9 days / 8 nights
Departures: Wednesday, Friday, Sunday
Letter Codes: (B) Breakfast (L) Lunch (D) Dinner (TG) Transfer Guide (LG) Local Guide

Day 1: San José. Airport 'Meet & Greet' and transfer to hotel. Overnight stay in San Jose at Hotel Milvia B & B.

Day 2: Arenal / Tabacon Hot Springs. Scenic drive with driver/guide to Arenal Volcano. During your stay in the Arenal area, enjoy a dip in the thermal pools at the Tabacón Hot Springs. Dinner and overnight at the Arenal Observatory Lodge. The Observatory Lodge, which is only 1.6 miles south of the volcano, gives visitors an impressive view of this giant which rumbles and erupts with spectacular displays of vapor and lava. The Observatory is the only lodge situated within the Arenal Volcano National Park which encompasses thousands of acres of pristine rainforest and teems with tropical birds and wildlife. Overnight Arenal Observatory Lodge. (BD)

Day 3: Monteverde Cloud Forest. Morning hike in the National Park and a close-up exploration of a lava flow. Mid-morning departure, driving around Lake Arenal to the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, one of the richest and most diverse tropical cloud forests in the New World. It is best known as home to the Resplendent Quetzal but also protects hundreds of other birds, mammals and plant species. Overnight in Monteverde at Hotel Fonda Vela or similar. (BD)

Day 4: Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. Morning hike thru the reserve viewing the misty forest with its dense vegetation and majestic trees. After lunch visit the Butterfly Garden which features many species of tropical butterflies native to Costa Rica, then visit the Ecological Farm a lower elevation belt of regenerating forest where you will have the chance to see a different variety of plants and animals like the 2 toed Sloth, Coati and monkeys. Overnight at Hotel Fonda Vela or similar. (BD) Day 5: Manuel Antonio. Overland transfer from Monteverde to Manuel Antonio, one of the country's most popular national parks because of its unique mix of beach and forest trails. Overnight Hotel Costa Verde or similar (B)

Day 6: Manuel Antonio. Morning tour to Manuel Antonio National Park (except Mondays when park is closed) including round trip transportation from your hotel, local guide and park entrance fee. Balance of the day at leisure to enjoy the beautiful beaches and nature trails. Overnight Hotel Costa Verde or similar.

Day 7: Manuel Antonio. Free day in Manuel Antonio to enjoy the Park or enjoy an additional activity. Among the activities available at extra cost are rafting, sea kayaking and boat trip to Damas Island. Overnight Hotel Costa Verde or similar.

Day 8: Flight to SanJose.Transfer to airport for flight to San Jose. Transfer and overnight Hotel Milvia B & B or similar.

Day 9: Return HOME. Airport transfer for return flight home. (B).