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       monteverde cloud forest reserve bridge 
  - Costa Rica

9 Day Best of Destinations

9 Day Best of Destinations

A nine-day exploration of Arenal, Monteverde and the Gold Coast -- three of Costa Rica's most incredible destinations.

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Arenal, Monteverde & Guanacaste's Gold Coast 

Day 1: Arrival

Fly into San Jose’s Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO). Explore downtown San Jose and spend the evening relaxing at your hotel.

Day 2: La Fortuna town & Hot Springs

A morning shuttle will deliver you to your ecolodge in Arenal, a town located at the base of Arenal Volcano. Walk around in La Fortuna to see how a small Costa Rican town feels and enjoy an evening of relaxation in volcano-fed hot springs.

Day 3: Arenal Volcano & Adventure

Explore Arenal Volcano National Park on horseback or with your own two feet – you’ll find new-growth rainforest, volcano views and inquisitive wildlife around every corner. If you’re looking to up the adrenaline, take an optional waterfall rappelling or whitewater rafting tour.

Day 4: Scenic Boat Ride & Night Tour

Take a Jeep-Boat-Jeep transfer to the cloud forest town of Monteverde. En route, you’ll enjoy a peaceful and scenic boat ride on Lake Arenal. Get settled at your mountain lodge and explore the town in the afternoon. After the sun sets, visit the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve for an informative and exciting night tour.

Day 5: Cloud Forest Hike & Canopy Tour

Take a morning hike through the Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve; keep your eyes peeled for resplendent quetzals, dangling forest epiphytes, and tiny tree frogs. Later, soar like a bird on a thrilling canopy tour – Monteverde has some of the most exciting ziplines in Costa Rica.

Day 6: Gold Coast Beaches

Transfer in an air-conditioned shuttle to your ocean-view hotel in Tamarindo, an excellent base for exploring the Gold Coast. Relax and enjoy Costa Rica’s Pacific – stroll down stunning Playa Conchal, where pink sand meets turquoise ocean, or make plans to visit Playa Grande’s nesting leatherback sea turtles (from October-February).

Day 7-8: Beachside Relaxing & Optional Tours

These days are yours to be as active or relaxed as you choose. Learn to surf, explore the ocean depths while snorkeling or scuba diving, catch your lunch on a deep-sea fishing trip, or just enjoy the warm sun and sand between your toes. Unwind with a spa treatment tailored to your needs.

Day 9: Departure

Take a shuttle or flight back to San Jose, where you’ll catch your return flight home or spend the night in the city.

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