Volcanoes, Reserves & Beaches in Costa Rica

Departure from Montreal to San Jose. Arrival and pick up your rental car at the airport. Rest of the day free.

Overnight in San Jose 

After breakfast, head to Monteverde, a few hours’ drive from the Costa Rican capital. Once there, you will undoubtedly admire the beautiful scenery. On the program? Free stay! In other words, after registering at Monteverde Cloudforest Lodge, you will be free to do as you please.

We recommend hiking around the bucolic Northern Cordilleras with its 9 well-marked hiking trails. During these walks you will undoubtedly come face to face with several local species of birds and monkeys. Try the Sendero Bosque Nuboso, a friendly and varied trail.

If you have the chance, be sure to try the local coffee. Costa Rican coffee is renowned for its aroma and its potency. Why not visit a coffee plantation such as the Saint Elena plantation, which is easy to access and offers a two hours tour. At the end of the tour, a coffee tasting will be a delight.

Meals: Breakfast
Overnight in the Monteverde area

During the first half of the day, we invite you to visit the private reserve of Selvatura, where you will find many suspension bridges. Walking around on these is an unusual activity which will allow you to take in the scenery from new heights. If you are hooked on exciting adventures, this might be a good solution! For other thrill seekers, there is the longest zip line in Central America, a 1.6- kilometer downhill ride!

Go further in your discovery of the area with an afternoon visit to the Monteverde Reserve or the plantation of Don Juan. Nature lovers might rather be tempted to visit the hummingbirds garden with its countless species. Costa Rica is known for its incredible biodiversity, so take advantage of your stay to discover species that you may never see elsewhere.

Not to be missed: hiking, walking, crossing suspension bridges, Don Juan plantation, discovering biodiversity

Meals: Breakfast
Overnight in the Monteverde area

In the morning after having your breakfast, depart for Arenal, the youngest volcano in Costa Rica, rising to 1720 meters. A route during which you will pass around Lake Arenal and through the bucolic Northern Cordilleras offering magnificent scenery. From here the route will take you to La Fortuna, the last city before the volcano.

When you arrive, you will find a breathtaking landscape. La Fortuna offers nature and adventure, as the city’s businesses organize various activities such as hiking, horseback riding, zip lining, kayaking, sports fishing and tours to the Volcan Arenal National Park. Some time in La Fortuna will allow you to see the city with new eyes!

You will be able to use the rented car for a trip to Fortuna Falls. In fact, between La Fortuna and the volcano there are hot springs which feed the thermal river Tabacon, a magical place perfect for the best vacation photographs. In addition to the “classic” activities, why not check out the Aguas Termales de Tabacon Spa, the best known of the many thermal baths in the area.

Meals: Breakfast
Overnight in La Fortuna

This day will be your opportunity to take an optional half-day excursion (including entrance fees) to discover Arenal Volcano National Park with the help of a guide. You can also explore a tree plantation and organic vegetable gardens followed by a Tortilla making and a sugar cane juice pressing workshop. At lunchtime, a buffet meal with various traditional dishes is planned, and in the afternoon you can continue to discover the surroundings on your own.

Not to be missed: Visit of the Braulio Carillo National Park, La Fortuna, Arenal Volcano, Tabacon Thermal River, stay in a Spa

Meals: Breakfast
Overnight in La Fortuna

After breakfast, depart for Punta Leona, a 4-hour trip to a very important nature reserve, since it is one of the largest on the Pacific coast. Punta Leona is actually one of the remaining forests that lie in the transitional zone between the tropical rainforests of the southwest and the dry forests of the northwest. This is also an opportunity for you to finally enjoy some of the beautiful beaches of Costa Rica. Our recommendation? Playa Blanca and Manta.

Meals: Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner
Overnight in Playa Jaco 

A day dedicated to the beach! This area has some of the most pleasant seaside destinations of Costa Rica. Playa Balance and Manta are two of the best beach sites, giving you the chance to enjoy the sun, the sea and some breathtaking views. Feel free to swim or to simply stroll on the sandy beaches.

You can also take time to discover some other important tourist spots such as the Carara National Park or the Manuel Antonio National Park. For an unusual activity, we recommend an observation cruise on the Rio Tarcoles, crocodiles and all!

Not to be missed: Relax on Playa Blanca or Manta beaches, visit Carara National Park or Manuel Antonio National Park, take an observation cruise

Meals: Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner
Overnight in Playa Jaco

Located on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica, Manuel Antonio National Park is a true tropical paradise. Getting there takes only a one and a half to two-hour drive. However, since this is a free day, you could make the journey a little longer, stopping wherever you like. In our opinion, the first stop could be El Miro, a very special place with an old, abandoned hotel that local artists have appropriated. A real street art festival!

A little further you have two choices; Playa Hermosa to relax in front of the Pacific Ocean or a visit of Royal Butterflies, a butterfly farm managed by Dan, an American expatriate. With an area of 1.2 hectares, it is a magical place with countless species to amaze you.

Then take to the road again in the direction of Quepos, a friendly little village ideal for whale watching. Between July and November, the giants of the Pacific meet here. As you can imagine, many local businesses offer boat tours which could make for some unforgettable moments.

You can also choose to go horseback riding or explore the surrounding forests and mountains.

In the evening, check in at the Costa Verde Hotel. You can return to Quepos for dinner as it is known for many typical, local restaurants serving chucheca or planga ceviche. You will also enjoy papaya picadillos, potatoes or chicasquil. No doubt a treat for the tastebuds!

Meals: Breakfast
Overnight in Playa Manuel Antonio

After beginning your day with breakfast, you have several options. You can visit Manuel Antonio National Park and take a two and a half to three hour accompanied walk during which you can talk with a naturalist. You may have a chance to spot howler monkeys as well as Agoutis and, if you are lucky, a Poison Dart Frog.

For others, the day can revolve around relaxation. Manuel Antonio is a small town with many beaches. We recommend Playa Espadilla, Playa Playitas and especially Playa Biesanz where you will appreciate the crystal-clear temperate waters.

Take advantage of the moment to continue your tasting tour to enjoy some of the typical specialties of Costa Rica such as fish with coconut milk, Costa Rican beef in tomato sauce (carne mechada), or chifrijo, one of the most famous dishes!

Meals: Breakfast
Overnight in Playa Manuel Antonio

If you have not already done so and want to participate, your last day is your chance to discover Manuel Antonio National Park or enjoy the beaches, as you see fit. Manuel Antonio has many small companies offering a catamaran or a kayak tour ideal for diving, snorkeling and discovering the coast. If you are a thrill-seeker, you can take a parachute jump to gaze at the coast from the sky, an unforgettable experience for only the most intrepid!

Meals: Breakfast
Overnight in Playa Manuel Antonio 

Departure to San Jose airport. Drop off of the rental car. Return flight to Montreal.

Meals: Breakfast