Best of Costa Rica

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Best of Costa Rica Day by day Itinerary

Your trip to Costa Rica can be anything you want! Staying at an all-inclusive resort, visiting some of the most beautiful beaches in Central America, hiking through the tropical forest to spot wildlife. Horseback riding to waterfalls and white-water rafting, a canopy tour, … Experience anything you want!

This 8 day vacation package introduces the Best of Costa Rica for your family: one of the most iconic volcanoes and one of the most iconic beaches. Arenal is probably the most popular active volcano to visit and the hot springs are perfect for relaxing after some adventure! Manuel Antonio is the typical jungle beach where you can spot monkeys like the white-faced capuchin and howler monkeys, sloths, coatis and scarlet macaws in the park and even at the hotels sometimes!

This package is perfect for a first visit if you only have a week to come and discover beautiful Costa Rica on your family adventure vacation!


Day 1:

San Jose SkylineTake a flight into Costa Rica’s Juan Santamaria International Airport where you’ll be met by a My Costa Rica Representative and a driver that will take your family to your hotel in San Jose. We make Costa Rica travel easy! Let the family adventure begin!


Day 2:

Arenal Hanging BridgesA driver will pick up you and your family and take you up to the Arenal Volcano, one of the most iconic active volcanoes in Costa Rica. On the way, you’ll pass through beautiful countryside, coffee plantations, and forests. Upon arrival, you’ll check into your hotel in Arenal. You might want to add a tour to the Hot Springs in the afternoon, or just relax after the drive from San Jose! Arenal is famous for being an adventure destination. You can visit the waterfall of La Fortuna, the hanging bridges, a canopy, white-water rafting, whatever you want!


Day 3:

Arenal Zip LiningGo for a little adrenaline: you will experience the rainforest from a bird’s viewpoint, admiring the wildlife from above. Start riding down on a zip line track composed of 7 zip lines (the longest cable is 2493 ft./760 m long, and the highest cable is 656 ft./200 m high) stretching across canyons and in between treetops, the exhilarating adventure of zip lining down the mountainside begins. Note: you can switch this tour to a quiet one if you’re not into adventure tours! We also offer the Sky Tram for those who want the views without the speed.


Day 4: 

Manuel Antonio National Park Aerial ViewSome beach time in Manuel Antonio ! A driver will take you to this beautiful beach area, known for its national park and wildlife. It may be the smallest nation park in Costa Rica, but it fully makes up for that in sheer beauty! When traveling to Costa Rica with kids, Manuel Antonio should be on top of the list!


Day 5:

Capuchin LegendsNo visit to Manuel Antonio would be complete without a visit to the National Park. Hike through jungle and tropical rainforest trails to pristine beaches and stunning flora and fauna, but watch out for the monkeys, sloths and birds like scarlet macaws – they’re everywhere! Don’t forget to enjoy some peace and relaxation in your stunning resort.


Day 6:

Catamaran Costa Rica Sailing SunsetHop aboard a catamaran and cruise through protected islands that are only accessible by boat. You’ll have a chance to observe coastal wildlife such as dolphins, humpback whales, sea turtles and more! Finally head to a pristine bay for snorkeling, the perfect end to your family vacation!


Day 7:

Manuel-Antonio-BranchEnjoy the morning at the beach, and in the afternoon a driver will take you back to San José for your last night by the airport. Set up a tour of the city or to an area restaurant, or simply enjoy your stay at the hotel.


Day 8:

Take a transfer to the International Airport for your return flight home. How was your Costa Rica Vacation? Where will you be heading to next? The Guanacaste region and Nicoya Peninsula? Monteverde Cloud Forest? Perhaps you want to head to the Caribbean Coast and visit the remote Tortuguero? Let us know! We can help you next time you travel to Costa Rica.


 

Costa Rica Vacations Classic Destinations

7
SJO
Interests Fishing, Beaches, Rainforest
Ideal for Adrenaline Lovers, Nature Lovers, Relaxation, Couples

Destinations Visited

Click to Enlarge Costa Rica Map

Vacation At a Glance

Hotel accommodation

  • 1-night in San Jose
  • 2-nights in Arenal
  • 3-nights in Manuel Antonio
  • 1-night in San Jose

Tour packages

  • Sky Trek & Tram
  • Manuel Antonio National Park
  • Catamaran Tour

Domestic transportation

  • Shared Transfers for the 3 Star
  • Private Transfers for the 4 & 5 Stars
  • Domestic Flight for the 5 Stars

All taxes included, perks noted where applicable.

Click here to Download the 3-Star Itinerary!

Click here to Download the 4-Star Itinerary!

Click here to Download the 5-Star Itinerary!

 

Hotels Included

3 Stars from* $1,270

Holiday Inn San Jose Aurola

Holiday Inn Aurola

San Jose. Pool, Jacuzzi, Restaurant. TV, Internet access / Wi Fi, Phone, Safe Box, Private Jacuzzi, Mini Bar / Fridge, Coffee Maker, Hair Dryer. Concierge.
4
4
From: $125 - $200
Los Lagos Hotel Spa & Resort

Los Lagos Resort

Arenal. Favorite. Family Friendly, Adventure, Volcano Spa, Pool, Restaurant, Shop. TV, Phone, Safe Box, Hair Dryer. Laundry Service, Concierge, Room Service.
3
5
From: $125 - $200
Hotel Karahe Exterior

Hotel Karahe

Manuel Antonio. Favorite. Beachfront Pool, Jacuzzi, Restaurant. TV. Concierge.
3
From: $125 - $200
Hampton Inn San Jose Costa Rica Exterior

Hampton Inn

Alajuela, San Jose. Favorite. Pool, Shop. TV, Phone, Safe Box, Hair Dryer. Laundry Service, Concierge, Room Service.
4
2
From: $125 - $200


4 Stars from* $1,994

Hotel Grano de Oro Bedroom

Hotel Grano de Oro

San Jose. Favorite. Boutique Jacuzzi, Restaurant, Shop. TV, Phone, Safe Box, Private Jacuzzi. Laundry Service, Concierge, Room Service.
4
5
From: $200 - $300
Arenal Springs Aerial View

Arenal Springs Resort

Arenal. Favorite. Family Friendly, Adventure, Volcano, Hot Springs Spa, Pool, Restaurant, Shop. TV, Phone, Safe Box, Hair Dryer. Laundry Service, Concierge.
4
5
From: $200 - $300
Hotel Si Como No Suite

Hotel Si Como No

Manuel Antonio. Favorite. Family Friendly, Adventure, Sustainable Ecolodge Spa, Pool, Jacuzzi, Restaurant. TV, Safe Box, Private Jacuzzi. Concierge.
4
5
From: $200 - $300
Hotel Grano de Oro Bedroom

Hotel Grano de Oro

San Jose. Favorite. Boutique Jacuzzi, Restaurant, Shop. TV, Phone, Safe Box, Private Jacuzzi. Laundry Service, Concierge, Room Service.
4
5
From: $200 - $300


5 Stars from* $2,069

Real Intercontinental Costa Rica Entrance

Real InterContinental

Escazu. Luxury Spa, Pool, Restaurant, Shop. TV, Phone, Safe Box. Babysitting Service, Laundry Service, Concierge, Room Service.
5
5
From: $200 - $300
Tabacon Resort & Spa Jungle Pool

Tabacon Resort & Spa

Arenal. Favorite. Romantic, Luxury, Volcano, Hot Springs Spa, Pool, Jacuzzi, Restaurant, Shop. TV, DVD Player, Phone, Safe Box, Hair Dryer. Babysitting Service, Laundry Service, Concierge, Room Service.
5
4
From: Over $300
Bungalows in Tulemar

Tulemar Resort

Manuel Antonio. Favorite. Luxury, Signature, Best . . .
5
From: $200 - $300
Real Intercontinental Costa Rica Entrance

Real InterContinental

Escazu. Luxury Spa, Pool, Restaurant, Shop. TV, Phone, Safe Box. Babysitting Service, Laundry Service, Concierge, Room Service.
5
5
From: $200 - $300


Tour Options

Included Tours

Arenal Sky Trek Costa Rica

Arenal Sky Trek & Tram Ultimate Zip Lines

Arenal. Adventure, Nature
From: $75 - $100
Manuel Antonio Monkey

Manuel Antonio National Park Tour

Manuel Antonio. Favorite. Family, Nature Guide, Drinks, Snack, Transfer, Equipment, Entrance Fee.
From: Under $50
Best of Costa Rica

Best of Costa Rica

Arenal, Manuel Antonio, San Jose. Adrenaline Lovers, Nature Lovers, Relaxation, Couples. Fishing, Beaches, Rainforest.
7
SJO
More than $2000 p.p.


Suggested Tours (Not Included in Price)

Safari Adventure Float Kayaks

Rain Forest River Float and Safari Peñas Blancas Arenal

Arenal. Nature Guide, Drinks, Snack, Transfer.
From: $50 - $75
Arenal Hanging bridges

Mistico Hanging Bridges Natural History Walk

Arenal. Nature Guide, Equipment.
From: Under $50
Can Negro sight seeing

Cano Negro Wildlife Tour

Cano Negro. Nature Guide, Drinks, Transfer, Equipment.
From: $50 - $75
Arenal Sport Fishing

Fishing Tour at Lake Arenal

Arenal. Drinks, Snack, Transfer, Equipment.
From: Over $100
Santa Juana Costa Rica Rural Traditional tour

Santa Juana Rural Mountain Adventure Tour

Manuel Antonio. Favorite. Adventure, Cultural, Nature Guide, Drinks, Meal, Transfer.
From: $75 - $100
Best of Costa Rica

Best of Costa Rica

Arenal, Manuel Antonio, San Jose. Adrenaline Lovers, Nature Lovers, Relaxation, Couples. Fishing, Beaches, Rainforest.
7
SJO
More than $2000 p.p.
Scuba Diving Costa Rica Adventure

Scuba Diving Tour Costa Rica Adventure

Manuel Antonio. Favorite. Adventure, Ocean, Nature Guide, Equipment.
From: $75 - $100
Kids Saving The Rainforest

Kids Saving the Rainforest Wildlife Sanctuary

Manuel Antonio. Favorite. Nature Guide, Snack.
From: Under $50
canyoning costa rica arenal

Lost Canyon Canyoning Adventure

Arenal. Adventure, Nature Guide, Snack, Meal, Transfer, Equipment.
From: $75 - $100
Best of Costa Rica

Best of Costa Rica

Arenal, Manuel Antonio, San Jose. Adrenaline Lovers, Nature Lovers, Relaxation, Couples. Fishing, Beaches, Rainforest.
7
SJO
More than $2000 p.p.
Venado Caves Exploration

Venado Caves Costa Rica

Arenal. Adventure, Nature, Excursion Drinks, Transfer, Equipment, Entrance Fee.
From: $50 - $75
Costa Rica Rafting Adventure

White Water Rafting Rio Balsa Arenal

Arenal. Excursion Guide, Snack, Meal, Transfer, Equipment.
From: $50 - $75
Best of Costa Rica

Best of Costa Rica

Arenal, Manuel Antonio, San Jose. Adrenaline Lovers, Nature Lovers, Relaxation, Couples. Fishing, Beaches, Rainforest.
7
SJO
More than $2000 p.p.


Free Quote!

* The prices listed are subject to change at any time, you will receive a 100% exact price at the time of the quote. The rates listed here are per person of double occupancy and include taxes, domestic transportation, tours and hotels as described. The price DOES NOT include international air tickets or any other service not mentioned, includes the optional travel insurance.
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