3-Day Arenal Volcano & Manuel Antonio Tour from San José

Hike three of Costa Rica's most active landscapes in one trip

A 3-day guided tour from San José covering Monteverde Cloud Forest, Arenal Volcano National Park and Manuel Antonio National Park, with 2 nights accommodation, park entry and meals included. Day one takes you hiking through hanging bridges in the cloud forest canopy; day two combines volcano trails with 4 hours in natural hot springs and views of Arenal Lake; day three ends on Manuel Antonio's beaches and forest trails along the Pacific coast.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Monteverde Cloud Forest Exploration

• Hike over the tree tops
• Walk on hanging bridges
• Observe birds, animals, and flora

Day 2: Arenal Volcano and Hot Springs

• Hike in Arenal Volcano National Park
• Visit natural hot springs resort
• See Arenal Volcano and Lake

Day 3: Manuel Antonio National Park Visit

• Hike trails in Manuel Antonio Park
• Observe wildlife along the trails
• Relax and sunbathe on the beach
• Watch sunset on Pacific coast

The experience

You leave San José with a professional English or Spanish-speaking guide and travel to Monteverde, where you hike across hanging bridges suspended in the cloud forest canopy at Selvatura Park. The trail passes through different elevations of forest, and the guide points out birds, animals and plant species as you move through the trees. That night you stay in a local hotel in La Fortuna de San Carlos.

The second day centers on Arenal Volcano National Park. You hike trails in the park to see the volcano and Arenal Lake, then spend 4 hours at Baldi Hot Springs Resort, where you can soak in the natural thermal pools. The volcano is the most active in Costa Rica, so the guide watches for signs of activity: crackling sounds or smoke from the crater. You stay overnight in Jacó Beach.

On day three you reach Manuel Antonio National Park on the Pacific coast. You hike forest trails looking for wildlife, then have time to relax on the beach and watch the sunset over the water. The tour ends with a return drive to San José. Breakfast is included all three mornings. Lunch is provided on days one and two. Entry fees for all three parks, the waterfall, hanging bridges and hot springs are covered, as is round-trip hotel pickup from San José and air-conditioned vehicle transport throughout.

What’s included

• Three breakfasts and two lunches.
• entry to Monteverde Cloud Forest hanging bridges at Selvatura Park, Arenal Volcano National Park, La Fortuna Waterfall and Manuel Antonio National Park.
• 4-hour pass to Baldi Hot Springs Resort.
• 2 nights accommodation in La Fortuna and Jacó Beach.
• professional English or Spanish-speaking driver and guide.
• round-trip hotel pickup and drop-off from San José.
• air-conditioned vehicle transportation throughout.

Before you book

Days and timesMonday to Saturday

AgesAdult (18 to 55 years) · Senior (56 and older) · Youth (11 to 17 years) · Child (4 to 10 years) · Infant (under 4)

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 2 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyInfant seats availablePublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by AyE Tours Travel Costa Rica

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you want to see three major parks and natural sites without arranging transport or logistics yourself. The fixed itinerary and included guide mean you move through Monteverde, Arenal and Manuel Antonio in sequence, with meals and entry handled in advance: useful for a first trip to Costa Rica or when you have limited time to plan.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (11 to 17 years); Child (4 to 10 years); Infant (under 4).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What birds and animals might I see in Monteverde Cloud Forest?

Monteverde's hanging bridges pass through different forest zones where you can spot quetzals, howler monkeys, sloths, toucans and a wide range of bird species. The guide points out wildlife as you hike, though sightings depend on the time of day and season.

Is the Arenal Volcano hike difficult?

The volcano hike is suitable for all fitness levels according to the operator. The trail takes you through Arenal Volcano National Park to views of the crater and Arenal Lake. After hiking, you spend 4 hours relaxing in the natural hot springs, so the day balances activity with rest.

What's included in the meals on this tour?

Three breakfasts and two lunches are included across the three days. Breakfast is provided each morning at your hotel. Lunch is included on days one and two. Day three has no meal included, though you have time to eat on your own in Manuel Antonio before returning to San José.

Can I visit Manuel Antonio's beaches or is it only hiking?

Manuel Antonio National Park combines both. You hike forest trails to spot animals, then have time to relax and sunbathe on the beach. The tour ends with a sunset view over the Pacific coast before the drive back to San José.

What happens if I want to do the zip line or coffee tour mentioned?

A zip line and coffee tour are available as add-ons at extra cost, depending on the schedule, available space and your preference. You can arrange these with the guide when you book or during the tour if spots are open.