Arenal and Monteverde, Short Break

Join our four-day trip and discover the most beautiful gems of Costa Rica, Arenal Volcano and Monteverde Cloud Forest. Sit back and enjoy relaxing bath in the hot springs, warmed up by the undergrounded energy of the Arenal Volcano, and raft down the river accompanied by the rustle of the jungle wildlife during the River Safari Float. The top of this unique experience is the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, which will unveil its secrets during the walk in its green forests. 

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

Arenal Volcano Region: Costa Rica’s most active volcano. Its smoky atmosphere tempts nature and adventure lovers for hiking trails and stunning waterfalls, gushing rivers, beautiful vegetation and wildlife make this place truly majestic sight.

Monteverde Cloudforest Region: A true nature lovers paradise with a marvellous diversity of wildlife and plant life. Monteverde Cloud Forest is a unique area to observe exotic highland bird species or to explore the cloud forest canopy. 

Day 1: ARRIVAL SAN JOSE - LA FORTUNA DE SAN CARLOS (150 km – 2.5 hrs)

Upon landing at Juan Santamaria Airport, a representative will meet and transfer you to the hotel. Arrive at the small picturesque village La Fortuna de San Carlos, the getaway to the magnificent Arenal Volcano. Check in to your hotel, take rest and in the afternoon prepare yourself for the first exotic experience, Hotsprings, wonderful escape to a natural paradise, surrounded with pools and thermal waters coming from the deepest heart of the powerful Arenal Volcano. Take a bath in the middle of the tropical forest and enjoy the warm touch of mineral waters and waterfalls surrounded by the exotic gardens. For a perfect night closure, enjoy a delightful dinner (included).

Overnight in hotel in Arenal.

Day 2: ARENAL – PEÑAS BLANCAS – ARENAL (125 km – 2.45 hrs)

Start your day with a luscious breakfast at the hotel, before you get into the transfer heading to Peñas Blancas, for another Costa Rican experience, River Safari Float. Embark to your raft and together with your guide sail down the wild river, accompanied by the screaming sounds of the surrounding jungle. Monkeys, iguanas, Jesus Christ lizards and much more reside along the banks of this amazing river. After returning to the dock, you will depart for the Tortilla Making experience at the home of a local family. Get a deeper insight into the real meaning of “Pura Vida” (pure life) experienced by rural Costa Ricans. Be welcomed with a tropical drink at the "rancho" (like a gazebo) and enjoy a delicious lunch prepared on a rustic wood-fired stove (included). While lunch is cooking, you will get an opportunity to try your hand at making tortillas from freshly ground corn “masa,” afterwards enjoy the fresh home-made tortillas served for lunch! You will be back at the hotel in the afternoon, and the rest of the day at leisure. 

Overnight in hotel in Arenal.

Day 3: ARENAL – MONTEVERDE (70 km – 2 hrs)

Wake up to the tasty breakfast at your hotel and get ready for the transfer to the Monteverde Region, one of the most breath-taking nature reserves in the entire world. To get to the Monteverde area you will be crossing the Arenal Lake on a comfortable pontoon boat, and then continue to the Monteverde town. Your guide will take you to the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve that will astound you with its remarkable charm, and biodiversity, where wind-sculpted elfin woodlands give way to rainforests with tall trees rise high into the sky. Step foot on the Continental Divide, and get amazed by the gorgeous views on the Caribbean ocean on one side and the Pacific Ocean on the other. Once back in the hotel, spend the rest of the day at leisure, absorbing this tropical atmosphere. 

Overnight in hotel in Monteverde.

Day 4: DEPARTURE MONTEVERDE – SAN JOSE (150 km – 2.5 hrs)

Enjoy your last breakfast at the hotel, check-out from the hotel and at the designated time hop on the transfer that will take you back to Juan Santamaria International Airport, so you can take your onwards flights to your following destinations. 

Comfortable and light clothing is the most suitable for travelling. Sun protection, sunglasses, tennis shoes, hiking shoes, sandals, raincoat or jacket, bathing suit, a hat or cap and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay.