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The perfect mix of adventure and relaxation in the tropical paradise of Costa Rica. Stroll through the historic streets of San José and feel the strength of the Arenal Volcano as you uncover the native wildlife on a nature hike. Admire the verdant landscapes of the interior before heading to the coast for a relaxing stay in Tamarindo. Ready to live the Pura Vida?

Inclusions
  • Roundtrip airfare to San José
  • 8 night guided vacation
  • 8 nights in 4-star hotels (hotel upgrade is available)
  • Daily breakfast
  • Visits and entrance fees as indicated in the itinerary
  • Transfers in air-conditioned vehicles
  • English-speaking guide only during the excursions
Vancouver, Edmonton, Toronto, Montreal
Aug 29, 2024 from $2929
Sep 9, 24, Oct 28, Nov 29, 2024 from $2529
Dec 2, 4, 2024 from $3029
Jan 17, 25, 2025 from $3029
Feb 3, 29, 2025 from $3129
Mar 2, 3, 4, 12, 15, 17, 2025 from $3429
Single Supplement add from $840 more
Hotel upgrade: add from $2400 more
Calgary: add from $100 more
Winnipeg: add from $200 more
Victoria: add from $400 more

Dates, prices and promotion are subject to change without notice.
Other departure cities are available – please call for more details!

Not Included: Baggage fee, drinks, tips and any other services not mentioned in the inclusions.

Day 1: Canada – San José
Ready to live the Pura Vida in Costa Rica? Arrive at your Canadian departure airport to board a flight* to San José. Arrive in the capital of Costa Rica and transfer to your hotel. Spend the rest of the day at your leisure getting to know the colonial plazas and charming neighbourhoods of San Jose. Overnight stay in San José.

* If either your outbound or inbound flights depart in the early hours (before 4:00 a.m.) you must arrive at the airport the night before the indicated departure day.

Day 2: San José – Arenal (B)
Breakfast at the hotel. This morning, take a shared transfer to Arenal, passing by the lush landscapes of Costa Rica’s interior. Arrive at the hotel and check-in. In the afternoon, meet your guide and embark on a guided hike to the Arenal Volcano. Enjoy a hiking experience through trails marked with the remains of previous lava flows of the impressive and majestic Arenal Volcano. The main attraction of La Fortuna is the Arenal Volcano, with its nearly perfect cone shape and a height of 1633 meters. Along the hike, you can discover the abundant flora and fauna which inhabits the rainforest, which is being regenerated. Learn all about the Arenal Volcano and its history and activity from your guide. After the hike, you may choose to visit one of the popular hot springs in the area to relax and enjoy the thermal waters, which are naturally heated by the volcano (optional extras).* Overnight stay in Arenal.

Optional Tour: Paradise Hot Springs Pass ($): Enjoy an evening of indulgence with a pass to the Paradise Natural Hot Springs, heated by the Arenal Volcano. Enjoy access to three different hot pools and two hydromassage hot tubs, perfect for relaxing in the beautiful tropical surroundings.

Day 3: Arenal – Rio Peñas Blancas – Arenal (B)
Breakfast at the hotel. Today, set off on an exciting river safari in an inflatable raft along the quiet Rio Peñas Blancas. Accompanied by an expert naturalist guide, travel through the abundant waterways, teeming with colourful flora and fauna. Look out for monkeys, toucans and sloths and spot vibrant tropical birds as you soak up the beauty of the immaculate natural environment. Return to Arenal and enjoy the remainder of the day relaxing at your leisure and enjoying the views of the Arenal Volcano. Overnight stay in Arenal

Day 4: Arenal (B)
Breakfast at the hotel. Another free day to enjoy the tranquillity of this beautiful natural environment. We recommend the optional excursion to the Hanging Bridges for a unique view of the rainforest, or a sloth observation excursion.* Overnight stay in Arenal.

Optional Hanging Bridges Cloud Forest Excursion ($): Admire the beauty of the forest and the backdrop of the Arenal Volcano and gain valuable insight into the native plant and animal species from your expert guide. Journey across a series of hanging bridges for a birds-eye view of the rainforest.

Optional Sloth Observation Excursion($): Get to know these beloved slow-moving animals, icons of Costa Rica. Head to the aptly named ‘Lazy Territory’, a small eco-project, home to a population of sloths. Follow the trails and spot both two-toed and three-toed sloths resting in the treetops with the help of an expert guide.

Day 5: Arenal – Tamarindo (B)
After a delicious breakfast transfer to Tamarindo, in the province of Guanacaste, known for its beautiful beaches and surfing. Arrive at the hotel and begin your relaxed beach stay surrounded by idyllic beaches, bathed in Guanacaste sunshine. Overnight stay in Tamarindo.

Day 6: Tamarindo (B)
Breakfast at the hotel. This morning, set off to Las Baulas National Park to enjoy a boat safari through its lush mangroves. A 2-hour boat tour will take you through rich, biodiverse habitats, teeming with monkeys, tropical birds and crocodiles. Feel close to nature as you soak up the beautiful landscapes and learn about the unique habitat with the help of an expert naturalist guide. Slowly travel along the channels, so as not to disturb the wildlife, and admire the wonderful natural beauty of this idyllic reserve. Back at the hotel, the remainder of the day is free at your leisure. We recommend an optional canopy tour in the Hilltop Eco Adventure Park.* Overnight stay in Tamarindo.

Optional Canopy Tour ($): Begin your adventure in the treetops of the Hilltop Eco Adventure Park, for fantastic views of Tamarindo Bay and a series of suspension bridges and zip wires to explore the rainforest like a pro! It’s a heart-pumping experience to see wildlife from this unique vantage point!

Day 7: Tamarindo (B)
Breakfast at the hotel. Spend the day relaxing on the beaches of Tamarindo at your leisure. If you’d rather get moving and see more of the region, embark on one of our optional excursions such as a Catamaran Tour or a Quad Biking experience!* Overnight stay in Tamarindo.

Optional Catamaran Tour($): Set off in the morning on a relaxing catamaran tour. The route is the same as the afternoon but with much less boat traffic. Look out for marine life such as whales, dolphins and rays, and enjoy snorkelling in the clear waters. Buffet brunch included. P

Quad Biking (ATV) Experience ($): Immerse yourself in the verdant rainforest of the mountains surrounding Tamarindo, home to a variety of flora and fauna. Live an exciting experience driving along the dirt roads that lead to the breathtaking viewpoint over the Guanacaste coast. One vehicle is assigned per person, although there is the option to share, in which case, both passengers must pay the same service fee as if they were driving alone. Excursion without driver and with guide. Minimum 2 quads for the tour to operate.

Day 8: Tamarindo – San José (B)
Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer back to the capital, to spend your last night in San José. We suggest taking a stroll through this beautiful city, visiting the National Theatre of Costa Rica or enjoying a delicious dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight stay in San José.

Day 9: San José – Night on board (B)
Breakfast at the hotel. At the indicated time, transfer to the airport to board your flight back to Canada. Night on board.

 

 

Optional Tours

(Price is per person based on double occupancy – additional cost will apply to solo travelers or group with odd numbers)


Day 2: Paradise Hot Springs Pass

Price: from $154
Enjoy an evening of indulgence with a pass to the Paradise Natural Hot Springs, heated by the Arenal Volcano. Enjoy access to three different hot pools and two hydromassage hot tubs, perfect for relaxing in the beautiful tropical surroundings.
What’s included: Transportation – Entrance to the hot springs – Dinner

Day 4: Cloud Forests Excursion
Price: from $162
Take a guided tour through the trails and suspension bridges of the Arenal Volcano jungle. Explore its tropical fauna, such as the quetzal bird and, depending on the season, the characteristic mist that envelops its vegetation.
What’s included: Transfer – Bilingual guide – Entrance to the bridges

Day 4: Sloth Observation Excursion
Price: from $140
Get to know these beloved slow-moving animals, icons of Costa Rica. Head to the aptly named ‘Lazy Territory’, a small eco-project, home to a population of sloths. Follow the trails and spot both two-toed and three-toed sloths resting in the treetops
Bring: Coat, Camera, Binoculars, hiking shoes, comfortable clothes and insect repellent.
What’s included: Bottle of mineral water, entrance fee to the park, transfer to and from your hotel with air conditioning and wifi

Day 6: Tamarindo Canopy Tour
Price: from $144
Begin your adventure in the treetops of the Hilltop Eco Adventure Park, for fantastic views of Tamarindo Bay and a series of suspension bridges and zip wires to explore the rainforest like a pro!

Day 7: Quad Biking (ATV) Excursion in Tamarindo
Price: from $207
Take a seat on your quad to begin your adventure driving through the tropical dry forest. Pass through mountains and impressive wildlife to a viewpoint where you will appreciate an unforgettable panoramic view of the coast.

Day 7: Tamarindo Catamaran Excursion
Price: from $213
Experience a catamaran tour of a special kind. In addition to beautiful landscapes over the water, enjoy snorkeling and an included buffet brunch.
What’s included: Transportation – Bilingual guide – Catamaran ride – Sancks Buffet – Beverages – Snorkeling equipment – Paddle Board – Kayak

  • Entry requirements: Your passport must be valid for at least 1 month beyond the date of expected departure from Costa Rica.

Terms & Conditions

All rates are per person, based on double occupancy in Canadian dollars (unless otherwise stated) New bookings only. Space and price may be limited and subject to availability at the time of booking.  Errors or omissions may occur on the above information with no guarantee of being honoured. Terms and conditions apply. Tax is not included in the above base fare. Above tax amount includes non-refundable $30 per adult Booking Management Fee. $50 per adult cancellation fee. Not included in the above rates: Xpresspost fee, recommended medical, cancellation or baggage insurance. Child rate is applicable when travelling with 2 paying adults sharing 1 hotel room, using the existing bedding. Price Match Policy: Travel Best Bets makes every effort to remain competitive by offering our ‘Match or Beat Any Price’ offer however due to certain restrictions  there will be some product we cannot match or beat. Please note the star ratings found on www.travelbestbets.com are determined by Travel Best Bets based on a number of factors and may not match the star rating found in the Tour Operator’s brochure. Please view our star ratings by clicking here. Due to an increasing volume of disputed bookings, we will only accept payment for air only travel to India, the Philippines and the continent of Africa through the following means: book and pay cash in person or by direct deposit into our business account – once the transaction is verified and a copy of the receipt emailed or faxed to our office, we will confirm the booking. Please contact us for details on how to book using this method. Please contact [email protected] for photo credit information. BPCPA #3287