8-Day Best of Northwest Costa Rica from San Jose: Arenal Volcano National Park, Alajuela and Guanacaste

8 Days

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Overview

Experience the very best of Costa Rica's northwestern provinces on this action-packed 8-day tour. Soak in bubbling natural hot springs with views of the active Arenal Volcano, cruise through the CaÃƒÂ±o Negro Wildlife Refuge on a boat tour, catch some rays on the beaches of Guanacaste and enjoy the classic Costa Rican adventures of ziplining, horseback riding and mud baths. This perfectly planned tour includes 7 nights of accommodation, professional guides, many meals and all transport.

8-day guided tour of northwest Costa Rica from San Jose
Admire the active volcano in Arenal Volcano National Park (Parque Nacional Volcán Arenal)
Relax in thermal hot springs at Baldi resort
Take a boat through CaÃƒÂ±o Negro Wildlife Refuge
Ride a zipline and go horseback riding through Vida Aventura Nature Park in Guanacaste
7 nights of accommodation, transportation and entrance fees included

Inclusions & Exclusions

Departure & Return

What To Expect

Make the most of your time in Costa Rica with his expertly curated 8-day tour of northwest highlights. All lodging, transport and activities are arranged by professionals so you can skip the stress of logistics and focus on enjoying your vacation. The tour begins in San Jose and concludes in Liberia, with an optional transfer back to San Jose if you'd like to end your journey there (additional expense). Choose from 3.5-star or 4-star hotels to suit your style and budget.The mix of destinations and activities allows you to experience northwest Costa Rica's diverse landscapes, including the geothermal peaks of Arenal Volcano National Park, the marshlands of CaÃƒÂ±o Negro Wildlife Refuge, the famous white-sand beaches of Guanacaste and lush rain forest at Vida Aventura Nature Park. Enjoy a balance of adrenaline-pumping adventure and relaxation, plus two days of leisure time to explore Guanacaste on your own or book optional day tours (own expense). See Itinerary for a detailed tour description. Included meals are noted with initials in each day's description. It's a fantastic way to experience Costa Rica's pura vida spirit!ItineraryDay 1: San JoseAfter your arrival at the San Jose airport, you'll be greeted by your driver and transferred to your selected hotel. Your guide will review the itinerary with the group and answer any questions or concerns regarding your 8-day tour. Overnight: Country Inn and Suites or Studio Hotel (or similar) in San Jose Day 2: San Jose - La Fortuna (L, D)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 right in front of Arenal Volcano, affording excellent views of this natural phenomenon that attracts thousands of visitors each year. In the afternoon, unwind in one of the best thermal baths in the area at Baldi Hot Springs resort, with optional massage or other treatment (own expense; reserved in advance). Later, savor dinner while admiring another magnificent view of the active volcano and be on the lookout for explosions of incandescent light. Afterward, relax at your hotel.Overnight: Arenal Paraiso Hotel or Mountain Paradise Hotel (or similar) in La FortunaDay 3: La Fortuna (L)Get ready for your adventure at CaÃƒÂ±o 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 4-hour floating safari along the Rio Frío through tropical rain forest and pastures until you arrive at the marsh, Lago CaÃƒÂ±o 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.Overnight: Arenal Paraiso Hotel or Mountain Paradise Hotel (or similar) in La FortunaDay 4: La Fortuna - Tamarindo (B) 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. Along the way, take in the amazing views and learn about the history of the local towns from your knowledgeable guide.Overnight: Tamarindo Diria Hotel or Cala Luna Hotel (or similar) in GuanacasteDay 5: Guanacaste (L)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. Lather soft volcanic mud on your skin and dip into a geothermal pool to wash it away, soothing any sore muscles as you relax.Overnight: Tamarindo Diria Hotel or Cala Luna Hotel (or similar) in GuanacasteDay 6-7: GuanacasteEnjoy two days of free time, either exploring Guanacaste at your leisure or enjoying optional tours (own expense), including Palo Verde National Park, a city tour of Liberia, a 1-day tour to Nicaragua or the Sky Walk at Tenorio Volcano National Park. Overnight: Tamarindo Diria Hotel or Cala Luna Hotel (or similar) in GuanacasteDay 8: Tamarindo - LiberiaYou will be picked up at the lobby of your hotel and transferred 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 per person)

8-Day Best of Northwest Costa Rica from San Jose: Arenal Volcano National Park, Alajuela and Guanacaste

Inclusions & Exclusions

Departure & Return

What To Expect

Additional Info

Cancellation Policy

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