Costa Rica: Volcanoes, Rainforests & Beaches

The capital San José, spectacular Arenal and its volcano, 3 relaxing days in Playa Panama; travel on your own with flights & hotel included. Optional pre-tour to Tortuguero.

Panoramic view of Arenal
Capuchin monkeys
Red-eyed tree frog
Colorful macaws
Hanging bridges, Arenal
Collared aracari, Tortuguero National Park
Three-toed sloth
Howler monkey
Boat trip through Tortuguero National Park
Aerial view of Playa Hermosa
Keel-billed toucan
Sea turtle nesting on a beach in Tortuguero
Squirrel monkey
Hiking, Arenal National Park
Swimmers, La Fortuna Waterfall
Motorboats traveling through Tortuguero National Park
Green iguana, Tortuguero National Park
Aerial view of Tortuguero
Titokú Hot Springs
Two-toed sloth
Ziplining
Panoramic view of Arenal
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Style
Independent Package
Freedom to explore at your own pace; unescorted
Departures
ThemesActive
Activity Level
What to Expect
This leisurely-paced, independent tour requires minimal walking and is suitable for most levels of physical fitness. The Hanging Bridges Tour in Arenal is approximately 1.9 miles in length and requires a higher level of physical fitness to fully enjoy the tour. This tour also includes long scenic drives between destinations that can be windy and bumpy at times. Transfers will be on a shared shuttle and may have limited rest stops. This tour does not include a tour guide or escort.
Travel safely and confidently with our new health & safety protocols.
Already booked?Find everything you need to know before you go, including information about passport & visa requirements, flights, luggage, and more.

In the small tropical country of Costa Rica, you'll find a stunning collection of landscapes and ecosystems, including tropical rainforests and jungles, cloud forests, mountains, rivers, volcanoes, and coasts on both the Caribbean and Pacific. It's home to an amazing array of plant and animal species, containing 5% of the planet's total biodiversity. You'll fall in love with the Costa Rican people, known as "Ticos," who are so cheerful and easy-going that it's no wonder Costa Rica is known as one of the happiest places on earth.

Experience Costa Rica on this 7-day Costa Rica vacation package, designed for the independent traveler, but without worrying about getting from one place to another. Start in the capital city of San José before heading north to Arenal to see one of the world's most active volcanoes, and enjoy time exploring the area or joining in on exciting optional excursions. End your journey with 3 days in Playa Panama, basking on the pristine beaches surrounded by sparkling water and full of a variety of wildlife. Want even more? Join our pre-tour extension to Tortuguero, enjoying a walking tour of the rainforest, the secondary canals of Tortuguero National Park, and leisure time spent relaxing, kayaking, and exploring on your own.

Package includes

  • Flights
  • Coach
  • Transfers
  • Hotel
  • Meals
  • Guides
  • Round trip flights from Miami via scheduled carriers, including taxes & fees with other gateways available on request
  • All transfers in air-conditioned chauffeur-driven mini-vans
  • 6 nights superior hotel accommodations
  • 11 meals: 6 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 3 dinners
  • Hanging bridges walk

Optional add-ons

  • Included flights may have a connection in SAL, PTY, or similar. Non-stop flights may be available for an additional cost.

Why you'll love it

  • Wander among the treetops during a hanging bridges tour in Arenal.
  • Explore Arenal independently or join optional excursions, such as horseback riding to La Fortuna Waterfall, kayaking on Lake Arenal, embarking on a canopy tour, ziplining and more.
  • Spend three relaxing days in the coastal area of Playa Panama at an all-inclusive resort, admiring its pristine beaches, crystal blue waters and array of unique wildlife.
  • Relax with an optional visit to the Tabacón Hot Springs where you can enjoy a refreshing swim as well as dinner.

Dates & Prices

Detailed Itinerary

To see full details, click the button to the right.

Day 1 USA/San José

  • Upon arrival in San José, Costa Rica, proceed through customs formalities where you'll be met and transferred to your hotel

Crowne Plaza San José Corobicí or similar

Day 2 San José & Arenal

  • Depart San José via air-conditioned mini-van to the Arenal region
  • Balance of the day at leisure

Volcano Lodge Hotel and Thermal Experience or similarBreakfast

Day 3 Arenal

  • Walk among the treetops on a hanging bridges tour
  • Balance of the day at leisure

Volcano Lodge Hotel and Thermal ExperienceBreakfast

Day 4 Arenal & Playa Panama

  • Transfer via air-conditioned mini-van to Playa Panama
  • Balance of the day at leisure

CC Beach Front PapagayoBreakfast & dinner

Day 5 Playa Panama

  • Enjoy two full days at leisure

CC Beach Front PapagayoBreakfast, lunch & dinner

Day 6 Playa Panama

  • Enjoy a second full day at leisure

CC Beach Front PapagayoBreakfast, lunch & dinner

Day 7 Liberia/USA

  • Transfer to the airport for your return flight to the USA.

Breakfast

Pre-Tour Extension to Tortuguero

To see full details, click the button to the right.

Day 1 USA/San José

  • Upon arrival in San José, proceed through customs formalities where you'll be met and transferred to your hotel

Crowne Plaza San José Corobicí

Day 2 San José & Tortuguero

  • Depart San José very early this morning and travel to Tortuguero
  • Experience a guided walk through the village of Tortuguero and along the beach

Pachira Lodge, Aninga LodgeBreakfast, lunch & dinner

Day 3 Tortuguero

  • Join your naturalist guide for a walking tour of the rainforest
  • Board small boats for a tour through the secondary canals of Tortuguero National Park
  • Balance of the day at leisure

Pachira Lodge, Aninga LodgeBreakfast, lunch & dinner

Day 4 Tortuguero & Arenal

  • Depart Tortuguero and travel to the Arenal region to begin the main tour, continue with Day 2
  • Balance of the day at leisure

Volcano Lodge Hotel and Thermal ExperienceBreakfast & lunch

Hotels

In the unlikely event that a particular hotel is not available, a similar or better hotel may be substituted.

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Trip Details