Costa Rica
8 days from $1813 pp with roundtrip flights
This curated Costa Rica holiday weaves together highland culture, volcanic drama and coastal calm. Touch down in San José before heading north to Arenal, where the volcano’s near-perfect cone rises above rainforest and rolling pasture. Days unfold on lava-fringed trails and in bird-filled gardens, with quiet moments to absorb the sights and sounds of the tropics.
A gentle float along the Río Peñas Blancas offers close-but-respectful encounters with sloths, monkeys and toucans while your naturalist guide interprets the living forest. Evenings bring warm valley light, cloud silhouettes and the soft chorus of tree frogs—classic notes of the pura vida rhythm.
Turning to the Pacific, Manuel Antonio National Park blends palm-sheltered beaches with easy wildlife hikes between jade coves and rocky points. After unhurried hours by the sea, return to San José to fly home carrying a travel story shaped by volcano vistas, rainforest stillness and ocean horizons.
Day 1 : DEPART NEW YORK • ARRIVE SAN JOSE (LEISURE AFTER ARRIVAL)
Day 2 : SAN JOSE TO ARENAL
Day 3 : ARENAL
Day 4 : ARENAL AT LEISURE
Day 5 : ARENAL TO MANUEL ANTONIO (PACIFIC COAST)
Day 6 : MANUEL ANTONIO NATIONAL PARK
Day 7 : MANUEL ANTONIO TO SAN JOSE
Day 8 : DEPART SAN JOSE
Your Costa Rica holiday begins at NEW YORK. Arrive ~3 hours before your long-haul flight to San José (SJO), then settle in for the journey across the Atlantic—tomorrow’s rainforest and volcano vistas are getting closer with every mile.
Flight note: Most routings are one-stop connections. Keep power banks, valuables and travel meds in your carry-on; liquids and multi-tools go in checked bags. Hydrate and stretch regularly.
On arrival at Juan Santamaría International Airport, meet your representative in the arrivals hall and transfer to your hotel in San José. After check-in, the rest of the day is at leisure to recover from the flight—freshen up, sip a Costa Rican coffee, or take a gentle stroll past neoclassical façades and leafy plazas. For dinner, try a local soda for classic casado or explore the contemporary dining scene of Barrio Escalante.
Entry & paperwork: Carry your passport (6+ months validity), onward/return ticket and hotel details. Most UK travellers don’t need a visa for short stays; always keep travel insurance handy.
Optional at extra cost (add during the online booking journey): private arrival transfer; guided evening foodie walk; premium room upgrade.
Flight summary: NEW YORK → San José (SJO); airline, flight numbers and timings as ticketed.
After breakfast, meet your guide for a concise trip briefing covering route notes, packing tips and today’s highlights. Then board a comfortable shuttle to Arenal (approx. 4 hours), watching the landscape shift from the Central Valley to the lush, forested north. An icon of Costa Rica, the near-perfect cone of the Arenal Volcano rises above rolling pasture and secondary rainforest—an adventure hub with hiking, biking and swimming opportunities all around.
Transfer notes: Door-to-door hotel pick-up; typical comfort stop en route. Keep a light rain layer, water and a camera handy for valley viewpoints.
Arrive in La Fortuna (Arenal), transfer to your hotel and take some free time to freshen up and enjoy an independent lunch. Later, meet your guide for a relaxed La Fortuna orientation tour. Stroll the plaza and side streets, pick up an insider’s map of favourite eateries and hidden corners, and enjoy an included cup of Costa Rican coffee to fuel the afternoon. Return to the hotel. Overnight in Arenal.
Optional at extra cost (add during the online booking journey): evening hot springs access; guided night walk for frogs and nocturnal wildlife; private transfer upgrade.
After breakfast, enjoy a slow morning to settle further into La Fortuna (Arenal). Linger over coffee, watch hummingbirds in the hotel gardens, or take a gentle stroll to local boutiques and bakeries—perfect for easing into the rhythm of your Costa Rica holiday.
Optional at extra cost (add during the online booking journey): Paradise Hot Springs – Drift between landscaped thermal pools naturally warmed by the Arenal Volcano, surrounded by palms and volcanic-stone cascades. Soft background music and mountain views set a tranquil tone. An included Costa Rican meal rounds off the soak.
This afternoon, meet your naturalist guide for a guided Arenal Volcano tour. Begin on the north-western flank—the zone most active during the last eruptive cycle—and hike through regenerating forest where pioneer plants reclaim old flows. Cross rippled petrified lava and pause at viewpoints to frame the cone against rolling pasture. Along the way, your guide unpacks Arenal’s story: eruption timelines, lithological cycles, soil building and forest succession, plus accessible notes on volcanology. Keep an eye out for coati, agouti and tanagers flitting between Cecropia leaves.
Trail notes: Easy–moderate walking over mixed terrain (lava rock and forest paths). Wear sturdy closed-toe shoes, carry water and a light rain shell; sun protection is essential.
Return to the hotel for an evening at leisure beneath volcano silhouettes and a chorus of tree frogs. Overnight in Arenal.
After breakfast, enjoy a free day in Arenal to follow your mood—slow coffees and garden birdwatching, a spa session with volcanic-mud wraps, or a gentle wander into La Fortuna for boutiques and bakeries. If you’re keen to dial up the adventure (or the scenery), consider one of the curated experiences below.
Optional at extra cost (add during the online booking journey): Fortuna Waterfall & La Finquita — Begin with a guided visit to the La Fortuna Waterfall, plunging ~150 ft into a jade pool perfect for a refreshing dip and photos beneath jungle walls. Continue to La Finquita (“the little farm”) to learn about local farm-to-table practices and enjoy a freshly prepared meal together.
Optional at extra cost (add during the online booking journey): Arenal Canopy Adventure — Head to the renowned Arenal Zipline Park (approx. 30 minutes away) for a 1.2-mile canopy circuit. Glide between platforms with sweeping views over forests, canyons and mountains. Expert guides handle safety briefings and equipment so you can focus on the thrill and the scenery.
Good to know: For waterfall steps and zipline platforms, wear sturdy closed-toe shoes. Pack a light rain shell, swimwear, a small towel, insect repellent and reef-safe sunscreen. Keep a dry bag for your phone/camera.
Evening at leisure—consider a casual dinner in town or a twilight soak in thermal hot springs. Overnight in Arenal.
After breakfast, bid farewell to the volcano vistas and depart by private transfer for Manuel Antonio National Park on Costa Rica’s sunlit Pacific coast (approx. 5 hours). The drive rolls from emerald foothills to ranch country and coastal palms. Time permitting, pause at the famed Tárcoles River Bridge—scan the muddy banks below for basking American crocodiles and herons stalking the shallows.
Transfer notes: Typical comfort stops en route. Keep water, light snacks and a sun hat handy. A lightweight layer is useful for air-conditioning.
Arrive in Manuel Antonio and check into your hotel. Though compact, the reserve is celebrated for its pristine beaches, rocky islets, short hiking trails and abundant wildlife—expect monkeys in the treetops, sloths draped over cecropias, and scarlet macaws winging the shoreline. With the afternoon free, unwind on the sand or explore the leafy lanes around your hotel at your own pace.
Optional at extra cost (add during the online booking journey): Zipline canopy tour; guided park walk with wildlife spotter scope; coastal snorkelling or catamaran cruise; sunset kayak through mangroves.
Beach tips: Use reef-safe sunscreen, keep snacks sealed (capuchin monkeys are crafty), and follow lifeguard guidance on currents. Pack swimwear, a quick-dry towel and water shoes for rocky coves.
Evening at leisure—choose a clifftop spot for Pacific sunsets and fresh seafood. Overnight in Manuel Antonio.
After breakfast, set out for a guided exploration of Manuel Antonio National Park, celebrated for its biodiversity and picture-perfect beaches framed by rainforest.
Meet your naturalist guide at the park entrance for a relaxed hiking tour. The main trail is mostly flat and ~2 miles long, ideal for easy wildlife viewing. Your guide carries a high-powered spotting scope to share views of animals without disturbing them—watch for toucans, sloths, raccoons, coatis, snakes and several species of monkeys. Midway, pause at one of the park’s beaches for time to swim, paddle your feet or simply enjoy the palm-shaded shoreline.
Park notes: Bring swimwear, a small towel, water, reef-safe sunscreen and insect repellent. Food is restricted inside the park—follow ranger guidance. Keep a respectful distance from wildlife and never feed animals.
On finishing the tour, transportation is provided back to your hotel. If you prefer to linger for beach time or a sunset cocktail, you’re welcome to stay; in that case, the return transfer will be on your own arrangement later.
Evening at leisure. Overnight in Manuel Antonio.
After breakfast, savour a final slow morning in Manuel Antonio—a beach stroll, a last dip, or coffee beneath palm shade. In the afternoon, depart for San José (approx. 3 hours), watching rainforest greens give way to the coffee-clad hills of the Central Valley.
Transfer notes: Typical comfort stop en route. Keep water, snacks and a light layer handy for a/c. Aim to confirm tomorrow’s airport pick-up time with your hotel on arrival.
Check in at your San José hotel and, time permitting, sample the capital’s highlights—Teatro Nacional’s neoclassical façade, the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum, or the bistro scene of Barrio Escalante.
Optional at extra cost (add during the online booking journey): Private transfer upgrade; short San José walking tour with tastings; evening coffee & chocolate experience.
Evening at leisure. Overnight in San José.
After breakfast* and a relaxed check-out, transfer to Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) for your homeward flight. The drive typically takes around 40 minutes depending on traffic. Your Costa Rica holiday draws to a close—rainforest trails, volcanic silhouettes and Pacific sunsets now part of your travel story.
Airport notes: Aim to arrive at SJO ~3 hours before departure. Keep passports, tickets and travel insurance handy. Pack liquids/sharp items in checked bags; carry power banks and valuables in your hand luggage. Verify baggage allowance in your airline app.
Optional at extra cost (add during the online booking journey): Private airport transfer with porter assistance; late check-out (subject to availability).
*Depending on your flight time and the hotel’s breakfast service, the included breakfast may not be available on the final morning.
Flight summary: San José (SJO) → [Home Airport]; airline, flight numbers and timings as ticketed.
| Start Date | End Date | Price | Note | AVAILABILITY | Booking |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sat, 1 Nov, 25 | Sat, 8 Nov, 25 | $1813 | GUARANTEED | Book Now | |
| Sat, 15 Nov, 25 | Sat, 22 Nov, 25 | $2282 | GUARANTEED | Book Now | |
| Tue, 25 Nov, 25 | Tue, 2 Dec, 25 | $2551 | GUARANTEED | Book Now | |
| Mon, 1 Dec, 25 | Mon, 8 Dec, 25 | $1813 | GUARANTEED | Book Now | |
| Mon, 15 Dec, 25 | Mon, 22 Dec, 25 | $2282 | GUARANTEED | Book Now | |
| Thu, 25 Dec, 25 | Thu, 1 Jan, 26 | $2551 | GUARANTEED | Book Now | |
| Thu, 1 Jan, 26 | Thu, 8 Jan, 26 | $1813 | GUARANTEED | Book Now | |
| Thu, 15 Jan, 26 | Thu, 22 Jan, 26 | $2282 | GUARANTEED | Book Now | |
| Sun, 25 Jan, 26 | Sun, 1 Feb, 26 | $2551 | GUARANTEED | Book Now | |
| Sun, 1 Feb, 26 | Sun, 8 Feb, 26 | $1813 | GUARANTEED | Book Now | |
| Sun, 15 Feb, 26 | Sun, 22 Feb, 26 | $2282 | GUARANTEED | Book Now | |
| Wed, 25 Feb, 26 | Wed, 4 Mar, 26 | $2551 | GUARANTEED | Book Now | |
| Sun, 1 Mar, 26 | Sun, 8 Mar, 26 | $1813 | GUARANTEED | Book Now | |
| Sun, 15 Mar, 26 | Sun, 22 Mar, 26 | $2282 | GUARANTEED | Book Now | |
| Wed, 25 Mar, 26 | Wed, 1 Apr, 26 | $2551 | GUARANTEED | Book Now | |
| Wed, 1 Apr, 26 | Wed, 8 Apr, 26 | $1813 | GUARANTEED | Book Now | |
| Wed, 15 Apr, 26 | Wed, 22 Apr, 26 | $2282 | GUARANTEED | Book Now | |
| Sat, 25 Apr, 26 | Sat, 2 May, 26 | $2551 | GUARANTEED | Book Now | |
| Fri, 1 May, 26 | Fri, 8 May, 26 | $1813 | GUARANTEED | Book Now | |
| Fri, 15 May, 26 | Fri, 22 May, 26 | $2282 | GUARANTEED | Book Now | |
| Mon, 25 May, 26 | Mon, 1 Jun, 26 | $2551 | GUARANTEED | Book Now | |
| Mon, 1 Jun, 26 | Mon, 8 Jun, 26 | $1813 | GUARANTEED | Book Now | |
| Mon, 15 Jun, 26 | Mon, 22 Jun, 26 | $2282 | GUARANTEED | Book Now | |
| Thu, 25 Jun, 26 | Thu, 2 Jul, 26 | $2551 | GUARANTEED | Book Now | |
| Wed, 1 Jul, 26 | Wed, 8 Jul, 26 | $1813 | GUARANTEED | Book Now | |
| Wed, 15 Jul, 26 | Wed, 22 Jul, 26 | $2282 | GUARANTEED | Book Now | |
| Sat, 25 Jul, 26 | Sat, 1 Aug, 26 | $2551 | GUARANTEED | Book Now | |
| Sat, 1 Aug, 26 | Sat, 8 Aug, 26 | $1813 | GUARANTEED | Book Now | |
| Sat, 15 Aug, 26 | Sat, 22 Aug, 26 | $2282 | GUARANTEED | Book Now | |
| Tue, 25 Aug, 26 | Tue, 1 Sep, 26 | $2551 | GUARANTEED | Book Now | |
| Tue, 1 Sep, 26 | Tue, 8 Sep, 26 | $1813 | GUARANTEED | Book Now | |
| Tue, 15 Sep, 26 | Tue, 22 Sep, 26 | $2282 | GUARANTEED | Book Now | |
| Fri, 25 Sep, 26 | Fri, 2 Oct, 26 | $2551 | GUARANTEED | Book Now | |
| Thu, 1 Oct, 26 | Thu, 8 Oct, 26 | $1813 | GUARANTEED | Book Now | |
| Thu, 15 Oct, 26 | Thu, 22 Oct, 26 | $2282 | GUARANTEED | Book Now | |
| Sun, 25 Oct, 26 | Sun, 1 Nov, 26 | $2551 | GUARANTEED | Book Now | |
| Sun, 1 Nov, 26 | Sun, 8 Nov, 26 | $1813 | GUARANTEED | Book Now | |
| Sun, 15 Nov, 26 | Sun, 22 Nov, 26 | $2282 | GUARANTEED | Book Now | |
| Wed, 25 Nov, 26 | Wed, 2 Dec, 26 | $2551 | GUARANTEED | Book Now | |
| Tue, 1 Dec, 26 | Tue, 8 Dec, 26 | $1813 | GUARANTEED | Book Now | |
| Tue, 15 Dec, 26 | Tue, 22 Dec, 26 | $2282 | GUARANTEED | Book Now | |
| Fri, 25 Dec, 26 | Fri, 1 Jan, 27 | $2551 | GUARANTEED | Book Now | |
| Fri, 1 Jan, 27 | Fri, 8 Jan, 27 | $2082 | GUARANTEED | Book Now | |
| Fri, 15 Jan, 27 | Fri, 22 Jan, 27 | $2551 | GUARANTEED | Book Now | |
| Mon, 25 Jan, 27 | Mon, 1 Feb, 27 | $2820 | GUARANTEED | Book Now | |
| Mon, 1 Feb, 27 | Mon, 8 Feb, 27 | $2082 | GUARANTEED | Book Now | |
| Mon, 15 Feb, 27 | Mon, 22 Feb, 27 | $2551 | GUARANTEED | Book Now | |
| Thu, 25 Feb, 27 | Thu, 4 Mar, 27 | $2820 | GUARANTEED | Book Now | |
| Mon, 1 Mar, 27 | Mon, 8 Mar, 27 | $2082 | GUARANTEED | Book Now | |
| Mon, 15 Mar, 27 | Mon, 22 Mar, 27 | $2551 | GUARANTEED | Book Now | |
| Thu, 25 Mar, 27 | Thu, 1 Apr, 27 | $2820 | GUARANTEED | Book Now | |
| Thu, 1 Apr, 27 | Thu, 8 Apr, 27 | $2082 | GUARANTEED | Book Now | |
| Thu, 15 Apr, 27 | Thu, 22 Apr, 27 | $2551 | GUARANTEED | Book Now | |
| Sun, 25 Apr, 27 | Sun, 2 May, 27 | $2820 | GUARANTEED | Book Now | |
| Sat, 1 May, 27 | Sat, 8 May, 27 | $2082 | GUARANTEED | Book Now | |
| Sat, 15 May, 27 | Sat, 22 May, 27 | $2551 | GUARANTEED | Book Now | |
| Tue, 25 May, 27 | Tue, 1 Jun, 27 | $2820 | GUARANTEED | Book Now | |
| Tue, 1 Jun, 27 | Tue, 8 Jun, 27 | $2082 | GUARANTEED | Book Now | |
| Tue, 15 Jun, 27 | Tue, 22 Jun, 27 | $2551 | GUARANTEED | Book Now | |
| Fri, 25 Jun, 27 | Fri, 2 Jul, 27 | $2820 | GUARANTEED | Book Now | |
| Thu, 1 Jul, 27 | Thu, 8 Jul, 27 | $2082 | GUARANTEED | Book Now | |
| Thu, 15 Jul, 27 | Thu, 22 Jul, 27 | $2551 | GUARANTEED | Book Now | |
| Sun, 25 Jul, 27 | Sun, 1 Aug, 27 | $2820 | GUARANTEED | Book Now | |
| Sun, 1 Aug, 27 | Sun, 8 Aug, 27 | $2082 | GUARANTEED | Book Now | |
| Sun, 15 Aug, 27 | Sun, 22 Aug, 27 | $2551 | GUARANTEED | Book Now | |
| Wed, 25 Aug, 27 | Wed, 1 Sep, 27 | $2820 | GUARANTEED | Book Now | |
| Wed, 1 Sep, 27 | Wed, 8 Sep, 27 | $2082 | GUARANTEED | Book Now | |
| Wed, 15 Sep, 27 | Wed, 22 Sep, 27 | $2551 | GUARANTEED | Book Now | |
| Sat, 25 Sep, 27 | Sat, 2 Oct, 27 | $2820 | GUARANTEED | Book Now | |
| Fri, 1 Oct, 27 | Fri, 8 Oct, 27 | $2082 | GUARANTEED | Book Now | |
| Fri, 15 Oct, 27 | Fri, 22 Oct, 27 | $2551 | GUARANTEED | Book Now | |
| Mon, 25 Oct, 27 | Mon, 1 Nov, 27 | $2820 | GUARANTEED | Book Now | |
| Mon, 1 Nov, 27 | Mon, 8 Nov, 27 | $2082 | GUARANTEED | Book Now | |
| Mon, 15 Nov, 27 | Mon, 22 Nov, 27 | $2551 | GUARANTEED | Book Now | |
| Thu, 25 Nov, 27 | Thu, 2 Dec, 27 | $2820 | GUARANTEED | Book Now | |
| Wed, 1 Dec, 27 | Wed, 8 Dec, 27 | $2082 | GUARANTEED | Book Now | |
| Wed, 15 Dec, 27 | Wed, 22 Dec, 27 | $2551 | GUARANTEED | Book Now | |
| Sat, 25 Dec, 27 | Sat, 1 Jan, 28 | $2820 | GUARANTEED | Book Now |
| Place / Day(s) | Accommodation (typical) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| San José — Days 1 & 8 | D Sabana Hotel | Convenient base in Costa Rica’s capital with easy access to Juan Santamaría International Airport and the city’s cultural highlights. |
| Arenal — Days 2–4 | Arenal Oasis Eco Lodge & Wildlife Refuge | Lodge-style retreat set in private rainforest reserve; ideal for volcano hikes, wildlife spotting and exploring La Fortuna. |
| Manuel Antonio — Days 5–7 | Hotel Flor Blanca | Boutique coastal stay near Manuel Antonio National Park; convenient for palm-fringed beaches, easy wildlife hikes and sunset dining with ocean views. |
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