Location: Costa Rica
Travel type: Tour
Departure type: variable
Number of Nights: 8
Create lasting memories on this romantic 8-night Costa Rican getaway, with the perfect combination of adventure, relaxation, natural attractions, and stunning landscapes – and enough free time to enjoy it all! You’ll experience the Arenal Volcano, one of the world’s most active volcanoes, known for its constant eruptions of lava and ash. Nearby, you’ll also visit the world-famous Ecotermales Hot Springs, and relax in the therapeutic waters while enjoying the beautiful surrounding natural environment. The romance continues with a visit to the mystical Monteverde Cloud Forest, where you will have a nighttime encounter with Mother Nature and discover the wonders of the tropical cloud forest. Your last 3 nights will be spent in the Central Pacific Coast, where you and your loved one will enjoy enchanting and unforgettable days at one of the most special boutique hotels in the area – and where only few steps from your room, you can savor the breeze of the ocean, the gentle melody of the waves and the beautiful sunsets that adorn Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast.
• Regular transportation from SJO Int’l Airport to San Jose
• Regular transportation from San José to Arenal Volcano, Includes: Bilingual guide, lunch, Ecotermales entrance fee and dinner
• Regular transportation from Arenal Volcano to Monteverde Cloud Forest, Crossing the Arenal Lake by boat
• Regular Night Walk Tour, Includes: Transportation, English guide and entrance fee to private reserve
• Regular transfer from Monteverde Cloud Forest to Central Pacific Coast
• Private unescorted transfer from Central Pacific Coast to SJO Int’l Airport
• 8-night accommodation
• Meals: 8 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 dinner
International airfare – Optional excursions – Meals not mentioned – Beverages – Gratuities to hotel personnel & guides
DAY 1 SAN JOSE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT · SAN JOSE
Welcome to Costa Rica! Upon arrival in San Jose you will be met, assisted and transferred to your hotel.
Accommodation : Aurola Holiday Inn, 4* or similar
DAY 2 SAN JOSE · ARENAL VOLCANO
Today at mid-morning, your journey begins with a transfer to the northern lowlands of Costa Rica, where the major attraction is the world-famous Arenal Volcano. In route, you will visit the charming artisan town of Sarchí, famous for its local handcrafts, and the ideal spot to shop for authentic souvenirs and gifts. As you continue on, you’ll witness diverse agricultural plantations, ornamental plants and cattle ranches, before arriving in La Fortuna village, where you will enjoy a typical lunch. During the afternoon, you will visit the world-famous Ecotermales Hot Springs. These natural hot springs feature a hot river that flows through a series of pools. From cascading falls to tropical gardens, the hot springs are the result of rainwater heated by magma in the earth’s interior. Once heated, the waters rise to the surface, taking with them minerals found in the earth’s rocky crust; this way, waters become very therapeutic to your body, as the temperature helps to relax muscles, clean pores and rejuvenate the skin. Tabacón is a very unique location full of natural jewels, and a “must-see” for anyone staying in the Arenal area. After the dinner at Hot Springs, you will be transferred to your hotel.
Meals :Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation : Nayara Resort Spa, 4* or similar
DAY 3 ARENAL VOLCANO
Today you have the entire day to explore the region at your leisure. We highly recommend a visit to Arenal Volcano National Park (at an extra cost), that protects an active perfect cone volcano with constant moderate explosions accompanied by roar, gases and ash emissions that raise high in the air. The attraction of this volcano has helped to develop the area as a prime destination in the country; from being a small town of cattle and agricultural farms, it has become one of the most popular tourist areas with hotels, tour attractions, adventure activities, hot springs and water sports. You’ll have a number of other options to choose from in the area - Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge, Venado Caves, La Fortuna Waterfall, and other activities such as river floating, nature walks, hot springs, zip-lines, cultural activities, canyoning, rafting, hiking and horseback riding.
Meals : Breakfast
Accommodation : Nayara Resort Spa, 4* or similar
DAY 4 ARENAL VOLCANO · MONTEVERDE CLOUD FOREST
This morning you will depart from Arenal Volcano to the Monteverde Cloud Forest in a combination transfer/tour, traveling by boat across Arenal Lake, which is the largest and the most important lake in Costa Rica. The first part of the trip is adorned with the beautiful scenery of Arenal Lake. Then, you’ll travel by car through the Tilarán Mountain Range, with the final portion of your journey on gravel roads, giving you more time to enjoy the beautiful mountain scenery. You’ll arrive at the Hotel Belmar and check in for the first of two nights. This evening you will enjoy a special night tour, during which you will discover the wonders of the tropical cloud forest. Most of the local wildlife species are active at night, so you’ll get a very unique, first-hand perspective of forest life.
Meals : Breakfast
Accommodation : Belmar Hotel, 4* or similar
DAY 5 MONTEVERDE CLOUD FOREST
Today you have a full day at leisure to enjoy the optional sights and activities in the area. Perhaps pay a visit to the nearby town of Santa Elena, with its beautiful orchid garden, frog pond, serpentariums, butterfly gardens and art galleries. You could take a tour of the local cheese factory, coffee or sugar cane plantation, or take advantage of such local activities as horseback riding, bird watching, canopy/zip-line tours. Or, just relax and enjoy the serenity of your hotel – nestled in the mountaintops of the Monteverde Reserve and immersed in the Cloud Forest, it features naturally landscaped gardens and a beautiful swan lake with a sun deck, providing open views of the Pacific Ocean.
Meals : Breakfast
Accommodation : Belmar Hotel, 4* or similar
DAY 6 MONTEVERDE CLOUD FOREST · CENTRAL PACIFIC
At mid-morning, you’ll transfer to the Central Pacific Coast, a special place that offers a unique combination of mountain views of the lush tropical rainforest, with the emerald, green ocean, complemented by some of the most breathtaking sunsets in Costa Rica.
Meals : Breakfast
Accommodation : Alma del Pacifico, 4* or similar
DAY 7 CENTRAL PACIFIC
Enjoy the first of your two days at leisure. This region is famous for its friendly beaches, slow-paced lifestyle and fantastic array of flora and fauna – so it’s up to you whether you spend your time enjoying an incredible eco-adventure, or relaxing and appreciating your gorgeous surroundings.
Meals : Breakfast
Accommodation : Alma del Pacifico, 4* or similar
DAY 8 CENTRAL PACIFIC
You’ll have another day to yourself today – so why not enjoy all that your beautiful resort has to offer? Take time to enjoy the private beach, magnificent mountaintop infinity pool, pampering spa, fitness center with Gulf and rainforest views, and “Friends of the Forest Trail.” Actively involved in sustainable tourism, Villa Caletas created a special nature trail to expose guests to the ecological wonders that surround the resort; stretching from the top of the mountain to the private Caletas beach, you may encounter white-face monkeys, toucans and other native species as you wind your way through, losing yourself in the peaceful sounds of the forest that surround you.
Meals : Breakfast
Accommodation : Alma del Pacifico, 4* or similar
DAY 9 CENTRAL PACIFIC · SAN JOSE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
Your romantic adventure comes to an end today, but the memories will live on! You’ll be transferred from your hotel to the San Jose International Airport for your departure flight.
Meals : Breakfast
Fine print / T&Cs: All sites & activities in the itinerary are subject to availability. Rates will be adjusted accordingly, where applicable. All offers are subject to Merit Travel standard Terms of Service. Additional terms and conditions may apply.