8-day adventure itinerary

day 1

arrive in San José

day 2

arenal volcano national park

Views of the near-perfect conical volcano will take your breath away, and that’s only the beginning of your adventure! Arenal Volcano National Park is considered a living laboratory, rich with flora and fauna that thrives in the La Fortuna area. Geothermal activity feeds into natural hot springs, and the Lake Arenal Dam is the main source of hydroelectric energy in the country. Pursue any adventure that captures your interest: try soaring on a zip line or climbing suspension bridges that cross the park; go hiking or horseback riding through the natural landscape; and be sure to make time to plunge into those soothing hot springs where the mineral-rich water is naturally healing. 

Map view

days 3–4

lake arenal

You can’t leave this northern region without visiting Lake Arenal, one of the largest artificial lakes in Central America. As the connecting point to cities such as Monteverde, Tilarán and La Fortuna, it draws travelers from all over who are in search of natural beauty and thrilling adventures. As you approach the lake, with Arenal Volcano in clear view, the shimmering water may seem to change color with the time of day. Spend your days boating or kayaking across the lake, go bird-watching and keep your eyes open for howler monkeys on the shore, and hike  through the lush trails around the lake.

Map view

day 5

la fortuna waterfall

Cascading over a cliff from an impressive 70 meters high, La Fortuna Waterfall is the source of the Fortuna River’s headwaters. Tucked within a 210-hectare biological reserve, part of Arenal Volcano National Park, this spectacle is worth the climb down over 500 steps carved into the hill (there are spots available to rest and rehydrate). At the bottom of the steps, a cool, jade-colored pool is surrounded by sand. Snap photographs and marvel over the clarity of the water where fish dart beneath the surface. On the climb back up, look around the foliage for glimpses of monkeys, toucans and other local wildlife. 

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days 6–7

monteverde cloud forest

The adventures continue at Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, an enchanting area where the mountains meet the clouds. Standing 1,600 meters above sea level, miles of mist-covered forests cover the rugged mountains of the Cordillera de Tilarán – a unique ecosystem that is rich with lush foliage and remarkable biodiversity. Take in these incredible views from an aerie tram and hanging bridges that extend through canyons and connect to hiking trails. Pay close attention to the colorful birds overhead and you may be fortunate enough to see the spectacular three-wattled bellbird, quetzals and toucans.

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day 8

departure from juan santamaría airport

Head back to San José to catch your departing flight and start planning your next trip to Costa Rica.

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