On your way to Arenal we will stop in Sarchi which is a small town in the province of Alajuela. it is located about 30 miles NW of San José and it is known for its handicrafts, particularly the brightly painted oxcarts that are a symbol of Costa Rica culture. You will have a chance to purchase souvenirs or some delicious Costa Rican coffee.

La Fortuna is a small town located in the northern lowlands of Costa Rica. It is situated at the base of the Arenal Volcano and is known for its natural beauty, including hot springs, waterfalls, and lush rainforest. The town is a popular tourist destination and offers a wide range of activities, including hiking, zip-lining, horseback riding, white water rafting, and wildlife watching. The nearby Arenal Volcano National Park is also a popular attraction, offering visitors the chance to see the active volcano up close and explore the surrounding rainforest. Additionally, La Fortuna is home to a variety of resorts and restaurants that cater to tourists, making it a great place to stay while exploring the area. Overall, La Fortuna is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in experiencing Costa Rica's natural beauty and outdoor adventures.

We will depart Arenal at about 8:00 am and drive around Lake Arenal towards Tilaran and continue up the mountain towards the renown Monteverde Cloud Forest Region. This afternoon you will have plenty of time to book a tour.

Monteverde is a small town located in the Puntarenas province of Costa Rica, in the northern part of the country. It is situated in the Tilaran Mountain Range, at an elevation of approximately 4,600 feet (1,400 meters) above sea level, and is known for its cloud forests, which are home to a wide variety of plant and animal species. Monteverde is a popular destination for eco-tourism and adventure travel, with activities such as hiking, zip-lining, birdwatching, and wildlife watching. The Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, a protected area of approximately 26,000 acres (10,500 hectares), is one of the town's main attractions, and offers visitors the chance to explore the cloud forest and see a variety of wildlife, including monkeys, sloths, and over 400 species of birds. In addition to its natural beauty, Monteverde is also home to a vibrant community of artists and craftspeople, and visitors can explore local galleries, shops, and restaurants.

As we drive towards Manuel Antonio we will go through Carara National Park where you may stop for a short visit. This park is home to a wide variety of plant and animal species, including several that are endemic to the region. Carara National Park is known for its primary and secondary rainforests, as well as its unique transitional forest, which is an area where the rainforest meets the dry forest. The park is home to over 400 species of birds, including the scarlet macaw, which is one of the park's main attractions. Visitors can also see a variety of other wildlife, such as monkeys, sloths, anteaters, and coatis. scarlet macaws. The park offers several hiking trails, including a trail that leads to a viewpoint overlooking the Tarcoles River and its famous crocodile population. Visitors can also take guided tours to learn about the park's flora and fauna, or take a boat tour on the Tarcoles River to see the crocodiles up close. Admission fee to Carara is not included.

Manuel Antonio National Park is a protected area located on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica, in the province of Puntarenas. The park is known for its beautiful beaches, lush rainforest, and diverse wildlife. The park is home to a wide variety of plant and animal species, including monkeys, sloths, iguanas, toucans, and several species of reptiles and amphibians. Visitors can explore the park's hiking trails, which lead through the rainforest and along the coast, offering stunning views of the ocean and the surrounding landscape. One of the park's main attractions is its beautiful beaches, which are known for their white sand and clear blue waters. This are truly some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. The park offers a range of activities, including guided tours, hiking, wildlife watching, and water sports, making it a great place to experience Costa Rica's natural beauty and abundant wildlife.

Enjoy a free morning in Manuel Antonio. Private transfer to your San Jose hotel in the afternoon.

If your flight into Costa Rica arrives in the morning, we can take you to the Arenal Volcano region (private transfer) that same day (3-hour drive). If you prefer to stay in San José, you will take a shuttle to your hotel near the airport. Likewise, if your flight out of Costa Rica leaves in the afternoon, we can pick you up in Manuel Antonio and drive you to the airport (private transfer) on the last day (3-hour drive). If you are staying at the San José hotel, you will take a shuttle to the airport. You may coordinate this at the front desk.