Dinners

Activities Included

  • Organic Farm Visit
  • Hike at Arenal Volcano
  • La Fortuna Waterfall Visit
  • Natural Hot Springs Resort
  • Kayaking and Snorkeling

Other Inclusions

  • Double occupancy in 3-star hotels (limited single rooms available)
  • Local Guide throughout trip
  • All city transfers

Optional Activities

  • Canyoneering with Lunch
  • Ziplining
  • Guided Tour to Manuel Antonio National Park

Exclusions

  • International flights
  • Food and alcohol (except as noted)
  • Visas and travel insurance
  • Airport transfers
  • Tips for Guides

Itinerary

Day 1

info

Day 1

Welcome! Please be prepared to meet in the lobby at 5:30 pm to depart for your welcome dinner. The dinner reservation time will be finalized closer to your trip date. If you plan on arriving today, we recommend flying into SJO airport

meal

dinner

Welcome dinner at a local restaurant is included. Your meal will typically be a 3-course set menu with 1 non-alcoholic beverage included, subject to change. To get to dinner you will take a 40 minute transfer.

accommodation

Hotel Auténtico, or similar

Overnight in San Jose.

Day 2

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Day 2

Wake up rested and ready for your first full day in Costa Rica! After filling up on breakfast, you’ll head out of the city and into the rainforest toward La Fortuna. On the way you’ll stop at an organic farm tucked in the hills to learn about the local rural life of Costa Rica. There you’ll enjoy a traditional Costa Rica lunch before continuing to the Arenal Volcano where you’ll hike the lava flows of the famous 1968 volcanic eruption. After your hike, you’ll check into your hotel to freshen up, and then you’ll have the evening to relax and enjoy dinner on your own. For the day’s activities be sure to bring bug spray, sunscreen, a hat, hiking shoes/boots, a water bottle and car sickness medication - if needed.

meal

breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel is included. Typical hotel breakfasts are continental, full/American, or buffet style. The exact breakfast offered will be determined by your finalized hotel.

transfer

APPROX. 3 HOURS

Transfer to the Organic Farm

Take a private transfer from San Jose to the Organic Farm. Stops for bathrooms will be made along the way as needed with a final stop 30 minutes before arriving at the Organic Farm.

activity

APPROX. 2 HOURS

Organic Farm Visit

Experience Costa Rican rural life as the local Elizondo Herrera family takes you on a tour of their farm. You’ll take a short 30 minute walk as you tour the farm and learn about the different plants and fruits that are grown there such as the all important pineapple! Then you’ll learn how to make homemade tortillas before sitting down to enjoy a traditional lunch prepared by Herreras.

meal

lunch

Lunch at the Organic Farm is included. Your meal will be a typical Costa Rican casado meal that will vary based on the available seasonal ingredients. One juice beverage is also included.

transfer

APPROX. 1 HOUR

Transfer to the Arenal Volcano

Continue your private transfer to the Arenal Volcano.

activity

APPROX. 2 HOURS

Hike at Arenal Volcano

Break out your boots! It’s time to cross hardened lava flows, take in the panoramic views, and discover the plant and animal life thriving in this National Park. There are 2 trails, beginner and intermediate, and your Guide will choose which is best suited to each group on each particular day. Trail 1 (beginner) – Distance: 1.8 mile / Elevation: 312 feet / Duration: 1-2 hours | Trail 2 (intermediate) – Distance: 3.1 miles / Elevation: 312 feet / Duration: 2-3 hours.

accommodation

Arenal Montechiari, or similar

Overnight in La Fortuna.

Day 3

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Day 3

This morning you’ll have the option to sleep in, have a relaxing breakfast and explore the La Fortuna area more on your own. Or for the adventurous, sign up for a morning of Canyoneering. If you choose to not partake in the optional canyoneering activity, you will have the opportunity to get lunch in town on your own before rejoining the group and heading to the La Fortuna Waterfall in the afternoon. At the La Fortuna waterfall, walk down and enjoy the fantastic views and swim in the refreshing water. After the waterfall visit you will go to a natural hot springs resort where you will relax in pools of different temperatures and finish off with a nice meal before heading back to the hotel. Be sure to wear your bathing suit to the La Fortuna waterfall and bring a towel, sunscreen, a hat, a water bottle, comfortable walking shoes and slip on shoes for the hot springs.

meal

breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel is included. Typical hotel breakfasts are continental, full/American, or buffet style. The exact breakfast offered will be determined by your finalized hotel.

activity

APPROX. 2 HOURS

Canyoneering with Lunch (Optional)

In the morning you will take a shared transfer for half an hour to the base of the hill before transferring to an off-road truck that will take you up the hill where you will begin your Canyoneering experience. Rappel down waterfalls, experience a guided freefall, dive into pools, and explore the rainforest. The waterfalls range from 10 feet all the way up to an exciting 200-footer for those guests interested in taking things to the “next level.” For this activity you will want to wear water shoes or sneakers that can get wet, your bathing suit (under a shirt and shorts is recommended), and bring a towel, sunscreen, a hat, and a water bottle. You will be provided with safety equipment (helmet, gloves, safety harness), a locker, and a towel. Lunch is included as part of the Canyoneering Tour. Please note: Canyoneering has a weight limit of 220 lbs and the maximum harness size can fit a waist size of 42".

activity

APPROX. 2 HOURS

La Fortuna Waterfall Visit

In the afternoon you will take a short half hour private transfer to the entrance of the La Fortuna Waterfall. You will need to walk down to get to the La Fortuna Waterfall but don’t be intimidated by the waterfall’s 530-step descent! The rainforest views and wildlife are all worth it. If the weather allows, you’ll even be able to take a dip in the crystal clear waters. After you take in the impressive views and dry off, you’ll take your time walking back up the steps to the entrance. There is a bathroom at the main entrance to change out of your wet clothes if needed.

activity

APPROX. 3 HOURS

Natural Hot Springs Resort

This evening you will relax in natural thermal pools and jacuzzis of different temperatures with focused hydromassage for your back, legs, and feet—the perfect way to reward yourself after chasing waterfalls (IYKYK). Relax in the different temperature pools ranging from 91º F (32 C) to 105º F (41 C). After your soak, you’ll get changed and enjoy an included dinner. Towels and lockers are provided.

meal

dinner

Dinner at the hot springs resort is included. Dinner will typically be a buffet with one non-alcoholic drink included, subject to change.

accommodation

Arenal Montechiari, or similar

Overnight in La Fortuna.

Day 4

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Day 4

Say goodbye to the rainforest and head to the beach! Today you will take a half day transfer to Jaco, a town famed for its world-class surfing beaches and plentiful wildlife. Along the way you’ll make a stop for lunch on your own and you’ll arrive in Jaco in the mid-afternoon. After checking into your hotel you’ll have the rest of the afternoon and evening at your leisure. If you get car sick easily don't forget to bring your car sickness medication!

meal

breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel is included. Typical hotel breakfasts are continental, full/American, or buffet style. The exact breakfast offered will be determined by your finalized hotel.

transfer

APPROX. 4 HOURS

Transfer to Jacó Beach

Take a private transfer from La Fortuna to Jaco. Stops for bathrooms/snacks will be made along the way as needed. Around noon you will make a stop where the guide can recommend restaurant options for you to get lunch on your own.

accommodation

Hotel South Beach, or similar

Overnight in Jacó.

Day 5

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Day 5

Wake up to the sea breeze and enjoy a hearty breakfast. Then take a short transfer where you’ll begin your kayaking adventure off the Pacific Coast. If conditions are right, you’ll also be able to snorkel in the calm water and spot some amazing wildlife. Have an included picnic lunch before heading back to the pick up point. For those who are ready to experience more, sign up for the optional ziplining tour and soar through the sky! The afternoon and evening are free for you to explore and enjoy on your own. Be sure to wear your bathing suit and bring a towel, a hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a camera.

meal

breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel is included. Typical hotel breakfasts are continental, full/American, or buffet style. The exact breakfast offered will be determined by your finalized hotel.

activity

APPROX. 2 HOURS

Kayaking and Snorkeling

Travel half an hour to Agujas Beach where you’ll paddle and snorkel (conditions permitting) the turquoise waters that are home to a variety of tropical fish and even groups of sea turtles. After working up an appetite you will have a picnic lunch. Life jackets, masks & snorkels and paddles are provided. Please note: Kayaking has a weight limit of 275 lbs. No prior experience necessary.

meal

lunch

Picnic lunch as part of the Sea Kayak and Snorkeling activity is included. Typically the picnic lunch consists of fresh fruits, vegetables, bread, meat, chips and juice. Vegetarian sandwich options available.

activity

APPROX. 2 HOURS

Ziplining (Optional)

For those that are still seeking an adrenaline rush, you’ll hop on a half hour transfer straight to the ziplining from the beach. Begin the tour with a 15 minute tractor ride to the top where the thrill begins. After a short safety briefing, you’ll fly through the sky and down to the bottom of the hill. Your experience includes 12 platforms and 10 cables with a total cable distance of 2.2 miles. Harness, helmet, and gloves are provided. No prior experience necessary. Bathrooms are available at the starting point for the zipline activity in case you need to change out of wet clothes. Safety equipment, (helmet, gloves, and harness) will be provided. Be sure to wear comfortable clothes, closed toed shoes, and bring sunscreen. Please note this activity has a weight limit of 250 lbs.

accommodation

Hotel South Beach, or similar

Overnight in Jacó.

Day 6

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Day 6

For your last day, spend it relaxing by the beach in Jaco, or if you’d like to see the rainforest meet the ocean, sign up for a guided tour of Manuel Antonio National Park. Explore this park on foot and the unique combination of the rainforest and the beach. In the evening, enjoy your final farewell meal with your group.

meal

breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel is included. Typical hotel breakfasts are continental, full/American, or buffet style. The exact breakfast offered will be determined by your finalized hotel.

activity

APPROX. 5 HOURS

Guided Tour to Manuel Antonio National Park (Optional)

After transferring about 1 hour and 30 minutes, you’ll reach Manuel Antonio National Park. The magic of the beach and forest come together here visible with walking trails of various lengths. Your guide will take you on a hike and point out the amazing nature that exists here. The park is home to rare species of plants and animals, a mangrove, islands, and a lagoon of over 35 acres. Distance: 1.4 miles one-way (2.8 miles round trip) / Elevation Gain: 525 feet / Duration: 1.5 - 2 hours / Difficulty: Moderate. Please note Manuel Antonio National Park is closed on Tuesdays.

meal

dinner

Farewell dinner at a local restaurant is included. Your meal will typically be a 3-course set menu with 1 non-alcoholic beverage included, subject to change.

accommodation

Hotel South Beach, or similar

Overnight in Jacó.

Day 7

info

Day 7

All good things must come to an end, but only until your next adventure! Enjoy a final breakfast and then make your own way onward. If departing directly from the hotel, we recommend flying out of SJO

meal

breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel is included. Typical hotel breakfasts are continental, full/American, or buffet style. The exact breakfast offered will be determined by your finalized hotel.

Itinerary Details

Itineraries may change throughout the year due to several factors including logistical issues, Traveler feedback, or operational changes. The provided itinerary, including estimated times, serve as guidelines only. As your date of travel approaches, our Operators will amend the itinerary to include more details, adjust activities and provide updated information.

TrovaTrip and our Operators reserve the right to alter itineraries as we deem necessary before and during your experience in-destination.

Our 1% Promise

In partnership with The Cool Effect, 1% of your booking will be donated to reduce carbon emissions through community-based initiatives around the globe. Learn more at cooleffect.org.

$1385+ USD

per traveler
Request trip

$1385+ USD

per traveler