In spite of its small size, Costa Rica is one of the most biologically diverse countries in the world.
Explore its volcanoes, beaches, national parks, and cloud forests on this 12-day Costa Rica Adventure. Its colourful creatures range from howler monkeys to sloths to toucans, all of which are plentiful and relatively easy to spot. The natural beauty of this peaceful oasis is staggering, with hidden treasures around every corner.
This is a nature lover’s dream trip! It’s a self-drive itinerary that gives you the flexibility to travel at a pace you enjoy spectacular views. Hike through cloud forests, marvel at volcanoes, search for wildlife, snorkel, and relax on beaches. Costa Rica is the perfect destination for a multigenerational family trip as there is something for every family member to enjoy! Pura vida!
Contact us for a customized Costa Rica Tour
Highlights
STARTING FROM
USD per Person
THIS IS A CUSTOMIZABLE ITINERARY FOR GROUPS OF ALL SIZES.
DATES ARE AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST.
DAY 1: WELCOME TO LIBERIA, COSTA RICA
Welcome to Costa Rica! We are very happy that you decided to come to our amazing country. Today you will arrive at the Liberia International Airport. This is one of the biggest airports in the country and it has gained a reputation for being the airport of choice for tourists, specifically because of the accessibility of all the attractions and destinations around it. The airport is also called the Daniel Oduber Quiros International Airport, named in honor of the former president of Costa Rica who supported the development of the area. Our private transportation will pick you up to take you to your first Hotel.
Your 4×4 rental car will be waiting for you at your hotel.
Overnight in Hilton Garden Inn (standard room), or similar, Liberia.
Meals: -/-/-
DAY 2: DRIVING TO ARENAL
Adventure is waiting for you!
After your first breakfast in Costa Rica at the hotel, the day begins with an amazing trip you traveling northeast, to the northern plains of the country where the stunning Arenal Volcano will welcome you. The Arenal Volcano was discovered after the full force unleashes of the volcanic explosion in July of 1968. Since then, it also erupted in 1975, 1993, and 1998 for several years but is currently inactive. The Arenal region is a prime destination for both accessible adventure activities as well as spectacular views of one of Costa Rica’s most famous volcanos. It is also very popular because of the natural hot springs. You will love this place!
You will arrive by the afternoon at the hotel in Arenal and the rest of the day will be free to rest and enjoy the hotel facilities.
Overnight in Arenal Observatory Lodge (standard room), or similar, in the area of Arenal Volcano.
Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 3: ARENAL VOLCANO, HANGING BRIDGES & LA FORTUNA WATERFALL
After your delicious breakfast, you will have a day full of activities planned for you. A representative will pick you up at your hotel and will take you on your first tour.
We will start with a hike across the Arenal hanging bridges. This hike is a beautiful, environmentally friendly project located near the Arenal Volcano. The trails span a total of 2 miles allowing you to see the rainforest from a bird’s eye perspective. Your nature guide will teach you about Costa Rican culture, history, and nature while pointing out different species of plants, animals, and birds along the way.
Next, we will take you for a nature walk in the Arenal Volcano National Park where an expert guide will explain interesting facts about the volcano and its history. There are many chances to see wildlife on the hike and, of course, experience the volcano activity firsthand. The trail is easy, and your guide will help with spotting and pointing out wildlife as you walk.
After this walk, you will visit the La Fortuna Waterfall! It has attracted travelers from all over the world for years. Dropping 75 meters into a bright blue pool, this waterfall paints a perfect postcard of the Costa Rican jungle. The water is fed by the Tenorio River that goes through the rainforest in the Arenal area until it reaches a cliff to create this waterfall. You can get different views as the hike will be from the visitor’s station to the base of the fall.
Overnight in Arenal Observatory Lodge (standard room), or similar, in the area of Arenal Volcano.
Meals included: Breakfast and lunch.
DAY 4: TABACON HOT SPRINGS RESORT
After your breakfast at the hotel, you will have the time to explore the area or go straight to Tabacon Hot Springs Resort (natural hot springs heated by the Arenal Volcano). Relaxing in the hot springs is one of the highlights of every visitor’s trip to Arenal. You cannot miss them! We will take you to the relaxing thermal waters near the volcano where you can swim and relax in these naturally heated hot springs. There are many hot springs in La Fortuna and Arenal, with all sorts of attractions and scenery and it’s an absolute must-do activity. It’s the best way to end a fun stay by exploring the rainforest and hiking the volcano!
Dinner is included at the hot springs restaurant so you can enjoy more time here.
Overnight in Arenal Observatory Lodge (standard room), or similar, in the area of Arenal Volcano.
Meals included: Breakfast and dinner.
DAY 5: DRIVE TO MONTEVERDE
Today, after breakfast at the hotel, you will leave the Arenal area for a drive to Monteverde. In Monteverde, you can find the warm smiles of farmers, artists, naturalists, and outdoor enthusiasts. Monteverde’s cloud forests are the byproduct of fog (a thick, low-hanging cloud) tangling amongst the leaves and branches of the forest canopy. When these water-based clouds come into contact with solid plant material, the plant absorbs what it needs and the remaining water condenses and drips down – layer by layer, organism by organism – until it reaches the forest floor. This natural ‘waterwheel’ is what maintains Costa Rica’s impressive ecosystem! You will have the opportunity to explore this forest but also meet the friendly locals who enjoy living in harmony with Mother Nature.
Overnight in Hotel Aguti Lodge & Reserve (Junior Suite), or similar, Monteverde.
Meals included: Breakfast.
DAY 6: MONTEVERDE CLOUD FOREST
Enjoy a nice breakfast at your hotel and get ready to explore because today you will discover the wonderful Cloud Forest accompanied by an expert tour guide. Departure from the hotel is early so you will have more opportunities to see wildlife, your guide will take you for a walk to admire the forest.
During the walk you can see different species of wildlife including some of the most beautiful birds of Central America, the Quetzal is for sure the main actor here but other elegant birds you can find here are hummingbirds, owls, bell-bird and other species of Trogons. Of course, your guide will have all the necessary equipment to get a close look at these birds.
Overnight in Hotel Aguti Lodge & Reserve (Junior Suite), or similar, Monteverde.
Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 7: TRAVELLING FROM FOREST TO THE BEACH
Make sure to enjoy your breakfast at the hotel because today you will be travelling to the beautiful and lively Samara beach. Samara is the perfect place to relax after your adventure-filled last days. Here you will find a beautiful beach, with small waves, surrounded by the tropical rainforest. The first thing you will notice is the change of vegetation and temperature as you get to the beach. Additionally, there are more people enjoining the activity of this beach town.
Samara is also the perfect beach to learn how to Surf or relax. The ocean has little to no rip currents and the waves are small to medium size, which is perfect for practicing your technique. A lot of locals here have been surfing since almost before they could walk and you can see the local surfers ride the waves.
Overnight in Nammbu Beachfront Bungalows (Deluxe room), or similar, Samara Beach.
Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 8: SAMARA BEACH OCEAN KAYAKING
For today, you need a good breakfast at your hotel, because you will go Ocean kayaking and snorkeling near Chora Island. You will start paddling from Samara beach and continue across the bay to a deserted white sand beach on Chora Island. This island is a refreshing escape to an underwater world. You are free to snorkel with tropical fish, splash and swim in clear waters, or simply sit and absorb the golden rays of the sun. There will be time to enjoy some fruits, admire the landscape, or do any other activity that you desire such as yoga.
You will return to the hotel after this adventure and the rest of the day is at your leisure to enjoy the beach and hotel facilities.
Overnight in Nammbu Beachfront Bungalows (Deluxe room), or similar, Samara Beach.
Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 9: LEAVE SAMARA FOR TAMARINDO
Today you travel to the next beach location, Tamarindo.
Once a quiet fishing town, Tamarindo is now the area’s most developed and accessible tourist town. Located on the central west coast of the Nicoya Peninsula, Tamarindo offers visitors of every budget a chance to experience the region’s unspoiled beaches and incredible biodiversity. Despite the town’s recent and ongoing development, it retains the laid-back vibe that is so characteristic of the region.
Tamarindo is perfect to explore the beach and enjoy the warm waters of the tropical Pacific Coast that are perfect for swimming and doing various water sports such as, again, surfing and snorkeling on the calm water. The beautiful sunsets of Tamarindo are a sight that you will never forget. Enjoy the beach and explore the coasts! There are several shops in town that offer surfboards, bicycles, quads (ATV’s), and small golf car rentals so you can explore the nearby beaches and towns. The white sand beach is also waiting for you. Enjoy a long walk and explore the beautiful Langosta beach south of Tamarindo or you can walk in the other direction and get to “Playa Grande” after crossing the Tamarindo estuary with the help of a taxi-boat.
Overnight in Cala Luna Luxury Boutique Hotel (Deluxe room), or similar, Tamarindo.
Meals included: Breakfast.
DAY 10& 11: BEACH DAY & FREE TIME
These days you will have the time to explore the town and beach by yourself. You can also go explore the area with your private rental car. After a long holiday full of activities, it is also nice to enjoy the facilities of the hotel and relax with a delicious Costa Rican cocktail. Breakfast is still included for these two days.
Overnight in Cala Luna Luxury Boutique Hotel (Deluxe room), or similar, Tamarindo.
Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 11: DEPARTURE DAY
Unfortunately, it is time to go home. Say good-bye to beautiful Costa Rica and its people. The good thing… you’re traveling back home and reuniting with family and friends. We hope you had an incredible experience in Costa Rica and that you will carry these memories with you forever.
You will leave your rental car at the Liberia International Airport and get ready to leave Costa Rica.
Thanks for travelling with Finisterra!
Meals included: Breakfast
Tour Exclusions
IMPORTANT NOTES
PLEASE NOTE: This itinerary is subject to change. Although we always do our best to stick to the itinerary, due to the ever-changing nature of Mother Nature, activities, hotels, and visits are subject to change due to forces beyond our control.
FLIGHTS: Please do not purchase your flights until this tour is confirmed.
PASSPORTS: Must be valid for at least 6 months upon return date to your home country. Proper documentation is the responsibility of each traveller.
VISAS & VACCINATIONS: Responsibility of the traveller.
Date: Custom Departure available upon request
*Please note, the hotels and routing of this tour can be altered to best suit your needs. Prices may vary.
Travel Insurance
Cancellation, Travel, Flight, and Health insurance are required and are the responsibility of the participant to research and secure the appropriate coverage. Click HERE for a Travel Insurance Quote or please email nicola@finisterra.ca for a quote.
Check with your local travel agent /insurance provider/health plan for advice about traveling overseas.
Waiver Form
All participants will be required to sign a Waiver Form prior to departure.
Please note that these are just sample hotels and all accommodation is subject to change. We can upgrade hotels for an additional fee.
4 Hotels (*Hotels subject to change)
Liberia – Hilton Garden Inn
Monteverde – Hotel Aguti Lodge & Reserve
Samara – Nammbu Beachfront Bungalows
Tamarindo – Cala Luna Luxury Boutique Hotel
Please note that these are just sample hotels and can be upgraded or changed to best suit your needs.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
Even though we wish you a flawless trip, things can happen, especially nowadays. Make sure you are prepared with a Travel Insurance policy that is right for you. Finisterra recommends Manulife Insurance or John Hancock Please feel free to ask us about Trip Cancellation & Interruption Insurance, Cancel for Any Reason Policies, Travel Medical Insurance, or any other questions you may have.
TRAVEL INSURANCE FOR CANADIANS
Travel with confidence knowing that you’re covered with Manulife Insurance.
TRAVEL INSURANCE FOR AMERICANS – JOHN HANCOCK
Explore the world, stress-free, when you book travel insurance with John Hancock International.
WHY TRAVEL WITH US?
At Finisterra Travel we help you discover, push personal boundaries, and explore the unknown.
We are super passionate about sustainable, transformational, and adventure travel. Definitely not “armchair travellers”, we have firsthand experience of where you’ll be heading.No one wants to feel like a tourist which is why when we plan a custom travel experience for you, we strive to make your adventure as authentic as possible. We offer an array of Small Group Adventures & Custom Trips, and have something for every type of traveller.
Our unique itineraries are designed to best showcase some of our favourite destinations around Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, North America, and Europe. All itineraries are fully-customizable.Not your typical online travel agency, nor are we quite a tour operator, we are international travel designers with a flair for unique experiences. We’d love to hear from you!
JOIN OUR FINISTERRA COMMUNITY
Stay up-to-date with us when you sign up for our newsletter.