7 Days • 6 Nights
Costa Rica Escape: Arenal & Manuel Antonio
Tour Includes
About the Trip
Trip Highlights
- The Arenal Volcano and natural hot springs
- Hanging bridges and the La Fortuna waterfall
- Sloths and monkeys in Manuel Antonio National Park
- Golden Pacific beaches
- Optional rafting, ziplining and adventure
- Costa Rica's relaxed pura vida charm
Day by Day
A detailed day-by-day plan for this 7-day journey.
Met at San Jose airport, you drive north to La Fortuna beneath the Arenal Volcano. Settle in and unwind in natural hot springs, with a welcome dinner beneath the cone.
A morning on the hanging bridges through the rainforest canopy, spotting sloths and birds, and an afternoon hike to the La Fortuna waterfall for a refreshing swim.
A free day for adventure, white-water rafting, a Lake Arenal kayak, a chocolate or coffee tour, or simply more hot springs and volcano views.
A scenic drive brings you to the Pacific coast at Manuel Antonio, where rainforest meets the sea. Check in and enjoy your first ocean sunset.
A guided morning walk in the national park to see sloths, monkeys, iguanas and toucans, followed by an afternoon relaxing on its beautiful jungle-backed beaches.
A free day on the coast to swim, take a catamaran or mangrove tour, try surfing, or simply relax by the sea.
A final beach morning before transferring back to San Jose airport for your onward flight.
Where You Will Travel
What's inside the package?
Inclusions
- 6 nights accommodation
- Daily breakfast, a welcome dinner and hot springs entry
- Airport transfers
- Touring and activities as per itinerary with English-speaking naturalist guides
- Ground transfers between regions
- All national park entry fees
- Arenal hanging bridges and a guided Manuel Antonio park walk
Exclusions
- International airfare
- Visa or tourist card fees where applicable
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary or inclusions
- Drinks unless specifically stated
- Optional excursions and experiences
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- Anything not specifically mentioned under Package Inclusions
Know when to go.
- Visa & entry: Most nationalities, including UK, US, EU, Canadian and Australian passport holders, do not need a visa and receive up to 90 days on arrival; carry a passport valid for at least six months and, technically, proof of onward travel
- Currency: The currency is the Costa Rican Colon, though US Dollars are widely accepted for tours and hotels. Cards work in cities and resorts, but carry some cash for rural areas, small eateries and tips
- Best time to visit: The dry season (December to April) is the sunniest and most popular, ideal for beaches and wildlife. The green season (May to November) is lush and quieter, with mostly sunny mornings and afternoon showers
- Pura vida: Costa Rica's famous phrase means 'pure life' and captures the country's relaxed, warm and nature-loving spirit; expect friendly people, an unhurried pace and a deep pride in the environment
- Wildlife & national parks: Costa Rica protects around a quarter of its land and holds around five percent of the world's biodiversity; a naturalist guide dramatically improves wildlife sightings, and park entry fees are included
- Getting around: Distances can be longer than the map suggests due to winding mountain roads; internal ground transfers are included, and we can add short domestic flights to save time on longer legs
- Health & water: No vaccinations are required for most travellers, tap water is generally safe in main areas, and you should bring insect repellent, reef-safe sunscreen and a light rain jacket for the cloud forest
- Money & tipping: A ten percent service charge is often included in restaurant bills; extra tips for excellent guides and drivers are appreciated. Power is 120V with US-style plugs, so US travellers need no adapter
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a good short introduction to Costa Rica?
Yes — it pairs the volcano-and-rainforest experience of Arenal with the wildlife and beaches of Manuel Antonio, giving a lovely, balanced first taste of the country in just a week.
Can we add the cloud forest or more beach time?
Certainly. Monteverde slots in neatly between Arenal and the coast, and we can extend your beach stay or add Guanacaste. Just let us know your preferences.
What meals are included?
Daily breakfast is included throughout, along with any meals named in the itinerary such as a welcome dinner or lodge meals in remote areas. Costa Rican cuisine, from fresh tropical fruit to casados and ceviche, is a delight, so most lunches and dinners are left free to explore.
Are transfers between regions included?
Yes — all ground transfers between regions are arranged and included, with English-speaking drivers. On longer itineraries we can add short domestic flights to save time; just ask.
Do I need a visa for Costa Rica?
Most nationalities do not need a visa and receive up to 90 days on arrival with a passport valid for at least six months. We confirm the requirement for your nationality when you book.
When is the best time to visit Costa Rica?
The dry season (December to April) offers the sunniest weather and is ideal for beaches and wildlife. The green season (May to November) is lush, quieter and cheaper, with sunny mornings and afternoon rain.
Will I see lots of wildlife?
Very likely. With a naturalist guide you can expect sloths, monkeys, toucans, iguanas and countless birds, and often frogs, coatis and more. Costa Rica is one of the world's great wildlife destinations.
Can the itinerary be customised?
Absolutely. We can adjust the balance of rainforest, volcanoes and beach, add or swap regions, change the pace and choose lodges to match your interests and budget.
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