9-Day Best of Northwest Costa Rica from San Jose: Arenal Volcano National Park, Monteverde Cloud Forest and Guanacaste

Day 1: Welcome to Costa Rica

1. San Jose
   Pass by
   After your arrival at the San José airport, you’ll be greeted by your driver and transferred to your selected hotel.

Day 2: Arenal Volcano Area

1. Arenal Volcano National Park
   10h
   Head north to explore the impressive Arenal Volcano, stopping first in the town of Sarchí, known for its family-operated woodworking factories and artisan craftsmanship. Choose from more than 200 stores to see the wooden bowls, rocking chairs and traditional carretas – elaborately painted oxcarts that once carried coffee from the highlands to the coastal port.
   
   Next, travel past cattle ranches and diverse plantations growing agricultural products and ornamental plants. When you arrive in La Fortuna, enjoy lunch in a cozy restaurant.
   After lunch, enjoy a short nature hike.
   In the afternoon, unwind in one of the best thermal baths in the area at the Hot Springs. Later, savor dinner while admiring another magnificent view.
   Please wear: comfortable clothes, tennis or hiking shoes.
   Please bring: bathing suit, extra clothes, sunscreen, camera.
   Overnight at Arenal Hotel
   Services: ground transportation, tour guide, entrance to Hot Springs.

Day 3: Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge

1. Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge
   8h · Admission ticket included
   Get ready for your adventure at Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge, considered one of the most biologically diverse in Costa Rica! Begin your journey in the village of Los Chiles, a border town just two miles (4 km) from Nicaragua.
   
   From here, embark on a 2-hour floating safari along the Rio Frío through tropical rain forest and pastures until you arrive at the marsh, Lago Caño Negro. Within the refuge, view a variety of resident and migratory birds plus iguanas, sloths, turtles, caimans and three different species of monkeys.
   Please wear: comfortable clothes, tennis shoes.
   Please bring: sunscreen, mosquito repellent, hat, camera, binoculars and valid passport.
   Overnight at Arenal Hotel
   Services: ground transportation, tour guide for the activity.

Day 4: Transfer Arenal to Monteverde

1. Lake Arenal
   3h
   Transfer to Monteverde, including a 45-minute boat tour across Arenal Lake. Along the way, spot several small islands and enjoy panoramic views of the natural surroundings. Once you’ve arrived on the other side, ride in a comfortable van directly to your hotel.

Day 5: Monteverde

1. Monteverde
   2h
   2-hour Sky Walk tour – a series of suspension bridges and well-maintained walking trails built 984 feet (300 meters) above the tropical forest canopy of Monteverde Cloud Forest.
   
   Explore the forest safely and easily as you admire the area’s flora and fauna with commentary by an expert guide.

Day 6: Guanacaste

1. Pass by
   Start your day with breakfast, and then take a 3-hour trip to Guanacaste, a province known for its beaches and its dry tropical forest.

Day 7: Vida Aventura

1. Province of Guanacaste
   8h
   Vida Aventura Ranch is the perfect mix of adventure and pleasure in one day.
   You will experience zip lining, horseback riding and thermal pools, all in one day in our exclusive Ranch. Adventure seekers will enjoy this full-day tour at Vida Aventura Ranch and Nature Park, nestled in the scenic mountains of Guanacaste. Fly through the treetops on a series of zip lines, and then return to solid ground for a horseback ride complete with stunning vistas of two active volcanoes. Unwind after your adventure at the thermal pools.
   Minimum 5 yrs old – canopy (zip line) – maximum 250-275 pounds.
   Maximum 250 pounds – horseback
   Please wear: Comfortable clothing, t-shirt, long pants for the horseback ride, tennis shoes.
   Please bring: bathing suit, extra clothes, towel, sunscreen, mosquito repellent, hat and a camera.
   Overnight at Guanacaste Hotel
   Services: ground transportation and driver, staff at the tour destination.

Day 8: At leisure

1. Province of Guanacaste
   Pass by
   Enjoy a day off to explore the wonders of the area, relax at the hotel or take an optional activity.

Day 9: Departure Day

1. Liberia
   Pass by
   You'll be picked up at the lobby of your hotel and transfer you to Liberia International Airport (LIR) for your departing flight.
   
   Note: If you would like to end your tour in San Jose, a private transfer can be arranged and be paid on the day of travel (approx. USD $205)

• Specialized infant seats are available
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• Please note: you can book optional tours while in destination for this multi-day trip
• Note: single rooms are only available for 1 person, double rooms for 2 and triple rooms for 3. If you book additional passengers in the rooms, your booking will be rejected and a full refund will be processed