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Cornerstones of Costa Rica

8
 days from $
4312
 per person
Operated by: 
Kensington Tours
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San José, Arenal, Manuel Antonio

  • Explore the rich wildlife haven of Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio with a private guide.
  • Walk the hanging bridges of Arenal and spot animals under the rainforest canopy.
  • Hike to the base of Arenal Volcano with a private guide.
  • Raft Class II and III rapids on the Balsa River.
  • Stay at a handpicked selection of quality accommodations.
Itinerary at a Glance

DAY 1

  • SAN JOSÉ TO ARENAL You’ve Arrived
  • Costa Rica Welcome Package
  • Meet & Greet Airport Service
  • Transfer - Private - San José - Arenal [3 hrs] - Vehicle/Driver

DAY 2

  • ARENAL Venture into the Outdoors
  • Hanging Bridges Adventure (3.5 hrs) - Private
  • Natural Hot Springs - Arenal Springs Resort

DAY 3

  • ARENAL Rollin’ on the River
  • Balsa River Rafting Class II & III Rapids (with Lunch, 6 hrs) - Shared Tour

AY 4

  • ARENAL Breathe the Mountain Air
  • Volcano Hike & Tabacon Springs (with Dinner, 5.5 hrs) - Private

DAY 5

  • ARENAL TO MANUEL ANTONIO Nurtured by Nature
  • Transfer - Private - Arenal - Manuel Antonio [with Crocodile Boat Tour (with Lunch, 7 hrs)] - Vehicle/Guide/Driver

DAY 6

  • MANUEL ANTONIO Lace Up for Some Fresh Air
  • Manuel Antonio National Park Tour (3 hrs) - Private

DAY 7

  • MANUEL ANTONIO A Soak at the Spa
  • Parador Resort & Spa at Leisure

DAY 8

  • MANUEL ANTONIO TO SAN JOSÉ Bon Voyage
  • Transfer - Private - Manuel Antonio - San José [Airport, 3 hrs] - Vehicle/Driver
  • Airport Departure Tax (not included)

DAY 1

  • SAN JOSÉ TO ARENAL

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Arenal Springs Resort
  • You’ve Arrived
  • A welcome package with your vouchers, a country map, and any other touristic information that may be useful will be waiting for you upon your arrival at your first hotel.
  • For your added comfort, an English-speaking assistant will be waiting for you outside of customs with personalized signage. Your representative will guide you to your luggage pickup and provide an ID sticker to help you meet with your private driver.
  • Meet your private driver for a transfer to Arenal. Approximate travel time is three hours.

DAY 2

  • ARENAL

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Arenal Springs Resort
Rainforest Walk
Rainforest Walk
Hot Springs In La Fortuna
Hot Springs In La Fortuna
Arenal Springs Resort
Rainforest Walk
Rainforest Walk
  • Venture into the Outdoors
  • The wonders of Arenal's jungle await your discovery in a private guided tour through the iconic hanging bridges. This weaving system of suspension bridges invites you to explore the upper and lower canopies of lush rainforest. Join your private guide to traverse a one-of-a-kind bridge system supported by concrete bricks, allowing for complete stability when used. Journey along a labyrinth nestled in Arenal's mountainous sub-forest. A variety of wildlife can be seen while walking about on this dynamic bridge system, including howler monkeys and a plethora of exotic birds. Marvel at the treasures hidden within this forest and gain insight into this spectacular biological corridor.
  • Take some time to soak in the deeply relaxing hot springs at Arenal Springs Resort. A highlight of any trip to Costa Rica, the invigorating thermal waters are the ideal place to unwind, perhaps with a drink in hand. Strategically placed to ensure a continual flow of warm water and to capitalize on the jungles unique and exotic ambience, time at leisure to unwind in the springs is highly recommended.

DAY 3

  • ARENAL

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Balsa River Rafting
Balsa River Rafting
Arenal Springs Resort
Balsa River Rafting
Balsa River Rafting
Arenal Springs Resort
Balsa River Rafting
Balsa River Rafting
Arenal Springs Resort
  • Rollin’ on the River
  • After a hotel pick-up, transfer to the starting point of this thrilling white water adventure featuring class II and III rapids alongside expert river guides and like-minded rafting enthusiasts. Discuss rafting responsibilities and paddle commands during a safety orientation and then feel the grip of adrenaline as you race down the Balsa San Carlos River to battle the currents for two to three exhilarating hours, navigating rapids including the Magnetic Rock and the Dredges. Halfway through the excursion, take a break on the river banks to enjoy both the beautiful tropical setting and a light snack before carrying on through the torrents. Upon completion of the circuit you will change into dry clothes, and then head to a nearby estate to enjoy a tasty Costa Rican lunch and recount your days adventure with fellow rafters. Following lunch, you will be returned to your hotel. Please be sure to wear easy dry clothes, a bathing suit and secure shoes (sport sandals or water shoes are recommended) and to bring a spare set of clothes to change into after the adventure.

DAY 4

  • ARENAL

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Arenal Volcano
Arenal Volcano
Arenal Springs Resort
Arenal Volcano
Arenal Volcano
Arenal Springs Resort
Arenal Volcano
Arenal Volcano
Arenal Springs Resort
  • Breathe the Mountain Air
  • Embark on an adventure around the legendary Arenal Volcano, making your way through awe-inspiring rainforest in a gentle hike with a private naturalist guide. Trace along the base of the volcano as your guide assists in spotting wildlife and provides insight into Costa Rica’s northern lowlands. Thought long extinct, the Arenal Volcano rested silently for at least four centuries before its violent eruption in 1968 ushered in an era of pyroclastic activity for four decades. Today, the volcano remains quiet, allowing for a safe exploration of its surrounding trails. En-route, keep alert for sightings of monkeys, toucans, coatimundi and an incredible variety of bird species that call the area home. At the end of the hike, savor the view from a picture-perfect vista. Your tour concludes with time at Tabacon Springs, Arenal's largest network of naturally flowing thermal water. Take the plunge into these soothing hot springs after enjoying a delicious dinner.

DAY 5

  • ARENAL TO MANUEL ANTONIO

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Crocodile
Crocodile
Hotel Parador & Spa
Crocodile
Crocodile
Hotel Parador & Spa
Crocodile
Crocodile
Hotel Parador & Spa
  • Nurtured by Nature
  • Depart Arenal and unwind during a private transfer to the Central Pacific coast of Costa Rica. En-route, pause for an incredible crocodile boat tour with a private guide. This adventure takes place on the Tárcoles River, one of 4 rivers flowing out into the Nicoya Peninsula. Tárcoles hosts one of the world’s largest crocodile populations in the wild, with individual reptiles measuring up to 15ft long. In addition to these snappy specimens, over 50 different kinds of birds can be seen on site, including the very rare scarlet macaw and a great variety of resident and migrant waterfowl. Keep alert for sightings of the basilisk lizard, nicknamed the “Jesus Christ Lizard" for its extraordinary ability to seemingly run on water. Journey down the river and glide along the Estero Guacalillo, a beautiful mangrove ecosystem that features four different species of mangrove trees. After the boat tour, fuel up for the remainder of your transfer with a stop for lunch.

DAY 6

  • MANUEL ANTONIO

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Mangroves
Mangroves
Hotel Parador & Spa
Mangroves
Mangroves
Hotel Parador & Spa
Mangroves
Mangroves
Hotel Parador & Spa
  • Lace Up for Some Fresh Air
  • The wonders of Manuel Antonio National Park await your discovery today. Set out with your private driver and guide to explore this world-famous reserve. Unwind on pristine beaches teeming with troops of monkeys that frequent the area. Navigate through mangrove swamps, lush forest, and marshy woodlands, drinking in the stunning backdrop of the Pacific Ocean. See firsthand why Manuel Antonio is a haven for over 100 mammal species, including the highly endangered squirrel monkey, or "mono titi". Journey along a series of accessible trails to immerse yourself into the heart of the reserve. Soak in the sights and sounds of diverse wildlife and breathtaking vegetation. Please note: If you would like to stay within the park on your own to enjoy the trails and/or beaches, please ensure you bring cash with you to take a return taxi to the hotel later in the day.

DAY 7

  • MANUEL ANTONIO

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Family Pool
Family Pool
Hotel Parador & Spa
Family Pool
Family Pool
Hotel Parador & Spa
Family Pool
Family Pool
Hotel Parador & Spa
  • A Soak at the Spa
  • Spend a day at leisure exploring the wealth of amenities at Parador Resort & Spa. With three fantastic pools available, each overlooking the turquoise Pacific Ocean, you're sure to find the right aquatic oasis for you. Sip a tropical drink and read a book while the kids play around in the family-friendly beach-entry pool, which mimics the natural slope of the beach. For the ultimate in relaxation, take the plunge at the revitalizing adults-only pool. Enjoy a leisurely stroll to the small beach town of Playa Biesanz, or opt to board a shuttle to the miles-long beachfront of Manuel Antonio, affording more privacy while swimming or sunbathing.

DAY 8

  • MANUEL ANTONIO TO SAN JOSÉ
  • Bon Voyage
  • Meet your private driver and guide for a transfer from Manuel Antonio to San José Airport today. Approximate travel time is three hours.
  • An airport departure tax of $29 USD per person must be paid at the San Jose International airport after check- in. This is not included in the cost of your tour and is to be paid locally (subject to change at anytime without notice).

Arenal Springs Resort

Parador Resort & Spa

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