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

San Jose

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

• Admission Ticket Free

Sarchi

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.

45 Minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Arenal Volcano National Park

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, affording excellent views of this natural phenomenon that attracts thousands of visitors each year. In the afternoon, enjoy a 1 1/2 hike through through the forest and then, relax in one of the best thermal baths in the area at Baldi Hot Springs resort. Dinner is included.

2 Hours • Admission Ticket Free

Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge

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. Your cruise will end in the afternoon, and you’ll have the rest of the evening to do as you wish in La Fortuna.

2 Hours • Admission Ticket Included

Lake Arenal

Transfer to Monteverde, including a 30-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.

3 Hours • Admission Ticket Included

Monteverde

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. After you descend, enjoy the rest of the afternoon relaxing at your leisure. You’ll have the additional option to go on a canopy tour, frog pond or butterfly garden (own expense).

2 Hours • Admission Ticket Free

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.

• Admission Ticket Free

Province of Guanacaste

Head to Vida Aventura Nature Park, located in the Guanacaste mountain range, for a full day of ziplining and horseback riding, as well as relaxing in hot springs and a mud bath! When you arrive, put on a harness and get trained on riding the zipline. Then, take off through the canyon and soar around the forest canopy along seven cables. After you’ve landed, mount a horse for a ride over hillside trails, learning about the diverse flora and fauna as you cross streams and pastures. Keep an eye out for two active volcanoes, Rincon de la Vieja and Miravalles, and admire the spectacular panoramic views along the way. When you’ve completed the horseback ride, enjoy a typical Costa Rican lunch. Then, soak in a thermal mud bath and hot spring in gorgeous surroundings.

4 Hours • Admission Ticket Free

Province of Guanacaste

Enjoy a day of free time, either exploring Guanacaste at your leisure or enjoying optional tours (own expense).

• Admission Ticket Free

Liberia

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)

• Admission Ticket Free