9-Day Costa Rica Tour: Volcano, Cloud Forest & Beaches

You spend time at Arenal's thermal springs and hanging bridges, not just passing through.

A 9-day guided tour from San Jose covering Arenal Volcano, Monteverde Cloud Forest and Manuel Antonio beaches, with eight nights in hotels, all meals, activities and ground transport included. You watch wildlife and exotic birds in their habitat, soak in Arenal's thermal waters, walk the canopy on hanging bridges, and spend a full day exploring Manuel Antonio's white sand beaches and jungle.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in San Jose, Costa Rica

• Arrive in San Jose
• Meet and assist at airport
• Transfer to Wyndham Herradura Hotel
• Check in at hotel

Day 2: San Jose to Arenal Volcano

• Breakfast buffet at hotel
• Visit Arenal Volcano and Sarchi oxcart factory
• Enjoy hot springs resort
• Lunch and dinner included
• Stay at Mountain Paradise Hotel

Day 3: Adventure excursion in Arenal

• Breakfast at hotel
• Choose White Water Rafting or Hanging Bridges tour
• Lunch included
• Stay at Mountain Paradise Hotel

Day 4: Arenal to Monteverde cloudforest

• Breakfast buffet at hotel
• Transfer Arenal to Monteverde via lake crossing
• Leisure time to explore or relax
• Stay at Country lodge

Day 5: Sky Adventure park excursion

• Breakfast at lodge
• Sky Trek, Sky Tram, Sky Walk and Vertigo tour
• Lunch included
• Afternoon and evening at leisure
• Stay at Country lodge

Day 6: Monteverde to Manuel Antonio

• Breakfast at lodge
• Transfer Monteverde to Manuel Antonio beach
• Leisure time
• Stay at Karahe Hotel

Day 7: Manuel Antonio (beach day)

• Breakfast at hotel
• Free day to explore Manuel Antonio National Park
• Stay at Karahe Hotel

Day 8: Manuel Antonio to San Jose

• Breakfast at hotel
• Morning leisure or beach time
• Transfer Manuel Antonio to San Jose
• Stay at Wyndham Herradura Hotel

Day 9: Departure day / San Jose to Airport

• Breakfast at hotel
• Transfer hotel to international airport

The experience

The tour opens with arrival at San Jose airport and transfer to the Wyndham Herradura Hotel, then moves north to Arenal Volcano the next morning. You'll spend two full days there: one visiting the Sarchi oxcart factory and soaking in the hot springs resort with lunch and dinner, and a second day choosing between white water rafting (Class III) or the Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges tour, both with lunch included. The volcano itself rises over the Caribbean plains, and the thermal waters are fed by the volcano's heat.

From Arenal, you cross to Monteverde Cloud Forest by car, boat and car again. The Sky Adventure park excursion includes the Sky Trek, Sky Tram, Sky Walk and Vertigo tour with lunch: a way to move through the canopy and see the forest's living wonders, including the Quetzal bird the region is known for. You have the rest of the afternoon and evening free to rest or explore on your own.

The final stretch takes you to Manuel Antonio, where you have a full free day to explore the national park (white sand beaches bordered by tropical jungle) before the morning transfer back to San Jose and your airport departure. Your guide speaks English or Spanish, and all accommodation, meals, activities and transport by air-conditioned vehicle are arranged. You bring only yourself and a current valid passport.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off at the airport.
• a professional guide in English or Spanish.
• eight nights accommodation at three different hotels.
• all breakfasts, lunches and dinners.
• entrance to Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Preserve and the Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park.
• the Sky Adventure park excursion with Sky Trek, Sky Tram, Sky Walk and Vertigo tour.
• your choice of white water rafting or hanging bridges on day three.
• access to Arenal's thermal springs resort.
• ground transport in an air-conditioned vehicle or minivan.
• and all taxes, fees and handling charges.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

Book up to2d before

AgesAdult (11 to 65 years) · Senior (66 to 90 years) · Child (4 to 10 years) · Infant (under 4): free

GroupUp to 10

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 3 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 6 days before the start.Between 2 and 6 days before the start, 50% refund.After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Destiny Travel Costa Rica

Is this one for you?The nine-day length gives you two full days at Arenal and a complete free day at Manuel Antonio, rather than brief stops at each: time to soak in the thermal springs, choose your own adventure on day three, and explore the national park without rushing.

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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: Child (4 to 10 years); Infant (under 4): free.

What animals and birds will I see on this Costa Rica tour?

The tour focuses on wildlife and exotic bird watching in their natural habitat across three ecosystems: the Arenal region, Monteverde Cloud Forest where the Quetzal lives, and Manuel Antonio's tropical jungle. Specific species depend on the season and time of day, but the guide will point out what appears during your visit.

Do I have to do the white water rafting or can I choose the hanging bridges instead?

On day three at Arenal, you choose one: either the Class III white water rafting tour or the Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges tour. Both include lunch, so the choice is yours based on what appeals to you.

How much time do I actually spend at Manuel Antonio?

You arrive on day six and have the whole of day seven free to explore Manuel Antonio National Park on your own: a full day at the beaches and jungle. On day eight, you have the morning at leisure before the afternoon transfer back to San Jose.

What's included in the price and what do I need to pay for separately?

The tour includes eight nights in hotels, all breakfasts, lunches and dinners, the guide, all activities, ground transport, airport pickup and drop-off, and all taxes and fees. You'll need to arrange and pay for your international flights, and gratuities for the guide and staff are separate.

Is this tour accessible for people with mobility concerns?

All areas, surfaces and transportation options are wheelchair accessible. The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels, though some activities like the hanging bridges involve walking and climbing. Let the operator know any specific needs when you book.