Itinerary Details
Day 1: Welcome to Costa Rica
Transfer: San Jose Juan Santamaria Aptto Alajuela
Hotel: Buena Vista Chic Hotel (3 Star Rating)
Welcome to Buena Vista Chic Hotel! Guests of Buena Vista Chic Hotel love the easy accessibility to and from San Jose International Airport - just a short 10 kilometers (6 miles ride) via their complimentary shuttle. Once at the hotel, however, airport memories fade as a sense of tranquility sets in. Nestled in a coffee plantation on a lush hilltop overlooking downtown San Jose, Buena Vista Chic Hotel offers a secluded sanctuary of magnificently manicured gardens and grounds. Charming architecture and cozy interiors decorated in modernist tropical style provide a warm, inviting refuge for business and leisure travelers. The personalized service from the friendly, engaging staff sets Buena Vista Chic Hotel as the ideal home away from home in the mountains above San Jose. Whether you're seeking a relaxing place to stay before or after your flight, or just want to experience the beauty and serenity of Costa Rica, this hotel offer a unique alternative to the larger branded hotels.
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Day 2: Alajuela to MonteverdeTransfer: Alajuela to Monteverde
Hotel: Fondavela Mountain Hotel (3 Star Rating)
Hotel Fondavela is a cozy mountain hotel in Monteverde. Surrounded by nature, this property embodies what Monteverde truly represents for Costa Rica and the world. Located in a magical setting, surrounded by forests, lush green areas, and a peaceful atmosphere, Fondavela is at the heart of Monteverde, right next to the most biodiverse nature reserves in Monteverde.
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Day 3: Exploring the Cloud Forest ReserveMeet your driver at your hotel in Monteverde, then sit back during the short drive to the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. Upon arrival, begin to explore the Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve on this small group tour which will be led by an expert local guide. Globally recognized for its vital role in conservation efforts and scientific research, the reserve has an area of just 3,500 hectares yet contains approximately 2.5% of the planet's biodiversity. This incredible density of life comes from the reserve’s unique geographical, topographical, and climatic conditions. The reserve spans four different ecological biozones, each of them hosting unique ecosystems inhabited by an extensive variety of mammal, bird, butterfly, amphibian, reptile, insect, and arachnid species, as well as countless mosses, epiphytes, and trees. A popular option is the walk to the panoramic viewpoint La Ventana, where you can witness the natural contrast in landscapes made by the continental divide. Here you'll experience the force of the trade winds loaded with moisture that blow from the Caribbean coast which meet the north winds descending toward the Central Pacific and coastal plains, all helping to create this unique cloud forest. Your exploration of the reserve will last approximately four hours, and most explorations cover approximately 4 miles (6 kilometers) of trail.
Day 4: Monteverde to Arenal with Lake CrossingToday you will be transferred from Monteverde to Arenal, making use of both vehicles and a boat to turn this point-to-point transfer into an enjoyable and scenic experience alongside fellow travelers. The transfer begins at your hotel, where a minibus will pick you up and drive for approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes to Lake Arenal. Upon arrival to Lake Arenal, you will board a comfortable and safe pontoon-type boat with other guests and set out on a 45-minute sailing, arriving on the other side of the lake in due time, and disembarking just minutes from the many resorts and iconic sites of Arenal and La Fortuna. Lake Arenal is the largest and most important in Costa Rica. It is of artificial origin - built in 1974 in order to obtain hydroelectric power for the country - and is a place where you can spot a variety of resident and migratory birds, and often times mammals like monkeys and sloths. You will also take in excellent views of the Arenal Volcano when it is not cloudy. After disembarking from the boat, you will board an awaiting minibus which will transfer you to your hotel alongside fellow travelers, taking roughly 30 to 45 minutes (depending on the location of your hotel). It is recommended to wear long pants, a coat, comfortable shoes, and a waterproof jacket. Approximate travel time is 4 hours and 30 minutes.
Hotel: Arenal Manoa Resort Hotel and Hot Springs (4 Star Rating)
Arenal Manoa Hotel is a beautiful place to rest, relax and enjoy the marvelous view of Arenal Volcano. Surrounded by gardens, pastures and animals, our rooms have been designed so that each one offers you a panoramic view of the volcano. Our visitors can take advantage of our spacious gardens for walking and meditation as well as the opportunities to see the daily operations of a typical Costa Rican farm.
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Day 5: Hanging Bridges & La Fortuna WaterfallOn this combined adventure, you'll be picked up from your hotel alongside fellow travellers, then set course for the Arenal Hanging Bridges. Here, you’ll walk a 1.9-mile (3.1-kilometer) loop trail through the forest and across bridges that rise into the beautiful forest canopy with a group guide leading the way, allowing you to observe plants and animals from a whole new perspective. The trail includes 15 impressive suspension and fixed bridges and takes approximately two hours to explore. Next, continue to La Fortuna Waterfall - one of the region's most popular sites - renowned for the 230-foot (70-meter) cascade found at the base of a stair-lined trail. Here, you can take a refreshing swim in the river waters or capture the spectacular and powerful waterfall scenery with your camera. After these two activities, you’ll make the ascent back to the entrance of the park, then settle in for a healthy and tasty Costa Rican lunch ahead of the shared return transfer back to your hotel.
Day 6: Day at Leisure in ArenalEnjoy a day at leisure beneath the (often clouded) gaze of Arenal Volcano. Whether you choose to relax at your hotel, hike through the lush trails of Arenal Volcano National Park, cross hanging bridges for incredible rainforest views, take a dip in one of the region's natural hot springs or explore the town of La Fortuna, you're sure to find "pura vida" today. In the evening, consider treat yourself to dinner at local favorite like La Fonda 506, Restaurante Foruneno or La Street Bistro.
Day 7: Depart from Costa RicaTransfer: La Fortuna - Arenal to San Jose Juan Santamaria Apt
